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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
(Mark One)
  REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended 31 March 2018
OR
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
 SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of event requiring this shell company report
For the transition period from       to
Commission file number 1-15240
JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES plc
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
N/A
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
Ireland
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Europa House, Second Floor
Harcourt Centre
Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
(Address of principal executive offices)
Natasha Mercer
Corporate Secretary
(Contact name)
353 1411 6924 (Telephone)                 353 1479 1128 (Facsimile)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 


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Title of each class:
 
Name of each exchange on which registered:
Common stock, represented by CHESS Units of Foreign Securities
 
New York Stock Exchange*
CHESS Units of Foreign Securities
 
New York Stock Exchange*
American Depositary Shares, each representing one unit of CHESS Units of Foreign Securities
 
New York Stock Exchange
* Listed, not for trading, but only in connection with the registered American Depositary Shares, pursuant to the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the Annual Report:
441,524,118 shares of common stock at 31 March 2018
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.      Yes     No
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.      Yes     No
Note — Checking the box will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.      Yes     No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).      Yes     No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer
 
Accelerated filer
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
Emerging growth company
 
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised† financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  
† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after 5 April 2012.
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:


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US GAAP
 
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting
Standards Board
 
Other
 
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow:
  Item 17     Item 18
If this is an Annual Report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
  Yes     No



LOGO.JPG


2018
ANNUAL REPORT
ON FORM 20-F


 

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James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
i
 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Page(s)
 
 




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James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
ii
 
 

FORM 20-F CROSS REFERENCE
 
 
Page(s)
PART 1
 
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Not applicable
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not applicable
Item 3. Key Information
 
A. Selected Financial Data
1-3
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable
D. Risk Factors
159-175
Item 4. Information on the Company
 
A. History and Development of the Company
4-5; 16-17
B. Business Overview
6-13
C. Organizational Structure
5;13
D. Property, Plants and Equipment
14-17; 109
Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments
None
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
 
A. Operating Results
92-106
B. Liquidity and Capital Resources
106-110
C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.
11-12
D. Trend Information
110-111
E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
111
F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
111-112
G. Safe Harbor
86-87
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees
 
A. Directors and Senior Management
18-28
B. Compensation
29-67
C. Board Practices
23-28; 68-85
D. Employees
180
E. Share Ownership
59-60; 63-67
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
 
A. Major Shareholders
203-205
B. Related Party Transactions
77
C. Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not Applicable
Item 8. Financial Information
 
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
113-157; 188-189
B. Significant Changes
None
Item 9. The Offer and Listing
 
A. Offer and Listing Details
180-183
B. Plan of Distribution
Not Applicable
C. Markets
181-182
D. Selling Shareholders
Not Applicable
 
 



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James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
iii
 
 

PART 1 (continued)
 
E. Dilution
Not Applicable
F. Expenses of the Issue
Not Applicable
Item 10. Additional Information
 
A. Share Capital
Not Applicable
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
184-191
C. Material Contracts
191
D. Exchange Controls
191-192
E. Taxation
192-198
F. Dividends and Paying Agents
Not Applicable
G. Statement by Experts
Not Applicable
H. Documents on Display
199
I. Subsidiary Information
Not Applicable
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
200-202
Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities
 
A. Debt Securities
Not Applicable
B. Warrants and Rights
Not Applicable
C. Other Securities
Not Applicable
D. American Depositary Shares
182-183
PART II
 
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
None
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
None
Item 15. Controls and Procedures
178-179
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert
80
Item 16B. Code of Ethics
78-79
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
158
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees  
None
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
None
Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant
None
Item 16G. Corporate Governance
68-85
Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosures
15-16
PART III
 
Item 17. Financial Statements
Not Applicable
Item 18. Financial Statements
113-157
Item 19. Exhibits
210-214




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James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
1
 
 

SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
James Hardie Industries plc is a world leader in the manufacture of fiber cement siding and backerboard. Our products are used in a number of markets, including new residential construction (single and multi-family housing), manufactured housing, repair and remodeling and a variety of commercial and industrial applications. We manufacture numerous types of fiber cement products with a variety of patterned profiles and surface finishes for a range of applications, including external siding and trim and soffit lining, internal linings, facades and floor and tile underlay. Our current primary geographic markets include the United States of America (“US,” “USA” or the “United States”), Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and Europe.
James Hardie Industries plc is a “public limited company,” incorporated and existing under the laws of Ireland. Except as the context otherwise may require, references in this Annual Report on Form 20-F (this “Annual Report”) to “James Hardie,” the “James Hardie Group,” the “Company,” “JHI plc,” “we,” “our” or “us” refer to James Hardie Industries plc, together with its direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries as of the time relevant to the applicable reference.
For certain information about the basis of preparing the financial information in this Annual Report, see “Section 2 – Reading this Report.” In addition, this Annual Report contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” For an explanation of forward-looking statements and the risks, uncertainties and assumptions to which they are subject, see “Section 2 – Reading this Report.” Further, a “Glossary of Abbreviations and Definitions” has also been included under Section 4 of this Annual Report.
The term “fiscal year” refers to our fiscal year ended 31 March of such year; the term “dollars,” “US$” or “$” refers to US dollars; and the term “A$” refers to Australian dollars.
 
Information contained in or accessible through the websites mentioned in this Annual Report does not form a part of this Annual Report unless we specifically state that it is incorporated by reference herein. All references in this Annual Report to websites are inactive textual references and are for information only.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
We have included in this Annual Report the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company, consisting of our consolidated balance sheets as of 31 March 2018 and 2017, and our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in shareholders’ deficit for each of the years ended 31 March 2018, 2017 and 2016, together with the related notes thereto. The consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the US (“US GAAP”).
The selected consolidated financial information, summarized below for the five most recent fiscal years has been derived in part from the Company’s consolidated financial statements. You should read the selected consolidated financial information in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in “Section 2 – Consolidated Financial Statements” and with the information provided in “Section 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis.” Historic financial data is not necessarily indicative of our future results and you should not unduly rely on it.
 



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James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
2
 
 

 
 
(Millions of US dollars)
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Net sales
 
$
2,054.5

 
$
1,921.6

 
$
1,728.2

 
$
1,656.9

 
$
1,493.8

Income from operations 1
 
146.1

 
276.5

 
244.4

 
291.3

 
99.5

Net income 1
 
$
146.1

 
$
276.5

 
$
244.4

 
$
291.3

 
$
99.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Millions of US dollars)
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Total assets
 
$
2,351.0

 
$
2,012.7

 
$
2,029.4

 
$
2,036.4

 
$
2,104.0

Net assets
 
(221.5
)
 
(212.2
)
 
(225.2
)
 
(202.6
)
 
(199.0
)
Common stock
 
$
229.5

 
$
229.1

 
$
231.4

 
$
231.2

 
$
230.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Millions)
Shares
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Basic weighted average number of common shares
 
441.2

 
442.7

 
445.3

 
445.0

 
442.6

Diluted weighted average number of common shares
 
442.3

 
443.9

 
447.2

 
446.4

 
444.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(US dollar)
Earnings Per Share
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Income from operations per common share – basic
 
$
0.33

 
$
0.62

 
$
0.55

 
$
0.65

 
$
0.22

Net income per common share – basic
 
0.33

 
0.62

 
0.55

 
0.65

 
0.22

Income from operations per common share – diluted
 
0.33

 
0.62

 
0.55

 
0.65

 
0.22

Net income per common share – diluted
 
0.33

 
0.62

 
0.55

 
0.65

 
0.22

Dividends declared per share
 
0.38

 
0.39

 
0.58

 
0.60

 
0.73

Dividends paid per share
 
$
0.38

 
$
0.39

 
$
0.58

 
$
0.88

 
$
0.45

 
Other Financial Data
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Cash Flow (Millions of US dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
295.0

 
$
292.1

 
$
260.4

 
$
179.5

 
$
322.8

Net cash used in investing activities
 
(200.6
)
 
(109.0
)
 
(66.6
)
 
(277.9
)
 
(118.8
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
$
112.5

 
$
(212.7
)
 
$
(154.4
)
 
$
(4.6
)
 
$
(186.3
)
Volume (million square feet)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America Fiber Cement
 
2,238.8

 
2,215.4

 
1,969.2

 
1,821.5

 
1,672.7

International Fiber Cement 2
 
528.7

 
487.2

 
480.9

 
484.4

 
441.4

International Fiber Cement excluding the Australian Pipes business
 
528.7

 
487.2

 
471.1

 
442.8

 
404.1

Net Sales (Millions of US dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America Fiber Cement
 
$
1,578.1

 
$
1,493.4

 
$
1,335.0

 
$
1,224.7

 
$
1,083.6

International Fiber Cement 2
 
461.7

 
411.8

 
379.4

 
418.4

 
399.2

International Fiber Cement excluding the Australian Pipes business
 
461.7

 
411.8

 
374.3

 
392.3

 
373.1

Other Businesses
 
$
14.7

 
$
16.4

 
$
13.8

 
$
13.8

 
$
11.0




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James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
3
 
 


 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Average sales price per unit (per thousand square feet)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America Fiber Cement
 
$
698

 
$
665

 
$
669

 
$
666

 
$
641

International Fiber Cement 2
 
774

 
775

 
729

 
811

 
846

International Fiber Cement excluding the Australian Pipes business
 
$
774

 
$
775

 
$
734

 
$
829

 
$
859

____________
1
Income from operations and net income include the following: asbestos adjustments, Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (“AICF”) selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses, AICF interest income (expense), loss on early debt extinguishment, Fermacell acquisition costs, non-recurring stamp duty, New Zealand weathertightness claims and related tax adjustments.
 
 
 
(Millions of US dollars)
Other Financial Data
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Asbestos adjustments (expense) benefit
 
$
(156.4
)
 
$
40.4

 
$
5.5

 
$
33.4

 
$
(195.8
)
AICF SG&A expenses
 
(1.9
)
 
(1.5
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(2.5
)
 
(2.1
)
AICF interest income (expense)
 
1.9

 
(1.1
)
 
(0.3
)
 
1.4

 
2.9

Loss on early debt extinguishment
 
(26.1
)
 

 

 

 

Fermacell acquisition costs
 
(10.0
)
 

 

 

 

Non-recurring stamp duty
 

 

 

 
(4.2
)
 

New Zealand weathertightness claims
 

 

 
(0.5
)
 
4.3

 
(1.8
)
Tax adjustments
 
$
47.3

 
$
(9.9
)
 
$
(1.5
)
 
$
37.5

 
$
99.1


For additional information on asbestos adjustments, AICF SG&A expenses, AICF interest income (expense), loss on early debt extinguishment, Fermacell acquisition costs (related to professional, legal and other fees incurred in conjunction with the acquisition of Fermacell and its subsidiaries) and New Zealand weathertightness, see “Section 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis” and Notes 9, 11, 13 and 19 to our consolidated financial statements in Section 2.

2
International Fiber Cement segment includes all fiber cement products manufactured in Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines and sold in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East and various Pacific Islands. This segment also includes product manufactured in the United States that is sold in Europe.




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James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
4
 
 

INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
History and Development of the Company

About James Hardie

James Hardie Industries plc is incorporated and existing under the laws of Ireland. As an Irish plc, we are governed by the Irish Companies Act 2014 and we operate under the regulatory requirements of numerous jurisdictions and organizations, including the Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX"), ASIC, the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Irish Takeover Panel and various other rulemaking bodies.
The address of our registered office in Ireland is Europa House, Second Floor, Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, Ireland. The telephone number there is +353 1411 6924. Our agent in the United States is CT Corporation. Its office is located at 111 Eight Avenue – 13 th Floor, New York, New York 10011. The address of our registered office in Australia is Level 3, 22 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000 and the telephone number there is +61 2 8845 3360. Our share registry is maintained by Computershare Investor Services Pty Ltd. All inquiries and correspondence regarding holdings should be directed to: Computershare Investor Services Pty Ltd, Level 5, 115 Grenfell Street, Adelaide, SA 5000; telephone: +61 3 9415 4000 or toll free within Australia: 1300 855 080. Our American Depositary Receipt ("ADR") register is maintained by Deutsche Bank. All inquiries and correspondence regarding American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") should be directed to Deutsche Bank, 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005, United States; telephone 1-212-250-9100.
Our History
James Hardie was established in 1888 as an import business, listing on the ASX in 1951 to become a publicly owned company in Australia. After becoming a listed company, we built a diverse portfolio of building and industrial products. In the late-1970s, we pioneered the development of asbestos-free fiber cement technology and in the early-1980’s began designing and manufacturing a wide range of fiber cement building products that made use of the benefits that came from the products’ durability, versatility and strength. Using the technical and manufacturing expertise developed in Australia, we expanded into the United States, opening our first fiber cement plant in Fontana, California in February 1990. Today, James Hardie is a leading global manufacturer of a wide range of fiber cement building products in each of the United States, Australia, Europe, New Zealand and the Philippines.

Fermacell Acquisition

On 3 April 2018, we announced the completion of our acquisition of 100% of the outstanding stock of German-based XI (DL) Holdings GmbH and its subsidiaries (including, but not limited to, Fermacell GmbH) (collectively, "Fermacell") from Xella International S.A. in an all-cash transaction based on an enterprise value of €473.0 million .

Headquartered in Duisburg, Germany, Fermacell operates six manufacturing plants across Germany, the Netherlands and Spain, with a sales force in 12 countries and revenues generated primarily from countries in Western Europe. Fermacell is a provider of innovative building solutions, producing and distributing high-quality gypsum fiber boards and cement-bonded boards, which are two complementary products in the high performance board space. Fermacell focuses on selling full system solutions into four main segments: (1) timber frame construction; (2) dry lining applications; (3) DIY; and (4) structural fire protection. Fermacell’s products are sold into the residential repair and remodel, commercial and residential new construction markets.




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James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
5
 
 

See Note 19 to our consolidated financial statements in Section 2 for additional information about our Fermacell acquisition.
Our Agreement with Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund
Prior to 1987, ABN 60 Pty Limited (formerly James Hardie Industries Limited, then the ultimate parent company of the James Hardie Group) (“ABN 60”) and two of its former subsidiaries, Amaca Pty Limited (“Amaca”) and Amaba Pty Limited (“Amaba”) (collectively the “Former James Hardie Companies”), manufactured products in Australia that contained asbestos. The manufacture and sale of these products has resulted in liabilities for the Former James Hardie Companies in Australia.
In February 2007, our shareholders approved the Amended and Restated Final Funding Agreement (“AFFA”) entered into on 21 November 2006 to provide long-term funding to AICF for the compensation of proven Australian-related personal injuries for which the Former James Hardie Companies are found liable. AICF, an independent trust, subsequently assumed ownership of the Former James Hardie Companies. We do not own AICF, however, we are entitled to appoint three directors, including the Chairman and the New South Wales (“NSW”) Government is entitled to appoint two directors.
Under the terms of the AFFA, subject to the operation of an annual cash flow cap, James Hardie 117 Pty Ltd (the “Performing Subsidiary”) will make annual payments to AICF. The amount of these annual payments is dependent on several factors, including our free cash flow (as defined in the AFFA), actuarial estimations, actual claims paid, operating expenses of AICF, changes in the AUD/USD exchange rate and the annual cash flow cap. JHI plc owns 100% of the Performing Subsidiary and guarantees the Performing Subsidiary’s obligation. As a result, for US GAAP purposes, we consider JHI plc to be the primary beneficiary of AICF.
Although we have no legal ownership in AICF, for financial reporting purposes, our interest in AICF is considered variable and we consolidate AICF due to our pecuniary and contractual interests in AICF as a result of the funding arrangements outlined in the AFFA. For additional information on our consolidation of AICF and asbestos-related assets and liabilities, see Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements.
Corporate Structure
The following diagram summarizes our corporate structure at 31 March 2018:
ORGCHART.JPG
At 31 March 2018, James Hardie International Group Limited ("JHIGL") also holds subsidiaries which were created for the subsequent acquisition of Fermacell and its subsidiaries. For further information see “Fermacell Acquisition” discussed above.



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James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
6
 
 

Business Overview
General Overview of Our Business
We are a world leader in the manufacture of fiber cement siding and backerboard. Based on net sales, we believe we are the largest manufacturer of fiber cement products and systems for internal and external building construction applications in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. We market our fiber cement products and systems under various Hardie brand names, such as HardiePlank ® , HardiePanel ® , HardieTrim ® and HardieBacker ® boards, and other brand names such as Aspyre Collection from James Hardie™, Artisan ® , Reveal ® , Cemplank ® , Scyon ® , Ritek ® and HardieLinea ® .
The breakdown of our net sales by operating segment for each of our last three fiscal years is as follows:
 
 
 
(Millions of US dollars)
  
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
North America Fiber Cement
 
$
1,578.1

 
$
1,493.4

 
$
1,335.0

International Fiber Cement
 
461.7

 
411.8

 
379.4

Other Businesses
 
14.7

 
16.4

 
13.8

Total Net Sales
 
$
2,054.5

 
$
1,921.6

 
$
1,728.2


Beginning with the first quarter fiscal year 2019 results, the Company intends to include a European Building Products segment in its report of quarterly results. This new segment will include the on-going James Hardie European Fiber Cement business and the newly acquired Fermacell business. The current International Fiber Cement segment will be renamed Asia Pacific Fiber Cement segment and will include our Australia, New Zealand and Philippines businesses.
Products
We manufacture a wide-range of fiber cement building materials for both internal and external use across a broad range of applications, including: external siding, internal walls, floors, ceilings, soffits, trim, fencing, decking and facades. While there are some market specific products, our core products, planks, which are used for external siding, flat panels, which are used for internal and external wall linings, and floor underlayments, are sold across all of the markets in which we operate.
Products Used in External Applications
We developed a proprietary technology platform that enables us to produce thicker yet lighter-weight fiber cement products that are generally easier to handle than most traditional building products. Further, we believe that our products provide certain durability and performance advantages leading to improved maintenance, while offering comparable aesthetics to competing products, such as wood, and superior aesthetics when compared to vinyl siding.
Performance and design advantages:
Our fiber cement products exhibit resistance to the damaging effects of moisture, fire, impact and termites compared to natural and engineered wood and wood-based products;
Competing products do not duplicate fiber cement aesthetics and the characteristics necessary for effectively accepting paint applications;
Our fiber cement products provide the ability to imprint designs that closely resemble the patterns and profiles of traditional building materials such as wood and stucco;



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James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
7
 
 

The surface properties of our products provide an effective paint-holding finish, especially when compared to natural and engineered wood products, allowing for greater periods of time between necessary maintenance and repainting; and
Compared to masonry construction, fiber cement is lightweight, physically flexible and can be cut using readily available tools, making our products more appealing across a broad range of architectural styles, be it of timber or steel-framed construction.
We believe the benefits associated with our fiber cement products have enabled us to gain a competitive advantage over competing products.
Products Used in Internal Applications
Compared to natural and oriented strand board ("OSB") and wood-based products, we believe our product range for internal applications provide the same general advantages provided by our products for external applications. In addition, our fiber cement products for internal applications exhibit less movement in response to exposure to moisture and impact damage than many competing products, providing a more consistent and durable substrate on which to install tiles. Further, we believe our ceramic tile underlayment products exhibit better handling and installation characteristics compared to fiberglass mesh cement boards.
Non-Fiber Cement Products
In addition to our portfolio of fiber cement product offerings and the recently acquired Fermacell business, we continue to invest in business development opportunities aligned with our long term strategy, including our fiberglass windows business in North America.
Significant New Products
In the United States, new products released over the last three years include the James Hardie ® Insulated Lap Siding and Trim, HardieTrim ® 2x board, HardieTrim® NT3 ® Roughsawn board, HardieTrim ® Mouldings, custom colors using our ColorPlus ® Technology, and an improved touch-up accessory to support ColorPlus ® products. In addition, we also launched the Aspyre Collection from James Hardie™, which brings together the modernity of our Reveal ® Panel System (now available with color matching Reveal Surround Trim and Exposed Fasteners in 24 colors) with the traditional profiles of our Artisan ® siding products (in addition to V-Groove and lap siding, the range has been expanded to include Bevel Channel, Square channel, Shiplap and Beaded lap)
In Australia and New Zealand, extensions to the existing Stria ® cladding products have been launched to provide Stria ® Standard 325mm, Stria ® Wide 405mm, Splayed 255mm cladding profiles. Similarly, Axon ® cladding has now been extended to provide Axon ® Smooth 133mm, Axon ® Smooth 400mm, and Axon ® Grained 133mm cladding. In addition, the new HardieBrace ® online calculator tool, which is available in Australia and New Zealand, offers a way to simplify selection of bracing products. The ease of installation of core product Villaboard ® lining has been enhanced with the launch of the Villaboard TM knife.
In Australia, HardieEdge ® trim for covering slab edges provides an easy to install solution to unfinished, rough concrete slab edges that would otherwise detract from the appearance of a wall clad with James Hardie products. The HardieDeck TM system continues to provide a major new product offering since its launch in 2015. Modcem ® modular flooring has provided an entry into commercial flooring applications. Similarly, Systemboard ® cladding provides a niche multi-story construction product application. Acquisition of Building Solutions Pty Ltd, has resulted in the formation of the James Hardie Systems business unit and provided the Australian business with a new product category, the Ritek ® permanent formwork walling system, a quality durable wall solution, which expands our product and systems offering into the growing medium to high density construction segment. Additions to the range of building science offerings include HardieWrap ®



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weather barrier, HardieFire ® Insulation, HardieBreak ® Thermal Strip, as well as the HardieSmart ® Boundary, Aged Care, Intertenancy and ZeroLot ® Wall Systems. The launch of new wall systems are also supported by the Compliant System ® trade mark. The performance of the ZeroLot ® wall system is supported by the new Coreshield ® protective sealer technology. An improved ZeroLot ® wall system, incorporating a thinner 60mm HardieFire ® insulation layer and also providing a cavity for running services, while maintaining necessary fire rating performance, has also been launched.
In New Zealand, over the same timeframe, Secura ® Interior Flooring, Secura ® Exterior Flooring, Axent TM Fascia, HomeRAB ® 4.5mm Pre Cladding, Stria ® Cladding, Axon ® 400 and 133 Grained Cladding, and Linea ® Oblique ® Cladding have been launched.
In the Philippines, new products released over the past three years include the extension of the established Hardieflex ® board range with the inclusion of Hardieflex ® Wet Area Walls lining. An improved version of their wall jointing compound has been launched under the HardieFlex ® Putty trade mark. A Vented Eaves extension to the Hardieflex ® Eaves product is also now available.
The European business continues to provide HardieFloor ® Structural Flooring, HardieFloor dB ® Structural Acoustic Flooring, and HardieQStrip ® Acoustic Battens into the market as part of our Smart Flooring Solutions™ offer.
Principal Markets for Our Products
United States and Canada
In the US and Canada, the largest application for fiber cement building products is in external siding for the residential building industry. The external siding market includes various cladding types, including fiber cement, vinyl, natural wood, OSB, hardboard, brick, stucco and stone. Based on industry estimates, vinyl has the largest share of the US and Canadian siding markets. External siding typically occupies a significant square footage component of the outside of every building. Selection of siding material is based on installed cost, durability, aesthetic appeal, strength, weather resistance, maintenance requirements and cost, insulating properties and other features. Different regions of the US and Canada show a preference amongst siding materials according to economic conditions, weather, materials availability and local preference.
Demand for siding in the US and Canada fluctuates based on the level of new residential housing starts and the repair and remodeling activity of existing homes. The level of activity is generally a function of interest rates and the availability of financing to homeowners to purchase a new home or make improvements to their existing homes, inflation, household income and wage growth, unemployment levels, demographic trends, gross domestic product growth and consumer confidence. The sale of fiber cement products in North America accounts for the largest portion of our net sales, accounting for 77%, 78% and 77% of our total net sales in fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
In the US and Canada, competition in the external siding market comes primarily from substitute products, such as natural or OSB, vinyl, stucco and brick. We believe we can continue to increase our market share from these competing products through targeted marketing programs designed to educate customers on our brand and the performance, design and cost advantages of our products.



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International
In the Asia Pacific region, we principally sell into the Australian, New Zealand and Philippines markets, with the residential building industry representing the principal market for fiber cement products. The largest applications of fiber cement across our three primary markets are in external siding, internal walls, ceilings, floors, soffits, fences and facades. We believe the level of activity in this industry is generally a function of interest rates, inflation, household income and wage growth, unemployment levels, demographic trends, gross domestic product growth and consumer confidence. Demand for fiber cement building products is also affected by the level of new housing starts and renovation activity.

In Australia, competition from imports and two locally based fiber cement manufacturers, has intensified over the past decade. Additionally, we continue to see competition from natural and engineered wood, wallboard, masonry and brick products .
In New Zealand, we continue to see competition intensifying as fiber cement imports have become more cost competitive and overseas manufacturers look to supplement their primary operating environments with additional markets.
In the Philippines, we have seen fiber cement gain broader acceptance across a range of product applications in the last decade, leading to additional fiber cement products entering the market. We see fiber cement having long-term growth potential not only in the Philippines, but across Asia and the Middle East, as the benefits of its light-weight and durability become more widely recognized.
In Europe, fiber cement building products are used in both residential and commercial building applications in external siding, internal walls, floors, soffits and roofing. We compete in most segments, except roofing, and promote the use of fiber cement products against traditional masonry and wood-based products.
In April 2018, we completed our previously announced acquisition of Fermacell, a market leader in fiber gypsum and cement bonded boards in Europe. Like James Hardie’s fiber cement products, we believe Fermacell’s fiber gypsum boards deliver superior performance relative to competitive products, such as gypsum plaster and OSB boards. Fermacell, which is headquartered in Duisburg, Germany, operates 6 plants located in Germany, the Netherlands and Spain and has a sales force of more than 300 employees throughout Europe and the Middle East. Fermacell markets its products and systems under various brand names, such as Fermacell ® gypsum fiber boards, Fermacell Powerpanel ® and Fermacell AESTUVER ® fire protection products.
Since we commenced selling our products in Europe in fiscal year 2004, we have continued to work to grow demand for our products by building awareness among distributors, builders and contractors. Management believes that with the acquisition of Fermacell, the growth outlook in Europe for both fiber cement and fiber gypsum is favorable.
Seasonality
Our businesses are seasonal and typically follow activity levels in the building and construction industry. In the United States, the calendar quarters ending in December and March generally reflect reduced levels of building activity depending on weather conditions. In Australia and New Zealand, the calendar quarter ending in March is usually the quarter most affected by a slowdown due to summer holidays. In the Philippines, construction activity diminishes during the wet season from June through September and during the last half of December due to the slowdown in business activity over the holiday period. Also, general industry patterns can be affected by weather, economic conditions, industrial disputes and other factors. See “Section 3 – Risk Factors.”



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Raw Materials
The principal raw materials used in the manufacture of our fiber cement products are cellulose fiber (wood-based pulp), silica (sand), Portland cement and water. We have established supplier relationships for all of our raw materials across the various markets in which we operate, and we do not anticipate having difficulty in obtaining our required raw materials from these suppliers. The purchase price of these raw materials and other materials can fluctuate depending on the supply-demand situation at any given point in time.
We work hard to reduce the effect of both price fluctuations and supply interruptions by entering into contracts with qualified suppliers and through continuous internal improvements in both our products and manufacturing processes.
Cellulose Fiber
Reliable access to specialized, consistent quality, low cost pulp is critical to the production of fiber cement building materials. As a result of our many years of experience and expertise in the industry, we share our internal expertise with pulp producers in New Zealand, the United States, Canada and Chile to ensure they are able to provide us with a highly specialized and proprietary formula crucial to the reinforcing cement matrix of our fiber cement products. We have confidentiality agreements with our pulp producers, and we have obtained patents in the United States and in certain other countries covering certain unique aspects of our pulping formulas and processes that we believe cannot adequately be protected through confidentiality agreements. However, we cannot be assured that our intellectual property and other proprietary information will be protected in all cases. See “Section 3 – Risk Factors.”
Silica
High purity silica is sourced locally by the various production plants. In the majority of locations, we use silica sand as a silica source. In certain other locations, however, we process quartz rock and beneficiate silica sand to ensure the quality and consistency of this key raw material.
Cement
Cement is acquired in bulk from local suppliers. We continue to evaluate options on agreements with suppliers for the purchase of cement that can lock in our cement prices over longer periods of time.
Water
We use local water supplies and process all wastewater to comply with environmental requirements.

Sales, Marketing and Distribution  
The principal markets for our fiber cement products are the United States, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Canada, and parts of Europe, including the United Kingdom and France. In addition, in the past fiscal year, we have sold fiber cement products in many other markets, including Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, the Middle East, various Pacific Islands and South Korea. Our brand name, customer education in comparative product advantages, differentiated product range and customer service, including technical advice and assistance, provide the basis for our marketing strategy.
We offer our customers support through a specialized fiber cement sales force and customer service infrastructure in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and Europe.
Our customer service infrastructure includes inbound customer service support coordinated nationally in each country, and is complemented by outbound telemarketing capability. Within each regional market, we



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provide sales and marketing support to building products dealers and lumber yards and also provide support directly to the customers of these distribution channels, principally homebuilders and building contractors.
We maintain dedicated regional sales management teams in our major sales territories, with our national sales managers and national account managers, together with regional sales managers and sales representatives, maintaining relationships with national and other major accounts. Our various sales forces, which in some instances manage specific product categories, include skilled trades people who provide on-site technical advice and assistance.
In the United States, we sell fiber cement products for new residential construction predominantly to distributors, which then sell these products to dealers or lumber yards. This two-step distribution process is supplemented with direct sales to dealers and lumber yards as a means of accelerating product penetration and sales. Repair and remodel products in the United States are typically sold through the large home center retailers and specialist distributors. Our products are distributed across the United States and Canada primarily by road and, to a lesser extent, by rail.
In Australia and New Zealand, both new construction and repair and remodel products are generally sold directly to distributor/hardware stores and lumber yards rather than through the two-step distribution process. In the Philippines, a network of thousands of small to medium size retail outlets sell our fiber cement products to consumers, builders and real estate developers, although in recent years, do-it-yourself type stores have started to enter the Philippines market. The physical distribution of our product in each country is primarily by road, rail or sea transport. Products manufactured in Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines are also exported to a number of markets in Asia, various Pacific Islands, and the Middle East by sea transport.
Despite the fact that distributors and dealers are generally our direct customers, we also aim to increase primary demand for our products by marketing our products directly to homeowners, architects and builders. We encourage them to specify and install our products because of the quality and craftsmanship of our products. This “pull through” strategy, in turn, assists us in expanding sales for our distribution network as distributors benefit from the increasing demand for our products.
Geographic expansion of our fiber cement business has occurred in markets where framed construction is prevalent for residential applications or where there are opportunities to change building practices from masonry to framed construction. Expansion is also possible where there are direct substitution opportunities irrespective of the methods of construction. Our entry into the Philippines is an example of the ability to substitute fiber cement for an alternative product (in this case plywood). With the exception of our current major markets, as well as Japan and certain rural areas in Asia, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe, most markets in the world principally utilize masonry construction for external walls in residential construction. Accordingly, further geographic expansion depends substantially on our ability to provide alternative construction solutions and for those solutions to be accepted in those markets.
Dependence on Trade Secrets and Research and Development (“R&D”)
We pioneered the successful development of cellulose reinforced fiber cement and, since the early-1980s, have progressively introduced products developed as a result of our proprietary product formulation and process technology. The introduction of differentiated products is one of the core components of our global business strategy. This product differentiation strategy is supported by our significant investment in R&D activities.
We view spending on R&D as the key to sustaining our existing product leadership position, by providing a continuous pipeline of innovative new products and technologies with sustainable performance and design advantages over our competitors. Further, through our investments in new process technology or by modifying existing process technology, we aim to keep reducing our capital and operating costs and to find



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new ways to make existing and new products. As such, we expect to continue allocating significant funding to these endeavors. For fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016, our expenses for R&D were US$33.3 million, US$30.3 million and US$29.5 million, respectively.
Our current patent portfolio is based mainly on fiber cement compositions, associated manufacturing processes and the resulting products. Our non-patented technical intellectual property consists primarily of our operating and manufacturing know-how and raw material and operating equipment specifications, all of which are maintained as trade secret information. We have enhanced our abilities to effectively create, manage and utilize our intellectual property and have implemented a strategy that increasingly uses patenting and trade secret protection to protect and increase our competitive advantage.
In addition, we have a variety of industrial, commercial and financial contracts relating to our proprietary manufacturing processes. While we are dependent on the competitive advantage that these items provide as a whole, we are not dependent on any one of them individually and do not consider any one of them individually to be material. We do not materially rely on intellectual property licensed from any outside third parties. However, we cannot assure that our intellectual property and other proprietary information will be protected in all cases. In addition, if our R&D efforts fail to generate new, innovative products or processes, our overall profit margins may decrease and demand for our products may fall. See “Section 3 – Risk Factors.”
Governmental Regulation
As an Irish plc, we are governed by the Irish Companies Act 2014 and are also subject to all applicable European Union level legislation. We also operate under the regulatory requirements of numerous jurisdictions and organizations, including the ASX, ASIC, the NYSE, the SEC, the Irish Takeover Panel and various other federal, state, local and foreign rulemaking bodies. See “Section 3 – Constitution” for additional information regarding the Irish Companies Act 2014 and regulations to which we are subject.
Environmental, Health and Safety Regulation
Our operations and properties are subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign environmental protection, health and safety laws, regulations and ordinances governing activities and operations that may have adverse environmental effects. As it relates to our operations, our manufacturing plants produce regulated materials, including waste water and air emissions. The waste water produced from our manufacturing plants is internally recycled and reused before eventually being discharged to publicly owned treatment works, a process which is monitored by us, as well as by regulators. In addition, we actively monitor air emissions and other regulated materials produced by our plants so as to ensure compliance with the various environmental regulations under which we operate.
Some environmental laws provide that a current or previous owner or operator of real property may be liable for the costs of investigation, removal or remediation of certain regulated materials on, under, or in that property or other impacted properties. In addition, persons who arrange, or are deemed to have arranged, for the disposal or treatment of certain regulated materials may also be liable for the costs of investigation, removal or remediation of the regulated materials at the disposal or treatment site, regardless of whether the affected site is owned or operated by such person. Environmental laws often impose liability whether or not the owner, operator, transporter or arranger knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such regulated materials. Also, third parties may make claims against owners or operators of properties for personal injuries, property damage and/or for clean-up associated with releases of certain regulated materials pursuant to applicable environmental laws and common law tort theories, including strict liability.
In the past, from time to time, we have received notices of alleged discharges in excess of our water and air permit limits. In each case, and in compliance with our Environmental Policy, we have addressed the concerns raised in those notices, in part, through enhanced administrative controls and/or capital



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expenditures intended to prevent future discharges in excess of permitted levels and, on occasion, the payment of associated minor fines.
Environmental compliance costs in the future will depend, in part, on continued oversight of operations, expansion of operations and manufacturing activities, regulatory developments and future requirements that cannot presently be predicted.
Organizational Structure
JHI plc is incorporated and domiciled in Ireland and the table below sets forth our significant subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned by JHI plc, either directly or indirectly, as of 31 March 2018.
 
Name of Company
  
Jurisdiction of
Establishment
  
Jurisdiction of
Tax Residence
James Hardie 117 Pty Ltd
  
Australia
  
Australia
James Hardie Australia Pty Ltd
  
Australia
  
Australia
James Hardie Building Products Inc.
  
United States
  
United States
James Hardie Europe B.V.
  
Netherlands
  
Netherlands
James Hardie Finance Holdings 1 Ltd
  
Bermuda
  
Ireland
James Hardie Germany GmbH
 
Germany
 
Germany
James Hardie Holdings Ltd
  
Ireland
  
Ireland
James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company
  
Ireland
  
Ireland
James Hardie International Group Ltd
  
Ireland
  
Ireland
James Hardie International Holdings Ltd
  
Ireland
  
Ireland
James Hardie New Zealand
  
New Zealand
  
New Zealand
James Hardie NL1 B.V.
 
Netherlands
 
Netherlands
James Hardie NL2 B.V.
 
Netherlands
 
Netherlands
James Hardie NZ Holdings
  
New Zealand
  
New Zealand
James Hardie NZ Holdings Ltd
  
Bermuda
  
New Zealand
James Hardie North America Inc.
  
United States
  
United States
James Hardie NV
  
Netherlands
  
Netherlands
James Hardie Philippines Inc.
  
Philippines
  
Philippines
James Hardie Research (Holdings) Pty Ltd
  
Australia
  
Australia
James Hardie Research Pty Ltd
  
Australia
  
Australia
James Hardie Research USA LLC
  
United States
  
United States
James Hardie Technology Holdings 1
 
Ireland
 
Ireland
James Hardie Technology Holdings 2
 
Ireland
 
Ireland
James Hardie Technology Ltd
  
Bermuda
  
Ireland
James Hardie U.S. Investments Sierra Inc.
  
United States
  
United States
RCI Holdings Pty Ltd
  
Australia
  
Australia

On 3 April 2018, we announced the completion of our acquisition of Fermacell and its subsidiaries. See “History and Development of the Company” in this Section of the Annual Report and Note 19 to our consolidated financial statements in Section 2.



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Property, Plants and Equipment
We believe we have some of the largest and lowest cost fiber cement manufacturing plants across the United States, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines, with our plants servicing both domestic and export markets. Our plants are ideally located to take advantage of established transportation networks, allowing us to distribute our products into key markets, while also providing easy access to key raw materials.
Manufacturing Capacity
At 31 March 2018, we had manufacturing facilities at the following locations:
 
Plant Location
 
Owned /
Leased
 
Nameplate Capacity
(mmsf) 1
United States 2  
 
 
 
 
Cleburne, Texas
 
Owned
 
666

Peru, Illinois
 
Owned
 
560

Plant City, Florida
 
Owned 
 
600

Pulaski, Virginia
 
Owned
 
600

Reno, Nevada
 
Owned
 
300

Tacoma, Washington
 
Owned 
3  
200

Waxahachie, Texas
 
Owned 
 
360

Fontana, California
 
Owned
 
250

Summerville, South Carolina
 
Owned 
4  
190

Australia
 
 
 
 
Rosehill, New South Wales
 
Owned 
 
180

Carole Park, Queensland
 
Owned
5  
160

New Zealand
 
 
 
 
Auckland
 
Leased 
6  
75

Philippines
 
 
 
 
Cabuyao City
 
Owned 
7  
145

____________
1
The calculated annual nameplate capacity is based on management’s historical experience with our production process and is calculated assuming continuous operation, 24 hours per day, seven days per week, producing 5/16” medium density product at a targeted operating speed. No accepted industry standard exists for the calculation of our fiber cement manufacturing facility nameplate, design and utilization capacities.
2
In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, we announced a Greenfield capacity project in Prattville, Alabama with an expected commissioning date in the first half of fiscal year 2020. This project will add an additional 600 mmsf to our manufacturing capacity. This incremental capacity is not included in the table above.
3
In the third quarter of fiscal year 2017, we announced a Greenfield capacity project at our Tacoma, Washington facility with an expected commissioning date in the first half of fiscal year 2019. This incremental capacity is not included in the table above.
4
We suspended production at our Summerville, South Carolina location in November 2008. The plant was re-commissioned in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018.
5
In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, we announced an A$28.5 million (US$22.8 million) Brownfield expansion project at our Carole Park, Queensland facility with an expected commissioning date in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. This incremental capacity is not included in the table above.
6
We exercised our option to renew the Auckland leases for a further term of 10 years prior to the leases’ expiry on 22 March 2016. The Auckland leases now expire on 22 March 2026, at which time we have an option to renew them for a further term of 10 years expiring in March 2036. There is no option to purchase at the expiration of the leases.
7
The land on which our Philippines fiber cement plant is located is owned by Ajempa Holding Inc. (“Ajempa”), a related party. Ajempa is 40% owned by our operating entity, James Hardie Philippines Inc., and 60% owned by the James Hardie Philippines Retirement Fund. James Hardie Philippines Inc. owns 100% of the fixed assets on the land owned by Ajempa.
We are adding additional capacity in the Philippines with an estimated total cost of US$18.0 million and an expected completion date in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. This incremental capacity is not included in the table above.



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We continually evaluate the capacity required to service the US housing market, and as a result, to ensure we meet demand and achieve our market penetration objectives, we have completed and continue to start-up and commission several lines across our manufacturing network. For a discussion of significant active and recently completed capacity expansion projects, see “Capital Expenditures.”
Beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016, management determined that for measuring the annual flat sheet design capacity of the fiber cement network, the calculation should incorporate our historical experience with certain factors such as demand, product mix of varying thickness and density, batch size, plant availability and differing production speeds multiplied by 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Additionally, commencing in the second quarter of fiscal year 2017, management adjusted the definition of plant availability pertaining to idled, non-commissioned, and start-up lines when determining annual flat sheet design capacity and capacity utilization. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2018, management adjusted the definition of production speeds and uptime expectations when determining annual flat sheet design capacity for the United States.
Based on the methodology noted above, for the year ended 31 March 2018, we had an annual flat sheet design capacity of 3,744 mmsf and 600 mmsf in the United States and Asia Pacific, respectively. It is important to note that annual design capacity does not necessarily reflect the actual capacity utilization rates of our manufacturing facilities, with actual utilization affected by factors such as demand, product mix, batch size, plant availability and production speeds. For fiscal year 2018, actual capacity utilization across our plants was an average of 90% and 92% in the United States and Asia Pacific, respectively.
Based on the methodology noted above, for the year ended 31 March 2017, we had an annual flat sheet design capacity of 3,284 mmsf and 619 mmsf in the United States and Asia Pacific, respectively. It is important to note that annual design capacity does not necessarily reflect the actual capacity utilization rates of our manufacturing facilities, with actual utilization affected by factors such as demand, product mix, batch size, plant availability and production speeds. For fiscal year 2017, actual capacity utilization across our plants was an average of 94% and 92% in the United States and Asia Pacific, respectively.
Finally, as a result of our completion of the Fermacell acquisition in April 2018, we expanded our manufacturing and production footprint with the addition of six Fermacell plants located in Calbe, Germany, Munchehof, Germany, Schraplau, Germany, Siglingen, Germany, Niftrik, The Netherlands and Orejo, Spain.
Mines
We lease silica quartz mine sites in Tacoma, Washington and Reno, Nevada. The lease for our quartz mine in Tacoma, Washington was renewed per the lease for another four year renewal term through February 2022 (with additional options to renew at that time). The lease for our silica quartz mine site in Reno, Nevada expires in January 2019. We also own property in Victorville, California which could be mined for silica. As of 30 April 2018, however, we have not begun to mine this site and have no immediate plans to do so. We continue to lease a parcel of land in Victorville, California adjacent to and for access to our owned property, as well as providing an equipment area for mining operations.
The recently acquired Fermacell business has an operating license for a mining facility in Schraplau, Germany, however no active mining is being undertaken, or allowed with respect to the former owner FELS-WERKE GmbH, and the mine is only being used for storage of material.
As a mine operator, we are required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), and rules promulgated by the SEC implementing that section of the Dodd-Frank Act, to provide certain information concerning mine safety violations and other regulatory matters concerning the operation of our mines. During fiscal year 2018, we did not receive any notices, citations, orders, legal action or other communication from the US Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health



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Administration that would necessitate additional disclosure under Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act. Similarly, we have not experienced any mining-related fatalities in our mining operations. There are currently no pending legal actions before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission related to our mining operations.
Capital Expenditures
We utilize a mix of operating cash flow and debt facilities to fund our capital expenditure projects and investments. We continuously invest in safety, equipment maintenance and upgrades, and capacity to ensure continued environmental compliance and operating effectiveness of our plants. The following table sets forth our capital expenditures for the three most recent fiscal years:
 
 
(Millions of US dollars)
  
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
North America Fiber Cement
 
$
182.5

 
$
76.1

 
$
40.3

International Fiber Cement
 
18.4

 
24.4

 
28.7

Other Businesses
 
2.0

 
0.7

 
2.3

R&D and Corporate
 
0.8

 
0.7

 
1.9

Total Capital Expenditures
 
$
203.7

 
$
101.9

 
$
73.2

Significant active capital expenditures
At 31 March 2018, the following significant capital expenditures related to capacity projects remain in progress:
Project Description
 
Approximate
Investment
(US millions)
 
Investment
to date
(US millions)
 
Project
Start Date
 
Expected
Commission
Date
 
Expected
Nameplate Capacity
Increase 1
Tacoma Greenfield expansion
 
$
150.0

 
$
100.8

 
Q4 FY17
 
FY19
 
8%
Carole Park Brownfield expansion
 
22.8

 
0.1

 
Q4FY18
 
FY21
 
16%
Philippines capacity expansion
 
$
18.0

 
$
15.2

 
Q4 FY16
 
FY19
 
9%
____________
1
The expected capacity increase is based on management’s historical experience with our production process and is calculated assuming continuous operation, 24 hours per day, seven days per week, producing 5/16” medium density product at a targeted operating speed. It does not take into account factors such as product mix with varying thickness and density, batch size, plant availability and production speeds. Expected increase in capacity related to Tacoma Greenfield expansion represents expected increase in North America nameplate capacity as of 31 March 2018. Expected increases in Carole Park Brownfield expansion and Philippines capacity expansion represent expected increase in Asia Pacific's nameplate capacity as of 31 March 2018.

During fiscal year 2018, we also continued the planning of our Prattville, Alabama facility, which is expected to be commissioned in the first half of fiscal year 2020. Additionally, on 22 May 2018, we announced that this greenfield expansion project will add an additional 600 mmsf to our manufacturing capacity at an estimated total cost of US$240.0 million.



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Significant completed capital expenditure projects
The following is a list of significant capital expenditure projects we have invested in over the three most recent fiscal years:
Project Description
 
Total
Investment
(US Millions)
 
Fiscal Year of
Expenditure
Carole Park land and building purchase and capacity expansion
 
$
85.3

 
FY14 - FY16
Plant City SM4 - 3rd operating sheet machine
 
71.2

 
FY14 - FY17
Cleburne - 3rd sheet machine
 
40.8

 
FY14 - FY17
Waxahachie lease buyout
 
16.5

 
FY17
Summerville recommissioning
 
$
15.7

 
FY17 - FY18
Capital Divestitures
During the three most recent fiscal years, we did not make any material capital divestitures. On 30 June 2015, we finalized the sale of our Australian Pipes business. Additionally, on 1 June 2015 we finalized the sale of our Blandon, Pennsylvania location. We do not consider the disposition of the pipes business or the sale of Blandon, Pennsylvania location to constitute material divestitures or strategic shifts in the nature of our operations.  



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DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
James Hardie Executive Team
Our management is overseen by our executive team, whose members cover the key areas of fiber cement R&D, production, manufacturing, human resources, marketing, investor relations, finance and legal.
Members of our executive team at 30 April 2018 (in alphabetical order) are:
Joe Blasko BSFS, JD
General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer
Age 51
G274409G75U41.JPG
Joe Blasko joined James Hardie as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer in June 2011.
Before joining James Hardie, Mr Blasko was Assistant General Counsel, and later, the General Counsel at Liebert Corporation, an Emerson Network Power Systems company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Emerson Electric Co. In his four years with Liebert/Emerson, Mr Blasko was responsible for establishing the legal department in Columbus, Ohio, managing and overseeing all legal matters and working closely with the executive management team. In this role, Mr Blasko also had global responsibilities which required expertise across multiple jurisdictions.

From 2004 to 2006, Mr Blasko was Associate General Counsel at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, serving as the effective “general counsel” to numerous corporate divisions within the organization. From 1997 to 2004, Mr Blasko gained considerable regulatory and litigation expertise working at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP in Ohio.
Mr Blasko has a Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, USA and a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, USA, with a specialty in International Relations, Law and Organizations.
Sean Gadd BEng, MBA
Executive Vice President, Markets and Segments
Age 45
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Sean Gadd joined James Hardie in 2004 as a Regional Engineering Manager for the Asia Pacific business, and progressed to Plant Manager for both the Carole Park and Rosehill facilities in Australia. Mr Gadd then moved to the US in 2006 to take the role of Manufacturing Manager for Trim and various manufacturing facilities across the US.
In 2009, Mr Gadd ran the US trim business for James Hardie with responsibility for both Manufacturing and Sales, followed by a brief assignment leading Supply Chain. In 2012, Mr Gadd was promoted to the role of Vice President of Sales for Western USA and Canada. Over the next year, his role was expanded to include the Midwest and Northeast of the USA.

Mr Gadd was appointed Executive General Manager in September 2013 with full responsibility for the Northern Division. In October 2015, he was appointed Executive Vice President, Markets and Segments, North America with responsibility for Strategic Marketing and Development.
Mr Gadd has a Bachelor of Engineering in Manufacturing Management and an executive MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management, Australia.



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Louis Gries BSc, MBA
Chief Executive Officer
Age 64
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Louis Gries joined James Hardie as Manager of the Fontana fiber cement plant in California in February 1991 and was appointed President of James Hardie Building Products, Inc. in December 1993. Mr Gries became Executive Vice President – Operations in January 2003, responsible for operations, sales and marketing in our businesses in the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe.
He was appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) in October 2004 and became CEO in February 2005. In addition to being the Company’s CEO, Mr Gries is responsible for managing the Company’s fiber cement operations in North America.
Before he joined James Hardie, Mr Gries worked for 13 years for USG Corp, including a variety of roles in research, plant quality and production, and product and plant management.
Mr Gries has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Illinois, USA and an MBA from California State University, Long Beach, USA.

Ryan Kilcullen BSc, MS
Executive Vice President – Operations
Age 37
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Ryan Kilcullen joined James Hardie in 2007 as a PcI/PdI Engineer. Since then, he has worked for the Company in various manufacturing and supply chain roles including Process Engineer, Production Manager, and Supply Chain Engineer. In 2012, he became Supply Chain Manager, ColorPlus Business Unit, responsible for the end-to-end design and performance of our ColorPlus product line supply chain. In 2013, he became responsible for North American Supply Chain operations, with responsibilities that included Procurement, Network Planning, Production Planning, Transportation, Distribution Management, Customer Service, and Inside Sales. In June 2015, he was appointed Vice President – Central Operations, responsible for the Company’s Supply Chain Operations and Centralized Manufacturing functions.
In August 2016, he was appointed Executive Vice President – Operations, responsible for the Company’s Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering and Environmental, Health & Safety Operations.
Mr Kilcullen has a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Master of Engineering in Logistics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.




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Matthew Marsh BA, MBA
Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President – Corporate
Age 43
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Matthew Marsh joined James Hardie as Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) in June 2013. As CFO he oversees the Company’s overall financial activities, including accounting, tax, treasury, performance and competitor analysis, internal audit and financial operations.
Effective 16 October 2015, Mr Marsh’s role was expanded to include the role of Executive Vice President – Corporate. In this role, Mr Marsh continues his oversight of the Company’s overall financial management in addition to the oversight of James Hardie’s information systems, legal and compliance, and investor and media relations functions.
After a 16-year career at General Electric Company (“GE”), Mr Marsh brings a strong background in financial management. Before joining James Hardie, Mr Marsh most recently served as CFO of GE Healthcare’s IT business. Prior to being named CFO of GE Healthcare IT, Mr Marsh oversaw the finance operations for GE Healthcare’s US Healthcare Systems and US Diagnostic Imaging businesses.
Prior to those appointments, Mr Marsh traveled globally with the GE Internal Audit Staff gaining extensive experience in several industries including appliances, information services, distribution and supply, aviation, plastics, financial services, capital markets and healthcare, across more than twenty countries. Mr Marsh has graduated from GE’s Financial Management Program (FMP).
Mr Marsh has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Public Affairs from Syracuse University, USA and an MBA from University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, USA.
Dave Merkley BSc (Construction)
Executive Vice President, Manufacturing and Engineering
Age 55
MERKLEY.JPG
Dave Merkley first joined James Hardie in 1994 as Plant Manager of the Fontana, California facility in the United States. Mr Merkley has held a number of roles with the Company including US R&D Manager and US Manufacturing Manager, before being promoted to the position of Executive Vice President, Operations and Manufacturing with global responsibility in 2002.
In 2006, Mr Merkley left James Hardie and worked as a consultant in the building products industry, gaining experience in composite building material and wood polymer composites decking and fencing. Mr Merkley rejoined James Hardie in October 2016 and was promoted to the role of Executive Vice President, Manufacturing and Engineering in November 2017.

Prior to joining James Hardie in 1994, Mr Merkley held various engineering positions in the civil construction industry, including heavy highway and infrastructure construction.
Collectively Mr Merkley has over 30 years relevant industry experience and holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction from Arizona State University.





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Jason Miele, BA
Vice President, Investor and Media Relations
Age 41
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Jason Miele was appointed to the position of Vice President – Investor and Media Relations in February 2017. Mr Miele has responsibility for overseeing the Company’s investor relations strategy and successful interface with external audiences, communicating the Company’s business strategy and its financial performance to various stakeholders including shareholders, investment analysts, and the financial media.
Mr Miele has 20 years of relevant professional experience, including 11 years of experience with James Hardie, where he has served in various finance and operational support roles, most recently as James Hardie’s Group Controller, a position he has held since 2013.
Mr Miele has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara, where he graduated with a degree in Business Economics with an emphasis in Accounting.
Zean Nielsen
Executive Vice President, Sales
Age 40
NIELSEN.JPG
Zean Nielsen joined James Hardie as Executive Vice President, Sales in August 2017. Mr Nielsen brings 20 years of Sales, Marketing and overall P&L experience to James Hardie from his time with Bang and Olufsen and Tesla Motors. As EVP of Sales, Mr Nielsen is responsible for overseeing all aspects of our North American sales organization.
Most recently, Mr Nielsen held senior leadership roles at Tesla Motors, serving as the Vice President of EMEA as well as Global Vice President of Sales Operations over a three and a half year period. Mr Nielsen started his career at Bang and Olufsen in 1997. During his 17-year tenure, he held positions in International Distribution Development, Retail, Marketing and Sales in North America and Asia Pacific before being promoted to the role of President of North and South America.

Mr Nielsen is Danish and has a business degree from the Herning Graduate School of Business in Denmark.




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Jack Truong, BS, PhD
President, International Operations
Age 55
TROUNG.JPG
Dr Jack Truong joined James Hardie as President, International Operations in April 2017. Prior to James Hardie, he was the President and Chief Executive Officer, Electrolux North America and Executive Vice President, AB Electrolux Group. Dr Truong also spent 22 years at 3M Company where he held senior leadership roles in Europe, Asia Pacific, and the United States, including President of their Construction & Home Improvements division and Office Supplies division. He began his career at IBM and Polaroid Corporation.
Dr Truong has been active in serving on boards of leading professional associations. He has received numerous national honors and awards for outstanding business accomplishments as well as his humanitarian work with non-profit organizations.


Dr Truong holds BS and PhD degrees in Chemical Engineering from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. Dr Truong is the recipient of 11 US patents and several international patents.



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Board of Directors
James Hardie’s directors have widespread experience, spanning general management, finance, law, marketing and accounting. Each director also brings valuable international experience that assists with James Hardie’s growth.
Members of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) at 30 April 2018 are:
Michael Hammes BS, MBA
Age 76
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Michael Hammes was elected as an independent non-executive director of James Hardie in February 2007. He was appointed Chairman of the Board in January 2008 and is a member of the Audit Committee, the Remuneration Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee.
Experience : Mr Hammes has extensive commercial experience at a senior executive level. He has held a number of executive positions in the medical products, hardware and home improvement, and automobile sectors, including CEO and Chairman of Sunrise Medical, Inc. (2000-2007), Chairman and CEO of Guide Corporation (1998-2000), Chairman and CEO of Coleman Company, Inc. (1993-1997), Vice Chairman of Black & Decker Corporation (1992-1993) and various senior executive roles with Chrysler Corporation (1986-1990) and Ford Motor Company (1966-1986).
Directorships of listed companies in the past five years : Former  – Director of Navistar International Corporation (1996-2017); Director of DynaVox Mayer-Johnson (2010-2016).
Other : Resident of the United States.
Last elected : August 2016
Term expires : August 2018



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Brian Anderson BS, MBA, CPA
Age 67
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Brian Anderson was appointed as an independent non-executive director of James Hardie in December 2006. He is Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Remuneration Committee.
Experience : Mr Anderson has extensive financial and business experience at both executive and board levels. He has held a variety of senior positions, with thirteen years at Baxter International, Inc., including Corporate Vice President of Finance, Senior Vice President and CFO (1997-2004) and, more recently, Executive Vice President and CFO of OfficeMax, Inc. (2004-2005). Earlier in his career, Mr Anderson was an Audit Partner of Deloitte & Touche LLP (1986-1991).
Directorships of listed companies in the past five years : Current  – Director of Stericycle Inc. (since 2017); Director of PulteGroup (since 2005); Director of W.W. Grainger, Inc. (since 1999). Former  – Chairman (2010-2016) and Director (2005-2016) of A.M. Castle & Co.; Lead Director of W.W. Grainger, Inc. (2011-2014).
Other : Member of the Governing Board of the Center for Audit Quality (since 2016); resident of the United States.
Last elected : August 2017
Term expires : August 2020
 



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Russell Chenu BCom, MBA
Age 68
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Russell Chenu was appointed as a non-executive director of James Hardie in August 2014. He is a member of the Remuneration Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee.
Experience : Mr Chenu joined James Hardie as Interim CFO in October 2004 and was appointed CFO in February 2005. He was elected to the Company’s Managing Board at the 2005 Annual General Meeting, re-elected in 2008 and continued as a member of the Managing Board until it was dissolved in June 2010. As CFO, he was responsible for accounting, treasury, taxation, corporate finance, information technology and systems, and procurement. Mr Chenu retired as CFO in November 2013.
Mr Chenu is an experienced corporate and finance professional who held senior finance and management positions with a number of Australian publicly-listed companies. In a number of these senior roles, he was engaged in significant strategic business planning and business change, including several turnarounds, new market expansions and management leadership initiatives.
Mr Chenu has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne and an MBA from Macquarie Graduate School of Management, Australia.
Directorships of listed companies in the past five years : Current  – Director of Reliance Worldwide Corporation Limited (since 2016); Director of CIMIC Group Limited (since 2014); Director of Metro Performance Glass Limited (since 2014).
Other : Resident of Australia.
Last elected:  August 2017
Term expires : August 2020

David D. Harrison BA, MBA, CMA
Age 70
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David Harrison was appointed as an independent non-executive director of James Hardie in May 2008. He is a member of the Audit Committee.
Experience : Mr Harrison is an experienced company director with a finance background, having served in corporate finance roles, international operations and information technology for 22 years with Borg Warner/General Electric Co. His previous experience includes 10 years at Pentair, Inc., as Executive Vice President and CFO (1994-1996 and 2000-2007) and Vice President and CFO roles at Scotts, Inc. and Coltec Industries, Inc. (1996-2000).
Directorships of listed companies in the past five years:   Current  – Director of National Oilwell Varco (since 2003).
Other : Resident of the United States.
Last elected : August 2016
Term expires : August 2019




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Andrea Gisle Joosen MSc, BSc
Age 54
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Andrea Gisle Joosen was appointed as an independent non-executive director of James Hardie in March 2015. She is a member of the Audit Committee.
Experience : Ms Gisle Joosen is an experienced former executive with extensive experience in marketing, brand management and business development across a range of different consumer businesses. Her former roles include Chief Executive of Boxer TV Access AB in Sweden and Managing Director (Nordic region) of Panasonic, Chantelle AB and Twentieth Century Fox. Her early career involved several senior marketing roles with Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson.
Directorships of listed companies in the past five years : Current  – Director of Mr Green AB (since 2015); Director of BillerudKorsnas AB (since 2015); Director of Dixons Carphone plc (since 2014); Director of ICA Gruppen AB (since 2010). Former  – Director of Dixons Retail plc (2013-2014).
Other : Director of Phoodster AB (since July 2017); Director of Neopitch AB (since 2004); resident of Sweden.
Last elected : August 2015
Term expires : August 2018
Persio V Lisboa BS
Age 52
 
 
 
LISBOAFULL.JPG
Persio Lisboa was appointed as an independent non-executive director of James Hardie in February 2018. He is a member of the Nominating and Governance Committee.
Experience : Mr Lisboa has extensive senior executive experience. He currently serves as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Navistar, Inc. (Navistar), a leading manufacturer of commercial trucks, buses, defense vehicles and engines, since March 2017. Prior to holding this position, Mr Lisboa served as President, Operations of Navistar from November 2014 to March 2017. Prior to that, Mr Lisboa served as Senior Vice President, Chief Procurement Officer of Navistar from December 2012 to November 2014, as Vice President, Purchasing and Logistics
and Chief Procurement Officer of Navistar from October 2011 to November 2012, and as Vice President, Purchasing and Logistics of Navistar from August 2008 to October 2011. Prior to these positions, Mr Lisboa held various management positions within Navistar’s North American and South American operations. Mr Lisboa began his career at Maxion International Motores Brasil, followed by a move to International Engines Argentina S.A., and then to MWM-International South America.

Directorships of listed companies in the past five years : Current  - Director of Broadwind Energy, Inc. (since 2016).
Other:  Resident of the United States.
Last elected : Mr Lisboa will be standing for election at the August 2018 Annual General Meeting.




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Alison Littley BA, FCIPS
Age 55
G274409G13R91.JPG
Alison Littley was appointed as an independent non-executive director of James Hardie in February 2012. She is a member of the Audit Committee and the Remuneration Committee.
Experience : Ms Littley has substantial experience in multinational manufacturing and supply chain operations, and she brings a strong international leadership background building effective management teams and third party relationships. She has held a variety of positions, most recently as Chief Executive of Buying Solutions, a UK Government Agency responsible for procurement of goods and services on behalf of UK government and public sector bodies (2006-2011). She has previously held senior management roles in Diageo plc (1999-2006) and Mars, Inc. (1981-1999).
Directorships of listed companies in the past five years : None.
Other:  Director of Market Harborough Building Society (since January 2018); Director of Eakin Healthcare Limited (since 2015); Director of Weightmans LLP (since 2013); resident of the United Kingdom.
Last elected : August 2015
Term expires : August 2018

Steven E Simms BA
Age 62
SIMMSFULL.JPG
Steven E Simms was appointed as an independent non-executive director of James Hardie in May 2017. He is Chairman of the Remuneration Committee.
Experience : Mr Simms has extensive senior executive experience at leading global corporations. He has held a variety of senior positions, with 11 years at Danaher, including as Executive Vice President (1999-2007).  Prior to joining Danaher, he held executive positions at Black & Decker Corporation, including as President – European Operations (1990-1993) and President – Worldwide Accessories (1993-1996). More recently, he was President and Chief Executive Officer and director of Colfax Corporation (2011-2015) and also served as Chairman of Apex Tool Group (2010-2012).
Directorships of listed companies in the past five years:   Former  – Director of Colfax Corporation (2011-2015).
Other : Director of Perdue Farms (since 2015); resident of the United States.
Last elected : August 2017
Term expires : August 2020



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Rudolf van der Meer M.Ch.Eng
Age 73
G274409G27I01.JPG
Rudy van der Meer was appointed as an independent non-executive director of James Hardie in February 2007. He is Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee.
Experience : Mr van der Meer is an experienced former executive, with considerable knowledge of international business and the building and construction sector. During his 32-year association with Akzo Nobel N.V., he held a number of senior positions including CEO of Coatings (2000-2005), CEO of Chemicals (1993-2000), and member of the five person Executive Board (1993-2005).
Directorships of listed companies in the past five years:   Current  – Director of LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (since 2010). Former  – Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Royal Imtech N.V. (2005-2013).
Other : Former Chairman of the Supervisory Board of VGZ Health Insurance (2011-2017); resident of the Netherlands.
Last elected : August 2017
Term expires : August 2020




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Remuneration Report
This Remuneration Report describes the executive remuneration philosophy, programs and objectives of the Remuneration Committee and the Board of Directors (the “Board”), as well as the executive remuneration plans and programs implemented by James Hardie.
We are not required to produce a remuneration report under applicable Irish, Australian or US rules or regulations. However, taking into consideration our significant Australian and US shareholder bases and our primary listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”), we have voluntarily produced a remuneration report consistent with those provided by similarly situated companies for non-binding shareholder approval since 2005.
This Remuneration Report outlines the key remuneration plans and programs and share ownership information for our Board of Directors and certain of our senior executive officers (CEO, CFO and the other three highest paid executive officers based on total compensation that was earned or accrued for fiscal year 2018) (“Senior Executive Officers”) in fiscal year 2018, and also includes an outline of the key changes for fiscal year 2019. Further details of these changes are set out in the 2018 Notice of Annual General Meeting (“AGM”).
We first provide a summary of our business performance and the key remuneration considerations and decisions made in fiscal year 2018. We then describe in detail our remuneration philosophy, the individual elements of our remuneration program and the linkage between our remuneration programs and our pay-for-performance philosophy. For fiscal year 2018, our Senior Executive Officers are:
Louis Gries, CEO;
Matthew Marsh, CFO and Executive Vice President - Corporate;
Sean Gadd, Executive Vice President - Markets and Segments;
Jack Truong, President - International Operations; and
Zean Nielsen, Executive Vice President - Sales.
This Remuneration Report has been adopted by our Board on the recommendation of the Remuneration Committee.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Fiscal Year 2018 Business Highlights 1  

We delivered solid financial performance in fiscal year 2018, highlighted by adjusted net operating profit of US$291.3 million and adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (“EBIT”) of US$397.5 million, an increase of 17% and 12%, respectively, compared to the prior corresponding period. In addition, we achieved net sales of US$2.05 billion, an increase of 7% compared to the prior corresponding period, and US$0.66 adjusted diluted earnings per share.





____________
1
Please see the “Glossary of Abbreviations and Definitions” in Section 4 of this Annual Report for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures used in this Remuneration Report to the most directly comparable US GAAP financial measure.



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The following graphs show our performance for key financial measures during fiscal year 2018, with a comparison to prior corresponding periods:

REMREPORTBUSINESSHIGHLIGHTS.JPG
Fiscal Year 2018 Compensation Highlights

Our fiscal year 2018 compensation continued to reflect and promote our pay-for-performance philosophy and our stated goal to position Senior Executive Officer fixed base salary and benefits at the median and total target direct remuneration (comprising fixed and target variable remuneration) at the 75th percentile of our Peer Group (defined herein), if stretch short- and long-term target performance goals are met. During May 2017, the Board, with the assistance of the Remuneration Committee and its independent remuneration advisers, undertook its annual review of our existing remuneration policies, programs and arrangements and determined the following for fiscal year 2018 pay programs:
There were no changes to Mr Gries’ fixed or variable compensation. Mr Gries’ base salary, target short-term incentive (“STI”), and target long-term incentive (“LTI”) remained the same in fiscal year 2018 as they were for fiscal year 2017.
A base salary increase for Mr Marsh was made to continue to align his compensation package with our CEO succession plan and our need to retain key senior executives through the eventual CEO transition process.
Base salary and LTI target increases for Mr Gadd were made to properly align his overall compensation package with the increase in role scope and accountability that occurred for Mr Gadd during fiscal year 2017.     
No changes were made to the operation or components of the company performance plan (“CP Plan”) or individual performance plan (“IP Plan”) for our annual STI program for fiscal year 2018 other than to establish new targets which align with our strategic initiatives as we do every year. A complete description of the performance hurdles applicable for fiscal year 2018 for the CP Plan is set out in the section titled “Incentive Arrangements” later in this Remuneration Report.




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After careful consideration of strategic priorities, as well as investor feedback and LTI Plan design alternatives, the Remuneration Committee made the following changes to the design of the LTI Plan for fiscal year 2018:
(i)
shifted the allocation of LTI target amongst the three components of the LTI plan as follows, to strike a better balance of strategic and operational performance with financial and share price performance metrics:
LTI Component
FY2017
FY2018
ROCE RSUs
40%
25%
Relative TSR RSUs
30%
25%
Scorecard LTI
30%
50%
(ii)
increased the Return on Capital Employed ("ROCE") Restricted Stock Unit ("RSU") performance hurdles; and
(iii)
eliminated the re-testing feature from the Relative Total Shareholder Return ("TSR") RSU awards.
A complete description of the LTI program, including the applicable performance hurdles is set out in the section titled “Incentive Arrangements” later in this Remuneration Report.
During fiscal year 2018, we also continued to make significant investment in our people and organizational capability, including expanding our already strong Global Management Team ("GMT"). In April 2017, Jack Truong joined us as President of our International Operations, bringing with him over 30 years of business experience from his previous senior leadership roles at Electrolux and 3M Company. Further, in August 2017, Zean Nielsen joined us as our Executive Vice President of Sales, bringing with him over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing from his time with Bang and Olufsen and Tesla Motors.
Finally, the Remuneration Committee carefully considered the CEO transition process in fiscal year 2018 and the need to retain our experienced management team through our eventual CEO transition process. As a result of this consideration, the Remuneration Committee determined to issue special one-time retention grants, which contain both performance and service vesting components, to Messrs Marsh, Gadd, Truong and Nielsen. The terms applicable to these special grants are discussed in detail below and such grants are not expected to recur in the future.
Fiscal Year 2018 Total Target Compensation
Remuneration packages for Senior Executive Officers reflect our remuneration philosophy and comprise a mixture of fixed base salary and benefits and variable performance-based incentives. The Remuneration Committee seeks to appropriately balance fixed and variable remuneration in order to align our total compensation structure with our pay-for-performance philosophy. The following chart summarizes total target compensation awarded to each Senior Executive Officer in fiscal year 2018:




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Summary of Fiscal Year 2018 Senior Executive Officer Target Compensation
Senior Executive Officer
FY2018 Annual Base Salary (US$)
 
FY2018 STI Target Value (US$)
 
FY2018 LTI Target Value (US$)
 
FY2018 Total Target Compensation (US$)
L Gries
950,000

 
1,187,500

 
4,000,000

 
6,137,500

M Marsh
600,000

 
420,000

 
1,200,000

 
2,220,000

S Gadd
500,000

 
300,000

 
800,000

 
1,600,000

J Truong
600,000

 
420,000

 
1,000,000

 
2,020,000

Z Nielsen
500,000

 
300,000

 
1,000,000

 
1,800,000


Results of 2017 Remuneration Report Vote
In August 2017, our shareholders were asked to cast a non-binding advisory vote on our remuneration report for the fiscal year ended 31 March 2017. Although we are not required under applicable Irish, Australian or US laws or regulations to provide a shareholder vote on our executive remuneration practices, the Board believes that it is important to engage shareholders on this important issue and we have voluntarily submitted our remuneration report for non-binding shareholder approval on an annual basis since 2005 and currently intend to continue to do so.
At our 2017 Annual General Meeting, our shareholders approved our remuneration report, with just over 83.2% of the votes cast in support of our remuneration program. The Remuneration Committee considered the results of this advisory vote, together with investor feedback and other factors and data associated with strategic priorities discussed in this Remuneration Report, in determining our executive remuneration policies, objectives and decisions and related shareholder engagement efforts for fiscal year 2018.
APPROACH TO SENIOR EXECUTIVE REMUNERATION
Remuneration Philosophy
As our main business and all of our Senior Executive Officers are located in the US, our remuneration philosophy is to provide our Senior Executive Officers with an overall package that is competitive with Peer Group companies (defined herein) exposed to the US housing market. Within this philosophy, the executive remuneration framework emphasizes operational excellence and shareholder value creation through incentives which link executive remuneration with the interests of shareholders. Our remuneration plans and programs are structured to enable us to: (i) attract and retain talented executives; (ii) reward outstanding individual and corporate performance; and (iii) align the interests of our executives to the interests of our shareholders, with the ultimate goal of improving long-term value for our shareholders. This pay-for-performance system continues to serve as the framework for executive remuneration, aligning the remuneration received with the performance achieved.
Composition of Remuneration Packages
In line with our remuneration philosophy, our goal is to position Senior Executive Officer fixed base salary and benefits at the median and total target direct remuneration (comprising fixed and target variable remuneration) at the 75th percentile of our Peer Group, if stretch short and long-term target performance goals are met. Performance goals for target variable performance-based incentive remuneration are set with the expectation that we will deliver results in the top quartile of our Peer Group. Performance below this level will result in variable remuneration payments below target (and potentially zero for poor performance). Performance above this level will result in variable remuneration payments above target.



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Relative Weightings of Fixed and Variable Remuneration
The charts below detail the relative weightings of fixed versus variable remuneration for the CEO and other Senior Executive Officers for fiscal years 2018 and 2017. Fixed remuneration includes base salary and other fixed benefits. Variable remuneration is comprised of STI awards and the following three LTI components: (i) Relative TSR RSUs; (ii) ROCE RSUs; and (iii) Scorecard LTI, each of which are discussed in more detail in this Remuneration Report. STI awards include amounts earned under the CP and IP plans for each fiscal year, paid in June of the following fiscal year, and LTI components are shown at total maximum grant value.

REMREPORTCEOGRAPHA02.JPG
REMREPORTOTHERSENIOREXECOFFI.JPG



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Setting Remuneration Packages
Remuneration decisions are based on the executive remuneration philosophy and framework described in this Remuneration Report. The Remuneration Committee reviews and the Board approves this framework each year.
Remuneration packages for Senior Executive Officers are evaluated each year to make sure that they continue to align with our compensation philosophy, are competitive with our Peer Group and developments in the market, and continue to support our business structure and objectives. In making decisions regarding individual Senior Executive Officers, the Remuneration Committee takes into account both the results of an annual remuneration positioning review provided by the Remuneration Committee’s independent advisers and the Senior Executive Officer’s responsibilities and performance.

All aspects of the remuneration package for our CEO and CFO are determined by the Remuneration Committee and ratified by the Board. All aspects of the remuneration package for the remaining Senior Executive Officers are determined by the Remuneration Committee on the recommendation of the CEO.

Remuneration Committee Governance
The remuneration program for our Senior Executive Officers is overseen by our Remuneration Committee, the members of which are appointed by the Board. As prescribed by the Remuneration Committee Charter, the duties of the Remuneration Committee include, among other things: (i) administering and making recommendations on our incentive compensation and equity-based remuneration plans; (ii) reviewing the remuneration of directors; (iii) reviewing the remuneration framework for the Company; and (iv) making recommendations to the Board on our recruitment, retention and termination policies and procedures for senior management. The current members of the Remuneration Committee are Steven Simms (Chairman), Brian Anderson, Russell Chenu, Michael Hammes and Alison Littley, all of whom are independent non-executive directors. A more complete description of these and other Remuneration Committee functions is contained in the Remuneration Committee’s Charter, a copy of which is available in the Corporate Governance section of the Investor Relations page on our website ( www.ir.jameshardie.com.au ).



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Summary of Executive Compensation Practices
The following table summarizes certain of the key governance practices employed by the Remuneration Committee relative to our executive compensation practices, including those practices which we believe are important drivers of both short- and long-term corporate performance and those practices which we believe are not aligned with the long-term interests of our shareholders:
Compensation Practices We Employ
Compensation Practices We Avoid
ü
Retain independent compensation advisers reporting directly to the Remuneration Committee
û
Prohibition on hedging of stock held by executives and directors
ü
Pay for performance model, with approximately 85% of our CEO’s total target compensation being performance-based “at risk” compensation and an average of approximately 71% total target compensation being performance-based “at risk” compensation for our other Senior Executive Officers
û
Limited employment agreements and severance arrangements

ü
Circuit breaker on annual STI awards to ensure that no annual incentive awards are paid unless minimum US growth and corporate performance levels are achieved

û
Limited change-in-control benefits
ü
Set robust share ownership requirements for all directors and Senior Executive Officers
û
No dividends paid on unvested equity awards
ü
Broad clawback policy on performance-based compensation
û
Limited perquisites and other benefits
ü
Set performance-based vesting conditions for all equity grants to Senior Executive Officers
û
No annual time-based LTI equity grants to Senior Executive Officers
ü
Provide the Remuneration Committee with ability to exercise “negative” discretion when determining the vesting and payout of our LTI programs
û
No excessive retirement or deferred compensation arrangements
Remuneration Advisers
As permitted by the Remuneration Committee Charter, the Remuneration Committee retained Aon Hewitt (in the US) and Guerdon Associates (in Australia) as its independent advisers for matters regarding remuneration for fiscal year 2018. The Remuneration Committee reviews the appointment of its advisers each year. Both Aon Hewitt and Guerdon Associates provided the Remuneration Committee with written certification during fiscal year 2018 to support their re-appointment. In those certifications, the advisers: (i) confirmed that their pay recommendations were made without undue influence from any member of our management; and (ii) provided detailed responses to the six independence factors a Remuneration Committee should consider under relevant NYSE rules, and confirmed their independence based on these factors.
The Remuneration Committee reviewed these certifications before re-appointing each adviser for fiscal year 2019.
Benchmarking Analysis
To assist the Remuneration Committee in making remuneration decisions, the Remuneration Committee evaluates the remuneration of our Senior Executive Officers against a designated set of companies (the “Peer Group”). The Peer Group, which is reviewed by the Remuneration Committee on an annual basis, consists of companies that are similar to us in terms of certain factors, including size, industry, and exposure to the US housing market. For fiscal year 2018, the Peer Group remained unchanged from fiscal year 2017 with the exception of the removal of Headwaters, Inc, which was acquired by Boral Limited. The Remuneration



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Committee believes that US market focused companies are a more appropriate peer group than ASX-listed companies, as they are exposed to the same macroeconomic factors in the US housing market as those we face. The names of the 23 companies comprising the Peer Group are set forth below.
Acuity Brands, Inc
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc
American Woodmark Corp
Masco Corporation
Trex Co., Inc
Apogee Enterprises, Inc
Mohawk Industries, Inc
USG Corp
Armstrong World Industries, Inc
Mueller Water Products, Inc
Valmont Industries, Inc
Eagle Materials, Inc
NCI Building Systems, Inc
Valspar Corporation
Fortune Brands Home & Security
Owens Corning
Vulcan Materials Co
Lennox International, Inc
Quanex Building Products Corp
Watsco, Inc
Louisiana-Pacific Corp
Sherwin Williams Co
 

The Peer Group was used to benchmark the remuneration of our Senior Executive Officers in fiscal year 2018.
Performance Linkage with Remuneration Policy
During its annual review, the Remuneration Committee assessed our performance in fiscal year 2018 against:
our historical performance;
our Peer Group;
the goals in our STI and LTI variable remuneration plans; and
the key objectives and measures the Board expects to see achieved, which are referred to as the “Scorecard” and further discussed later in this Remuneration Report.
Based on that review, the Board and the Remuneration Committee concluded that management’s performance in fiscal year 2018 was: (i) on the whole, below target on growth measures and slightly above target on earnings, resulting in STI variable remuneration outcomes being below target for fiscal year 2018; and (ii) when taken together with performance in fiscal years 2016 and 2017, at the 71st percentile of our Peer Group on TSR performance, above expectations on ROCE performance, and on average, at expectations on long-term strategic measures included in the Scorecard, resulting in LTI variable remuneration being above target for fiscal years 2016-2018.
More details about this assessment, including the percentage of the maximum variable remuneration awarded to or forfeited by Senior Executive Officers is set out on pages 39 through 48 of this Remuneration Report.
DESCRIPTION OF 2018 REMUNERATION ELEMENTS
Base Salaries and Other Fixed Remuneration Benefits
Base salary provides a guaranteed level of income that recognizes the market value of the position and internal equities between roles, as well as the individual’s capability, experience and performance. Annual base salary increases are not automatic. Base salaries for Senior Executive Officers are positioned around the market median for positions of similar responsibility and are reviewed by the Remuneration Committee each year.
In addition, Senior Executive Officers may receive certain other limited fixed benefits, such as medical and life insurance benefits, car allowances, participation in executive wellness programs and an annual financial planning allowance. For fiscal year 2018, the base salary and value of other fixed benefits for each of our



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Senior Executive Officers are provided in the Base Pay and Other Benefits columns of the remuneration table in the section titled “Remuneration Paid to Senior Executive Officers”.
Retirement Plan
In every country in which we operate, we offer employees access to pension, superannuation or individual retirement savings plans consistent with the laws of the respective country.
In the US, we sponsor a defined contribution plan, the James Hardie Retirement and Profit Sharing Plan (the “401(k) Plan”). The 401(k) Plan is a tax-qualified retirement and savings plan covering all US employees, including our Senior Executive Officers, subject to certain eligibility requirements. Participating employees were able to elect to reduce their current annual compensation by up to US$18,000 in calendar year 2017 and have the amount of such reduction contributed to the 401(k) Plan, with a maximum eligible compensation limit of US$270,000. In addition, we match employee contributions dollar for dollar up to a maximum of the first 6% of an employee’s eligible compensation.
Incentive Arrangements
In addition to the base salary and other fixed benefits provided to our Senior Executive Officers, the Remuneration Committee reviews and approves a combination of both short-term and long-term variable incentive programs on an annual basis. For fiscal year 2018, our variable incentive plans for Senior Executive Officers were as follows:
Duration
Plan Name
Amount
Form Incentive Paid
STI (1 year)
IP Plan
20% of STI Target
Cash
 
CP Plan
80% of STI Target
Cash
LTI (3 years)
Long Term Incentive Plan 2006 (“LTIP”)
25% of LTI Target
ROCE RSUs
 
 
25% of LTI Target
TSR RSUs
 
 
50% of LTI Target
Cash (Scorecard LTI)
STI Plans
On an annual basis, the Remuneration Committee approves an STI target for all Senior Executive Officers, expressed as a percentage of base salary, which is allocated between individual goals and Company goals under the IP and CP Plans, respectively. For fiscal year 2018, the STI target percentage for Mr Gries was 125% of base salary, 70% of base salary for Messrs Marsh and Truong, and 60% of base salary for Messrs Gadd and Nielsen, with 80% allocated to the CP Plan and 20% allocated to the IP Plan for all Senior Executive Officers.
Since fiscal year 2014, the Remuneration Committee has applied a ‘circuit breaker’ to the STI plans, which for Senior Executive Officers will prevent payment of any STI under the CP and IP Plans unless our performance exceeds a level approved by the Remuneration Committee each year. For fiscal year 2018, the ‘circuit breaker’ was set at 60% of our fiscal year 2018 plan Adjusted EBIT (indexed to housing starts) less any impairment costs the Remuneration Committee determines should be disregarded.
CP Plan
The CP Plan is based on a series of payout matrices for the US and Asia Pacific businesses, which provide a range of possible payouts depending on our performance against hurdles which assess volume growth



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relative to, and above, market (“Growth Measure”), earnings (“Return Measure”), and for the US business, performance of the interiors business and performance against certain “wood-look” competitors. Each Senior Executive Officer can receive between 0% and 300% of their STI target allocated to the CP Plan based on the results of the payout multiple the Senior Executive Officer is tied to. All Senior Executive Officers are tied to either the US multiple (Messrs Gadd and Nielsen) or a composite multiple derived from the metrics for the US and Asia Pacific businesses combined (80% US and 20% Asia Pacific for Messrs Gries and Marsh; 30% US and 70% Asia Pacific for Mr Truong).
Payout Matrices
We use both performance measures (Growth Measure and Return Measure) in the payout matrices for our US and Asia Pacific businesses in order to ensure that as management increases its top line market growth focus, it does not do so at the expense of short- to medium-term earnings. Management is encouraged to balance market growth and earnings returns since achievement of a higher reward requires management to generate both strong earnings and growth relative to and above market. Higher returns on one measure at the expense of the other measure may result in a lower reward or no reward at all.
To ensure that the payout matrices represent genuinely challenging targets aligned with our executive remuneration philosophy, the Growth Measure is indexed to take into account changes in new housing starts in both the US and Asia Pacific and the US repair and remodel market, while the Return Measure is indexed to take into account changes in pulp prices. The targets for the Return Measure exclude costs related to legacy issues. The Remuneration Committee has reserved for itself discretion to change the STI paid. Examples of instances when the Remuneration Committee would consider exercising this discretion include external factors outside of management’s control, and for the US CP Plan only, if the general shift toward smaller homes at each segment of the US market is considered sufficiently material. The Remuneration Committee will disclose the reasons for any such exercise of its discretion.
The Remuneration Committee believes that the payout matrices are appropriate because they provide management with an incentive to achieve overall corporate goals, balance growth with returns in our primary markets, recognize the need to flexibly respond to strategic opportunities, incorporate indexing relative to market growth to account for factors beyond management’s control, and incorporate Remuneration Committee discretion to ensure appropriate outcomes. Payouts under the US matrix may range from 0% to 200% of target, while payouts under the Asia Pacific matrix may range from 0 to 300% of target.
We do not disclose the volume Growth Measure and earnings Return Measure targets for our US or Asia Pacific businesses since these are commercial-in-confidence. However, achieving a target payment for the Return Measure under either the US or Asia Pacific payout matrix for fiscal year 2018 would have required performance equal to the average of performance for the previous three years and the fiscal year 2018 plan. Achieving a target payout for the Growth Measure requires growth substantially above market growth.

Additional US Performance Metrics

In order to align and focus management’s performance on initiatives that are key to the success of the US business, the US payout multiple for fiscal year 2018 is determined by performance against the matrix multiple (Growth and Return Measures for 70% of STI opportunity), the interiors product business multiple (for 10% of STI opportunity), and the “Wood-look” multiple (for 20% of STI opportunity). The overarching formula for the US payout multiple is:
 
REMMULTIPLEUSEA02.JPG




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Each payout factor (Matrix Factor, Interiors Factor, and “Wood-look” Factor) is capped as follows to properly balance management’s focus across volume growth, returns and key initiatives:
Matrix Factor = capped at 2.0x
Matrix Factor plus Interiors Factor = capped at 2.3x
“Wood-look” Factor = capped at 1.25x

The Interiors Multiple is measured as a function of the revenue growth of our interiors business in fiscal year 2018. The “Wood-look” Multiple is measured as our growth against key “wood-look” competition.

We do not disclose the interiors volume growth or “wood-look” targets since these are commercial-in-confidence. However, achieving a target payment for fiscal year 2018 requires interior volume performance above fiscal year 2017 interiors volume and substantial growth against key “wood-look” competition.

IP Plan

Under the IP Plan, the Remuneration Committee approves a series of one-year individual performance goals which, along with goals on our core organizational values, are used to assess the performance of our Senior Executive Officers. The IP Plan links financial rewards to the Senior Executive Officer’s achievement of specific objectives that have benefited us and contributed to shareholder value, but are not captured directly by financial measures in the CP Plan. Each Senior Executive Officer can receive between 0% and 150% of their STI target allocated to the IP Plan based on achievement of individual performance and core organizational values goals.
STI Plan Performance for Fiscal Year 2018

Our CP Plan results and the subsequent STI payouts for fiscal year 2018 were, on the whole, below target as a result of:
the US business performing above target on the Return Measure in the first half of the fiscal year;
the US business performing below target on the Growth Measure primarily due to the impact of capacity constraints on demand;
the US business performing below target on the Interiors Factor and “Wood-look” Factor;
Asia Pacific performing above target on the Growth Measure; and
Asia Pacific performing above target on the Return Measure due to higher returns in Australia, partially offset by below target returns in New Zealand and the Philippines.

In regards to the IP Plan, the Senior Executive Officers’ performance and the subsequent STI payouts for fiscal year 2018 were at or above target based on each Senior Executive Officer’s achievement of fiscal year 2018 one-year individual performance and core organizational values goals.

For fiscal year 2018, the amount to be paid to each of our Senior Executive Officers under the STI Plans is provided in the STI Award column of the remuneration table, in the section titled “Remuneration Paid to Senior Executive Officers” . In regards to Mr Nielsen, he received an at-target level bonus, as provided in his terms of employmen t.




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The percentage of the maximum STI Variable Remuneration awarded to or forfeited by each Senior Executive Officer for (individual and company) performance in fiscal year 2018 compared to fiscal year 2017 was:

 
 
STI Award 1
 
 
Awarded %

Forfeited %

L Gries
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2018
28

72

 
Fiscal Year 2017
33

67

M Marsh
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2018
28

72

 
Fiscal Year 2017
35

65

S Gadd
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2018
16

84

 
Fiscal Year 2017
34

66

J Truong
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2018
63

37

 
Fiscal Year 2017


Z Nielsen
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2018 2
37

63

 
Fiscal Year 2017



____________
1
Awarded = % of STI Award maximum actually paid. Forfeited = % of STI Award maximum foregone. STI Award amounts are paid in cash under the CP and IP Plans.
2    Amount shown for Mr Nielsen is a target-level STI bonus for fiscal year 2018 as provided for in his terms of employment.

In addition to his annual bonus under the STI Plan, Mr Gadd also received a one-time cash allotment of US$150,000 to recognize additional oversight responsibilities undertaken during fiscal year 2018 in the areas of sales and research and development.

LTI Plans
Each year, the Remuneration Committee approves an LTI target for all Senior Executive Officers. The approved target is allocated between three separate components to ensure that each Senior Executive Officer’s performance is assessed across factors considered important for sustainable long-term value creation:
ROCE RSUs are used as they are an indicator of high capital efficiency required over time;
Relative TSR RSUs are used as they are an indicator of our performance relative to our US peer companies; and
Scorecard LTI is an indicator of each Senior Executive Officer’s contribution to achieving our long-term strategic goals.



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Awards issued under the LTI Plans are issued pursuant to the terms of the LTIP. During fiscal year 2018, our Senior Executive Officers were granted the following awards under the LTIP:

 
ROCE RSUs

TSR RSUs

Scorecard LTI Units

L Gries
136,441

246,902

409,323

M Marsh
40,932

74,071

122,797

S Gadd
27,288

49,380

81,865

J Truong
34,110

61,726

102,331

Z Nielsen
34,110

61,726

102,331


RSUs issued under our LTI programs will be settled upon vesting in CHESS Units of Foreign Securities ("CUFS") on a 1-to-1 basis. Unless the context indicates otherwise, when we refer to our common stock, we are referring to the shares of our common stock that are represented by CUFS.
ROCE RSUs (25% of target LTI)
The Remuneration Committee introduced ROCE RSUs in fiscal year 2013 because the US housing market had stabilized to an extent which permitted the setting of multi-year financial metrics. The Remuneration Committee believes ROCE RSUs remain an appropriate component of the LTI Plan because they:
tie the reward’s value to share price which provides alignment with shareholder interests;
promote that we earn appropriate returns on capital invested;
reward performance that is under management’s direct influence and control; and
focus management on capital efficiency as the necessary precondition for the creation of additional shareholder value.
Consistent with fiscal years 2013 through 2017, the maximum payout for the ROCE RSUs is 200% of target LTI. ROCE is determined by dividing Adjusted EBIT by Adjusted Capital Employed 2 . The ROCE hurdles will be indexed for changes to US and Asia Pacific addressable housing starts. The resulting Adjusted Capital Employed for each quarter of any fiscal year will be averaged to better reflect Capital Employed through a year rather than at a certain point in time.
ROCE hurdles for the ROCE RSUs are based on historical results and take into account the recovering US housing market and better optimization of our manufacturing plants. The three-year average ROCE for fiscal years 2015, 2016 and 2017 was 29.9%.


____________
2      For purposes of ROCE RSU vesting, “Adjusted EBIT” and “Adjusted Capital Employed” will be calculated as follows:
“Adjusted EBIT” will be calculated as (i) EBIT as reported in our financial results; adjusted by (ii) excluding the earnings impact of legacy issues (such as asbestos adjustments); and (iii) adding back asset impairment charges in the relevant period, unless otherwise determined by the Remuneration Committee.
“Adjusted Capital Employed” will be calculated as Total Assets minus Current Liabilities as reported in our financial results; adjusted by: (i) excluding balance sheet items related to legacy issues (such as asbestos adjustments), dividends payable and deferred taxes; (ii) adding back asset impairment charges in the relevant period, unless otherwise determined by the Remuneration Committee; (iii) adding back leasehold assets for manufacturing facilities and other material leased assets; and (iv) deducting all greenfield construction-in-progress, and any brownfield construction-in-progress projects involving capacity expansion that are individually greater than US$20 million, until such assets reach commercial production and are transferred to the fixed asset register.



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The hurdles for ROCE RSUs granted in fiscal year 2018 (for performance in fiscal years 2018 to 2020) were changed from those granted in fiscal year 2017 as follows:
Fiscal Years 2017-2019 ROCE
Fiscal Years 2018-2020 ROCE
% of ROCE RSUs Granted to Vest

< 24.0%
< 25.0%
0
%
≥ 24.0%, but < 26.0%
≥ 25.0%, but < 27.0%
25
%
≥ 26.0%, but < 28.5%
≥ 27.0%, but < 29.5%
50
%
≥ 28.5%, but < 29.5%
≥ 29.5%, but < 30.5%
75
%
≥ 29.5%
≥ 30.5%
100
%
At the conclusion of this three-year performance period, the Remuneration Committee will review management’s performance based on the quality of the returns balanced against management’s delivery of market share growth and performance against the Scorecard. Following this review, the Remuneration Committee can exercise negative discretion to reduce the number of shares received on vesting of the ROCE RSUs. This discretion can only be applied to reduce the number of shares which will vest.
ROCE RSUs Vesting in Fiscal Year 2018 (For Fiscal Years 2015-2017)
As a component of the fiscal year 2015 LTI Plan, we granted ROCE RSUs in September 2014. The ROCE RSUs comprised 40% of each Senior Executive Officer’s LTI target and were granted assuming maximum performance (200% of target). Vesting of the ROCE RSUs is dependent on the average ROCE performance for fiscal years 2015-2017 and is subject to the Remuneration Committee’s negative discretion based on its judgment regarding the quality of returns balanced against management’s delivery of market share growth. The ROCE performance hurdles for this grant were approved as follows:
ROCE Performance Level
% of ROCE RSUs Granted to Vest

< 22.0%
0
%
≥ 22.0%, but < 24.5%
25
%
≥ 24.5%, but < 27.0%
50
%
≥ 27.0%, but < 28.5%
75
%
≥ 28.5%
100
%
Based solely on the average ROCE result for fiscal years 2015-2017 of 29.9%, 100% of the ROCE RSUs granted (or 200% of target) would have vested. However, based on the Remuneration Committee’s assessment of the quality of returns balanced against management’s delivery of market share growth, the Remuneration Committee determined that it would apply negative discretion in the amount of 40%. As such, 60% (or 120% of target) of the outstanding fiscal year 2015 ROCE RSUs vested on 18 September 2017. Unvested ROCE RSUs from this grant were forfeited.










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ROCE RSUs Vesting for Fiscal Years 2016 - 2018
As a component of the fiscal year 2016 LTI Plan, we granted ROCE RSUs in September 2015. The ROCE RSUs comprised 40% of each Senior Executive Officer’s LTI target and were granted assuming maximum performance (200% of target). Vesting of the ROCE RSUs is dependent on the average ROCE performance for fiscal years 2016-2018 and is subject to the Remuneration Committee’s negative discretion based on its judgment regarding the quality of returns balanced against management’s delivery of market share growth. The ROCE performance hurdles for this grant were approved as follows:
ROCE Performance Level
% of ROCE RSUs Granted to Vest

< 23.0%
0
%
≥ 23.0%, but < 25.0%
25
%
≥ 25.0%, but < 27.5%
50
%
≥ 27.5%, but < 28.5%
75
%
≥ 28.5%
100
%
Based solely on the average ROCE result for fiscal years 2016-2018 of 31.0%, 100% of the ROCE RSUs granted (or 200% of target) would have vested. However, based on the Remuneration Committee’s assessment of the quality of returns balanced against management’s delivery of market share growth, the Remuneration Committee determined that it would apply negative discretion in the amount of 30%. As such, 70% (or 140% of target) of the outstanding fiscal year 2016 ROCE RSUs will vest on 16 September 2018. Unvested ROCE RSUs from this grant will be forfeited.
Relative TSR RSUs (25% of target LTI)
The Remuneration Committee believes that Relative TSR RSUs continue to be an appropriate component of the LTI Plan because they provide alignment with shareholders. Even if macro-economic conditions create substantial shareholder value, Senior Executive Officers will only receive payouts if the TSR of our shares exceeds a specified percentage of our Peer Group over a performance period.
We have used Relative TSR RSUs in our LTI Plan since fiscal year 2009. Consistent with fiscal years 2013 through 2017, the maximum payout for Relative TSR RSUs granted in fiscal year 2018 is 200% of target LTI.



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Relative TSR measures changes in our share price and the share prices of our Peer Group; and assumes all dividends and capital returns are reinvested when paid. For fiscal year 2018, our relative TSR performance will be measured against the Peer Group over a three year period from grant date, with no re-testing. To eliminate the impact of short-term share price changes, the starting point and test date are measured using a 20 trading-day average closing price. Relative TSR RSUs will vest based on the following straight-line schedule:
Performance against Peer Group
% of Relative TSR RSUs Granted to Vest

< 40 th  Percentile
0
%
40 th  Percentile
25
%
> 40 th , but < 60 th  Percentile
Sliding Scale

60 th  Percentile
50
%
> 60 th , but < 80 th  Percentile
Sliding Scale

≥ 80 th  Percentile
100
%
No re-testing of fiscal year 2018 relative TSR RSUs is permitted.
The Remuneration Committee will continue to monitor the design of the Relative TSR RSU component of the LTI Plan for Senior Executive Officers with the aim of balancing investor preferences with the ability to motivate and retain Senior Executive Officers.
TSR RSUs Vesting in Fiscal Year 2018
As part of the fiscal year 2015 LTI Plan, in September 2014 we granted four and a half year Relative TSR RSUs to senior executives. Vesting of these Relative TSR RSUs was dependent on our TSR performance relative to the peer group in place at that time, based on the following schedule:
Performance against Peer Group
% of Relative TSR RSUs Granted to Vest

< 40 th  Percentile
0
%
40 th  Percentile
25
%
> 40 th , but < 60 th  Percentile
Sliding Scale

60 th  Percentile
50
%
> 60 th , but < 80 th Percentile
Sliding Scale

≥ 80 th  Percentile
100
%
In September 2017, the first test of relative TSR performance was completed, resulting in our TSR performance at the 50th percentile of the peer group in place at the time. As a result, 37.5% of the outstanding Relative TSR RSUs (or 75% of target) vested.



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Scorecard LTI (50% of target LTI)
Scorecard LTI have been a component of our LTI Plan since fiscal year 2010. Each year, the Remuneration Committee approves a number of key management objectives and the measures it expects to see achieved in relation to these objectives. These objectives are incorporated into that year’s grant of Scorecard LTI. At the end of the three-year performance period, the Remuneration Committee assesses our Senior Executive Officers’ collective performance on each key objective and each individual Senior Executive Officer’s contribution to those achievements (with scores between 0 and 100) and the Board reviews this assessment. Senior Executive Officers may receive different ratings depending on the contribution they have made during the three-year performance period. Although most of the objectives in the Scorecard have quantitative targets, we consider some of the targets to be commercial-in-confidence. Consistent from fiscal year 2010, the maximum payout for Scorecard LTI is 300% of target LTI.
The Remuneration Committee believes that the Scorecard LTI continues to be an appropriate component of its LTI Plan because it:
allows the Remuneration Committee to set targets for and reward executives on a balance of longer-term financial, strategic, business, customer and organizational development goals which it believes are important contributors to long-term creation of shareholder value;
ties the reward’s value to our share price over the medium-term; and
allows flexibility to apply rewards across different countries, while providing Senior Executive Officers with liquidity to pay tax or other material commitments at a time that coincides with vesting of shares (via the other components of the LTI Plan) as payment is in cash.
No specific weighting is applied to any single objective and the final Scorecard assessment reflects an element of judgment by the Board. The Board may only exercise negative discretion (i.e., to reduce the amount of Scorecard LTI that will ultimately vest). It cannot enhance the maximum reward that can be received.
The amount received by Senior Executive Officers is based on both our share price performance over the three years from the grant date and the Senior Executive Officer’s Scorecard rating. At the start of the three-year performance period, we calculate the number of shares each Senior Executive Officer could have acquired if they received a maximum payout on the Scorecard LTI at that time (based on a 20 trading-day average closing price). Depending on the Senior Executive Officer’s rating (between 0 and 100), between 0% and 100% of the Senior Executive Officer’s Scorecard LTI awards will vest at the end of the three-year performance period. Each Senior Executive Officer will receive a cash payment based on our share price at the end of the period (based on a 20 trading-day average closing price) multiplied by the number of shares they could have acquired at the start of the performance period, adjusted downward in accordance with their Scorecard rating.
Further details related to the Scorecard for fiscal year 2018, including the method of measurement, historical performance against the proposed measures and the Board of Director’s expectations, were previously set out in our Remuneration Report for fiscal year 2017. An assessment of our Scorecard performance for fiscal years 2016-2018 is set out below. We will provide an explanation of the final assessment of performance under the Scorecard for fiscal years 2018-2020 at the conclusion of fiscal year 2020.



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Scorecard LTI for Fiscal Years 2016-2018
After fiscal year 2018, the Remuneration Committee reviewed our performance over fiscal years 2016-2018 against the Scorecard objectives set forth in fiscal year 2016, and the contribution of individual Senior Executive Officers towards the achievement of such objectives. As a result of this evaluation, the Remuneration Committee determined that Senior Executive Officers would receive a weighted average Scorecard rating of 34% (with a range of 33% to 36%) out of a possible 100%.
Performance Measure/Rationale
Performance Metric/Results
Board Assessment for the Three-year Period
Grow exterior cladding market share and maintain category share in the US business
A key strategy for the Company is to maximize its market share growth/retention of the exterior cladding market for new housing starts and for repair & remodel markets.
Goal : Primary Demand Growth ("PDG") above market. Outperformance against ‘wood-look’ competition.
    
Result : PDG performance below the Board requirement. Growth above key competition, but a decrease in exterior cladding market share.
Performance below expectations
Build US organizational and leadership capability in support of the 35/90 growth target
The amount of growth that 35/90 entails requires lower turnover levels and an increase in management depth and organizational capability.
Goal:  Continued focus on turnover, succession planning, engagement initiatives and programs to build organizational capability demonstrated by greater bench strength of high performing managers.

Result : Slight increase in total turnover over the three year period, however improvement in the critical areas of leadership development and advancing organizational capability.
Performance met expectations
Manufacturing effectiveness and sourcing efficiency
The Company operates a national US network of manufacturing facilities.
Goal : Commercial-in-confidence metrics for product and process efficiency and material yield used to confirm manufacturing performance and progress as well as service levels are effectively supporting our product leadership strategy.

Result : Met PcI/PdI targets, though did not meet First Pass Quality targets during the three year period while focusing on starting-up and commissioning 4 new lines and 600 new manufacturing employees, resulting in a significantly expanded manufacturing network both in scale and capability.

Service surpassed the target in fiscal year 2016, but missed the last two years of the period primarily due to supply/capacity constraints during fiscal year 2017 and the first half of fiscal year 2018.

Performance met expectations
Safety
The safety of our employees is an essential objective of the Company.
Goal : 2.0 or below incident rate (“IR”) and 20.0 or below severity rate (“SR”).

Result: IR SR
FY2018 1.1 20.9
FY2017 1.4 20.5
FY2016 1.8 42.4

One fatality in FY18.
Performance below expectations
 
 
 



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Performance Measure/Rationale
Performance Metric/Results
Board Assessment for the Three-year Period
Maintain market position on core products in Australian and New Zealand markets and grow Scyon to greater proportion of Australian business
Value creating opportunity.
Goal : Grow category share on core Australian and New Zealand products, grow PDG in Australia and New Zealand, and achieve growth of Scyon as a percentage of the Australian business.

Result: Asia Pacific business has maintained and grown market position in Australia and New Zealand markets over the period driven by a new management focus on new products and segments, and a continued and substantial investment in management capability and marketing programs. Scyon grew as a percentage of the Australian business over the three-year period.
Performance exceeded expectations
Global start-up of capacity additions
Expansion to support expected growth over the next 20 years.
Goal : Completion of building construction, equipment installation and start up at identified sites.
 
Result : The Company expanded global nameplate capacity by ~20% during the three year period. The Company added four brownfield sheet machines in North America and a new sheet machine and new finishing lines in Carole Park over the three year period. The Company’s returns will significantly benefit from identification of brownfield capacity versus adding more expensive greenfield capacity.
Performance exceeded expectations
Strategic positioning
Developing sustainable growth beyond the Company’s traditional markets may create shareholder value through increased profits and diversification for lower risk.
Goal:  This measure is subjective and achievement can take many different forms, including developing new technologies, expanding into new product categories, or expanding geographically.

Result: Plans in place to move forward with additional product offerings which show great potential in terms of market acceptance and profitability. Additionally, the acquisition of Fermacell has repositioned our European business for greater growth and expansion.
Performance exceeded expectations
Customer experience
Necessary to support the Company’s 35/90 strategy.
Goal:  Demonstrated improvement in the customer experience based on measures set in fiscal years 2015 and 2016.

Result:  Customer experience initiatives met expectations. The Customer Experience team was disbanded and the initiatives distributed within operations. Operations has had success in continuing to execute on the customer experience strategy despite challenges associated with demand dampening.
Performance met expectations
 
 
 



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Performance Measure/Rationale
Performance Metric/Results
Board Assessment for the Three-year Period
Defend market share position against key wood-look competitors
Necessary to support the Company’s 35/90 strategy.
Goal: Outgrow key wood-look competitors in specific markets in the aggregate measured on a calendar year basis.

Result:  By the end of the three-year period, the Company’s performance was negatively impacted by our supply constraint.
Performance below expectations
Trim market strategy implementation
Developing sustainable growth beyond the Company’s traditional products.
Goal: Commercial-in-confidence targets will be reviewed to confirm progress is supporting the Company’s trim market strategy.

Result:  Performance for the three-year period is above the prior three-year period and continues to grow in key markets.
Performance met expectations
Fiscal Year 2018 Retention Grants subject to extra service criteria
In addition to the above-mentioned annual LTI grants, the Remuneration Committee also determined to issue a non-recurring retention award grant (the “Retention Grant Awards”) to each of Messrs Marsh, Truong, Gadd and Nielsen in fiscal year 2018. In determining to grant these special Retention Grant Awards, the Remuneration Committee carefully considered its desire to maintain a stable management team for the foreseeable future and enhance its co-dependency and cooperation as the Company prepares for its eventual CEO transition process. The number of Retention Grant Awards issued to each of Messrs Marsh, Truong, Gadd and Nielsen were identical to the award amounts and award types granted to such Senior Executive Officers under the LTI Plan for fiscal year 2018 and such Retention Grant Awards contain the same performance-vesting criteria; however, with additional service-vesting criteria. Specifically, at the end of the applicable three-year performance period, James Hardie will determine the amount and type of Retention Grant Awards available for vesting based on the established performance criteria and any Retention Grant Awards which are unavailable for vesting based on the performance criteria will be forfeited. Thereafter, one-third of such Retention Grant Awards will vest and be converted into shares of common stock or cash, as the case may be, and the remaining Retention Grant Awards will vest ratably on each of the fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date, subject to the applicable Senior Executive Officer’s continued employment with James Hardie.
Fiscal Year 2018 Retention Grants
 
ROCE RSUs

TSR RSUs

Scorecard LTI Units

M Marsh
40,932

74,071

122,797

S Gadd
27,288

49,380

81,865

J Truong
34,110

61,726

102,331

Z Nielsen
34,110

61,726

102,331




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CHANGES TO REMUNERATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Remuneration for Fiscal Year 2019
During May 2018, the Board, with the assistance of the Remuneration Committee and its independent remuneration advisers, undertook its annual review of our existing remuneration policies, programs and arrangements and determined to implement certain changes for fiscal year 2019.
CEO Compensation
For fiscal year 2019, there will be no changes to the CEO’s base salary, target STI or target LTI.
Other Senior Executive Officer Compensation
Base pay and target STI increases in fiscal year 2019 for other Senior Executive Officers are as follows:
 
Base Salary
Target STI
Name
Fiscal Year 2018 (US$)
Fiscal Year 2019 (US$)
Fiscal Year 2018 (US$)
Fiscal Year 2019 (US$)
M Marsh
600,000

630,000

70
%
75
%
S Gadd
500,000

525,000

60
%
No change

J Truong
600,000

630,000

70
%
75
%
Z Nielsen
500,000

525,000

60
%
No change

There are no changes to target LTI for the Senior Executive Officers for fiscal year 2019. Base salary increases for Messrs Marsh, Gadd, Truong and Nielsen were made in line with our annual compensation review guidelines and were adjusted as required to maintain positioning relative to market merit increase levels. The target STI increases for Messrs Marsh and Truong were made to continue to align compensation packages with our CEO succession plan and our need to retain key senior executives through the eventual CEO transition process.
STI Plans

Given the acquisition of Fermacell on 3 April 2018, the CP plan for fiscal year 2019 will include payout matrices for our European businesses based on revenue and returns, similar in nature to the US and Asia Pacific plans. Payouts under the European matrix may range from 0 to 300%.

The Remuneration Committee has also implemented a circuit breaker for the US business which will prevent any fiscal year 2019 CP bonus from being paid to participants tied to the US multiple if performance on the Growth Measure does not meet the minimum threshold set by the Remuneration Committee. In the event of a zero payout for the US multiple, the US multiple used in the calculation of any composite multiple will also be zero.

For fiscal year 2019, all Senior Executive Officers will continue to be tied to either the US multiple (Messrs Gadd and Nielsen) or a composite multiple derived from the metrics for the US, Asia Pacific and European businesses combined (75% US, 15% Asia Pacific and 10% European for Messrs Gries and Marsh; 30% US, 40% Asia Pacific and 30% European for Mr Truong).



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There will be no other changes to the operation of the IP or CP Plans for fiscal year 2019 with the exception of establishing new commercial-in-confidence targets aligned with our strategic initiatives as we do every year.
LTI Plan
The Remuneration Committee believes the three components of the LTI Plan continue to (i) align management objectives with shareholder interests (Relative TSR RSU component), (ii) promote the appropriate internal management behaviors related to operating efficiency and the profitability of JHI plc’s assets (ROCE RSU component), and (iii) emphasize strategic long-term priorities (Scorecard LTI component). As such, the fiscal year 2019 LTI Plan is consistent with the plan for fiscal year 2018, with minor updates to ROCE RSU hurdles and Scorecard objectives.
The 2018 Notice of AGM contains further details on the Relative TSR RSU and ROCE RSU grants for fiscal year 2019. Changes to ROCE performance hurdles and Scorecard objectives for fiscal year 2019 are set forth below.
Changes to LTI Variable Compensation for Fiscal Year 2019
ROCE RSUs
To incorporate the impact of the Fermacell acquisition into the three-year plan, the Remuneration Committee adjusted the hurdles for fiscal year 2019 ROCE RSUs (for performance in fiscal years 2019 to 2021) from the hurdles for fiscal year 2018 ROCE RSUs as follows:
Fiscal Years 2019-2021 ROCE
Fiscal Years 2018-2020 ROCE
% of ROCE RSUs Granted to Vest

< 24.0%
< 25.0%
0
%
≥ 24.0%, but < 26.0%
≥ 25.0%, but < 27.0%
25
%
≥ 26.0%, but < 27.5%
≥ 27.0%, but < 29.5%
50
%
≥ 27.5%, but < 28.5%
≥ 29.5%, but < 30.5%
75
%
≥ 28.5%
≥ 30.5%
100
%
The Remuneration Committee believes the adjusted hurdles continue to require management to deliver improved and sustainable operational efficiencies after adjustment for the Fermacell acquisition.




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Scorecard LTI
The Remuneration Committee has set the following seven fiscal year 2019 Scorecard goals (for performance in fiscal years 2019 to 2021) to ensure alignment with our strategic priorities:
Performance Goal/Rationale
Performance Metric
Board Expectation
Deliver 3 Key Global Initiatives: Scaling the Company for Sustainable Future Growth.

Changing the Company culture to include the engagement of a broader management group to drive how work is done.
Safety
A Global Standard in place for safety. One Company Approach is evident.

JH Operating System
A sustainable and integrated approach to strategic planning process, people management process, and operating the Company.

Project Engage
Develop, retain and hire next generation JH talent and build high-performing GMT.
Safety
See “Zero Harm” goal below.

JH Operating System
A Company-wide process linking a business plan with talent management and a rigorous and disciplined operating calendar resulting in predictable execution.

A Company-wide process to assess employee performance, and linked to talent management processes and strategies.

Project Engage
See “People” goal below.
Accelerate North America Fiber Cement Organic Growth Rates: Growing market share in all our businesses and geographies.

A key strategy for the Company is to maximize market share of the exterior cladding market for new housing starts and for repair & remodel markets in North America, while striving for 90% category share.
Our PDG performance for exterior cladding compared to the underlying market (in standard feet) and outperformance of key competition, and volume growth of our interiors business.
PDG growth above market and outperformance against key competition for exterior cladding and positive volume growth for our interiors business.
People: Continue to invest in the development and promotion of our people.

The ability for the Company to realize its growth potential and deliver results in line with shareholder expectations requires higher engagement, lower turnover, an increase in management depth, and greater organizational capability.
A range of factors including the rate of salaried turnover, execution of programs to build organizational capability and bench strength for key roles, and succession planning.
Continued focus on turnover and engagement initiatives, success in external recruitment, onboarding of key positions and programs to build organizational capability, and development of/successful execution on a management team succession plan.
Zero Harm
The safety of our employees is an essential objective of the Company.
Days Away Restricted Duty ( DART ): the number of recordable incidents per 100 full time  employees that resulted in lost or  restricted days  or job transfer due to work related injuries or illnesses.

Fleet Incident Rate ( Fleet IR ): incidents per miles driven.

Employee engagement on safety.
DART: 0.20 in FY2021.

Fleet IR: 5.47 in FY2021.

Employee engagement: 85% in FY2021.
 
 
 



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Performance Goal/Rationale
Performance Metric
Board Expectation
Hardie Advantage Manufacturing: An unrivalled commitment to research and development; maintaining our manufacturing cost advantage; delivering industry leading quality and service levels; investing in future manufacturing capability and capacity; utilizing technology to better improve our customers’ experiences with us; and ensuring we meet our financial returns objective.

Adequate capacity, and effective machine utilization, product quality, and service are critical to delivering future growth and optimizing returns through a more efficient manufacturing network.
Completion of capacity projects on budget and schedule. First pass quality and service, as well as sheet machine product and process efficiency metrics.
Manufacturing performance data is commercial-in-confidence.
Commercial-in-confidence targets will be reviewed to confirm progress is supporting the Company’s product leadership strategy.
Asia Pacific: Pursue organic growth in Asia Pacific markets.

Value creating opportunity.
Category share and PDG,
continued growth of Scyon and introduction and growth of new products in Asia Pacific, and maintain supply ahead of demand. Manufacturing performance data is commercial-in-confidence.
Maintain category share and PDG on core Australian and New Zealand products.

Achieve growth in Scyon as well as the introduction of new products in Asia Pacific.

Commercial-in-confidence targets will be reviewed to confirm progress is supporting the Company’s product leadership strategy.
JH Europe: Successfully integrate and grow the Fermacell business and develop a business plan to manufacture fiber cement products that meet European market needs.

Long-term growth of James Hardie in part requires growth businesses beyond North America and Asia Pacific core fiber cement.
Fiber gypsum market share growth in targeted countries.

Deliver fiber gypsum business case for EBIT and cash flow.
Increase in sales revenue and EBIT over the three-year period and progress with the development of the Europe business plan, including local R&D and manufacturing capability.



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OTHER EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PRACTICES
Clawback Provisions
The Remuneration Committee has established an executive performance-based compensation clawback policy in connection with performance-based compensation paid or awarded to certain executives. The clawback policy provides that the Board may, in all appropriate circumstances, recover from any current or former executive regardless of fault, that portion of any performance-based compensation erroneously awarded: (i) based on financial information required to be reported under applicable US or Australian securities laws or applicable exchange listing standards that would not have been paid in the three completed fiscal years preceding the year(s) in which an accounting restatement is required to correct a material error; or (ii) during the previous three completed fiscal years as a result of any errors or omissions in objective, calculable performance measures contained in formal papers presented to and relied upon by the Board for purposes of determining compensation to be paid or awarded, where the absence of such errors or omissions would have resulted in there being a material negative impact on the amount of performance-based compensation paid or awarded.
The clawback policy applies to any person designated as a participant by the Board in the annual LTI Plan and applies to any compensation that is granted, earned or vested based wholly or in part upon the attainment of any financial or other objective, calculable performance measure under any incentive, bonus, retirement or equity compensation plan maintained by the Company, including, without limitation, the STI Plan and LTI Plan. Salaries, discretionary bonuses, time-based equity awards and bonuses or equity awards based on subjective, non-financial measures, including strategic or personal performance metrics, are excluded.
The excess compensation requiring recovery shall be the amount of performance-based compensation that an executive received, based on the erroneous data, less the amount that would have been paid to the executive based on the restated or corrected data. All recoverable amounts shall be calculated on a pre-tax basis. For equity awards still held at the time of the recovery, the recoverable amount shall be the amount vested in excess of the number that should have vested under the restated or corrected financial reporting measure. For vested equity awards which have already been sold, the recoverable amount shall be the sale proceeds the executive received with respect to the excess number of shares.
In addition, all fiscal year 2018 LTI grants made to Messrs Gries and Marsh, as well as all Retention Grant Awards, are subject to a specific clawback provision for violation of a limited non-compete provision that specifically prohibits executives from working for designated competitors or for any company that may enter the fiber cement market within two years of departure. For fiscal year 2019, all LTI grants made to members of the GMT will be subject to this clawback provision.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
The Remuneration Committee believes that Senior Executive Officers should hold a meaningful level of our stock to further align their interests with those of our shareholders. We have adopted stock ownership guidelines for the CEO and other Senior Executive Officers, respectively, which require them to accumulate holdings of three times and one times their base salary, respectively, in our stock over a period of five years from the effective date of the guidelines (1 April 2009) or the date the Senior Executive Officer first becomes subject to the applicable guideline.
Until the stock ownership guidelines have been met, Senior Executive Officers are required to retain at least 75% of shares obtained under our LTI Plans (net of taxes and other costs). Once Senior Executive Officers have met or exceeded their stock ownership guidelines, they are required to retain at least 25% of shares issued under our LTI Plans through the vesting of RSUs (net of taxes and other costs) for a period of two



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years (by way of a holding lock), after which time those shares can be sold (provided the Senior Executive Officer remains at or above the stock ownership guideline).
As of 31 March 2018, all Senior Executive Officers have either achieved the minimum share ownership threshold or are within the initial five year accumulation period .
Equity Award Practices
Annual equity awards under the LTI Plan are generally approved by the Remuneration Committee in May of each year with awards generally issued in August of each year. We do not time the granting of equity awards to the disclosure of material information.
For details of the application of our insider-trading policy for equity award grant participants, including our prohibition on employee hedging transactions, see the “Insider Trading” section of this Annual Report.
Loans
We did not grant loans to Senior Executive Officers during fiscal year 2018. There are no loans outstanding to Senior Executive Officers.
Employment and Severance Arrangements
During fiscal year 2018, we maintained employment agreements with each of Messrs Gries and Marsh. Other than as provided under the terms of their respective employment agreements, no other termination payments are payable, except as required under the terms of the applicable STI or LTI plans.
Employment Agreement with Louis Gries
Below is a summary of the key terms of Mr Gries’ current employment agreement:
Executive Employment Agreement renewed effective as of 14 October 2010 providing for service as Chief Executive Officer.
Mr Gries is an employee-at-will and either he or the Company may terminate his employment at any time or any reason.
Base salary at an initial annual rate of US$950,000, subject to annual review and approval by the Remuneration Committee.
Participation in the Company’s annual STI and LTI Plans, with a minimum STI target of 100% of his annual base salary, as established by the Company’s Board.
Participation in the Company’s benefit, health and welfare plans and certain fringe benefits made generally available to Senior Executive Officers in accordance with his agreement and Company policies.
Provisions concerning consequences of termination of employment under specified circumstances, including: (i) termination by the Company for cause; (ii) termination by reason of death or disability; (iii) retirement; (iv) termination by the Company without cause or by Mr Gries with good reason; or (v) termination by Mr Gries without good reason.
In the event that Mr Gries’ employment is terminated by the Company for any reason other than for cause, or if Mr Gries voluntarily terminates his employment for good reason, the Company shall pay to Mr Gries, in addition to any compensation or reimbursements he would otherwise be entitled to up to the date of termination: (i) an amount equal to 150% of his then current base salary; (ii) an amount equal to 150% of his average annual STI bonus actually paid, calculated based on the three full fiscal years immediately preceding the year of termination; (iii) his prorated bonus; (iv) no pro rata forfeiture of his unvested RSUs/Scorecard LTI grants - these will vest in accordance with the terms and timing of the specific grants; and (v) continuation of health and medical benefits at the



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Company’s expense for the duration of the consultation agreement referenced below, provided that Mr Gries signs the Company’s release of claims without revocation and has been and continues to remain in compliance with his confidentiality and noncompetition obligations as set forth in this agreement.
In the event of Mr Gries’ retirement after the age of 65, or prior to age 65 with the approval of the Board, his then unvested RSUs and awards will not be forfeited and will be held through the applicable testing periods.
In the event that Mr Gries’ employment is terminated for any reason other than by the Company for cause or due to his death, in addition to any severance payment he may be entitled to as set forth above, the Company and Mr Gries each agree to enter into a consulting arrangement for a minimum of two years, as long as Mr Gries adheres to certain non-competition and confidentiality provisions and executes a release of claims following the effective date of termination. Under the consulting agreement, Mr Gries will receive his annual target STI bonus and annual base salary in exchange for his consulting services and non-compete.
Employment Agreement with Matt Marsh
Below is a summary of the key terms of Mr Marsh’s current employment agreement:
Effective 15 May 2016, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr Marsh (the “Marsh Agreement”), which has an initial term of three years and automatic one year renewals thereafter unless either Mr Marsh or the Company notifies the other party at least 90 days before the expiration date that the Marsh Agreement is not to be renewed. In the event that the Company is the party that determines not to renew, such non-renewal shall be treated as a termination without “Cause” (as defined in the Marsh Agreement) and subject to the termination without “Cause” provisions of the Marsh Agreement.
The Marsh Agreement provides for a base salary of not less than US$560,000, or such greater amount as may be established by the Remuneration Committee, for Mr Marsh. The base salary shall be reviewed annually for increase in the discretion of the Remuneration Committee. Additionally, Mr Marsh shall be eligible for an annual STI award with payout opportunities that are commensurate with his position and duties, with a minimum target annual STI award opportunity of not less than 70% of this the current base salary. Mr Marsh shall also be eligible to participate in our annual LTI plan on terms commensurate with his position and duties, with a minimum annual target LTI award opportunity of not less than US$1,200,000.
Mr Marsh shall be eligible for participation in our employee benefit, health and welfare plans and certain fringe benefits made generally available to Senior Executive Officers in accordance with Company policies.
The Marsh Agreement contains provisions concerning the consequences of termination of employment under specified circumstances, including: (i) termination by the Company for Cause; (ii) termination by reason of death or disability; (iii) termination by the Company without Cause or by Mr Marsh with “Good Reason” (as defined in the Marsh Agreement); or (iv) termination by Mr Marsh without Good Reason. In particular, in the event the Company terminates Mr Marsh without Cause or Mr Marsh voluntarily terminates for Good Reason, Mr Marsh shall be entitled to: (i) a lump-sum amount equal to his unpaid base salary through and including the date of termination, as well as accrued, unused vacation pay and unreimbursed business expenses; (ii) a payment for any earned but unpaid annual incentive award for a completed calendar year prior to the date of termination; (iii) salary continuation for the two year period following the date of termination, provided the aggregate amount of such continuation payments shall be equal to the sum of (A) two times the base salary plus (B) one times the annual incentive award opportunity, as then in effect; (iv) an amount, if any, with respect to the annual incentive award opportunity for the year in which such termination of employment occurs, as determined under the terms and conditions of the Company’s annual incentive program(s); (v) all outstanding equity awards will remain subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable equity incentive plan and any corresponding award agreement(s); (vi)



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monthly payments for a period of 18 months equal to the premium Mr Marsh would be required to pay for COBRA continuation coverage under James Hardie’s health benefit plans, determined using the COBRA premium rate in effect for the level of coverage that Mr Marsh has in place immediately prior to termination; and (vii) the Company will assist Mr Marsh in finding other employment opportunities by providing to him, at James Hardie’s limited expense, reasonable professional outplacement services through the provider of James Hardie’s choice for a period of up to 24 months.
Pursuant to the confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions of the Marsh Agreement, for a period of 24 months following any termination of Mr Marsh’s employment, Mr Marsh shall be prohibited from: (i) directly or indirectly acting, engaging in, have a financial or other interest in, or otherwise serving as an employee, agent, partner, shareholder, director, or consultant for certain designated competitors of the Company; and (ii) employing or retaining or soliciting for employment any person who is an employee or consultant of the Company or soliciting suppliers or customers of the Company or inducing any such person to terminate his, her, or its relationship with the Company.
Severance Employment Arrangements with Jack Truong and Zean Nielsen
In connection with their initial retention, we have agreed to certain severance provisions and other employment terms with each of Messrs Truong and Nielsen. In regards to severance, Messrs Truong and Nielsen may be entitled to severance compensation in the event of the termination of either Mr Truong’s or Mr Nielsen’s employment under specified circumstances. In particular, in the event the Company terminates Mr Truong or Mr Nielsen without cause (as defined in their respective offer letters) or Mr Truong or Mr Nielsen voluntarily terminate their respective employment for Good Reason (as defined in their respective offer letter), then Mr Truong or Mr Nielsen, as the case may be, shall be entitled to: (i) a lump-sum amount equal to his unpaid base salary through and including the date of termination, as well as accrued, unused vacation pay and unreimbursed business expenses; (ii) a payment for any earned but unpaid annual incentive award for a completed calendar year prior to the date of termination; (iii) salary continuation for the two year period following the date of termination, provided the aggregate amount of such continuation payments shall be equal to the sum of (A) two times the base salary plus (B) one times the annual incentive award opportunity, as then in effect; (iv) an amount, if any, with respect to the annual incentive award opportunity for the year in which such termination of employment occurs, as determined under the terms and conditions of the Company’s annual incentive program(s); (v) all outstanding equity awards will remain subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable equity incentive plan and any corresponding award agreement(s); (vi) monthly payments for a period of 18 months equal to the premium Mr Truong or Mr Nielsen, as the case may be, would be required to pay for COBRA continuation coverage under James Hardie’s health benefit plans, determined using the COBRA premium rate in effect for the level of coverage in place immediately prior to termination; and (vii) the Company will assist Mr Truong or Mr Nielsen in finding other employment opportunities by providing to him, at James Hardie’s limited expense, reasonable professional outplacement services through the provider of James Hardie’s choice for a period of up to 24 months.
In addition to the severance arrangement outlined above, in connection with their initial retention, we also agreed to: (1) provide Mr Truong a one-time signing bonus of US$200,000; and (2) provide Mr Nielsen a series of six cash payments each in the amount of US$133,333, for an aggregate payment amount of US$800,000. The first cash payment was provided to Mr Nielsen shortly following his date of hire with us and the remaining payments have been/will be issued on a bi-annual basis. We also agreed to provide Mr Nielsen a target-level STI bonus for fiscal year 2018.





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REMUNERATION PAID TO SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Total Remuneration for Senior Executive Officers

Details of the remuneration for Senior Executive Officers in fiscal years 2018 and 2017 are set out below:
(US dollars)
 
Primary
 
Post-
employment
 
Equity Awards
 
Other
TOTAL
Name
 
Base Pay 1
 
STI
Award 2
 
Other
Benefits 3
 
401(k)
 
Ongoing Vesting 4
 
Mark-to
Market 5
 
Relocation
Allowances,
and Other
Nonrecurring 6

L Gries 7
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2018
 
950,000

 
902,500

 
99,201

 
16,200

 
5,891,642

 
213,689

 

8,073,232

Fiscal Year 2017
 
979,269

 
1,061,625

 
117,701

 
15,900

 
6,164,203

 
1,678,876

 

10,017,574

M Marsh
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2018
 
589,231

 
319,200

 
73,023

 
16,754

 
1,947,188

 
111,348

 

3,056,744

Fiscal Year 2017
 
569,231

 
370,048

 
77,579

 
16,454

 
1,339,162

 
241,857

 

2,614,331

S Gadd
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2018
 
475,231

 
130,200

 
58,888

 
17,474

 
1,300,430

 
51,661

 
150,000

2,183,884

Fiscal Year 2017
 
421,231

 
227,174

 
34,429

 
16,011

 
913,691

 
178,409

 

1,790,945

J Truong 8
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2018
 
576,923

 
718,515

 
44,685

 
24,508

 
621,741

 
39,814

 
302,355

2,328,541

Fiscal Year 2017
 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Z Nielsen 8
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2018
 
298,077

 
300,000

 
24,263

 

 
621,741

 
39,814

 
266,667

1,550,562

Fiscal Year 2017
 

 

 

 

 

 

 


TOTAL
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2018
 
2,889,462

 
2,370,415

 
300,060

 
74,936

 
10,382,742

 
456,326

 
719,022

17,192,963

Fiscal Year 2017
 
1,969,731

 
1,658,847

 
229,709

 
48,365

 
8,417,056

 
2,099,142

 

14,422,850


____________
1
Base pay for FY2017 includes salary paid to Senior Executive Officers for the 27 bi-weekly paychecks received during FY2017 as compared to 26 bi-weekly paychecks as is typically standard in most fiscal years, including FY2018. This additional bi-weekly pay period was a function of the number of bi-weekly pay dates during FY2017 only and does not represent an increase in the base salary rate for Senior Executive Officers.
2
For further details on STI awards paid for fiscal years 2018 and 2017, see “Incentive Arrangements” above in this Remuneration section. Amounts reflect actual STI awards to be paid in June 2018 and paid in June 2017, for fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively.
3
Includes the aggregate amount of all other benefits received in the year indicated. Examples of benefits that may be received include medical and life insurance benefits, car allowances, membership in executive wellness programs, and financial planning and tax services.
4
Includes equity award expense for grants of Scorecard LTI awards, relative TSR RSUs and ROCE RSUs, including the Retention Grant Awards. Relative TSR RSUs are valued using a Monte Carlo simulation method. ROCE RSUs and Scorecard LTI awards are valued based on the Company’s share price at each balance date as well as the Remuneration Committee’s current expectation of the percentage of the RSUs or awards which will vest. The fair value of equity awards granted are included in compensation based upon an estimate of the number of awards that are expected to vest. For ROCE RSUs and Scorecard LTI awards, this amount excludes the equity award expense in fiscal years 2018 and 2017 resulting from changes in the Company’s share price, which is disclosed separately in the Equity Awards “Mark-to-Market” column.
5
The amount included in this column is the equity award expense in relation to ROCE RSUs, Scorecard LTI awards and Retention Grant Awards of ROCE RSUs and Scorecard LTI resulting solely from changes in the fair market value of the US dollar share price during fiscal years 2018 and 2017. During fiscal year 2018, there was an 11.5% appreciation in our underlying share price from US$15.72 to US$17.53. During fiscal year 2017, there was a 14.9% appreciation in our underlying share price from US$13.68 to US$15.72, as a result of changes in the AUD/USD exchange rate.



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James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
58
 
 

6
Includes the aggregate amount of non-recurring payments or other benefits received in the year indicated. Examples include one-time signing bonus or other limited payments connected to initial retention, one-time discretionary bonus payments and relocation allowances and costs.
7
L Gries base pay includes US$196,876 and US$189,005 in fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively, which is allocated for tax purposes to his services on the Company’s Board.
8
Messrs Truong and Nielsen joined the Company during fiscal year 2018. Mr Truong was hired 10 April 2017 and Mr Nielsen was hired 21 August 2017.
Variable Remuneration Payable in Future Years
Details of the accounting cost of the variable remuneration for fiscal year 2018, including Retention Grant Awards that may be paid to Senior Executive Officers in future years are set out below. The minimum amount payable is nil in all cases. The maximum amount payable will depend on the share price at time of vesting, and is therefore not possible to determine. The tables below are based on the fair value of the RSUs and Scorecard LTI according to US GAAP and our estimate of the rating to be applied to Scorecard LTI.
 
Scorecard LTI 1 (US dollars)
 
 
FY2018
FY2019
FY2020
FY2021
FY2022
FY2023
TOTAL
 
L Gries
905,907

1,489,442

1,493,523

583,535



4,472,407

 
M Marsh
471,860

775,806

777,382

418,539

124,988

33,047

2,601,622

 
J Truong
393,217

646,505

647,818

348,782

104,157

27,539

2,168,018

 
Z Nielsen
393,217

646,505

647,818

348,782

104,157

27,539

2,168,018

 
S Gadd
314,573

517,204

518,255

279,026

83,326

22,031

1,734,415

 
 
2,478,774

4,075,462

4,084,796

1,978,664

416,628

110,156

13,144,480

 

 
ROCE RSUs 2 (US dollars)
 
 
FY2018
FY2019
FY2020
FY2021
FY2022
FY2023
TOTAL
 
L Gries
226,475

372,358

373,378

145,883



1,118,094

 
M Marsh
117,965

193,951

194,346

104,635

31,247

8,262

650,406

 
J Truong
98,304

161,626

161,955

87,196

26,039

6,885

542,005

 
Z Nielsen
98,304

161,626

161,955

87,196

26,039

6,885

542,005

 
S Gadd
78,643

129,301

129,564

69,756

20,831

5,508

433,603

 
 
619,691

1,018,862

1,021,198

494,666

104,156

27,540

3,286,113

 

 
Relative TSR RSUs 3 (US dollars)
 
 
FY2018
FY2019
FY2020
FY2021
FY2022
FY2023
TOTAL
 
L Gries
381,625

627,447

629,166

245,822



1,884,060

 
M Marsh
204,253

335,821

336,494

182,977

56,072

14,825

1,130,442

 
J Truong
170,211

279,851

280,413

152,481

46,727

12,355

942,038

 
Z Nielsen
170,211

279,851

280,413

152,481

46,727

12,355

942,038

 
S Gadd
136,167

223,877

224,326

121,983

37,381

9,884

753,618

 
 
1,062,467

1,746,847

1,750,812

855,744

186,907

49,419

5,652,196

 

____________
1
Represents annual SG&A expense for Scorecard LTI granted in August 2017. The fair value of each award is adjusted for changes in our common stock price at each balance sheet date until the final Scorecard rating is applied in August 2020, at which time the final value is based on our share price and the Senior Executive Officers Scorecard rating at the time of vesting.



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James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
59
 
 

2
Represents annual SG&A expense for the ROCE RSUs granted in August 2017. The fair value of each RSU is adjusted for changes in our common stock price at each balance sheet date until August 2020 when ROCE results are known and the Remuneration Committee makes a determination on the amount of negative discretion to be applied and some, all or none of the awards become vested.
3
Represents annual SG&A expense for the Relative TSR RSUs granted in August 2017 with fair market value estimated using the Monte Carlo option-pricing method.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS HELD BY SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following tables set forth information regarding outstanding equity awards held by our Senior Executive Officers as of 30 April 2018.

Options
As at 30 April 2018, no Senior Executive Officers held stock options.

Restricted Stock Units
Name
Grant Date
Release Date
Holding and Unvested at 1 April 2017

Granted

Total Value at Grant 1  (US$)

Vested

Lapsed

Holding and Unvested at 30 April 2018

Fair Value per RSU 2 (US$)

L Gries
16-Sep-14 3,5
16-Sep-17
260,346

260,346

$
1,883,812

(97,629
)

162,717

$
7.2358

 
16-Sep-14 4
16-Sep-17
232,980

232,980

$
2,607,442

(139,788
)
(93,192
)

$
11.1917

 
16-Sep-15 3
16-Sep-18
292,514

292,514

$
2,448,459



292,514

$
8.3704

 
16-Sep-15 4
16-Sep-18
254,480

254,480

$
3,227,875



254,480

$
12.6842

 
16-Sep-16 3
16-Sep-19
218,159

218,159

$
2,334,585



218,159

$
10.7013

 
16-Sep-16 4
16-Sep-19
194,626

194,626

$
3,045,566



194,626

$
15.6483

 
21-Aug-17 3
21-Aug-20

246,902

$
1,884,060



246,902

$
7.6308

 
21-Aug-17 4
21-Aug-20

136,441

$
1,936,357



136,441

$
14.1919

M Marsh
16-Sep-14 3
16-Sep-17
38,787

38,787

$
280,655

(14,545
)

24,242

$
7.2358

 
16-Sep-14 4
16-Sep-17
33,283

33,283

$
372,493

(19,969
)
(13,314
)

$
11.1917

 
16-Sep-15 3
16-Sep-18
65,816

65,816

$
550,906



65,816

$
8.3704

 
16-Sep-15 4
16-Sep-18
57,258

57,258

$
726,272



57,258

$
12.6842

 
16-Sep-16 3
16-Sep-19
65,448

65,448

$
700,379



65,448

$
10.7013

 
16-Sep-16 4
16-Sep-19
58,388

58,388

$
913,673



58,388

$
15.6483

 
21-Aug-17 3
21-Aug-20

74,071

$
565,221



74,071

$
7.6308

 
21-Aug-17 4
21-Aug-20

40,932

$
580,903



40,932

$
14.1919

 
21-Aug-17 6
21-Aug-20

74,071

$
565,221



74,071

$
7.6308

 
21-Aug-17 7
21-Aug-20

40,932

$
580,903



40,932

$
14.1919

S Gadd
16-Sep-14 3
16-Sep-17
38,787

38,787

$
280,655

(14,545
)

24,242

$
7.2358

 
16-Sep-14 4
16-Sep-17
33,283

33,283

$
372,493

(19,969
)
(13,314
)

$
11.1917

 
16-Sep-15 3
16-Sep-18
47,533

47,533

$
397,870



47,533

$
8.3704

 
16-Sep-15 4
16-Sep-18
41,353

41,353

$
524,530



41,353

$
12.6842

 
16-Sep-16 3
16-Sep-19
35,451

35,451

$
379,372



35,451

$
10.7013

 
16-Sep-16 4
16-Sep-19
31,627

31,627

$
494,909



31,627

$
15.6483

 
21-Aug-17 3
21-Aug-20

49,380

$
376,809



49,380

$
7.6308

 
21-Aug-17 4
21-Aug-20

27,288

$
387,269



27,288

$
14.1919

 
21-Aug-17 6
21-Aug-20

49,380

$
376,809



49,380

$
7.6308

 
21-Aug-17 7
21-Aug-20

27,288

$
387,269



27,288

$
14.1919

J Truong
21-Aug-17 3
21-Aug-20

61,726

$
471,019



61,726

$
7.6308

 
21-Aug-17 4
21-Aug-20

34,110

$
484,086



34,110

$
14.1919

 
21-Aug-17 6
21-Aug-20

61,726

$
471,019



61,726

$
7.6308

 
21-Aug-17 7
21-Aug-20

34,110

$
484,086



34,110

$
14.1919

Z Nielsen
21-Aug-17 3
21-Aug-20

61,726

$
471,019



61,726

$
7.6308

 
21-Aug-17 4
21-Aug-20

34,110

$
484,086



34,110

$
14.1919

 
21-Aug-17 6
21-Aug-20

61,726

$
471,019



61,726

$
7.6308

 
21-Aug-17 7
21-Aug-20

34,110

$
484,086



34,110

$
14.1919




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James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
60
 
 

____________
1
Total Value at Grant = Fair Value per RSU multiplied by number of units granted.
2
Fair Value per RSU is estimated on the date of grant using a binomial lattice model that incorporates a Monte Carlo simulation for Relative TSR RSUs. For ROCE RSUs, the grant date fair value is our stock price on the date of grant. For service vesting RSUs, the fair value is our stock price on the date of grant, adjusted for the fair value of estimated dividends as the RSU holder is not entitled to dividends over the vesting period.
3
Relative TSR RSUs granted under the LTIP. These RSUs are subject to performance hurdles.
4
ROCE RSUs granted under the LTIP. These RSUs are subject to performance hurdles as well as the potential application of negative discretion.
5
Mr Gries was also granted a cash-settled award (equivalent to 11,164 units) on 16 September 2014. This cash-settled award may vest based on the same vesting criteria as his relative TSR RSU grant and may only vest in the event that his relative TSR RSU grant vests in full. Upon vesting, the award will be settled in cash based on the number of units vested and the fair market value of our shares of common stock as of the relevant vesting date.
6
Special one-time retention grant of Relative TSR RSUs granted under the LTIP. These RSUs are subject to performance hurdles and service-based vesting criteria.
7
Special one-time retention grant of ROCE RSUs granted under the LTIP. These RSUs are subject to performance hurdles and service-based vesting criteria, as well as the potential application of negative discretion.
Scorecard LTI

Name
Grant Date
Release Date
Holding and Unvested at 1 April 2017

Granted

Vested 1

Lapsed

Holding and Unvested at 30 April 2018

L Gries
16-Sep-14
16-Sep-17
262,103

262,103

(123,188
)
(138,915
)

 
16-Sep-15 2
16-Sep-18
286,290

286,290



286,290

 
16-Sep-16
16-Sep-19
218,954

218,954



218,954

 
21-Aug-17
21-Aug-20

409,323



409,323

M Marsh
16-Sep-14
16-Sep-17
37,443

37,443

(21,716
)
(15,727
)

 
16-Sep-15 2
16-Sep-18
64,415

64,415



64,415

 
16-Sep-16
16-Sep-19
65,686

65,686



65,686

 
21-Aug-17
21-Aug-20

122,797



122,797

 
21-Aug-17 3
21-Aug-20

122,797



122,797

S Gadd
16-Sep-14
16-Sep-17
37,443

37,443

(21,716
)
(15,727
)

 
16-Sep-15 2
16-Sep-18
46,522

46,522



46,522

 
16-Sep-16
16-Sep-19
35,580

35,580



35,580

 
21-Aug-17
21-Aug-20

81,865



81,865

 
21-Aug-17 3
21-Aug-20

81,865



81,865

J Truong
21-Aug-17
21-Aug-20

102,331



102,331

 
21-Aug-17 3
21-Aug-20

102,331



102,331

Z Nielsen
21-Aug-17
21-Aug-20

102,331



102,331

 
21-Aug-17 3
21-Aug-20

102,331



102,331

____________
1
Represents the number of Scorecard LTI awards vesting after the Remuneration Committee’s application of the Scorecard in respect of fiscal years 2015-2017. A detailed assessment of the reasons for the Scorecard ratings was set out in the fiscal year 2017 Remuneration Report.
2
Scorecard LTI awards in respect of fiscal years 2016-2018 will vest on 16 September 2018. A detailed assessment of the Remuneration Committee’s assessment of management’s performance is set out on pages 46 through 48 of this Remuneration Report.
3
Special one-time retention grant of Scorecard LTI awards granted under the LTIP, which are also subject to service-based vesting criteria.



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James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
61
 
 

REMUNERATION FOR NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Fees paid to non-executive directors are determined by the Board, with the advice of the Remuneration Committee’s independent external remuneration advisers, within the maximum total amount of base and committee fees pool approved by shareholders from time-to-time. Shareholders at the 2017 AGM approved the current maximum aggregate base and committee fee pool of US$2.8   million per annum. No additional Board fees are paid to executive directors.
Remuneration Structure
Non-executive directors are paid a base fee for service on the Board. Additional fees are paid to the person occupying the positions of Chairman and Board Committee Chairman (and had been paid to the Deputy Chairman prior to his retirement), as well as for attendance at ad-hoc sub-committee meetings.
During fiscal year 2018, the Remuneration Committee reviewed non-executive directors’ fees, using market data and taking into consideration the level of fees paid to chairmen and directors of companies with similar size, complexity of operations and responsibilities and workload requirements. The Remuneration Committee recommended an increase in the non-executive director base fee for calendar years 2018 and 2019 and the fee increase was effective from the start of the calendar year. The fee adjustment when calculated on a fiscal year basis equates to a 4.5% increase in base fee.
Position
 
Fiscal Year
 
2018 (US$)
 
Fiscal Year
 
2019 (US$)
Chairman
 
411,937

 
420,794

Board member
 
196,877

 
205,734

Audit Committee Chair
 
20,000

 
20,000

Remuneration Committee Chair
 
20,000

 
20,000

Nominating & Governance Committee Chair
 
20,000

 
20,000

Ad-hoc Board sub-committee attendance 1
 
3,000

 
3,000

____________
1    Fee is payable in respect of each ad-hoc Board sub-committee attended.
During fiscal year 2016, the Remuneration Committee approved a non-executive director tax equalization policy, in order to ensure that the Company continues to attract highly qualified persons to serve on the Board irrespective of their tax residence. In accordance with the policy, the Company will ensure that each non-executive director does not have an increased income tax liability as a direct result of their appointment to the Board. Accordingly, if Irish income taxes levied on their director compensation exceed net income taxes owed on such compensation in their country of tax residence, assuming it had been derived solely in their country of tax residence, such director is eligible to receive a tax equalization payment in respect of that excess.
As the focus of the Board is on maintaining the Company’s long-term direction and well-being, there is no direct link between non-executive directors’ remuneration and the Company’s short-term results.
Board Accumulation Guidelines
Non-executive directors are encouraged to accumulate a minimum of 1.5 times (and two times for the Chairman) the non-executive director base fee in shares of the Company’s common stock (either personally, in the name of their spouse, or through a personal superannuation or pension plan). The Remuneration Committee reviews the guidelines and non-executive directors’ shareholdings on a periodic basis.



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James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
62
 
 

Director Retirement Benefits
We do not provide any benefits for our non-executive directors upon termination of their service on the Board.
Total Remuneration for Non-Executive Directors for the Years Ended 31 March 2018 and 2017
The table below sets out the remuneration for those non-executive directors who served on the Board during the fiscal years ended 31 March 2018 and 2017:
(US dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Name
 
Primary
Directors’ Fees 1
 
Other Payments 2
 
Other Benefits 3
 
TOTAL      
M Hammes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2018
 
426,936

 
604,100

 
94,308

 
1,125,344

Fiscal Year 2017
 
410,065

 

 
28,142

 
438,207

D McGauchie
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2018
 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year 2017
 
151,610

 

 
21,882

 
173,492

B Anderson
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2018
 
237,876

 

 

 
237,876

Fiscal Year 2017
 
215,005

 

 
8,906

 
223,911

D Harrison
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2018
 
209,887

 

 
10,410

 
220,297

Fiscal Year 2017
 
209,005

 

 
10,324

 
219,329

A Littley
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2018
 
205,875

 

 

 
205,875

Fiscal Year 2017
 
195,005

 

 
16,030

 
211,035

J Osborne
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2018
 
86,302

 

 

 
86,302

Fiscal Year 2017
 
201,005

 

 

 
201,005

R van der Meer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2018
 
219,876

 

 

 
219,876

Fiscal Year 2017
 
209,005

 

 
1,531

 
210,536

R Chenu 4
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2018
 
214,876

 

 

 
214,876

Fiscal Year 2017
 
195,005

 

 
4,390

 
199,395

A Gisle Joosen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2018
 
199,876

 

 

 
199,876

Fiscal Year 2017
 
189,005

 

 
1,406

 
190,411

S Simms
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2018
 
186,957

 

 

 
186,957

Fiscal Year 2017
 

 

 

 

P Lisboa
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2018
 
33,146

 

 

 
33,146

Fiscal Year 2017
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Compensation for Non-Executive Directors
Fiscal Year 2018
 
2,021,607

 
604,100

 
104,718

 
2,730,425

Fiscal Year 2017
 
1,974,710

 

 
92,611

 
2,067,321





Table of Contents

 
 
James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
63
 
 

____________
1
Amount includes base, Chairman, former Deputy Chairman, Committee Chairman fees, as well as fees for attendance at ad hoc sub-committee meetings.
2
Amount relates to a tax equalization payment in relation to income from the years ended 31 December 2010 through 31 December 2016 and includes US and Irish taxes due in connection with this payment in circumstances where Irish income taxes levied on director compensation exceeded net income taxes owed on such compensation in their country of tax residence. This tax equalization payment was made in accordance with the non-executive director tax equalization policy approved by the Remuneration Committee in fiscal year 2016.
3
Amount includes the cost of non-executive directors’ fiscal compliance in Ireland and other costs connected with Board-related events paid for by the Company and Company product received in accordance with the Policy on Products for Friends and Family.
4
In addition to the compensation set forth above, Mr Chenu continues to receive certain tax services from the Company, and remains eligible for certain tax equalization benefits relative to the vesting of previously granted equity awards, stemming from his prior service as an executive officer of the Company.
Director Remuneration for the years ended 31 March 2018 and 2017
For Irish reporting purposes, the breakdown of director’s remuneration between managerial services (which only relate to Mr Gries) and director services is:
 
Years Ended 31 March
(In US dollars)
2018
 
2017
Managerial Services 1
$
7,876,356

 
$
9,828,569

Director Services 2
2,927,303

 
2,256,327

 
$
10,803,659

 
$
12,084,896

____________
1
Includes cash payments, non-cash benefits (examples include medical and life insurance benefits, car allowances, membership in executive wellness programs, financial planning and tax services), 401(k) benefits, and amounts expensed for outstanding equity awards for L Gries.
2
Includes compensation for all non-executive directors, which includes base, Chairman, former Deputy Chairman, Committee Chairman and cost of non-employee directors’ fiscal compliance in Ireland, and Company product received in accordance with the employee program as well as other costs connected with Board-related events paid for by the Company. It includes a proportion of the CEO’s remuneration paid as fees for his service on the JHI plc Board in fiscal years 2018 and 2017.
SHARE OWNERSHIP AND STOCK BASED COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS
As of 30 April 2018 and 30 April 2017, the number of CUFS and RSUs beneficially owned by Senior Executive Officers is set forth below:
Name
 
CUFS at
30 April
2018
 
CUFS at
30 April
2017
 
RSUs at
30 April
2018
 
RSUs at
30 April
2017
L Gries
 
504,507

 
404,038

 
1,505,839

 
1,453,105

M Marsh
 
61,251

 
59,557

 
501,158

 
318,980

S Gadd
 
55,101

 
36,407

 
333,542

 
228,034

J Truong
 

 

 
191,672

 

Z Nielsen
 

 

 
191,672

 





Table of Contents

 
 
James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
64
 
 

As of 30 April 2018 and 30 April 2017, the number of CUFS and RSUs beneficially owned by non-executive directors is set forth below:
Name
 
CUFS at
30 April
2018
 
CUFS at
30 April
2017
M Hammes  1
 
44,109

 
44,109

B Anderson  2
 
18,920

 
18,920

R Chenu
 
105,518

 
105,518

A Gisle Joosen
 
2,480

 
2,480

D Harrison  3
 
19,259

 
19,259

P Lisboa
 

 

A Littley  4
 
2,045

 
2,045

J Osborne  5
 

 
22,551

S Simms
 

 

R van der Meer
 
17,290

 
17,290

____________
1
35,109 CUFS held in the name of Mr and Mrs Hammes and 9,000 CUFS held as American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) in the name of Mr and Mrs Hammes.
2
7,635 CUFS held in the name of Mr Anderson, 390 CUFS held as ADSs in the name of Mr Anderson and 10,895 CUFS held as ADSs in the name of Mr and Mrs Anderson.
3
2,384 CUFS held in the name of Mr Harrison, 1,000 CUFS held as ADSs in the name of Mr Harrison and 15,875 CUFS held as ADSs in the name of Mr and Mrs Harrison.
4
2,045 CUFS held as ADSs in the name of Ms Littley.
5
Ceased to be a director on 18 August 2017.
Based on 441,524,118 shares of common stock outstanding at 30 April 2018 (all of which are subject to CUFS), no director or Senior Executive Officer beneficially owned 1% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company at 30 April 2018 and none of the shares held by directors or Senior Executive Officers have any special voting rights. As of 30 April 2018, there were no options outstanding under any of the Company’s stock-based compensation arrangements. Individual’s holding RSUs have no voting or investment power over these units.
Stock-Based Compensation Arrangements
At 31 March 2018, we had the following equity award plans:
the LTIP; and
the 2001 Plan.
LTIP
The Company uses the LTIP as the plan for LTI grants to Senior Executive Officers and selected members of executive management. Participants in the LTIP receive grants of RSUs and Scorecard LTI, each of which is subject to performance goals. Participants and award levels are approved by the Remuneration Committee based on local market standards, and the individual’s responsibility, performance and potential to enhance shareholder value. The LTIP was first approved at our 2006 AGM, and our shareholders have subsequently approved amendments to the LTIP in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2015. The Company intends to present the LTIP to shareholders for re-approval at the 2018 AGM.



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The LTIP provides for plan participants’ early exercise of certain benefits or early payout under the plan in the event of a “change in control,” takeover by certain organizations or liquidation. For RSUs, a “change of control” is deemed to occur if (1) a takeover bid is made to acquire all of the shares of the Company and it is recommended by the Board or becomes unconditional, (2) a transaction is announced which would result in one person owning all the issued shares in the Company, (3) a person owns or controls sufficient shares to enable them to influence the composition of the Board, or (4) a similar transaction occurs which the Board determines to be a control event. On a change of control, the Board can determine that all or some RSUs have vested on any conditions it determines, any remaining RSUs lapse.
RSUs - From fiscal year 2009, the Company commenced using RSUs granted under the LTIP. RSUs issued under the LTIP are unfunded and unsecured contractual entitlements and generally provide for settlement in shares of our common stock, subject to performance vesting hurdles prior to vesting. Additionally, the Company has on occasion issued a small number of cash settled awards.
As of 31 March 2018, there were 3 , 517 , 048 RSUs outstanding under the LTIP, divided as follows:
Restricted Stock Units
Grant Type
Grant Date
Granted

Vested as of
31 March 2018

Outstanding as of 31 March 2018

TSR
September 2014
459,317

156,812

281,954

TSR
September 2015
579,262


555,776

ROCE
September 2015
503,944


483,512

TSR
September 2016
456,819


430,865

ROCE
September 2016
407,539


384,385

TSR
August 2017
685,490


642,282

ROCE
August 2017
378,809


354,931

TSR - Retention
August 2017
246,903


246,903

ROCE - Retention
August 2017
136,440


136,440

 
 
Total Outstanding
 
3,517,048


Scorecard LTI - From fiscal year 2010, the Company commenced using Scorecard LTI units granted under the LTIP. The Scorecard LTI is used by the Remuneration Committee to set strategic objectives which change from year to year, and for which performance can only be assessed over a period of time. The vesting of Scorecard LTI units is subject to the Remuneration Committee’s exercise of negative discretion. The cash payment paid to award recipients is based on JHI plc’s share price on the vesting date (which was amended from fiscal year 2012 to be based on a 20 trading-day closing average price).

As of 31 March 2018, there were 2,450 , 503 Scorecard LTI units outstanding under the LTIP, divided as follows:
Scorecard LTI
Grant Type
Grant Date
Granted

Vested as of
31 March 2018

Outstanding as of 31 March 2018

Scorecard
September 2015
566,936


543,950

Scorecard
September 2016
458,484


432,435

Scorecard
August 2017
1,131,309


1,064,794

Scorecard - Retention
August 2017
409,324


409,324

 
 
Total Outstanding
 
2,450,503




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For additional information regarding the LTIP and award grants made thereunder, see Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements.
2001 Plan
The 2001 Plan is intended to promote the Company’s long-term financial interests by encouraging management below the senior executive level to acquire an ownership position in the Company and align their interests with our shareholders. Selected employees under the 2001 Plan are eligible to receive awards in the form of RSUs, nonqualified stock options, performance awards, restricted stock grants, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, phantom stock or other stock-based benefits. Award levels are determined based on the Remuneration Committee’s review of local market standards and the individual’s responsibility, performance and potential to enhance shareholder value.
The 2001 Plan was first approved by our shareholders and Board in 2001 and reapproved to continue until September 2021 at the 2011 AGM. An aggregate of 45,077,100 shares of common stock were made available for issuance under the 2001 Plan, subject to adjustment in the event of a number of prescribed events set out on the 2001 Plan. Outstanding RSUs granted under the 2001 Plan generally vest at the rate of 25% on the 1st anniversary of the grant, 25% on the 2nd anniversary date and 50% on the 3rd anniversary date
The 2001 Plan is administered by our Remuneration Committee, and the Remuneration Committee or its delegate is authorized to determine: (i) who may participate in the 2001 Plan; (ii) the number and types of awards made to each participant; and (iii) the terms, conditions and limitations applicable to each award. The Remuneration Committee has the exclusive power to interpret and adopt rules and regulations to administer the 2001 Plan, including a limited power to amend, modify or terminate the 2001 Plan to meet any changes in legal requirements or for any other purpose permitted by law.
The purchase or exercise price of any award granted under the 2001 Plan may be paid in cash or other consideration at the discretion of our Remuneration Committee, including cashless exercises.
The exercise price for all options is the market value of the shares on the date of grant. The Company may not reduce the exercise price of such an option or exchange such an option or stock appreciation right for cash, or other awards or a new option at a reduced exercise price without shareholder approval or as permitted under specific restructuring events.
No unexercised options or unvested RSUs issued under the 2001 Plan are entitled to dividends or dividend equivalent rights.
The 2001 Plan also permits the Remuneration Committee to grant stock options, performance awards, restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights or other stock based benefits.
The 2001 Plan provides for the automatic acceleration of certain benefits and the termination of the plan under certain circumstances in the event of a “change in control.” A change in control will be deemed to have occurred if either (1) any person or group acquires beneficial ownership equivalent to 30% of our voting securities, (2) individuals who are currently members of our Board cease to constitute at least a majority of the members of our Board, or (3) there occurs the consummation of certain mergers (other than a merger that results in existing voting securities continuing to represent more than 5% of the voting power of the merged entity or a recapitalization or reincorporation that does not result in a material change in the beneficial ownership of the voting securities of the Company), the sale of substantially all of our assets or our complete liquidation or dissolution.



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Options - Until fiscal year 2008, the Company issued options to purchase shares of our common stock issued under the 2001 Plan. As of 31 March 2018, there were no options outstanding under the 2001 Plan.
RSUs - Since fiscal year 2009, the Company has issued restricted stock units under the 2001 Plan, which are unfunded and unsecured contractual entitlements for shares to be issued in the future and may be subject to time vesting or performance hurdles prior to vesting. On vesting, restricted stock units convert into shares. We granted 332,262, 315,636, and 327,354 restricted stock units under the 2001 Plan in the years ended 31 March 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Additionally, the Company has on occasion issued a small number of cash settled awards. As of 31 March 2018, there were 620 , 544 restricted stock units outstanding under this plan, divided as follows:
Restricted Stock Units
Grant Date
Granted

Vested as of
31 March 2018

Outstanding as of 31 March 2018

December 2015
327,354

139,345

114,545

December 2016
297,388

67,241

181,164

December 2017
320,909


320,909

February 2018
3,926


3,926

 
Total Outstanding
 
620,544


For additional information regarding the 2001 Plan and award grants made thereunder, see Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements.
 




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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
Corporate Governance Statement
The Company believes strong corporate governance is essential to achieving both its short and long-term performance goals and to maintaining the trust and confidence of investors, employees, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders. The Board follows, both formally and informally, corporate governance principles designed to assure that the Board, through its membership, composition, Board committee structure and governance practices, is able to provide informed, competent and independent guidance and oversight and thereby promote long-term shareholder value. This Corporate Governance Statement (this “ Statement ”) describes the key aspects of the Company’s corporate governance framework.
During fiscal year 2018, the Board evaluated the Company’s corporate governance framework and practices and approved this Statement. This Statement is current as at 15 May 2018.
Overall Approach to Corporate Governance
The Company operates under the regulatory requirements of numerous jurisdictions, including those of its corporate domicile (Ireland) and its principal stock exchange listings (Australia and the United States). In presenting this Statement, the Board has evaluated the Company’s corporate governance framework in relation to the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations (3rd Edition) (the “ASX Principles”), as well as the NYSE Corporate Governance Standards (the “NYSE Standards”).
ASX Principles
Pursuant to ASX Listing Rule 4.10.3, the Company is required to disclose in this Annual Report the extent to which it has followed the ASX Principles for fiscal year 2018 and must identify any areas where the Company has determined not to follow the ASX Principles and provide the reasons for not following them.
NYSE Standards
As a foreign private issuer with ADSs listed on the NYSE, the Company is required to disclose in this Annual Report any significant ways in which its corporate governance practices differ from those followed by domestic companies under NYSE listing standards. Based on the requirements of the NYSE Standards, the Company believes that its corporate governance framework and practices were consistent with the NYSE Standards during fiscal year 2018, except as otherwise noted below:
Generally, in the United States, an audit committee of a public company is directly responsible for appointing the company’s independent registered public accounting firm, with such appointment being subsequently ratified by shareholders. Under Irish law, the independent registered public accounting firm is directly appointed by the shareholders where there is a new appointment. Otherwise, the appointment is deemed to continue unless the firm retires, is asked to retire or is unable to perform their duties; and
NYSE rules require each issuer to have an audit committee, a compensation committee (equivalent to a remuneration committee) and a nominating committee composed entirely of independent directors. As a foreign private issuer, the Company does not have to comply with this requirement; however, the Board committee charters reflect Australian and Irish practices, in that such Board committees have a majority of independent directors, unless a higher number or percentage is mandated.



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Availability of Key Governance Documents
This Statement, as well as the Company’s Constitution, Board committee charters and the other key governance and corporate policies referenced in this Statement, as updated from time to time, are available in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s investor relations website ( www.ir.jameshardie.com.au ) or by requesting a copy from the Company Secretary at the Company’s corporate headquarters, Europa House, 2 nd Floor, Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2.
The Board committee charters and other key governance and corporate policies referenced in this Statement were reviewed by the Board during fiscal year 2018.
Discussion of Corporate Governance Framework and Practices
The following discussion of the Company’s corporate governance framework and practices incorporates the disclosures required by the ASX Principles, and generally follows the order of the ASX Principles.
Principle 1: Lay Solid Foundations for Management and Oversight
The Role of the Board and Management
The principal role of the Board is to promote and protect shareholder value by providing strategic guidance to management and overseeing management’s implementation of the Company’s strategic goals and objectives. On an annual basis, the Board reviews the Company’s strategic priorities with management, including the Company’s business plan, and leads discussions on execution strategy, including budgetary considerations, to ensure that the Company has the appropriate resources to deliver the agreed strategy. The Board also monitors management, operational and financial performance against the Company’s goals on an ongoing basis throughout the year. To enable it to do this, the Board receives operational and financial updates at every scheduled Board meeting.
Given the size of the Company, it is not possible or appropriate for the Board to be involved in managing the Company’s day-to-day activities. However, the Board is accountable to shareholders by whom they are elected for delivering long-term shareholder value. To achieve this, the Board ensures that the Company has in place a framework of controls, which enables management to appraise and manage risk effectively with oversight from the Board, through clear and robust procedures and delegated authorities.
In accordance with the provisions of the Company’s Constitution, the Board committee charters and other applicable governance and corporate policies, the Board has delegated a number of powers to Board committees and responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Company’s affairs and the implementation of corporate strategy to the CEO. The responsibilities delegated to the CEO are established by the Board and include limits on the way in which the CEO can exercise such authority. In addition, the Board has also reserved certain matters to itself for decision, including:
appointing, removing and assessing the performance and remuneration of the CEO and CFO;
succession planning for the Board and senior management and defining the Company’s management structure and responsibilities;
approving the overall strategy for the Company, including the business plan and annual operating and capital expenditure budgets;
ensuring that the Company has in place an appropriate risk management framework and that the risk appetite and tolerances are set at an appropriate level;
convening and monitoring the operation of shareholder meetings and approving matters to be submitted to shareholders for their consideration;
approving annual and periodic reports, results announcements and related media releases, and notices of shareholder meetings;



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approving the dividend policy and interim dividends and, when appropriate, making recommendations to shareholders regarding the annual dividend;
reviewing the authority levels of the CEO and management;
approving the remuneration framework for the Company;
overseeing corporate governance matters for the Company;
approving corporate-level Company policies;
considering management’s recommendations on various matters which are above the authority levels delegated to the CEO or management; and
any other matter which the Board considers appropriate to be approved by the Board.
In discharging its duties, the Board aims to take into account, within the context of the industry in which the Company operates, the interests of the Company (including the interests of its employees), shareholders, and other stakeholders, and where possible, aligns its activities with current best practices in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates.
The full list of those matters reserved to the Board is formalized in our Board Charter. The Board Charter is available in the Corporate Governance section of our investor relations website ( www.ir.jameshardie.com.au ).
Board Committees
In order to ensure that the Board properly discharges its responsibilities and fulfills its oversight role, the Board has established the following standing Board committees:
Audit Committee;
Remuneration Committee; and
Nominating and Governance Committee.
Additionally, from time to time, the Board may establish ad hoc Board committees to address particular matters. Each standing Board committee meets at least quarterly and has scheduled an annual calendar of meetings and discussion topics to assist it to properly discharge all of its responsibilities. Each Board committee Chairman reports to the Board at each scheduled Board meeting on their activities.
Each of the standing Board committees operates under a written charter adopted by the Board. On an annual basis, each committee, with the assistance of the Nominating and Governance Committee, undertakes a review of its charter for consistency with applicable regulatory requirements and current corporate governance principles and practices. Each of the standing Board committee charters is available on the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s investor relations website ( www.ir.jameshardie.com.au ).
Full discussions of the role and oversight responsibilities for each standing committee are provided below under Principle 2 (Nominating and Governance Committee), Principle 4 (Audit Committee) and Principle 8 (Remuneration Committee).
Board and Board Committee Meetings
The Board and each of the standing Board committees meet formally at least four times a year and on an ad hoc basis as deemed necessary or appropriate. Scheduled Board meetings are normally held over a period of one or two days, with Board committee meetings also taking place during such time. This meeting structure enhances the effectiveness of the Board and the Board committees. Board and Board committee meetings are generally held at the Company’s corporate headquarters in Ireland. At each scheduled meeting, the Board meets in executive session without management present for at least part of the meeting.



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Prior to each scheduled Board or Board committee meeting, directors are provided timely and necessary information by Company management to allow them to fulfill their duties. The Nominating and Governance Committee periodically reviews the format, timeliness and content of information provided to the Board and Board committees. All directors receive access to all Board committee materials and may attend any Board committee meeting, whether or not they are members of such committee. Directors also receive the minutes of each committee’s deliberations and findings, as well as oral reports from each Board committee Chairman, at each scheduled Board meeting.
In discharging their duties, directors are provided with direct access to executive management and outside advisors and auditors.
The Board has regular discussions with the CEO and executive management regarding the Company’s strategy and performance, during which Board members formally review the Company’s progress. During the year, the Board and each Board committee develop and review an annual work plan created from the standing Board committee charters so that responsibilities of each Board committee are addressed at appropriate times throughout the year.
The following table provides the composition of each standing Board committee during fiscal year 2018, as well as sets out the number of Board and Board committee meetings held, and each director’s attendance:
 
  
 
Board
 
Audit
 
Remuneration
 
Nominating &
Governance
Name
 
H
 
A
 
Member
 
H
 
A
 
Member
 
H
 
A
 
Member
 
H
 
A
M Hammes
 
4
 
4
 
 
4
 
4
 
 
5
 
5
 
 
4
 
4
B Anderson
 
4
 
4
 
C
 
4
 
4
 
 
5
 
5
 
 
 
 
 
 
R Chenu
 
4
 
4
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5
 
5
 
 
4
 
4
D Harrison
 
4
 
4
 
 
4
 
4
 
 
3
 
3
 
 
 
 
 
 
A Gisle Joosen
 
4
 
4
 
 
4
 
4
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P Lisboa
 
-
 
-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
-
 
-
A Littley
 
4
 
4
 
 
4
 
4
 
 
5
 
5
 
 
 
 
 
 
J Osborne
 
2
 
2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2
 
2
S Simms
 
3
 
3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C
 
3
 
3
 
 
 
 
 
 
R van der Meer
 
4
 
4
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C
 
4
 
4
____________
  ●     Board Committee member
  C    Board Committee chair
H    Number of meetings held during the time the director held office or was a member of the Board committee during the fiscal year.
A
Number of meetings attended during the time the director held office or was a member of the Board committee during the fiscal year. Non-committee members may also attend Board committee meetings from time to time; these attendances are not shown.
Company Secretary
The Company Secretary is accountable to the Board through the Chairman on all matters relative to the proper functioning of the Board. The Company Secretary is also responsible for ensuring that Board procedures are complied with. All directors have access to the Company Secretary for advice and services. The Board appoints and removes the Company Secretary.
Evaluation of Director Candidates
Before appointing a director or nominating a candidate to shareholders for election as a director, the Company undertakes background checks including checks as to the candidate’s education, experience, criminal history



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and bankruptcy. To facilitate shareholders making an informed decision on whether or not to elect or re-elect a director, the Board details in the Notice of Meeting all material information it possesses relevant to the decision.
Agreements with Directors and Senior Executives
Each incoming director receives a letter of appointment setting out the key terms and conditions of his or her appointment and the Company’s expectations of them in that role. No benefits are provided to our non-executive directors upon termination of appointment. The Company has executive agreements in place with certain senior executives where it is in the Company’s strategic interest. Certain senior executives have more specific written agreements and details of such agreements can be found in the Company’s remuneration information contained in “Section 1 – Remuneration Report” of this Annual Report.
Management Performance Evaluations
On an annual basis, the Remuneration Committee, and subsequently the Board review the performance of the CEO against performance measures approved by the Board and Remuneration Committee. The CEO reviews the performance of each of the CEO’s direct reports throughout the year, assessing their performance against performance measures approved by the Remuneration Committee and the Board and reports to the Board through the Remuneration Committee on the outcome of those reviews annually. Performance evaluations for fiscal year 2018 were conducted in accordance with the process outlined above in April and May 2018. Further details on the assessment criteria for the CEO and other senior executive officers are set out in “Section 1 – Remuneration Report” of this Annual Report.
Board Performance Evaluation
The Nominating and Governance Committee oversees the Board evaluation process and makes recommendations to the Board. During fiscal year 2018, the process, which was undertaken in February and March 2018, involved the completion of a purpose-designed survey by each director and a private discussion between the Chairman and each director, and the results were reviewed and discussed by the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Board.
Further, during fiscal year 2018, the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee discussed with the Board, the Chairman’s performance and contribution to the effectiveness of the Board.
Workplace Diversity
The Company believes that a skilled and diverse workforce, which encompasses a wealth of different viewpoints, skills, attributes, and life experiences, along with the unique strengths of each employee, contribute to the business performance of the Company.
The Company has implemented a Workplace Diversity Policy that reflects a broader view of diversity than those covered by the ASX Principles and supports certain of our core organizational values, including Operating with Respect and Building Organizational Advantage. The Workplace Diversity Policy, which is located in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s investor relations website ( www.ir.jameshardie.com.au ), applies to all individuals recruited or employed by the Company and reflects the organization’s inclusive view of diversity, which includes individual differences related to race, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability.
The Board, with assistance from management, is responsible for approving and monitoring the Company’s diversity policy and measurable objectives in the context of the Company’s unique circumstances and industry. The Board assesses the policy and objectives annually and the Company’s progress in achieving them.



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The Board has delegated responsibility to the Nominating and Governance Committee for monitoring the effectiveness of this policy to the extent it relates to diversity of the Board’s composition, senior leadership, management, and the organization as a whole and for reviewing and recommending any updates to this policy, as deemed necessary.
Details of diversity composition across various levels of the organization at the end of fiscal year 2018 are set out below:
 
Level
  
Percentage of female
employees
  
Percentage of employees with
diversity characteristics
James Hardie Board 1
  
22% (2 of 9)
  
44% (4 of 9)
US BUSINESS 2
Senior leadership positions 3
  
12% (19 of 157)
  
25% (40 of 157)
All management positions
  
17% (67 of 401)
  
28% (111 of 401)
Total workforce
  
11% (326 of 2,840)
  
37% (1,048 of 2,840)
NON-US BUSINESSES 4
Senior leadership positions 3
  
24% (8 of 34)
  
 
All management positions
  
25% (35 of 139)
  
 
Total workforce
  
18% (210 of 1,155)
  
 
____________
1
Includes gender and race diversity characteristics for the Board. CEO is reported with US Business Senior leadership positions.
2
Includes US employees with diversity characteristics including gender, race or national origin.
3
Senior Leaders are defined as individuals at senior manager and director level and above who participate in the Company and Individual Performance (CIP) Plan.
4
Race/national origin diversity characteristics vary between countries and are therefore not captured in aggregate for Non-US businesses.
The Board has a goal to maintain:
diversity characteristics in excess of 30%; and
women in excess of 20% among non-executive directors.
With regard to the Company’s senior leadership, management, and the organization as a whole, the following table outlines the organization’s five primary objectives in promoting diversity during fiscal year 2018, the actions in place or undertaken to achieve these objectives, the progress made against these objectives during fiscal year 2018 and the fiscal year 2019 plans.




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Objectives
FY18 Actions and Outcomes
FY19 Plans
To promote a culture of diversity (which includes gender, skills, experience, and other elements that reflect a broad representation of individuals with various backgrounds)
Pilot cultural assessment launched in North America during Q1 with selected groups - HR & IT.
Culture assessment with the Global Management Team and their direct reports was conducted to prioritize initiatives. Initiatives to be identified and rolled out in FY19.
“Creating a Harassment Free Workplace” training launched in Q4FY18. All North American employees and leaders are registered and training is scheduled for completion by the end of Q1FY19.
Diversity and Inclusion program implemented in Australia with goals outlined for each objective, along with events and activities scheduled throughout Q3 & Q4FY18, rolling into FY19.
International Women’s Day events and recognition occurred on 8 March.
Forum with guest speakers of women leaders in the business to recognize career & leadership success.

Global initiatives will continue in FY19. Objectives are to align and refine our culture, define employee value proposition; address performance management, grow and develop talent, & improve our hiring processes.
Launch #Press for Progress initiative in Australia, addressing gender parity and changing mindsets: “At James Hardie we will think, act & be gender inclusive”.


To ensure that recruitment and selection processes are based on merit
Since the Engineering Development Program’s (EDP), inception in 2014, 14% of the university recruits have been women. As of the close of FY18, 18% of graduating engineers hired have been women.
James Hardie Ambassador Program for the North American Repair & Remodel segment was implemented to create product awareness and preference in targeted neighborhoods. Hardie Ambassadors (HA’s) hired in FY18 totaled 42 employees, of which 12 (29%) were women.
FY18 new hires in North America totaled 12% female, with 23% of open Leadership roles filled by women.




Recruitment for management roles continues to be a focus for FY19.
We plan to continue the EDP and HA programs and maintain or enhance the diversity characteristics of the program participants.
Engagement with external recruitment firms to ensure a greater percentage of diverse, qualified candidate slates.
Standardized assessments and interview methodology strategies will be implemented to enhance selection processes in recruiting talent.
Increase pipeline of female talent in Sales & Manufacturing through recruitment branding and marketing of a diverse workforce in Australia.
Conduct “Beyond Bias Selection Skills Training” for managers in Australia.
To provide talent management and development opportunities which provide equal opportunities for all current employees

24% of high potential employees identified in Australia and New Zealand in 2018 are women, compared to the overall percentage of women in Australia and New Zealand of 15%.
Piloted Leadership development program in North America for mid-level leaders, 6 females out of 22 (27%) total attendees completed the program.

Launching WIN - Women’s Initiative Network (WIN) group in North America to build cross functional networks among women in leadership roles. WIN will have a GMT sponsor to champion the program.
Rollout “Unconscious Bias Training (Beyond Bias)”for all team leaders in Australia.

To reward and remunerate fairly
The Workplace Gender Equality Act (WGEA) report is submitted to the Australian government on an annual basis. In June 2017, WGEA confirmed that JH Australia is compliant with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 (Act) .
Annually, management conducts an employee wage benchmarking study to ensure remuneration is aligned with the Company remuneration philosophy. In FY18, the study included all corporate and plant locations.

Review, evaluate and propose updated salary compensation structure to ensure alignment with market.

To provide flexible work practices

Flexible working arrangements continued to be discussed with each employee and individual arrangements are offered as job requirements permit.

Paid Time-Off (PTO) leave to be reviewed and evaluated, with updated program proposed to better align with market and current practices in FY19.


Principle 2: Structure the Board to Add Value
Composition of the Board
The Board currently comprises nine non-executive directors and one executive director (being the CEO). In accordance with the Company’s Constitution, the Board must have no less than three and not more than twelve directors, with the precise number to be determined by the Board.



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Directors may be elected by our shareholders at general meetings or appointed by the Board and elected at the next general meeting if there is a vacancy. A person appointed as a director by the Board must submit him or herself for re-election at the next AGM. The Board and our shareholders have the right to nominate candidates for the Board. Directors may be dismissed by our shareholders at a general meeting. In accordance with the Company’s Constitution and the ASX Listing Rules, no director (other than the CEO) shall hold office for a continuous period of more than three years without being re-elected by shareholders at an AGM. The Company’s Constitution provides that at each AGM, one-third of the directors (excluding the CEO) must retire and, if eligible, may offer themselves for re-election.
The Board’s overriding desire is to maximize its effectiveness by appointing the best candidates for vacancies and closely reviewing the performance of directors subject to re-election. Directors are not automatically nominated for re-election. Nomination for re-election is based on a number of factors, including an assessment of their individual performance, independence, tenure, and their skills and experience relative to the needs of the Company. The Nominating and Governance Committee and the Board discuss the performance of each director due to stand for re-election at the next AGM before deciding whether to recommend their re-election.
As part of the appointment process, the Nominating and Governance Committee, in consultation with the Board, considers the size and composition of the Board, the current range of skills, competencies and experience and the desired range of skills, as well as Board renewal, succession and diversity plans. The Nominating and Governance Committee identifies suitable candidates, with assistance from an external consultant, where appropriate, and a number of directors meet with those candidates before the Board selects the most suitable candidate, based on a recommendation from the Nominating and Governance Committee.
During fiscal year 2018, the Nominating and Governance Committee developed and is in the process of executing a forward plan for Board and Committee succession, to ensure orderly succession to key posts, effective recruitment and smooth onboarding of new members (including any required transition).
Director Independence
In accordance with the ASX Principles and the NYSE Standards, the Company requires that a majority of directors on the Board and the Board committees, as well as the Chairman of the Board and each committee, be independent, unless a greater number is required to be independent under the rules and regulations of the ASX, the NYSE or other applicable regulatory body.
All directors are expected to bring their independent views and judgment to the Board and Board committees and must declare any potential or actual conflicts of interest. For a director to be considered independent, the Board must determine the director does not have any direct or indirect business or other relationship that could materially interfere with such director’s exercise of independent judgment. In assessing the independence of each director, the Board considers the standards for determining director independence set forth in the ASX Principles and the NYSE Standards and evaluates all potential conflicting relationships on a case-by-case basis, considering the materiality of each potential or actual conflict of interest.
During fiscal year 2018, the Board, with the assistance of the Nominating and Governance Committee, undertook an independence assessment of each director. The Board determined that, with the exception of Louis Gries, as CEO of the Company, each of Michael Hammes, Brian Anderson, Russell Chenu, Andrea Gisle Joosen, David Harrison, Alison Littley, Persio Lisboa, Steven Simms and Rudolph van der Meer is independent. In assessing Mr Chenu’s independence, the Board considered his previous employment as CFO of the Company from which he retired in November 2013. The Board determined that notwithstanding his past employment, Mr Chenu's character and judgment is independent which has been demonstrated in



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his actions and interactions with other members of the Board as it addresses the various matters which are placed before it.
Prior to determining the independence of Brian Anderson, the Board considered his role as a director of PulteGroup, a home builder in the United States. PulteGroup does not buy any of the Company’s products directly from the Company, although it does buy the Company’s products through some of the Company’s customers. PulteGroup receives a rebate from the Company or the Company’s suppliers in respect of some of its purchases in accordance with a rebate program applicable to similar home builders. These transactions are conducted on an arm’s length basis, are similar to the transactions the Company has entered into with other similarly situated home builders, are in accordance with the Company’s normal terms and conditions and are not material to PulteGroup or to the Company. The rebate program existed and was disclosed to the Board before Mr Anderson became a director. It is not considered that Mr Anderson has any influence over these transactions.
The Board believes that, notwithstanding the length of Mr Hammes’, Mr Anderson’s, Mr Harrison's and Mr van der Meer’s tenure, they each remain independent in character and judgment and have not formed an association with management that could interfere with their ability to exercise independent judgment.
Director Qualifications and Board Diversity
The Board seeks to achieve a mix of skills, experience and expertise to maximize the effectiveness of the Board and utilizes a skills matrix in reviewing Board composition and in succession planning. The following lists the mix of skills, experience and diversity the Board has and is looking to achieve, taking into consideration the strategic objectives of the Company.
Key Board Skills and Experience
Executive Leadership
Board Experience
Succession Planning
Governance
Strategy
Financial Acumen
Corporate Finance
Risk Management
Global Experience
Health, Safety and
Environmental
Human Resources and
Executive Remuneration
Manufacturing
Market Experience
 
 
 
Information regarding Board diversity can be found in the “Workplace Diversity” section above.
Directors must be able to devote a sufficient amount of time to prepare for, and effectively participate in, Board and Board committee meetings. The Nominating and Governance Committee reviews the other commitments of directors annually and otherwise, as required. In fiscal year 2018, as part of the review, the Nominating and Governance Committee noted that Mr Anderson serves on a total of four public company audit committees (including the Company’s Audit Committee). The Board has determined that such simultaneous service does not impair the ability of Mr Anderson to effectively serve as chairman of the Company’s Audit Committee.
Biographical information for each member of the Board, along with the skills, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise for each director, and his or her date and term of appointment, are summarized in the Board biography section of this Annual Report and also appear in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s investor relations website ( www.ir.jameshardie.com.au ).
Nominating and Governance Committee
The Board has established the Nominating and Governance Committee to identify and recommend to the Board individuals qualified to become members of the Board, develop and recommend to the Board a set



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of corporate governance principles, and perform a leadership role in shaping the Company’s corporate governance policies. The duties and responsibilities of the Nominating and Governance Committee include:
identifying and recommending to the Board individuals qualified to become directors;
overseeing the evaluation of the Board and senior management and formulating succession plans for the CEO, CFO and senior executives;
assessing the independence of each director;
reviewing the conduct of the AGM; and
performing a leadership role in shaping the Company’s culture and corporate governance policies.
A more complete description of these duties and responsibilities and other Nominating and Governance Committee functions is contained in the Nominating and Governance Committee’s Charter, a copy of which is available in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s investor relations website ( www.ir.jameshardie.com.au ).
The current members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Rudolf van der Meer (Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee), Russell Chenu, Michael Hammes and Persio Lisboa, all of whom are independent non-executive directors.
Succession Planning
The Board, together with the Nominating and Governance Committee, has developed, and periodically reviews with the CEO, management succession plans, policies and procedures for the CEO and certain other members of executive management.
During fiscal year 2018, the Chairman has actively participated in the induction of newly recruited senior managers and, at the invitation of the CEO, he has joined senior management meetings and other activities to assist with both team and personal development.
Retirement and Tenure Policy
The Company does not have a retirement and tenure policy. The length of tenure of individual directors is one of many factors considered by the Board when assessing the independence, performance and contribution of a director, in succession planning, and as part of the Board’s decision-making process when considering whether a director should be recommended by the Board for re-election.
Related Party Transactions
Other than the compensation arrangements with our executive officers and directors, which are disclosed in “Section 1 – Remuneration Report” of this Annual Report, the Company has not entered into any related party transactions requiring disclosure during fiscal year 2018.
Induction and Continuing Development
The Company has an induction program for new directors. This program includes an overview of the Company’s governance arrangements and directors’ duties in Ireland, the United States and Australia, plant and market tours to understand the Company’s strategic plans and impart relevant industry knowledge, briefings on the Company’s risk management and control framework, financial results and key risks and issues, and meeting other directors, the CEO and members of management. New directors are also provided with comprehensive orientation materials including relevant corporate documents and policies.
In addition, the Company regularly schedules time at Board meetings to develop the Board’s understanding of the Company’s operations and regulatory environment, including updates on topical developments from management and external experts.



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Board Leadership Structure
In an effort to promote the efficient undertaking of its roles and responsibilities, the Board has appointed one of its independent, non-executive members, Michael Hammes, as Chairman. In his role as Chairman, Mr Hammes co-ordinates the Board’s duties and responsibilities and acts as an active liaison between management and the Company’s non-executive directors, maintaining frequent contact with the CEO and being advised generally on the progress of Board and Board committee meetings. In his role as Chairman, Mr Hammes also:
provides leadership to the Board;
chairs Board and shareholder meetings;
facilitates Board discussions;
monitors, evaluates and assesses the performance of the Board and Board committees; and
is a member of and attends meetings of all Board committees.
Remuneration
For a detailed discussion of the Company’s remuneration policies for directors and executives, and the link between remuneration and overall corporate performance, see “Section 1 – Remuneration Report” of this Annual Report.
Board Accumulation Guidelines
Non-executive directors are encouraged to accumulate up to 1.5 times (and 2 times for the Chairman) the base Board member fee in the Company’s shares (either personally, in the name of their spouse, or through a personal superannuation or pension plan) over a reasonable time following their appointment. The Remuneration Committee reviews the guidelines and non-executive directors’ share holdings on a periodic basis.
Independent Advice and Access to Information
In addition to their access to the Company Secretary and senior management, the Board, the Board committees and individual directors may all seek independent professional advice at the Company’s expense for the proper performance of their duties.
Indemnification
The Company’s Constitution provides for indemnification of any person who is (or who was) a director, the Company Secretary, or an employee or any other person deemed by the Board to be an agent of the Company, who suffers any loss as a result of any action in discharge of their duties, in the absence of a willful act or default and subject to the provisions of the Irish Companies Acts.
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have provided Deeds of Access, Insurance and Indemnity to directors and executives who are directors or officers of the Company or its subsidiaries.
Principle 3: Act Ethically and Responsibly
Global Code of Business Conduct
The Company seeks to maintain high standards of integrity and is committed to ensuring that the Company conducts its business in accordance with high standards of ethical behavior. The Company requires its employees to comply with both the spirit and the letter of all laws and other statutory requirements governing the conduct of the Company’s activities in each country in which the Company operates. The Company has adopted a Global Code of Business Conduct (the “Code of Conduct”) which applies to all of the Company’s



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employees and directors. The Code of Conduct covers many aspects of corporate policy and addresses compliance with legal and other responsibilities to stakeholders. All directors and employees of the Company worldwide are required to review the Code of Conduct on an annual basis. As part of its oversight functions, the Audit Committee oversees the Code of Conduct and reviews the policy on an annual basis. A copy of the Code of Conduct is available in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s investor relations website ( www.ir.jameshardie.com.au ).
The Company did not grant any waivers from the provisions of the Code of Conduct during fiscal year 2018.
Complaints/Ethics Hotline
The Code of Conduct provides employees with advice about who they should contact if they have information or questions regarding potential violations of the policy. Globally, the Company maintains an ethics hotline operated telephonically (except in France) by an independent external provider which allows employees to report anonymously any concerns. All Company employees worldwide are reminded annually of the existence of the ethics hotline.
All complaints, whether to the ethics hotline or otherwise, are initially reported directly to the General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, US Employment Counsel and the Director of Internal Audit (except in cases where the complaint refers to one of them). The material complaints are referred immediately to the Chairman of the Board and the Audit Committee. Less serious complaints are reported to the Audit Committee on a quarterly basis.
Interested parties who have a concern about the Company’s conduct, including accounting, internal accounting controls or audit matters, may communicate directly with the Company’s Chairman, directors as a group, the Chairman of the Audit Committee or Audit Committee members. These communications may be confidential or anonymous, and may be submitted in writing to the Company Secretary at the Company’s corporate headquarters or submitted by phone on +353 (0)1 411 6924. All concerns will be forwarded to the appropriate directors for their review and will be simultaneously reviewed and addressed by the Company’s General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer in the same way that other concerns are addressed. The Company’s Code of Conduct, which is described above, prohibits any employee from retaliating or taking any adverse action against anyone for raising or helping to resolve a concern about integrity.
Insider Trading
All directors and employees of the Company are subject to the Company’s Insider Trading Policy. Under the Insider Trading Policy, employees and directors may generally conduct transactions in the Company’s securities during a four week period beginning two days after the announcement of quarterly or full year results, or such other periods as may be designated by the Board provided that such persons are not in possession of material, non-public information. The Insider Trading Policy also contains preclearance requirements for certain designated senior employees and directors, as well as general prohibitions on hedging activities or selling any shares for short-swing profit. There is a general prohibition on hedging unvested shares, options or RSUs.
The Board recognizes that it is the individual responsibility of each director and employee to ensure he or she complies with the Insider Trading Policy and applicable insider trading laws.
A copy of the Insider Trading Policy is available in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s investor relations website ( www.ir.jameshardie.com.au ).



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Principle 4: Safeguard Integrity in Corporate Reporting
Audit Committee
The Board has established the Audit Committee to oversee the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s accounting and financial policies and controls. The Audit Committee provides advice and assistance to the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities and, amongst other matters:
overseeing the Company’s financial reporting process and reports on the results of its activities to the Board;
reviewing with management and the external auditor the Company’s annual and quarterly financial statements and reports to shareholders; discussing earnings releases as well as information and earnings guidance provided to analysts;
reviewing and assessing the Company’s risk management strategy, policies and procedures and the adequacy of the Company’s policies, processes and frameworks for managing risk;
exercising general oversight of the appointment and provision of all external audit services to the Company, the remuneration paid to the external auditor, and the performance of the Company’s internal audit function;
reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s internal compliance and control procedures;
reviewing the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; and
establishing procedures for complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls and auditing matters, including any complaints from whistle-blowers.
A more complete description of these and other Audit Committee functions is contained in the Audit Committee’s Charter, a copy of which is available in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s investor relations website ( www.ir.jameshardie.com.au ).
The Audit Committee meets at least quarterly in a separate executive session with the external auditor and internal auditor, respectively. The Chairman of the Audit Committee reports to the full Board following each Audit Committee meeting. As part of such report, the Chairman of the Audit Committee will inform the Board of any general issues that arise with respect to the quality or integrity of the Company’s financial statements, the Company’s compliance with legal or regulatory requirements, the Company’s risk management framework, the performance and independence of the external auditor, or the performance of the internal audit function.
The current members of the Audit Committee are Brian Anderson (Chairman of the Audit Committee), Michael Hammes, David Harrison, Andrea Gisle Joosen and Alison Littley, all of whom are independent non-executive directors. All members of the Audit Committee are financially literate and have sufficient business, industry and financial expertise to act effectively as members of the Audit Committee. In addition, in accordance with the SEC rules, the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Board have determined that Mr Anderson and Mr Harrison qualify as “audit committee financial experts.” The skills, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise for each member are summarized in the Board biography section of this Annual Report.
Internal Audit
The Vice President of Internal Audit heads the internal audit department. It is the role of the internal audit department to provide assurance, independent of management, that the Company’s internal processes, controls and procedures are operating to provide an effective financial reporting and risk management framework. The Internal Audit Charter sets out the independence of the internal audit department, its scope of work, responsibilities and audit plan. The internal audit department’s work plan is approved annually by the Audit Committee. The Vice President of Internal Audit reports to the Chairman of the Audit Committee and meets quarterly with the Audit Committee in executive sessions.



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External Audit
Ernst & Young LLP has served as the Company’s external auditors since fiscal year 2009. The external auditor reviews each quarterly and half-year consolidated financial statements and audits the full year consolidated financial statements. The external auditor attends each meeting of the Audit Committee, including an executive session where members of the Audit Committee are present. The Audit Committee has approved policies to ensure that all non-audit services performed by the external auditor, including the amount of fees payable for those services, receive prior approval. The Audit Committee also reviews the remuneration paid to the external auditor and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the maximum compensation to be paid to the external auditor and concerning their reappointment as external auditor. The lead audit engagement partner is required to rotate every five years.
The Audit Committee reviews and approves management representations made to the external auditor as part of the audit of the full year results.
Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are present at each AGM to make a statement if they desire to do so and are available to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.
Consistent with applicable SEC rules, the CEO and CFO of the Company have provided the certifications required by Section 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act 2002, which, among other things, certify that to the best of each individual’s knowledge:
the financial statements, and other financial information included in this Annual Report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this Annual Report; and
this Annual Report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this Annual Report.
Principle 5: Make Timely and Balanced Disclosure
Continuous Disclosure and Market Communication
The Company strives to comply with all relevant disclosure laws and listing rules in Australia (ASX and ASIC) and the United States (SEC and NYSE).
The Company’s Continuous Disclosure and Market Communication Policy aims to ensure timely communications so that investors can readily:
understand the Company’s strategy and assess the quality of its management;
examine the Company’s financial position and the strength of its growth prospects; and
receive any news or information that might reasonably be expected to materially affect the price or market for the Company securities.
The CEO is responsible for ensuring the Company complies with its continuous disclosure obligations. A Disclosure Committee comprised of senior management (CEO, CFO, General Counsel and the Vice President – Investor and Media Relations) is responsible for all decisions regarding market disclosure obligations outside of the Company’s normal financial reporting calendar. The Nominating and Governance Committee reviewed the Continuous Disclosure and Market Communication policy and the Audit Committee reviewed the Company’s disclosure practices under the Continuous Disclosure and Market Communication policy during fiscal year 2018. A copy of the Continuous Disclosure and Market Communication policy is available in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s investor relations website ( www.ir.jameshardie.com.au ).



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Principle 6: Respect the Rights of Security Holders
Communication
The Company is committed to communicating effectively with the Company’s shareholders and engaging them through a range of communication channels in a program that includes:
making management briefings and presentations accessible via a live webcast and/or teleconference following the release of quarterly and annual results;
audio webcasts of other management briefings and the annual shareholder meeting;
a comprehensive investor relations website that displays all announcements and notices (promptly after they have been cleared by the ASX), major management and investor road show presentations;
site visits and briefings on strategy for investment analysts;
regular engagement with institutional shareholders to discuss a wide range of governance issues;
an email alert service to advise shareholders and other interested parties of announcements and other events; and
equality of access for shareholders and investment analysts to briefings, presentations and meetings and equality of media access to the Company, on a reasonable basis.
Shareholders can also elect to receive communications from the Company and its share registry, by electronic means. In addition, shareholders can communicate directly with the Company and its registry via the Company’s investor relations website ( www.ir.jameshardie.com.au ).
Annual General Meeting
The 2017 AGM was held in Ireland and shareholders were able to participate in the AGM via teleconference of proceedings. The 2018 AGM will also be held in Ireland, and shareholders not present in Ireland who wish to participate in the meeting, including asking questions about the management of the Company, can do so via teleconference. In addition, shareholders have the opportunity to submit questions to the Company online or by returning the question form enclosed with the Notice of Meeting in advance of the meeting. Questions received from shareholders will be collated and the Chairman will address as many questions as possible at the meeting. Shareholders also have the opportunity to ask questions of the external auditor at the AGM about the conduct of the audit and the preparation of the auditor’s report.
Notices of Meeting are accompanied by explanatory notes which provide clear and concise information regarding the business to be transacted at the meeting.
Further details regarding the 2018 AGM will be set out in the 2018 AGM Notice of Meeting. This will be posted to all shareholders and made available on the Company’s website.
Each shareholder (other than an ADS holder) has the right to:
attend the AGM either in person or by proxy;
speak at the AGM; and
exercise voting rights, including at the AGM, subject to their instructions on the Voting Instruction Form.
While ADS holders cannot vote directly, ADS holders can direct the voting of their underlying shares through the ADS depositary.



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Principle 7: Recognize and Manage Risk
Risk Management Objectives
The Company believes that sound risk management policies, procedures and controls produce a system of risk oversight, risk management and internal control that is fundamental to good corporate governance and compliance and creation of shareholder value. The objective of the Company’s risk management policies, procedures and controls is to ensure that:
the Company’s principal strategic, operational and financial risks are identified and assessed;
the Company’s risk appetite for each risk is considered;
effective systems are in place to monitor and manage risks; and
reporting systems, internal controls and arrangements for monitoring compliance with laws and regulations are adequate.
Risk management does not involve avoiding all risks. The Company’s risk management policies seek to strike a balance between ensuring that the Company continues to generate financial returns while simultaneously managing risks appropriately by setting appropriate strategies, objectives, controls and tolerance levels.
The Company’s business, operations and financial condition are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including risks related to economic and regulatory concerns. For additional information, see “Section 3 – Risk Factors” of this Annual Report which outlines the significant factors that may adversely affect the Company’s business, operations, financial performance and condition or industry, and information as to how the Company manages a number of these risks.
Risk Management Framework
The Board and its standing Board committees oversee the Company’s overall strategic direction, including setting risk management strategy, processes, tolerance and parameters. Generally, the Audit Committee is responsible for oversight of the Company’s risk management strategy, policies, procedures and controls. The Audit Committee reviews, monitors and discusses these matters with the CEO, CFO, General Counsel, Vice President of Internal Audit and other senior business leaders. The Audit Committee, CEO, CFO and General Counsel report periodically to the Board on the Company’s risk management policies, processes and controls. The Audit Committee and the Board review and evaluate the Company’s risk management strategies and processes on an on-going basis throughout the course of each fiscal year.
The Audit Committee is supported in its oversight role by the policies put in place by management to oversee and manage material business risks, as well as the roles played by internal risk management committees, as described below, and internal and external audit functions. The internal and external audit functions are separate from and independent of each other and each has a direct reporting line to the Audit Committee. The CEO and the CEO’s direct reports are the primary management forum for risk assessment and management within the Company.
Consistent with its oversight functions, the Audit Committee reviewed the Company’s risk management framework and internal controls during fiscal year 2018. As part of the review, information was reported by management to the Audit Committee to enable it to assess the effectiveness of the Company’s risk management and internal control systems. In addition, consistent with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, during fiscal year 2018, management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP. Based on its assessment, management concluded that the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of 31 March 2018. For additional information, see “Section 3 – Controls and Procedures” of this Annual Report.



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Risk Management Committee
The Company maintains a management level risk committee that focuses on operation-related risks and corporate-related risks (the “Risk Management Committee”). The Risk Management Committee comprises a cross-functional group of employees who review and monitor the risks facing the Company from the perspective of their area of responsibility. The Risk Management Committee is coordinated by Internal Audit and the General Counsel. The Vice President of Internal Audit and the General Counsel also provide quarterly reports to the Audit Committee on key risks and the procedures in place for mitigating them.
Financial Statements Disclosure Committee
The Financial Statements Disclosure Committee is a management committee comprised of senior finance, accounting, compliance, legal, tax, treasury and investor relations executives in the Company, which meets with the CEO, CFO and General Counsel prior to the Board’s consideration of any quarterly or annual results. The Financial Statements Disclosure Committee is a forum for the CEO, CFO and General Counsel to discuss, and, on the basis of those discussions, report to the Audit Committee, about a range of risk management procedures, policies and controls, covering the draft results materials, business unit financial performance and the current status of legal, tax, treasury, accounting, compliance, internal audit, complaints and disclosure control matters.
Policies for Management of Material Business Risks
Management has put in place a number of key policies, processes and independent controls to provide assurance as to the integrity of the Company’s systems of internal control and risk management. In addition to the measures described elsewhere in this Annual Report, the more significant policies, processes or controls adopted by the Company for oversight and management of material business risks are:
engagement with members of the Risk Management Committee, at least quarterly, to assess the key strategic, operations, reporting and compliance risks facing the Company, the level of risk and the processes implemented to manage each of these key risks over the upcoming twelve months;
quarterly reporting to executive management, the Audit Committee, and annual reporting to the Board, of the Risk Management Committee’s assessment regarding the key strategic, operations, reporting and compliance risks facing the Company;
a program for the Audit Committee to review in detail each year the Company’s general risk tolerance and all items identified by the Risk Management Committee as high focus risks;
quarterly meetings of the Financial Statements Disclosure Committee to review all quarterly and annual financial statements and results;
an internal audit department with a direct reporting line to the Chairman of the Audit Committee;
regular monitoring of the liquidity and status of the Company’s finance facilities;
maintaining an appropriate global insurance program;
maintaining policies and procedures in relation to treasury operations, including the use of financial derivatives and issuing procedures requiring significant capital and recurring expenditure approvals; and
implementing and maintaining training programs in relation to legal and regulatory compliance issues such as trade practices/antitrust, insider trading, foreign corrupt practices and anti-bribery, employment law matters, trade secrecy and intellectual property protection.
Limitations of Control Systems
Due to the inherent limitations in all control systems and the fact that there are resource constraints in the design of any control system, management does not expect that the Company’s internal risk management and control systems will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. No matter how well it is designed and



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operated, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.
The inherent limitations in all control systems include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls’ effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.
Principle 8: Remunerate Fairly and Responsibly
Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee oversees the Company’s overall remuneration structure, policies and programs, assesses whether the Company’s remuneration structure establishes appropriate incentives for management and employees, and approves any significant changes in the Company’s remuneration structure, policies and programs. Amongst other things, the Remuneration Committee:
administers and makes recommendations on the Company’s incentive compensation and equity-based remuneration plans;
reviews the remuneration of directors;
reviews the remuneration framework for the Company; and
makes recommendations to the Board on the Company’s recruitment, retention and termination policies and procedures for senior management.
The current members of the Remuneration Committee are Steven Simms (Chairman of the Remuneration Committee), Brian Anderson, Russell Chenu, Michael Hammes and Alison Littley, all of whom are independent non-executive directors.
A more complete description of these and other Remuneration Committee functions is contained in the Remuneration Committee’s Charter, a copy of which is available in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s investor relations website ( www.ir.jameshardie.com.au ), and in “Section 1 – Remuneration Report” of this Annual Report. In addition, details of the Company’s remuneration philosophy, policies, plans and procedures during fiscal year 2018 are set out in “Section 1 - Remuneration Report” of this Annual Report.




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SECTION 2
READING THIS REPORT
Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements. James Hardie may from time to time make forward-looking statements in its periodic reports filed with or furnished to the SEC, on Forms 20-F and 6-K, in its annual reports to shareholders, in offering circulars, invitation memoranda and prospectuses, in media releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by the Company’s officers, directors or employees to analysts, institutional investors, existing and potential lenders, representatives of the media and others. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements and such forward-looking statements are statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Examples of forward-looking statements include:
statements about the Company’s future performance;
projections of the Company’s results of operations or financial condition;
statements regarding the Company’s plans, objectives or goals, including those relating to strategies, initiatives, competition, acquisitions, dispositions and/or its products;
expectations concerning the costs associated with the suspension or closure of operations at any of the Company’s plants and future plans with respect to any such plants;
expectations concerning the costs associated with the significant capital expenditure projects at any of the Company’s plants and future plans with respect to any such projects;
expectations regarding the extension or renewal of the Company’s credit facilities including changes to terms, covenants or ratios;
expectations concerning dividend payments and share buy-backs;
statements concerning the Company’s corporate and tax domiciles and structures and potential changes to them, including potential tax charges;
statements regarding tax liabilities and related audits, reviews and proceedings;
statements regarding the possible consequences and/or potential outcome of legal proceedings brought against us and the potential liabilities, if any, associated with such proceedings;
expectations about the timing and amount of contributions to AICF, a special purpose fund for the compensation of proven Australian asbestos-related personal injury and death claims;
expectations concerning the adequacy of the Company’s warranty provisions and estimates for future warranty-related costs;
statements regarding the Company’s ability to manage legal and regulatory matters (including, but not limited to, product liability, environmental, intellectual property and competition law matters) and to resolve any such pending legal and regulatory matters within current estimates and in anticipation of certain third-party recoveries; and
statements about economic conditions, such as changes in the US economic or housing market conditions or changes in the market conditions in the Asia Pacific region, the levels of new home construction and home renovations, unemployment levels, changes in consumer income, changes or stability in housing values, the availability of mortgages and other financing, mortgage and other interest rates, housing affordability and supply, the levels of foreclosures and home resales, currency exchange rates, and builder and consumer confidence.
Words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “target,” “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “forecast,” “guideline,” “aim,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “continue,” “may,” “objective,” “outlook” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements



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and all such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the following cautionary statements.
Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations, estimates and assumptions and because forward-looking statements address future results, events and conditions, they, by their very nature, involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are unforeseeable and beyond the Company’s control. Such known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause actual results, performance or other achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed, projected or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors, some of which are discussed under “Risk Factors” in Section 3 of this Annual Report, include, but are not limited to: all matters relating to or arising out of the prior manufacture of products that contained asbestos by current and former James Hardie subsidiaries; required contributions to AICF, any shortfall in AICF funding and the effect of currency exchange rate movements on the amount recorded in the Company’s financial statements as an asbestos liability; the continuation or termination of the governmental loan facility to AICF; compliance with and changes in tax laws and treatments; competition and product pricing in the markets in which the Company operates; the consequences of product failures or defects; exposure to environmental, asbestos, putative consumer class action or other legal proceedings; general economic and market conditions; the supply and cost of raw materials; possible increases in competition and the potential that competitors could copy the Company’s products; reliance on a small number of customers; a customer’s inability to pay; compliance with and changes in environmental and health and safety laws; risks of conducting business internationally; compliance with and changes in laws and regulations; currency exchange risks; dependence on customer preference and the concentration of the Company’s customer base on large format retail customers, distributors and dealers; dependence on residential and commercial construction markets; the effect of adverse changes in climate or weather patterns; possible inability to renew credit facilities on terms favorable to the Company, or at all; acquisition or sale of businesses and business segments; changes in the Company’s key management personnel; inherent limitations on internal controls; use of accounting estimates; integration of Fermacell into our business; and all other risks identified in the Company’s reports filed with Australian, Irish and US securities regulatory agencies and exchanges (as appropriate). The Company cautions you that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and that other risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those referenced in the Company’s forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are statements of the Company’s current expectations concerning future results, events and conditions. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information except as required by law.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes, including the accounting policies affecting our financial condition and results of operations, which are fully described in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements, presented later in this Annual Report.
In the following discussion and analysis, we intend to provide management’s explanation of the factors that have affected our financial condition and results of operations for the fiscal years covered by the financial statements included in this Annual Report, as well as management’s assessment of the factors and trends which are anticipated to have a material effect on our financial condition and results of operations in future periods.
Application of Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of our financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported revenue and expenses during the periods presented therein. On an



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ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments in relation to assets, liabilities, contingent liabilities, revenue and expenses. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.
We have identified the following critical accounting policies under which significant judgments, estimates and assumptions are made and where actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions and may materially affect financial results or the financial position reported in future periods:
 
Accounting for the AFFA
The AFFA was approved by shareholders in February 2007 to provide long-term funding to AICF. For a discussion of the AFFA and the accounting policies utilized by the Company related to the AFFA and AICF, see Note 2 in the consolidated financial statements.
The amount of the asbestos liability has been recognized by reference to (but not exclusively based upon) the most recent actuarial estimate of projected future cash flows as calculated by KPMG Actuarial (“KPMGA”), who are engaged and appointed by AICF under the terms of the AFFA. Based on their assumptions, KPMGA arrived at a range of possible total future cash flows and calculated a central estimate, which is intended to reflect a probability-weighted expected outcome of those actuarially estimated future cash flows projected by the actuary to occur through 2072. We recognize the asbestos liability in the consolidated financial statements by reference to (but not exclusively based upon) the undiscounted and uninflated central estimate.
Adjustments in the asbestos liability due to changes in the actuarial estimate of projected future cash flows and changes in the estimate of future operating costs of AICF are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income during the period in which they occur. Claims paid by AICF and claims-handling costs incurred by AICF are treated as reductions in the accrued balances previously reflected in the consolidated balance sheets.
In estimating the potential financial exposure, KPMGA has made a number of assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions related to the total number of claims that are reasonably estimated to be asserted through 2072, the typical cost of settlement (which is sensitive to, among other factors, the industry in which a plaintiff claims exposure, the alleged disease type and the jurisdiction in which the action is brought), the legal costs incurred in the litigation of such claims, the rate of receipt of claims, the settlement strategy in dealing with outstanding claims and the timing of settlements.
Due to inherent uncertainties in the legal and medical environment, the number and timing of future claim notifications and settlements, the recoverability of claims against insurance contracts, and estimates of future trends in average claim awards, as well as the extent to which the above named entities will contribute to the overall settlements, the actual amount of liability could differ materially from that which is currently projected.
We recognize the asbestos liability in the consolidated financial statements on an undiscounted and uninflated basis. We considered discounting when determining the best estimate under US GAAP. We have recognized the asbestos liability by reference to (but not exclusively based upon) the central estimate as undiscounted on the basis that it is our view that the timing and amounts of such cash flows are not fixed or readily determinable. We considered inflation when determining the best estimate under US GAAP. It is our view that there are material uncertainties in estimating an appropriate rate of inflation over the extended



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period of the AFFA. We view the undiscounted and uninflated central estimate as the best estimate under US GAAP.
An updated actuarial assessment is performed as of 31 March each year. Any changes in the estimate will be reflected as a charge or credit to the consolidated statements of operations for the year then ended. Material adverse changes to the actuarial estimate would have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. A copy of KPMGA’s actuarial assessment as at 31 March 2018 is available on the Investor Relations area of our website (www.ir.jameshardie.com.au).
Sales Rebates and Discounts
We record estimated reductions to sales for customer rebates and discounts including volume, promotional, cash and other rebates and discounts. Rebates and discounts are recorded based on management’s best estimate when products are sold. The estimates are based on historical experience for similar programs and products. Management reviews these rebates and discounts on an ongoing basis and the related accruals are adjusted, if necessary, as additional information becomes available.
Accounts Receivable
We evaluate the collectability of accounts receivable on an ongoing basis based on historical bad debts, customer credit-worthiness, current economic trends and changes in our customer payment activity. An allowance for doubtful accounts is provided for known and estimated bad debts. Although credit losses have historically been within our expectations, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to experience the same credit loss rates that we have in the past. Because our accounts receivable are concentrated in a relatively small number of customers, a significant change in the liquidity or financial position of any of these customers could impact their ability to make payments and result in the need for additional allowances which would decrease our net sales.
Inventory
Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value. In order to determine net realizable value, management regularly reviews inventory quantities on hand and evaluates significant items to determine whether they are excess, slow-moving or obsolete. The estimated value of excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventory is recorded as a reduction to inventory and an expense in cost of sales in the period in which it is identified. This estimate requires management to make judgments about the future demand for inventory and is therefore at risk to change from period to period. If our estimate for the future demand for inventory is greater than actual demand and we fail to reduce manufacturing output accordingly, we could be required to record additional inventory reserves, which would have a negative impact on our gross profit.
Further, we have distributor arrangements that we maintain with certain customers where we own inventory that is physically located in a customer’s or third party’s warehouse. As a result, our ability to effectively manage inventory levels may be impaired, which would cause our total inventory turns to decrease. In that event, our expenses associated with excess and obsolete inventory could increase and our cash flow could be negatively impacted.
Accrued Warranty Reserve
We have offered, and continue to offer, various warranties on our products, including a 30-year limited warranty on certain of our fiber cement siding products in the United States. Because our fiber cement products have only been used in North America since the early 1990s, there is a risk that these products will not perform in accordance with our expectations over an extended period of time. A typical warranty program requires that we replace defective products within a specified time period from the date of sale.



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We record an estimate for future warranty-related costs based on an analysis by us, which includes the historical relationship of warranty costs to installed product. Based on this analysis and other factors, we adjust the amount of our warranty provisions as necessary. Although our warranty costs have historically been within calculated estimates, if our experience is significantly different from our estimates, it could result in the need for additional reserves.
Accounting for Income Tax
We recognize deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which we expect the differences to reverse. We record a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount that we are more likely than not to realize. We must assess whether, and to what extent, we can recover our deferred tax assets. If we cannot satisfy a more-likely-than-not threshold for full or partial recovery, we must increase our income tax expense by recording a valuation allowance against the portion of deferred tax assets that we cannot recover. We believe that we will recover all of the deferred tax assets recorded (net of valuation allowance) on our consolidated balance sheet at 31 March 2018. However, if facts later indicate that we will be unable to recover all or a portion of our net deferred tax assets, our income tax expense would increase in the period in which we determine that recovery does not meet the more-likely-than-not threshold.
We evaluate our uncertain tax positions in accordance with the guidance for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. We believe that our reserve for uncertain tax positions, including related interest, is adequate. Due to our size and the nature of our business, we are subject to ongoing reviews by taxing jurisdictions on various tax matters, including challenges to various positions we assert on our income tax returns. The amounts ultimately paid upon resolution of these matters could be materially different from the amounts previously included in our income tax expense and therefore could have a material impact on our tax provision, net income and cash flows. Positions taken by an entity in its income tax returns must satisfy a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, assuming that the positions will be examined by taxing authorities with full knowledge of all relevant information, in order for the positions to be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. Each quarter we evaluate the income tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, to determine whether these positions meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. We are required to make subjective judgments and assumptions regarding our income tax positions and must consider a variety of factors, including the current tax statutes and the current status of audits performed by tax authorities in each tax jurisdiction. To the extent an uncertain tax position is resolved for an amount that varies from the recorded estimated liability, our income tax expense in a given financial statement period could be materially affected.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, are evaluated each quarter for events or changes in circumstances that indicate that an asset might be impaired because the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. These include, without limitation, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset or asset group is being used, a current period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses, a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset or asset group and/or a current expectation that it is more likely than not that a long-lived asset or asset group will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. Identifying these events and changes in circumstances, and assessing their impact on the appropriate valuation of the affected assets requires us to make judgments, assumptions and estimates.
When such indicators of potential impairment are identified, recoverability is tested by grouping long-lived assets that are used together and represent the lowest level for which cash flows are identifiable and distinct from the cash flows of other long-lived assets, which is typically at the production line or plant facility level,



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depending on the type of long-lived asset subject to an impairment review. Recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset group to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized at the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset group.
The methodology used to estimate the fair value of the asset group is typically based on a discounted cash flow analysis that considers the asset group’s highest and best use that would maximize the value of the asset group. In addition, the estimated fair value of an asset group also considers, to the extent practicable, a market participant’s expectations and assumptions in estimating the fair value of the asset group. If the estimated fair value of the asset group is less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized at an amount equal to the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value of the asset group.
During the years ended 31 March 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded US$0.7 million, US$0.5 million and US$3.5 million of impairment charges related to individual assets which is included in Cost of goods sold on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
In estimating the fair value of the asset group, we are required to make certain estimates and assumptions that include forecasting the useful lives of the assets, selecting an appropriate discount rate that reflects the risk inherent in future cash flows, forecasting market demand for our products and recommissioning idle assets to meet anticipated capacity constraints in the future. We have not made any material changes in the accounting methodology we use to assess impairment loss during the past three fiscal years. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions used in estimating future cash flows and asset fair values, we may be exposed to material impairment losses in future periods.

















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Operating Results
Year ended 31 March 2018 compared to year ended 31 March 2017
Operating results for the consolidated group were as follows:
US$ Millions
 
FY18
 
FY17
 
Change % 
Net sales
 
$
2,054.5

 
$
1,921.6

 
7

Cost of goods sold
 
(1,324.3
)
 
(1,246.9
)
 
(6
)
Gross profit
 
730.2

 
674.7

 
8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
(311.3
)
 
(291.6
)
 
(7
)
Research and development expenses
 
(33.3
)
 
(30.3
)
 
(10
)
Asbestos adjustments
 
(156.4
)
 
40.4

 


Operating income
 
229.2

 
393.2

 
(42
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest expense
 
(29.5
)
 
(27.5
)
 
(7
)
Loss on early debt extinguishment 1
 
(26.1
)
 

 
 
Other income
 
0.7

 
1.3

 
(46
)
Income before income taxes
 
174.3

 
367.0

 
(53
)
Income tax expense
 
(28.2
)
 
(90.5
)
 
69

Net income
 
$
146.1

 
$
276.5

 
(47
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
____________
1
In December 2017, we redeemed our 5.875% senior notes due 2023 and recorded a loss on early debt extinguishment in connection with this redemption. Readers are referred to Note 9 of our 31 March 2018 consolidated financial statements for further information related to long-term debt.


Net sales for fiscal year 2018 increased 7% from fiscal year 2017 to US $2,054.5 million. Net sales were favorably impacted by a higher average net sales price and higher sales volumes in the North America Fiber Cement segment, as well as higher sales volumes in the International Fiber Cement segment.

Gross profit of US$ 730.2 million for fiscal year 2018 was 8 % higher than fiscal year 2017. Gross profit margin of 35.5 % was 0.4 percentage points higher than fiscal year 2017.

SG&A expenses of US$ 311.3 million for fiscal year 2018 increased 7 % from fiscal year 2017. The increase is primarily driven by acquisition costs and higher labor costs. Acquisition costs relate to our previously announced acquisition of Fermacell and its subsidiaries.

R&D expenses increased 10 % when compared to fiscal year 2017, primarily due to an increase in
 
R&D spend for the Other Businesses segment, as well as an increase in the overall number of projects undertaken by the R&D team.

Asbestos adjustments for fiscal year 2018 primarily reflects the unfavorable movement in the actuarial adjustment of US$195.8 million recorded at year end in line with KPMGA's actuarial report.
 
Other income reflects the gains and losses on interest rate swaps.

Net income decreased from US $276.5 million in fiscal year 2017 to US $146.1 million in fiscal year 2018, primarily driven by the unfavorable movement in asbestos adjustments, the loss on early debt extinguishment and acquisition costs, partially offset by lower income tax expense and the favorable underlying performance of the operating business units.




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North America Fiber Cement Segment Results
Operating results for the North America Fiber Cement segment were as follows:
 
 
FY18
 
FY17
 
Change    
Volume (mmsf)
 
2,238.8

 
2,215.4

 
1
%
Average net sales price per unit (per msf)
 
US$698
 
US$665
 
5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales (US$ millions)
 
1,578.1

 
1,493.4

 
6
%
Gross profit
 
 
 
 
 
8
%
Gross margin (%)
 
 
 
 
 
0.6 pts
Operating income (US$ millions)
 
381.9

 
343.9

 
11
%
Operating income margin (%)
 
24.2

 
23.0

 
1.2 pts

Net sales for fiscal year 2018 were favorably impacted by a higher average net sales price and slightly higher volumes. The increase in average net sales price primarily reflects the annual change in our strategic pricing effective April 2017, as well as a favorable product mix. Additionally, the marginal growth in volume in fiscal year 2018, compared to fiscal year 2017, was due to dampened demand driven by our capacity constraints in the prior fiscal year and first half of fiscal year 2018, as well as the discontinuation of an interior product line. Our exterior volume trend continues to improve and grew in line with our market index in the second half of fiscal year 2018.

We note that there are a number of data sources that measure US housing market growth. At the time of filing our results for the period ended 31 March 2018, only US Census Bureau data was available. According to the US Census Bureau, single family housing starts for the year ended 31 March 2018 were 861,400, or 9% above the year ended 31 March 2017.

While we have provided US Census Bureau data above, we note that this data can be different from other indices we use to measure US housing market growth, namely the McGraw-Hill Construction Residential Starts Data (also known as Dodge), the National Association of Home Builders and Fannie Mae.  
 
The change in gross margin for fiscal year 2018 can be attributed to the following components:
Higher average net sales price
2.9
 pts
Lower start up costs
0.2
 pts
Higher production costs
(2.5
 pts)
Total percentage point change in gross margin
0.6
 pts

Gross margin increased 0.6 percentage points compared to fiscal year 2017, primarily driven by higher average net sales price, partially offset by higher production costs. The higher production costs were primarily due to higher freight costs and higher input costs. While production costs were favorable for the second half of fiscal year 2018 as compared to the second half of fiscal year 2017, this favorability was more than offset by the unfavorable performance during the first half of fiscal year 2018. The higher production costs in the first half of fiscal year 2018 were driven by elevated spending in freight, labor and raw materials, as well as production inefficiencies across the manufacturing network.

Operating income for fiscal year 2018 increased 11% compared to fiscal year 2017, primarily driven by an 8% increase in gross profit.




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Operating income margin for fiscal year 2018 increased 1.2 percentage points to 24.2% , when compared to fiscal year 2017, driven primarily by the increase in gross margin as described above. In addition, as a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses decreased 0.6 percentage points in fiscal year 2018 compared to fiscal year 2017.

International Fiber Cement Segment Results

The International Fiber Cement Segment is comprised of the following businesses: (i) Australia Fiber Cement, (ii) New Zealand Fiber Cement, (iii) Philippines Fiber Cement, and (iv) Europe Fiber Cement.

Operating results for the International Fiber Cement segment in US dollars were as follows:

 
 
FY18
 
FY17
 
Change   
Volume (mmsf)
 
528.7

 
487.2

 
9
%
Average net sales price per unit (per msf)
 
US$774
 
US$775
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales (US$ millions)
 
461.7

 
411.8

 
12
%
US$ Gross profit
 
 
 
 
 
12
%
US$ Gross margin (%)
 
 
 
 
 
(0.2 pts)

Operating income (US$ millions)
 
108.4

 
95.1

 
14
%
US$ Operating income margin (%)
 
23.5

 
23.1

 
0.4 pts
    
Volume for fiscal year 2018 increased 9% , compared to fiscal year 2017, primarily driven by strong growth in our Australian and Philippines businesses.

Net sales for fiscal year 2018 increased 12% , compared to fiscal year 2017, primarily due to higher volume.

Gross profit for fiscal year 2018 increased 12% , compared to fiscal year 2017. The increase was primarily driven by strong volume growth and higher average net sales price in our Australian business, partially offset by higher production costs in New Zealand. The higher production costs in New Zealand were primarily driven by unfavorable plant performance and higher input costs.

The change in gross margin for fiscal year 2018 can be attributed to the following components:
Lower average net sales price
(0.1 pts)

Higher production costs
(0.1 pts)

Total percentage point change in gross margin
(0.2
) pts

Operating income for fiscal year 2018 increased 14% to US$ 108.4 million compared to fiscal year 2017 due to the increase in gross profit described above, partially offset by higher SG&A expenses. The increase in SG&A expenses for the was primarily driven by an increase in labor related costs; however, as a percentage of sales, SG&A expense decreased 0.7 percentage points in fiscal year 2018 compared to fiscal year 2017.







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Country Analysis

Australia Fiber Cement

Net sales for fiscal year 2018 increased from fiscal year 2017 primarily due to a higher average net sales price and an increase in volume. The key driver of volume growth was continued market penetration, as we gained market share during the year.

Operating income for fiscal year 2018 increased 26 % compared to fiscal year 2017. The increase was primarily driven by improved gross profit due to higher net sales, partially offset by higher SG&A expenses primarily from labor related costs.

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, approvals for detached houses, which are a key driver of the Australian business’ sales volume, were 119,339 for fiscal year 2018, an increase of 2% compared to fiscal year 2017. The other key driver of our sales volume is the alterations and additions market, which increased 6% in fiscal year 2018 compared to fiscal year 2017.

New Zealand Fiber Cement

Net sales for fiscal year 2018 increased from fiscal year 2017, primarily driven by higher sales volumes from addressable markets and favorable product mix.
 
Operating income for fiscal year 2018 decreased compared to fiscal year 2017, primarily driven by unfavorable plant performance, higher employment costs and higher freight costs.

Philippines Fiber Cement

Volume for fiscal year 2018 increased 19% compared to fiscal year 2017 primarily as a result of our tactical pricing strategies in fiscal year 2018, as well as lower volumes in fiscal year 2017 due to the penetration of competitor imports within the Philippines market. Operating income for fiscal year 2018 was higher compared to fiscal year 2017 driven by strong volume growth and lower production costs, partially offset by the impact of unfavorable foreign exchange rates on our US$ reported sales and a lower average net sales price due to tactical pricing strategies.

Europe Fiber Cement

Net sales for fiscal year 2018 decreased compared to fiscal year 2017 primarily driven by lower volume in certain regions and a lower average net sales price due to unfavorable product mix. Operating income for fiscal year 2018 decreased compared to fiscal year 2017 primarily driven by lower net sales and the impact of unfavorable foreign exchange rates.

Other Businesses Segment Results
 
US$ Millions
 
FY18
 
FY17
 
Change
Net sales
 
$
14.7

 
$
16.4

 
(10
%)
Gross profit
 
 
 
 
 
NM

Gross profit margin (%)
 
 
 
 
 
(12.6 pts)

Operating loss
 
$
(8.6
)
 
$
(6.7
)
 
(28
%)




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We continue to invest in business development opportunities aligned with our long term strategy and continue to incur losses in our Other Businesses segment. The operating loss for fiscal year 2018 increased 28% to a loss of US$ 8.6 million. We continue to invest in future growth through our commitment to building quality manufacturing, product development capabilities and organizational capability.
Research and Development Segment
We record R&D expenses depending on whether they are core R&D projects that are designed to benefit all business units, which are recorded in our R&D segment; or commercialization projects for the benefit of a particular business unit, which are recorded in the individual business unit’s segment results.
The table below details the expenses of our R&D segment:

US$ Millions
 
FY18
 
FY17
 
Change %
Segment R&D expenses
 
$
(25.4
)
 
$
(22.6
)
 
(12
)
Segment R&D SG&A expenses
 
(2.4
)
 
(2.9
)
 
17

Total R&D operating loss
 
$
(27.8
)
 
$
(25.5
)
 
(9
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The increase in segment R&D expenses for fiscal year 2018 compared to fiscal year 2017 was a result of increased R&D spend for the Other Businesses segment, as well as, an increase in the number of core R&D projects being undertaken by the R&D team. The expense will fluctuate period to period depending on the nature and number of core R&D projects being worked on and the AUD/USD exchange rates during the period.

Other R&D expenses associated with commercialization projects in business units are recorded in the results of the respective business unit segment. Other R&D expenses associated with commercialization projects were US$7.9 million for fiscal year 2018 compared to US$7.7 million for fiscal year 2017.
General Corporate

Results for General Corporate were as follows:

US$ Millions
 
FY18
 
FY17
 
Change % 
General Corporate SG&A expenses
 
$
(56.4
)
 
$
(52.5
)
 
(7
)
Fermacell acquisition costs 1
 
(10.0
)
 

 


Asbestos:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asbestos adjustments
 
(156.4
)
 
40.4

 


AICF SG&A expenses 2
 
(1.9
)
 
(1.5
)
 
(27
)
General Corporate operating loss
 
$
(224.7
)
 
$
(13.6
)
 


____________
1
Relates to professional, legal and other fees incurred in conjunction with the acquisition of Fermacell and its subsidiaries.
2
Relates to non-claims related operating costs incurred by AICF, which we consolidate into our financial results due to our pecuniary and contractual interests in AICF.

For fiscal year 2018, General Corporate SG&A expenses increased US$ 3.9 million, primarily due to foreign exchange gains in the prior year not occurring in the current year, as well as, higher stock compensation expenses, partially offset by a US$3.4 million gain on the sale of a storage building located near our Fontana facility.



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Additionally, as part of our acquisition of Fermacell announced in the second quarter of fiscal year 2018, we have incurred acquisition costs of US$ 10.0 million during fiscal year 2018. Readers are referred to Note 19 of our 31 March 2018 consolidated financial statements for further information related to the Fermacell acquisition.

Asbestos adjustments for fiscal year 2018 primarily reflect the unfavorable actuarial adjustment recorded at year end in line with KPMGA's actuarial report, as well as, the non-cash foreign exchange re-measurement impact on asbestos related balance sheet items, driven by the change in the AUD/USD spot exchange rate from the beginning balance sheet date to the ending balance sheet date, for each respective period.

The AUD/USD spot exchange rates are shown in the table below:

FY18
FY17
31 March 2017
 
0.7644

31 March 2016
 
0.7657

31 March 2018
 
0.7681

31 March 2017
 
0.7644

Change ($)
 
0.0037

Change ($)
 
(0.0013
)
Change (%)
 

Change (%)
 

For fiscal years 2018 and 2017, the asbestos adjustments recorded by the Company were made up of the following components:
US$ Millions
 
FY18
 
FY17
(Increase) decrease in actuarial estimate
 
$
(151.4
)
 
$
38.6

Effect of foreign exchange rate movements
 
(3.9
)
 
1.8

Asbestos research and education contribution
 
(1.1
)
 

Asbestos adjustments
 
$
(156.4
)
 
$
40.4

Per the KPMGA actuarial report, the undiscounted and uninflated central estimate net of insurance recoveries increased to A$1.443 billion at 31 March 2018 from A$1.386 billion at 31 March 2017. The change in the undiscounted and uninflated central estimate of A$57.0 million or 4% is primarily due to an increase in the projected number of mesothelioma claims, partially offset by the reduction in average claim size. In addition, the estimate was further offset by the AFFA amendment in December 2017 which removed the allowance previously included in the Asbestos Liability for legislation in Victoria enacted in the prior year which allowed compensation for gratuitous services costs.
During fiscal year 2018, mesothelioma claims reporting activity was above actuarial expectations and the prior corresponding period. One of the more significant assumptions is the estimated peak period of mesothelioma disease claims, which was assumed to have occurred in the period 2014/2015 to 2016/2017. However, as claim numbers continue to be elevated, KPMGA has formed the view that the increases in the mesothelioma claims reporting seen in recent years was a permanent effect, and therefore increased the projected number of future mesothelioma claims at 31 March 2018. Additionally, KPMGA has revised its modeling approach for mesothelioma claims to consider the claimant’s age which resulted in a higher number of projected claims, partially offset by a reduction in projected average claim size. However, changes to the valuation assumptions may be necessary in future periods should mesothelioma claims reporting escalate or decline.
Potential variation in the estimated peak period of claims has an impact much greater than the other assumptions used to derive the discounted central estimate. In performing the sensitivity assessment of the estimated incidence pattern reporting for mesothelioma, if the pattern of incidence was shifted by two years, the central estimate could increase by approximately 18% on a discounted basis.



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Asbestos gross cashflow expenditures of A$139.7 million for fiscal year 2018 were lower than the actuarial expectation of A$154.9 million, primarily as a result of favorable average claim settlement sizes of non-large mesothelioma claims, together with lower than expected expenditures on large claims in the year.
Readers are referred to Notes 2 and 11 of our 31 March 2018 consolidated financial statements for further information on asbestos adjustments.
The following is an analysis of claims data for the fiscal years ended 31 March:
 
 
FY18
 
FY17
 
Change % 
Claims received
 
562

 
557

 
(1
)
Actuarial estimate for the period
 
576

 
625

 
8

Difference in claims received to actuarial estimate
 
14

 
68

 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average claim settlement 1  (A$)
 
253,000

 
224,000

 
(13
)
Actuarial estimate for the period 2
 
283,000

 
327,000

 
13

Difference in claims paid to actuarial estimate
 
30,000

 
103,000

 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
____________
1
Average claims settlement is derived as the total amount paid divided by the number of non-nil claim settlements.
2
This actuarial estimate is a function of the assumed experience by disease type and the relative mix of settlements assumed by disease type. Any variances in the assumed mix of settlements by disease type will have an impact on the average claim settlement experience.

For the full year ended 31 March 2018 , we noted the following related to asbestos-related claims:
Claims received during fiscal year 2018 were 2% below actuarial estimates;
Claims received during fiscal year 2018 were 1% higher than fiscal year 2017;
Mesothelioma claims reported for fiscal year 2018 were 5% above both actuarial expectations and fiscal year 2017;
The average claim settlement for fiscal year 2018 was 11% below actuarial expectations;
Average claim settlement sizes were lower for most disease types, including for mesothelioma and asbestosis, compared to actuarial expectations for fiscal year 2018; and
The decrease in average claim settlement for the full year versus actuarial estimates was largely attributable to lower average claim settlement sizes for non-large mesothelioma claims, together with favorable large claims experience during fiscal year 2018.

Net interest expense

Gross interest expense for fiscal year 2018 increased US$ 8.8 million, when compared to fiscal year 2017, primarily due to the higher outstanding balance of our senior unsecured notes. For fiscal year 2018, net AICF interest income was US$ 1.9 million, primarily due to interest income on deposits and a decrease in the balance of AICF's borrowings under its loan facility with the New South Wales Government.

Other income

Other income for fiscal year 2018 decreased US$ 0.6 million to US$ 0.7 million, when compared to fiscal year 2017. The movements in other income are primarily driven by the valuation of our interest rate swaps.







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Income tax expense

Total income tax expense for fiscal year 2018 decreased US$ 62.3 million, when compared to fiscal year 2017, primarily driven by the increase in the asbestos liability.
Net income
Net income decreased from US $276.5 million in fiscal year 2017 to US $146.1 million in fiscal year 2018.
Year ended 31 March 2017 compared to year ended 31 March 2016
Operating results for the consolidated group were as follows:
 
US$ Millions
 
FY17
 
FY16
 
Change %
Net sales
 
$
1,921.6

 
$
1,728.2

 
11

Cost of goods sold
 
(1,246.9
)
 
(1,096.0
)
 
(14
)
Gross profit
 
674.7

 
632.2

 
7

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
(291.6
)
 
(254.2
)
 
(15
)
Research and development expenses
 
(30.3
)
 
(29.5
)
 
(3
)
Asbestos adjustments
 
40.4

 
5.5

 
 
Operating income
 
393.2

 
354.0

 
11

Net interest expense
 
(27.5
)
 
(25.6
)
 
(7
)
Other income
 
1.3

 
2.1

 
(38
)
Income before income taxes
 
367.0

 
330.5

 
11

Income tax expense
 
(90.5
)
 
(86.1
)
 
(5
)
Net income
 
$
276.5

 
$
244.4

 
13

 
Net sales of US$1,921.6 million for fiscal year 2017 increased 11% from fiscal year 2016. Net sales were favorably impacted by higher sales volumes in the North America Fiber Cement segment and higher sales volumes and a higher average net sales price in the International Fiber Cement segment.
Gross profit of US$674.7 million for fiscal year 2017 was 7% higher than fiscal year 2016. Our gross profit margin of 35.1% was 1.5 percentage points lower than fiscal year 2016.
SG&A expenses for fiscal year 2017 increased 15% to US$291.6 million. The increase primarily reflects increased investment in headcount and market development programs.
R&D expenses increased 3% for fiscal year 2017 when compared to fiscal year 2016 primarily due to an increase in the number of R&D projects being undertaken by the R&D team.

 
Asbestos adjustments for fiscal year 2017 were favorable compared to fiscal year 2016. The primary driver being a US$38.6 million favorable movement in the actuarial adjustment recorded at year end in line with KPMGA’s actuarial report and the US$1.8 million favorable impact of the depreciating AUD/USD spot exchange rate between balance sheet dates.
Other income reflects gains and losses on interest rate swaps and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses. Fiscal year 2016 results also include the gain on sale of the Australian pipes business, which was sold in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016.
Net income increased from US$244.4 million in fiscal year 2016 to US$276.5 million in fiscal year 2017, primarily due to an increase in the underlying performance of the operating business units and the favorable movement of asbestos adjustments, partially offset by an increase in SG&A expenses .



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North America Fiber Cement Segment Results
Operating results for the North America Fiber Cement segment were as follows:
 
 
 
FY17
 
FY16
 
Change %
Volume (mmsf)
 
2,215.4

 
1,969.2

 
13
 %
Average net sales price per unit (per msf)
 

US$665

 

US$669

 
(1
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales (US$ millions)
 
1,493.4

 
1,335.0

 
12
 %
Gross profit
 
 
 
 
 
3
 %
Gross margin (%)
 
 
 
 
 
(3.1 pts)

Operating income (US$ millions)
 
343.9

 
352.2

 
(2
)%
Operating income margin (%)
 
23.0

 
26.4

 
(3.4 pts)

Net sales for fiscal year 2017 were favorably impacted by higher volumes, partially offset by a slightly lower average net sales price. The increase in our sales volume in fiscal year 2017, compared to fiscal year 2016, was driven by growth in both the repair and remodel and new construction markets and continued improvement in our commercial execution resulting in improved market penetration.
For fiscal year 2017, average net sales price decreased slightly as a result of maintaining current strategic pricing levels and the ongoing execution of our tactical pricing strategies.
We note that there are a number of data sources that measure US housing market growth, most of which have reported mid to high single-digit growth in recent quarters when compared to prior corresponding periods. However, at the time of filing our fiscal year 2017 results, only the US Census Bureau data was available. According to the US Census Bureau, single family housing starts for the year ended 31 March 2017 were 791,100, or 6% above the year ended 31 March 2016.
While we have provided US Census Bureau data above, we note that this data can be different than other indices we use to measure US housing market growth, namely the McGraw-Hill Construction Residential Starts Data (also known as Dodge), the National Association of Home Builders and Fannie Mae.
The change in gross margin for fiscal year 2017 can be attributed to the following components:
 
Lower average net sales price
(0.5 pts)  
Higher start up costs
(0.9 pts)  
Higher production costs
(1.7 pts)  
Total percentage point change in gross margin
(3.1 pts)  
Gross margin decreased 3.1 percentage points compared to fiscal year 2016 primarily as result of higher production and startup costs. The higher production costs resulted from unfavorable plant performance and higher freight costs. Plant performance was unfavorable as a result of elevated spend and production inefficiencies. The higher startup costs were due to the acceleration of certain capacity projects, combined with inefficient startup programs.
The increase in SG&A expense for fiscal year 2017, compared to fiscal year 2016, was driven by an increase in our headcount in an effort to build and align organizational capability with our anticipated growth, as well as, increased spending on our market development programs. As a percentage of sales, SG&A increased 0.4 percentage points in fiscal year 2017 compared to fiscal year 2016.



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Operating income for fiscal year 2017 decreased 2% compared to fiscal year 2016, driven by a 15% increase in SG&A, offset by a 3% increase in gross profit.
Operating income margin for fiscal year 2017 decreased 3.4 percentage points to 23.0% when compared to fiscal year 2016, driven primarily by the increase in production costs, as described above.
International Fiber Cement Segment Results
The International Fiber Cement Segment is comprised of the following businesses: (i) Australia Fiber Cement, (ii) New Zealand Fiber Cement, (iii) Philippines Fiber Cement, and (iv) Europe Fiber Cement.
Operating results for the International Fiber Cement segment in US dollars were as follows:
 
 
 
FY17
 
FY16
 
Change %
Volume (mmsf)
 
487.2

 
480.9

 
1
%
Volume (mmsf) excluding the Australian Pipes business
 
487.2

 
471.1

 
3
%
Average net sales price per unit (per msf)
 

US$775

 

US$729

 
6
%
Average net sales price per unit excluding the Australian Pipes business (per msf)
 

US$775

 

US$734

 
6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales (US$ millions)
 
411.8

 
379.4

 
9
%
US$ Gross profit
 
 
 
 
 
21
%
US$ Gross margin (%)
 
 
 
 
 
3.9 pts

Operating income (US$ millions)
 
95.1

 
77.9

 
22
%
New Zealand weathertightness claims (US$ millions)
 

 
(0.5
)
 
 
Operating income excluding NZ weathertightness claims (US$ millions)
 
95.1

 
78.4

 
21
%
US$ Operating income margin (%)
 
23.1

 
20.5

 
2.6 pts

US$ Operating income margin excluding NZ weathertightness claims (%)
 
23.1

 
20.7

 
2.4 pts

Volume for fiscal year 2017 increased 1% compared to fiscal year 2016, primarily driven by volume growth in our Australian, New Zealand and European businesses, partially offset by the sale of the Australian Pipes business at the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 and lower volumes in the Philippines. Excluding the Australian Pipes business, volume increased 3%, attributable to higher volumes in Australia, New Zealand and Europe, partially offset by lower volume in the Philippines due to the penetration of competitor imports within the Philippines market.
Net sales for fiscal year 2017 increased 9% compared to fiscal year 2016, and increased 10% excluding Australian Pipes. The increase in net sales excluding Australian Pipes was primarily driven by the Australian and New Zealand businesses which had a higher average net sales price along with higher volumes. Average net sales price in US dollars was primarily driven by favorable product and geographic mix, and the effects of our annual price increase across the businesses.
The change in gross margin for fiscal year 2017 can be attributed to the following components:
 
 
Higher average net sales price and mix
1.7 pts  
Lower production costs
2.2 pts  
Total percentage point change in gross margin
3.9 pts  



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Production costs for the segment were favorable primarily due to the lack of Carole Park start-up costs in fiscal year 2017 compared to fiscal year 2016 and favorable plant performance, partially offset by higher freight and fixed costs.
Operating income for fiscal year 2017 increased 22% to US$95.1 million compared to fiscal year 2016 due to the increase in gross profit described above, partially offset by higher SG&A expenses. The increase in SG&A was driven by an increase in headcount in an effort to build and align organizational capability with anticipated demand growth, as well as, increased spending on our market development programs.
Country Analysis
Australia
Net sales for fiscal year 2017 increased from fiscal year 2016 primarily due to higher average net sales price and increased volume. The key drivers of net sales growth were favorable conditions in our addressable markets and market penetration, combined with the favorable impact of our price increase and favorable product mix.
For fiscal year 2017, production costs were lower compared to fiscal year 2016, driven by lower start-up costs in fiscal year 2017 compared to fiscal year 2016 associated with our new Carole Park sheet machine, favorable plant performance and lower input costs, partially offset by higher freight and fixed costs.
Operating income for fiscal year 2017 increased 31% compared to fiscal year 2016, driven by improved gross profit, partially offset by higher SG&A expenses related to marketing and employee costs.
According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, approvals for detached houses, which are a key driver of the Australian business’ sales volume, were 115,838 for the year ended 31 March 2017, a decrease of 3% compared to fiscal year 2016. The other key driver of our sales volume is the alterations and additions market, which increased 4% for the 12 months ended 31 March 2017, compared to fiscal year 2016.
New Zealand
Net sales for fiscal year 2017 increased from fiscal year 2016 primarily due to a higher average net sales price due to our price increase and higher sales volumes from addressable markets. Operating income for the fiscal year 2017 increased compared to fiscal year 2016 driven by improved net sales.
Philippines
Volume for fiscal year 2017 decreased 9% compared to fiscal year 2016. While recent periods have shown an increase in volume, the change in the overall competitive landscape is expected to remain for some time. Operating income for fiscal year 2017 was lower compared to fiscal year 2016 due to lower sales volume driven by the entrance of competitor imports, combined with higher SG&A expenses related to marketing and employment costs, partially offset by favorable plant performance.
Europe
For fiscal year 2017, volume and operating income increased when compared to fiscal year 2016.



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Other Businesses Segment Results
 
US$ Millions
 
FY17    
 
FY16    
 
Change %
Net sales
 
$
16.4

 
$
13.8

 
19
%
Gross profit
 
 
 
 
 
47
%
Gross profit margin (%)
 
 
 
 
 
11.9 pts

Operating loss
 
$
(6.7
)
 
$
(8.6
)
 
22
%
We continue to invest in business development opportunities aligned with our long term strategy and continue to incur losses in our Other Businesses segment. Operating loss for fiscal year 2017 improved 22%, to an operating loss of US$6.7 million compared to fiscal year 2016, driven by increased sales volume, favorable product mix, favorable plant performance and lower SG&A expenses.
Research and Development Segment
We record R&D expenses depending on whether they are core R&D projects that are designed to benefit all business units, which are recorded in our R&D segment; or commercialization projects for the benefit of a particular business unit, which are recorded in the individual business unit’s segment results. The table below details the expenses of our R&D segment:
 
US$ Millions
 
FY17
 
FY16
 
Change %
Segment R&D expenses
 
$
(22.6
)
 
$
(21.7
)
 
(4
)
Segment R&D SG&A expenses
 
(2.9
)
 
(2.2
)
 
(32
)
Total R&D operating loss
 
$
(25.5
)
 
$
(23.9
)
 
(7
)
The change in segment R&D expenses for fiscal year 2017 compared to fiscal year 2016 is a result of the number of core R&D projects being undertaken by the R&D team. The expense will fluctuate period to period depending on the nature and number of core R&D projects being worked on and the AUD/USD exchange rates during the period.
Other R&D expenses associated with commercialization projects in business units are recorded in the results of the respective business unit segment. Other R&D expenses associated with commercialization projects were US$7.7 million for fiscal year 2017 compared to US$7.8 million for fiscal year 2016.
General Corporate
Results for General Corporate for fiscal years 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
 
US$ Millions
 
FY17    
 
FY16    
 
Change %
General Corporate SG&A expenses
 
$
(52.5
)
 
$
(47.4
)
 
(11
)
Asbestos:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asbestos adjustments
 
40.4

 
5.5

 
 
AICF SG&A expenses 1
 
(1.5
)
 
(1.7
)
 
12

General Corporate operating loss
 
$
(13.6
)
 
$
(43.6
)
 
69

____________
1
Relates to non-claims related operating costs incurred by AICF, which we consolidate into our financial results due to our pecuniary and contractual interests in AICF. Readers are referred to Notes 2 and 11 of our consolidated financial statements for further information on the Asbestos Adjustments.



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For fiscal year 2017, General Corporate SG&A expenses increased US$5.1 million, primarily due to higher employee costs and higher discretionary spending, partially offset by favorable movements in recognized foreign exchange gains.
Asbestos adjustments reflect a change in the actuarial estimate of the asbestos liability, insurance receivables, AICF claims handling costs and the foreign exchange translation impact of the Australian denominated asbestos related assets and liabilities being recorded on our consolidated balance sheets in US dollars at the reporting date for each respective period.
The AUD/USD spot exchange rates are shown in the table below:
 
FY17
 
FY16
31 March 2016
 
0.7657

 
31 March 2015
 
0.7636

31 March 2017
 
0.7644

 
31 March 2016
 
0.7657

Change ($)
 
(0.0013
)
 
Change ($)
 
0.0021

Change (%)
 

 
Change (%)
 

For fiscal years 2017 and 2016, the asbestos adjustments recorded by the Company were made up of the following components:
 
US$ Millions
 
FY17
 
FY16
Change in actuarial estimates
 
$
38.6

 
$
8.1

Effect of foreign exchange rate movements
 
1.8

 
(2.6
)
Asbestos adjustments
 
$
40.4

 
$
5.5

Per the KPMGA actuarial report, the undiscounted and uninflated central estimate net of insurance recoveries decreased to A$1.386 billion at 31 March 2017 from A$1.434 billion at 31 March 2016. The change in the undiscounted and uninflated central estimate of A$48.0 million, or 3%, is primarily due to lower average claims sizes and lower average defense legal cost assumptions for most disease types and a reduction in the assumed number of large mesothelioma claims. This was partially offset by lower future insurance recoveries as a result of a commutation agreement entered into by AICF during fiscal year 2017, in which cash of A$105.0 million was received in exchange for the discharge of certain insurance receivables.
During fiscal year 2017, mesothelioma claims reporting activity was below actuarial expectations for the second consecutive year. One of the more significant assumptions is the estimated peak period of mesothelioma disease claims, which is currently assumed to have occurred in the period 2014/2015 to 2016/2017. As the actual experience in fiscal year 2017 was favorable to expectations, no change to the assumed number of future mesothelioma claims is warranted at this time. However, potential variation in the estimated peak period of claims has an impact much greater than the other assumptions used to derive the discounted central estimate. In performing the sensitivity assessment of the estimated period of peak claims reporting for mesothelioma, if the peak claims reporting period was shifted two years from the currently assumed 2016/2017 (i.e. assuming that claim reporting begins to reduce after 2018/2019), together with increased claims reporting from 2026/2027 onwards, relative to current actuarial projections, the central estimate could increase by approximately 34% on a discounted basis.
At 31 March 2017, KPMGA has formed the view that, although there has been favorable claims reporting in fiscal year 2017, no change to the assumed number of future mesothelioma claims is warranted at this time. However, changes to the valuation assumptions may be necessary in future periods should mesothelioma claims reporting escalate or decline.



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Asbestos gross cashflow expenditure of A$125.0 million for fiscal year 2017 were lower than the actuarial expectation of A$168.0 million, primarily as a result of favorable average claim settlement sizes, together with the favorable large claims experience in the year.
Readers are referred to Notes 2 and 11 of our consolidated financial statements for further information on asbestos adjustments.
The following is an analysis of claims data for the fiscal years ended 31 March:
 
 
 
FY17
 
FY16
 
Change %
Claims received
 
557

 
577

 
3

Actuarial estimate for the period
 
625

 
658

 
5

Difference in claims received to actuarial estimate
 
68

 
81

 
(16
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average claim settlement 1 (A$)
 
224,000

 
248,000

 
10

Actuarial estimate for the period 2  (A$)
 
327,000

 
302,000

 
(8
)
Difference in claims paid to actuarial estimate (A$)
 
103,000

 
54,000

 
91

____________
1
Average claims settlement is derived as the total amount paid divided by the number of non-nil claim settlements.
2
This actuarial estimate is a function of the assumed experience by disease type and the relative mix of settlements assumed by disease type. Any variances in the assumed mix of settlements by disease type will have an impact on the average claim settlement experience.
For the full year ended 31 March 2017, we noted the following related to asbestos-related claims:
Claims received during fiscal year 2017 were 11% below actuarial estimates;
Claims received during fiscal year 2017 were 3% lower than fiscal year 2016;
Mesothelioma claims reported for fiscal year 2017 were 7% below actuarial expectations and were 6% below fiscal year 2016;
The average claim settlement for fiscal year 2017 was lower by 31% versus actuarial estimates;
Average claim settlement sizes were lower for most disease types, including for mesothelioma and asbestosis, compared to actuarial expectations for fiscal year 2017; and
The decrease in average claim settlement for fiscal year 2017 versus actuarial estimates was largely attributable to lower average claim sizes for non-large mesothelioma claims together with a lower number of large mesothelioma claims being settled compared to fiscal year 2016.
Net interest expense
Gross interest expense for fiscal year 2017 increased US$1.9 million when compared to fiscal year 2016, primarily due to the higher outstanding balance of our senior unsecured notes, partially offset by a reduction in the total cost of funding charged under our unsecured revolving credit facility in fiscal year 2017 when compared to the percentage charged under the bilateral credit facilities in fiscal year 2016. For fiscal year 2017, net AICF interest expense increased by US$0.8 million when compared to fiscal year 2016, due to an increase in the average balance of AICF’s borrowing under its loan facility with the New South Wales Government.  
Other income
For fiscal year 2017, other income decreased from US$2.1 million in fiscal year 2016 to US$1.3 million. The US$0.8 million unfavorable change in other income compared to fiscal year 2016 is primarily due to the non-recurring US$1.7 million gain on the sale of the Australian Pipes business in the first quarter of fiscal 2016



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and the unfavorable movement of US$1.0 million in our net foreign exchange forward contracts, partially offset by a favorable movement of US$1.9 million in our interest rate swaps.
Income tax expense
Total income tax expense for fiscal year 2017 increased by US$4.4 million compared to fiscal year 2016. The increase was primarily due to a favorable movement in asbestos adjustments, partially offset by a decrease in the effective tax rate. The decrease in the effective tax rate was driven by a lower proportion of taxable earnings in jurisdictions with higher tax rates, in particular the USA.
Readers are referred to Note 14 of our consolidated financial statements for further information related to income tax.
Net income

Net income increased from US$244.4 million in fiscal year 2016 to US$276.5 million in fiscal year 2017.
Liquidity and Capital Allocation
Overview
Our treasury policy regarding liquidity management, foreign exchange risk management, interest rate risk management and cash management is administered by our treasury department which is centralized in Ireland. The policy is reviewed annually and is designed to ensure that we have sufficient liquidity to support our business activities and meet future business requirements in the countries in which we operate. We aim to mitigate certain risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency. Our strategies to reduce such risks may result in us entering into non-speculative interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts. For a more detailed discussion on our financial instruments, see Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements in Section 2. For a more detailed discussion on foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate risks, see ‘Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk’ in Section 3 of this document.
We moved to a net debt position of US$602.8 million at 31 March 2018 compared to a net debt position of US$485.6 million at 31 March 2017 (excluding AICF’s drawdown on its standby loan facility with the NSW Government, in respect of which we are not a party to, guarantor of or security provider).
Sources of Liquidity
During fiscal year 2018, we met our liquidity and capital requirements through a mix of external debt facilities, cash reserves and cash flows from operations. These internal and external sources of liquidity were primarily used during fiscal year 2018 to fund the expansion, renovation and maintenance of existing production facilities, the purchase and construction of new facilities, fund our annual contribution to AICF in accordance with the terms of the AFFA, and fund our working capital requirements, consisting primarily of inventory, accounts receivable and accounts payable. While our working capital requirements fluctuate seasonally during months of the year when overall construction and renovation volumes increase, such fluctuations, generally, have not had a significant impact on our short-term or long-term liquidity.
There are certain restrictions that are either imposed upon us as an Irish plc operating under Irish law, or imposed upon us as a party to the AFFA, which may restrict the ability of subsidiaries to transfer funds to us in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances. For more detailed discussion on these restrictions, see “Section 3 – Risk Factors.” Even with these restrictions, we anticipate that our cash on hand, cash flows from operations, net of estimated payments under the AFFA, and available unutilized credit facilities will be



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sufficient to fund our planned capital expenditures and working capital requirements for at least the next 12 month period.
Cash Flow — Year Ended 31 March 2018
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities increased US$ 2.9  million to US $295.0 million for the full year ended 31 March 2018. The modest increase in cash provided by operating activities was in-line with the modest increase in net income adjusted for non-cash items. The cash impact from movements in operating assets and liabilities was minimal and reflect the normal course of business. The most notable impact to operating cash flow was an unfavorable movement from the increase in our inventory balance as we built inventory ahead of the North America build season, as compared to fiscal year 2017 when we were capacity constrained and inventory balances were lower.
Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities increased US$ 91.6  million to US$ 200.6 million for the full year ended 31 March 2018. The change in net cash used in investing activities was primarily driven by an increase in the purchase of property, plant and equipment of US$ 101.8 million compared to fiscal year 2017, primarily related to the greenfield expansion project on land adjacent to our Tacoma facility. This was partially offset by US$7.9 million in proceeds from the sale of a storage building near our Fontana facility.
Financing Activities
Cash provided by financing activities increased US$ 325.2  million to US $112.5 million  for the full year ended 31 March 2018. The increase in cash provided by financing activities was driven by the net proceeds from our senior unsecured notes in the current year of US$400.0 million, partially offset by the associated call redemption premium and debt issuance costs of US$ 35.2 million, as well as, net repayments of credit facilities of US$ 75.0 million . This was further offset by the repurchase of shares of common stock of US$99.8 million in fiscal year 2017, compared to nil in fiscal year 2018.
Borrowings
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility
As of 31 March 2018, we had available to us US$500.0 million of unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) which can be drawn in US dollars with variable interest rates based on London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus margin. The Revolving Credit Facility's amended expiration date is December 2022 and the size of the facility may be increased by up to US$250.0 million. The principal drawn on this facility at 31 March 2018 was US$100.0 million .
The weighted average interest rate on our total outstanding Revolving Credit Facility at 31 March 2018 was 3.2%. At 31 March 2017, US$175.0 million was drawn under the Revolving Credit Facility and the weighted average interest rate on our total outstanding Revolving Credit Facility was 2.5%.
The nature of our operating and capital allocation cycle is such that we typically expect to draw on our facilities in the second and fourth quarters of the fiscal year, with repayments made in the first and third quarters of the fiscal year. When we forecast our capital and operating needs through fiscal year 2020, we see this cycle continuing.
The Revolving Credit Facility agreement contains certain covenants that, among other things, restrict James Hardie International Group Limited (“JHIGL”) and its restricted subsidiaries’ ability to incur indebtedness



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and grant liens other than certain types of permitted indebtedness and permitted liens, make certain restricted payments, and undertake certain types of mergers or consolidations actions. In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility contains financial covenants that the Company: (i) must not exceed a maximum ratio of net debt to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, excluding all asbestos-related liabilities, assets, income, gains, losses and charges other than AICF payments, all AICF SG&A expenses, all ASIC related expenses, all recoveries and asset impairments, and all New Zealand product liability expenses and (ii) must meet or exceed a minimum ratio of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization to interest charges, excluding all income, expense and other profit and loss statement impacts of asbestos income, gains, losses and charges, all AICF SG&A expenses, all ASIC-related expenses, all recoveries and asset impairments, and all New Zealand product liability expenses. At 31 March 2018, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in the Revolving Credit Facility agreement.
Senior Unsecured Notes
2023 Senior Notes
In February 2015, James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company ("JHIF"), completed the sale of US$325.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 15 February 2023.
In July 2016, JHIF completed the re-offering and sale of an additional US$75.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.875% senior notes due 2023. Following the completion of this re-offering, the notes were consolidated to form a single series with the US$325.0 million 5.875% senior notes due 2023 issued on 10 February 2015 to give an aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2023 of US$400.0 million.
The US$325.0 million 5.875% senior notes due 2023 were sold at an offering price of 99.213% of par value, and incurred debt issuance costs in connection with the offering, which are recorded as an offset to Long-Term Debt on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The discount and debt issuance costs had an unamortized balance of US$1.9 million and US$6.0 million at 31 March 2017, respectively.
The US$75.0 million re-offering of the 5.875% senior notes due 2023 were sold at an offering price of 103.0% of par value, and incurred debt issuance costs in connection with the re-offering, which are recorded as an offset to Long-Term Debt on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The premium and debt issuance costs had an unamortized balance of US$2.0 million and US$1.5 million at 31 March 2017, respectively.
In December 2017, JHIF redeemed all US$400.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.875% senior notes due 2023. In connection with this redemption, the Company recorded a loss on early debt extinguishment of US$26.1 million, which included US$19.5 million of call redemption premiums and US$6.6 million of unamortized financing costs associated with these notes.
2025 and 2028 Senior Notes
In December 2017, JHIF completed the sale of US$800.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes. The sale of the senior notes were issued at par with US$400.0 million due 15 January 2025 ("2025 Notes") and US$400 million due 15 January 2028 ("2028 Notes"). Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on 15 January and 15 July of each year, at a rate of 4.75% on the 2025 Notes and 5.00% on the 2028 Notes.
The proceeds from the offering were used for general corporate purposes, including funding the redemption of all US$400.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.875% senior notes due 2023 and the payment or related transaction fees and expenses, the repayment of outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and capital expenditures. We also used part of the net proceeds from this offering to finance



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a portion of the Fermacell acquisition. Refer to Note 19 to our consolidated financial statements for further details on the Fermacell acquisition.
Debt issuance costs in connection with the 2025 and 2028 Notes are recorded as an offset to Long-Term Debt on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
Debt issuance costs in connection with the 2025 Notes have an unamortized balance of US$6.1 million at 31 March 2018. The debt issuance costs are being amortized as interest expense using the effective interest method over the stated term of 7 years. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on 15 January and 15 July of each year at a rate of 4.75% with first payment due of 15 July 2018.
Debt issuance costs in connection with the 2028 Notes have an unamortized balance of US$6.2 million at 31 March 2018. The debt issuance costs are being amortized as interest expense using the effective interest method over the stated term of 10 years. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on 15 January and 15 July of each year at a rate of 5.00% with first payment due of 15 July 2018.
The 2025 and 2028 Notes are guaranteed by JHIGL, James Hardie Building Products Inc. ("JHBP"), and James Hardie Technology Limited ("JHTL"), each of which are wholly-owned subsidiaries of JHI plc.
The indenture governing the 2025 and 2028 Notes contains covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of the guarantors and their restricted subsidiaries to incur liens on assets, make certain restricted payments, engage in certain sale and leaseback transactions and merge or consolidate with or into other companies. These covenants are subject to certain exceptions and qualifications as described in the indenture. At 31 March 2018, the Company was in compliance with all of its requirements under the indenture related to the 2025 and 2028 Notes.
Global Exchange Market Listing
On 25 April 2018, the 2025 Notes and 2028 Notes were admitted to listing on the Global Exchange Market (“GEM”) which is operated by the Euronext Dublin. Interest paid on the senior notes quoted on the GEM is not subject to Irish withholding tax.
On 19 January 2018, the 5.875% senior notes due 2023 (issued on 10 February 2015) were delisted from the GEM.
On 11 August 2016, the US$75.0 million re-offered senior notes were admitted to listing on the GEM.
On 19 March 2015, the senior notes due 2023 were admitted to listing on the GEM.
Capital Expenditures
Our total capital expenditures for fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016 were US $203.7 million , US$101.9 million and US$73.2 million, respectively.
Refer to “Section 1 – Property, Plants and Equipment – Capital Expenditures” for further discussion and a listing of our significant capital expenditures in fiscal years 2018 and 2017. At 31 March 2018, we did not have any material capital expenditures for which we are contractually committed to.



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Capital Management and Dividends
The following table summarizes the dividends declared or paid with respect to fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016:
 
 
US Cents
/Security
 
Total US$
(millions)
 
Announcement
Date
 
Record Date
 
Payment Date
FY 2018 second half dividend
 
0.30

 
132.5

 
22 May 2018
 
7 June 2018
 
3 August 2018
FY2018 first half dividend
 
0.10

 
46.2

 
9 November 2017
 
13 December 2017
 
23 February 2018
FY 2017 second half dividend
 
0.28

 
131.3

 
18 May 2017
 
8 June 2017
 
4 August 2017
FY 2017 first half dividend
 
0.10

 
46.6

 
17 November 2016
 
21 December 2016
 
24 February 2017
FY 2016 second half dividend
 
0.29

 
130.2

 
19 May 2016
 
9 June 2016
 
5 August 2016
FY 2016 first half dividend
 
0.09

 
39.7

 
19 November 2015
 
23 December 2015
 
26 February 2016
FY 2015 special dividend
 
0.22

 
92.8

 
21 May 2015
 
11 June 2015
 
7 August 2015
FY 2015 second half dividend
 
0.27

 
114.0

 
21 May 2015
 
11 June 2015
 
7 August 2015
During fiscal year 2017 the Company announced a new share buyback program (the “fiscal 2017 program”) to acquire up to US$100.0 million of its issued capital in the twelve months through May 2017. Under this program, the Company repurchased and cancelled 6,090,133 shares of its common stock during the second quarter of fiscal year 2017. The aggregate cost of the shares repurchased and cancelled was A$131.4 million (US$99.8 million), at an average market price of A$21.58 (US$16.40).
We will continue to review our capital structure and capital allocation objectives and expect the following prioritization to remain:
invest in R&D and capacity expansion to support organic growth;
provide ordinary dividend payments within the payout ratio of 50-70% of net income excluding asbestos;
maintain flexibility for accretive and strategic inorganic growth and/or flexibility to manage through market cycles; and
consider other shareholder returns when appropriate.

Annual AICF contribution
On 3 July 2017, we made a payment of A$135.1 million (US$102.2 million) to AICF, representing 35% of our free cash flow for fiscal year 2017. For the 1 July 2017 payment, free cash flow, as defined in the AFFA, was equivalent to our fiscal year 2017 operating cash flows of US$292.1 million.
We anticipate that we will make a contribution of approximately US$103.0 million to AICF on 2 July 2018. This amount represents 35% of our free cash flow of US$294.2 million as defined by the AFFA. Our free cash flow, as defined by the AFFA, is our operating cash flow per US GAAP in effect during 2006. To reconcile our current year operating cash flow of US$ 295.0 million to 2006 US GAAP, a US$0.8 million adjustment is required.
From the time AICF was established in February 2007 through 22 May 2018, we have contributed approximately A$1,055.0 million to the fund.
Readers are referred to Notes 2 and 11 of our 31 March 2018 consolidated financial statements for further information on Asbestos.
Outlook and Trend Information
We expect the modest market growth and more prolonged recovery of the US housing market to continue into fiscal year 2019. The single family new construction market and repair and remodel market are expected to grow similar to the year-on-year growth experienced in fiscal year 2018. While housing starts have



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James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
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rebounded from depressed post-crisis levels, they remain well below the 50-year average of approximately 1.5 million starts per year. We believe underlying economic factors and demographics support a return over time towards 1.5 million new housing starts in the United States per year and this is supported by forecasts from institutions such as the Dodge, McGraw Hill and National Association of Home Builders (“NAHB”). A number of factors will contribute to new housing starts demand, including improvement in United States’ GDP, lower unemployment level, improvement in consumer confidence levels, sustainable household debt levels, historically low interest rates, stability in home prices and new household formation.
We are the largest fiber cement producer in North America with nine plants. The scale of our operations and manufacturing capabilities improves our position with distributors who continue to experience increased demand for fiber cement products and seek a partner whom can manufacture and deliver the volume required on a timely basis. The plants are positioned near attractive markets in the United States to help minimize transportation costs for product distribution and raw material sourcing. Input costs including raw materials, labor and freight costs have fluctuated year over year and we are actively engaged in utilizing its platform to mitigate any future increases. We have also experienced increases in SG&A costs to align organization capacity with increases in volumes.

Net sales from the Australian business are expected to trend in line with the average growth of the domestic repair and remodel and single family detached housing markets in the eastern states of Australia.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of 31 March 2018 and 2017, we did not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations at 31 March 2018:
 
 
 
Payments Due During Fiscal Year Ending 31 March
US$ Millions
 
Total
 
less than 1
year
 
1 - 3 years
 
3 - 5 years
 
more than 5
years
Asbestos Liability 1
 
$
1,215.1

 
$
114.1

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

Long-Term Debt Obligations 2
 
900.0

 

 

 
100.0

 
800.0

Estimated interest payments on Long-Term Debt 3
 
260.3

 
43.6

 
86.8

 
86.6

 
43.3

Long-Term Debt – AICF loan facility 4
 

 

 

 

 

Estimated interest payments on Long-Term Debt – AICF loan facility
 

 

 

 

 

Operating Lease Obligations
 
66.6

 
16.4

 
24.9

 
14.5

 
10.8

Purchase Obligations 5
 

 

 

 

 

Total
 
$
2,442.0

 
$
174.1

 
$
111.7

 
$
201.1

 
$
854.1

____________
1
The amount of the asbestos liability reflects the terms of the AFFA, which has been calculated by reference to (but is not exclusively based upon) the most recent actuarial estimate of the projected future asbestos-related cash flows prepared by KPMGA. The asbestos liability also includes an allowance for the future claims-handling costs of AICF. We anticipate that we will make a contribution of approximately US$103.0 million to AICF on 2 July 2018. This amount represents 35% of our free cash flow of US$294.2 million as defined by the AFFA. Our free cash flow, as defined by the AFFA, is our operating cash flow per US GAAP in effect during 2006. To reconcile our current year operating cash flow of US$ 295.0 million to 2006 US GAAP, a US$0.8 million adjustment is required. The table above does not include a breakdown of payments subsequent to fiscal year ending 31 March 2019 as such amounts are not reasonably estimable. See Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements for further information regarding our future obligations under the AFFA.
2
The amount of US$884.4 million disclosed on our consolidated balance sheet at 31 March 2018 reflects the gross balance of outstanding debt held by the Company, as noted in the table above, net of US$15.6 million of debt issuance costs.




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James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
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3
Interest amounts are estimates based on debt remaining unchanged from the 31 March 2018 balance and interest rates remaining consistent with the rates at 31 March 2018. Interest paid includes interest in relation to our bank debt facilities and bond, as well as the net amount paid relating to interest rate swap agreements. The interest on our bank debt facilities is variable based on a market rate and includes margins agreed to with the various lending banks. Also included in estimated interest payments are commitment fees related to the undrawn amounts of our bank debt facilities. The interest on our interest rate swaps and bond is set at a fixed rate. There are several variables that can affect the amount of interest we may pay in future years, including: (i) new bank debt facilities or bond issuance with rates or margins different from historical rates; (ii) expiration of existing bank debt facilities resulting in a change in the average interest rate; (iii) fluctuations in the market interest rate; (iv) new interest rate swap agreements; and (v) expiration of existing interest rate swap agreements. We have not included estimated interest payments subsequent to fiscal year ending 31 March 2023 as such amounts are not reasonably estimable.
4
JHI plc and its wholly-owned subsidiaries are not a party to, guarantor of, or security provided in respect of the AICF loan facility. However, because we consolidate AICF due to our pecuniary and contractual interest in AICF, any drawings, repayments or payments of accrued interest by AICF under the AICF loan facility impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. At 31 March 2018, AICF had an outstanding balance under the AICF Loan Facility of nil.
5
Purchase Obligations are defined as agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally-binding on us and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transactions.
See Notes 9, 11 and 13 to our consolidated financial statements for further information regarding our long-term debt, long-term debt – asbestos and operating leases, respectively.




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James Hardie Industries plc - Consolidated Financial Statements
113
 
 


INDEX
 
 
 
Page




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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
114
 
 



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of James Hardie Industries plc

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of James Hardie Industries plc (the Company) as of 31 March 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income , changes in shareholders' deficit, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 31 March 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at 31 March 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 31 March 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of 31 March 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated 22 May 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
        
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2008.
Irvine, California
22 May 2018





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James Hardie Industries plc - Consolidated Balance Sheets
115
 
 



  (Millions of US dollars)
31 March
2018
 
31 March
2017
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
281.6

 
$
78.9

Restricted cash and cash equivalents
5.0

 
5.0

Restricted cash and cash equivalents - Asbestos
26.6

 
108.9

Restricted short-term investments - Asbestos
38.4

 

Accounts and other receivables, net of provision for doubtful trade debts of US$1.3 million and US$0.9 million as of 31 March 2018 and 31 March 2017
202.7

 
199.5

Inventories
255.7

 
202.9

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
25.4

 
28.3

Insurance receivable - Asbestos
5.1

 
5.7

Workers’ compensation - Asbestos
2.1

 
2.9

Total current assets
842.6

 
632.1

Property, plant and equipment, net
992.1

 
879.0

Insurance receivable - Asbestos
52.8

 
58.1

Workers’ compensation - Asbestos
28.8

 
40.4

Deferred income taxes
29.9

 
26.9

Deferred income taxes - Asbestos
382.9

 
356.6

Other assets
21.9

 
19.6

Total assets
$
2,351.0

 
$
2,012.7

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficit
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
$
193.3

 
$
173.5

Short-term debt - Asbestos

 
52.4

Accrued payroll and employee benefits
61.8

 
60.5

Accrued product warranties
7.3

 
9.4

Income taxes payable
3.2

 
1.9

Asbestos liability
114.1

 
116.4

Workers’ compensation - Asbestos
2.1

 
2.9

Other liabilities
12.8

 
11.8

Total current liabilities
394.6

 
428.8

Long-term debt
884.4

 
564.5

Deferred income taxes
66.4

 
94.8

Accrued product warranties
45.5

 
37.2

Income taxes payable
25.9

 

Asbestos liability
1,101.0

 
1,043.3

Workers’ compensation - Asbestos
28.8

 
40.4

Other liabilities
25.9

 
15.9

Total liabilities
2,572.5

 
2,224.9

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)

 

Shareholders’ deficit:
 
 
 
Common stock, Euro 0.59 par value, 2.0 billion shares authorized; 441,524,118 shares issued and outstanding at 31 March 2018 and 440,843,275 shares issued and outstanding at 31 March 2017
229.5

 
229.1

Additional paid-in capital
185.6

 
173.8

Accumulated deficit
(635.3
)
 
(612.9
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1.3
)
 
(2.2
)
Total shareholders’ deficit
(221.5
)
 
(212.2
)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit
$
2,351.0

 
$
2,012.7



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

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James Hardie Industries plc - Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
116
 
 





 
Years Ended 31 March
(Millions of US dollars, except per share data)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Net sales
$
2,054.5

 
$
1,921.6

 
$
1,728.2

Cost of goods sold
(1,324.3
)
 
(1,246.9
)
 
(1,096.0
)
Gross profit
730.2

 
674.7

 
632.2

Selling, general and administrative expenses
(311.3
)
 
(291.6
)
 
(254.2
)
Research and development expenses
(33.3
)
 
(30.3
)
 
(29.5
)
Asbestos adjustments
(156.4
)
 
40.4

 
5.5

Operating income
229.2

 
393.2

 
354.0

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest
(32.9
)
 
(28.5
)
 
(26.6
)
Interest income
3.4

 
1.0

 
1.0

Loss on early debt extinguishment
(26.1
)
 

 

Other income
0.7

 
1.3

 
2.1

Income before income taxes
174.3

 
367.0

 
330.5

Income tax expense
(28.2
)
 
(90.5
)
 
(86.1
)
Net income
$
146.1

 
$
276.5

 
$
244.4

Income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.33

 
$
0.62

 
$
0.55

Diluted
$
0.33

 
$
0.62

 
$
0.55

Weighted average common shares outstanding (Millions):
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
441.2

 
442.7

 
445.3

Diluted
442.3

 
443.9

 
447.2

Comprehensive income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
146.1

 
$
276.5

 
$
244.4

Pension and post-retirement benefit adjustments

 

 
0.3

Currency translation adjustments
0.9

 
(3.0
)
 
0.9

Comprehensive income
$
147.0

 
$
273.5

 
$
245.6



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

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James Hardie Industries plc –  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
117
 
 




 
Years Ended 31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
146.1

 
$
276.5

 
$
244.4

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
92.0

 
83.2

 
79.8

Deferred income taxes
(76.8
)
 
26.0

 
(0.1
)
Stock-based compensation
11.1

 
9.3

 
10.3

Asbestos adjustments
156.4

 
(40.4
)
 
(5.5
)
Excess tax benefits from share-based awards
(0.8
)
 
(3.0
)
 
(0.4
)
Loss on early debt extinguishment
26.1

 

 

Other, net
12.6

 
15.0

 
14.8

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents - Asbestos
95.2

 
0.9

 
100.3

Payment to AICF
(102.2
)
 
(91.1
)
 
(62.8
)
Accounts and other receivables
(2.0
)
 
(28.4
)
 
(39.9
)
Inventories
(51.7
)
 
(9.7
)
 
16.2

Prepaid expenses and other assets
(2.8
)
 
(2.1
)
 
(3.9
)
Insurance receivable - Asbestos
7.3

 
93.3

 
17.2

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
14.2

 
39.6

 
(16.9
)
Asbestos liability
(104.4
)
 
(92.0
)
 
(114.9
)
Income taxes payable
26.9

 
(2.7
)
 
4.0

Other accrued liabilities
47.8

 
17.7

 
17.8

Net cash provided by operating activities
$
295.0

 
$
292.1

 
$
260.4

Cash Flows From Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
$
(203.7
)
 
$
(101.9
)
 
$
(73.2
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
7.9

 

 
10.4

Capitalized interest
(4.8
)
 
(2.0
)
 
(3.2
)
Acquisition of assets

 
(5.1
)
 
(0.6
)
Net cash used in investing activities
$
(200.6
)
 
$
(109.0
)
 
$
(66.6
)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from credit facilities
$
380.0

 
$
395.0

 
$
528.0

Repayments of credit facilities
(455.0
)
 
(410.0
)
 
(413.0
)
Proceeds from senior unsecured notes
800.0

 
77.3

 

Debt issuance costs
(15.7
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(3.1
)
Repayment of senior unsecured notes
(400.0
)
 

 

Call redemption premium paid to note holders
(19.5
)
 

 

Proceeds from issuance of shares
0.2

 
0.3

 
2.1

Excess tax benefits from share-based awards

 
3.0

 
0.4

Common stock repurchased and retired

 
(99.8
)
 
(22.3
)
Dividends paid
(177.5
)
 
(176.8
)
 
(246.5
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
$
112.5

 
$
(212.7
)
 
$
(154.4
)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash
$
(4.2
)
 
$
1.4

 
$
0.7

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
202.7

 
(28.2
)
 
40.1

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
78.9

 
107.1

 
67.0

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
281.6

 
$
78.9

 
$
107.1

Components of Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 
 
 
 
Cash at bank
$
278.8

 
$
75.0

 
$
94.5

Short-term deposits
2.8

 
3.9

 
12.6

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
281.6

 
$
78.9

 
$
107.1

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Activities
 
 
 
 
 
Cash paid during the year for interest
$
26.3

 
$
26.2

 
$
20.5

Cash paid during the year for income taxes, net
$
49.1

 
$
51.5

 
$
57.8



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

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James Hardie Industries plc –  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Deficit
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(Millions of US dollars)
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(loss) income
 
Total
Balances as of 31 March 2015
$
231.2

 
$
153.2

 
$
(586.6
)
 
$

 
$
(0.4
)
 
$
(202.6
)
Net income

 

 
244.4

 

 

 
244.4

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 
1.2

 
1.2

Stock-based compensation
0.8

 
9.5

 

 

 

 
10.3

Tax benefit from stock options exercised

 
0.4

 

 

 

 
0.4

Equity awards exercised
0.2

 
1.9

 

 

 

 
2.1

Dividends declared

 

 
(258.7
)
 

 

 
(258.7
)
Treasury stock purchased

 

 

 
(22.3
)
 

 
(22.3
)
Treasury stock retired
(0.8
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(20.9
)
 
22.3

 

 

Balances as of 31 March 2016
$
231.4

 
$
164.4

 
$
(621.8
)
 
$

 
$
0.8

 
$
(225.2
)
Net income

 

 
276.5

 

 

 
276.5

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 
(3.0
)
 
(3.0
)
Stock-based compensation
0.9

 
8.4

 

 

 

 
9.3

Tax benefit from stock options exercised

 
3.0

 

 

 

 
3.0

Equity awards exercised

 
0.3

 

 

 

 
0.3

Dividends declared

 

 
(173.3
)
 

 

 
(173.3
)
Treasury stock purchased

 

 

 
(99.8
)
 

 
(99.8
)
Treasury stock retired
(3.2
)
 
(2.3
)
 
(94.3
)
 
99.8

 

 

Balances as of 31 March 2017
$
229.1

 
$
173.8

 
$
(612.9
)
 
$

 
$
(2.2
)
 
$
(212.2
)
Net income

 

 
146.1

 

 

 
146.1

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 
0.9

 
0.9

Stock-based compensation
0.4

 
11.6

 
(0.9
)
 

 

 
11.1

Equity awards exercised

 
0.2

 

 

 

 
0.2

Dividends declared

 

 
(167.6
)
 

 

 
(167.6
)
Balances as of 31 March 2018
$
229.5

 
$
185.6

 
$
(635.3
)
 
$

 
$
(1.3
)
 
$
(221.5
)


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

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James Hardie Industries plc –  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
119
 
 




1.  Background and Basis of Presentation
Nature of Operations
James Hardie Industries plc (“JHI plc”) manufactures and sells fiber cement building products for interior and exterior building construction applications, primarily in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and Europe.
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements represent the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of JHI plc and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entity (“VIE”). Unless the context indicates otherwise, JHI plc and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries and VIE (as of the time relevant to the applicable reference) are collectively referred to as “James Hardie”, the “James Hardie Group” or the “Company”. The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). The US dollar is used as the reporting currency.
2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Reclassifications
Within the operating activities section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended 31 March 2017 and 2016, the Company reclassified the change in the Income Tax Payable balance of US $2.7 million and US $4.0 million which was previously included within a change in Other Accrued Liabilities , and separated these costs in the change in Income Tax Payable line item, to conform to current year presentation.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of JHI plc, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and VIE. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
A VIE is an entity that is evaluated for consolidation using more than a simple analysis of voting control. The analysis is based on (i) what party has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE that impact its economic performance, and (ii) what party has rights to receive benefits or is obligated to absorb losses that are significant to the VIE. The analysis of the party that consolidates a VIE is a continual assessment.
In February 2007, the Company’s shareholders approved the Amended and Restated Final Funding Agreement (the “AFFA”), an agreement pursuant to which the Company provides long-term funding to Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (“AICF”), a special purpose fund that provides compensation for the Australian-related personal injuries for which certain former subsidiary companies of James Hardie in Australia (being Amaca Pty Ltd (“Amaca”), Amaba Pty Ltd (“Amaba”) and ABN 60 Pty Limited (“ABN 60”) (collectively, the “Former James Hardie Companies”)) are found liable. JHI plc owns 100% of James Hardie 117 Pty Ltd (the “Performing Subsidiary”), which, under the terms of the AFFA, has an obligation to make payments to AICF on an annual basis subject to the provisions of the AFFA. JHI plc guarantees the Performing Subsidiary’s obligation. Additionally, the Company appoints three AICF directors and the New South Wales (“NSW”) Government appoints two AICF directors.
Although the Company has no ownership interest in AICF, for financial reporting purposes, the Company consolidates AICF which is a VIE as defined under US GAAP due to its pecuniary and contractual interests in AICF as a result of the funding arrangements outlined in the AFFA. The Company’s consolidation of AICF results in AICF’s assets and liabilities being recorded on its consolidated balance sheets and AICF’s income



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and expense transactions being recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. These items are Australian dollar-denominated and are subject to remeasurement into US dollars at each reporting date.
For the fiscal years ended 31 March 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company did not provide financial or other support to AICF that it was not previously contractually required to provide.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Foreign Currency Translation/Remeasurement
All assets and liabilities are translated or remeasured into US dollars at current exchange rates while revenues and expenses are translated or remeasured at average exchange rates in effect for the period. The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments are included directly in other comprehensive income in shareholders’ deficit. Gains and losses arising from foreign currency transactions are recognized in income currently.
The Company has recorded on its balance sheet certain Australian assets and liabilities, including asbestos-related assets and liabilities under the terms of the AFFA, that are denominated in Australian dollars and subject to translation (Australian entities) or remeasurement (AICF entity) into US dollars at each reporting date. Unless otherwise noted, the Company converts Australian dollar denominated assets and liabilities into US dollars at the current spot rate at the end of the reporting period; while revenues and expenses are converted using an average exchange rate for the period.
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
Restricted cash and cash equivalents generally relate to amounts subject to letters of credit with insurance companies, which restrict the cash from use for general corporate purposes.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is generally determined under the first-in, first-out method, except that the cost of raw materials and supplies is determined using actual or average costs. Cost includes the costs of materials, labor and applied factory overhead. On a regular basis, the Company evaluates its inventory balances for excess quantities and obsolescence by analyzing demand, inventory on hand, sales levels and other information. Based on these evaluations, inventory costs are adjusted to net realizable value, if necessary.



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James Hardie Industries plc –  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
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Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Property, plant and equipment of businesses acquired are recorded at their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
 
  
Years
Buildings
10 to 40
Buildings Improvements
3 to 25
Leasehold Improvements
5 to 40
Machinery and Equipment
1 to 30
Depreciation and Amortization
The Company records depreciation and amortization under both Cost of goods sold and Selling, general and administrative expenses, depending on the asset’s business use. All depreciation and amortization related to plant building, machinery and equipment is recorded in Cost of goods sold .
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, are evaluated each quarter for events or changes in circumstances that indicate that an asset might be impaired because the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. These include, without limitation, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset or asset group is being used, a current period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses, a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset or asset group and/or a current expectation that it is more likely than not that a long lived asset or asset group will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life.
When such indicators of potential impairment are identified, recoverability is tested by grouping long-lived assets that are used together and represent the lowest level for which cash flows are identifiable and distinct from the cash flows of other long-lived assets, which is typically at the production line or plant facility level, depending on the type of long-lived asset subject to an impairment review.
Recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset group to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized at the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset group.
The methodology used to estimate the fair value of the asset group is based on a discounted cash flow analysis that considers the asset group’s highest and best use that would maximize the value of the asset group. In addition, the estimated fair value of an asset group also considers, to the extent practicable, a market participant’s expectations and assumptions in estimating the fair value of the asset group. If the estimated fair value of the asset group is less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized at an amount equal to the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value of the asset group.
See Note 7 for additional information.



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James Hardie Industries plc –  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
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Accrued Product Warranties
An accrual for estimated future warranty costs is recorded based on an analysis by the Company, which includes the historical relationship of warranty costs to installed product at an estimated remediation cost per standard foot. Based on this analysis and other factors, the adequacy of the Company’s warranty provisions is adjusted as necessary.
Debt
The Company’s debt consists of an unsecured revolving credit facility, a 364 -day term loan facility and senior unsecured notes. Each of the Company's debt instruments is recorded at cost, net of any original issue discount or premium, where applicable. The related original issue discount, premium and debt issuance costs are amortized over the term of each respective borrowing using the effective interest method. Debt is presented as current if the liability is due to be settled within 12 months after the balance sheet date, unless the Company has the ability and intention to refinance on a long term basis in accordance with US GAAP. Readers are referred to the discussion later in this footnote under Fair Value Measurements and Note 9 for the Company’s fair value considerations.
In addition, the Company consolidates AICF which has a loan facility. Readers are referred to the discussion later in this footnote under Asbestos-related Accounting Policies.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when the risks and obligations of ownership have been transferred to the customer, which generally occurs at the time of delivery to the customer. The Company records estimated reductions in sales for customer rebates and discounts including volume, promotional, cash and other discounts. Rebates and discounts are recorded based on management’s best estimate when products are sold. The estimates are based on historical experience for similar programs and products. Management reviews these rebates and discounts on an ongoing basis and the related accruals are adjusted, if necessary, as additional information becomes available.
A portion of the Company’s revenue is made through distributors under a Vendor Managed Inventory agreement whereby revenue is recognized upon the transfer of title and risk of loss to the distributors.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized by applying enacted statutory rates applicable to future years to differences between the tax bases and financial reporting amounts of existing assets and liabilities. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that all or some portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized in Income tax expense on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Readers are referred to Note 14 for further discussion of income taxes.
Financial Instruments
The Company calculates the fair value of financial instruments and includes this additional information in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company



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could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
Periodically, interest rate swaps, commodity swaps and forward exchange contracts are used to manage market risks and reduce exposure resulting from fluctuations in interest rates, commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates. Changes in the fair value that are not designated as hedges are recorded in earnings within Other income at each measurement date. The Company does not use derivatives for trading purposes. Readers are referred to Note 12 for further discussion on financial instruments.
Fair Value Measurements
Assets and liabilities of the Company that are carried or disclosed, at fair value are classified in one of the following three categories:  
Level 1
Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date;
Level 2
Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data for the asset or liability at the measurement date;
Level 3
Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data used when there is minimal market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

Fair value measurements of assets and liabilities are assigned a level within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
The carrying amounts of Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted cash and cash equivalents, Trade receivables, Trade payables and Revolving Credit Facility approximates their respective fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
Stock-based Compensation
Stock-based compensation expense represents the estimated fair value of equity-based and liability-classified awards granted to employees and is recognized as an expense over the vesting period. Stock-based compensation expense is included in the line item Selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
Equity awards with vesting based solely on a service condition are typically subject to graded vesting, in that the awards vest 25% after the first year, 25% after the second year and 50% after the third year. For equity awards subject to graded vesting, the Company has elected to use the accelerated recognition method. Accordingly, each vesting tranche is valued separately, and the recognition of stock-based compensation expense is more heavily weighted earlier in the vesting period. Stock-based compensation expense for equity awards that are subject to performance or market vesting conditions are based upon an estimate of the number of awards that are expected to vest and typically recognized ratably over the vesting period. The Company issues new shares to award recipients upon exercise of stock options or when the vesting condition for restricted stock units (“RSU’s”) has been satisfied.
For RSU’s subject to a service vesting condition, the fair value is equal to the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, adjusted for the fair value of estimated dividends as the restricted stock holder is not entitled to dividends over the vesting period. For RSU’s subject to a scorecard performance vesting condition, the fair value is adjusted for changes in JHI plc’s common stock price at each balance sheet date until the end of the performance period. For RSU’s subject to a market vesting condition, the fair value is estimated using a Monte Carlo Simulation.



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Compensation expense recognized for liability-classified awards are based upon an estimate of the number of awards that are expected to vest and on the fair market value of JHI plc’s common stock on the date of grant and recorded as a liability. The liability is adjusted for subsequent changes in JHI plc’s common stock price at each balance sheet date.
Earnings Per Share
The Company discloses basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”). Basic EPS is calculated using net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is increased to include the number of additional common shares calculated using the Treasury Method that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential common shares, such as stock options and RSU’s, had been issued.
Basic and dilutive common shares outstanding used in determining net income per share are as follows:
 
Years Ended 31 March
(Millions of shares)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Basic common shares outstanding
441.2

 
442.7

 
445.3

Dilutive effect of stock awards
1.1

 
1.2

 
1.9

Diluted common shares outstanding
442.3

 
443.9

 
447.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
(US dollars)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Net income per share - basic
0.33

 
0.62

 
0.55

Net income per share - diluted
0.33

 
0.62

 
0.55


There were no potential common shares which would be considered anti-dilutive for the years ended 31 March 2018, 2017 and 2016.
Unless they are anti-dilutive, RSU’s which vest solely based on continued employment are considered to be outstanding as of their issuance date for purposes of computing diluted EPS and are included in the calculation of diluted EPS using the Treasury Method. Once these RSU’s vest, they are included in the basic EPS calculation on a weighted-average basis.
RSU’s which vest based on performance or market conditions are considered contingent shares. At each reporting date prior to the end of the contingency period, the Company determines the number of contingently issuable shares to include in the diluted EPS calculation, as the number of shares that would be issuable under the terms of the RSU arrangement, if the end of the reporting period were the end of the contingency period. Once these RSU’s vest, they are included in the basic EPS calculation on a weighted-average basis.
Potential common shares of 1.6 million , 1.8 million and 1.3 million for the years ended 31 March 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, have been excluded from the calculation of diluted common shares outstanding as they are considered contingent shares which are not expected to vest.



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Asbestos-related Accounting Policies
Asbestos Liability
The amount of the asbestos liability has been recognized by reference to (but not exclusively based upon) the most recent actuarial estimate of projected future cash flows as calculated by KPMG Actuarial (“KPMGA”), who are engaged and appointed by AICF under the terms of the AFFA. Based on their assumptions, KPMGA arrived at a range of possible total future cash flows and calculated a central estimate, which is intended to reflect a probability-weighted expected outcome of those actuarially estimated future cash flows projected by KPMGA to occur through 2072.
The Company recognizes the asbestos liability in the consolidated financial statements by reference to (but not exclusively based upon) the undiscounted and uninflated central estimate. The Company considered discounting when determining the best estimate under US GAAP. The Company has recognized the asbestos liability by reference to (but not exclusively based upon) the central estimate as undiscounted on the basis that the timing and amounts of such cash flows are not fixed or readily determinable. The Company considered inflation when determining the best estimate under US GAAP. It is the Company’s view that there are material uncertainties in estimating an appropriate rate of inflation over the extended period of the AFFA. The Company views the undiscounted and uninflated central estimate as the best estimate under US GAAP.
Adjustments in the asbestos liability due to changes in the actuarial estimate of projected future cash flows and changes in the estimate of future operating costs of AICF are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income during the period in which they occur. Claims paid by AICF and claims-handling costs incurred by AICF are treated as reductions in the Asbestos liability balances.
Insurance Receivable
The insurance receivable recorded by the Company has been recognized by reference to (but not exclusively based upon) the most recent actuarial estimate of recoveries expected from insurance policies and insurance companies with exposure to the asbestos claims, as calculated by KPMGA. The assessment of recoveries is based on the expected pattern of claims against such policies less an allowance for credit risk based on credit agency ratings. The insurance receivable generally includes these cash flows as undiscounted and uninflated, however, where the timing of recoveries has been agreed with the insurer, the receivables are recorded on a discounted basis. The Company records insurance receivables that are deemed probable of being realized.
Adjustments in the insurance receivable due to changes in the actuarial estimate, or changes in the Company’s assessment of recoverability are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income during the period in which they occur. Insurance recoveries are treated as a reduction in the insurance receivable balance.
Workers’ Compensation
An estimate of the liability related to workers’ compensation claims is prepared by KPMGA as part of the annual actuarial assessment. This estimate contains two components, amounts that will be met by a workers’ compensation scheme or policy, and amounts that will be met by the Former James Hardie Companies.
The estimated liability is included as part of the asbestos liability and adjustments to the estimate are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income during the period in which they occur. Amounts that are expected to be paid by the workers’ compensation schemes or policies are recorded as workers’ compensation receivable. Adjustments to the workers’ compensation liability result in an equal



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adjustment in the workers’ compensation receivable recorded by the Company and have no effect on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents of AICF are reflected as restricted assets, as the use of these assets is restricted to the settlement of asbestos claims and payment of the operating costs of AICF. Since cash and cash equivalents are highly liquid, the Company classifies these amounts as a current asset on the consolidated balance sheets.
Restricted Short-Term Investments

Short-term investments of AICF consist of highly liquid investments held in the custody of major financial institutions. All short-term investments are classified as available for sale and are recorded in the financial statements at fair value. The fair value of restricted short-term investments is based on quoted market prices using the specific identification method. Unrealized gains and losses on the fair value of these investments are included as a separate component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss . Realized gains and losses on short-term investments are recognized in Other income on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
Short-Term Debt
AICF has access to a secured loan facility (the “AICF Loan Facility”) made available by the NSW Government, which can be used by AICF to fund the payment of asbestos claims and certain operating and legal costs of AICF and Former James Hardie Companies (together, the “Obligors”).
Interest accrues daily on amounts outstanding, is calculated based on a 365-day year and is payable monthly. AICF may, at its discretion, elect to accrue interest payable on amounts outstanding under the AICF Loan Facility on the date interest becomes due and payable.
Deferred Income Taxes
The Performing Subsidiary is able to claim a tax deduction for its contributions to AICF over a five-year period commencing in the year the contribution is incurred. Consequently, a deferred tax asset has been recognized equivalent to the anticipated tax benefit over the life of the AFFA.
Adjustments are made to the deferred income tax asset as adjustments to the asbestos-related assets and liabilities are recorded.
Asbestos Adjustments
The Asbestos adjustments reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income reflect the net change in the actuarial estimate of the asbestos liability and insurance receivables and change in the estimate of AICF claims handling costs. Additionally, as the asbestos-related assets and liabilities are denominated in Australian dollars, the reported values of these asbestos-related assets and liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets in US dollars are subject to adjustment depending on the closing exchange rate between the two currencies at the balance sheet dates, the effect of which is also included in Asbestos adjustments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.



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Asbestos Impact on Statement of Cash Flows
Asbestos Adjustments
The Asbestos adjustments , as recorded on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (as described above) is presented as a reconciling item from net income to cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Operating assets and liabilities related to Asbestos
Movements in the operating assets and liabilities related to asbestos (asbestos liability, insurance receivable, restricted cash and cash equivalents, restricted short-term investments) recorded on the consolidated balance sheets are reflected in the cash flows from operating activities section of the consolidated statements of cash flows as a change in operating assets and liabilities.
Payment to AICF
Payments made to AICF by the Performing Subsidiary under the terms of the AFFA are reflected in the consolidated statements of cash flows as a change in operating assets and liabilities.
AICF Loan Facility
Any drawings, repayments, or payments of accrued interest under the AICF Loan Facility, made by AICF, are offset against the movement in restricted cash in the cash flows from operating activities section of the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, which provides guidance requiring companies to recognize revenue depicting the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the payment to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU No. 2014-09 also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after 15 December 2017, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after 15 December 2016. Companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt ASU No. 2014-09. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2014-09 (and related clarifying guidance issued by the FASB) starting with the fiscal year beginning 1 April 2018 using a modified retrospective approach. The Company's evaluation of this guidance included performing a review of all revenue streams to identify any differences in the timing, measurement or presentation of revenue recognition. The Company completed this evaluation and does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, which provides guidance on the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The standard requires lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and requires expanded disclosures about leasing arrangements. Lessor accounting will remain largely unchanged from current guidance, however ASU No. 2016-02 will provide improvements that are intended to align lessor accounting with the lessee model and with updated revenue recognition guidance. The amendments in ASU No. 2016-02 are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after 15 December 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company has begun its process for implementing this guidance, including performing a preliminary review of all active



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leases. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2016-02 starting with the fiscal year beginning 1 April 2019 and is currently evaluating the impact of the guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, which provides guidance to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in ASU No. 2016-09 were effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after 15 December 2016. Amendments related to the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized, minimum statutory withholding requirements, forfeitures, and intrinsic value shall be applied on a modified retrospective basis, wherein the beginning retained earnings in the period in which the guidance is adopted should include a cumulative-effect adjustment to reflect the effects of applying the new guidance. Amendments related to the presentation of employee taxes paid on the statements of cash flows shall be applied retrospectively. Amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income and the practical expedient for estimating term shall be applied prospectively. An entity may elect to apply the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statements of cash flows using either a prospective transition method or a retrospective transition method. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-09 starting with the fiscal year beginning 1 April 2017. Upon adoption, the Company began recognizing forfeitures as they occurred and applied the change in classification of cash flows resulting from excess tax benefits or deficiencies on a prospective basis. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements, and prior periods have not been adjusted as a result of this standard.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, which requires entities to recognize the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The amendments in ASU No. 2016-16 are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after 15 December 2017, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in ASU No. 2016-16 shall be applied on a modified retrospective basis, wherein the beginning retained earnings in the period in which the guidance is adopted should include a cumulative-effect adjustment to reflect the effects of applying the new guidance. During the year ended 31 March 2018, the Company undertook an internal restructuring to align certain intangible assets with its US business. These intangible assets are subject to US tax amortization. As required by ASC 740, the Company did not recognize the related amortizable deferred tax asset from these intangible assets in the year ended 31 March, 2018. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2016-16 starting with the fiscal year beginning 1 April 2018 and expects to record an increase in gross deferred income tax assets of approximately US$1,390.0 million net of a valuation allowance of US$150.0 million , and a corresponding cumulative retained earnings adjustment of US$1,240.0 million on 1 April 2018, resulting from all internal restructuring transactions undertaken in prior years, including the internal restructuring transaction implemented during the year ended 31 March 2018.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, which requires the statement of cash flows to explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The amendments in ASU No. 2016-18 are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after 15 December 2017, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in ASU No. 2016-18 shall be applied on a retrospective basis for each period presented. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2016-18 starting with the fiscal year beginning 1 April 2018 and is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, which clarifies the definition of a business to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of either assets or of businesses. The amendments in ASU No. 2017-01 are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after 15 December 2017, on a prospective basis. Early application of the amendments in ASU No. 2017-01 is allowable for transactions in which the acquisition date, the date of the deconsolidation of a subsidiary or the date a group of assets is derecognized occurs before the report



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issuance date. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2017-01 starting with the fiscal year beginning 1 April 2018 and does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-05, which provides the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Staff's guidance when preparing the initial accounting for the income tax effects of the US Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJ Act"), which was enacted on 22 December 2017. The staff guidance addresses the specific situation in which the initial accounting for certain income tax effects of the TCJ Act will not be complete at the time that financial statements are issued. ASU No. 2018-05 is effective for financial statements that include the reporting period in which the TCJ Act was enacted. Therefore, the Company implemented the guidance in ASU No. 2018-05 in its financial statements for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2018. Upon adoption, the Company ensured that both the tax effects recorded and disclosures required as result of the TCJ Act are in accordance with ASU No. 2018-05. The Company has completed or provisionally estimated all of the effects of the TCJ Act. The final impact of the TCJ Act may differ from these provisionally estimated tax effects, including the effects of, among other things, the estimate of available foreign tax credits and additional guidance or regulations that may be issued including state tax conformity impacts. Refer to Note 14 for further details.
3.  Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include amounts on deposit in banks and cash invested temporarily in various highly liquid financial instruments with original maturities of three months or less when acquired.
4.  Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
Included in restricted cash and cash equivalents is US $5.0 million related to an insurance policy at 31 March 2018 and 2017, which restricts the cash from use for general corporate purposes.
5.  Accounts and Other Receivables
Accounts and other receivables consist of the following components:
 
31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
2018
 
2017
Trade receivables
$
196.9

 
$
194.5

Other receivables and advances
7.1

 
5.9

Provision for doubtful trade debts
(1.3
)
 
(0.9
)
Total accounts and other receivables
$
202.7

 
$
199.5

The collectability of accounts receivable, consisting mainly of trade receivables, is reviewed on an ongoing basis. A provision for doubtful trade debts is provided for known and estimated bad debts by analyzing specific customer accounts and assessing the risk of uncollectability based on insolvency, disputes or other collection issues.



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The following are changes in the provision for doubtful trade debts:
 
31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Balance at beginning of period
$
0.9

 
$
1.1

 
$
0.8

Adjustment to provision
0.6

 
(0.1
)
 
0.5

Write-offs, net of recoveries
(0.2
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.2
)
Balance at end of period
$
1.3

 
$
0.9

 
$
1.1

6.  Inventories
Inventories consist of the following components:
 
31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
2018
 
2017
Finished goods
$
190.3

 
$
146.7

Work-in-process
8.1

 
6.5

Raw materials and supplies
65.3

 
57.5

Provision for obsolete finished goods and raw materials
(8.0
)
 
(7.8
)
Total inventories
$
255.7

 
$
202.9

As of 31 March 2018 and 2017, US $30.2 million and US $29.8 million , respectively, of the Company’s finished goods inventory balance was held at vendor managed inventory locations.




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7.  Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment consist of the following components:  
(Millions of US dollars)
Cost or valuation:
Land    
 
Buildings    
 
Machinery
and
Equipment
 
Construction
in
Progress
 1
 
Total    
At 31 March 2016
$
70.1

 
$
266.0

 
$
1,062.4

 
$
143.5

 
$
1,542.0

Additions  2
1.3

 
2.3

 
27.8

 
81.8

 
113.2

Transfers
1.9

 
23.1

 
112.3

 
(137.3
)
 

Disposals

 
(1.4
)
 
(55.5
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(57.4
)
Other 3

 
(12.5
)
 

 
6.4

 
(6.1
)
Exchange differences
(0.4
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(2.4
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(3.7
)
Adjustment 4
(3.4
)
 
67.8

 
31.1

 
(37.2
)
 
58.3

At 31 March 2017
$
69.5

 
$
344.5

 
$
1,175.7

 
$
56.6

 
$
1,646.3

Additions  2

 
7.9

 
83.8

 
126.1

 
217.8

Disposals 5
(1.4
)
 
(5.6
)
 
(24.3
)
 
(3.6
)
 
(34.9
)
Exchange differences
0.1

 

 
0.9

 
(0.2
)
 
0.8

At 31 March 2018
$
68.2

 
$
346.8

 
$
1,236.1

 
$
178.9

 
$
1,830.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated depreciation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At 31 March 2016
$

 
$
(98.2
)
 
$
(576.8
)
 
$

 
$
(675.0
)
Charge for the year

 
(10.2
)
 
(70.1
)
 

 
(80.3
)
Disposals

 
1.3

 
41.1

 

 
42.4

Other 3

 
1.6

 

 

 
1.6

Exchange differences

 
0.3

 
2.0

 

 
2.3

Adjustment  4

 
(22.8
)
 
(35.5
)
 

 
(58.3
)
At 31 March 2017
$

 
$
(128.0
)
 
$
(639.3
)
 
$

 
$
(767.3
)
Charge for the year

 
(11.3
)
 
(77.6
)
 

 
(88.9
)
Disposals 5

 
1.9

 
16.6

 

 
18.5

Exchange differences

 

 
(0.2
)
 

 
(0.2
)
At 31 March 2018
$

 
$
(137.4
)
 
$
(700.5
)
 
$

 
$
(837.9
)
Net book amount:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At 31 March 2017
$
69.5

 
$
216.5

 
$
536.4

 
$
56.6

 
$
879.0

At 31 March 2018
$
68.2

 
$
209.4

 
$
535.6

 
$
178.9

 
$
992.1

____________
1
Construction in progress is presented net of assets transferred into service.
2
Additions include US$4.8 million and US$2.0 million of capitalized interest for the years ended 31 March 2018 and 2017, respectively.
3
Other includes the transfer of the Fontana building to Prepaid and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet. The Fontana building met the held for sale criteria as of 31 March 2017 and has a net book value of US$4.5 million . In fiscal year 2018, the Fontana building was sold for US $7.9 million resulting in a gain of US $3.4 million , which is included in Selling, general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operation and comprehensive income.
4
The adjustments in the prior year correct immaterial errors identified by management whereby certain amounts were misclassified by asset category and certain fully depreciated items were excluded from the balances. The correction had no impact on the consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and comprehensive income, and cash flows for any of the periods presented.
5
The US$16.4 million net book value of disposals in fiscal year 2018 includes US$13.9 million of usage of replacement parts and US$0.7 million of impairment charges on individual assets. The remaining net book value of disposals of US$1.8 million is related to the disposal of assets no longer in use, and do not represent a sale of assets.
Depreciation expense for the years ended 31 March 2018, 2017 and 2016 was US$88.9 million , US$80.3 million and US$76.3 million , respectively.



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Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company performs an asset impairment review on a quarterly basis in connection with its assessment of production capabilities and the Company’s ability to meet market demand.
During the years ended 31 March 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded US$0.7 million , US$0.5 million and US$3.5 million of impairment charges related to individual assets which is included in Cost of goods sold on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
8.  Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following components:
 
31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
2018
 
2017
Trade creditors
$
111.8

 
$
108.4

Accrued interest
12.5

 
4.8

Other creditors and accruals
69.0

 
60.3

Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities
$
193.3

 
$
173.5

9.  Long-Term Debt
At 31 March 2018, the Company had three forms of debt: an unsecured revolving credit facility; a 364-day term loan facility; and senior notes due 2025 and 2028. At 31 March 2017, the Company held two forms of debt: an unsecured revolving credit facility and senior unsecured notes due 2023. The effective weighted average interest rate on the Company’s total debt was 4.7% and 4.8% at 31 March 2018 and 31 March 2017, respectively. The weighted average term of the unsecured revolving credit facility and senior notes, including undrawn facilities, was 6.9 years and 4.7 years at 31 March 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility
In December 2015, James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company (“JHIF”) and James Hardie Building Products Inc. (“JHBP”), each a wholly-owned subsidiary of JHI plc, entered into a US$500.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with certain commercial banks and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as administrative agent. The Revolving Credit Facility was initially set to expire in December 2020, however, in December 2017, the Revolving Credit Facility was amended, to among things, extend the maturity date to December 2022. The size of the Revolving Credit Facility may be increased by up to US$250.0 million through the exercise of an accordion option.
Debt issuance costs in connection with the Revolving Credit Facility are recorded as an offset to Long-Term Debt in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and are being amortized as interest expense using the effective interest method over the stated term of 5 years. At 31 March 2018 and 2017, the Company’s total debt issuance costs have an unamortized balance of US$3.3 million and US$3.1 million , respectively.
The amount drawn under the Revolving Credit Facility was US$100.0 million and US$175.0 million at 31 March 2018 and 2017, respectively.
The effective weighted average interest rate on the Company’s total outstanding Revolving Credit Facility was 3.2% and 2.5% at 31 March 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at per annum rates equal to, at the borrower’s option, either: (i) the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin for LIBOR loans;



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or (ii) a base rate plus an applicable margin for base rate loans. The base rate is calculated as the highest of (x) the rate that the administrative agent announces from time to time as its prime lending rate, as in effect from time to time, (y) 1/2 of 1% in excess of the overnight Federal Funds Rate, and (z) LIBOR for an interest period of one month plus 1.00%. The applicable margin is calculated based on a pricing grid that in each case is linked to our consolidated net leverage ratio. For LIBOR Loans, the applicable margin ranges from 1.25% to 2.00% , and for base rate loans it ranges from 0.25% to 1.00% . The Company also pays a commitment fee of between 0.20% and 0.35% on the actual daily amount of the unutilized revolving loans. The applicable commitment fee percentage is based on a pricing grid linked to the Company’s consolidated net leverage ratio.
In the event that JHIF’s or James Hardie International Group Limited's ("JHIGL"), as applicable, long-term senior unsecured non-credit enhanced rating from each of Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”), and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) is at least BBB- from S&P, and at least Baa3 from Moody’s, at JHIF’s election, for new borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, an alternate applicable rate may be applied with respect to the commitment fee of 0.25% per annum and an alternative margin may be applied with respect to: (a) LIBOR Loans, 1.50% ; and (b) base rate loans, 0.50% .
The Revolving Credit Facility is guaranteed by each of JHIGL and James Hardie Technology Limited ("JHTL"), each of which are wholly-owned subsidiaries of JHI plc.
The Revolving Credit Facility agreement contains certain covenants that, among other things, restrict JHIGL and its restricted subsidiaries’ ability to incur indebtedness and grant liens other than certain types of permitted indebtedness and permitted liens, make certain restricted payments, and undertake certain types of mergers or consolidations actions. In addition, the Company: (i) must not exceed a maximum ratio of net debt to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, excluding all asbestos-related liabilities, assets, income, gains, losses and charges other than AICF payments, all AICF selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses, all Australian Securities and Investment Commission (“ASIC”)-related expenses, all recoveries and asset impairments, and all New Zealand product liability expenses and (ii) must meet or exceed a minimum ratio of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization to interest charges, excluding all income, expense and other profit and loss statement impacts of asbestos income, gains, losses and charges, all AICF SG&A expenses, all ASIC-related expenses, all recoveries and asset impairments, and all New Zealand product liability expenses. At 31 March 2018, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in the Revolving Credit Facility agreement.
364-Day Term Loan Facility
In December 2017, JHIF and JHBP entered into a 364 -day term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) with certain commercial banks and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as administrative agent. The Term Loan Facility was available for a single draw available in either Euro or US dollars with a maximum of €525.0 million ( US$646.4 million based on the exchange rate at 31 March 2018) if drawn in Euro and US$630.0 million if drawn in US dollars.
At 31 March 2018, the amount drawn under the Term Loan Facility was nil . Subsequent to the Company's fiscal year end, on 3 April 2018, the Company drew €400.0 million ( US$492.4 million based on the exchange rate at 3 April 2018) on this Term Loan Facility, and used these funds to complete the Fermacell acquisition. Refer to Note 19 for further details on the Fermacell acquisition. Pursuant to its terms, the Term Loan Facility provides for a single drawing, and any undrawn amounts are no longer available. Further, amounts drawn under the Term Loan Facility may not be re-borrowed once repaid or prepaid.
Borrowings under the Term Loan Facility will bear interest at per annum rates equal to, at borrower’s option, either: (i) the LIBOR plus an applicable margin for LIBOR loans; or (ii) a base rate plus an applicable margin for base rate loans. The base rate is calculated as the highest of (x) the rate that the administrative agent



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announces from time to time as its prime lending rate, as in effect from time to time, (y) 1/2 of 1% in excess of the overnight Federal Funds Rate, and (z) LIBOR for an interest period of one month plus 1.00% . The applicable margin is calculated based on a pricing grid that in each case is linked to our consolidated net leverage ratio. For LIBOR loans, the applicable margin ranges from 1.25% to 2.00% , and for base rate loans it ranges from 0.25% to 1.00% .
The Term Loan Facility is guaranteed by each of JHIGL and JHTL, each of which are wholly-owned subsidiaries of JHI plc.
The Term Loan Facility agreement contains certain covenants that, among other things, restrict JHIGL and its restricted subsidiaries' ability to incur indebtedness and grant liens other than certain types of permitted indebtedness and permitted liens, make certain restricted payments, and undertake certain types of mergers or consolidations actions. In addition, the Company: (i) must not exceed a maximum of net debt to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, excluding all asbestos-related liabilities, assets, income, gains, losses and charges other than AICF payments, all AICF SG&A expenses, all ASIC-related expenses, all recoveries and asset impairments, and all New Zealand product liability expenses and (ii) must meet or exceed a minimum ratio of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization to interest charges, excluding all income, expense and other profit and loss statement impacts of asbestos income, gains, losses and charges, all AICF SG&A expenses, all ASIC-related expenses, all recoveries and asset impairments, and all New Zealand product liability expenses. At 31 March 2018, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in the Term Loan Facility agreement.
2023 Senior Notes
In February 2015, JHIF completed the sale of US$325.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 15 February 2023.
In July 2016, JHIF completed the re-offering and sale of an additional US$75.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.875% senior notes due 2023. Following the completion of this re-offering, the aggregate principal amount of senior notes due in 2023 was US$400.0 million .
The US$325.0 million 5.875% senior notes due 2023 were sold at an offering price of 99.213% of par value, and incurred debt issuance costs in connection with the offering, which were recorded as an offset to Long-Term Debt on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The discount and debt issuance costs had an unamortized balance of US$1.9 million and US$6.0 million at 31 March 2017, respectively.
The US$75.0 million re-offering of the 5.875% senior notes due 2023 were sold at an offering price of 103.0% of par value, and incurred debt issuance costs in connection with the re-offering were recorded as an offset to Long-Term Debt on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The premium and the debt issuance costs had an unamortized balance of US$2.0 million and US$1.5 million at 31 March 2017, respectively.
In December 2017, JHIF redeemed all US$400.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.875% senior notes due 2023. In connection with this redemption, the Company recorded a loss on early debt extinguishment of US$26.1 million , which included US$19.5 million of call redemption premiums and US$6.6 million of unamortized financing costs associated with these notes.




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2025 and 2028 Senior Notes

In December 2017, JHIF completed the sale of US$800.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes. The sale of the senior notes were issued at par with US$400.0 million due 15 January 2025 (the “2025 Notes”) and the remaining US$400.0 million due 15 January 2028 (the “2028 Notes”).
The proceeds from the offering were used for general corporate purposes, including funding the redemption of all US$400.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 2023 senior unsecured notes and the payment of related transaction fees and expenses, the repayment of outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and capital expenditures. The Company also used part of the net proceeds from this offering to finance a portion of the Fermacell acquisition. Refer to Note 19 for further details on the Fermacell acquisition.
Debt issuance costs in connection with the 2025 and 2028 Notes are recorded as an offset to Long-Term Debt on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Debt issuance costs in connection with the 2025 Notes have an unamortized balance of US$6.1 million at 31 March 2018. The debt issuance costs are being amortized as interest expense using the effective interest method over the stated term of 7 years. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on 15 January and 15 July of each year at a rate of 4.75% with first payment due on 15 July 2018.

Debt issuance costs in connection with the 2028 Notes have an unamortized balance of US$6.2 million at 31 March 2018. The debt issuance costs are being amortized as interest expense using the effective interest method over the stated term of 10 years. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on 15 January and 15 July of each year at a rate of 5.00% with first payment due on 15 July 2018.
The 2025 and 2028 Notes are guaranteed by JHIGL, JHBP and JHTL, each of which are wholly-owned subsidiaries of JHI plc.

The indenture governing the 2025 and 2028 Notes contains covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of the guarantors and their restricted subsidiaries to incur liens on assets, make certain restricted payments, engage in certain sale and leaseback transactions and merge or consolidate with or into other companies. These covenants are subject to certain exceptions and qualifications as described in the indenture. At 31 March 2018, the Company was in compliance with all of its requirements under the indenture related to the 2025 and 2028 Notes.

The Company’s 2025 and 2028 Notes have an estimated fair value of US$787.5 million at 31 March 2018, based on the trading price observed in the market at or near the balance sheet date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.
Global Exchange Market Listing
On 25 April 2018, the 2025 and 2028 Notes of US$800.0 million were admitted to listing on the Global Exchange Market (“GEM”) which is operated by the Euronext Dublin. Interest paid on the senior notes quoted on the GEM is not subject to Irish withholding tax. On 19 January 2018, the 5.875% senior notes due 2023 (issued on 10 February 2015 and redeemed in December 2017) were delisted from the GEM.





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10.  Product Warranties
The Company offers various warranties on its products, including a 30 -year limited warranty on certain fiber cement siding products in the United States. A typical warranty program requires the Company to replace defective products within a specified time period from the date of sale. It is possible that future warranty costs could differ from those estimates.
The following are the changes in the product warranty provision:
 
31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Balance at beginning of period
$
46.6

 
$
45.3

 
$
35.2

Accruals for product warranties
13.1

 
17.0

 
28.0

Settlements made in cash or in kind
(6.9
)
 
(15.7
)
 
(17.9
)
Balance at end of period
$
52.8

 
$
46.6

 
$
45.3

11.  Asbestos
The AFFA was approved by shareholders in February 2007 to provide long-term funding to AICF. For a discussion of the AFFA and the accounting policies utilized by the Company related to the AFFA and AICF, see Note 2.
Asbestos Adjustments
The Asbestos adjustments included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income comprise the following:
 
Years Ended 31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Change in estimates:
 
 
 
 
 
Change in actuarial estimate - asbestos liability
$
(152.1
)
 
$
44.7

 
$
2.4

Change in actuarial estimate - insurance receivable
1.2

 
(8.2
)
 
4.5

Change in estimate - AICF claims-handling costs
(0.5
)
 
2.1

 
1.2

Subtotal - Change in estimates
(151.4
)
 
38.6

 
8.1

(Loss) gain on foreign currency exchange
(3.9
)
 
1.8

 
(2.6
)
Asbestos research and education contribution
(1.1
)
 

 

Total Asbestos Adjustments
$
(156.4
)
 
$
40.4

 
$
5.5


In December 2017, the Company, AICF and the New South Wales Government executed an AFFA Amending Deed which in effect excludes the recovery of gratuitous services costs (colloquially referred to as Sullivan v Gordon damages) that arose following the promulgation of the Wrongs (Part VB) (Dust and Tobacco-Related Claims) Regulation 2016 by the State of Victoria. As a result of the amendment, AICF reduced the Asbestos liability by A$56.8 million ( US$43.6 million based upon the exchange rate at 31 March 2018) in the third quarter of fiscal year 2018. This adjustment is reflected in Asbestos adjustments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.




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Actuarial Study; Claims Estimate
AICF commissioned an updated actuarial study of potential asbestos-related liabilities as of 31 March 2018. Based on KPMGA’s assumptions, KPMGA arrived at a range of possible total cash flows and calculated a central estimate, which is intended to reflect a probability-weighted expected outcome of those actuarially estimated future cash flows.
The following table sets forth the central estimates, net of insurance recoveries, calculated by KPMGA as of 31 March 2018:
 
Year Ended 31 March 2018
(Millions of US and Australian dollars, respectively)
US$ 
 
A$
Central Estimate – Discounted and Inflated
1,423.1

 
1,852.9

Central Estimate – Undiscounted but Inflated
1,828.6

 
2,380.9

Central Estimate – Undiscounted and Uninflated
1,108.2

 
1,442.9

The asbestos liability has been revised to reflect the most recent undiscounted and uninflated actuarial estimate prepared by KPMGA as of 31 March 2018.
In estimating the potential financial exposure, KPMGA has made a number of assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions related to the total number of claims that are reasonably estimated to be asserted through 2072, the typical cost of settlement (which is sensitive to, among other factors, the industry in which a plaintiff claims exposure, the alleged disease type, the age of the claimant and the jurisdiction in which the action is brought), the legal costs incurred in the litigation of such claims, the rate of receipt of claims, the settlement strategy in dealing with outstanding claims and the timing of settlements.
Due to inherent uncertainties in the legal and medical environment, the number and timing of future claim notifications and settlements, the recoverability of claims against insurance contracts, and estimates of future trends in average claim awards, as well as the extent to which the above named entities will contribute to the overall settlements, the actual liability could differ materially from that which is currently recorded.
The potential range of costs as estimated by KPMGA is affected by a number of variables such as nil settlement rates, peak year of claims, past history of claims numbers, average settlement rates, past history of Australian asbestos-related medical injuries, current number of claims, average defense and plaintiff legal costs, base wage inflation and superimposed inflation. The potential range of losses disclosed includes both asserted and unasserted claims.
A sensitivity analysis performed by KPMGA to determine how the actuarial estimates would change if certain assumptions (i.e., the rate of inflation and superimposed inflation, the average costs of claims and legal fees, and the projected numbers of claims) were different from the assumptions used to determine the central estimates. The sensitivity analysis performed in the actuarial report is specifically in regards to the discounted but inflated central estimate and the undiscounted but inflated central estimate. This analysis shows that the discounted (but inflated) central estimates could be in a range of A$1.3 billion ( US$1.0 billion ) to A$3.1 billion ( US$2.4 billion ). The undiscounted (but inflated) estimates could be in a range of A$1.7 billion ( US$1.3 billion ) to A$4.2 billion ( US$3.2 billion ) as of 31 March 2018. The actual cost of the liabilities could be outside of that range depending on the results of actual experience relative to the assumptions made.
During fiscal year 2018, mesothelioma claims reporting activity was above actuarial expectations and the prior corresponding period. One of the more significant assumptions is the estimated peak period of mesothelioma disease claims, which was assumed to have occurred in the period 2014/2015 to 2016/2017. However, as claim numbers continue to be elevated, KPMGA has formed the view that the increases in the



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mesothelioma claims reporting seen in recent years was a permanent effect, and therefore increased the projected number of future mesothelioma claims at 31 March 2018. Additionally, KPMGA has revised its modeling approach for mesothelioma claims to consider the claimant’s age which resulted in a higher number of projected claims, partially offset by a reduction in projected average claim size. However, changes to the valuation assumptions may be necessary in future periods should mesothelioma claims reporting escalate or decline.
Potential variation in the estimated peak period of claims has an impact much greater than the other assumptions used to derive the discounted central estimate. In performing the sensitivity assessment of the estimated incidence pattern reporting for mesothelioma, if the pattern of incidence was shifted by two years, the central estimate could increase by approximately 18% on a discounted basis.
Claims Data
The following table shows the activity related to the numbers of open claims, new claims and closed claims during each of the past five years and the average settlement per settled claim and case closed:
 
 
For the Years Ended 31 March
  
 
2018

 
2017

 
2016

 
2015

 
2014

Number of open claims at beginning of period
 
352

 
426

 
494

 
466

 
462

Number of new claims
 
562

 
557

 
577

 
665

 
608

Number of closed claims
 
578

 
631

 
645

 
637

 
604

Number of open claims at end of period
 
336

 
352

 
426

 
494

 
466

Average settlement amount per settled claim
 
A$253,431
 
A$223,535
 
A$248,138
 
A$254,209
 
A$253,185
Average settlement amount per case closed
 
A$217,038
 
A$167,563
 
A$218,900
 
A$217,495
 
A$212,944
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average settlement amount per settled claim
 
US$196,093
 
US$168,300
 
US$182,763
 
US$222,619
 
US$236,268
Average settlement amount per case closed
 
US$167,934
 
US$126,158
 
US$161,229
 
US$190,468
 
US$198,716
Under the terms of the AFFA, the Company has rights of access to actuarial information produced for AICF by the actuary appointed by AICF, which is currently KPMGA. The Company’s disclosures with respect to claims statistics are subject to it obtaining such information, however, the AFFA does not provide the Company an express right to audit or otherwise require independent verification of such information or the methodologies to be adopted by the approved actuary. As such, the Company relies on the accuracy and completeness of the information provided by AICF to the approved actuary and the resulting information and analysis of the approved actuary when making disclosures with respect to claims statistics.



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James Hardie Industries plc –  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
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Asbestos-Related Assets and Liabilities
The Company has included on its consolidated balance sheets the asbestos-related assets and liabilities of AICF under the terms of the AFFA. These amounts are detailed in the table below, and the net total of these asbestos-related assets and liabilities is referred to by the Company as the “Net AFFA Liability.”
 
 
31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
 
2018
 
2017
Asbestos liability – current
 
$
(114.1
)
 
$
(116.4
)
Asbestos liability – non-current
 
(1,101.0
)
 
(1,043.3
)
Asbestos liability – Total
 
(1,215.1
)
 
(1,159.7
)
Insurance receivable – current
 
5.1

 
5.7

Insurance receivable – non-current
 
52.8

 
58.1

Insurance receivable – Total
 
57.9

 
63.8

Workers’ compensation asset – current
 
2.1

 
2.9

Workers’ compensation asset – non-current
 
28.8

 
40.4

Workers’ compensation liability – current
 
(2.1
)
 
(2.9
)
Workers’ compensation liability – non-current
 
(28.8
)
 
(40.4
)
Workers’ compensation – Total
 

 

Loan facility
 

 
(52.4
)
Other net liabilities
 
(2.2
)
 
(1.6
)
Restricted cash and cash equivalents of AICF
 
26.6

 
108.9

Restricted short-term investments of AICF
 
38.4

 

Net Unfunded AFFA liability
 
$
(1,094.4
)
 
$
(1,041.0
)
Deferred income taxes – non-current
 
382.9

 
356.6

Income tax payable
 
21.1

 
16.8

Net Unfunded AFFA liability, net of tax
 
$
(690.4
)
 
$
(667.6
)
 



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James Hardie Industries plc –  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
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The following is a detailed rollforward of the Net Unfunded AFFA liability, net of tax, for the year ended 31 March 2018:
(Millions of US dollars)  
Asbestos   
Liability   
 
Insurance
Receivables
 
Other
Loan Facilities
 
Restricted
Cash and Investments
 
Other
Assets
and Liabilities
 
Net Unfunded AFFA Liability
 
Deferred Tax
Assets
 
Income
Tax
Payable

 
Net Unfunded AFFA Liability, net of tax
Opening Balance - 31 March 2017
$
(1,159.7
)
 
$
63.8

 
$
(52.4
)
 
$
108.9

 
$
(1.6
)
 
$
(1,041.0
)
 
$
356.6

 
$
16.8

 
$
(667.6
)
Asbestos claims paid 1
103.1

 

 

 
(103.1
)
 

 

 

 

 

Payment received in accordance with AFFA 2

 

 

 
102.2

 

 
102.2

 

 

 
102.2

AICF claims-handling costs incurred (paid)
1.2

 

 

 
(1.2
)
 

 

 

 

 

AICF operating costs paid - non claims-handling

 

 

 
(1.9
)
 

 
(1.9
)
 

 

 
(1.9
)
Change in actuarial estimate
(152.1
)
 
(3.3
)
 

 

 

 
(155.4
)
 

 

 
(155.4
)
Change in claims handling cost estimate
(0.5
)
 

 

 

 

 
(0.5
)
 

 

 
(0.5
)
Impact on deferred income tax due to change in actuarial estimate

 

 

 

 

 

 
47.0

 

 
47.0

Insurance recoveries

 
(2.8
)
 

 
7.3

 

 
4.5

 

 

 
4.5

Movement in income tax payable

 

 

 

 

 

 
(21.3
)
 
4.8

 
(16.5
)
Funds repaid to NSW under loan agreement

 

 
51.9

 
(51.9
)
 

 

 

 

 

Other movements

 

 
0.1

 
3.7

 
(0.6
)
 
3.2

 

 
(0.1
)
 
3.1

Effect of foreign exchange
(7.1
)
 
0.2

 
0.4

 
1.0

 

 
(5.5
)
 
0.6

 
(0.4
)
 
(5.3
)
Closing Balance - 31 March 2018
$
(1,215.1
)
 
$
57.9

 
$

 
$
65.0

 
$
(2.2
)
 
$
(1,094.4
)
 
$
382.9

 
$
21.1

 
$
(690.4
)
____________
1
Claims paid of US$103.1 million reflects A$133.2 million converted at the average exchange rate for the period based on the assumption that these transactions occurred evenly throughout the period.
2
The payment received in accordance with AFFA of US$102.2 million reflects the US dollar equivalent of the A$135.1 million payment, translated at the exchange rate set five days before the day of payment.
AICF Funding
We anticipate that we will make a contribution of approximately US$103.0 million to AICF on 2 July 2018. This amount represents 35% of our free cash flow which is equivalent to our operating cash flows of US$295.0 million less an adjustment of US$0.8 million , resulting in free cash flow of US$294.2 million for fiscal year 2018, as defined by the AFFA.

The following table summarizes the AICF contributions during the fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016:
Payment Date
Payment Amount A$ Millions
Payment Amount US$ Millions
Operating Cash flow US$ Millions
Free Cash Flow US$ Millions
3 July 2017
135.1

102.2

292.1

292.1

1 July 2016
120.7

91.1

260.4

260.4

1 July 2015
81.1

62.8

179.5

179.5







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James Hardie Industries plc –  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
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Restricted Short-Term Investments
In July 2017, AICF invested A$100.0 million ( US$76.8 million , based on the exchange rate at 31 March 2018) of its excess cash in time deposits. During the three months ended 31 March 2018, A$50.0 million of these time deposits matured and were reclassified in Restricted cash and cash equivalents - asbestos on the consolidated balance sheet. The remaining time deposits of A$50.0 million ( US$38.4 million ) bear a fixed interest rate of 2.32% and mature 29 June 2018. These time deposits are reflected within restricted short-term investments on the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of 31 March 2018 and have been classified as available-for-sale. At 31 March 2018, the Company revalued AICF’s short-term investments available-for-sale resulting in a mark-to-market fair value adjustment of nil .
AICF – NSW Government Secured Loan Facility
AICF may borrow, subject to certain conditions, up to an aggregate amount of A$320.0 million ( US$245.8 million , based on the exchange rate at 31 March 2018). The AICF Loan Facility is available to be drawn for the payment of claims through 1 November 2030, at which point, all outstanding borrowings must be repaid. Borrowings made under the AICF Loan Facility are classified as current, as AICF intends to repay the debt within one year.
At 31 March 2018 and 2017, AICF had an outstanding balance under the AICF Loan Facility of nil and US$52.4 million , respectively.
To the extent the NSW Government sources funding for the AICF Loan Facility from the Commonwealth of Australia (the “Commonwealth”), the interest rate on the AICF Loan Facility is calculated by reference to the cost of NSW’s borrowings from the Commonwealth for that purpose, being calculated with reference to the Commonwealth Treasury fixed coupon bond rate for a period determined as appropriate by the Commonwealth.
To the extent that NSW’s source of funding is not from the Commonwealth, the interest rate on drawings under the AICF Loan Facility is calculated as (i) during the period to (but excluding) 1 May 2020, a yield percent per annum calculated at the time of the first drawdown of the AICF Loan Facility by reference to the NSW Treasury Corporation’s 6% 1/05/2020 Benchmark Bonds, (ii) during the period after 1 May 2020, a yield percent per annum calculated by reference to NSW Treasury Corporation bonds on issue at that time and maturing in 2030, or (iii) in any case, if the relevant bonds are not on issue, a yield percent per annum in respect of such other source of funding for the AICF Loan Facility determined by the NSW Government in good faith to be used to replace those bonds, including any guarantee fee payable to the Commonwealth in respect of the bonds (where the bonds are guaranteed by the Commonwealth) or other source of funding.
Under the AICF Loan Facility, the Former James Hardie Companies each guarantee the payment of amounts owed by AICF and AICF’s performance of its obligations under the AICF Loan Facility. Each Obligor has granted the NSW Government a security interest in certain property including cash accounts, proceeds from insurance claims, payments remitted by the Company to AICF and contractual rights under certain documents including the AFFA. Each Obligor may not deal with the secured property until all amounts outstanding under the AICF Loan Facility are paid, except as permitted under the terms of the security interest.
Under the terms of the AICF Loan Facility, each Obligor must, upon receipt of proceeds from insurance claims and payments remitted by the Company under the AFFA, apply all of such proceeds in repayment of amounts owing under the AICF Loan Facility. NSW may, at its sole discretion, waive or postpone (in such manner and for such period as it determines) the requirement for the Obligors to apply proceeds of insurance claims and payments remitted by the Company to repay amounts owed under the AICF Loan Facility to ensure AICF has sufficient liquidity to meet its future cash flow needs.



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The Obligors are subject to certain operating covenants under the AICF Loan Facility and the terms of the security interest, including, without limitation, (i) positive covenants relating to providing corporate reporting documents, providing particular notifications and complying with the terms of the AFFA, and (ii) negative covenants restricting them from voiding, cancelling, settling, or adversely affecting existing insurance policies, disposing of assets and granting security to secure any other financial indebtedness, other than in accordance with the terms and conditions of the AICF Loan Facility.
Upon an event of default, NSW may cancel the commitment and declare all amounts outstanding as immediately due and payable. The events of default include, without limitation, failure to pay or repay amounts due in accordance with the AICF Loan Facility, breach of covenants, misrepresentation, cross default by an Obligor and an adverse judgment (other than a personal asbestos or Marlew claim) against an Obligor.
12.  Derivative Instruments
Interest Rate Swaps
The fair value of interest rate swap contracts is calculated based on the fixed rate, notional principal, settlement date and present value of the future cash inflows and outflows based on the terms of the agreement and the future floating interest rates as determined by a future interest rate yield curve. The model used to value the interest rate swap contracts is based upon well recognized financial principles, and interest rate yield curves can be validated through readily observable data by external sources. Although readily observable data is used in the valuations, different valuation methodologies could have an effect on the estimated fair value. Accordingly, the interest rate swap contracts are categorized as Level 2.
For interest rate swap contracts, the Company has agreed to pay fixed interest rates while receiving a floating interest rate. At 31 March 2018 and 2017, the Company had interest rate swap contracts with total notional principal of US $100.0 million .
At 31 March 2018, the weighted average fixed interest rate of these contracts is 2.1% and the weighted average remaining life is 1.4 years . These contracts have a fair value of US $0.4 million receivable at 31 March 2018, which is included in Accounts receivable and US$ 1.1 million payable at 31 March 2017, which is included in Accounts payable . For the years ended 31 March 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company included in Other income an unrealized gain of US $1.5 million , an unrealized gain of US $2.6 million and an unrealized loss of US $0.6 million , respectively, on interest rate swap contracts. Also included in Other income for the years ended 31 March 2018 and 2017 was a realized loss on interest rate swap contracts of US $0.8 million and US $1.3 million , respectively. Included in Interest expense is a realized loss on interest rate swap contracts of US $1.9 million for the year ended 31 March 2016.
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
The Company’s foreign currency forward contracts are valued using models that maximize the use of market observable inputs including interest rate curves and both forward and spot prices for currencies and are categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. At 31 March 2018, the Company had foreign currency forward contracts of US $0.8 million .
For the years ended 31 March 2018 and 2017, the forward contracts not designated as a cash flow hedging arrangement had an unrealized gain of nil .
The notional amount of interest rate swap contracts and foreign currency forward contracts represents the basis upon which payments are calculated and are reported on a net basis when a legal and enforceable right of set-off exists. The following table sets forth the total outstanding notional amount and the fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments held at 31 March 2018 and 2017.



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Fair Value as of
(Millions of US dollars)
Notional Amount
 
31 March 2018
 
31 March 2017
 
31 March 2018
 
31 March 2017
 
Assets  
 
Liabilities  
 
Assets  
 
Liabilities  
Derivatives not accounted for as hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts
$
100.0

 
$
100.0

 
$
0.4

 
$

 
$

 
$
1.1

Foreign currency forward contracts
0.8

 

 

 

 

 

Total
$
100.8

 
$
100.0

 
$
0.4

 
$

 
$

 
$
1.1


13.  Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is involved from time to time in various legal proceedings and administrative actions related to the normal conduct of its business, including general liability claims, putative class action lawsuits and litigation concerning its products.
Although it is impossible to predict the outcome of any pending legal proceeding, management believes that such proceedings and actions should not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows, except as they relate to asbestos and New Zealand product liability claims as described in these consolidated financial statements.
New Zealand Weathertightness Claims
Since fiscal year 2002, the Company’s New Zealand subsidiaries have been and continue to be joined in a number of weathertightness claims in New Zealand that relate to residential buildings (single dwellings and apartment complexes) and a small number of non-residential buildings, primarily constructed from 1998 to 2004. The claims often involve multiple parties and allege that losses were incurred due to excessive moisture penetration of the buildings’ structures. The claims typically include allegations of poor building design, inadequate certification of plans, inadequate construction review and compliance certification and deficient work by sub-contractors.
The Company recognizes a liability for both asserted and unasserted New Zealand weathertightness claims in the period in which the loss becomes probable and estimable. The amount of reasonably possible loss is dependent on a number of factors including, without limitation, the specific facts and circumstances unique to each claim brought against the Company’s New Zealand subsidiaries, the existence of any co-defendants involved in defending the claim, the solvency of such co-defendants (including the ability of such co-defendants to remain solvent until the related claim is ultimately resolved), the availability of claimant compensation under a government compensation scheme, the amount of loss estimated to be allocable to the Company’s New Zealand subsidiaries and the extent to which the co-defendants and the Company’s New Zealand subsidiaries have access to third-party recoveries to cover a portion of the costs incurred in defending and resolving such actions. In addition to the above limitations, the total loss incurred is also dependent on the manner and extent to which statutory limitation periods will apply to any received claims.
Historically, the Company’s New Zealand subsidiaries have been joined to these claims as one of several co-defendants, including local government entities responsible for enforcing building codes and practices, resulting in the Company’s New Zealand subsidiaries becoming liable for only a portion of each claim. In addition, the Company’s New Zealand subsidiaries have had access to third-party recoveries to defray a portion of the costs incurred in resolving such claims. However, in 2015 the Company’s New Zealand subsidiaries were named as the sole defendants in four claims on behalf of multiple defendants, each of which allege that the subsidiaries’ products were inherently defective.



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The Company has established a provision for asserted and unasserted New Zealand weathertightness claims within the current portion of Other liabilities , with a corresponding estimated receivable for third-party recoveries being recognized within Accounts and other receivables . At 31 March 2018 and 2017, the amount of the provision for New Zealand weathertightness claims, net of estimated third-party recoveries, was US $0.9 million and US $1.1 million , respectively.
The estimated loss for these matters, net of estimated third-party recoveries, incorporates assumptions that are subject to the foregoing uncertainties and are principally derived from, but not exclusively based on, historical claims experience together with facts and circumstances unique to each claim. If the nature and extent of the resolution of claims in future periods differ from the historical claims experience, then the actual amount of loss may be materially higher or lower than estimated losses accrued at 31 March 2018.
Environmental and Legal
The operations of the Company, like those of other companies engaged in similar businesses, are subject to a number of laws and regulations on air and water quality, waste handling and disposal. The Company’s policy is to accrue for environmental costs when it is determined that it is probable that an obligation exists and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
Operating Leases
As the lessee, the Company principally enters into property, building and equipment leases. The following are future lease payments for non-cancellable operating leases having a remaining term in excess of one year at 31 March 2018:
Years ending 31 March (Millions of US dollars):
  
2019
$
16.4

2020
14.1

2021
10.8

2022
8.3

2023
6.2

Thereafter
10.8

Total
$
66.6

Rental expense amounted to US $20.6 million , US $18.4 million and US $16.9 million for the years ended 31 March 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Capital Commitments
Commitments for the acquisition of plant and equipment and other purchase obligations contracted for but not recognized as liabilities and generally payable within one year, were nil at 31 March 2018.




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James Hardie Industries plc –  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
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14.  Income Taxes
Income tax expense includes income taxes currently payable and those deferred because of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Income tax expense consists of the following components:  
 
 
Years Ended 31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Income before income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
155.1

 
$
172.2

 
$
150.1

Foreign
 
19.2

 
194.8

 
180.4

Income before income taxes:
 
$
174.3

 
$
367.0

 
$
330.5

Income tax expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
(14.8
)
 
$
(15.2
)
 
$
(12.6
)
Foreign
 
(69.4
)
 
(36.0
)
 
(59.2
)
Current income tax expense
 
(84.2
)
 
(51.2
)
 
(71.8
)
Deferred:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
(1.8
)
 
(4.0
)
 
(5.6
)
Foreign
 
57.8

 
(35.3
)
 
(8.7
)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
 
56.0

 
(39.3
)
 
(14.3
)
Total income tax expense
 
$
(28.2
)
 
$
(90.5
)
 
$
(86.1
)

Income tax expense computed at the statutory rates represents taxes on income applicable to all jurisdictions in which the Company conducts business, calculated at the statutory income tax rate in each jurisdiction multiplied by the pre-tax income attributable to that jurisdiction.
Income tax expense is reconciled to the tax at the statutory rates as follows:
 
 
 
Years Ended 31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Income tax expense computed at the statutory tax rates
 
$
(24.6
)
 
$
(84.4
)
 
$
(79.1
)
US state income taxes, net of the federal benefit
 
(4.3
)
 
(3.0
)
 
(3.6
)
Asbestos - effect of foreign exchange
 
(1.8
)
 
0.8

 
(0.8
)
Expenses not deductible
 
(4.7
)
 
(2.5
)
 
(2.0
)
US manufacturing deduction
 
2.5

 
2.2

 
4.1

Foreign taxes on domestic income
 
(34.2
)
 
(2.1
)
 
(5.7
)
Amortization of intangibles
 
12.4

 
2.8

 
2.9

Taxes on foreign income
 
(3.0
)
 
(5.4
)
 
(7.4
)
Net deferred tax liability revaluation
 
27.7

 

 

Other items
 
1.8

 
1.1

 
5.5

Total income tax expense
 
$
(28.2
)
 
$
(90.5
)
 
$
(86.1
)
Effective tax rate
 
16.2
%
 
24.7
%
 
26.1
%



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James Hardie Industries plc –  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
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Deferred tax balances consist of the following components:
 
 
31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
 
2018
 
2017
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
 
Asbestos liability
 
$
382.9

 
$
356.6

Other provisions and accruals
 
37.7

 
52.8

Net operating loss carryforwards
 
25.5

 
24.2

Foreign tax credit carryforwards
 
126.1

 
107.5

Total deferred tax assets
 
572.2

 
541.1

Valuation allowance
 
(129.6
)
 
(110.4
)
Total deferred tax assets net of valuation allowance
 
442.6

 
430.7

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciable and amortizable assets
 
(81.6
)
 
(130.0
)
Other
 
(14.6
)
 
(12.0
)
Total deferred tax liabilities
 
(96.2
)
 
(142.0
)
Total deferred taxes, net
 
$
346.4

 
$
288.7

Deferred income taxes include European and Australian net operating loss carry-forwards. At 31 March 2018, the Company had European tax loss carry-forwards of approximately US $6.7 million and Australian tax loss carry-forwards of approximately US $18.8 million that are available to offset future taxable income in the respective jurisdiction. The Company establishes a valuation allowance against a deferred tax asset if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
The European tax loss carry-forwards relate to losses incurred in prior years during the establishment of the European business. At 31 March 2018, the Company had a valuation allowance against a portion of the European tax loss carry-forwards in respect of which realization is not more likely than not. At 31 March 2018, the Company had European tax loss carry-forwards of approximately US $3.2 million which will never expire. Carry-forwards of US $3.5 million will expire in fiscal years 2019 through 2026.
The Australian tax loss carry-forwards primarily result from current and prior year tax deductions for contributions to AICF. James Hardie 117 Pty Limited, the performing subsidiary under the AFFA, is able to claim a tax deduction for its contributions to AICF over a five -year period commencing in the year the contribution is incurred. At 31 March 2018, the Company recognized a tax deduction of US $70.7 million (A $91.4 million ) for the current year relating to total contributions to AICF of US $369.1 million (A $456.8 million ) incurred in tax years 2014 through 2018.
At 31 March 2018, the Company had foreign tax credit carry-forwards of US $126.1 million that are available to offset future taxes payable. At 31 March 2018, the Company had a 100% valuation allowance against the foreign tax credit carry-forwards.
In determining the need for and the amount of a valuation allowance in respect of the Company’s asbestos related deferred tax asset, management reviewed the relevant empirical evidence, including the current and past core earnings of the Australian business and forecast earnings of the Australian business considering current trends. Although realization of the deferred tax asset will occur over the life of the AFFA, which extends beyond the forecast period for the Australian business, Australia provides an unlimited carry-forward period for tax losses. Based upon managements’ review, the Company believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize its asbestos related deferred tax asset and that no valuation allowance is necessary as of 31 March 2018. In the future, based on review of the empirical evidence by management



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at that time, if management determines that realization of its asbestos related deferred tax asset is not more likely than not, the Company may need to provide a valuation allowance to reduce the carrying value of the asbestos related deferred tax asset to its realizable value.
Income taxes payable represents taxes currently payable which are computed at statutory income tax rates applicable to taxable income derived in each jurisdiction in which the Company conducts business.
At 31 March 2018, the Company had income taxes payable of US $29.1 million , after taking into account total income tax and withholding tax paid, net of refunds received, during the year ended 31 March 2018 of US $49.1 million . Income taxes were paid in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the Philippines and the United States. Withholding taxes were paid in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the Philippines.
Due to the size and nature of its business, the Company is subject to ongoing reviews by taxing jurisdictions on various tax matters. The Company accrues for tax contingencies based upon its best estimate of the taxes ultimately expected to be paid, which it updates over time as more information becomes available. Such amounts are included in taxes payable or other non-current liabilities, as appropriate. If the Company ultimately determines that payment of these amounts is unnecessary, the Company reverses the liability and recognizes a tax benefit during the period in which the Company determines that the liability is no longer necessary. The Company records additional tax expense in the period in which it determines that the recorded tax liability is less than the ultimate assessment it expects.
The Company or its subsidiaries files income tax returns in various jurisdictions including Ireland, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines. The Company is no longer subject to US federal examinations by US Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for tax years prior to tax year 2015 and Australian federal examinations by the Australian Taxation Office (“ATO”) for tax years prior to tax year 2014.
Taxing authorities from various jurisdictions in which the Company operates are in the process of reviewing and auditing the Company’s respective jurisdictional tax returns for various ranges of years. The Company accrues tax liabilities in connection with ongoing audits and reviews based on knowledge of all relevant facts and circumstances, taking into account existing tax laws, its experience with previous audits and settlements, the status of current tax examinations and how the tax authorities view certain issues.  



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Unrecognized Tax Benefits
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits and interest and penalties are as follows:
(Millions of US Dollars)
 
Unrecognized
tax benefits
 
Interest and
Penalties
Balance at 31 March 2015
 
$
4.9

 
$
0.3

Additions for tax positions of the current year
 
0.2

 

Reductions in tax positions of prior year
 
(4.1
)
 
(0.3
)
Settlements paid during the current period
 
(0.3
)
 

Balance at 31 March 2016
 
$
0.7

 
$

Additions for tax positions of the current year
 
0.1

 

Reductions in tax positions of prior year
 
(0.1
)
 

Balance at 31 March 2017
 
$
0.7

 
$

Additions for tax positions of the current year
 

 

Reductions in tax positions of prior year
 

 

Balance at 31 March 2018
 
$
0.7

 
$

At 31 March 2018, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits and the total amount of interest and penalties accrued by the Company related to unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the tax expense is US $0.7 million and nil , respectively.
The Company recognizes penalties and interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. During the years ended 31 March 2018, 2017 and 2016, income of nil , nil and US $0.3 million , respectively, relating to interest and penalties was recognized within income tax expense arising from movements in unrecognized tax benefits.
The liabilities associated with uncertain tax benefits are included in Other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
A number of years may elapse before an uncertain tax position is audited or ultimately resolved. It is difficult to predict the ultimate outcome or the timing of resolution for uncertain tax positions. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months . These changes could result from the completion of ongoing examinations, the expiration of the statute of limitations, or other circumstances. At this time, an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible change cannot be made.
US Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
The TCJ Act significantly revises the US corporate income tax by, among other things, lowering the US federal corporate income tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0%, resulting in a blended rate of 31.5% for the fiscal year ended 31 March 2018 and implementing a territorial tax system that imposed a tax on unrepatriated earnings of certain subsidiaries of our US subsidiaries.
During the year ended 31 March 2018, the Company recorded a charge to income tax expense of US$4.2 million in respect of income taxes of an estimated US$31.9 million imposed on deemed repatriated earnings of certain subsidiaries of our US subsidiaries, partially offset by an estimated reduction in the value of the US-based net deferred tax liability of US$27.7 million . Income taxes due from the deemed repatriation will



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be paid over an 8 year period. As such, the Company recorded current and non-current income taxes payable in its 31 March 2018 consolidated balance sheet.
The impact of the tax legislation on the Company's future earnings is uncertain. The impact is subject to the potential effect of certain complex provisions in the TCJ Act, and the issuance of regulatory guidance or clarifications that may be issued in the future in respect of these provisions, including the base erosion and anti-abuse tax, global intangible low-taxed income, foreign derived intangible income and others, which the Company is currently reviewing. These provisions will be in effect for the Company beginning in its fiscal year 2019 and it is possible that any impact of these provisions could materially reduce the benefit of the reduction in the US federal corporate income tax rate. Due to the uncertain practical and technical application of many of these provisions, it is currently not possible to reliably estimate whether these provisions will apply and if so, how it would impact the Company.

15.  Stock-Based Compensation
Total stock-based compensation expense consists of the following:
 
Years Ended 31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Liability Awards Expense
$
5.6

 
$
5.4

 
$
4.8

Equity Awards Expense
11.1

 
9.3

 
10.3

Total stock-based compensation expense
$
16.7

 
$
14.7

 
$
15.1

As of 31 March 2018, the unrecorded future stock-based compensation expense related to outstanding equity awards was US $19.0 million and will be recognized over an estimated weighted average amortization period of 2.2 years .
2001 Equity Incentive Plan
Under the Company’s 2001 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2001 Plan”), the Company can grant equity awards in the form of nonqualified stock options, performance awards, restricted stock grants, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, phantom stock or other stock-based benefits such as restricted stock units. The 2001 Plan was first approved by the Company’s shareholders in 2001 and was reapproved to continue until September 2021 at the 2011 annual general meeting. The Company is authorized to issue 45,077,100 shares under the 2001 Plan.
Under the 2001 Plan, grants have been made at fair market value to management and other employees of the Company. Each grant confers the right to subscribe for one ordinary share in the capital of JHI plc. The grants may be exercised as follows: 25% after the first year; 25% after the second year; and 50% after the third year. All unexercised grants expire 10 years from the date of issue or 90 days after the employee ceases to be employed by the Company.
Restricted stock units may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered so long as such units remain restricted. The Company determines the conditions or restrictions of any restricted stock units, which include requirements of continued employment. At 31 March 2018, there were 620,544 restricted stock units outstanding under this plan.



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Long-Term Incentive Plan 2006
At the 2006 Annual General Meeting, the Company’s shareholders approved the establishment of a Long-Term Incentive Plan 2006 (the “LTIP”) to provide incentives to certain members of senior management (“Executives”). The shareholders also approved, in accordance with certain LTIP rules, the issue of options in the Company to executives of the Company. At the Company’s 2008 Annual General Meeting, the shareholders amended the LTIP to also allow restricted stock units to be granted under the LTIP. The LTIP was re-approved by the Company’s shareholders with certain amendments at each of the 2008, 2012 and 2015 Annual General Meetings.  
As of 31 March 2018, the Company had granted 12,475,138 restricted stock units under the LTIP. These restricted stock units may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered so long as such units remain restricted. The Company determines the conditions or restrictions of any restricted stock awards, which may include requirements of continued employment, individual performance or the Company’s financial performance or other criteria. Restricted stock units either vest or expire as set out in the grant documents or LTIP rules. At 31 March 2018, there were 3,517,048 restricted stock units outstanding under the LTIP.
The following table summarizes the Company’s shares available for grant as options, restricted stock units or other equity instruments under the LTIP and 2001 Plan at 31 March 2018, 2017 and 2016:
 
Shares
Available for
Grant
Balance at 31 March 2016
28,418,808

Granted
(1,179,994
)
Balance at 31 March 2017
27,238,814

Granted
(1,779,904
)
Balance at 31 March 2018
25,458,910

Stock Options
There were no stock options granted during the years ended 31 March 2018 and 2017. The following table summarizes the Company’s stock options activity during the noted period:

 
Outstanding Options
 
Number
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price (A$)
Balance at 31 March 2016
104,027

 
7.22

Exercised
(55,131
)
 
7.97

Balance at 31 March 2017
48,896

 
6.38

Exercised
(48,896
)
 
6.38

Balance at 31 March 2018

 


 
The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was A $0.8 million for the years ended 31 March 2018 and 2017.



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Windfall tax benefits realized in the United States from stock options exercised and included in cash flows from financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows were nil , US $3.0 million and US $0.4 million for the years ended 31 March 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Restricted Stock Units
The Company estimates the fair value of restricted stock units on the date of grant and recognizes this estimated fair value as compensation expense over the periods in which the restricted stock vests.
The following table summarizes the Company’s restricted stock unit activity during the noted period:  
 
Restricted
Stock Units
 
Weighted
Average Fair
Value at Grant
Date (A$)
Non-vested at 31 March 2016
4,049,454

 
11.00

Granted
1,179,994

 
18.54

Vested
(1,314,825
)
 
8.60

Forfeited
(574,378
)
 
9.10

Non-vested at 31 March 2017
3,340,245

 
14.80

Granted
1,779,904

 
14.04

Vested
(615,334
)
 
12.05

Forfeited
(367,223
)
 
14.12

Non-vested at 31 March 2018
4,137,592

 
14.63

Restricted Stock Units – service vesting
During fiscal year 2018, 332,262 restricted stock units (service vesting) were granted to employees under the 2001 Plan. During fiscal year 2017, 315,636 restricted stock units (service vesting) were granted to employees under the 2001 Plan. The fair value of each restricted stock unit (service vesting) is equal to the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant, adjusted for the fair value of estimated dividends as the restricted stock unit holder is not entitled to dividends over the vesting period.
During fiscal year 2018, 237,480 restricted stock units (service vesting) that were previously granted as part of the 2001 Plan became fully vested and the underlying common stock was issued. During fiscal year 2017, 304,470 restricted stock units (service vesting) that were previously granted as part of the 2001 Plan became fully vested and the underlying common stock was issued.
Restricted Stock Units – performance vesting
The Company granted 515,249 and 407,539 restricted stock units with a performance vesting condition under the LTIP to senior executives and managers of the Company on 21 August 2017 and 16 September 2016, respectively. The vesting of the restricted stock units is subject to a return on capital employed (“ROCE”) performance hurdle being met and subject to negative discretion by the Board. The Board’s discretion will reflect the Board’s judgment of the quality of the returns balanced against management’s delivery of market share growth and a scorecard of key qualitative and quantitative performance objectives. During fiscal year 2018, after exercise of negative discretion by the Board, 221,042 restricted stock units (performance vesting) that were granted on 16 September 2014 as part of the fiscal year 2015 long-term incentive award became fully vested and the underlying common stock was issued. The remaining 165,040 unvested restricted stock units from this grant were cancelled on 18 September 2017.



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When the Board reviews the awards and determines whether any negative discretion should be applied at the vesting date, the award recipients may receive all, some, or none of their awards. The Board may only exercise negative discretion and may not enhance the maximum award that was originally granted to the award recipient.
The fair value of each restricted stock unit (performance vesting) is adjusted for changes in JHI plc’s common stock price at each balance sheet date and for the fair value of estimated dividends as the restricted stock unit holder is not entitled to dividends over the vesting period until the performance conditions are applied at the vesting date.
Restricted Stock Units – market condition
Under the terms of the LTIP, the Company granted 932,393 and 456,819 restricted stock units (market condition) to senior executives and managers of the Company on 21 August 2017 and 16 September 2016, respectively. The vesting of these restricted stock units is subject to a market condition as outlined in the relevant notice of meeting.  
The fair value of each of these restricted stock units (market condition) granted under the LTIP is estimated using a binomial lattice model that incorporates a Monte Carlo simulation (the “Monte Carlo” method). The following table includes the assumptions used for restricted stock grants (market condition) valued during the year ended 31 March 2018 and 2017, respectively:

Vesting Condition:
Market
 
Market
 
FY18
 
FY17
Date of grant
21 Aug 2017

 
16 Sep 2016

Dividend yield (per annum)
3.0
%
 
2.3
%
Expected volatility
30.1
%
 
31.5
%
Risk free interest rate
1.5
%
 
1.1
%
Expected life in years
3.3

 
3.0

JHX stock price at grant date (A$)
17.91

 
20.82

Number of restricted stock units
932,393

 
456,819

During fiscal year 2018, 156,812 restricted stock units (market condition) that were previously granted became fully vested and the underlying common stock was issued. During fiscal year 2017, 728,887 restricted stock units (market condition) that were previously granted became fully vested and the underlying common stock was issued.
Scorecard LTI – cash settled units
Under the terms of the LTIP, the Company granted awards equivalent to 1,545,750 and 458,484 Scorecard LTI units on 21 August 2017 and 16 September 2016, respectively. These awards provide recipients a cash incentive based on an average 20 trading-day closing price of JHI plc’s common stock price and each executive’s scorecard rating. The vesting of awards is measured on individual performance conditions based on certain performance measures. Compensation expense recognized for awards are based on the fair market value of JHI plc’s common stock on the date of grant and recorded as a liability. The expense is recognized ratably over the vesting period and the liability is adjusted for subsequent changes in JHI plc’s common stock price at each balance sheet date adjusted for the fair value of estimated dividends as the restricted stock unit holder is not entitled to dividends over the vesting period.



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On 18 September 2017, 197,800 of the 454,179 Scorecard LTI units that were previously granted on 16 September 2014 as part of the FY2015 long-term incentive award became fully vested and the balance cancelled as a result of the Board’s determination of management’s performance against the FY2015-17 Scorecard. The cash amount paid to award recipients was based on an average 20 trading-day closing price of JHI plc’s common stock price.
On 16 September 2016, 316,841 of the 518,647 Scorecard LTI units that were previously granted on 16 September 2013 as part of the FY2014 long-term incentive award became fully vested and the balance cancelled as a result of the Board’s determination of management’s performance against the FY2014-16 Scorecard. The cash amount paid to award recipients was based on an average 20 trading-day closing price of JHI plc’s common stock price.

16.  Capital Management and Dividends
The following table summarizes the dividends paid during the fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016:
(Millions of US dollars)
US
Cents/Security
 
US$ Millions
Total Amount
 
Announcement Date
 
Record Date
 
Payment Date
FY 2018 first half dividend
0.10
 
46.2
 
9 November 2017
 
13 December 2017
 
23 February 2018
FY 2017 second half dividend
0.28
 
131.3
 
18 May 2017
 
8 June 2017
 
4 August 2017
FY 2017 first half dividend
0.10
 
46.6
 
17 November 2016
 
21 December 2016
 
24 February 2017
FY 2016 second half dividend
0.29
 
130.2
 
19 May 2016
 
9 June 2016
 
5 August 2016
FY 2016 first half dividend
0.09
 
39.7
 
19 November 2015
 
23 December 2015
 
26 February 2016
FY 2015 special dividend
0.22
 
92.8
 
21 May 2015
 
11 June 2015
 
7 August 2015
FY 2015 second half dividend
0.27
 
114.0
 
21 May 2015
 
11 June 2015
 
7 August 2015
During fiscal year 2017, the Company announced a share buyback program (the “fiscal 2017 program”) to acquire up to US $100.0 million of its issued capital in the twelve months through May 2017. Under this program, the Company repurchased and cancelled 6,090,133 shares of its common stock during the second quarter of fiscal year 2017. The aggregate cost of the shares repurchased and cancelled was A $131.4 million (US $99.8 million ), at an average market price of A $21.58 (US $16.40 ).
Subsequent to 31 March 2018, the Company announced an ordinary dividend of US 30.0 cents per security, with a record date of 7 June 2018 and a payment date of 3 August 2018.
17.  Operating Segment Information and Concentrations of Risk
The Company has reported its operating segment information in the format that the operating segment information is available to and evaluated by the CODM. The North America Fiber Cement segment manufactures fiber cement interior linings, exterior siding products and related accessories in the United States; these products are sold in the United States and Canada. The International Fiber Cement segment includes all fiber cement products manufactured in Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines, and sold in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East and various Pacific Islands. This segment also includes product manufactured in the United States that is sold in Europe. The Other Businesses segment includes certain non-fiber cement manufacturing and sales activities in North America, including fiberglass windows. The Research and Development segment represents the cost incurred by the research and development centers. General Corporate costs primarily consist of Asbestos adjustments , officer and employee compensation and related benefits, professional and legal fees, administrative costs and rental expense, net of rental income, on the Company’s corporate offices.



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Operating Segments
The following is the Company’s operating segment information:  
 
 
Net Sales to Customers
Years Ended 31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
North America Fiber Cement
 
$
1,578.1

 
$
1,493.4

 
$
1,335.0

International Fiber Cement
 
461.7

 
411.8

 
379.4

Other Businesses
 
14.7

 
16.4

 
13.8

Worldwide total
 
$
2,054.5

 
$
1,921.6

 
$
1,728.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Before Income Taxes
Years Ended 31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
North America Fiber Cement 1,8
 
$
381.9

 
$
343.9

 
$
352.2

International Fiber Cement 1,6,7
 
108.4

 
95.1

 
77.9

Other Businesses
 
(8.6
)
 
(6.7
)
 
(8.6
)
Research and Development 1
 
(27.8
)
 
(25.5
)
 
(23.9
)
Segments total
 
453.9

 
406.8

 
397.6

General Corporate 2
 
(224.7
)
 
(13.6
)
 
(43.6
)
Total operating income
 
229.2

 
393.2

 
354.0

Net interest expense 3
 
(29.5
)
 
(27.5
)
 
(25.6
)
Loss on early debt extinguishment
 
(26.1
)
 

 

Other income
 
0.7

 
1.3

 
2.1

Worldwide total
 
$
174.3

 
$
367.0

 
$
330.5

 
 
Total Identifiable Assets
31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
 
2018
 
2017
North America Fiber Cement
 
$
1,070.7

 
$
917.4

International Fiber Cement
 
351.6

 
335.7

Other Businesses
 
30.1

 
28.4

Research and Development
 
7.5

 
12.3

Segments total
 
1,459.9

 
1,293.8

General Corporate 4,5
 
891.1

 
718.9

Worldwide total
 
$
2,351.0

 
$
2,012.7




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The following is the Company’s geographical information:
 
 
Net Sales to Customers
Years Ended 31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
North America
 
$
1,592.8

 
$
1,509.9

 
$
1,348.8

Australia
 
301.1

 
252.5

 
228.4

New Zealand
 
76.8

 
73.3

 
61.4

Other Countries
 
83.8

 
85.9

 
89.6

Worldwide total
 
$
2,054.5

 
$
1,921.6

 
$
1,728.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Identifiable Assets
31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
North America
 
 
 
$
1,103.6

 
$
953.1

Australia
 
 
 
242.6

 
237.0

New Zealand
 
 
 
34.8

 
31.8

Other Countries
 
 
 
78.9

 
71.9

Segments total
 
 
 
1,459.9

 
1,293.8

General Corporate 4,5
 
 
 
891.1

 
718.9

Worldwide total
 
 
 
$
2,351.0

 
$
2,012.7

____________
1
Research and development expenditures are expensed as incurred and are summarized by segment in the following table:
 
 
Years Ended 31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
North America Fiber Cement
 
$
6.1

 
$
6.2

 
$
6.6

International Fiber Cement
 
1.8

 
1.5

 
1.2

Research and Development a
 
25.4

 
22.6

 
21.7

 
 
$
33.3

 
$
30.3

 
$
29.5

a The Research and Development segment also included Selling, general and administrative expenses of US $2.4 million , US $2.9 million and US $2.2 million in fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

2
The principal components of General Corporate costs are officer and employee compensation and related benefits, professional and legal fees, administrative costs, and rental expense on the Company’s corporate offices. Also included in General Corporate costs are the following:
 
 
Years Ended 31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Asbestos adjustments
 
$
(156.4
)
 
$
40.4

 
$
5.5

AICF SG&A expenses
 
$
(1.9
)
 
$
(1.5
)
 
$
(1.7
)
3
The Company does not report net interest expense for each operating segment as operating segments are not held directly accountable for interest expense. Included in net interest expense is net AICF interest (income) expense of US $(1.9) million , US $1.1 million and US $0.3 million in fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
4
The Company does not report deferred tax assets and liabilities for each operating segment as operating segments are not held directly accountable for deferred income taxes. All deferred income taxes are included in General Corporate costs.
5
Asbestos-related assets at 31 March 2018 and 2017 are US $537.7 million and US $573.8 million , respectively, and are included in the General Corporate costs.
6
Included in the International Fiber Cement segment for the year ended 31 March 2016 was a gain on the sale of the Australian Pipes business of US $1.7 million .






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7
Included in the International Fiber Cement segment are adjustments to the provision for New Zealand weathertightness claims.

 
 
Years Ended 31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
New Zealand weathertightness claims expense
 
$

 
$

 
$
(0.5
)

8
Included in the North America Fiber Cement segment for the year ended 31 March 2018 was a gain on the sale of the Fontana Building of US $3.4 million .

Concentrations of Risk
The distribution channels for the Company’s fiber cement products are concentrated. If the Company were to lose one or more of its major customers, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to find a replacement. Therefore, the loss of one or more customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
We have one customer who contributes greater than 10% of our net sales in each of the past three fiscal years.
This customer’s accounts receivable represented 9.0% and 9.1% of the Company’s accounts receivable at 31 March 2018 and 2017, respectively. The following is net sales generated by this customer, which is from the North America Fiber Cement segment:

 
 
Years Ended 31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Customer A
 
$
246.9

 
12.0
%
 
$
226.0

 
10.3
%
 
$
197.0

 
10.1
%
Approximately 22% , 21% and 22% of the Company’s net sales in fiscal year 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, were from outside the United States. Consequently, changes in the value of foreign currencies could significantly affect the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company’s non-US operations on translation into US dollars.
18.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
During the year ended 31 March 2018 there were no reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
(Millions of US dollars)
 
Cash Flow
Hedges
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 
Total
Balance at 31 March 2017
 
$
0.3

 
$
(2.5
)
 
$
(2.2
)
Other comprehensive income
 

 
0.9

 
0.9

Balance at 31 March 2018
 
$
0.3

 
$
(1.6
)
 
$
(1.3
)
 



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19.  Subsequent Event
Acquisition

On 3 April 2018, the Company completed its acquisition of German-based XI (DL) Holdings GmbH and its subsidiaries (including, but not limited to, Fermacell GmbH) (collectively, "Fermacell") under the terms of the previously announced Sale and Purchase Agreement with Xella International S.A. Fermacell manufactures and sells gypsum fiber and cement-bonded board primarily in continental Europe.

On 7 November 2017, the Company had entered into the Sales and Purchase Agreement with Xella International S.A., whereby the Company agreed to purchase the stock of Fermacell based on an enterprise value of €473.0 million , resulting in 100% ownership of Fermacell. At the closing of the acquisition, the Company funded the closing payment and related fees and expenses with a combination of cash on-hand and a €400.0 million ( US$492.4 million based on exchange rate at 3 April 2018) drawdown from the Term Loan Facility. Refer to Note 9 for further details on the Term Loan Facility.

The final determination of the purchase price allocation is expected to be completed as soon as practicable after consummation of the acquisition. Due to the limited time between the acquisition date and the filing of this report, it is not practicable for the Company to disclose: (i) the allocation of purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of close, and (ii) pro forma revenues and earnings of the combined company for the period ended 31 March 2018.

Beginning with the first quarter fiscal year 2019 results, the Company intends to include a European Building Products segment in its report of quarterly results. This new segment will include the on-going James Hardie European Fiber Cement business and the newly acquired Fermacell business. The current International Fiber Cement segment will be renamed Asia Pacific Fiber Cement segment and will include our Australia, New Zealand and Philippines businesses.




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REMUNERATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
(UNAUDITED, NOT FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS)
Fees billed for each of the last three fiscal years for professional services provided by our independent registered public accounting were as follows:
 
US$ Millions
Description of Service
FY18
 
FY17
 
FY16
Audit fees 1
$
4.3

 
$
3.9

 
$
3.7

Audit-related fees 2

 

 

Tax fees

 

 

All other fees
$

 
$

 
$

____________
1
Audit Fees include the aggregate fees for professional services rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm. Professional services include the audit of our annual financial statements and services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings.
2
Audit-Related Fees include the aggregate fees billed for assurance and related services rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm. Our independent registered public accounting firm did not engage any temporary employees to conduct any portion of the audit of our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended 31 March 2018, 2017 and 2016.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
In accordance with our Audit Committee’s policy and the requirements of the law, all services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm are pre-approved from time to time by the Audit Committee. Pre-approval includes a list of specific audit and non-audit services in the following categories: audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. Any additional services that we may ask our independent registered public accounting firm to perform will be set forth in a separate document requesting Audit Committee approval in advance of the service being performed.
All of the services pre-approved by the Audit Committee are permissible under the SEC’s auditor independence rules. To avoid potential conflicts of interest, the law prohibits a publicly traded company from obtaining certain non-audit services from its independent registered public accounting firm. We obtain these services from other service providers as needed.



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SECTION 3
RISK FACTORS
Our business, operations and financial condition are subject to various risks and uncertainties. We have described below significant factors that may adversely affect our business, operations, financial performance and condition or industry. Readers should be aware that the occurrence of any of the events described in these risk factors, elsewhere in or incorporated by reference into this Annual Report, and other events that we have not predicted or assessed, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.
Risks Related to Our Business
Our business is dependent on the residential and commercial construction markets.
Demand for our products depends in large part on the residential construction markets and, to a lesser extent, on commercial construction markets. The level of activity in residential construction markets depends on new housing starts and residential remodeling projects, which are a function of many factors outside our control, including general economic conditions, the availability of financing, mortgage and other interest rates, inflation, household income and wage growth, unemployment, the inventory of unsold homes, the level of foreclosures, home resale rates, housing affordability, demographic trends, gross domestic product growth and consumer confidence in each of the countries and regions in which we operate.
Any slowdown in the markets we serve could result in decreased demand for our products and cause us to experience decreased sales and operating income. In addition, deterioration or continued weaknesses in general economic conditions, such as higher interest rates, high levels of unemployment, restrictive lending practices and increased foreclosures, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.
Substantial and increasing competition in the building products industry could materially adversely affect our business.
Competition in the building products industry is based largely on price, quality, performance and service. Our fiber cement products compete with products manufactured from natural and engineered wood, vinyl, stucco, masonry, gypsum and other materials, as well as fiber cement products offered by other manufacturers. Some of our competitors may have greater product diversity, greater financial and other resources, and better access to raw materials than we do and, among other factors, may be less affected by reductions in margins resulting from price competition.
Increased competition in any of the markets in which we compete would likely cause pricing pressures in those markets. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.



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We may experience unforeseen delays and/or cost overruns in our planned capital expenditures in future periods, and such delays and/or cost overruns could result in additional expenses and impairment of the carrying value of our assets in future periods. Such unforeseen delays, cost overruns or asset impairment charges could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We are expanding production capacity in anticipation of the continued improvement of the operating environment. We have incurred significant capital expenditures in the past and we expect to incur significant capital expenditures again in future periods on facility upgrades and expansions, equipment to ensure regulatory compliance, the implementation of new fiber cement technologies and to improve efficiency .
We may incur unforeseen delays and/or cost overruns due to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, an overall decline in general economic conditions, a downturn in the principal markets in which we operate, the entrance of a key competitor leading to a loss in market share or an adverse change in the regulatory environment impacting our business. Any one or combination of these or other factors could have a significant adverse effect on the nature, timing, extent and amount of our planned capital expenditures, and may also result in potential additional expenses and a write-down in the carrying value of our capital projects and other existing production assets. Such delays, cost overruns and asset impairment charges could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and liquidity.
As a result of the factors discussed above, we may not achieve the levels of additional manufacturing capacity we have forecasted for our plants, as described elsewhere in this Annual Report. We cannot provide assurances that these additional manufacturing capacities will be achieved or that the related projects will be completed as anticipated or at all or that such additional capacities will operate at their expected utilization rate. These projections are based on our current estimates, but they involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from our estimates. Neither our independent auditors nor any other independent auditors have examined, compiled or performed any procedures with respect to these projections, nor have they expressed any opinion or any other form of assurance on such information or their achievability. Although management believes these estimates and the assumptions underlying them to be reasonable, they could be inaccurate and investors should not place undue reliance upon them.
Regulatory action and continued scrutiny may have an adverse effect on our business.
Our compliance with laws and regulations can be subject to future government review and interpretation. If we fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we could be subject to fines, penalties, or other legal liability. Also, should these laws and regulations be amended or expanded, or should new laws and regulations be enacted, we could incur additional compliance costs or restrictions on our ability to manufacture our products and operate our business. Furthermore, our failure to comply with such laws and regulations could result in additional costs, fees or reporting requirements, as well as significant regulatory action, including fines, penalties and legal defense costs, and could subject us to negative publicity. Such actions could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Our Irish residency could also result in increased negative publicity related to us. There continues to be negative publicity regarding, and criticism of, companies that have subsidiaries which conduct substantial business in the United States but are domiciled in foreign countries. We cannot assure you that we will not be subject to similar criticism. We previously have been the subject of negative publicity as a result of our historic operations and legacy issues in Australia, which we believe has in the past negatively impacted our business and results of operations.
We believe that any such adverse action or negative publicity could materially adversely affect our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows, employee morale and the market prices of our publicly traded securities.



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We are subject to risks generally associated with companies that operate in a global environment, which could have an adverse effect on our growth and financial performance.
Our operations are subject to risks inherent in multinational operations. These risks include, among others, compliance with a variety of local regulations and laws, changes in tax laws and the interpretations of those laws, fluctuation in currency values, sudden changes in foreign currency exchange controls, discriminatory and conflicting fiscal policies, difficulties enforcing intellectual property and contractual rights in certain jurisdictions, greater risk of uncollectable accounts and longer collection cycles, effective and immediate implementation of control environment processes across our diverse operations, compliance with applicable anti-corruption laws and imposition of more or new tariffs, quotas, trade barriers, export controls, sanctions, and/or similar restrictions in the various jurisdictions in which we operate.
Moreover, political and economic changes or volatility, geopolitical regional conflicts, terrorist activity, political unrest, civil strife, acts of war, public corruption and other economic or political uncertainties could interrupt and have an adverse effect on our business operations. All of these factors could result in increased costs or decreased revenues, and could have an adverse effect on our product sales, business, financial condition and/or results of operations.
Because we have significant operations outside the United States and report our earnings in US dollars, unfavorable fluctuations in currency values and exchange rates could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Because our reporting currency is the US dollar, our non-US operations face the additional risk of fluctuating currency values and exchange rates. Such operations may also face hard currency shortages and controls on currency exchange. Approximately 22% , 21% and 22% of our net sales in fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, were from sales outside the United States. Consequently, changes in the value of foreign currencies (principally Australian dollars, New Zealand dollars, Philippine pesos, euros, UK pounds and Canadian dollars) could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We evaluate and consider foreign exchange risk mitigation by entering into contracts that require payment in local currency, hedging transactional risk, where appropriate, and having non-US operations borrow in local currencies. We enter into such financial instruments from time to time to manage our foreign exchange risks. We had no material foreign exchange contracts outstanding at 31 March 2018. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in these mitigation strategies, or that fluctuation in foreign currencies and other foreign exchange risks will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.
If payouts for product liability claims resulting from allegations of product defects exceed any insurance coverage available, these payouts could result in a material adverse effect on our business.
The actual or alleged existence of defects in any of our products could subject us to significant product liability or recall claims, including potential putative class or representative action claims. Although we do not have insurance coverage for damage to, or defects in, our products, we do have (for some periods) product liability insurance coverage for bodily injury or property damage which may arise from the use of our products. Although we believe this coverage (where available) is adequate and we intend to maintain this coverage in the future, we cannot assure you that this coverage will be sufficient to cover all future product liability claims or that this coverage will be available at reasonable rates in the future. In some jurisdictions, we are subject to joint and several liability. The successful assertion of one or more claims against us, or a co-defendant, that exceed our insurance coverage could require us to incur significant expenses to pay these damages. These additional expenses could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.



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Warranty claims relating to our products and exceeding our warranty reserves could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We have offered, and continue to offer, various warranties on our products, including offering a prorated 50-year limited warranty until 2009 after which time we offered a non-prorated 30-year limited warranty for certain of our fiber cement siding products in the United States. In total, as of 31 March 2018, we have accrued US $52.8 million for such warranties within “Accrued product warranties” on our consolidated balance sheets and have disclosed the movements in our consolidated warranty reserves in Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements in Section 2 of this Annual Report. Although we maintain reserves for warranty-related claims and legal proceedings that we believe are adequate, we cannot assure you that warranty expense levels or the results of any warranty-related legal proceedings will not exceed our reserves. If our warranty reserves are significantly exceeded, the costs associated with such warranties could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.
We may incur significant costs, including capital expenditures, in complying with applicable environmental and health and safety laws and regulations.
In each jurisdiction in which we operate, we are subject to environmental, health and safety laws and regulations governing our operations, including, among other matters: (i) the air, soil, and water quality of our plants; and (ii) the use, handling, storage, disposal and remediation of certain regulated materials currently or formerly used by us or any of our affiliates. Under these laws and regulations, we may be held jointly and severally responsible for the remediation of certain regulated materials at our or our predecessors’ past or present facilities and at third-party waste disposal sites. We may also be held liable for any claims, penalties or fines arising out of human exposure to certain regulated materials or other environmental damage, including damage to natural resources, and our failure to comply with air, water, waste, and other environmental regulations.
In particular, many of our products contain crystalline silica, which can be released in a respirable form in connection with the manufacturing of our fiber cement products or while cutting our fiber cement products during installation or demolition. The inhalation of respirable crystalline silica at high and prolonged exposure levels is identified as a carcinogen by certain governmental entities and is associated with certain lung diseases, including silicosis, which has been the subject of extensive tort litigation.
In March 2016, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) issued a comprehensive final rule revising the permissible exposure limit (“PEL”) for crystalline silica, reducing the PEL applicable to both general industry and construction to 0.050 mg/m 3 from 0.1 mg/m 3 and 0.25 mg/m 3 , respectively. The final rule became effective on 23 June 2016 with compliance required by 23 June 2017 for companies in the construction industry. In April 2017, OSHA announced a delayed enforcement of the rule for the construction industry until 23 September 2017. The compliance deadline as it applies to our US manufacturing operations remains 23 June 2018. It is possible that the revised OSHA crystalline silica PEL standard could have an impact on our business as a result of increased compliance efforts and associated costs, if any, for our manufacturing operations, as well as those of our business parties ( e.g. , suppliers, home builders, distributors, installers, etc.); and, as such, the rule change may possibly have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, results of operations, and cash flows.
The costs of complying with environmental and health and safety laws relating to our operations or the liabilities arising from past or future releases of, or exposure to, certain regulated materials, greenhouse gases, or product liability matters, or our failure to comply with air, water, waste, and other then-existing environmental regulations may result in us making future expenditures that could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows. Such regulations and laws may increase the cost to procure energy or other products necessary to our operation, thereby increasing our operating costs. In addition, we cannot make any assurances that the laws currently in place that directly



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or indirectly relate to environmental liability will not change. If, for example, applicable laws or judicial interpretations related to successor liability or “piercing the corporate veil” were to change, such changes could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.
We may experience adverse fluctuations in the supply and cost of raw materials and energy supply necessary to our business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Cellulose fiber (wood-based pulp), silica, cement and water are the principal raw materials used in the production of fiber cement, and the availability and cost of such raw materials are critical to our operations. Our fiber cement business periodically experiences fluctuations in the supply and costs of raw materials, and some of our supply markets are concentrated. In fiscal year 2018, the average Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (“NBSK”) pulp market price relative to our US business was US$1,155 per ton, an increase of 15% compared to fiscal year 2017. Prices for cement and freight market costs also increased compared to fiscal year 2017.
Price fluctuations or material delays may occur in the future due to lack of raw materials, suppliers, or supply chain disruptions. The loss or deterioration of our relationship with a major supplier, an increase in demand by third parties for a particular supplier’s products or materials, delays in obtaining materials, or significant increases in fuel and energy costs could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.
Demand for our products is subject to changes in consumer preference.
The continued development of builder and consumer preference for our fiber cement products over competitive products is critical to sustaining and expanding demand for our products. Therefore, a failure to maintain and increase builder and consumer acceptance of our fiber cement products could have a material adverse effect on our growth strategy, as well as our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.
We rely on only a few customers to buy our fiber cement products and the loss of any major customer could materially adversely affect our businesses.
We have one customer who contributed greater than 10% of our net sales in each of the past three fiscal years. This customer’s accounts receivable represented 9.0% and 9.1% of our trade accounts receivable at 31 March 2018 and 2017, respectively. We generally do not have long-term contracts with our large customers. Accordingly, if we were to lose one or more of our large customers because our competitors were able to offer customers more favorable pricing terms or for any other reason, we may not be able to replace customers in a timely manner or on reasonable terms. The loss of one or more of our large customers could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.



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Our ability to sell our products in certain markets is influenced by building codes and ordinances in effect in the related localities and states and may limit our ability to compete effectively in certain markets and our ability to increase or maintain our current market share for our products.
Most states and localities in the markets in which we sell our products maintain building codes and ordinances that determine the requisite qualities of materials that may be used to construct homes and buildings for which our products are intended. Our products may not qualify under building codes and ordinances in certain markets, prohibiting our customers from using our products in those markets. This may limit our ability to sell our products in certain markets. In addition, ordinances and codes may change over time which may, from the time they are implemented, prospectively limit or prevent the use of our products in those markets, causing us to lose market share for our products. Although we keep up to date on the current and proposed building codes and ordinances of the markets in which we sell or plan to sell our products and, when appropriate, seek to become involved in the ordinance and code setting process, our efforts may be ineffective, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.
Our financial performance could be impacted by a customer’s inability to pay amounts owed.
Our financial performance is dependent on our customers within the building products industry. Our customers’ businesses are impacted by the current economic environment, conditions in the capital and credit markets and customer demand for their products and services. If any of our largest customers or a substantial number of smaller customers are adversely affected by these conditions, if we become aware of information related to the creditworthiness of a major customer, or if future actual default rates on receivables in general differ from those currently anticipated, we may have to adjust the reserves for uncollectible receivables, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.
Our reliance on third-party distribution channels could impact our business.
We offer our products directly and through a variety of third-party distributors and dealers. Changes in the financial or business condition of these distributors and dealers could subject us to losses and affect our ability to bring our products to market and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows. Further, our ability to effectively manage inventory levels at distributor locations may be impaired under such arrangements, which could increase expenses associated with excess and obsolete inventory and negatively impact cash flows.
Changes in, or failure to comply with, the laws, regulations, policies or conditions of any jurisdiction in which we conduct our business could result in, among other consequences, the loss of our assets in such jurisdiction, the elimination of certain rights that are critical to the operation of our business in such jurisdiction, a decrease in revenues or the imposition of additional taxes or other costs.
Because we own assets and manufacture and sell our products internationally, our activities are subject to political, economic, legal and other uncertainties, including:
changing political and economic conditions;
changing laws and policies;
the general hazards associated with the assertion of sovereign rights over certain areas in which we conduct our business; and
laws limiting or conditioning the right and ability of subsidiaries and joint ventures to pay dividends or remit earnings to affiliated companies.
Although we seek to take applicable laws, regulations and conditions into account in structuring our business on a global basis, changes in, or our failure to comply with, the laws, regulations, policies or conditions of



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any jurisdiction in which we conduct our business could result in, among other consequences, the loss of our assets in such jurisdiction, the elimination of certain rights that are critical to the operation of our business in such jurisdiction, a decrease in revenues or the imposition of additional taxes. Therefore, any change in laws, regulations, policies or conditions of a jurisdiction could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.
Because our intellectual property and other proprietary information may become publicly available, we are subject to the risk that competitors could copy our products or processes.
Our success depends, in part, on the proprietary nature of our technology, including non-patentable intellectual property, such as our process technology. To the extent that a competitor is able to reproduce or otherwise capitalize on our technology, it may be difficult, expensive or impossible for us to obtain adequate legal or equitable relief. Also, the laws of some foreign countries may not protect our intellectual property to the same extent as do the laws of the United States. In addition to patent protection of intellectual property rights, we consider elements of our product designs and processes to be proprietary and confidential and/or trade secrets. To safeguard our confidential information, we rely on employee, consultant and vendor nondisclosure agreements and contractual provisions and a system of internal and technical safeguards to protect our proprietary information. However, any of our registered or unregistered intellectual property rights may be subject to challenge or possibly exploited by others in the industry, which could materially adversely affect our financial position, liquidity, results of operations, cash flows and competitive position.
Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential information or other cyber security incident may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We rely on information systems to run most aspects of our business, including manufacturing, sales and distribution, raw material procurement, accounting and managing data and records for employees and other parties. Despite the significant investments we have made to maintain our information systems and the security measures we have in place, our systems and facilities, as well as those of third parties with which we do business, may be vulnerable to security breaches, cyber-attacks, employee theft or misconduct, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming and/or human errors or other similar events. Although we strive to have appropriate security controls in place, prevention of security breaches cannot be assured. Any security breach involving the misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of our confidential information, whether by us or by third parties with which we do business, could result in losses, damage to our reputation, risk of litigation, disrupt our operations and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We may be required to expend additional resources to continue to enhance our security measures or to investigate and remediate any security vulnerabilities.
Severe weather, natural disasters and climate change could have an adverse effect on our overall business.
Our plants and other facilities are located in places that could be affected by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, earthquakes, floods, tornados and others. Natural disasters and widespread adverse climate changes that directly impact our plants or other facilities could materially adversely affect our manufacturing or other operations and, thereby, harm our overall financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows. Although our plants were not significantly impacted by hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the areas affected by these hurricanes represents approximately 18% of our customer base, and accordingly, we experienced a short-term impact on our business in fiscal year 2018 from these areas as a result of these natural disasters.
In the manufacture of our products, we rely on a continuous and uninterrupted supply of electric power, water and, in some cases, natural gas, as well as the availability of water, waste and emissions discharge facilities. Any future shortages or discharge curtailments of a material nature could significantly disrupt our



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operations and increase our expenses. We currently do not have backup generators on our sites with the capability of maintaining all of a site’s full operational power needs and we do not have alternate sources of power in the event of a sustained blackout. While our insurance includes coverage for certain “business interruption” losses (i.e., lost profits) and for certain “service interruption” losses, such as an accident at our supplier’s facility, any losses in excess of the insurance policy’s coverage limits or any losses not covered by the terms of the insurance policy could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. If blackouts interrupt our power supply, we would be temporarily unable to continue operations at the affected facilities. Any future material and sustained interruptions in our ability to continue operations at our facilities could damage our reputation, harm our ability to retain existing customers or obtain new customers and could result in lost revenue, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.
Ineffective internal controls over financial reporting could impact our business and operating results.
The SEC, as directed by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, has adopted rules requiring us to include in this Annual Report a report of management on our internal controls over financial reporting that contains an assessment by management of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. In addition, our independent registered public accounting firm must report on our internal control over financial reporting. As of 31 March 2018, management concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective. Moreover, as of 31 March 2018, our independent registered public accounting firm issued an unqualified opinion on our internal controls over financial reporting. Nonetheless, during the course of future evaluation, documentation and attestation, we may identify deficiencies that we may not be able to remedy in a timely manner. Furthermore, our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls, or fraud. If we fail to achieve and maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, we may not be able to conclude that we have effective internal controls, on an ongoing basis, over financial reporting in accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Furthermore, effective internal controls over financial reporting are necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and are important to help prevent fraud. As a result, our failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting could result in the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which in turn could harm our business and negatively impact the trading price of securities. Furthermore, even effective internal controls can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. In addition, we have incurred considerable costs and used significant management time and other resources in our effort to comply with Section 404 and other requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Our use of accounting estimates involves judgment and could impact our financial results.
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. Due to the inherent uncertainty in making estimates, actual results reported in future periods may be based upon amounts which differ from those estimates. Estimates, judgments, and assumptions are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The accounting policies deemed critical to our results, based upon materiality and significant judgments and estimates are described in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements. In addition, as discussed in the notes to our consolidated financial statements, we make certain estimates including decisions related to legal proceedings and warranty reserves. If the judgment, estimates, and assumptions we used in preparing our financial statements are subsequently found to be incorrect, there could be a material impact on our results of operations.



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We may acquire or divest businesses from time to time, and this may materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition and may significantly change the nature of the company in which you have invested.
In the future, we may acquire other businesses or sell some or all of our assets or business segments. Any significant acquisition or sale may materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition and could change the overall profile of our business. As a result, the value of our shares may decrease in response to any such acquisition or sale and, upon any such acquisition or sale, our shares may represent an investment in a company with significantly different assets and prospects from the Company when you made your initial investment in us.
We may experience difficulties and costs in integrating acquired businesses, including the recently acquired Fermacell business, and may fail to realize all of the anticipated benefits from acquisitions or those benefits may take longer to realize than expected.
We recently completed the acquisition of the Fermacell business and we may acquire other businesses in the future, which are intended to complement or expand our business. The successful integration of Fermacell and future acquisitions depends on our ability to manage the operations and personnel of the acquired businesses. Integrating operations is complex and requires significant efforts and expenses on the part of both us and the acquired company. Potential difficulties we may encounter as part of the integration process include the following:
employees may voluntarily or involuntarily exit the Company because of the acquisitions;
our management team may have its attention diverted while trying to integrate the acquired businesses;
we may encounter obstacles when incorporating the acquired operations into our operations and management and in achieving intended levels of manufacturing quality;
differences in business backgrounds, corporate cultures and management philosophies;
the ability to create and enforce uniform standards, controls, procedures, policies and information systems;
potential unknown liabilities and unforeseen increased expenses or delays associated with the acquisition;
we may discover previously undetected operational or other issues; and
the acquired operations may not otherwise perform as expected or provide expected results.

The integration process may disrupt our business and, if implemented ineffectively, may not result in the realization of the expected benefits of the acquisition. The failure to meet the challenges involved in integrating an acquired business and to realize the anticipated benefits of an acquisition could cause an interruption of, or a loss of momentum in, our activities and could adversely affect our operating results. In addition, we could also encounter additional transaction-related costs, unforeseen liabilities or other issues. Any of these factors could adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with customers, suppliers, employees and other constituencies or could adversely affect our business and financial results after the acquisition.
We are dependent upon our key management personnel for our future success.
Our success is greatly influenced by our ability to attract and retain qualified executives with experience in our market and industry. Our ability to retain executive officers and key management personnel is important to the implementation of our strategy. We could potentially lose the services of any of our senior management personnel due to a variety of factors that could include, without limitation, death, incapacity, personal issues, retirement, resignation, or competing employers. We may fail to attract and retain qualified key management personnel required to continue to operate our business successfully. The unexpected loss of senior management, coupled with our failure to recruit qualified successors, could have a material adverse effect on our business and the trading price of our common stock.



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We may not be able to obtain financing in the future, and the terms of any future financings may limit our ability to manage our business. Difficulties in obtaining financings on favorable terms would have a negative effect on our ability to execute our business strategy.
We will need to seek additional capital in the future to refinance or replace existing short and long term indebtedness. We may also need to seek additional capital in the future to meet current or future business plans, meet working capital needs or for other reasons. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain future financings on acceptable terms, if at all. If we are unable to obtain alternative or additional financing arrangements in the future, or if we cannot obtain financing on acceptable terms, we may experience liquidity issues and have to reduce our levels of planned capital expenditures, suspend dividend payments or take other measures to conserve cash in order to meet future cash flow requirements. Moreover, the terms of any such additional financing may restrict our financial flexibility, including the debt we may incur in the future, or may restrict our ability to manage our business as we had intended.
We have a substantial amount of indebtedness, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and our ability to obtain financing in the future and to react to changes in our business.
At 31 March 2018, we had approximately US$900.0 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured debt outstanding, which includes US$100.0 million under the unsecured revolving credit facility, nil under the 364-day term loan facility, US$400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.750% senior unsecured notes due 2025 and US$400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.000% senior unsecured notes due 2028, and no secured debt outstanding. We also had approximately US$400.0 million of availability under our unsecured revolving credit facility at 31 March 2018. Subsequent to fiscal year-end, on 3 April 2018, we drew €400.0 million (US$492.4 million based on the exchange rate at 3 April 2018) from the 364-day term loan facility, and used these funds to complete the Fermacell acquisition. No further drawdowns are permitted under this term loan facility.
Our amount of debt and our debt service obligations could limit our ability to satisfy our obligations, limit our ability to operate our business and impair our competitive position.
For example, it could:
make it more difficult for us to satisfy our debt service obligations or refinance our indebtedness;
increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and general industry conditions, including interest rate fluctuations, because a portion of our borrowings are and will continue to be at variable rates of interest;
require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our debt, which would reduce the availability of our cash flow from operations to fund working capital, capital expenditures or other general corporate purposes;
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and industry;
place us at a disadvantage compared to competitors that may have proportionately less debt;
limit our ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing due to applicable financial and restrictive covenants in our debt agreements; and
increase our cost of borrowing.



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We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.
Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt obligations depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. We cannot assure you that we will maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness. If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, or to sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. If our operating results and available cash are insufficient to meet our debt service obligations, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or obtain the proceeds that we could realize from them, and these proceeds may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due. Any future refinancing of our indebtedness could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants which could further restrict our business operations.
Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly.
Borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on such variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same, and our net income and cash flows, including cash available for servicing our indebtedness, would correspondingly decrease. Assuming our unsecured revolving facility was fully drawn, each one percentage point change in interest rates would result in a US$5.1 million change in annual cash interest expense.
Asbestos-Related Risks
Our wholly-owned Australian Performing Subsidiary is required to make payments to a special purpose fund that provides compensation for Australian asbestos-related personal injury and death claims for which certain Former James Hardie Companies are found liable. These payments may affect our ability to grow the Company.
On 21 November 2006, JHI plc, AICF, the NSW Government and the Performing Subsidiary entered into the AFFA to provide long-term funding to AICF, a special purpose fund that provides compensation for Australian asbestos-related personal injury and death claims for which the Former James Hardie Companies are found liable.
We have recorded a gross asbestos liability of US$1,215.1 million in our consolidated financial statements as of 31 March 2018, based on the AFFA governing our anticipated future payments to AICF. The net unfunded AFFA liability, net of tax, was US$690.4 million at 31 March 2018. The initial funding was made to AICF in February 2007 and annual payments are to be made each July, subject to the terms of the AFFA. The amounts of these annual payments are dependent on several factors, including our free cash flow (as defined in the AFFA), actuarial estimations, actual claims paid, operating expenses of AICF and the Annual Cash Flow Cap set forth in the AFFA. From the time AICF was established in February 2007 through the date of this Annual Report, we have contributed A$1,055.0 million to the fund. Our obligation to make future payments to AICF continues to be linked under the terms of the AFFA to our long-term financial success, especially our ability to generate net operating cash flow.



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As a result of our obligation to make payments under the AFFA, our funds available for capital expenditures (either with respect to our existing business or new business opportunities), repayments of debt, payments of dividends or other distributions have been, and will be, reduced by the amounts paid to AICF, and consequently, our financial position, liquidity and cash flows have been, and will be, reduced or materially adversely affected. Our obligation to make these payments could also affect or restrict our ability to access equity or debt capital markets.
Potential escalation in proven claims made against, and associated costs of AICF could require an extension of the period of time that the Company is obliged to make annual funding payments of up to 35% of its free cash flow, as defined in the AFFA, beyond the currently anticipated expiration date of that obligation, which may cause us to have to increase our asbestos liability in the future.
The amount of our asbestos liability is based, in part, on actuarially determined, anticipated (estimated) future annual funding payments to be made to AICF on an undiscounted and uninflated basis. Future annual payments to AICF are based on updated actuarial assessments that are to be performed as of 31 March of each year to determine expected asbestos-related personal injury and death claims to be funded under the AFFA for the financial year in which the payment is made and the next two financial years. Estimates of actuarial liabilities are based on many assumptions, which may not prove to be correct, and which are subject to considerable uncertainty, since the ultimate number and cost of claims are subject to the outcome of events that have not yet occurred, including social, legal and medical developments, as well as future economic conditions.

If future proven claims are more numerous, the liabilities arising from them are larger than that currently estimated by AICF’s actuary, KPMGA, or if AICF investments decline in value, it is possible that pursuant to the terms of the AFFA, we will be required to pay to AICF our current annual funding payments of up to 35% of our free cash flow, as defined in the AFFA and on which our asbestos liability is based, for an extended period of time. If this occurs, we may be required to increase our asbestos liability, which would be reflected as a charge in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income at that date. Any such changes to actuarial estimates which require us to increase our asbestos liability could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.
Even though the AFFA has been implemented, we may be subject to potential additional liabilities (including claims for compensation or property remediation outside the arrangements reflected in the AFFA), because certain current and former companies of the James Hardie Group previously manufactured products that contained asbestos.
Prior to 1987, ABN 60, which is now owned and controlled by AICF, manufactured products in Australia that contained asbestos. In addition, prior to 1987, two former subsidiaries of ABN 60, Amaca and Amaba, which are now also owned and controlled by AICF, manufactured products in Australia that contained asbestos. ABN 60 also held shares in companies that manufactured asbestos-containing products in Indonesia and Malaysia, and held minority shareholdings in companies that conducted asbestos-mining operations based in Canada and Southern Africa. Former ABN 60 subsidiaries also exported asbestos-containing products to various countries. AICF is designed to provide compensation only for certain claims and to meet certain related expenses and liabilities, and legislation in New South Wales, Australia in connection with the AFFA seeks to defer all other claims against the Former James Hardie Companies. The funds contributed to AICF will not be available to meet any asbestos-related claims made outside Australia, or claims made arising from exposure to asbestos occurring outside Australia, or any claim for pure property loss or pure economic loss or remediation of property. In these circumstances, it is possible that persons with such excluded claims may seek to pursue those claims directly against us. Defending any such litigation could be costly and time consuming, and consequently, our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.



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Prior to 1988, a New Zealand subsidiary in the James Hardie Group manufactured products in New Zealand that contained asbestos. In New Zealand, asbestos-related disease compensation claims are managed by the state-run Accident Compensation Corporation (“ACC”). Our New Zealand subsidiary that manufactured products that contained asbestos contributed financially to the ACC fund as required by law via payment of an annual levy while it carried on business. All decisions relating to the amount and allocation of payments to claimants in New Zealand are made by the ACC in accordance with New Zealand law. The Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2001 (NZ) bars compensatory damages for claims that are covered by the legislation which may be made against the ACC fund. However, we may be subject to potential liability if any of these claims are found not to be covered by the legislation and are later brought against us, and consequently, our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
Because our revenues are primarily from sales in US dollars and the actuarially assessed asbestos liability is denominated in Australian dollars and payments pursuant to the AFFA are made in Australian dollars, we may experience unpredictable volatility in our reported results due to changes in the US dollar (and other currencies from which we derive our sales) compared to the Australian dollar.
Payments pursuant to the AFFA are required to be made to AICF in Australian dollars. In addition, annual payments to AICF include calculations based on various estimates that are denominated in Australian dollars. To the extent that our future obligations exceed Australian dollar cash flows from our Australian operations and we do not hedge this foreign exchange exposure, we will need to convert US dollars or other foreign currency into Australian dollars in order to meet our obligations pursuant to the AFFA.
In addition, because our results of operations are reported in US dollars and the asbestos liability is based on estimated payments denominated in Australian dollars, fluctuations in the AUD/USD exchange rate will cause unpredictable volatility in our reported results. For example, during fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016 , we recorded unfavorable adjustment of US$ 3.9 million , a favorable adjustment of US$1.8 million and unfavorable adjustment of US$2.6 million, respectively, due to fluctuations in the US dollar compared to the Australian dollar.
The AFFA imposes certain non-monetary obligations.
Under the AFFA, we are also subject to certain non-monetary obligations that could prove onerous or otherwise materially adversely affect our ability to undertake proposed transactions or pay dividends. For example, the AFFA contains certain restrictions that generally prohibit us from undertaking transactions that would have a material adverse effect on the relative priority of AICF as a creditor, or that would materially impair our legal or financial capacity and that of the Performing Subsidiary, in each case such that we and the Performing Subsidiary would cease to be likely to be able to meet the funding obligations that would have arisen under the AFFA had the relevant transaction not occurred. Those restrictions apply to dividends and other distributions, reorganizations of, or dealings in, share capital which create or vest rights in such capital in third parties, and non-arm’s length transactions. While the AFFA contains certain exemptions from such restrictions (including, for example, exemptions for arm’s-length dealings; transactions in the ordinary course of business; certain issuances of equity securities or bonds; and certain transactions provided certain financial ratios are met and certain amounts of dividends), implementing such restrictions could materially adversely affect our ability to enter into transactions that might otherwise be favorable to us and could materially adversely affect our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.



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The AFFA does not eliminate the risk of adverse action being taken against us.
There is a possibility that, despite certain covenants agreed to by the NSW Government in the AFFA, adverse action could be directed against us by one or more of the NSW Government, the government of the Commonwealth, governments of the other states or territories of Australia or any other governments, unions or union representative groups, or asbestos disease groups, with respect to the asbestos liabilities of the Former James Hardie Companies or other current and former companies of the James Hardie Group. Any such adverse action could materially adversely affect our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.
The complexity and long-term nature of the AFFA and related legislation and agreements may result in litigation as to their interpretation.
Certain legislation, the AFFA and related agreements, which govern the implementation and performance of the AFFA, are complex and have been negotiated over the course of extended periods between various parties. There is a risk that, over the term of the AFFA, some or all parties may become involved in disputes as to the interpretation of such legislation, the AFFA or related agreements or the terms of the AFFA may change. We cannot guarantee that no party will commence litigation seeking remedies with respect to such a dispute, nor can we guarantee that a court will not order other remedies which may materially adversely affect us.
There is no certainty that the AICF Loan Facility will remain in place for its entire term.
Drawings under the AICF Loan Facility, as described in Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements, are subject to satisfaction of certain specified conditions precedent and the NSW Government (as lender) has the right to cancel the facility, require repayment of money advanced and enforce security granted to support the loan in the various circumstances prescribed in the facility agreement and related security documentation. There are also certain positive covenants given by, and restrictions on the activities of, AICF and the Former James Hardie Companies which apply during the term of the loan. A breach of any of these covenants or restrictions may also lead to cancellation of the facility, early repayment of the loan and/or enforcement of the security. As such, there can be no certainty that the facility will remain in place for its intended term.
If the AICF Loan Facility does not remain in place for its intended term, AICF may experience a short-term funding shortfall. A short-term funding shortfall for AICF could subject us to negative publicity. Such negative publicity could materially adversely affect our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows, as well as employee morale and the market prices of our publicly traded securities.
We may have insufficient Australian taxable income to utilize tax deductions.
We may not have sufficient Australian taxable income to utilize the tax deductions resulting from the funding payments under the AFFA to AICF. Further, if as a result of making such funding payments we incur tax losses, we may not be able to fully utilize such tax losses in future years of income. Any inability to utilize such deductions or losses could materially adversely affect our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.



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Certain AFFA tax conditions may not be satisfied.
Despite Australian Taxation Office (“ATO”) rulings for the expected life of the AFFA, it is possible that new (and adverse) tax legislation could be enacted in the future. It is also possible that the facts and circumstances relevant to operation of the ATO rulings could change over the life of the AFFA. We may elect to terminate the AFFA if certain tax conditions are not satisfied for more than 12 months. However, we do not have a right to terminate the AFFA if, among other things, the tax conditions are not satisfied as a result of the actions of a member of the James Hardie Group.
Under certain circumstances, we may still have an obligation to make annual funding payments on an adjusted basis if the tax conditions remain unsatisfied for more than 12 months. If the tax conditions are not satisfied in a manner which does not permit us to terminate the AFFA, our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows may be materially adversely affected. The extent of this adverse effect will be determined by the nature of the tax condition which is not satisfied.
Risks Related to Ireland
The rules and regulations applying to us as an Irish plc may change.
As an Irish plc, the majority of our board meetings are held in and strategic decisions are made in Ireland. However, there can be no assurance that Irish or another jurisdiction’s law will not become more restrictive or otherwise disadvantageous to us.
Irish law contains provisions that could delay or prevent a change of control that may otherwise be beneficial to you.
Irish law contains several provisions that could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of our ownership. The Irish Takeover Rules would generally (subject to certain very limited exceptions) require a mandatory cash offer to be made for our entire issued share capital if, because of an acquisition of a relevant interest (including interests held in the form of shares of our common stock, CUFS or ADSs) in such shares, the voting rights of the shares in which a person (including persons acting in concert with that person) holds relevant interests increase: (i) from below 30% to 30% or more; or (ii) from a starting point that is above 30% and below 50%, by more than 0.05% in a 12-month period. However, this prohibition is subject to exceptions, including acquisitions that result from acceptances under a mandatory takeover bid made in compliance with the Irish Takeover Rules. Although the Irish Takeover Rules may help to ensure that no person acquires voting control of us without making an offer to all shareholders, they may also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control that may otherwise be beneficial to you. In addition to the operation of the Irish Takeover Rules, we may, from time to time, put in place appropriate retention arrangements to ensure that we retain our key employees during periods of corporate change.
Our ability to pay dividends and conduct share buy-backs is dependent on Irish law and may be limited in the future if we are not able to maintain sufficient levels of distributable profits.
Under Irish law, in order to pay dividends and/or conduct a buy-back of shares, an Irish company requires sufficient distributable profits which are determined under the Irish Companies Act 2014 and applicable accounting practices generally accepted in Ireland. We believe that our current corporate structure has allowed us to maintain sufficient levels of distributable profits to continue paying dividends in accordance with our publicly disclosed dividend policy, which is updated from time to time, and to conduct share buy-backs. However, transactions or events could cause a reduction in our distributable profits, resulting in our inability to pay dividends on our securities or to conduct share buy-backs, which could have a material adverse effect on the market value of our securities.



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Risks Related to Taxation
Our effective income tax rate could increase and materially adversely affect our business.
We operate in multiple jurisdictions and pay tax on our income according to the tax laws of these jurisdictions. Various factors, some of which are beyond our control, determine our effective tax rate. The primary drivers of our effective tax rate are the tax rates of the jurisdictions in which we operate, the level and geographic mix of pre-tax earnings, intra-group royalties, interest rates and the level of debt which gives rise to interest expense on external debt and intra-group debt, extraordinary and non-core items, and the value of adjustments for timing differences and permanent differences, including the non-deductibility of certain expenses, all of which are subject to change and which could result in a material increase in our effective tax rate. Such changes to our effective tax rate could materially adversely affect our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.
The recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJ Act”) resulted in significant changes in the US corporate income tax system. These changes include, but are not limited to, a federal statutory rate reduction from 35% to 21%, certain changes to depreciation rules, the elimination or reduction of certain US deductions and credits and limitations on the deductibility of interest and executive compensation. The TCJ Act also includes US tax base erosion provisions, the global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) provisions and the base-erosion and anti-abuse tax (“BEAT”) provisions. The TCJ Act makes broad and complex changes to the US tax code and the overall impact of these changes on the Company’s future earnings is uncertain, subject to the regulatory guidance or clarifications that may be issued in the future, any of which may materially increase our effective income tax rate and could materially adversely affect our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.
Other changes in the tax laws of jurisdictions where we do business could also result in a material increase in our effective tax rate. Numerous countries are evaluating their existing laws due in part, to recommendations made by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (“OECD’s”) Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (“BEPS”) project. Future tax reform based on such proposals or otherwise may increase the amount of taxes we pay and may adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.
Exposure to additional tax liabilities due to audits and reviews could materially adversely affect our business.
Due to our size and the nature of our business, we are subject to ongoing reviews by authorities in taxing jurisdictions on various tax matters, including challenges to various positions we assert on our income tax and withholding tax returns. We accrue for tax contingencies based upon our best estimate of the taxes ultimately expected to be paid, which we update over time as more information becomes available. Such amounts are included in taxes payable or other non-current liabilities, as appropriate.
We record additional tax expense in the period in which we determine that the recorded tax liability is less than the ultimate assessment we expect. The amounts ultimately paid on resolution of reviews by taxing jurisdictions could be materially different from the amounts included in taxes payable or other non-current liabilities and result in additional tax expense which could materially adversely affect our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.



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Tax benefits are available under the US-Ireland Income Tax Treaty to US and Irish taxpayers that qualify for those benefits. Our eligibility for benefits under the US-Ireland Income Tax Treaty is determined on an annual basis and we could be audited by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for this issue. If during a subsequent tax audit or related process, the IRS determines that we are not eligible for benefits under the US-Ireland Income Tax Treaty, we may not qualify for treaty benefits. As a result, our effective tax rate could significantly increase and we could be subject to a 30% US withholding tax rate on payments of interest, royalties and dividends from our US subsidiaries to our Irish resident subsidiaries.
We believe that interest, royalties and dividends paid by our US subsidiaries to our Irish resident subsidiaries qualify for treaty benefits in the form of reduced withholding tax under the US-Ireland Income Tax Treaty.
We believe that, under the limitation on benefits (“LOB”) provision of the US-Ireland Treaty, no US withholding tax applies to interest or royalties that our US subsidiaries paid to our Irish resident subsidiaries. The LOB provision has various conditions of eligibility for reduced US withholding tax rates and other treaty benefits, all of which we believe are satisfied. If, however, we do not qualify for benefits under the US-Ireland Income Tax Treaty, those interest and royalty payments would be subject to a 30% US withholding tax.
We believe that, under the US-Ireland Income Tax Treaty, a 5% US withholding tax applies to dividends paid by our US subsidiaries to our Irish resident subsidiaries. The LOB provision of the US-Ireland Income Tax Treaty has various conditions of eligibility for reduced US withholding tax rates and other treaty benefits, all of which we believe we have satisfied. If, however, we do not qualify for benefits under the US-Ireland Treaty, dividend payments by our US subsidiaries would be subject to a 30% US withholding rate.
Our eligibility for benefits under the US-Ireland Tax Treaty is determined on an annual basis and we could be audited by the IRS for this issue. If during a subsequent tax audit or related process, the IRS determines that we are not eligible for benefits under the US-Ireland Income Tax Treaty, we may not qualify for treaty benefits. As a result, our effective tax rate could significantly increase beginning in the fiscal year that such determination is made and we could be liable for taxes owing for calendar year 2015 and subsequent periods, which could adversely affect our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.




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LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is involved from time to time in various legal proceedings and administrative actions related to the normal conduct of its business, including general liability claims, putative class and representative action lawsuits and litigation concerning our products and services. Although it is impossible to predict the outcome of any pending legal proceeding, management believes that such proceedings and actions should not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows, except as they relate to asbestos, tax contingencies, New Zealand weathertightness claims and the matters described in the Other Legal Matters sections below. For further details, see “Section 3 – Risk Factors” of this Annual Report.
Tax Contingencies
Due to our size and the nature of our business, we are subject to ongoing reviews by taxing jurisdictions on various tax matters. We accrue for tax contingencies based upon our best estimate of the taxes ultimately expected to be paid, which we update over time as more information becomes available. Such amounts are included in taxes payable or other non-current liabilities, as appropriate. If we ultimately determine that payment of these amounts is unnecessary, we reverse the liability and recognize a tax benefit during the period in which we determine that the liability is no longer necessary. We record additional tax expense in the period in which we determine that the recorded tax liability is less than the ultimate assessment we expect.
In fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016, we recorded an income tax benefit of nil, nil and US$0.3 million, respectively, as a result of the finalization of certain tax audits (whereby certain matters were settled) and the expiration of the statute of limitations related to certain tax positions.
We file income tax returns in various jurisdictions, including Ireland, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and the Netherlands. We are no longer subject to US federal examinations by the IRS for tax years prior to tax year 2015. We are no longer subject to examinations by the Australian Taxation Office for tax years prior to tax year 2014.
New Zealand Weathertightness Claims
Our New Zealand subsidiaries, and in one set of proceedings a number of other group companies including JHI plc, have been and, at times, continue to be joined in a number of construction defect and/or product liability claims in New Zealand that relate to residential buildings (single and multi-family dwellings) and a number of non-residential buildings, primarily constructed from 1998 to 2004. The claims have often involved multiple parties and have alleged that losses were incurred due to excessive moisture penetration of the buildings’ structures. The claims have typically included allegations of poor building design, inadequate certification of plans, inadequate construction review and compliance certification and deficient work by sub-contractors with some claims also alleging a generic system defect in relation to some of the products supplied by our New Zealand subsidiaries.
We recognize a liability for both asserted and unasserted claims in the period in which the loss becomes probable and estimable. The amount of reasonably possible loss is dependent on a number of factors including, without limitation, the specific facts and circumstances unique to each claim, the existence of any co-defendants involved in defending the claim, the solvency of such co-defendants (including the ability of such co-defendants to remain solvent until the related claim is ultimately resolved), the availability of claimant compensation under a government compensation scheme, the amount of loss estimated to be allocable to us in instances that involve co-defendants in defending the claim and the extent to which we have access to third-party recoveries to cover a portion of the costs incurred in defending and resolving such actions.



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We have made a provision for the asserted and unasserted New Zealand weathertightness claims within Other Current Liabilities , with a corresponding estimated receivable for third-party recoveries being recognized within Accounts and Other Receivables .
The estimated loss incorporates assumptions that are subject to the foregoing uncertainties and are principally derived from, but not exclusively based on, historical claims experience together with facts and circumstances unique to each claim. If the nature and extent of claims in future periods differ from the historical claims experience, then the actual amount of loss may be materially higher or lower than estimated losses accrued.
For further information, see Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements in Section 2.
Other Legal Matters
Environmental
Our operations, like those of other companies engaged in similar businesses, are subject to a number of laws and regulations on air, soil and water quality, waste handling and disposal. Our policy is to accrue for environmental costs when it is determined that it is probable that an obligation exists and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
Other Product Liability

Between March 2011 and March 2017, one of our US subsidiaries was named as a defendant in 14 related lawsuits in nine separate US federal district courts. Each lawsuit had a different set of facts and circumstances; however, the lawsuits all related to products allegedly manufactured by the subsidiary, raised virtually the same claims and were brought by the same underlying group of plaintiffs’ counsel. In addition to the individually-named plaintiffs, each lawsuit sought to pursue claims on behalf of a purported but unidentified class of homeowners.

All 14 cases were litigated in a single Multi-District Litigation action in a single US federal district court. On 2 January 2018, the court issued rulings in favor of the subsidiary in all respects on all pending motions. The court denied plaintiffs’ motion for class certification, granted the subsidiary’s motion to exclude plaintiffs’ expert witness, and granted all 14 of the subsidiary’s summary judgment motions against all named plaintiffs. This effectively ended the case at the trial court level. On 31 January 2018, plaintiffs filed an appeal of the district court’s decisions on the motions. As of 6 May 2018, the plaintiffs and the subsidiary had finalized the terms of and were working towards the execution of a settlement agreement for settling the appeal on terms that are non-material to the subsidiary.




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CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives and are subject to certain limitations, including the exercise of judgment by individuals, the difficulty in identifying unlikely future events, and the difficulty in eliminating misconduct completely. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level as of 31 March 2018, to ensure the information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act were recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and that such information was accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
We assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of 31 March 2018. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013). Based on our assessment using those criteria, we concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of 31 March 2018.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of 31 March 2018 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report below.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this Annual Report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of James Hardie Industries plc

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited James Hardie Industries plc’s internal control over financial reporting as of 31 March 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, James Hardie Industries plc (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of 31 March 2018, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of James Hardie Industries plc as of 31 March 2018 and 2017, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ deficit, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 31 March 2018, and the related notes and our report dated 22 May 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Irvine, California                                    
22 May 2018



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EMPLOYEES
During each of the last three fiscal years, we employed the following average number of people:

 
Fiscal Years Ended 31 March
  
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Fiber Cement United States and Canada
2,659

 
2,390

 
2,095

Fiber Cement Australia
539

 
484

 
475

Fiber Cement New Zealand
170

 
155

 
157

Fiber Cement Philippines
261

 
223

 
190

Pipes Australia 1

 

 
35

Fiber Cement Europe
80

 
81

 
71

Other Businesses – United States
35

 
29

 
24

Research & Development, including Technology
156

 
156

 
155

General Corporate
60

 
59

 
55

Total Employees
3,960

 
3,577

 
3,257

____________
1
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, we completed the sale of our Australian Pipes business.
As of the end of 31 March 2018, of the 3,960 average number of people employed, approximately 175 employees have their employment conditions determined by collective agreements negotiated with labor unions (approximately 83 and 92 employees in Australia and New Zealand, respectively). Under Australian law, we cannot keep records of union members, as such, it is possible that some of the employees covered by the collective agreements may not be members of a union. Our management believes that we have a satisfactory relationship with these unions and its members and there are currently no ongoing labor disputes. We currently have no employees who are members of a union in the United States.
LISTING DETAILS
As a company incorporated under the laws of Ireland, we have listed our securities for trading on the ASX, through Clearing House Electronic Subregister System (“CHESS”), via CHESS Units of Foreign Securities (“CUFS”). CUFS are a form of depositary security that represent a beneficial ownership interest in the securities of a non-Australian corporation. Each of our CUFS represents the beneficial ownership of one share of common stock of JHI plc, the legal ownership of which is held by CHESS Depositary Nominees Pty Ltd ("CDN"). The CUFS are listed and traded on the ASX under the symbol “JHX.”
We have also listed our securities for trading on the NYSE. We sponsor an ADS program, whereby beneficial ownership of CUFS is represented by ADS. These ADSs trade on the NYSE in the form of ADRs, under the symbol “JHX.” Previously, the beneficial ownership ratio under our ADS program was five CUFS to each ADS; however, effective 18 September 2015, the beneficial ownership ratio was changed to a 1-to-1 CUFS to ADS ratio. Since fiscal year 2015, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (“Deutsche Bank“) has acted as the depository for our ADS program. Unless the context indicates otherwise, when we refer to ADSs, we are referring to ADRs or ADSs and when we refer to our common stock we are referring to the shares of our common stock that are represented by CUFS.



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Trading Markets
Our securities are listed and quoted on the following stock exchanges:
 
 
Common Stock (in the form of CUFS)
Australian Securities Exchange
ADSs
New York Stock Exchange
We cannot predict the prices at which our shares and ADSs will trade or the volume of trading for such securities, nor can we assure you that these securities will continue to meet the applicable listing requirements of these exchanges.
Price History
The trading prices of JHI plc CUFS and ADSs on the ASX and NYSE, respectively, are as follows:

JHI plc CUFS on ASX
 
JHI plc ADS on NYSE 1
Period
High (A$)
 
Low (A$)
 
Period
High (US$)
 
Low (US$)
Fiscal year ended:
 
 
 
 
Fiscal year ended:
 
 
 
31 March 2018
23.85

 
17.03

 
31 March 2018
18.79

 
13.55

31 March 2017
23.09

 
17.63

 
31 March 2017
17.30

 
13.45

31 March 2016
20.04

 
14.15

 
31 March 2016
72.19

 
10.19

31 March 2015
15.67

 
11.16

 
31 March 2015
68.51

 
48.39

31 March 2014
15.21

 
8.47

 
31 March 2014
72.26

 
39.97

Fiscal quarter ended:
 
 
 
 
Fiscal quarter ended:
 
 
 
31 March 2018
23.85

 
21.07

 
31 March 2018
18.79

 
16.87

31 December 2017
22.63

 
17.27

 
31 December 2017
17.69

 
13.62

30 September 2017
20.50

 
17.03

 
30 September 2017
15.84

 
13.55

30 June 2017
23.20

 
19.25

 
30 June 2017
17.28

 
14.36

31 March 2017
22.22

 
18.25

 
31 March 2017
16.16

 
14.00

31 December 2016
22.39

 
17.80

 
31 December 2016
16.25

 
14.30

30 September 2016
23.09

 
20.09

 
30 September 2016
17.30

 
15.28

30 June 2016
21.56

 
17.63

 
30 June 2016
15.84

 
13.45

Month ended:
 
 
 
 
Month ended:
 
 
 
30 April 2018
24.19

 
22.24

 
30 April 2018
18.66

 
17.16

31 March 2018
23.18

 
21.88

 
31 March 2018
18.11

 
17.17

28 February 2018
23.85

 
21.99

 
28 February 2018
18.79

 
17.25

31 January 2018
22.82

 
21.07

 
31 January 2018
17.95

 
16.87

31 December 2017
22.63

 
21.02

 
31 December 2017
17.69

 
16.11

30 November 2017
21.74

 
18.59

 
30 November 2017
16.56

 
14.51

____________
1
Effective 18 September 2015, the beneficial ownership ratio under our ADS program was changed from five CUFS to each ADS to one CUFS to each ADS.

Trading on the Australian Securities Exchange
The ASX is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, with branches located in each Australian state capital. Our CUFS trade on the ASX under the symbol “JHX.” The ASX is a publicly listed company with trading being undertaken by brokers licensed under the Australian Corporations Act. Trading principally takes place between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time on each weekday (excluding



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Australian public holidays). Settlement of trades in uncertificated securities listed on the ASX is generally effected electronically. This is undertaken through CHESS, which is the clearing and settlement system operated by the ASX.
Trading on the New York Stock Exchange
In the United States, our ADSs trade on the NYSE under the symbol “JHX.” Trading principally takes place between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on each weekday (excluding US public holidays). All inquiries and correspondence regarding ADSs should be directed to Deutsche Bank, 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005, United States. To speak directly to a Deutsche Bank representative, please call 1-212-250-9100. You may also send an e-mail inquiry to adr@db.com or visit the Deutsche Bank website at https:\\www.adr.db.com .
Fees and Charges Payable by Holders of our ADSs
The following is a summary of the fee provisions of our deposit agreement with Deutsche Bank. For more complete information regarding our ADS program, investors are directed to read the entire amended deposit agreement, a copy of which has been filed as Exhibit 2.1 and 2.2 to this Annual Report.
Service
Fees
Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property
Up to US$0.05 per ADS issued
Cancellation of ADSs
Up to US$0.05 per ADS issued
Distribution of cash dividends or other cash distributions
Up to US$0.05 per ADS issued
Operational and maintenance costs
An annual fee of US $0.05 per ADS held on the applicable record date established by the depositary
Additionally, under the terms of our deposit agreement, Deutsche Bank is entitled to charge each registered holder the following:
taxes and other governmental charges;
registration fees as may from time to time be in effect for the registration of transfers of CUFS generally on the CHESS;
expenses for cable, telex and fax transmissions and delivery services;
expenses incurred for converting foreign currency into US dollars;
fees and expenses incurred in connection with compliance with exchange control regulations and other regulatory requirements applicable to CUFS, deposited securities, ADSs and ADRs; and
fees and expenses incurred in connection with the delivery or servicing of CUFS on deposit.
If any tax or other governmental charge becomes payable with respect to any security on deposit, such tax or other governmental charge is payable by the ADS holder to Deutsche Bank. Deutsche Bank may refuse to affect any transfer or withdrawal of a deposited security until such payment is made. Deutsche Bank may withhold any dividends or other distributions or may sell for the account of the ADS holder any part or all of the deposited securities, and may apply such dividends, other distributions, or proceeds of any such sale in payment of such tax or other governmental charge and the ADS holder will remain liable for any deficiency.
Generally, Deutsche Bank collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. Additionally, Deutsche Bank collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. Deutsche Bank may



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collect its annual fee for depositary services by deductions from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system of accounts of participants acting for them. Deutsche Bank may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.
As part of its service as depositary, Deutsche Bank has agreed: (i) to arrange for the local custody of the underlying shares and absorb the costs of servicing the same; (ii) to make certain annual reimbursements to us based on a percentage of net revenues collected for ADS issuance and cancellation fees, net of custody costs, which we will use toward investor relations expenses and other expenses related to the maintenance of the ADS program (we are entitled to receive US$47,518 in reimbursements of this type in calendar year 2018); (iii) to waive the cost associated with administrative and reporting services under the ADS program, such costs being valued at US$60,000 per year; and (iv) to waive the access charges to www.adr.db.com , such costs being valued at US$10,000 per year. In addition, Deutsche Bank agreed to reimburse or waive certain legal, printing and advertising and promotional costs relative to our transfer of the ADS program from Bank of New York Mellon (US$58,929).



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CONSTITUTION
General
Our corporate domicile is in Ireland and our registered office is located at Europa House, Second Floor, Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, Ireland. We are registered at the Companies Registration Office of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in Dublin, Ireland under number 485719. The following is a summary of the key provisions contained in our current Constitution, which was adopted by shareholders at our 2015 Annual General Meeting.
Key Provisions of Our Constitution
Purpose of the Company
Our main object, which is stated in our Memorandum of Association, is to:
“carry on the businesses of manufacturer, distributor, wholesaler, retailer, service provider, investor, designer, trader and any other business (except the issuing of policies of insurance) which may seem to the Company’s board of directors capable of being conveniently carried on in connection with these objects or calculated directly or indirectly to enhance the value of or render more profitable any of the Company’s property.”
The Memorandum of Association also states that we will have the power to carry on the business of a holding company and co-ordinate the administration, finances and activities of any subsidiary companies or associated companies. Our objects and purposes are set out in Clause 3 of our Memorandum of Association.
We also have the usual powers of an Irish plc. These include the power to borrow, to charge assets, to grant guarantees and indemnities, to incorporate new companies and to acquire existing companies.
Provisions of Our Articles of Association Related to Directors
General and borrowing powers
Our Articles of Association grant the directors a general power to manage the Company, but in some instances, not all, expressly limit the duties of directors. The directors will have the power to exercise all of the powers of the Company that have not been otherwise expressly reserved to the shareholders by Irish Company Law or our Articles of Association. In addition, the directors are also granted certain specific powers by our Articles of Association, including:
the power to delegate their powers to the CEO, any director, any person or persons employed by us or any of our subsidiaries or to a committee of the Board;
the power to appoint attorneys to act on our behalf;
the power to borrow money on our behalf and to mortgage or charge our undertaking, property, assets, and uncalled capital as security for such borrowings; and
the power to do anything that is necessary or desirable for us to participate in any computerized, electronic or other system for the facilitation of the transfer of CUFS or the operation of our registers that may be owned, operated or sponsored by the ASX.  
The directors’ borrowing powers can be varied by amending the relevant article in accordance with Irish law. This would require a ‘special resolution’ of shareholders (i.e., a resolution which has been passed by not less than 75% of votes cast (in person or by proxy) at a duly convened and quorate general meeting of shareholders).
Under Irish law, directors have certain common law and statutory fiduciary duties. Under the Irish Companies Act 2014, directors must (amongst other things) act in good faith in what the director considers to be the



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interests of the Irish plc and to act honestly and responsibly in relation to the conduct of the affairs of the Irish plc. Many (but not all) fiduciary duties, which were previously founded under common law, have been given a statutory basis by the Irish Companies Act 2014.
In addition to the powers granted to our directors as outlined above, the table below sets forth a summary of certain other provisions contained within our Articles of Association related to Directors:
 
Provision
 
Details
Power to vote on proposals, arrangements or contracts in which the director is materially interested
 
The Company’s Articles of Association provide that a director cannot vote on any resolution concerning a matter in which he has, directly or indirectly, an interest which is material or a duty which conflicts or may conflict with the interests of the Company. A director cannot be counted in the quorum present at a meeting in relation to any such resolution on which the director is not entitled to vote.
 
Under Irish law, directors who have a personal interest in a contract or a proposed contract with the Company are required to declare the nature of their interest at a meeting of the directors of the Company. The Company is required to maintain a register of such declared interests which must be made available for inspection by the shareholders at general meetings.
Power to vote on compensation
 
The maximum aggregate ordinary remuneration of the non-executive directors is US$2,800,000 per annum and can be increased from time to time by an ordinary resolution. Changes to non-executive director remuneration are recommended by the Remuneration Committee and are approved at a properly convened meeting of the Board (which consists of nine non-executive directors and the CEO).
 
There is no requirement for our shareholders to approve the remuneration policy. The Company currently intends to continue voluntarily producing a remuneration report.
 
These provisions are subject to the relevant listing rules of the ASX regarding director remuneration.
Age limit for retirement or non-retirement
 
Our Articles of Association do not include any provisions regarding the mandatory retirement age of a director.
Number of shares for director’s qualification
 
No director will require a share qualification in order to act as a director.
Issuance of Shares; Pre-emptive Rights
We have been registered with one class of shares; however, our Articles of Association allow for any share to be issued with such rights or restrictions as the shareholders may by ordinary resolution determine.
Shareholders may authorize us (acting through our directors) by special resolution to issue shares in whatever manner on the basis that they will be subsequently redeemed. Once issued, we may cancel redeemed shares or alternatively hold them as treasury shares (which subsequently will be reissued or cancelled).
The Board has the power: (a) to issue shares up to a maximum of our authorized share capital; and (b) to limit or exclude statutory pre-emptive rights in respect of such issue for cash consideration, for a period of up to five years in each case, subject to renewal, by a special resolution of shareholders (which requires the approval of holders of 75% of shares present in person or by proxy and voting at the relevant general meeting) in the case of disapplication of statutory pre-emptive rights, and an ordinary resolution (which requires the approval of holders of a majority of shares present in person or by proxy and voting at the relevant general meeting) in the case of authorizing the board to issue shares.
Our Articles of Association grant these authorizations to the Board, which will expire (unless renewed) on 14 August 2020.



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These authorizations are subject to the listing rules of the ASX and NYSE in relation to the issue of new equity securities, which require:
in the case of the ASX, shareholder approval for the issue of equity securities which exceed 15% of the number of equity securities on issue (as determined in accordance with the ASX listing rules and subject to the various exemptions set out therein); and
in the case of the NYSE, shareholder approval for the issuance of shares that have or will have upon issuance voting power equal to or in excess of 20% of the voting power outstanding before the issuance of such shares (subject to certain exceptions).
If the Board is at any time not designated as the authorized body for such powers, the shareholders acting by ordinary resolution have the power to issue shares, but only upon the proposal of the Board.
As an Irish company that has listed securities in Australia and the United States, we are subject to applicable legislation regarding insider trading. Generally, Australian law prohibits persons from trading on the basis of information which is not generally available and which, if it were generally available, a reasonable person would expect to have a material effect on the price or value of securities. Similarly, in the United States, persons are prohibited from trading on the basis of material, non-public information. We have adopted an internal code on insider trading consistent with Australian and US laws and regulations.
Repurchase of Shares and Reduction of Capital
Irish law permits us to redeem our shares (provided such shares are redeemable) at any time whether on or off market without shareholder approval. Accordingly, our Articles of Association provide that, when we agree to acquire any shares (unless we elect to treat the acquisition as a purchase), it shall be a term of such contract that the relevant shares become redeemable on the entry into of that contract and that completion of that contract shall constitute redemption of the relevant shares. This means that we may acquire our own shares.
In addition, Irish law permits an Irish company and its subsidiaries to make market purchases of the shares of the Irish company on a recognized stock exchange if shareholders of the company have granted the company and/or its subsidiaries a general authority by ordinary resolution to do so. Currently, the Irish Stock Exchange, the NYSE, NASDAQ and the London Stock Exchange are the recognized stock exchanges for this purpose.
As the ASX is not currently a recognized stock exchange for the purposes of Irish law, on- and off-market purchases of our shares (by way of trading CUFS) will only be available to us through their redemption in accordance with the redemption mechanism in our Articles of Association, outlined above, provided we do not treat such acquisition as a purchase.
A redemption or repurchase of shares may only be funded out of distributable reserves or out of the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares for that purpose.
Under Irish Company Law, the Board may determine whether shares that we have repurchased or redeemed will either be held in treasury or cancelled. However, under Irish Company Law, the nominal value of treasury shares held by us may not, at any one time, exceed 10% of the nominal value of our issued share capital.
Unless otherwise required by an Irish plc’s Articles of Association or Irish law, no business other than the appointment of a chairman may be transacted at any general meeting unless at least 5% of Irish plc’s issued share capital is present or represented.



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Shareholders Meetings and Voting Rights
Our AGMs will generally be held in Ireland unless shareholder approval, pursuant to an ordinary resolution, is granted at the preceding AGM to hold the following general meeting outside of Ireland. There is no requirement that extraordinary general meetings be held in Ireland. We must hold an AGM in each calendar year and within nine months after the financial year end and we shall announce the date of each AGM no less than 35 business days before such meeting is due to be held. All business that is transacted at an AGM shall be deemed to be special business, except: (1) the consideration of the Company’s statutory financial statements and the report of the directors and the report of the auditors of those statements and that report; (2) the review by the members of the Company’s affairs; (3) the declaration of a dividend (if any) of an amount not exceeding the amount recommended by the directors; (4) the election of directors in the place of those retiring (whether by rotation or otherwise); (5) subject to the relevant provisions of the Irish Companies Act 2014, the appointment or reappointment of the auditors; and (6) the authorization of the directors to approve the remuneration of the auditors.
We shall announce the date of an extraordinary general meeting no less than 35 business days before such meeting is due to be held save in exceptional circumstances where the Board resolves otherwise. An extraordinary general meeting may be convened by (1) the directors of their own volition or (2) by directors upon being requested to do so pursuant to Irish Company Law, by one or more persons who alone or together hold 10% of our issued share capital. An extraordinary general meeting must be convened within 21 calendar days after such a request has been made of us by a shareholder (who holds 10% or more of our issued share capital), and the extraordinary general meeting must be held no later than two months after such a request has been made by a shareholder.
One or more persons who alone or together hold at least 10% of our issued share capital may request that the Board call an extraordinary general meeting. In addition, such holders may also request that the Board place a matter on the agenda of any general meeting so long as any such request shall be received by us at least 30 business days before the general meeting to which it relates, at such postal or e-mail address as specified by us for that purpose in the announcement of the general meeting. Such request must be accompanied by stated grounds justifying its inclusion, or a draft resolution, together not to exceed 1,000 words. Such a request will be declined by our Board where: (i) the request is contrary to the Constitution, Irish law or the ASX Listing Rules, or (ii) the time limits specified in the Articles of Association have not been complied with.
Our quorum for general meetings is two or more persons who alone or jointly hold or represent by proxy at least 5% of the Company’s issued share capital and who are entitled to vote upon the business to be transacted.
Our quorum for meetings of a separate class of shareholders is one or more persons who alone or jointly hold or represent by proxy at least 5% in nominal value of the issued shares of the class.
Holders of CUFS and ADSs do not appear on our share register as legal holders of shares. Accordingly, the ability to call an extraordinary general meeting only may be exercised, in the case of holders of CUFS, by providing instructions to the CUFS depositary or by converting their CUFS to shares, and, in the case of holders of ADSs, by converting their ADSs to CUFS and thereafter providing instructions to the CUFS depositary or converting their CUFS to shares.
All shares issued have the right to one vote for each share held on every matter submitted to a vote of the shareholders. CUFS holders are entitled to attend and to speak at our shareholder meetings and can vote at our shareholder meetings:
by instructing CDN, as legal owner of our shares represented by CUFS, how to vote the shares represented by the holder’s CUFS;



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by directing CDN to appoint itself (or another person) as the nominated proxy pursuant to a voting instruction form provided by the Company; or
by converting the holder’s CUFS into our shares and voting the shares at the meeting, which must be undertaken prior to the meeting. However, in order to sell their shares on the ASX thereafter, it will first be necessary to convert them back to CUFS.
ADS holders will not be entitled to attend our general meetings of shareholders, but can vote by giving an instruction to Deutsche Bank, as the ADS depositary on how to instruct CDN to vote at a meeting.
Irish law and our Articles of Association currently do not impose any limitations on the rights of persons who are not residents of Ireland to hold or vote shares, solely as a result of such non-resident status.
Annual Report
Our fiscal year runs from 1 April through 31 March. Irish law requires that our annual accounts must be laid before the shareholders at the AGM within nine months of the balance sheet date and that copies of our financial statements must be sent to the shareholders 21 days before the AGM. We prepare consolidated annual accounts under “modified” US GAAP, which is US GAAP to the extent that it is not inconsistent with Irish Company Law. We will also prepare standalone annual entity accounts under Irish GAAP and lay those accounts before the AGM. The annual accounts will also include report of an independent accountant.
Indemnification
Our Articles of Association provide that our current and former directors, company secretary, employees and persons who may be deemed by our Board to be our agent are indemnified by us for costs, losses and expenses arising out of such person’s exercise of their duties to us. However, under Irish Company Law, this indemnity only binds us to indemnify a current or former director or company secretary where judgment is given in any civil or criminal action in favor of such current or former director or company secretary, or where a court grants relief because the current or former director or company secretary acted honestly and reasonably and ought fairly to be excused. Our Articles of Association apply the same restrictions to employees and persons deemed by our Board to be our agent who are not current or former directors or company secretary.
We have also entered into deeds of access, insurance and indemnity with our directors, company secretary and certain senior employees.
Dividends
Dividends and distributions of assets to shareholders may be declared: (a) in the case of dividends, by the Board; or (b) upon the recommendation of the Board, by an ordinary resolution of shareholders, provided that with respect to dividends or distributions declared pursuant to subsection (b) above, the dividends or distributions may not exceed the amount recommended by the Board.
Dividends and distributions may only be made in-so-far as: (a) we have sufficient distributable profits; and (b) our net assets are not less than the aggregate of called up share capital plus undistributable reserves and the distribution does not reduce our net assets below such aggregate.
If directors so resolve, any dividend that has remained unclaimed for 12 years from the date of its declaration shall be forfeited and cease to remain owing by the Company. The payment by directors of any unclaimed dividend or other moneys payable in respect of a share into a separate account shall not constitute us a trustee in respect thereof. However, it is unlikely that any such unclaimed dividends will be forfeited due to the operation of Australian legislation, under which dividends that have been unclaimed for six years are



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paid to the relevant state authority, through which shareholders can claim a refund of such dividends in the future.
Our Board determines the record dates at which time registered holders of our shares, including CDN issuing CUFS to the ADS depositary, will be entitled to dividends and also sets the payment dates for these dividends. Dividends are declared payable to our shareholders in US dollars. Deutsche Bank, our ADS depositary, receives dividends in US dollars directly from JHI plc on each CUFS dividend payment date and will distribute any dividend to holders of ADSs in US dollars pursuant to the terms of the deposit agreement. Other CUFS holders registered at a dividend record date are paid their dividend on each CUFS dividend payment date in the equivalent amount of Australian dollars, as determined by the prevailing exchange rate shortly after the CUFS dividend record date.
Amendment of Articles of Association
Our Articles of Association may be amended by our shareholders, which include changes to the rights of shareholders, subject to Irish Company Law restrictions, by resolution approved by 75% of the votes cast at a general meeting of shareholders at which at least 5% of our issued share capital is present or represented.
Liquidation Rights
In the event of our liquidation, and after we have paid all debts and liquidation expenses, the excess of any assets shall be distributed among our shareholders in proportion to the capital at the commencement of the winding up which is paid up or credited as paid up on such shares held by our shareholders. As a holding company, our sole material assets will be the capital stock of our subsidiaries.
Limitations on Right to Hold Common Stock
The Irish Takeover Rules regulate takeover and merger transactions, however effected, by which control of a public limited company incorporated in Ireland with a listing of its equity securities on certain specified stock exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange, may be obtained or consolidated. Control means a holding or aggregate holding of shares carrying 30% or more of the voting rights of a relevant company, irrespective of whether the holding or holdings give de facto control.
The Irish Takeover Rules are statute based. The Irish Takeover Panel is the body that regulates all transactions subject to the Irish Takeover Rules.
Rule 9 of the Irish Takeover Rules states that, except with the consent of the Irish Takeover Panel, when:
any person acquires, whether by a series of transactions over a period of time or not, shares or other securities which (taken together with shares or other securities held or acquired by persons acting in concert) carry 30% or more of the voting rights of a relevant company; or
any person, who together with persons acting in concert, holds not less than 30% of the voting rights and such person or any person acting in concert with them acquires, in any period of 12 months, additional shares or other securities of more than 0.05% of the total voting rights of the relevant company, such person must extend offers to the holders of any class of equity securities (whether voting or non-voting) and to holders of any class of transferable voting capital in respect of all such equity securities and transferable voting capital.
A single holder (that is, a holder excluding any parties acting in concert with the holder) holding more than 50% of the voting rights of a relevant company is not subject to Rule 9.
The Irish Takeover Rules also contain rules called “Substantial Acquisition Rules” which restrict the speed with which a person may increase their holding of shares and rights over shares to an aggregate of between



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15% and 30% of the voting rights of a relevant company. These rules also require accelerated disclosure of acquisitions of shares or rights over shares relating to such holdings.
The Irish Takeover Rules are built on the following general principles that apply to any transaction regulated by such rules:
all holders of the securities of an offeree of the same class must be afforded equivalent treatment; moreover, if a person acquires control of a company, the other holders of securities must be protected;
the holders of the securities of an offeree must have sufficient time and information to enable them to reach a properly informed decision on the offer; where it advises the holders of securities, the board of the offeree must give its views on the effects of implementation of the offer on employment, conditions of employment and the locations of the offeree’s places of business;
the board of an offeree must act in the interests of the company as a whole and must not deny the holders of securities the opportunity to decide on the merits of the offer;
false markets must not be created in the securities of the offeree, of the offeror or of any other company concerned by the offer in such a way that the rise or fall of the prices of the securities becomes artificial and the normal functioning of the markets is distorted;
an offeror must announce an offer only after ensuring that he or she can fulfill in full any cash consideration, if such is offered, and after taking all reasonable measures to secure the implementation of any other type of consideration;
an offeree must not be hindered in the conduct of its affairs for longer than is reasonable by an offer for its securities; and
a substantial acquisition of securities (whether such acquisition is to be effected by one transaction or a series of transactions) shall take place only at an acceptable speed and shall be subject to adequate and timely disclosure.
Although the Irish Takeover Rules may help to ensure that no person may acquire voting control of us without making an offer to all shareholders, these provisions may also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company.
Disclosure of Holdings
Under Irish law, a person must notify us in writing within five business days of an acquisition or disposition of shares where:
such person’s interest was below 3% of our issued share capital prior to such acquisition and equals or exceeds 3% after such acquisition;
such person’s interest was equal to or above 3% of our issued share capital before an acquisition or disposition and increases or decreases through an integer of a percentage as a result of such acquisition or disposition (e.g., from 3.8% to 4.3% or from 5.2% to 4.9%); and
where such person’s interest was equal to or above 3% of our issued share capital before a disposition and falls below 3% as a result of such disposition.
Failure of a shareholder to disclose its interests in our shares as described above will result in no right or interest of any kind in respect of that person’s shares being enforceable, whether directly or indirectly, by action or legal proceeding.
In addition, under Irish law, we can, if we have reasonable cause to believe that a person or company has an interest in our shares, require such person or company to confirm that belief (or as the case may be) to indicate whether or not it is the case and to provide certain information in relation to such holdings, including details of his or her interest in our shares and the interests (if any) of all persons having a beneficial interest in the shares. To the extent any such information is made available to us, Irish law requires that we make such information available for inspection to any person upon such person’s request.



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If a person fails to respond to us when we make a request for information in the manner described above, we may apply to the High Court of Ireland for an order stating that: (a) any transfer of such shares will be void; (b) such shares will have no voting rights; (c) no further shares will be issued in right of those shares or pursuant to any offer made to the holder thereof; and (d) such shares will not be entitled to any payment from us.
The restrictions described above, whether imposed for a failure to disclose a notifiable interest or for a failure to respond to a request for information, may only be lifted by an order of the High Court of Ireland.
Shareholders are also subject to beneficial ownership reporting disclosure requirements under US securities laws, including the filing of beneficial ownership reports on Schedules 13D and 13G with the SEC. The SEC’s rules require all persons who beneficially own more than 5% of a class of securities registered with the SEC to file either a Schedule 13D or 13G. This filing requirement applies to all holders of our shares of common stock, ADSs or CUFS because our securities have been registered with the SEC. The number of shares of common stock underlying ADSs and CUFS is used to determine whether a person beneficially owns more than 5% of the class of securities. This beneficial ownership reporting requirement applies whether or not the holders are residents of the United States. The determination of whether to file a Schedule 13D or a Schedule 13G depends primarily on the nature of the beneficial owner and the circumstances surrounding the person’s beneficial ownership. A copy of the rules and regulations relating to the reporting of beneficial ownership with the SEC, as well as Schedules 13D and 13G, are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov .
Company Books of Accounts
The Company is responsible for ensuring that it keeps adequate accounting records. The measures taken by the directors to secure compliance with the Company’s obligation to keep adequate accounting records are the use of appropriate systems and procedures and employment of competent persons. We have appointed a Chief Financial Officer who makes regular reports to the Board and ensures compliance with the requirements of Chapter 2 of Part 6 of the Irish Companies Act 2014. The Company also has a Global Controller, who works closely with the Chief Financial Officer and makes regular reports to our Audit Committee. The accounting records of the Company are kept at its registered office in Ireland.
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
Other than the contracts that are described elsewhere in this Annual Report, including, without limitation, the AFFA and related agreements, our Term Loan Facility, our Revolving Credit Facility, the indenture governing our senior unsecured notes, the Fermacell Share Purchase and Sale Agreement, the deposit agreement governing our ADS program, our executive compensation and equity incentive plans and certain material employment contracts described in “Section 1 – Remuneration Report” and any material contracts that have been entered into in the ordinary course of business, the Company does not have any material contracts otherwise requiring disclosure in this Annual Report.
EXCHANGE CONTROLS
The European Commission has imposed financial sanctions on a number of countries throughout the world that are suspected of being involved in activities such as terrorism or repression of its citizens. Ireland has given effect to these sanctions through the implementation of regulations and statutory instruments. We do not have any subsidiaries located in countries with imposed financial sanctions by the European Commission. In addition, we do not conduct business or other revenue-generating activities in these countries.



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Except for restrictions contained in the regulations or statutory instruments referred to above, there are no legislative or other legal provisions currently in force in Ireland or arising under our Constitution restricting the import or export of capital, including the availability of cash and cash equivalents for use by JHI plc and its wholly owned subsidiaries, or remittances to our security holders not resident in Ireland. In addition, except for restrictions contained in the regulations or statutory instruments referred to above, cash dividends payable in US dollars on our common stock may be officially transferred from Ireland and converted into any other convertible currency.
There are no limitations, either by Irish law or in our Constitution, on the right of non-residents of Ireland to hold or vote our common stock.
TAXATION
The following summarizes the material US and Irish tax consequences of an investment in shares of our common stock. This summary does not address every aspect of taxation relevant to a particular investor subject to special treatment under any applicable law and is not intended to apply in all respects to all categories of investors. In addition, except for the matters discussed under “Irish Taxation”, this summary does not consider the effect of other foreign tax laws or any state, local or other tax laws that may apply to an investment in shares of our common stock. This summary assumes that we will conduct our business in the manner described in this Annual Report. Changes in our organizational structure or the manner in which we conduct our business may invalidate all or parts of this summary. The laws on which this summary is based could change, perhaps with retroactive effect, and any law changes could invalidate all or parts of this summary. We will not update this summary for any law changes after the date of this Annual Report.
This discussion does not bind either the US or Irish tax authorities or the courts of those jurisdictions. Except where outlined below, we have not sought a ruling nor will we seek a ruling of the US or Irish tax authorities about matters in this summary. We cannot assure you that those tax authorities will concur with the views in this summary concerning the tax consequences of the purchase, ownership or disposition of our common stock or that any reviewing judicial body in the United States or Ireland would likewise concur.
Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the particular tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of shares of our common stock, including the effect of any foreign, state or local taxes.
United States Taxation
The following is a summary of the material US federal income tax consequences generally applicable to “US Shareholders” (as defined below) who beneficially own shares of our common stock and hold the shares as capital assets. For purposes of this summary, a “US Shareholder” means a beneficial owner of our common stock that is: (1) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States (as defined for US federal income tax purposes); (2) a corporation or other entity created or organized in or under the law of the United States or any of its political subdivisions; (3) an estate whose income is subject to US federal income taxation regardless of its source; or (4) a trust if (i) a court in the United States can exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust, and one or more United States persons can control all of the substantial decisions of the trust, or (ii) the trust has in effect a valid election to be treated as a United States person for US federal income tax purposes. If a partnership (including for this purpose any entity treated as a partnership for US federal tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of a share of our common stock, the US federal tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A holder of our common stock that is a partnership and partners in that partnership should consult their own tax advisers regarding the US federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing of those shares.



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This summary does not comprehensively describe all possible tax issues that could influence a current or prospective US Shareholder’s decision to buy or sell shares of our common stock. In particular, this summary does not discuss: (1) the tax treatment of special classes of US Shareholders, like financial institutions, life insurance companies, tax exempt organizations, tax-qualified employer plans and other tax-qualified or qualified accounts, investors liable for the alternative minimum tax, dealers in securities, shareholders who hold shares of our common stock as part of a hedge, straddle or other risk reduction arrangement, or shareholders whose functional currency is not the US dollar; (2) the tax treatment of US Shareholders who own (directly or indirectly by attribution through certain related parties) 10% or more of our voting stock; and (3) the application of other US federal taxes, like the US federal estate tax. The summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”), applicable US Department of Treasury regulations, judicial decisions and administrative rulings and practice, all as of the date of this Annual Report.
Treatment of ADSs
For US federal income tax purposes, a holder of an ADS is considered the owner of the shares of stock represented by the ADS. Accordingly, except as otherwise noted, references in this summary to ownership of shares of our common stock includes ownership of the shares of our common stock underlying the corresponding ADSs.
Taxation of Distributions
Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, the tax treatment of a distribution on shares of our common stock held by a US Shareholder depends on whether the distribution is from our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under US federal income tax principles). To the extent a distribution is from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, a US Shareholder will include the amount of the distribution in gross income as a dividend. To the extent a distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits, a US Shareholder will treat the excess first as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the US Shareholder’s tax basis in those shares and thereafter as capital gain. See the discussion of “Capital Gain Rates” below. Notwithstanding the foregoing described treatment, we do not intend to maintain calculations of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. Dividends received on shares of our common stock will not qualify for the inter-corporate dividends received deduction.
Distributions to US Shareholders that are treated as “qualified dividend income” are generally subject to a maximum rate of 20%. “Qualified dividend income” includes dividends received from a “qualified foreign corporation.” A “qualified foreign corporation” includes (1) a foreign corporation that is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that contains an exchange of information program and (2) a foreign corporation that pays dividends with respect to shares of its stock that are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. We believe that we are, and will continue to be, a “qualified foreign corporation” and that dividends we pay with respect to our shares will qualify as “qualified dividend income.” To be eligible for the 20% tax rate, a US Shareholder must hold our shares un-hedged for a minimum holding period (generally, 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the ex-dividend date of the distribution). Although we believe we presently are, and will continue to be, a “qualified foreign corporation,” we cannot guarantee that we will so qualify. For example, we will not constitute a “qualified foreign corporation” if we are classified as a “passive foreign investment company” (discussed below) in either the taxable year of the distribution or the preceding taxable year. In addition, the net investment income (including dividend income) of certain taxpayers are subject to an additional 3.8% tax rate.
Distributions to US Shareholders that are treated as dividends are generally considered income from sources outside the United States and, for purposes of computing the limitations on foreign tax credits that apply separately to specific categories of income, foreign source “passive category” income or, in the case of certain holders, “general category” income. In addition, special rules will apply to determine a US



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Shareholder’s foreign tax credit limitation if a dividend distributed with respect to our shares constitutes “qualified dividend income” (as described above). See the discussion of “Credit of Foreign Taxes Withheld” below.
The amount of any distribution we make on shares of our common stock in foreign currency generally will equal the fair market value in US dollars of that foreign currency on the date a US Shareholder receives it. A US Shareholder will have a tax basis in the foreign currency equal to its US dollar value on the date of receipt and will recognize ordinary US source gain or loss when it sells or exchanges the foreign currency. US Shareholders who are individuals will not recognize gain upon selling or exchanging foreign currency if the gain does not exceed US$200 in a taxable year and the sale or exchange constitutes a “personal transaction” under the Code. The amount of any distribution we make with respect to shares of our common stock in property other than money will equal the fair market value of that property on the date of distribution.
Credit of Foreign Taxes Withheld
Under certain conditions, including a requirement to hold shares of our common stock un-hedged for a certain period, and subject to limitations, a US Shareholder may claim a credit against the US Shareholder’s federal income tax liability for the foreign tax owed and withheld or paid with respect to distributions on our shares. Alternatively, a US Shareholder may deduct the amount of withheld foreign taxes, but only for a year for which the US Shareholder elects to deduct all foreign income taxes. Complex rules determine how and when the foreign tax credit applies, and US Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine whether and to what extent they may claim foreign tax credits.
Sale or Other Disposition of Shares
Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, a US Shareholder will recognize capital gain or loss on the sale or other taxable disposition of shares of our common stock, equal to the difference between the US Shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the shares sold or disposed of and the amount realized on the sale or disposition. Individual US Shareholders may benefit from lower marginal tax rates on capital gains recognized on shares sold, depending on the US Shareholder’s holding period for the shares. See the discussion of “Capital Gain Rates” below. Capital losses that do not offset capital gains are subject to limitations on deductibility. The gain or loss from the sale or other disposition of shares of our common stock generally will be treated as income from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit purposes, unless the US Shareholder is a US citizen residing outside the United States and certain other conditions are met.
Capital Gain Rates
Long-term capital gains of certain US individual Shareholders are subject to a maximum rate of 20%. In addition, the “net investment income” (including long and short-term capital gain income) of certain taxpayers is subject to an additional tax of 3.8%.
Passive Foreign Investment Company (“PFIC”) Status
Special US federal income tax rules apply to US Shareholders owning capital stock of a PFIC. A foreign corporation will be a PFIC for any taxable year in which 75% or more of its gross income is passive income or in which 50% or more of the average value of its assets is “passive assets” (generally assets that generate passive income or assets held for the production of passive income). For these purposes, passive income excludes certain interest, dividends or royalties from related parties. If we were a PFIC, each US Shareholder would likely face increased tax liabilities upon the sale or other disposition of shares of our common stock or upon receipt of “excess distributions,” unless the US Shareholder elects (1) to be taxed currently on its pro rata portion of our income, regardless of whether the income was distributed in the form of dividends or



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otherwise (provided we furnish certain information to our shareholders), or (2) to mark its shares to market by accounting for any difference between the shares’ fair market value and adjusted basis at the end of the taxable year by either an inclusion in income or a deduction from income (provided our ADSs, CUFS or common shares satisfy a test for being regularly traded on a qualified exchange or other market). Because of the manner in which we operate our business, we are not, nor do we expect to become, a PFIC.
Controlled Foreign Corporation Status
If more than 50% of either the voting power of all classes of our voting stock or the total value of our stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by citizens or residents of the United States, United States domestic partnerships and corporations or estates or trusts other than foreign estates or trusts, each of which owns 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote, which we refer to as “10-Percent Shareholders,” we could be treated as a Controlled Foreign Corporation (“CFC”), under the Code. This classification would, among other consequences, require 10-Percent Shareholders to include in their gross income their pro rata shares of our “Subpart F income” (as specifically defined by the Code) and our earnings invested in US property (as specifically defined by the Code).
In addition, gain from the sale or exchange of our common shares by a United States person who is or was a 10-Percent Shareholder at any time during the five-year period ending with the sale or exchange is treated as dividend income to the extent of the earnings and profits attributable to the stock sold or exchanged. Under certain circumstances, a corporate shareholder that directly owns 10% or more of our voting shares may be entitled to an indirect foreign tax credit for income taxes we paid in connection with amounts so characterized as dividends under the Code.
US Federal Income Tax Provisions Applicable to Non-United States Holders
A Non-US Holder means a beneficial owner of our common stock that is (1) a non-resident alien of the United States for US federal income tax purposes; (2) a corporation created or organized in or under the law of a country, or any of its political subdivisions, other than the United States; or (3) an estate or trust that is not a US Shareholder. A Non-US Shareholder generally will not be subject to US federal income taxes, including US withholding taxes, on any dividends paid on our shares or on any gain realized on a sale, exchange or other disposition of the shares unless the dividends or gain is effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-US Shareholder of trade or business in the United States (and is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base the Non-US Shareholder maintains in the United States if an applicable income tax treaty so requires as a condition for the Non-US Shareholder to be subject to US taxation on a net income basis on income related to the common stock). A corporate Non-US Shareholder under certain circumstances may also be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” on that type of income, the rate of which may be reduced pursuant to an applicable income tax treaty. In addition, gain recognized on a sale, exchange or other disposition of our shares by a Non-US Shareholder who is an individual generally will be subject to US federal income taxes if the Non-US Shareholder is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year in which the sale, exchange or other disposition occurs and certain other conditions are met.
US Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Dividend payments on shares of our common stock and proceeds from the sale, exchange or redemption of shares of our common stock may be subject to information reporting to the Internal Revenue Service and possible US backup withholding at a current rate of 28%. Backup withholding will not apply to a shareholder who furnishes a correct taxpayer identification number or certificate of foreign status and makes any other required certification or who is otherwise exempt from backup withholding. United States persons who are required to establish their exempt status generally must provide that certification on a properly completed Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification). Non-



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US Shareholders generally will not be subject to US information reporting or backup withholding. However, Non-US Shareholders may be required to provide certification of non-US status in connection with payments received in the United States or through certain US related financial intermediaries.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding may be credited against a shareholder’s US federal income tax liability, and a shareholder may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules by filing the appropriate claim for refund with the Internal Revenue Service and furnishing any required information.
Irish Taxation
The following is a summary of the material Irish tax consequences generally applicable to shareholders who invest in shares of our common stock, who are neither tax resident, nor ordinarily resident in, Ireland. This summary does not contain a detailed description of all of the Irish tax consequences for all shareholders, which depend on that shareholder’s particular circumstances, and should not be a substitute for advice from an appropriate professional adviser in relation to all of the possible tax issues that could influence a prospective shareholder’s decision to acquire shares of our common stock. This summary is based on Irish tax legislation, relevant Irish case law, other Irish Revenue guidance and published opinions and administrative pronouncements of the Irish tax authorities, income tax treaties to which Ireland is a party, and such other authorities as we have considered relevant, all as in effect and available as at the date of this Annual Report, any of which may change possibly with retroactive effect.
Treatment of ADSs
In general, for Irish tax purposes, an owner of depositary receipts is considered the owner of the shares of stock represented by depositary receipts. Accordingly, except as otherwise noted, references in this Annual Report to ownership of shares of our common stock includes ownership of the shares underlying the corresponding ADSs.
Irish Dividend Withholding Tax
Distributions made by us to non-Irish resident shareholders will, subject to certain exceptions, be subject to Irish dividend withholding tax at the standard rate of income tax (which is currently 20%) unless you are a shareholder who falls within one of the categories of exempt shareholders referred to below. Where dividend withholding tax applies, we will be responsible for withholding the dividend withholding tax at source. For dividend withholding tax purposes, a dividend includes any distribution made by us to our shareholders, including cash dividends, non-cash dividends and additional shares taken in lieu of a cash dividend.
Dividend withholding tax is not payable where an exemption applies provided that we have received all necessary documentation required by the relevant legislation from our shareholders prior to payment of the dividend.
Certain of our non-Irish tax resident shareholders (both individual and corporate) are entitled to an exemption from dividend withholding tax. In particular, a non-Irish tax resident shareholder is not subject to dividend withholding tax on dividends received from us where the shareholder is:
an individual shareholder resident for tax purposes in either a member state of the EU (apart from Ireland) or in a country with which Ireland has a double tax treaty, and the individual is neither resident nor ordinarily resident in Ireland;
a corporate shareholder not resident for tax purposes in Ireland nor ultimately controlled, directly or indirectly, by persons so resident and which is resident for tax purposes in either a member state of the EU (apart from Ireland) or a country with which Ireland has a double tax treaty;



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a corporate shareholder that is not resident for tax purposes in Ireland and which is ultimately controlled, directly or indirectly, by persons resident in either a member state of the EU (apart from Ireland) or in a country with which Ireland has a double tax treaty;
a corporate shareholder that is not resident for tax purposes in Ireland and whose principal class of shares (or those of its 75% parent) is substantially and regularly traded on a recognized stock exchange in either a member state of the EU (including Ireland where the Company trades only on the Irish stock exchange) or in a country with which Ireland has a double tax treaty or on an exchange approved by the Irish Minister for Finance; or
a corporate shareholder that is not resident for tax purposes in Ireland and is wholly-owned, directly or indirectly, by two or more companies the principal class of shares of each of which is substantially and regularly traded on a recognized stock exchange in either a member state of the EU (including Ireland where the Company trades only on the Irish stock exchange) or in a country with which Ireland has a double tax treaty or on an exchange approved by the Irish Minister for Finance; and
provided that, in all cases noted above, the shareholder has made the appropriate non-resident declaration to us prior to payment of the dividend.
Where the shareholder is not the beneficial owner, we will be required to withhold Irish dividend withholding tax at the standard rate of income tax unless the shareholder is a qualifying intermediary under Irish law and that shareholder has received all necessary documentation required by the relevant legislation, as described above, from the beneficial owner prior to payment of the dividend.
Where our shareholders hold ADSs, they may not be required to submit an appropriate declaration in order to receive dividends without deduction of Irish dividend withholding tax provided their registered address is in the US.
Shareholders must complete and send to us a non-resident declaration form in order to avoid Irish dividend withholding tax. If the appropriate declaration is not made, these shareholders will be liable for Irish dividend withholding tax of 20% on dividends paid by us and may not be entitled to offset this tax. In this case, it will be necessary for shareholders to apply for a refund of the withholding tax directly from the Irish Revenue authorities.
Shareholders that do not fulfill the documentation requirements or otherwise do not qualify for one of the withholding tax exemptions outlined above may be able to claim treaty benefits under a double taxation convention. In this regard, where a double taxation convention is in effect between Ireland and the country of residence of a non-resident shareholder, depending on the terms of that double taxation convention, such a non-resident shareholder may be eligible for a full or partial exemption resulting in a lower dividend withholding tax rate than 20%.
For example, under the US-Ireland Treaty, certain US corporate shareholders owning directly at least 10% of our voting power, are eligible for a reduction in withholding tax to 5% with respect to dividends that we pay, unless the shares of common stock held by such residents form part of the business property of a business carried on through a permanent establishment in Ireland. The same exception applies if the beneficial owner of the shares, being a citizen or resident of the United States, performs independent personal services from a fixed base situated in Ireland and the holding of the shares of common stock in respect of which the dividends are paid pertains to such fixed base in Ireland. A shareholder of our common stock, other than an individual, will be ineligible for the benefits of the US-Irish Treaty unless the shareholder satisfies certain tests under the LOB provisions of Article 23 of the US-Ireland Treaty. To prevent so-called dividend stripping, Irish law generally denies the treaty benefit of a reduced dividend withholding tax rate for any dividend paid to a recipient who is not the “beneficial owner” of the dividend.



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Irish Taxes on Income and Capital Gains
Shareholders who are neither tax resident of, nor ordinarily resident in, Ireland should not be subject to any Irish taxes in respect of dividends distributed by us (other than the dividend withholding tax described above) or capital gains realized on the disposition of shares of our common stock unless such shares are used, held or acquired for the purposes of a trade carried on in Ireland through a branch or an agency. An individual who is temporarily a non-resident of Ireland at the time of the disposal may, under anti-avoidance legislation, still be liable to Irish taxation on any chargeable gains realized (subject to the availability of exemptions).
Capital Acquisitions Tax
Irish capital acquisitions tax (“CAT”) applies to gifts and inheritances. Subject to certain tax-free thresholds (which are determined by the relationship between the donor and successor or donee), gifts and inheritances are liable to tax at the rate of 33%. Gifts and inheritances passing between spouses are exempt from CAT.
Where a gift or inheritance is taken under a disposition made on or after 1 December 1999, it will be within the charge of CAT:
to the extent that the property of which the gift or inheritance consists is situated in Ireland at the date of the gift or inheritance;
where the person making the gift or inheritance is or was resident or ordinarily resident in Ireland at the date of the disposition under which the gift or inheritance is taken; or
where the person receiving the gift or inheritance is resident or ordinarily resident in Ireland at the date of the gift or inheritance.
Please note that the charge to CAT in respect of appointments from a discretionary trust can be different and as a result, specific advice should be taken in this regard.
A non-Irish domiciled individual will not be regarded as resident or ordinarily resident in Ireland for CAT purposes on a particular date unless they are resident or ordinarily resident in Ireland on that date and have been resident in Ireland for the five consecutive tax years immediately preceding the year of assessment in which the date falls.
A gift or inheritance of our common stock will be within the charge of CAT, notwithstanding that the person from whom or by whom the gift or inheritance is received is domiciled or resident outside Ireland.
The Estate Tax Convention between Ireland and the United States generally provides for CAT paid on inheritances in Ireland to be credited against US federal estate tax payable in the United States and for tax paid in the United States to be credited against tax payable in Ireland, based on priority rules set forth in the Estate Tax Convention. The Estate Tax Convention does not apply to CAT paid on gifts. Irish domestic legislation also provides for a general relief from double taxation in respect of gifts and inheritances.
Irish Stamp Duty
Any electronic transfers of shares through the CHESS or the ADR system will be treated as exempt from stamp duty in Ireland. If a shareholder undertakes an off-market transaction involving a transfer of the underlying shares, this will be subject to Irish stamp duty at a rate of 1% of market value or consideration paid, whichever is greater and will not be able to be registered until duly stamped. An off-market transfer of CUFS will also, where evidenced in writing, be subject to the 1% Irish stamp duty. In addition, a conversion of shares into CUFS or ADSs or a conversion of CUFS or ADSs into underlying shares will be liable to 1% Irish stamp duty where the conversion is on a sale or in contemplation of a sale. In each case, payment of this stamp duty will be the responsibility of the person receiving the transfer.



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Documents Available for Review
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act applicable to “foreign private issuers” and in accordance therewith file reports, including annual reports, and other information with the SEC. Such reports and other information have been filed electronically with the SEC since 4 November 2002. The SEC maintains a site on the Internet, at www.sec.gov , which contains reports and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. In addition, such reports may be obtained, upon written request, from our company secretary at our corporate headquarters in Ireland or our Investor Relations department in Australia. Such reports and other information filed with the SEC prior to November 2002 may be inspected and copied at prescribed rates at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, or obtained by written request to our company secretary. Although, as a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements and annual reports to shareholders and the quarterly reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, we:
furnish our shareholders with annual reports containing consolidated financial statements examined by an independent registered public accounting firm; and
furnish quarterly reports for the first three quarters of each fiscal year containing unaudited consolidated financial information in filings with the SEC under Form 6-K.



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QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Cash and cash equivalents include amounts on deposit in banks and cash invested temporarily in various highly liquid financial instruments with original maturities of three months or less when acquired.
We have operations in foreign countries and, as a result, are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk inherent in purchases, sales, assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the US dollar. We also are exposed to interest rate risk associated with our long-term debt, foreign exchange risk relative to our AFFA liability and commodity price risk relative to changes in prices of commodities we use in production.
Periodically, interest rate swaps, commodity swaps and forward exchange contracts are used to manage market risks and reduce exposure resulting from fluctuations in interest rates, commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates. Our policy is to enter into derivative instruments solely to mitigate risks in our business and not for trading or speculative purposes. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in these mitigation strategies or that fluctuation in interest rates, commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We have significant operations outside of the United States and, as a result, are exposed to changes in exchange rates which affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flow. In addition, payments to AICF are required to be made in Australian dollars which, because the majority of our revenues are produced in US dollars, exposes us to risks associated with fluctuations in the US dollar/Australian dollar exchange rate. See “Section 3 – Risk Factors” of this Annual Report.
For our fiscal year ended 31 March 2018, the following currencies comprised the following percentages of our net sales, expenses and liabilities:
 
 
US$
 
A$
 
NZ$
 
Other 1
Net sales
 
77.5
%
 
14.7
%
 
3.7
%
 
4.1
%
Expenses 2
 
71.9
%
 
20.8
%
 
3.3
%
 
4.0
%
Liabilities (excluding borrowings) 2
 
20.8
%
 
76.4
%
 
1.1
%
 
1.7
%
For our fiscal year ended 31 March 2017, the following currencies comprised the following percentages of our net sales, expenses and liabilities:
 
 
US$
 
A$
 
NZ$
 
Other 1
Net sales
 
78.6
%
 
13.1
%
 
3.8
%
 
4.5
%
Expenses 2
 
81.8
%
 
9.7
%
 
3.6
%
 
4.9
%
Liabilities (excluding borrowings) 2
 
19.9
%
 
77.3
%
 
1.1
%
 
1.7
%

____________
1
Comprised of Philippine pesos, euro and Canadian dollars.
2
Liabilities include A$ denominated asbestos liability, which was initially recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006. Expenses include cost of goods sold, SG&A expenses, R&D expenses and adjustments to the asbestos liability. See “Section 3 – Risk Factors,” and Note 11 of our consolidated financial statements further information regarding the asbestos liability.
We purchase raw materials and fixed assets and sell some finished product for amounts denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the business in which the related transaction is generated. Further, in order to protect against foreign exchange rate movements, we may enter into forward exchange




 
 
James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
201
 
 

contracts timed to mature when settlement of the underlying transaction is due to occur. As of 31 March 2018 and 2017, we had foreign currency forward contracts of US $0.8 million .
For further information, see Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements in Section 2.
Funding Under the AFFA
The Australian dollar to US dollar assets and liabilities rate moved from 1.3083 as of 31 March 2017 to 1.302 0 as of 31 March 2018, a 0.5% movement, resulting in a US$ 3.9 million unfavorable impact on our fiscal year 2018 net income. Assuming that our unfunded net AFFA liability in Australian dollars remains unchanged at A$898.9 million and that we do not hedge this foreign exchange exposure, a 10% movement in the Australian dollar to US dollar exchange rate (at the 31 March 2018 exchange rate of 1.302 0) would have approximately a US$ 62.8  million and US$ 76.7  million favorable or unfavorable impact, respectively, on our net income.
For fiscal year 2017, assuming that our unfunded net AFFA liability in Australian dollars remains unchanged at A$873.4 million and that we do not hedge this foreign exchange exposure, a 10% movement in the Australian dollar to US dollar exchange rate (at the 31 March 2017 exchange rate of 1.3083) would have approximately a US$60.7 million and US$74.2 million favorable or unfavorable impact, respectively, on our net income.
Interest Rate Risk
We have market risk from changes in interest rates, primarily related to our revolving credit facilities and 364 day term loan facility. As of 31 March 2018 and 2017, our revolving credit facilities and 364 day term loan facility were subject to variable interest rates. The interest rate is calculated two business days prior to the commencement of each draw-down period based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus the bank margin and is payable at the end of each draw-down period or interest period in the case of a continuation of a loan. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on such variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same, and our net income and cash flows, including cash available for servicing our indebtedness, would correspondingly decrease. Assuming all loans were fully drawn, each one percentage point change in interest rates would result in a US$5.1 million change in annual cash interest expense under the revolving credit facilities.
From time to time, we may enter into interest rate swap contracts in an effort to mitigate interest rate risk. As of 31 March 2018, we had interest rate swap contracts with a total notional principal of US $100.0 million  and a fair value of US $0.4 million receivable, which is included in Accounts Receivable . For all of these interest rate swap contracts, we have agreed to pay the fixed interest rate while receiving the floating interest rate. These contracts were entered into to protect against upward movements in LIBOR and the associated interest the Company pays on its external debt.
At 31 March 2018, we had US$100.0 million outstanding under our credit facilities exposing us to market risk due to changes in the rate at which interest accrues.
At 31 March 2017, we had interest rate swap contracts with a total notional principal of US$100.0 million and a fair value of US$1.1 million payable, which was included in Accounts Payable . For these interest rate swap contracts, we agreed to pay the fixed interest rate while receiving the floating interest rate. These contracts were entered into to protect against upward movements in LIBOR and the associated interest the Company pays on its external debt.
At 31 March 2017, we had US$175.0 million outstanding under our credit facilities exposing us to market risk due to changes in the rate at which interest accrues.




 
 
James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
202
 
 

Commodity Price Risk
We are exposed to changes in prices of commodities used in our operations, primarily associated with energy, fuel and raw materials such as pulp and cement. While we expect to continue operating in tight markets for these commodities, we do enter into various sourcing arrangements in an effort to minimize additional working capital requirements caused by rising prices. These arrangements provide discounts on the prices of such commodities in relation to market prices and indicies, however, if such commodity prices do not continue to rise, these fixed pricing arrangements may negatively impact our cost of sales over the longer-term.
During fiscal 2018, although we purchase our pulp from several qualified suppliers in an attempt to mitigate against price increases and supply interruptions, pulp continued to demonstrate a higher price sensitivity than any other commodities used in our manufacturing process, driven by large supply disruptions around the globe. Additionally, we continued to experience price fluctuations for utilities such as electricity and natural gas, as fracking continued to disrupt pricing within the US energy market.
We have assessed the market risk of our core commodities (pulp, cement and silica) and believe that, a +/- 10% change in the average cost of these materials for the year ended 31 March 2018 would have resulted in +/- US$30.3 million or 2.3% impact on our cost of sales for fiscal year 2018.
For fiscal year 2017, we assessed the market risk of our core commodities (pulp, cement and silica) and believed that, a +/- 10% change in the average cost of these materials for the year ended 31 March 2017 would have resulted in +/- US$25.6 or 2.1% impact on our cost of sales for fiscal year 2017.




 
 
James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
203
 
 

SECTION 4
SHARE/CHESS UNITS OF FOREIGN SECURITIES INFORMATION
As of 30 April 2018, JHI plc had 441,524,118 CUFS issued over ordinary shares listed on the ASX and held by CHESS Depositary Nominees Pty Ltd (“CDN”) on behalf of 16,312 CUFS holders. Each CUFS represents the beneficial ownership of one ordinary share and carries the right to one vote. Each CUFS holder can direct CDN on how to vote the ordinary shares on a one vote per CUFS basis. RSU’s issued by the Company carry no voting rights.
At 30 April 2018, to our knowledge, we are not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by another corporation, by a foreign government or by any other natural or legal persons severally or jointly, and we are not aware of any arrangements the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the Company.
Geographic Distribution of Beneficial Ownership of James Hardie Industries plc
The following table shows the geographic distribution of the beneficial holders of our CUFS at 31 March 2018 and 2017:
 
Geographic Region
 
31 March
2018
 
31 March
2017
Australia
 
49.03
%
 
42.24
%
United States
 
29.31
%
 
34.58
%
United Kingdom
 
4.14
%
 
4.38
%
Europe (excluding the United Kingdom)
 
4.85
%
 
4.50
%
Asia
 
4.22
%
 
4.48
%
Other
 
8.45
%
 
9.82
%
As of 30 April 2018, 0.26% of the outstanding shares of our common stock was held by 95 CUFS holders with registered addresses in the United States. In addition, as of 30 April 2018, 0.72% of the outstanding shares of our common stock was represented by ADSs held by three holders, all of whom have registered addresses in the United States. A total of 0.98% of our outstanding capital stock was registered to 98 US holders as of 30 April 2018.
Distribution Schedule of James Hardie Industries plc
The following table shows a distribution of the holders of our CUFS at 30 April 2018:
 
Size of Holding Range
 
CUFS
 
Options
Holders
 
Holdings
 
Holders
 
Holdings    
1-1,000
 
9,466

 
4,277,860

 
-
 
-
1,001-5,000
 
5,561

 
12,270,219

 
-
 
-
5,001-10,000
 
747

 
5,265,573

 
-
 
-
10,001-100,000
 
479

 
10,812,102

 
-
 
-
100,001 and over
 
59

 
408,898,364

 
-
 
-
Totals
 
16,312

 
441,524,118

 
-
 
-
 
 




 
 
James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
204
 
 

Based on the closing price of A$23.61 on 30 April 2018, there were 252 CUFS holders that held less than a marketable parcel of shares.
Substantial CUFS holders of James Hardie Industries plc
The following table identifies those CUFS holders who beneficially owned 3% or more of our ordinary shares at 30 April 2018, based on the holdings reported by such CUFS holder in its last shareholder notice filed with JHI plc, the SEC or the ASX, as required by applicable law, and their percentage of shares outstanding based on the number of shares outstanding as of 30 April 2018, which was 441,524,118 shares:

CUFS holder
 
Shares
Beneficially
Owned
 
Percentage
of Shares
Outstanding
Commonwealth Bank of Australia 1
 
28,545,550

 
6.47
%
FMR LLC 2
 
26,486,712

 
6.00
%
OppenheimerFunds, Inc. 3
 
23,564,091

 
5.34
%
BlackRock Group 4
 
22,848,184

 
5.17
%
The Capital Group Companies, Inc. 5
 
21,707,008

 
4.92
%
Schroders plc 6
 
14,529,189

 
3.29
%
____________
1
Commonwealth Bank of Australia and its affiliates most recently became a substantial shareholder on 15 August 2014, and through subsequent sales and purchases currently holds 28,545,550 shares as of 31 December 2017, as reported on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on 13 February 2018.
2
FMR LLC and its affiliates, became a substantial shareholder on 23 July 2009, and through subsequent sales and purchases currently 26,486,712 shares as of 11 April 2018, as reported in the notification filed with the ASX on 12 April 2018.
3
OppenheimerFunds, Inc., became a substantial shareholder on 30 June 2016, with a current holding of 23,564,091 shares, as reported to the Company on 20 July 2016.
4
BlackRock Group most recently became a substantial shareholder on 16 October 2014, and through subsequent sales and purchases currently holds 22,848,184 shares as of 31 December 2018, as reported on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on 2 February 2018.
5
The Capital Group Companies, Inc. most recently became a substantial shareholder on 5 December 2016 and through subsequent sales and purchases currently holds to 21,707,008 shares, as reported in the notification filed with the ASX on 10 February 2018.
6
Schroders plc. became a substantial shareholder on 1 June 2015 with a current holding of 14,529,189 shares, as reported to the Company on 21 December 2015 on Form TR-1.
 




 
 
James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
205
 
 

James Hardie Industries plc 20 largest CUFS holders and their holdings as of 30 April 2018

Name
 
CUFS Holdings
 
Percentage
 
Rank
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
 
170,902,650

 
38.71
%
 
1

J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited
 
106,387,205

 
24.10
%
 
2

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited
 
34,156,878

 
7.74
%
 
3

National Nominees Limited
 
29,063,449

 
6.58
%
 
4

BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd
 
18,411,760

 
4.17
%
 
5

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited
 
13,050,748

 
2.96
%
 
6

BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd
 
9,590,036

 
2.17
%
 
7

BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd
 
4,185,000

 
0.95
%
 
8

Australia Foundation Investment Company Limited
 
3,051,000

 
0.69
%
 
9

AMP Life Limited
 
1,644,890

 
0.37
%
 
10

UBS Nominees Pty Ltd
 
1,279,588

 
0.29
%
 
11

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
 
1,096,130

 
0.25
%
 
12

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
 
867,317

 
0.20
%
 
13

Avanteos Investments Limited
 
816,857

 
0.19
%
 
14

UBS Nominees Pty Ltd
 
745,062

 
0.17
%
 
15

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
 
732,369

 
0.17
%
 
16

Djerriwarrh Investments Limited
 
723,800

 
0.16
%
 
17

Australia Foundation Investment Company Limited
 
700,000

 
0.16
%
 
18

Millenium Pty Ltd
 
675,000

 
0.15
%
 
19

UBS Nominees Pty Ltd
 
665,000

 
0.15
%
 
20

TOTAL
 
398,744,739

 
90.31
%
 
 
 
 




 
 
James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
206
 
 

GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS
Abbreviations
2001 Plan
  
2001 Equity Incentive Plan
ADR
  
American Depositary Receipt
ADS
  
American Depositary Share
AFFA
  
Amended and Restated Final Funding Agreement, as amended from time to time
AGM
  
Annual General Meeting
AICF
  
Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund
ASIC
  
Australian Securities and Investments Commission
ASX
  
Australian Securities Exchange
ATO
  
Australian Taxation Office
CDN
 
CHESS Depositary Nominees Pty Ltd
CEO
  
Chief Executive Officer
CFO
  
Chief Financial Officer
CHESS
  
Clearing House Electronic Subregister System
Commonwealth
  
The Commonwealth of Australia
CP Plan
  
Company Performance Plan
CUFS
  
CHESS Units of Foreign Securities
EPS
  
Earnings Per Share
FASB
  
Financial Accounting Standards Board
GEM
  
Global Exchange Market
GMT
 
Global Management Team
IP Plan
  
Individual Performance Plan
IRS
  
United States Internal Revenue Service
KPMGA
  
KPMG Actuarial
LIBOR
  
London Interbank Offered Rate
LOB
 
Limitation on Benefits
LTI
  
Long-Term Incentive
LTIP
  
Long-Term Incentive Plan 2006
NAHB
  
National Association of Home Builders
NBSK
  
Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft, the Company’s benchmark grade of pulp relative to our US business
NSW
  
New South Wales
NYSE
  
New York Stock Exchange
OSHA
  
United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
PEL
  
Permissible Exposure Limit
R&D
 
Research and Development
ROCE
  
Return on Capital Employed
RSU
  
Restricted Stock Unit
SEC
  
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
SG&A
  
Selling, General and Administrative
STI
  
Short-Term Incentive
TSR
  
Total Shareholder Return





 
 
James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
207
 
 

Definitions
Financial Measures – Australian equivalent terminology
The Remuneration Report included in Section 1 of this Annual Report contains financial measures that are considered to be non-US GAAP, but are consistent with those used by Australian companies. Because the Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with US GAAP, the following table and definitions listing cross-references each US GAAP financial measure as used in the Company’s consolidated financial statements to the equivalent non-US GAAP financial measure, as used in the “Section 1 – Remuneration Report” and associated reconciliations
Consolidated Statements of Operations
and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(US GAAP)
 
Remuneration Report (non US GAAP)
 
 
Net sales
 
Net sales
Cost of goods sold
 
Cost of goods sold
Gross profit
 
Gross profit
 
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Research and development expenses
 
Research and development expenses
Asbestos adjustments
 
Asbestos adjustments
Operating income (loss)
 
EBIT*
 
 
Sum of interest expense and interest income
 
Net interest income (expense)*
Other income (expense)
 
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
Operating profit (loss) before income taxes*
 
 
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
Net operating profit (loss)*
 
*- Represents non-US GAAP descriptions used by Australian companies.
Operating income and Operating income margin –  is equivalent to EBIT and EBIT margin
Income before income taxes –  is equivalent to operating profit before income taxes
Net income –  is equivalent to net operating profit
Other Financial Measures
mmsf –  million square feet, where a square foot is defined as a standard square foot of 5/16” thickness
msf –  thousand square feet, where a square foot is defined as a standard square foot of 5/16” thickness




 
 
James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
208
 
 

Non-GAAP Financial Information Derived from GAAP Measures

This Annual Report includes certain financial information to supplement the Company’s consolidated financial statements which are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”). These financial measures are designed to provide investors with an alternative method for assessing our performance from on-going operations, capital efficiency and profit generation. Management uses these financial measures for the same purposes. These financial measures include:

Adjusted operating income;
Adjusted net income; and
Adjusted diluted earnings per share

These financial measures are or may be non-US GAAP financial measures as defined in the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and may exclude or include amounts that are included or excluded, as applicable, in the calculation of the most directly comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with US GAAP. These financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable US GAAP financial measures and should be read only in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP. In evaluating these financial measures, investors should note that other companies reporting or describing similarly titled financial measures may calculate them differently and investors should exercise caution in comparing the Company’s financial measures to similar titled measures by other companies.
Adjusted operating income
 
Fiscal Years Ended 31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Operating income
 
$
229.2

 
$
393.2

 
$
354.0

Excluding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asbestos:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asbestos adjustments
 
156.4

 
(40.4
)
 
(5.5
)
AICF SG&A expenses
 
1.9

 
1.5

 
1.7

Fermacell acquisition costs
 
10.0

 

 

New Zealand weathertightness claims
 

 

 
0.5

Adjusted operating income
 
$
397.5

 
$
354.3

 
$
350.7

Adjusted net income
 
Fiscal Year Ended 31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Net income
 
$
146.1

 
$
276.5

 
$
244.4

Excluding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asbestos:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asbestos adjustments
 
156.4

 
(40.4
)
 
(5.5
)
AICF SG&A expenses
 
1.9

 
1.5

 
1.7

AICF interest (income) expense, net
 
(1.9
)
 
1.1

 
0.3

Loss on early debt extinguishment
 
26.1

 

 

Fermacell acquisition costs
 
10.0

 

 

New Zealand weathertightness claims
 

 

 
0.5

Tax adjustments 1
 
(47.3
)
 
9.9

 
1.5

Adjusted net income
 
$
291.3

 
$
248.6

 
$
242.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Includes tax adjustments related to Asbestos, loss on early debt extinguishment, and other tax adjustments




 
 
James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
209
 
 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share
 
 
Fiscal Year Ended 31 March
(Millions of US dollars)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Adjusted net income
 
$
291.3

 
$
248.6

 
$
242.9

Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted (millions)
 
442.3

 
443.9

 
447.2

Adjusted diluted earnings per share (US cents)
 
66

 
56

 
54












 
 
James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
210
 
 

EXHIBIT LIST
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit Description
 
Memorandum of Association of James Hardie Industries plc, as amended (filed as Exhibit 99.9 to the Company’s Report on Form 6-K filed 17 August 2015 (Commission File Number 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Articles of Association of James Hardie Industries plc (filed as Exhibit 99.9 to the Company’s Report on Form 6-K filed 17 August 2015 (Commission File Number 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, by and among James Hardie Industries plc, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as depositary, and the holders and beneficial owners of American depositary shares evidenced by American depositary receipts issued thereunder (filed as Exhibit 99.A to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-6 filed on 25 September 2014 (Commission File Number 333-198928) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Form of Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement (filed as Exhibit 99(A)(2) to the Company’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form F-6 filed on 03 September 2015 (Commission File Number 333-198928) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Guarantee Trust Deed, dated 19 December 2006, by and between James Hardie Industries N.V. and AET Structured Finance Services Pty Limited (filed as Exhibit 4.12 to the Company’s Post-Effective No. 1 to Form F-4 filed on 17 June 2010 (Commission File Number 333-165531) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Performing Subsidiary Undertaking and Guarantee Trust Deed, dated 19 December 2006, by and between James Hardie 117 Pty Limited and AET Structured Finance Services Pty Limited (filed as Exhibit 4.14 to the Company’s Post-Effective No. 1 to Form F-4 filed on 17 June 2010 (Commission File Number 333-165531) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Intercreditor Deed, dated 19 December 2006, by and among The State of New South Wales, James Hardie Industries N.V., Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited and AET Structured Finance Services Pty Limited (filed as Exhibit 10.34 to the Company’s Post-Effective No. 1 to Form F-4 filed on 17 June 2010 (Commission File Number 333-165531) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Letter Agreement, dated 21 March 2007, amending the Intercreditor Deed, dated 19 December 2006, by and among The State of New South Wales, James Hardie Industries N.V., Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited and AET Structured Finance Services Pty Limited (filed as Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Post-Effective No. 1 to Form F-4 filed on 17 June 2010 (Commission File Number 333-165531) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Performing Subsidiary Intercreditor Deed, dated 19 December 2006, by and among The State of New South Wales, James Hardie 117 Pty Limited, Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited and AET Structured Finance Services Pty Limited (filed as Exhibit 10.37 to the Company’s Post-Effective No. 1 to Form F-4 filed on 17 June 2010 (Commission File Number 333-165531) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Letter Agreement, dated 21 March 2007, amending the Performing Subsidiary Intercreditor Deed, dated 19 December 2006, by and among The State of New South Wales, James Hardie 117 Pty Limited, Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited and AET Structured Finance Services Pty Limited (filed as Exhibit 10.38 to the Company’s Post-Effective No. 1 to Form F-4 filed on 17 June 2010 (Commission File Number 333-165531) and incorporated by reference herein)
 
Amending Deed to Guarantee Trust Deed, dated 6 October 2009, by and between James Hardie Industries N.V. and AET Structured Finance Services Pty Limited (filed as Exhibit 2.10 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 30 June 2010 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Amending Deed to Performing Subsidiary Undertaking and Guarantee Trust Deed, dated 6 October 2009, by and between James Hardie 117 Pty Limited and AET Structured Finance Services Pty Limited (filed as Exhibit 2.12 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 30 June 2010 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Amending Deed (Intercreditor Deed), dated 23 June 2009, by and among The State of New South Wales, James Hardie Industries N.V., Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited and AET Structured Finance Services Pty Limited (filed as Exhibit 4.36 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 30 June 2010 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)




Table of Contents

 
 
James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
211
 
 

Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit Description
 
Amending Deed (Performing Subsidiary Intercreditor Deed), dated 23 June 2009, by and among The State of New South Wales, James Hardie 117 Pty Limited, Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited and AET Structured Finance Services Pty Limited (filed as Exhibit 4.39 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 30 June 2010 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)
 
Indenture, dated 13 December 2017, by and among James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company, the guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas

 
Form of 4.750% Senior Note due 2025

 
Form of 5.000% Senior Note due 2028

 
Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated 13 December 2017, by and among James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company and James Hardie Building Products Inc., as borrowers, James Hardie International Group Limited and James Hardie Technology Limited, as guarantors, James Hardie Industries plc, as parent, HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as administrative agent, and the other lender parties thereto

 
364-Day Term Loan and Guaranty Agreement, dated 13 December 2017, by and among James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company and James Hardie Building Products Inc., as borrowers, James Hardie International Group Limited and James Hardie Technology Limited, as guarantors, James Hardie Industries plc, as parent, HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as administrative agent, and the other lender parties thereto

 
Amended and Restated James Hardie Industries SE 2001 Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 2 July 2012 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Amended and Restated James Hardie Industries plc Long Term Incentive Plan 2006 (filed as Exhibit 99.10 to the Company’s Report on Form 6-K filed 17 August 2015 (Commission File Number 001-15240 and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Form of Joint and Several Indemnity Agreement among James Hardie N.V., James Hardie (USA) Inc. and certain indemnitees thereto (filed as Exhibit 4.15 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 7 July 2005 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Form of Joint and Several Indemnity Agreement among James Hardie Industries N.V., James Hardie Inc. and certain indemnitees thereto (filed as Exhibit 4.16 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 7 July 2005 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Form of Deed of Access, Insurance and Indemnity between James Hardie Industries N.V. and supervisory board directors and managing board directors (filed as Exhibit 4.9 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 8 July 2008 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Form of Indemnity Agreement between James Hardie Building Products, Inc. and supervisory board directors, managing board directors and certain executive officers (filed as Exhibit 4.10 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 8 July 2008 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Form of Irish law-governed Deed of Access, Insurance and Indemnity between James Hardie Industries SE, a European Company registered in Ireland, and its directors, company secretary and certain senior employees thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-4 filed on 23 June 2009 (Commission File 333-160177) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Form of Deed of Access, Insurance and Indemnity between James Hardie Industries plc, and certain indemnitees thereto (filed as Exhibit 4.9 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 21 May 2015 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Deed of Release - Unions and Banton, dated 21 December 2005, by and among James Hardie Industries N.V., Australian Council of Trade Unions, Unions New South Wales, and Bernard Douglas Banton (filed as Exhibit 4.23 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 29 September 2006 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)




Table of Contents

 
 
James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
212
 
 

Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit Description
 
Deed of Release, dated 22 June 2006, by and between James Hardie Industries N.V. and The State of New South Wales (filed as Exhibit 4.25 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 29 September 2006 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Amended and Restated Final Funding Agreement, dated 21 November 2006, by and among James Hardie Industries N.V., James Hardie 117 Pty Ltd, The State of New South Wales and Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited in its capacity as trustee of the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (filed as Exhibit 99.4 to the Company’s Report on Form 6-K filed on 05 January 2007 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Amended and Restated Trust Deed, dated 14 December 2006, by and between James Hardie Industries N.V. and Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited (filed as Exhibit 4.22 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 6 July 2007 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Second Irrevocable Power of Attorney, dated 14 December 2006, by and between Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited and The State of New South Wales (filed as Exhibit 4.26 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 6 July 2007 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Deed of Accession, dated 14 December 2006, by and among Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited, James Hardie Industries N.V., James Hardie 117 Pty Limited and The State of New South Wales (filed as Exhibit 4.27 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 6 July 2007 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Amendment to Amended and Restated Final Funding Agreement, dated 6 August 2007, by and among, James Hardie Industries NV, James Hardie 117 Pty Limited, The State of New South Wales and Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited in its capacity as trustee of the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (filed as Exhibit 4.22 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 8 July 2008 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Deed Poll, dated 11 June 2008, amendment of the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Amended and Restated Trust Deed (filed as Exhibit 4.27 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 8 July 2008 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Amendment to Amended and Restated Final Funding Agreement, dated 8 November 2007, by and among, James Hardie Industries NV, James Hardie 117 Pty Limited, The State of New South Wales and Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited in its capacity as trustee of the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (filed as Exhibit 4.23 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 8 July 2008 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Amendment to Amended and Restated Final Funding Agreement, dated 11 June 2008, by and among, James Hardie Industries NV, James Hardie 117 Pty Limited, The State of New South Wales and Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited in its capacity as trustee of the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (filed as Exhibit 4.24 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 8 July 2008 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Amended and Restated Final Funding Agreement - Address for Service of Notice on Trustee, dated 13 June 2008 (filed as Exhibit 4.25 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 8 July 2008 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Amendment to Amended and Restated Final Funding Agreement, dated 17 July 2008, by and among, James Hardie Industries NV, James Hardie 117 Pty Limited, The State of New South Wales and Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited in its capacity as trustee of the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (filed as Exhibit 10.27 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-4 filed on 23 June 2009 (Commission File 333-160177) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Deed of Confirmation, dated 23 June 2009, by and among James Hardie Industries N.V, James Hardie 117 Pty Limited, The State of New South Wales and Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited in its capacity as trustee of the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (filed as Exhibit 10.37 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-4/A filed on 10 July 2009 (Commission File 333-160177) and incorporated by reference herein)




Table of Contents

 
 
James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
213
 
 

Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit Description
 
Amending Agreement (Parent Guarantee), dated 23 June 2009, by and among Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited, The State of New South Wales and James Hardie Industries N.V. (filed as Exhibit 4.30 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 30 June 2010 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Deed to amend the Amended and Restated Final Funding Agreement and facilitate the Authorized Loan Facility, dated 9 December 2010, by and among James Hardie Industries SE, James Hardie 117 Pty Limited, The State of New South Wales and Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited in its capacity as trustee of each of the Compensation Funds (filed as Exhibit 4.25 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 29 June 2011 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
AICF facility agreement, dated 9 December 2010, by and among Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited, ABN 60 Pty Limited, Amaca Pty Ltd, Amaba Pty Ltd and The State of New South Wales (filed as Exhibit 4.40 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 29 June 2011 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Fixed and Floating Charge, dated 9 December 2010, by and among Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited, ABN 60 Pty Limited, Amaca Pty Ltd, Amaba Pty Ltd and The State of New South Wales (filed as Exhibit 4.41 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 29 June 2011 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Deed to amend the Amended and Restated Final Funding Agreement, dated 29 February 2012, by and among James Hardie Industries SE, James Hardie 117 Pty Limited, The State of New South Wales and Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited in its capacity as trustee of each of the Compensation Funds (filed as Exhibit 4.27 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 2 July 2012 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Deed to amend the Amended and Restated Final Funding Agreement, dated 28 March 2012, by and among James Hardie Industries SE, James Hardie 117 Pty Limited, The State of New South Wales and Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited in its capacity as trustee of each of the Compensation Funds (filed as Exhibit 4.28 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 2 July 2012 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Summary of Amendments to Amended and Restated Final Funding Agreement, dated 20 December 2013, by and among, James Hardie Industries NV, James Hardie 117 Pty Limited, The State of New South Wales and Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited in its capacity as trustee of the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (filed as Exhibit 4.37 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 26 June 2014 (Commission File 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

 
Deed of Amendment, dated 27 February 2015, by and among Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited, ABN 60 Pty Limited, Amaca Pty Ltd, Amaba Pty Ltd and The State of New South Wales (filed as Exhibit 4.32 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 21 May 2015 (Commission File Number 001-15240) and incorporated by reference herein)

  
 
Sale and Purchase Agreement related to XI (DL) Holdings GmbH, dated 7 November 2017, by and among Xella International S.A., as seller, Platin 1391. GmbH (now known as James Hardie Germany GmbH) as purchaser, and James Hardie International Group Limited, as guarantor

 
Deed of Amendment, Amended and Restated Final Funding Agreement, dated 19 December 2017, by and among James Hardie Industries plc, James Hardie 117 Pty Limited, The State of New South Wales and Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited in its capacity as trustee for each of the Compensation Fund

 
Amendment to Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated 13 December 2017, by and among Xella International S.A., as seller, Platin 1391. GmbH (now known as James Hardie Germany GmbH) as purchaser, and James Hardie International Group Limited, as guarantor

 
Second Amendment and Accession Agreement to the Sale and Purchase Agreement related to XI (DL) Holdings GmbH, dated 3 April 2018, by and among Xella International S.A., James Hardie Germany GmbH, James Hardie International Group Limited and James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company

 
List of significant subsidiaries of James Hardie Industries plc



Table of Contents

 
 
James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
214
 
 

Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit Description
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm
 
Consent of KPMG Actuarial
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
____________
*     Filed herewith
Certain schedules, exhibits and annexes have been omitted. The Company will furnish supplemental copies of a ny omitted schedule, exhibit or annex to the Commission upon request.



Table of Contents

 
 
James Hardie 2018  Annual Report on Form 20-F
215
 
 

SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES plc
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
 
/s/ LOUIS GRIES
 
 
 
 
Louis Gries
Date: 22 May 2018
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
This Annual Report has been approved by the Board of Directors of James Hardie Industries plc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES plc
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
 
/s/ MICHAEL N. HAMMES
 
 
 
 
Michael N. Hammes
Date: 22 May 2018
 
 
 
Chairman


Execution Version JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY as Issuer, the Guarantors named herein and DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS as Trustee ______________________________________ INDENTURE Dated as of December 13, 2017 ______________________________________ 4.75% Senior Notes due 2025 5.00% Senior Notes due 2028


 
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ARTICLE ONE DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE SECTION 1.01. Definitions. ................................................................................................... 2 SECTION 1.02. Rules of Construction. ................................................................................ 40 ARTICLE TWO THE SECURITIES SECTION 2.01. Amount of Notes. ........................................................................................ 40 SECTION 2.02. Form and Dating; Legends. ........................................................................ 41 SECTION 2.03. Execution and Authentication. .................................................................... 42 SECTION 2.04. Registrar and Paying Agent. ....................................................................... 42 SECTION 2.05. Paying Agent To Hold Money in Trust. ..................................................... 43 SECTION 2.06. Noteholder Lists. ......................................................................................... 44 SECTION 2.07. Transfer and Exchange. .............................................................................. 44 SECTION 2.08. Replacement Notes. .................................................................................... 45 SECTION 2.09. Outstanding Notes. ..................................................................................... 45 SECTION 2.10. Treasury Notes. ........................................................................................... 46 SECTION 2.11. Temporary Notes. ....................................................................................... 46 SECTION 2.12. Cancellation. ............................................................................................... 46 SECTION 2.13. Defaulted Interest. ....................................................................................... 46 SECTION 2.14. CUSIP and ISIN Numbers. ......................................................................... 47 SECTION 2.15. Deposit of Moneys. ..................................................................................... 48 SECTION 2.16. Book-Entry Provisions for Global Notes. ................................................... 48 SECTION 2.17. Transfer and Exchange of Notes. ................................................................ 50 SECTION 2.18. Computation of Interest. ............................................................................. 57 ARTICLE THREE REDEMPTION SECTION 3.01. Election To Redeem; Notices to Trustee. ................................................... 57 SECTION 3.02. Selection by Trustee of Notes To Be Redeemed. ....................................... 58 SECTION 3.03. Notice of Redemption. ................................................................................ 58 SECTION 3.04. Effect of Notice of Redemption. ................................................................. 59 SECTION 3.05. Deposit of Redemption Price. ..................................................................... 60 SECTION 3.06. Notes Redeemed in Part. ............................................................................. 61 SECTION 3.07. Mandatory Redemption, Etc. ...................................................................... 61 -i-


 
Page ARTICLE FOUR COVENANTS SECTION 4.01. Payment of Notes. ....................................................................................... 61 SECTION 4.02. Maintenance of Office or Agency. ............................................................. 63 SECTION 4.03. Legal Existence. .......................................................................................... 63 SECTION 4.04. [Reserved]. .................................................................................................. 64 SECTION 4.05. Waiver of Stay, Extension or Usury Laws. ................................................ 64 SECTION 4.06. Compliance Certificate. .............................................................................. 64 SECTION 4.07. Taxes. .......................................................................................................... 64 SECTION 4.08. Repurchase at the Option of Holders upon Change of Control Triggering Event. ..................................................................... 65 SECTION 4.09. Limitation on Asset Disposition. ................................................................ 68 SECTION 4.10. Limitation on Restricted Payments. ............................................................ 70 SECTION 4.11. Limitation on Liens. .................................................................................... 76 SECTION 4.12. Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions. ....................................... 77 SECTION 4.13. Reports to Holders. ..................................................................................... 78 SECTION 4.14. Additional Note Guarantees. ...................................................................... 79 SECTION 4.15. Termination of Covenants. ......................................................................... 80 ARTICLE FIVE SUCCESSOR CORPORATION SECTION 5.01. Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets. ................................................. 81 SECTION 5.02. Successor Person Substituted. .................................................................... 82 ARTICLE SIX DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES SECTION 6.01. Events of Default. ....................................................................................... 82 SECTION 6.02. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission. ........................................................ 84 SECTION 6.03. Other Remedies. ......................................................................................... 85 SECTION 6.04. Waiver of Existing Defaults and Events of Default. .................................. 85 SECTION 6.05. Control by Majority. ................................................................................... 86 SECTION 6.06. Limitation on Suits. .................................................................................... 86 SECTION 6.07. Rights of Holders To Receive Payment. ..................................................... 87 SECTION 6.08. Collection Suit by Trustee. ......................................................................... 87 SECTION 6.09. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. ............................................................. 87 SECTION 6.10. Priorities. ..................................................................................................... 88 SECTION 6.11. Undertaking for Costs. ................................................................................ 88 -ii-


 
Page ARTICLE SEVEN TRUSTEE SECTION 7.01. Duties of Trustee. ........................................................................................ 89 SECTION 7.02. Rights of Trustee. ........................................................................................ 90 SECTION 7.03. Individual Rights of Trustee. ...................................................................... 92 SECTION 7.04. Trustee’s Disclaimer. .................................................................................. 92 SECTION 7.05. Notice of Defaults. ...................................................................................... 93 SECTION 7.06. [Reserved]. .................................................................................................. 93 SECTION 7.07. Compensation and Indemnity. .................................................................... 93 SECTION 7.08. Replacement of Trustee. ............................................................................. 94 SECTION 7.09. Successor Trustee by Consolidation, Merger, etc. ..................................... 95 SECTION 7.10. Eligiblity; Disqualification. ........................................................................ 95 SECTION 7.11. Paying Agents. ............................................................................................ 96 ARTICLE EIGHT AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER SECTION 8.01. Without Consent of Noteholders. ............................................................... 96 SECTION 8.02. With Consent of Noteholders. .................................................................... 98 SECTION 8.03. [Reserved]. .................................................................................................. 99 SECTION 8.04. Revocation and Effect of Consents. ............................................................ 99 SECTION 8.05. Notation on or Exchange of Notes............................................................ 100 SECTION 8.06. Trustee To Sign Amendments, etc. ........................................................... 100 ARTICLE NINE DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE; GUARANTEE SECTION 9.01. Discharge of Indenture. ............................................................................ 101 SECTION 9.02. Legal Defeasance. ..................................................................................... 102 SECTION 9.03. Covenant Defeasance. ............................................................................... 103 SECTION 9.04. Conditions to Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance. ...................... 103 SECTION 9.05. Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations To Be Held in Trust. ...................................................................................... 105 SECTION 9.06. Reinstatement. .......................................................................................... 105 SECTION 9.07. Moneys Held by Paying Agent. ................................................................ 106 SECTION 9.08. Moneys Held by Trustee. .......................................................................... 106 ARTICLE TEN GUARANTEE OF SECURITIES -iii-


 
Page SECTION 10.01. Guarantee. ................................................................................................. 106 SECTION 10.02. Execution and Delivery of Note Guarantee. ............................................. 107 SECTION 10.03. Release of Guarantors. .............................................................................. 108 SECTION 10.04. Waiver of Subrogation. ............................................................................. 109 SECTION 10.05. Notice to Trustee. ...................................................................................... 110 SECTION 10.06. Limitation on Guarantor’s Liability. ......................................................... 110 ARTICLE ELEVEN MISCELLANEOUS SECTION 11.01. [Reserved]. ................................................................................................ 111 SECTION 11.02. Notices. ..................................................................................................... 111 SECTION 11.03. [Reserved]. ................................................................................................ 113 SECTION 11.04. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent. ................................ 113 SECTION 11.05. Statements Required in Certificate and Opinion. ..................................... 113 SECTION 11.06. Rules by Trustee and Agents. ................................................................... 114 SECTION 11.07. Business Days; Legal Holidays. ............................................................... 114 SECTION 11.08. Governing Law. ........................................................................................ 114 SECTION 11.09. No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements. ..................................... 114 SECTION 11.10. Successors. ................................................................................................ 114 SECTION 11.11. Multiple Counterparts. .............................................................................. 115 SECTION 11.12. Table of Contents, Headings, etc. ............................................................. 115 SECTION 11.13. Separability. .............................................................................................. 115 SECTION 11.14. Waiver of Jury Trial. ................................................................................. 115 SECTION 11.15. Consent to Jurisdiction and Service. ......................................................... 115 SECTION 11.16. Force Majeure. .......................................................................................... 116 SECTION 11.17. U.S.A. Patriot Act. .................................................................................... 116 SECTION 11.18. No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders. ...................................................................................... 116 EXHIBITS Exhibit A-1. Form of Restricted 2025 Note .............................................................. A-1-1 Exhibit A-2. Form of Restricted 2028 Note .............................................................. A-2-1 Exhibit A-3. Form of Unrestricted 2025 Note ........................................................... A-3-1 Exhibit A-4. Form of Unrestricted 2028 Note ........................................................... A-4-1 Exhibit B. Form of Private Placement Legend .......................................................... B-1 Exhibit C. Form of ERISA Legend ............................................................................ C-1 Exhibit D. Form of Legend for Global Note ..............................................................D-1 Exhibit E. Form of Regulation S Legend ................................................................... E-1 Exhibit F. Form of Certificate of Transfer ................................................................. F-1 Exhibit G. Form of Certificate of Exchange ..............................................................G-1 -iv-


 
Page Exhibit H. Form of Note Guarantee ...........................................................................H-1 Exhibit I. Form of Supplemental Indenture to be Delivered by Subsequent Guarantors ........................................................................................... I-1 -v-


 
INDENTURE, dated as of December 13, 2017 among James Hardie Interna- tional Finance Designated Activity Company, a private designated activity company duly in- corporated under the laws of Ireland (the “Issuer”), the Guarantors (as defined below) and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, a New York banking corporation, as trustee (the “Trustee”). Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of the other parties and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes.


 
-2- ARTICLE ONE DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE SECTION 1.01. Definitions. “2025 Notes” means the Initial 2025 Notes and the Additional 2025 Notes, treated as a single class of securities. “2028 Notes” means the Initial 2028 Notes and the Additional 2028 Notes, treated as a single class of securities. “Acquired EBITDA” means, with respect to any Acquired Entity or Business or any Converted Restricted Subsidiary for any period, the amount for such period of Consol- idated Adjusted EBITDA of such Pro Forma Entity (determined as if references to the Con- solidated Group in the definition of “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA” were references to such Pro Forma Entity and its subsidiaries that will become Restricted Subsidiaries), all as determined on a consolidated basis for such Pro Forma Entity in accordance with GAAP. “Acquired Entity or Business” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA.” “Additional Amounts” means, in the event any withholding or deduction (in- cluding, without limitation, because the Notes are not listed on the Irish Stock Exchange) is required for or on account of Taxes imposed by a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction from any payments made under or with respect to the Notes or under any Note Guarantee (including payments of principal, redemption price, interest or premium (if any)), such additional amounts the payment of which by the Issuer or a Guarantor, as applicable, may be necessary so that the net amount received by each Holder or beneficial owner of the Notes after such withholding or deduction (including any withholding or deduction attributable to the Addi- tional Amounts) will equal the amount such Holder or beneficial owner would have received if such Taxes had not been required to be withheld or deducted; provided that, notwithstand- ing the foregoing, Additional Amounts shall not include amounts payable in respect of, or on account of, the following: (1) any Taxes that would not have been imposed but for the existence of any present or former connection between a Holder or the beneficial owner of Notes and the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction (including being a citizen, resident or national of, or being engaged in business in, the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction), other than a con- nection arising from the acquisition, ownership, holding or disposition of the Notes, or enforcement of rights under the Notes or any Note Guarantee, or the receipt of pay- ments under or in respect of the Notes or any Note Guarantee;


 
-3- (2) any Taxes that are imposed by reason of the failure of a Holder or ben- eficial owner of Notes to satisfy any certification, identification or other reporting re- quirements concerning the nationality, residence, identity or connection with the Rele- vant Taxing Jurisdiction of such Holder or beneficial owner that is required by appli- cable law, regulation or administrative practice of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction as a precondition to exemption from, or reduction in the rate of deduction or withholding of, such Taxes, but in each case only to the extent such Holder or beneficial owner is legally eligible to provide such certification or other documentation; provided, howev- er, that the Issuer has delivered a request to such Holder to comply with such require- ments at least 30 days prior to the date by which such compliance is required; (3) any Taxes that would not have been imposed if the presentation of Notes (where presentation is required) for payment had occurred within 30 days after the date such payment was due and payable or was duly provided for, whichever is later, except to the extent that a Holder or beneficial owner of Notes would have been entitled to Additional Amounts had the Note been presented within such 30-day peri- od; (4) any Taxes payable otherwise than by deduction or withholding in re- spect of a payment on the Notes or any Note Guarantee; (5) any estate, inheritance, gift, value-added, personal property or similar Taxes; (6) any Tax imposed pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) as of the Issue Date (or any amended or successor version that is substantially comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any regulations promulgated thereunder or official interpre- tations thereof, any agreement entered into pursuant to Section 1471 of the Code as of the Issue Date (or any amended or successor version described above), or any inter- governmental agreement between the United States and another jurisdiction (and any related law) implementing the foregoing; (7) any Taxes that could have been avoided by the presentation of Notes (where presentation is required) for payment to another paying agent in a member state of the European Union; or (8) any combination of items (1) though (7) above. “Additional Assets” means: (1) any assets (other than Indebtedness and Capital Stock) to be used by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary;


 
-4- (2) the Capital Stock of a Person that becomes a Subsidiary as a result of the acquisition of such Capital Stock by Holdings or another Restricted Subsidiary; or (3) Capital Stock constituting a non-controlling interest in any Person that at such time is a Subsidiary. “Additional 2025 Notes” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01. “Additional 2028 Notes” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01. “Additional Notes” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01. “Adjusted Net Income” means in respect of a Fiscal Year, the consolidated net income for the Parent and any Person which Parent is required to consolidate in its audited financial statements (which shall, for the avoidance of doubt, deduct any tax expense or add any tax credit arising in such Fiscal Year) (but excluding any Excluded Entity) for such Fiscal Year as set out in the Parent’s audited financial statements for such Fiscal Year, adjusted, to the extent included in calculating such consolidated net income, by excluding, without dupli- cation: (a) non-cash provisions (including asbestos provisions) required under GAAP pursuant to which such audited financial statements are prepared with respect to the payments by the Performing Subsidiary to AICF pursuant to the terms of the AFFA; and (b) the portion of consolidated net income allocable to minority interests. “AFFA” means (i) the Amended and Restated Final Funding Agreement dated as of November 21, 2006 (as amended prior to the Issue Date and as further amended, restated or replaced from time to time) between AICF, James Hardie Industries SE, James Hardie 117 Pty Limited, and any other Performing Subsidiary party thereto from time to time, and the State of New South Wales together with (ii) the Amending Agreement – Parent Guarantee dated as of June 23, 2009 between AICF, the State of New South Wales and the Parent (as amended, restated or replaced from time to time). “Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirect- ly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise.


 
-5- “Agent” means any Registrar, Paying Agent, Depository Custodian, or agent for service or notices and demands. “Agent Members” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(a). “AICF” means Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited in its personal capacity and as trustee for the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund. “AICF Payments” means amounts paid by any member of the Consolidated Group (x) to the Performing Subsidiary in connection with the Performing Subsidiary’s pay- ments to AICF pursuant to the terms of the AFFA (including, for the avoidance of doubt, amounts paid in respect of intercompany obligations from time to time owed by a member of the Consolidated Group to the Performing Subsidiary) or (y) under any Guarantee in connec- tion therewith. “amend” means to amend, supplement, restate, amend and restate or otherwise modify; and “amendment” shall have a correlative meaning. “Applicable Treasury Rate” for any Make-Whole Redemption Date means: (i) in connection with the calculation of any Make-Whole Premium with re- spect to any 2025 Note, the yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15(519) that has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to such Make-Whole Redemption Date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from the Make-Whole Redemption Date to January 15, 2021; provided, howev- er, that if the period from the Make-Whole Redemption Date to January 15, 2021 is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is given, the Applicable Treasury Rate shall be obtained by the Issuer by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United States Treasury securities for which such yields are given except that if the period from the Make-Whole Redemption Date to January 15, 2021 is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used; and (ii) in connection with the calculation of any Make-Whole Premium with re- spect to any 2028 Note, the yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15(519) that has become publicly available at least two business days prior to such Make-Whole Redemption Date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from the Make-Whole Redemption Date to January 15, 2023; provided, howev-


 
-6- er, that if the period from the Make-Whole Redemption Date to January 15, 2023 is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is given, the Applicable Treasury Rate shall be obtained by the Issuer by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United States Treasury securities for which such yields are given except that if the period from the Make-Whole Redemption Date to January 15, 2023 is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used “asset” means any asset or property, whether real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible. “Asset Disposition” means any sale, transfer or other disposition (or series of related sales, transfers or dispositions) by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary, including any disposition by means of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction (each referred to for the purposes of this definition as a “disposition”), of: (1) any shares of Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary (other than direc- tors’ qualifying shares or shares required by applicable law to be held by a Person oth- er than Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary); (2) all or substantially all the assets of any division or line of business of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary; or (3) any other assets of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary outside of the ordinary course of business of Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the following shall be deemed to be an Asset Disposition: (1) a disposition by a Restricted Subsidiary to Holdings or by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary to a Restricted Subsidiary, including through any Permitted Reorganization; (2) for purposes of Section 4.09 only, a disposition of all or substantially all the assets of Holdings or the Issuer in compliance with Section 5.01 or a disposi- tion that constitutes a Change of Control pursuant to this Indenture; (3) a sale, contribution, conveyance or other transfer of accounts receivable and related assets of the type specified in the definition of Qualified Receivables Transaction by or to a Receivables Entity in a Qualified Receivables Transaction;


 
-7- (4) the license, sublicense or cross-license of intellectual property or other intangibles; (5) the lease, assignment or sublease of any real or personal property in the ordinary course of business; (6) any surrender or waiver of contract rights or settlement, release, recov- ery on or surrender of contract, tort or other claims in the ordinary course of business; (7) the granting of Security Interests not prohibited by Section 4.11; (8) the disposition by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business of (i) cash and cash equivalents, (ii) inventory and other assets acquired and held for resale in the ordinary course of business, (iii) damaged, worn out or obsolete assets or assets that, in Holdings’ reasonable judgment, are no longer used or useful in the business of Holdings or its Restricted Subsidiaries, or (iv) rights granted to others pursuant to leases or licenses, to the extent not materially inter- fering with the operations of Holdings or its Restricted Subsidiaries; (9) a Restricted Payment that does not violate Section 4.10 or any Invest- ment by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary that does not constitute a Restricted Pay- ment; (10) any exchange of assets for assets (including a combination of assets) (which assets may include Equity Interests or any securities convertible into, or exer- cisable or exchangeable for, Equity Interests, but which assets may not include any In- debtedness) of comparable or greater market value or usefulness to the business of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, which in the event of an exchange of assets with a fair market value in excess of (a) $50.0 million shall be evi- denced by an Officer’s Certificate and (b) $100.0 million shall be set forth in a resolu- tion approved by at least a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Hold- ings; provided that Holdings shall apply any cash or cash equivalents received in any such exchange of assets as described in Section 4.09(a); (11) dispositions of receivables in connection with the compromise, settle- ment or collection thereof in the ordinary course of business or in bankruptcy or simi- lar proceedings and exclusive of factoring or similar arrangements; (12) the issuance by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary of preferred stock or any convertible securities; (13) any sale of assets received by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary upon foreclosure on a Security Interest;


 
-8- (14) the unwinding of any Hedging Obligations (including sales under for- ward contracts); (15) any dispositions to the extent required by, or made pursuant to custom- ary buy/sell arrangements between the joint venture parties set forth in joint venture arrangements and similar binding agreements; (16) the lease or sublease of office space; (17) the abandonment, farm-out, lease, assignment, sub-lease, license or sub-license of any real or personal property in the ordinary course of business; (18) dispositions of property pursuant to casualty events; (19) a single transaction or series of related transactions that involve the dis- position of assets with a fair market value (as determined in good faith by Holdings) of less than $50.0 million; and (20) any sale or disposition of Equity Interests in, or Indebtedness or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary. “Attributable Indebtedness,” when used with respect to any Sale and Lease- back Transaction, means, as at the time of determination, the present value (discounted at the weighted average interest rate borne by the Notes, compounded on a semiannual basis) of the total obligations of the lessee for rental payments during the remaining term of the lease in- cluded in any such Sale and Leaseback Transaction. “Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended, or any similar federal, state, local or foreign law for the relief of debtors. “Board of Directors” means, with respect to any Person, the board of directors or comparable governing body of such Person or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of such board of directors (or comparable body). “Business Day” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.07. “Capital Expenditures” means, with respect to any Person for any period, any expenditure in respect of the purchase or other acquisition of any fixed or capital asset (ex- cluding normal replacements and maintenance which are properly charged to current opera- tions). For purposes of this definition, the purchase price of equipment that is purchased sim- ultaneously with the trade-in of existing equipment or with insurance proceeds shall be in- cluded in Capital Expenditures only to the extent of the gross amount by which such purchase price exceeds the credit granted by the seller of such equipment for the equipment being trad- ed in at such time or the amount of such insurance proceeds, as the case may be.


 
-9- “Capital Stock” means: (1) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock; (2) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, in- terests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock; and (3) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited). “Capitalized Lease” means a lease required to be capitalized for financial re- porting purposes in accordance with GAAP. “Capitalized Lease Obligations” of any Person means the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under a Capitalized Lease, and the amount of such obliga- tion shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP. “Change in Tax Law” means the occurrence of either of the following: (1) any change in, or amendment to, the law (or any regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder) of a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction, which change or amend- ment was publicly announced and became effective after the Issue Date (or, if the Rel- evant Taxing Jurisdiction became a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction on a date after the Is- sue Date, after such later date); or (2) any change in, or amendment to, the official application, administra- tion, or interpretation of such laws, regulations or rulings (including by virtue of a holding, judgment or order by a court of competent jurisdiction) of a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction, which change or amendment was publicly announced and became effec- tive after the Issue Date (or, if the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction became a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction on a date after the Issue Date, after such later date). “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following: (1) any Transfer (other than by way of merger or consolidation) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole to any “person” (as defined in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) or “group” (as defined in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act), other than any Transfer to Hold- ings or one or more Restricted Subsidiaries of Holdings; (2) the adoption of a plan for the liquidation or dissolution of the Issuer (other than in a transaction that complies with Section 5.01);


 
-10- (3) the Parent, Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings becomes aware (by way of a report or any other filing pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Ex- change Act, proxy, vote, written notice or otherwise) that a “person” (as defined above) or “group” (as defined above) has become, directly or indirectly, the “benefi- cial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act) of more than 50% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of the Parent, other than as a result of (i) any transaction where the voting power of the Voting Stock of the Parent imme- diately prior to such transaction constitutes or is converted into or exchanged for a ma- jority of the voting power of the Voting Stock of such beneficial owner (a “Permitted Parent”) or (ii) any merger or consolidation of the Parent with or into any “person” (as defined above) (a “Permitted Person”) or a Subsidiary of a Permitted Person, in each case, if immediately after such transaction no person (as defined above) is the benefi- cial owner (as defined above), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of such Permitted Person; or (4) the Parent ceases to own, directly or indirectly, 100% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of the Issuer. For purposes of this definition and any related definition to the extent used for purposes of this definition, a “person” or “group” shall not be deemed to beneficially own securities subject to an equity or asset purchase agreement, merger agreement or similar agreement (or voting or option or similar agreement related thereto) until the consummation of the transactions contemplated by such agreement. “Change of Control Triggering Event” means the occurrence of both a Change of Control and a Rating Decline. “Change of Control Offer” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.08(a). “Change of Control Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.08(a). “Change of Control Payment Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.08(b). “Commission” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA” means, with respect to any Person for any period: (1) the sum of, without duplication, the amounts for such period, taken as a single accounting period, of: (a) Consolidated Net Income;


 
-11- (b) Consolidated Interest Expense; (c) Consolidated Income Tax Expense (other than income tax ex- pense (either positive or negative) attributable to extraordinary gains or losses); (d) Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense; and (e) Consolidated Non-cash Charges; less (2) non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period, other than (a) the accrual of revenue consistent with past practice, and (b) reversals of prior accruals or reserves for cash items previously excluded in the calculation of Con- solidated Non-cash Charges; provided, that the calculation of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA shall (i) exclude any Ex- cluded Amounts and (ii) be reduced by the aggregate amount of AICF Payments during such period, in each case, to the extent such exclusion or reduction, as applicable, is not already reflected in the component definitions of the calculation of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA. In addition: (1) there shall be included in determining Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for any period, without duplication, the Acquired EBITDA of any Person, property busi- ness or asset acquired by any member of the Consolidated Group during such period (other than any Unrestricted Subsidiary) to the extent not subsequently sold, trans- ferred or otherwise disposed of during such period (but not including the Acquired EBITDA of any related Person, property, business or assets to the extent not so ac- quired) (each such Person, property, business or asset acquired, or pursuant to a transaction consummated prior to the Closing Date, and not subsequently so disposed of, an “Acquired Entity or Business”), and the Acquired EBITDA of any Unrestrict- ed Subsidiary that is converted into a Restricted Subsidiary during such period (each, a “Converted Restricted Subsidiary”), in each case based on the Acquired EBITDA of such Pro Forma Entity for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such acquisition or conversion) determined on a historical pro forma basis; and (2) there shall be excluded in determining Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for any period the Disposed EBITDA of any Person, property, business or asset sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of by any member of the Consolidated Group to the extent not subsequently reacquired, in each case, during such period (each such Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary), property, business or asset so sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, closed or classified, a “Sold Entity or Business”), and the Disposed EBITDA of any Restricted Subsidiary that is converted into an Unrestricted Subsidiary during such period (each, a “Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary”), in each


 
-12- case based on the Disposed EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business or Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such disposition) determined on a historical pro forma basis. In calculating Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for any period, if any Asset Disposition or Asset Acquisition (whether pursuant to a stock or an asset transaction), in each case with a fair market value (as determined in good faith by Holdings) greater than $10.0 million, shall have occurred since the first day of any twelve month period for which Consoli- dated Adjusted EBITDA is being calculated, such calculation shall give pro forma effect to such Asset Disposition or Asset Acquisition including, for the avoidance of doubt, any In- debtedness incurred in connection with such Asset Disposition or Asset Acquisition. For the purposes of calculating Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, “Asset Ac- quisition” means any acquisition of property or series of related acquisitions of property that constitutes all or substantially all of the assets of a business, unit or division of a Person or constitutes all or substantially all of the common stock (or equivalent) of a Person; and “Asset Disposition” means any disposition of property or series of related dispositions of property that involves all or substantially all of the assets of a business, unit or division of a Person or constitutes all or substantially all of the common stock (or equivalent) of a Subsidiary. “Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense” means with respect to the Consolidated Group for any period, the total amount of depreciation and amortization ex- pense, including amortization of deferred financing fees, of the Consolidated Group for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise in accordance with GAAP. “Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means the ratio of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of the Consolidated Group during the most recent four consecutive full fiscal quarters for which consolidated financial statements are available (the “Four-Quarter Period”) ending on or prior to the date of the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (the “Transaction Date”) to Consolidated Fixed Charges of the Consolidated Group for the Four-Quarter Period. Notwithstanding any- thing to the contrary set forth in the definitions of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Con- solidated Interest Expense (and all component definitions referenced in such definitions), whenever pro forma effect is to be given to the incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness or the issuance or redemption of Preferred Stock, the pro forma calculations shall be determined in good faith by a responsible officer of the Parent or Holdings. For purposes of this definition, Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Consoli- dated Fixed Charges shall be calculated after giving effect on a pro forma basis for the period of such calculation to the incurrence of any Indebtedness or the issuance of any Preferred Stock of any Consolidated Group member (and the application of the proceeds thereof) and any repayment of Indebtedness or redemption of other Preferred Stock (and the application of the proceeds therefrom) (other than the incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness in the ordi-


 
-13- nary course of business for working capital purposes pursuant to any revolving credit ar- rangement) occurring during the Four-Quarter Period or at any time subsequent to the last day of the Four-Quarter Period and on or prior to the Transaction Date, as if such incurrence, re- payment, issuance or redemption, as the case may be (and the application of the proceeds thereof), occurred on the first day of the Four-Quarter Period. In calculating Consolidated Fixed Charges for purposes of determining the de- nominator (but not the numerator) of this Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio: (a) interest on outstanding Indebtedness determined on a fluctuating basis as of the Transaction Date and which will continue to be so determined thereafter shall be deemed to have accrued at a fixed rate per annum equal to the rate of interest on such Indebtedness in effect on the Transaction Date (although interest with respect to any Indebtedness for periods while the same was actually outstanding during the re- spective period shall be calculated using the actual rates applicable thereto while the same was actually outstanding); (b) if interest on any Indebtedness actually incurred on the Transaction Date may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rates, then the interest rate in effect on the Transaction Date will be deemed to have been in effect during the Four-Quarter Period (although interest with respect to any Indebtedness for periods while the same was actually outstanding during the respective period shall be calculat- ed using the actual rates applicable thereto while the same was actually outstanding); and (c) notwithstanding clause (a) or (b) above, interest on Indebtedness de- termined on a fluctuating basis, to the extent such interest is covered by agreements re- lating to Hedging Obligations, shall be deemed to accrue at the rate per annum result- ing after giving effect to the operation of these agreements. “Consolidated Fixed Charges” means, for any period, the sum, without dupli- cation, of (a) Consolidated Interest Expense of the Consolidated Group for such period, plus (b) the product of (x) all dividend payments on any series of Disqualified Equity Interests of the Consolidated Group or any Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than any such Disqualified Equity Interests or any Preferred Stock held by any Consolidated Group member or to the extent paid in Qualified Equity Interests) for such period, multiplied by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then current combined federal, state and local statutory tax rate of the Consolidated Group, ex- pressed as a decimal.


 
-14- “Consolidated Group” means Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries; provid- ed that the Consolidated Group shall exclude, for the avoidance of doubt, (a) any Unrestricted Subsidiary and (b) any Excluded Entity. “Consolidated Income Tax Expense” means, for any period, the provision for federal, state, local and foreign income, franchise, excise, value added and similar taxes based on income, profit, revenue or capital (including any interest and penalties related thereto) of the Consolidated Group for such period as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP. “Consolidated Interest Expense” means, for any period, the interest expense of the Consolidated Group for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP (including amortization of original issue discount and deferred financing costs, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital- ized Lease Obligations, capitalized interest, net payments, if any, pursuant to interest rate- related Hedging Obligations and imputed interest with respect to Attributable Indebtedness but excluding write-offs associated with the amendment and restatement or repayment of In- debtedness and excluding, to the extent otherwise included therein, any Excluded Amounts). “Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the consolidated net income (or loss) of the Consolidated Group for such period as determined in accordance with GAAP (net of the aggregate amount of AICF Payments made during such period), adjusted, to the extent included in calculating such net income, by excluding, without duplication: (1) all extraordinary gains or losses (net of fees and expenses relating to the transaction giving rise thereto); (2) the portion of net income of the Consolidated Group members allocable to minority interests in unconsolidated Persons to the extent that cash dividends or dis- tributions have not actually been received by such Consolidated Group members; (3) gains or losses in respect of any sales of capital stock or asset sales out- side the ordinary course of business (including in a Sale and Leaseback Transaction) by such Consolidated Group members; (4) any gain or loss realized as a result of the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles; (5) any fees, expenses and other costs incurred or paid (and write-offs rec- orded) in connection with the offering of the Notes, the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility, or other Indebtedness; (6) nonrecurring or unusual gains or losses;


 
-15- (7) the net after-tax effects of adjustments in the inventory, property and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets line items in the Consolidated Group’s con- solidated financial statements pursuant to GAAP resulting from the application of pur- chase accounting or the amortization or write-off of any amounts thereof; (8) any fees and expenses incurred (and write-offs recorded) during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with any acquisition, investment, asset sale, issuance or repayment or amendment or restatement of indebt- edness, issuance of stock, stock options or other equity-based awards, refinancing transaction or amendment or modification of any debt instrument (including without limitation any such transaction undertaken but not completed); (9) any gain or loss recorded in connection with the designation of a dis- continued operation (exclusive of its operating income or loss); (10) any non-cash compensation or other non-cash expenses or charges aris- ing from the grant of or issuance or repricing of stock, stock options or other equity- based awards or any amendment, modification, substitution or change of any such stock, stock options or other equity-based awards; (11) any expenses or charges (including any break costs, redemption premi- um, make-whole payments, liquidated damages or other penalties) related to any Equi- ty Offering, Asset Disposition, merger, amalgamation, consolidation, arrangement, acquisition, disposition, recapitalization or the incurrence of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by this Indenture (including an exchange or refinancing thereof or amendment or modification of any debt instrument or issuance of stock) (whether or not successful); (12) any non-cash impairment, restructuring or special charge or asset write- off or write-down, and the amortization or write-off of intangibles; (13) Excluded Amounts; and (14) any swap break or reset costs incurred and paid as part of any termina- tion of any Hedging Obligations. Consolidated Net Income for such period of any Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments in respect of equity that are actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) by such Unrestricted Subsidiary to a Consolidated Group member in respect of such period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purpose of Section 4.10 only (other than clause (c)(4) of the first paragraph of Section 4.10), there shall be excluded from Consolidated


 
-16- Net Income any income arising from any sale of the stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any distribution or dividend from an Unrestricted Subsidiary, in each case only to the extent such amounts increase the amount of Restricted Payments permitted under clause (c)(4) of the first paragraph of Section 4.10. “Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means, in each case, with respect to the Consolidated Group the total amount of assets (less applicable reserves and other properly deductible items) after deducting therefrom (i) all liabilities and liability items, except for In- debtedness payable by its terms more than one year from the date of incurrence thereof (or renewable or extendable at the option of the obligor for a period ending more than one year after such date of incurrence), capitalized rent, capital stock (including redeemable preferred stock) and surplus, surplus reserves and deferred income taxes and credits and other non- current liabilities, and (ii) all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discount, unamortized expenses incurred in the issuance of debt, and other like intangibles which, in each case, in accordance with GAAP would be included on a consolidated balance sheet of the Consolidated Group; provided, that the calculation of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets shall exclude, to the extent otherwise included therein, any Excluded Amounts. “Consolidated Non-cash Charges” means, with respect to the Consolidated Group for any period, the aggregate non-cash expenses of the Consolidated Group and its Subsidiaries (including without limitation any minority interest) reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP. “Converted Restricted Subsidiary” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA.” “Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary” has the meaning specified in the defini- tion of “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA.” “Corporate Trust Office” means the designated office of the Trustee at which any time its corporate trust business in relation to this Indenture shall be administered, which at the date hereof is located at 60 Wall Street, 16th Floor, New York, New York 10005, At- tention: Corporates Team Deal Manager – James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company, or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Issuer, or the principal corporate trust office of any successor Trustee (or such other address as such successor Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Issuer). “Covenant Defeasance” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03. “Covenant Termination Event” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.15(a).


 
-17- “Credit Facilities” means one or more debt facilities (including, without limita- tion, the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility, commercial paper facilities, note purchase agreements or indentures providing for the sale of debt securities), in each case with banks, trustees or other lenders, note holders or investors providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, letters of credit or debt securities (including, without limitation, additional debt securi- ties permitted under any such note purchase agreement or indenture), in each case as any such agreement may be amended, restated, amended and restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced, in whole or in part, including any agreement(s) extending the maturity of or refinancing (including increasing the amount of available borrowings thereunder or add- ing Holdings or Restricted Subsidiaries of Holdings as borrowers or guarantors thereunder) all or any portion of the Indebtedness under such agreement(s) or any successor or replacement agreement and whether by the same or any other agent, trustee, lender, investor, note holder or group of lenders, investors or note holders or other creditor or group of creditors. “Default” means (1) any Event of Default or (2) any event, act or condition that, after notice or the passage of time or both, would be an Event of Default. “Depository” means, with respect to the Global Notes, The Depository Trust Company or another Person designated as depository by the Issuer, which Person must be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act. “Depository Custodian” means the Trustee as custodian with respect to the Global Notes or any successor entity thereto. “Designated Non-cash Consideration” means the fair market value of non-cash consideration received by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with an Asset Disposition that is designated as “Designated Non-cash Consideration” pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate, setting forth the basis of such valuation, less the amount of cash or cash equivalents received in connection with a subsequent sale, redemption or payment of, on or with respect to such Designated Non-cash Consideration. A particular item of Designated Non-Cash Consideration will no longer be considered to be outstanding when and to the ex- tent it has been paid, redeemed or otherwise retired or sold or otherwise disposed of in ex- change for consideration in the form of cash or cash equivalents in compliance with Section 4.09. “Disposed EBITDA” means, with respect to any Sold Entity or Business or Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary for any period, the amount for such period of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business or Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary (de- termined as if references to the Consolidated Group in the definition of “Consolidated Adjust- ed EBITDA” (and in the component financial definitions used therein) were references to such Sold Entity or Business and its Subsidiaries or to such Converted Unrestricted Subsidi- ary and its Subsidiaries), all as determined on a consolidated basis for such Sold Entity or Business.


 
-18- “Disqualified Equity Interests” of any Person means any class of Equity Inter- ests of such Person that, by its terms, or by the terms of any related agreement or of any secu- rity into which it is convertible, puttable or exchangeable, is, or upon the happening of any event or the passage of time would be, required to be redeemed by such Person, whether or not at the option of the holder thereof, or matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date which is 91 days after the final maturity date of the applicable series of Notes; provided, however, that any class of Equity Interests of such Person that, by its terms, authorizes such Person to satisfy in full its obligations with respect to the payment of dividends or upon maturity, redemption (pursuant to a sinking fund or otherwise) or repurchase thereof or otherwise by the delivery of Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Equity Interests, and that is not convertible, puttable or exchangeable for Disqualified Equity Interests or Indebtedness, will not be deemed to be Disqualified Equity Interests so long as such Person satisfies its obligations with respect thereto solely by the delivery of Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Equity Interests; provided, further, however, that any Equity Interests that would not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests but for provisions thereof giving holders thereof (or the holders of any securi- ty into or for which such Equity Interests are convertible, exchangeable or exercisable) the right to require the Issuer to redeem such Equity Interests upon the occurrence of a Change of Control or an Asset Disposition occurring prior to the 91st day after the final maturity date of the applicable series of Notes shall not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests if the change of control or asset disposition provisions applicable to such Equity Interests are no more fa- vorable to such holders than the provisions of Section 4.08 and Section 4.09, respectively, and such Equity Interests specifically provide that the Issuer will not redeem any such Equity In- terests pursuant to such provisions prior to the Issuer’s purchase of the Notes of such series as required pursuant to Section 4.08 and Section 4.09, respectively. “Dividend Period” has the meaning set forth in clause (g) of the second para- graph of Section 4.10. “Equity Interests” of any Person means (1) any and all shares or other equity interests (including common stock, preferred stock, limited liability company interests and partnership interests) in such Person and (2) all rights to purchase, warrants or options (whether or not currently exercisable), participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) such shares or other interests in such Person, but excluding any debt securities that are convertible into, or exchangeable for, such shares or other interests in such Person. “Equity Offering” means a public or private sale for cash of common stock of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent company of Holdings to the extent the net cash pro- ceeds therefrom are contributed to Holdings), other than (i) public offerings with respect to common stock of Holdings (or such parent) registered on Form F-4, Form S-4 or Form S-8 or (ii) any sale to any Subsidiary of Holdings.


 
-19- “Event of Default” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01. “Excess Proceeds” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.09(c). “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder. “Excluded Amounts” means with respect to any Person and its Restricted Sub- sidiaries, without duplication, the total amount of (i) asbestos-related liabilities, assets, in- come, gains, losses and charges, other than AICF Payments, (ii) AICF selling, general & ad- ministrative expenses, (iii) Australian Securities and Investments Commission-related ex- penses, recoveries and asset impairments and (iv) New Zealand product liability expenses in- curred by such Persons for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise in accordance with GAAP. “Excluded Entities” means AICF (and Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited in its personal capacity) and each of the following entities: (i) Amaba Pty Limited (ACN 000 387 342), (ii) Amaca Pty Limited (ACN 000 035 512), (iii) ABN 60 Pty Limited (ACN 000 009 263), and (iv) Marlew Mining Pty Limited (formerly known as Asbestos Mines Pty Limited) (ACN 000 049 650). “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Parent, which at the date hereof ends on March 31. “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opin- ions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession of the United States, which are in effect from time to time; provided that any leases that are not or would not be characterized as Capitalized Leases under GAAP as in effect on the Issue Date shall not be reclassified as Capitalized Leases and additional liabilities associated with such leases shall not be classified as Indebt- edness as a result of any changes in interpretive releases or literature regarding GAAP. At any time after the Issue Date, Holdings may elect to apply International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) accounting principles in lieu of GAAP and, upon any such election, refer- ences herein to GAAP and GAAP concepts shall thereafter be construed to refer to IFRS and corresponding IFRS concepts (except as otherwise provided in this Indenture); provided that any such election, once made, shall be irrevocable; provided further, any calculation or de- termination in this Indenture that requires the application of GAAP for periods that include fiscal quarters ended prior to Holdings’ election to apply IFRS shall remain as previously cal- culated or determined in accordance with GAAP. For purposes of this Indenture, the term “consolidated” with respect to any Person means such Person consolidated with its Restricted Subsidiaries and does not include any Unrestricted Subsidiary.


 
-20- “Global Note Legend” means the legend substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit D. “Global Notes” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(a). “Guarantee” means a guarantee (other than by endorsement of negotiable in- struments for collection in the ordinary course of business), direct or indirect, in any manner (including, without limitation, through letters of credit and reimbursement agreements in re- spect thereof), of all or any part of any Indebtedness. “Guarantee” when used as a verb shall have a corresponding meaning. “Guarantor” means (and shall include, for the avoidance of doubt, any succes- sor Person): (1) Holdings; (2) each Subsidiary that executes and delivers a Note Guarantee pursuant to Section 4.14; and (3) each Subsidiary that otherwise executes and delivers a Note Guarantee, in each case, until such time as such Person is released from its Note Guarantee in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture. “Hedging Obligations” of any Person means the obligations of such Person under swap, cap, collar, forward purchase or similar agreements or arrangements dealing with interest rates, currency exchange rates or commodity prices or availability, either generally or under specific contingencies, and including both physical and financial settlement transac- tions. “Holder” or “Noteholder” means any registered holder, from time to time, of any Notes. “Holding Company” means any Person that does not conduct any material op- erations or own directly any material assets other than the Equity Interests or Indebtedness of any other Person. “Holdings” means James Hardie International Group Limited, a private limited company duly incorporated under the laws of Ireland, or its Replacement Entity. “Indebtedness” of any Person at any date means, without duplication: (a) all liabilities, contingent or otherwise, of such Person for borrowed money;


 
-21- (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments; (c) all reimbursement obligations of such Person in respect of letters of credit, letters of guaranty, bankers’ acceptances and similar credit transactions; (d) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred and unpaid purchase price of property or services, except trade payables and accrued expenses incurred by such Person in the ordinary course of business in connection with obtaining goods, materials or services and except obligations to pay a contingent purchase price as long as such obligation remains contingent; (e) the maximum fixed redemption or repurchase price of all Disqualified Equity Interests of such Person (but excluding any accrued but unpaid dividends); (f) all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person; (g) all Indebtedness of others secured by a Security Interest on any asset of such Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person; (h) all Indebtedness of others guaranteed by such Person to the extent of such guarantee; provided that Indebtedness of (i) the Consolidated Group that is guar- anteed by any Consolidated Group member shall only be counted once in the calcula- tion of the amount of Indebtedness of the Consolidated Group on a consolidated basis and (ii) Holdings or the Restricted Subsidiaries that is guaranteed by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary shall only be counted once in the calculation of the amount of Indebtedness of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis; and (i) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title reten- tion agreements relating to assets purchased by such Person. The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be the outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above, the maximum liabil- ity of such Person for any such contingent obligations at such date and, in the case of clause (g), the lesser of (a) the fair market value (as determined in good faith by Holdings) of any asset subject to a Security Interest securing the Indebtedness of others on the date that the Se- curity Interest attaches and (b) the amount of the Indebtedness secured. For purposes of clause (e), the “maximum fixed redemption or repurchase price” of any Disqualified Equity Interests that do not have a fixed redemption or repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Equity Interests as if such Disqualified Equity Interests were redeemed or repurchased on any date on which an amount of Indebtedness outstanding shall be required to be determined pursuant to this Indenture. For the avoidance of doubt, the obli- gations and liabilities in respect to AICF Payments do not constitute Indebtedness.


 
-22- “Indenture” means this Indenture as amended, restated or supplemented from time to time. “Initial 2025 Notes” means the $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.75% Senior Notes due 2025 issued by the Issuer pursuant to this Indenture on the date here- of. “Initial 2028 Notes” means the $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.00% Senior Notes due 2028 issued by the Issuer pursuant to this Indenture on the date here- of. “Initial Purchasers” means Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorpo- rated, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., U.S. Bancorp Invest- ments, Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC. “interest” means interest payable with respect to the Notes. “Interest Payment Date” means the stated maturity of an installment of interest on the Notes. “Investment Grade Rating” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s and a rating equal to or higher than BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P, in each case with stable outlook, or an equivalent rating by any other Rating Agency. “Investments” means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Per- son in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form of loans (including guarantees), ad- vances or capital contributions (excluding accounts receivable, trade credit and advances to customers and commission, travel and similar advances to officers, employees and consultants made in the ordinary course of business and any assets or securities received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors and any prepayments and other credits to suppliers made in the ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisi- tions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities issued by any other Person and investments that are required by GAAP to be classified on the balance sheet of such Person in the same manner as the other investments included in this definition to the ex- tent such transactions involve the transfer of cash or other property. For purposes of the definition of Unrestricted Subsidiary and Section 4.10, (a) “Investments” shall include the portion (proportionate to Holdings’ equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of a Subsidiary at the time that such Sub- sidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; (b) any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its fair market value at the time of such transfer, in each case as determined in good faith by Holdings; and (c) any transfer of Capital Stock that results in an entity which became a Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date ceasing to be a


 
-23- Restricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to be an Investment in an amount equal to the fair mar- ket value (as determined by Holdings in good faith as of the date of initial acquisition) of the Capital Stock of such entity owned by Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries immediately after such transfer. “Issue Date” means December 13, 2017. “Issuer” means James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Com- pany or any successor obligor to its obligations under this Indenture and the Notes pursuant to Section 5.01. “Legal Defeasance” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02. “Legal Holiday” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.07. “Make-Whole Premium” means: (i) with respect to a 2025 Note at any Make-Whole Redemption Date, an amount equal to the greater of (i) 1.0% of the principal amount of such Note and (ii) the ex- cess, if any, of (x) the present value of the sum of the principal amount and premium that would be payable on such Note on January 15, 2021 and all remaining interest payments to and including January 15, 2021 (but excluding any interest accrued to the Make-Whole Re- demption Date), discounted on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at a per annum interest rate equal to the Applicable Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points, over (y) the outstanding principal amount of such Note; and (ii) with respect to a 2028 Note at any Make-Whole Redemption Date, an amount equal to the greater of (i) 1.0% of the principal amount of such Note and (ii) the ex- cess, if any, of (x) the present value of the sum of the principal amount and premium that would be payable on such Note on January 15, 2023 and all remaining interest payments to and including January 15, 2023 (but excluding any interest accrued to the Make-Whole Re- demption Date), discounted on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at a per annum interest rate equal to the Applicable Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points, over (y) the outstanding principal amount of such Note. “Make-Whole Redemption Date” with respect to a redemption of Notes of any series at the Make-Whole Premium, means the date such redemption is effectuated. “Maturity Date” when used with respect to any Note, means the date on which the principal amount of such Note becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided. “Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor to its rat- ing agency business.


 
-24- “Net Available Cash” from an Asset Disposition means cash payments re- ceived therefrom (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of prin- cipal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or otherwise, but only as and when received, but excluding any other consideration received in the form of assumption by the acquiring Person of Indebtedness or other obligations relating to such properties or assets or received in any other noncash form), in each case net of: (1) all legal, accounting, investment banking, title and recording tax ex- penses, commissions and other fees (including financial and other advisory fees) and expenses incurred, and all Federal, state, provincial, foreign and local taxes required to be paid or accrued as a liability under GAAP, as a consequence of such Asset Disposi- tion; (2) all payments made on any Indebtedness which is secured by any assets subject to such Asset Disposition, in accordance with the terms of any lien upon or other security agreement of any kind with respect to such assets, or which must by its terms, or in order to obtain a necessary consent to such Asset Disposition, or by appli- cable law, be repaid out of the proceeds from such Asset Disposition; (3) all distributions and other payments required to be made to non- controlling interest holders in Subsidiaries or joint ventures as a result of such Asset Disposition; and (4) appropriate amounts provided by the seller as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities associated with the property or other assets dis- posed in such Asset Disposition and retained by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary after such Asset Disposition. “Non-U.S. Person” means a Person who is not a U.S. Person. “Note Guarantee” means the Guarantee by each Guarantor of the Issuer’s obli- gations under this Indenture and the Notes, pursuant to the provisions of this Inden- ture. “Notes” means the 2025 Notes and the 2028 Notes issued by the Issuer pursu- ant to this Indenture. The Notes of each series issued on the Issue Date and any Additional Notes of the same series issued under this Indenture shall be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture, including with respect to voting, and unless the context other- wise requires, all references to the Notes of a particular series shall include the Notes of such series issued on the Issue Date and any Additional Notes of such series. Each of the 2025 Notes and the 2028 Notes shall be separate series of Notes for all purposes under this Inden- ture, including, without limitation, waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase.


 
-25- “Offer” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.09(c). “Offering Memorandum” means the Offering Memorandum of the Issuer, dat- ed November 29, 2017, relating to the offering of the Notes on the Issue Date. “Officer’s Certificate” means a certificate signed by an Officer of Holdings or the Issuer, as the case may be. “Officers” means, with respect to any Person, the Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Controller, any Senior Vice President, any Vice President of such Person or any other authorized officer or director of such Person. “Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel, who may be an employee of or counsel to Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, or other counsel, which is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. Each such opinion shall include the statements provided for in Section 11.05, if and to the extent required by the provisions thereof. “Parent” means James Hardie Industries plc, a public limited company duly in- corporated under the laws of Ireland, and, following any transaction involving a Permitted Parent or Permitted Person, shall instead mean such Permitted Parent or Permitted Person, as the case may be. “Pari Passu Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Guar- antor that ranks pari passu in right of payment with the Notes or the Note Guarantees, as ap- plicable (without giving effect to collateral arrangements). “Paying Agent” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04. “Payment Default” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01. “Performing Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Parent primarily liable to make funding payments to AICF under the AFFA, it being understood that the Performing Subsidiary, as of the Issue Date, is James Hardie 117 Pty Limited. “Permitted Parent” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Change of Control.” “Permitted Person” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Change of Control.” “Permitted Reorganization” means any amalgamation, merger, plan or scheme of arrangement, exchange offer, business combination, reincorporation, reorganization, con- solidation, continuation, discontinuation, domestication, re-domestication, conversion or simi- lar action (including, without limitation, pursuant to a dissolution, liquidation or winding up),


 
-26- or a sale, distribution or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets (or any com- bination thereof), in each case, involving the assets of (including, as applicable, Equity Inter- ests in), Parent and its subsidiaries, including any steps in a plan adopted in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Parent, whether or not such steps occur before, concurrently with or after other steps in such plan (a “Reorganization”) where: (a) all of the assets of (including Equity Interests in) the relevant Subsidiary of the Consolidated Group (but excluding any Holding Companies) continue to be owned directly or indirectly by James Hardie International Group Limited (or its Re- placement Entity) in the same or a greater percentage as prior to such Reorganiza- tion, except for: (i) the Equity Interests in any Subsidiary of the Consolidated Group which has been Reorganized with or into another Subsidiary of the Consoli- dated Group or which has otherwise ceased to exist as a result of such Reor- ganization; or (ii) the assets of (including Equity Interests in) Subsidiaries of the Consolidated Group which cease, in connection with such Reorganization, to be owned as a result of a transaction that otherwise is, or would be, per- mitted under this Indenture (but for the inclusion of this definition); and (b) immediately after giving effect to any Reorganization, including the re- lease of any Guarantor or the addition of any Guarantor, the Issuer and the Guaran- tors will own, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all of the assets (other than any Holding Companies) as they collectively owned before such Reorganization; provided that in connection with any release of the Note Guarantee of James Hardie International Group Limited, a direct or indirect Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Parent, which shall be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the United States or a state thereof, Australia or a state thereof, Canada or a province thereof, a member state of the European Union, the United Kingdom or any other jurisdiction (other than The Philippines) in which the Issuer, a Guarantor or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Holdings is organized as of the Issue Date (the “Replacement Entity”), provides a Note Guarantee substantially concurrently with such release and such Re- placement Entity owns directly or indirectly 100% of the Equity Interests of the Re- stricted Subsidiaries (other than any Holding Companies) immediately following the provision by the Replacement Entity of such Note Guarantee. The Issuer will provide written notice to the Trustee upon the completion of any Permitted Reorganization. “Permitted Security Interest” shall mean:


 
-27- (1) Security Interests on property acquired, constructed, developed or im- proved after the Issue Date by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary and created prior to or contemporaneously with, or within 180 days after such acquisition, construction, development or improvement; (2) Security Interests on property at the time of the acquisition thereof, which secure obligations assumed by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary, or on the property or on the outstanding shares or indebtedness of a corporation or firm at the time it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or is merged into or consolidated with Hold- ings or a Restricted Subsidiary, or on properties of a corporation or firm acquired by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary as an entirety or substantially as an entirety; pro- vided that the Security Interests may not extend to any other property of Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary other than proceeds and products of such property, shares or indebtedness and accessions thereto; (3) Security Interests arising from conditional sales agreements or title re- tention agreements with respect to property acquired by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary; (4) Security Interests securing indebtedness of Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary owing to Holdings or to another Restricted Subsidiary; (5) Security Interests (a) to secure obligations under the Credit Facilities or other Indebtedness or (b) in accounts receivable and related assets of the types speci- fied in the definition of “Qualified Receivables Transaction” incurred in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction, in an aggregate principal amount under clauses (a) and (b) combined not to exceed the greater of (x) $1,000.0 million and (y) the maximum amount that would not cause the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio to exceed 3.50 to 1.00 after giving effect to the incurrence of the obligations to be se- cured by such Security Interests; (6) Security Interests existing on the Issue Date; (7) any Security Interest arising by reason of deposits with, or the giving of any form of security to, any governmental agency or any body created or approved by law or governmental regulations, which is required by law or governmental regulation as a condition to the transaction of any business, or the exercise of any privilege, fran- chise or license; (8) carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’ and other statutory liens arising in the ordinary course of business (including construction of facilities) in respect of obligations that are not more than 90 days overdue or that are being contested in good faith;


 
-28- (9) Security Interests for taxes, assessments or governmental charges that are not more than 90 days overdue or for taxes, assessments or governmental charges that are being contested in good faith; (10) Security Interests (including judgment liens) arising in connection with legal proceedings so long as such proceedings are being contested in good faith and, in the case of judgment liens, execution thereon is stayed or does not give rise to an Event of Default; (11) landlords’ liens on fixtures on premises leased in the ordinary course of business; (12) Security Interests to secure the performance of statutory obligations, in- surance, surety or appeal bonds, performance bonds, or other obligations of a like na- ture incurred in the ordinary course of business (including Security Interests to secure letters of credit issued to assure payment of such obligations); (13) Security Interests on assets of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsid- iaries securing Hedging Obligations or Treasury Management Arrangements; (14) survey exceptions, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights-of-way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real property that were not incurred in connection with Indebtedness and that do not in the aggregate material- ly impair the use of said properties in the operation of the business of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries; (15) Security Interests on insurance policies and proceeds thereof, or other deposits, to secure insurance premium financings; (16) filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements as a precau- tionary measure in connection with operating leases; (17) bankers’ liens and rights of setoff; (18) Security Interests in cash, cash equivalents or other property arising in connection with the defeasance, discharge or redemption of Indebtedness; (19) Security Interests on specific items of inventory or other goods (and the proceeds thereof) of Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary securing such Person’s obli- gations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or trade-related letters of credit issued or created in the ordinary course of business for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods;


 
-29- (20) grants of intellectual property licenses (including software and other technology licenses) in the ordinary course of business; (21) Security Interests incurred or pledges or deposits made in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insur- ance and other types of social security and employee health and disability benefits (in- cluding pledges or deposits securing liability to insurance carriers under insurance or self-insurance arrangements); (22) pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business to secure liability to insurance carriers; (23) Security Interests to secure partial, progress, advance or other payments or any indebtedness incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the pur- chase price or the cost of construction, development, or substantial repair, alteration or improvement of the property subject to such Security Interests if the commitment for the financing is obtained not later than 180 days after the later of the completion of or the placing into operation (exclusive of test and start-up periods) of such property; (24) Security Interests on the Capital Stock of any Unrestricted Subsidiary or joint venture which secures Indebtedness or other obligations of such Unrestricted Subsidiary or joint venture; (25) Security Interests on the assets of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor and which secures Indebtedness or other obligations of such Restricted Subsidiary (or of another Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor); (26) Security Interests to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension, re- newal or replacement (or successive refinancing, refunding, extensions, renewals or replacements) as a whole, or in part, of any Indebtedness secured by any Security In- terest referred to in the foregoing clauses (1), (2), (5), (6) or (23) above or this clause (26); provided that (x) such new Security Interest shall be limited to all or part of the same property that secured the original Security Interest (plus improvements thereof, accessions thereto and proceeds and products thereof) and (y) the Indebtedness se- cured by such Security Interest at such time is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (A) the outstanding principal amount or, if greater, committed amount of the Indebtedness described under clauses (1), (2), (5), (6) or (23) above at the time the original Security Interest became a Permitted Security Interest under this Indenture and in the case of this clause (26) at the time of refinancing, refunding, extending, re- newing or replacing such Permitted Security Interest, and (B) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums, related to such refinancing, refund- ing, extension, renewal or replacement; or


 
-30- (27) other Security Interests securing Indebtedness, in an aggregate principal amount for Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries together with the amount of At- tributable Indebtedness incurred in connection with Sale and Leaseback Transactions, not exceeding at the time such Security Interest is created or assumed the greater of $150.0 million and 7.5% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets (provided that any In- debtedness incurred to refinance, refund, extend, renew or replace Indebtedness se- cured by Security Interests pursuant to this clause (27) shall be permitted to be secured by Security Interests pursuant to this clause (27) notwithstanding that at the time of in- currence thereof, such Indebtedness may exceed the amount that would then be per- mitted to be secured under this clause (27) due to a diminution in the amount of Con- solidated Net Tangible Assets). Additionally, any permitted Secured Debt includes (with certain limitations) any extension, renewal or refunding, in whole or in part, of any Secured Debt permitted at the time of the original incurrence thereof. For purposes of determining compliance with Section 4.11, a Security Interest need not be permitted solely by one category of Permitted Security Interests but may be per- mitted in part under any combination thereof, and if a Permitted Security Interest (or any por- tion thereof) meets the criteria or more than one of the exceptions described in clauses (1) through (27) above, Holdings may, in its sole discretion, classify or reclassify the Permit- ted Security Interest (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with Section 4.11. “Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability com- pany, trust, unincorporated organization, trust or joint venture, association, or a governmental agency or political subdivision thereof or other entity. “Physical Notes” means certificated Notes in registered form that are not Global Notes. “Preferred Stock” means, with respect to any Person, any and all preferred or preference stock or other equity interests (however designated) of such Person having a pref- erence or priority over other Equity Interests (however designated) of such Person, whether outstanding as of, or issued after, the Issue Date. “principal” of a Note means the principal of the Note plus the premium, if any, payable on the Note which is due or overdue or is to become due at the relevant time. “Principal Facility” means any land, building, machinery or equipment, or leasehold interests and improvements in respect of the foregoing, owned, on the date of this Indenture or thereafter, by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary, which has a gross book value (without deduction for any depreciation reserves) at the date as of which the determination is being made in excess of 1.0% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets, other than any such land,


 
-31- building, machinery or equipment, or leasehold interests and improvements in respect of the foregoing which, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of Holdings (evidenced by a board resolution), is not of material importance to the business conducted by Holdings and its Re- stricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole. “Private Placement Legend” means the legend substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit B. “Pro Forma Entity” means any Acquired Entity or Business, any Sold Entity or Business, any Converted Restricted Subsidiary or any Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary. “Qualified Equity Interests” of any Person means Equity Interests of such Per- son other than Disqualified Equity Interests; provided that such Equity Interests shall not be deemed Qualified Equity Interests to the extent sold to a Subsidiary of such Person or fi- nanced, directly or indirectly, using funds (1) borrowed from such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person until and to the extent such borrowing is repaid or (2) contributed, extended, guaranteed or advanced by such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person (including, without limitation, in respect of any employee stock ownership or benefit plan). Unless otherwise specified, Qualified Equity Interests refer to Qualified Equity Interests of Holdings. “Qualified Institutional Buyer” shall have the meaning specified in Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act. “Qualified Receivables Transaction” means any transaction or series of trans- actions that may be entered into by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to which Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may sell, convey or otherwise transfer to: (1) a Receivables Entity (in the case of a transfer by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries), or (2) any other Person (in the case of a transfer by a Receivables Entity), or may grant a security interest in, any accounts receivable (whether now existing or arising in the future) of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, and any assets related thereto, including all collateral securing such accounts receivable, all contracts and all Guarantees or other obligations in respect of such accounts receivable, proceeds of such accounts receivable and other assets which are customarily transferred or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted in connection with asset securitization transactions involving accounts receivable; provided, however, that the financing terms, covenants, termination events and other provisions thereof shall be market terms in all material respects at the time of such transaction (as determined in good faith by Holdings). The grant of a Security Interest in any accounts receivable of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to secure Indebtedness under Credit Facilities shall not be deemed a Qualified Receivables Transaction.


 
-32- “Rating Agencies” means Moody’s and S&P or if Moody’s or S&P or both cease to rate the Notes of a series for reasons outside of the control of the Issuer, a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or organizations, as the case may be, within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act, selected by the Parent which shall be sub- stituted for Moody’s or S&P or both with respect to such series of Notes, as the case may be. “Rating Decline” means, with respect to any series of Notes, the occurrence of a decrease in the rating of the Notes of such series by one or more gradations by any of the two Rating Agencies (including gradations within the rating categories, as well as between categories), within 60 days after the earlier of (x) a Change of Control, (y) the date of public notice of the occurrence of a Change of Control or (z) public notice of the intention by the Parent, the Issuer or Holdings to effect a Change of Control (which 60-day period shall be ex- tended so long as the rating of the Notes of such series is under publicly announced considera- tion for possible downgrade by each such Rating Agency); provided, however, that a Rating Decline otherwise arising by virtue of a particular reduction in rating will not be deemed to have occurred in respect of a particular Change of Control (and thus will not be deemed a Rat- ing Decline for purposes of the definition of Change of Control Triggering Event) unless the Rating Agency making the reduction in rating to which this definition would otherwise apply announces or publicly confirms or informs the Trustee in writing at the Parent’s, the Issuer’s or Holdings’ or its request that the reduction was the result, in whole or in part, of any event or circumstance comprised of or arising as a result of, or in respect of, the applicable Change of Control (whether or not the applicable Change of Control has occurred at the time of the Rating Decline); provided, further, that notwithstanding the foregoing, a Ratings Decline shall not be deemed to have occurred so long as such series of Notes has an Investment Grade Rat- ing from two Rating Agencies. “Receivables Entity” means (a) a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Holdings that is designated by the Board of Directors of Holdings (as provided below) as a Receivables En- tity or (b) another Person engaging in a Qualified Receivables Transaction with Holdings, which Person engages in the business of the financing of accounts receivable, and in the case of either clause (a) or (b): (1) no portion of the Indebtedness or any other obligations (contingent or otherwise) of such entity: (A) is Guaranteed by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings (excluding Guarantees of obligations (other than the principal of, and interest on, Indebtedness) pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings), (B) is recourse to or obligates Holdings or any Restricted Subsidi- ary of Holdings in any way (other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings), or


 
-33- (C) subjects any asset of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings, directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction thereof (other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings); (2) the entity is not an Affiliate of Holdings or is an entity with which nei- ther Holdings nor any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings has any material contract, agreement, arrangement or understanding other than on terms that Holdings reasona- bly believes to be no less favorable to Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons that are not Affiliates of Hold- ings; and (3) is an entity to which neither Holdings nor any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings has any obligation to maintain or preserve such entity’s financial condition or cause such entity to achieve certain levels of operating results. Any such designation by the Board of Directors of Holdings shall be evidenced to the Trustee by providing the Trustee a certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Di- rectors of Holdings giving effect to such designation and an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing conditions. “Redemption Date” when used with respect to any Note to be redeemed pursu- ant to paragraph 5 of the Notes, means the date fixed for such redemption pursuant to the terms of this Indenture and the Notes. “Registrar” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04. “Regulation S” means Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act. “Regulation S Global Note” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(a). “Regulation S Legend” means the legend substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit E. “Regulation S Notes” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02. “Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction” means any of the following, including any po- litical subdivision or governmental authority thereof or therein: (1) Ireland; (2) any jurisdiction from or through which any payment made by or on behalf of the Issuer or any Guarantor under or with respect to the Notes or any Note Guarantee is made; or


 
-34- (3) any other jurisdiction in which the Issuer or any Guarantor is incorporated, organized, engaged in business for tax purposes or otherwise resident for tax purposes. “Reorganization” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Permitted Re- organization.” “Replacement Entity” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Permitted Reorganization.” “Responsible Officer” means, when used with respect to the Trustee, any of- ficer in the corporate trust department of the Trustee including any director, vice president, assistant vice president or any other officer of the Trustee who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, in each case having direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture, and any other officer to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of such officer’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject. “Restricted Global Note” means a Global Note that is a Restricted Note. “Restricted Note” has the same meaning as “restricted security” set forth in Rule 144(a)(3) promulgated under the Securities Act; provided that the Trustee shall be enti- tled to request (at the expense of the Issuer) and conclusively rely upon an Opinion of Coun- sel with respect to whether any Note is a Restricted Note. “Restricted Payment” means any of the following: (a) the declaration or payment of any dividend or any other distribution on Equity Interests of Holdings or any payment made to the direct or indirect holders (in their capacities as such) of Equity Interests of Holdings, including, without limitation, any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving Holdings but excluding dividends or distributions payable solely in Qualified Equity Interests of Holdings or through accretion or accumulation of such dividends on such Equity In- terests; (b) the redemption of any Equity Interests of Holdings, including, without limitation, any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving Holdings; or (c) any Investment in an Unrestricted Subsidiary. “Restricted Payments Basket” has the meaning set forth in clause (c) of the first paragraph of Section 4.10.


 
-35- “Restricted Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.17(b)(i). “Restricted Physical Note” means a Physical Note that is a Restricted Note. “Restricted Subsidiary” means, at any time, any direct or indirect Subsidiary of Holdings that is not then an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that upon the occur- rence of an Unrestricted Subsidiary ceasing to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary, such Subsidiary shall be included in the definition of Restricted Subsidiary. “Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act. “Rule 144A” means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act. “Rule 144A Global Note” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(a). “Rule 144A Notes” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02. “S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service, and any successor to its rat- ing agency business. “Sale and Leaseback Transaction” means any sale or transfer made by Hold- ings or one or more Restricted Subsidiaries (except a sale or transfer made to Holdings or one or more Restricted Subsidiaries) of any Principal Facility that (in the case of a Principal Facil- ity which is a building or equipment) has been in operation, use or commercial production (exclusive of test and start-up periods) by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary for more than 180 days prior to such sale or transfer, or that (in the case of a Principal Facility that is a parcel of real property not containing a building) has been owned by Holdings or any Re- stricted Subsidiary for more than 180 days prior to such sale or transfer, if such sale or trans- fer is made with the intention of leasing, or as part of an arrangement involving the lease of such Principal Facility to Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary (except a lease for a period not exceeding 36 months made with the intention that the use of the leased Principal Facility by Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary will be discontinued on or before the expiration of such period); provided, however, that the creation of any Secured Debt permitted under Sec- tion 4.11 shall not be deemed to create or be considered a Sale and Leaseback Transaction. “Secured Debt” means outstanding Indebtedness of Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary which is secured by (a) a Security Interest in any assets of Holdings or any Re- stricted Subsidiary, or (b) a Security Interest in any shares of stock owned directly or indirect- ly by Holdings in a Restricted Subsidiary. The securing in the foregoing manner of any previ- ously unsecured debt shall be deemed to be the creation of Secured Debt at the time such se- curity is given. The amount of Secured Debt at any time outstanding shall be the aggregate principal amount then owing thereon by Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries.


 
-36- “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder. “Security Interest” means any mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance or other security interest which secures payment or performance of an obligation. “Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio” means, as of the date of determination, the ratio of (a) the Total Net Debt of the Consolidated Group secured by a Security Interest as of the last day of the most recently ended four quarter period ended immediately prior to such date of determination for which consolidated financial statements are available to (b) Consol- idated Adjusted EBITDA of the Consolidated Group for the most recently ended four fiscal quarter period ending immediately prior to such date for which consolidated financial state- ments are available. In the event that any Consolidated Group member incurs, redeems, re- tires, defeases or extinguishes any Total Net Debt (other than Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility unless such Indebtedness has been permanently paid and not replaced) subse- quent to the commencement of the period for which the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to or simultaneously with the event for which the calculation of the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio is made, then the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, redemption, retirement, defeasance or extinguishment of Total Net Debt as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the appli- cable four-quarter period. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in the definition of “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA” (and all component definitions referenced in such defi- nitions), whenever pro forma effect is to be given to any Asset Acquisition, Asset Disposition (in each case with a fair market value (as determined in good faith by Holdings) greater than $10.0 million) or incurrence, redemption, retirement, defeasance or extinguishment of Total Net Debt, the pro forma calculations shall be determined in good faith by a responsible officer of the Parent or Holdings. “Significant Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that would be a “significant subsidiary” as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Regulation was in effect on the Issue Date. “Sold Entity or Business” has the meaning specified in the definition of Con- solidated Adjusted EBITDA.” “Standard Securitization Undertakings” means representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities entered into by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings that, taken as a whole, are customary in an accounts receivable transaction (as determined in good faith by Holdings). “Subordinated Indebtedness” means Indebtedness of Holdings or any Restrict- ed Subsidiary that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the Note Guarantees by Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be.


 
-37- “Subsidiary” of a Person means a corporation, association, partnership, limited liability company or other entity of which more than 50% of the outstanding Voting Stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person or by one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiar- ies” shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of Holdings. “Tax” means any tax, duty, levy, impost, assessment, deduction, withholding or other charge imposed by any governmental authority (including penalties, additions to tax, interest and any other liabilities related thereto). “Terminated Covenants” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.15(a). “TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. “Total Net Debt” means, at any date of determination, the aggregate amount of all outstanding indebtedness of the types described in clauses (a), (b) or (f) of the definition of “Indebtedness” (less any unrestricted cash and cash equivalents to the extent not constituting Excluded Amounts) of the Consolidated Group determined on a consolidated basis in accord- ance with GAAP. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of Section 4.11, a binding commitment to lend under a revolving credit facility shall be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness in the full amount of such commitment on the date that such commitment is en- tered into, regardless of whether the full amount of such revolving credit facility is actually borrowed, and thereafter the amount of such commitment shall be deemed fully borrowed at all times. “Total Net Leverage Ratio” means, as of the date of determination, the ratio of (a) the Total Net Debt of the Consolidated Group as of the last day of the most recently ended four fiscal quarter period ended immediately prior to such date of determination for which consolidated financial statements are available to (b) Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of the Consolidated Group for the most recently ended four fiscal quarter period ending immediately prior to such date for which consolidated financial statements are available. In the event that any Consolidated Group member incurs, redeems, retires, defeases or extinguishes any Total Net Debt (other than Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility unless such Indebtedness has been permanently paid and not replaced) subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Total Net Leverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to or simultaneously with the event for which the calculation of the Total Net Leverage Ratio is made, then the Total Net Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, redemp- tion, retirement, defeasance or extinguishment of Total Net Debt as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period. Notwithstanding anything to the contra- ry set forth in the definition of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (and all component defini- tions referenced in such definitions), whenever pro forma effect is to be given to any Asset Acquisition, Asset Disposition (in each case with a fair market value (as determined in good faith by Holdings) greater than $10.0 million) or incurrence, redemption, retirement, defea-


 
-38- sance or extinguishment of Total Net Debt, the pro forma calculations shall be determined in good faith by a responsible officer of the Parent or Holdings. “Transfer” means to sell, assign, transfer, lease (other than pursuant to an oper- ating lease entered into in the ordinary course of business), convey or otherwise dispose of, including by Sale and Leaseback Transaction, consolidation, merger, liquidation, dissolution or otherwise, in one transaction or a series of transactions. “Treasury Management Arrangement” means any agreement or other arrange- ment governing the provision of treasury or cash management services, including deposit ac- counts, overdraft, credit or debit card, funds transfer, automated clearinghouse, zero balance accounts, returned check concentration, controlled disbursement, lockbox, account reconcilia- tion and reporting and trade finance services and other cash management services. “Trustee” means the party named as such in this Indenture until a successor re- places it pursuant to this Indenture and thereafter means such successor. “Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility” means that certain Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated December 10, 2015, by and among James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company and James Hardie Building Products Inc., as borrowers, James Hardie International Group Limited and James Hardie Technology Limited, as guarantors, James Hardie Industries plc, as parent, HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as adminis- trative agent, and the other lender parties thereto (as may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or re- financed in whole or in part from time to time in one or more agreements or indentures (in each case, with the same or new agents, lenders, creditors or groups of lenders or creditors, trustees or note holders), including in connection with a Permitted Reorganization, and in- cluding any agreement or indenture extending the maturity of or otherwise restructuring all or any portion of the Indebtedness thereunder or increasing the amount loaned or issued thereun- der or altering the maturity thereof (including increasing the amount of available borrowings thereunder or adding Subsidiaries of Holdings as borrowers or guarantors thereunder). “Unrestricted Global Note” means a Global Note that is not a Restricted Note. “Unrestricted Notes” means Notes that are not Restricted Notes. “Unrestricted Physical Note” means a Physical Note that is not a Restricted Note. “Unrestricted Subsidiary” means (a) James Hardie 117 Pty Ltd (unless, such Person has been designated as a Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date as provided below) and (b) any other Subsidiary of Holdings other than the Issuer that at the time of determina- tion is an Unrestricted Subsidiary (as designated by the Board of Directors of Holdings after


 
-39- the Issue Date, as provided below) and (c) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors of Holdings may designate any Subsidiary of Holdings (including any ex- isting Subsidiary and any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date unless such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries owns any Eq- uity Interests or Indebtedness of, or owns or holds any lien on, any property of, Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings (other than any Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated), provided that (i) such designation complies with Section 4.10 and (ii) each of (1) the Subsidiary to be so designated and (2) its Subsidiaries has not at the time of designa- tion, and does not thereafter, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become di- rectly or indirectly liable with respect to any Indebtedness pursuant to which the lender has recourse to any of the assets of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary. The Board of Direc- tors of Holdings may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidi- ary; provided that, such designation will be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings of any outstanding Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Sub- sidiary, and such designation will only be permitted if immediately after giving effect to such designation, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing. Any such designation by the Board of Directors shall be notified by Holdings to the Trustee by prompt- ly filing with the Trustee a copy of the board resolution giving effect to such designation and an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provi- sions. For the avoidance of doubt, Unrestricted Subsidiaries will not be subject to any of the restrictive covenants set forth in this Indenture. “U.S. Government Obligations” means marketable direct obligations issued by, or unconditionally guaranteed as to full and timely payment by, the United States Government or issued by any agency or instrumentality thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America that, in each case, mature within one year from the date of ac- quisition thereof and are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof. “U.S. Person” means a “U.S. person” as defined in Rule 902(k) under the Se- curities Act. “Voting Stock” means any class or classes of Capital Stock pursuant to which the holders thereof have power to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees of any Person (irrespective of whether or not, at the time, stock of any other class or classes shall have, or might have, voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency). “Wholly Owned Subsidiary” of any Person means a Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than direc- tors’ qualifying shares) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more Wholly Owned Sub- sidiaries of such Person.


 
-40- SECTION 1.02. Rules of Construction. Unless the context otherwise requires: (1) a term has the meaning assigned to it herein, whether defined expressly or by reference; (2) “or” is not exclusive; (3) words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular; (4) words used herein implying any gender shall apply to both genders; (5) “herein,” “hereof” and other words of similar import refer to this Inden- ture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subsection; (6) unless otherwise specified herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, all accounting determinations hereunder shall be made, and all fi- nancial statements required to be delivered hereunder shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP; (7) “$” and “U.S. Dollars” each refer to United States dollars, or such other money of the United States of America that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; (8) “will” shall be interpreted to express a command; and (9) “including” means including without limitation. ARTICLE TWO THE SECURITIES SECTION 2.01. Amount of Notes. The Trustee shall initially authenticate (i) $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Initial 2025 Notes and (ii) $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Initial 2028 Notes for original issue on the Issue Date upon a written order of the Issuer signed by one Of- ficer, together with an Officer’s Certificate of the Issuer and an Opinion of Counsel, which opinion shall cover the enforceability of such Notes as well as what is required by Sections 11.04 and 11.05 hereof. The Trustee shall authenticate additional notes of each series in an unlimited amount having identical terms and conditions as the Notes of such series other than the issue date, the issue price, the first interest payment date and the first date from which in-


 
-41- terest will accrue (in the case of additional 2025 Notes, the “Additional 2025 Notes”, in the case of additional 2028 Notes, the “Additional 2028 Notes” and, collectively, the “Additional Notes”) thereafter from time to time in unlimited amount for original issue upon a written or- der of the Issuer in the form of an Officer’s Certificate in aggregate principal amount as speci- fied in such order together with an Opinion of Counsel, which opinion shall cover the en- forceability of such Notes as well as what is required by Sections 11.04 and 11.05 hereof. The Trustee shall also authenticate (i) replacement Notes as provided in Section 2.08, (ii) temporary Notes as provided in Section 2.11, (iii) Notes issued in connection with certain transfers and exchanges as provided in Sections 2.07, 2.16 and 2.17, (iv) Notes issued in con- nection with a partial redemption of the Notes as provided in Section 3.06 or a partial repur- chase of a Note as provided in Section 4.08 and (v) Notes exchanged as provided in Section 8.05, in each case upon a written order of the Issuer in the form of an Officer’s Certificate in aggregate principal amount as specified in such order. Each such written order shall specify the principal amount of Notes to be authenticated and the date on which the Notes are to be authenticated. SECTION 2.02. Form and Dating; Legends. The Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication with respect thereto shall be substantially in the form set forth in (i) Exhibit A-1 in the case of the 2025 Notes and Exhibit A-2 in the case of the 2028 Notes (in the case of the Restricted Notes) and (ii) Exhibit A-3 in the case of the 2025 Notes and Exhibit A-4 in the case of the 2028 Notes (in the case of Unrestricted Notes), each of which is incorporated in and forms a part of this Indenture. Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication. The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, rule or usage to which the Issuer is subject. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Notes offered and sold to Qualified Institutional Buyers in reliance on Rule 144A (“Rule 144A Notes”), Notes offered and sold in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S (“Regulation S Notes”) and all other Restricted Notes shall bear the Private Placement Leg- end. All Global Notes shall bear the Global Note Legend. Regulation S Notes shall bear the Regulation S Legend. The terms and provisions contained in the Notes shall constitute, and are ex- pressly made, a part of this Indenture and, to the extent applicable, the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee, by their execution and delivery of this Indenture, expressly agree to such terms and provisions and agree to be bound thereby. If there is a conflict between the terms of the Notes and this Indenture, the terms of this Indenture shall govern. The Notes may be presented for registration of transfer and exchange at the of- fices of the Registrar.


 
-42- SECTION 2.03. Execution and Authentication. The Notes shall be executed on behalf of the Issuer by an Officer of the Issuer. The signature of the Officer on the Notes may be manual or facsimile. If the Officer whose signature is on a Note was an Officer at the time of such execution but no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Note, the Note shall be valid nevertheless. No Note shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or ob- ligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Note a certificate of authentication sub- stantially in the form provided for herein executed by the Trustee by manual signature, and such certificate upon any Note shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Note has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Note shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold by the Issuer, and the Issuer shall deliver such Note to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in Section 2.12, for all purposes of this Indenture such Note shall be deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled to the benefits of this Inden- ture. The Trustee may appoint one or more authenticating agents, at the expense of the Issuer, to authenticate the Notes. Unless otherwise provided in the appointment, an au- thenticating agent may authenticate the Notes whenever the Trustee may do so. Each refer- ence in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has the same rights as an Agent to deal with the Issuer and Affiliates of the Issuer. Each Paying Agent is designated as an authenticating agent for purposes of this Indenture. Notes shall be issuable only in registered form without coupons in denomina- tions of $200,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. SECTION 2.04. Registrar and Paying Agent. The Issuer shall maintain (a) an office or agency where Notes may be present- ed for registration of transfer or for exchange (the “Registrar”), (b) an office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, the State of New York or in the city in the United States in which the Trustee’s Corporate Trust Office is located, where Notes may be presented for payment (the “Paying Agent”) and (c) an office or agency where notices and demands to or upon the Issuer, if any, in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served. The Registrar shall keep a register of the Notes and of their transfer and exchange. The Registrar shall provide a copy of such register from time to time upon request of the Issu- er. The Issuer may appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more additional Paying Agents. The term “Registrar” includes any co-registrars. The term “Paying Agents” means


 
-43- the Paying Agent and any additional Paying Agents. The Issuer or any Affiliate thereof may act as Registrar or a Paying Agent. The Issuer shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Agent that is not a party to this Indenture. The agreement shall implement the provisions of this In- denture that relate to such Agent. The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any such Agent. If the Issuer fails to maintain a Registrar or any required co- registrar or Paying Agent, or fails to give the foregoing notice, the Trustee shall act as such and shall be entitled to appropriate compensation in accordance with Section 7.07. The Issuer initially appoints the Trustee as Registrar, Paying Agent and Depos- itory Custodian. The Issuer initially appoints The Depository Trust Company to act as Deposi- tory with respect to the Global Notes. The Issuer may change the Depository at any time without notice to any Holder, but the Issuer will notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any new Depository. The Issuer shall be responsible for making calculations called for under the Notes, including but not limited to determination of redemption price, premium (including the Make-Whole Premium), if any, and any additional amounts, defaulted interest or other amounts payable on the Notes. The Issuer will make the calculations in good faith and, ab- sent manifest error, its calculations will be final and binding on the Holders. The Issuer will provide a schedule of its calculations to the Trustee when reasonably requested by the Trus- tee. The Trustee is entitled to rely conclusively on the accuracy of the Issuer’s calculations without independent verification. The Trustee shall forward the Issuer’s calculations referred to above in this paragraph to any Holder of the Notes upon the written request of such Holder. SECTION 2.05. Paying Agent To Hold Money in Trust. The Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of the Noteholders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal of or premium or interest on the Notes (whether such money has been paid to it by the Issuer, one or more of the Guarantors or any other obligor on the Notes), and the Issuer and the Paying Agent shall notify the Trustee in writing of any default by the Issuer (or any other obligor on the Notes) in making any such payment. Money held in trust by a Paying Agent need not be segregated except as required by law and in no event shall a Paying Agent be liable for any interest on any money received by it hereunder. The Issuer at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and account for any funds disbursed and the Trustee may at any time during the continuance of any Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(1) or (2), upon written request to a Paying Agent, require such Paying Agent to pay forthwith all money so held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds disbursed. Upon making such


 
-44- payment, such Paying Agent shall have no further liability for the money delivered to the Trustee. SECTION 2.06. Noteholder Lists. The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of the Noteholders. If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee at least five Business Days before each Interest Payment Date, and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of the Noteholders. SECTION 2.07. Transfer and Exchange. Subject to Sections 2.16 and 2.17, when Notes are presented to the Registrar with a request from the Holder of such Notes to register a transfer or to exchange them for an equal principal amount of Notes of the same series of other authorized denominations, the Registrar shall register the transfer as requested. Every Note presented or surrendered for reg- istration of transfer or exchange shall be duly endorsed or be accompanied by a written in- strument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Issuer and the Registrar, duly executed by the Holder thereof or his attorneys duly authorized in writing. To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Issuer shall issue and execute and, upon receipt of a written order of the Issuer in the form of an Officer’s Certificate in accordance with Section 2.01, the Trustee shall authenticate new Notes of the same series (and the Guarantors shall execute the Guaran- tees thereon) evidencing such transfer or exchange. No service charge shall be made to the Noteholder for any registration of transfer or exchange. The Issuer or the Trustee may require from the Noteholder payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer taxes or other govern- mental charge that may be imposed in relation to a transfer or exchange, but this provision shall not apply to any exchange pursuant to Section 2.11, 3.06, 4.08 or 8.05 (in which events the Issuer shall be responsible for the payment of such taxes). The Issuer and the Registrar shall not be required to exchange or register a transfer of any Note for a period of 15 days immediately preceding the mailing of notice of redemption of Notes to be redeemed or of any Note selected, called or being called for redemption except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part. Any Holder of a Global Note shall, by acceptance of such Global Note, agree that transfers of the beneficial interests in such Global Note may be effected only through a book entry system maintained by the Holder of such Global Note (or its agent), and that own- ership of a beneficial interest in the Global Note shall be required to be reflected in a book entry. By its acceptance of any Note bearing the Private Placement Legend, each Holder of such Note acknowledges the restrictions on transfer of such Note set forth in this Indenture and in the Private Placement Legend and agrees that it will transfer such Note only as provid- ed in this Indenture.


 
-45- SECTION 2.08. Replacement Notes. If a mutilated Note is surrendered to the Registrar or the Trustee, or if the Holder of a Note claims that the Note has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Issuer shall issue and, upon receipt of a written order of the Issuer in the form of an Officer’s Certif- icate in accordance with Section 2.01, the Trustee shall authenticate a replacement Note of the same series (and the Guarantors shall execute the Guarantees thereon) if the Holder of such Note furnishes to the Issuer and the Trustee evidence reasonably acceptable to them of the ownership and the destruction, loss or theft of such Note and if the requirements of Section 8-405 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code as in effect on the date of this Indenture are met. An indemnity bond shall also be posted, sufficient in the judgment of all to protect the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Registrar and any Paying Agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if such Note is replaced. The Issuer may charge such Holder for the Issuer’s reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in replacing such Note and the Trustee may charge the Issuer for the Trustee’s reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and disbursements) in replacing such Note and may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax, assessment, fee or other charge that may be imposed in rela- tion thereto and any other expenses (including the reasonable out-of-pocket fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith. Every replacement Note shall constitute a contractual obligation of the Issuer. The provisions of this Section 2.08 are exclusive and will preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of lost, destroyed, mutilated or wrongfully taken Notes. SECTION 2.09. Outstanding Notes. The Notes of a series outstanding at any time are all Notes of such series that have been authenticated by the Trustee except for (a) those canceled by or on behalf of the Trustee, (b) those accepted by the Trustee for cancellation, (c) to the extent set forth in Sec- tions 9.01 and 9.02, on or after the date on which the conditions set forth in Section 9.01 or 9.02 have been satisfied, those Notes theretofore authenticated by the Trustee hereunder and (d) those described in this Section 2.09 as not outstanding. Subject to Section 2.10, a Note does not cease to be outstanding because the Issuer or one of its Affiliates holds the Note. If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.08, it ceases to be outstanding un- less the Trustee receives proof satisfactory to the Trustee and the Issuer that the replaced Note is held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Note is a legal, valid and binding obliga- tion of the Issuer. If a Paying Agent holds, in its capacity as such, on any Maturity Date, U.S. Dollars sufficient to pay all accrued interest and principal with respect to the Notes payable on that date and is not prohibited from paying such money to the Holders thereof pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, then on and after that date such Notes shall cease to be outstanding and interest on them shall cease to accrue.


 
-46- SECTION 2.10. Treasury Notes. In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Notes of a series have concurred in any declaration of acceleration or notice of default or direction, waiver or consent or any amendment, modification or other change to this Indenture, Notes of such series owned by the Issuer or any other Affiliate of the Issuer shall be disregarded as though they were not outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent or any amend- ment, modification or other change to this Indenture, only Notes of such series as to which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actually received an Officer’s Certificate stating that such Notes are so owned shall be so disregarded. Notes of a series so owned which have been pledged in good faith shall not be disregarded if the pledgee established to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to the Notes of such series and that the pledgee is not the Issuer, a Guarantor, any other obligor on the Notes of such series or any of their respective Affiliates. SECTION 2.11. Temporary Notes. Until definitive Notes are prepared and ready for delivery, the Issuer may pre- pare and, upon receipt of a written order of the Issuer in the form of an Officer’s Certificate in accordance with Section 2.01, the Trustee shall authenticate temporary Notes. Temporary Notes shall be substantially in the form of definitive Notes but may have variations that the Issuer considers appropriate for temporary Notes. Without unreasonable delay, the Issuer shall prepare and, upon receipt of a written order of the Issuer in the form of an Officer’s Cer- tificate in accordance with Section 2.01, the Trustee shall authenticate definitive Notes in ex- change for temporary Notes of the same series. Until such exchange, temporary Notes shall be entitled to the same rights, benefits and privileges as definitive Notes. SECTION 2.12. Cancellation. The Issuer at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and the Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee shall cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and shall dispose of such canceled Notes in its customary manner. The Issuer may not reissue or resell or issue new Notes to replace Notes that the Issuer has redeemed or paid, or that have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation. SECTION 2.13. Defaulted Interest. If the Issuer defaults on a payment of interest on the Notes of any series, the Is- suer shall pay the defaulted interest then borne by the Notes of such series plus (to the extent permitted by law) any interest payable on the defaulted interest, in accordance with the terms


 
-47- hereof, to the Persons who are Holders thereof on a subsequent special record date, which date shall be at least five Business Days prior to the payment date. If such default continues for thirty (30) days, the Issuer shall fix such special record date and payment date. At least 10 days before such special record date, the Issuer (or upon the written request of the Issuer, the Trustee, in the name and at the expense of the Issuer) shall mail to each affected Noteholder a notice that states the special record date, the payment date and the amount of defaulted inter- est, and interest payable on defaulted interest, if any, to be paid. The Issuer may make pay- ment of any defaulted interest in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the require- ments (if applicable) of any securities exchange on which the Notes of such series may be listed and, upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after written notice giv- en by the Issuer to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this sentence, such man- ner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee. If the Issuer elects for the Trustee to send such notice to the Holders then the Issuer shall provide such notice to the Trustee along with a written notice to the Trustee instructing the Trustee to send such notice to the Holders at least five (5) days (or such shorter time as may be agreed by the Trustee in its dis- cretion) before such notice is required to be mailed to the Holders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any interest which is paid prior to the expira- tion of the 30-day period set forth in Section 6.01(1) shall be paid to Holders as of the record date for the Interest Payment Date for which interest has not been paid. In the event that the Issuer is required to pay defaulted interest to Holders of Notes of any series, the Issuer will provide written notice to the Trustee of its obligation to pay such defaulted interest no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the proposed payment date for the defaulted interest and such notice shall set forth the amount of defaulted interest to be paid by the Issuer on such payment date. The Trustee shall not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to the Holders to determine the defaulted interest, or with respect to the na- ture, extent, or calculation of the amount of defaulted interest owed, or with respect to the method employed in such calculation of the defaulted interest. SECTION 2.14. CUSIP and ISIN Numbers. The Issuer in issuing the Notes of any series may use “CUSIP” and “ISIN” numbers, and if so used, such CUSIP and ISIN numbers shall be included in notices as a con- venience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP or ISIN numbers printed in the notice or on the Notes, that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes, and any such notice shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such CUSIP or ISIN numbers. The Issuer shall promptly notify the Trustee, in writing, of any such CUSIP or ISIN number used by the Issuer in connection with the issuance of the Notes of any series and of any change in any such CUSIP or ISIN number.


 
-48- SECTION 2.15. Deposit of Moneys. Prior to 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on each Interest Payment Date and Maturity Date, the Issuer shall have deposited with the Paying Agent in immediately available funds U.S. Dollars sufficient to make cash payments, if any, due on such Interest Payment Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be, in a timely manner which permits such Paying Agents to remit payment to the Holders on such Interest Payment Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be. The principal and interest on Global Notes shall be payable to the Deposito- ry or its nominee, as the case may be, as the sole registered owner and the sole Holder of the Global Notes represented thereby. The principal and interest on Physical Notes shall be pay- able, either in person, by wire transfer or by mail, at the office of the Paying Agent, such payment information to be received by the Paying Agent at least 15 days prior to the applica- ble payment date. Final payment of principal at maturity with respect to a Physical Note will only be made by the Trustee upon surrender of the related Note to the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office. SECTION 2.16. Book-Entry Provisions for Global Notes. (a) Rule 144A Notes of each series initially shall be represented by one or more Notes of such series in registered, global form without interest coupons (collectively with respect to each series, the “Rule 144A Global Note”). Regulation S Notes of each series initially shall be represented by one or more Notes of such series in registered, global form without interest coupons (collectively with respect to each series, the “Regulation S Global Note”). With respect to each series of Notes, the term “Global Notes” means the Rule 144A Global Note and the Regulation S Global Note. The Global Notes shall bear the Global Note Legend. The Global Notes initially shall (i) be registered in the name of the Depository or the nominee of such Depository, in each case for credit to an account of an Agent Member, (ii) be delivered to the Trustee as custodian for such Depository and (iii) bear the Private Placement Legend. Members of, or direct or indirect participants in, the Depository (“Agent Mem- bers”) shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global Note held on their behalf by the Depository or under the Global Notes. The Depository may be treated by the Issuer, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee as the absolute owner of the Global Notes for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Issuer, the Trustee or any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee from giving ef- fect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depository or impair, as between the Depository and its Agent Members, the operation of customary prac- tices governing the exercise of the rights of a Holder of any Note. None of the Issuer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent nor the Registrar shall have any responsibility or liability for any acts or omissions of the Depository with respect to such Global Note, for the records of the Depository, including records in respect of the beneficial owners of any such Global Note, for any transactions between the Depository and any Agent Member or between or among the


 
-49- Depository, any such Agent Member and/or any Holder or beneficial owner of such Global Note, or for any transfers of beneficial interests in any such Global Note. Neither the Trustee nor any agent shall have any responsibility or liability for any actions taken or not taken by the Depository. (b) Transfers of Global Notes shall be limited to transfer in whole, but not in part, to the Depository, its successors or their respective nominees. Interests of beneficial owners in the Global Notes may be transferred or exchanged for Physical Notes of the same series only in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures of the Depository and the provisions of Section 2.17. In addition, a Global Note shall be exchangeable for Physical Notes of the same series (i) if requested by a holder of such interests upon receipt by the Trus- tee of written instructions from the Depository or its nominee on behalf of any beneficial owner and in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Depository and provisions of this Section 2.16 or (ii) if the Depository notifies the Issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depository for such Global Note and the Issuer thereupon fail to appoint a succes- sor depository within 120 days or (iii) if the Depository has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act or (iv) if there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with respect to such Global Note and the Depository has requested such ex- change. In all cases, Physical Notes delivered in exchange for any Global Note of the same series or beneficial interests therein shall be registered in the names, and issued in any ap- proved denominations, requested by or on behalf of the Depository in accordance with its cus- tomary procedures. (c) In connection with the transfer of a Global Note as an entirety to bene- ficial owners pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section 2.16, such Global Note shall be deemed to be surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation in accordance with its customary procedures, and the Issuer shall execute and, upon receipt of a written order of the Issuer in the form of an Officer’s Certificate in accordance with Section 2.01, the Trustee shall authen- ticate and deliver, to each beneficial owner identified by the Depository in writing in ex- change for its beneficial interest in such Global Note, an equal aggregate principal amount of Physical Notes of authorized denominations and of the same series. (d) Any Restricted Physical Note delivered in exchange for an interest in a Global Note of the same series pursuant to Section 2.17 shall, except as otherwise provided in Section 2.17, bear the Private Placement Legend. (e) The Holder of any Global Note may grant proxies and otherwise au- thorize any Person, including Agent Members and Persons that may hold interests through Agent Members, to take any action which a Holder is entitled to take under this Indenture or the Notes.


 
-50- SECTION 2.17. Transfer and Exchange of Notes. (a) Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes. A Global Note may not be transferred as a whole except as set forth in Section 2.16(b). Global Notes will not be ex- changed by the Issuer for Physical Notes except under the circumstances described in Section in Section 2.16(b). Global Notes also may be exchanged or replaced, in whole or in part, as provided in Sections 2.08 and 2.11. Beneficial interests in a Global Note may be transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 2.17(b) or 2.17(f). (b) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes. The transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Notes shall be effected through the Depository, in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and the applicable rules and procedures of the Depository. Beneficial interests in Restricted Global Notes shall be subject to restrictions on transfer comparable to those set forth herein to the extent required by the Securities Act. Beneficial interests in Global Notes shall be transferred or exchanged only for beneficial interests in Global Notes of the same series. Transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests in the Global Notes also shall require compliance with either subparagraph (i) or (ii) below, as applicable, as well as one or more of the other following subparagraphs, as applica- ble: (i) Transfer of Beneficial Interests in the Same Global Note. Beneficial interests in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take deliv- ery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the same Restricted Global Note in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Private Placement Legend; provided, however, that prior to the 40th day after the later of the commencement of the offering of the Notes represented by a Regulation S Global Note and the issue date of such Notes (such period through and including such 40th day, the “Restricted Peri- od”), transfers of beneficial interests in a Regulation S Global Note may not be made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than an Initial Purchaser). A beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestrict- ed Global Note. No written orders or instructions shall be required to be delivered to the Registrar to effect the transfers described in this Section 2.17(b)(i). (ii) All Other Transfers and Exchanges of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes. In connection with all transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests in any Global Note that is not subject to Section 2.17(b)(i), the transferor of such beneficial interest must deliver to the Registrar (1) a written order from an Agent Member given to the Depository in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures of the Depos- itory directing the Depository to credit or cause to be credited a beneficial interest in another Global Note of the same series in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged and (2) instructions given in accordance with the applica- ble rules and procedures of the Depository containing information regarding the Agent


 
-51- Member account to be credited with such increase. Upon satisfaction of all of the re- quirements for transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in Global Notes contained in this Indenture and the Notes, the Trustee shall adjust the principal amount of the relevant Global Note(s) pursuant to Section 2.17(f). (iii) Transfer of Beneficial Interests to Another Restricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Restricted Global Note of the same series if the transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.17(b)(ii) above and the Registrar receives the following: (A) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial in- terest in a Rule 144A Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit F, including the certifications in item (1) thereof; and (B) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial in- terest in a Regulation S Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certifi- cate in the form of Exhibit F, including the certifications in item (2) thereof. (iv) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note may be exchanged by any holder thereof for a beneficial inter- est in an Unrestricted Global Note of the same series or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note of the same series if the exchange or transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.17(b)(ii) above and the Registrar receives the following: (A) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Ex- hibit G, including the certifications in item (1)(a) thereof; or (B) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take de- livery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit F, including the cer- tifications in item (4) thereof, and, in each such case, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securi- ties Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Place- ment Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securi- ties Act. If any such transfer or exchange is effected pursuant to this subparagraph


 
-52- (iv) at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuer shall issue and, upon receipt of a written order of the Issuer in the form of an Officer’s Certificate in accordance with Section 2.01, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes of the same series in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of beneficial interests transferred or exchanged pursu- ant to this subparagraph (iv). (v) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note for Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note. Beneficial interests in an Unrestricted Global Note cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of, a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note. (c) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes for Physical Notes. A beneficial interest in a Global Note may not be exchanged for a Physical Note except under the circumstances described in Section 2.16(b). A beneficial interest in a Global Note may not be transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Physical Note except under the circumstances described in Section 2.16(b). (d) Transfer and Exchange of Physical Notes for Beneficial Interests in Global Notes. Transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests in the Global Notes also shall require compliance with either subparagraph (i), (ii) or (ii) below, as applicable: (i) Restricted Physical Notes to Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes. If any Holder of a Restricted Physical Note proposes to exchange such Re- stricted Physical Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note or to trans- fer such Restricted Physical Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, then, upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation: (A) if the Holder of such Restricted Physical Note proposes to ex- change such Restricted Physical Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit G, including the certifications in item (2)(a) thereof; (B) if such Restricted Physical Note is being transferred to a Quali- fied Institutional Buyer in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit F, including the certifications in item (1) thereof; (C) if such Restricted Physical Note is being transferred to a Non- U.S. Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit F, including the certifications in item (2) thereof;


 
-53- (D) if such Restricted Physical Note is being transferred pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in ac- cordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit F, including the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof; (E) [reserved]; or (F) if such Restricted Physical Note is being transferred to the Issu- er or a Subsidiary thereof, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit F, in- cluding the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof, the Trustee shall cancel the Restricted Physical Note in accordance with its customary procedures, and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of the appropriate Restricted Global Note. (ii) Restricted Physical Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes. A Holder of a Restricted Physical Note of a series may exchange such Re- stricted Physical Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note of such series or transfer such Restricted Physical Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note of such series only if the Registrar receives the following: (A) if the Holder of such Restricted Physical Note proposes to ex- change such Restricted Physical Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestrict- ed Global Note of such series, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit G, including the certifications in item (1)(b) thereof; or (B) if the Holder of such Restricted Physical Notes proposes to transfer such Restricted Physical Note to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note of such series, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit F, including the certifications in item (4) thereof, and, in each such case, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securi- ties Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Place- ment Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securi- ties Act. Upon satisfaction of the conditions of this subparagraph (ii), the Trustee shall cancel the Restricted Physical Notes in accordance with its customary procedures and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of the Unrestrict- ed Global Note. If any such transfer or exchange is effected pursuant to this subpara- graph (ii) at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Is- suer shall issue and, upon receipt of a written order of the Issuer in the form of an Of-


 
-54- ficer’s Certificate in accordance with Section 2.01, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes of such series in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of Restricted Physical Notes transferred or ex- changed pursuant to this subparagraph (ii). (iii) Unrestricted Physical Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes. A Holder of an Unrestricted Physical Note of a series may exchange such Unrestricted Physical Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note of such series or transfer such Unrestricted Physical Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note of such series at any time. Upon receipt of a request for such an exchange or transfer, the Trustee shall cancel the applicable Unrestricted Physical Note in accordance with its customary procedures and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of one of the Unrestricted Global Notes of such series. If any such transfer or exchange is effected pursuant to this subparagraph (iii) at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuer shall issue and, upon receipt of a writ- ten order of the Issuer in the form of an Officer’s Certificate in accordance with Sec- tion 2.01, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of Unrestricted Physical Notes of such series transferred or exchanged pursuant to this subparagraph (iii). (iv) Unrestricted Physical Notes to Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes. An Unrestricted Physical Note cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of, a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note. (e) Transfer and Exchange of Physical Notes for Physical Notes. Upon written request by a Holder of Physical Notes and such Holder’s compliance with the provi- sions of this Section 2.17(e), the Registrar shall register the transfer or exchange of Physical Notes. Prior to such registration of transfer or exchange, the requesting Holder shall present or surrender to the Registrar the Physical Notes duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instruction of transfer in form satisfactory to the Registrar duly executed by such Holder or by its attorney, duly authorized in writing. In addition, the requesting Holder shall provide any additional certifications, documents and information, as applicable, required pursuant to the following provisions of this Section 2.17(e). (i) Restricted Physical Notes to Restricted Physical Notes. A Restricted Physical Note may be transferred to and registered in the name of a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Physical Note if the Registrar receives the following:


 
-55- (A) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Ex- hibit F, including the certifications in item (1) thereof; (B) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit F, including the certifications in item (2) thereof; (C) if the transfer will be made pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit F, includ- ing the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof; (D) [reserved]; and (E) if such transfer will be made to the Issuer or a Subsidiary there- of, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit F, including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof. (ii) Restricted Physical Notes to Unrestricted Physical Notes. Any Re- stricted Physical Note of a series may be exchanged by the Holder thereof for an Un- restricted Physical Note of such series or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Physical Note of such series if the Registrar re- ceives the following: (1) if the Holder of such Restricted Physical Note proposes to ex- change such Restricted Physical Note for an Unrestricted Physical Note of such series, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit G, including the certifications in item (1)(c) thereof; or (2) if the Holder of such Restricted Physical Note proposes to trans- fer such Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Physical Note of such series, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit F, including the certifications in item (4) thereof, and, in each such case, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Is- suer to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. (iii) Unrestricted Physical Notes to Unrestricted Physical Notes. A Holder of an Unrestricted Physical Note may transfer such Unrestricted Physical Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Physical Note of the


 
-56- same series at any time. Upon receipt of a written request to register such a transfer, the Registrar shall register such Unrestricted Physical Notes pursuant to the instruc- tions from the Holder thereof. (iv) Unrestricted Physical Notes to Restricted Physical Notes. An Unre- stricted Physical Note cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of, a Restricted Physical Note. (f) Cancellation and/or Adjustment of Global Notes. At such time as all beneficial interests in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for Physical Notes or a particular Global Note has been redeemed, repurchased or canceled in whole and not in part, each such Global Note shall be returned to or retained and canceled by the Trustee in accord- ance with Section 2.12. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note or for Physical Notes, the principal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note shall be reduced accordingly and an en- dorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Registrar to reflect such reduction; and if the beneficial interest is being exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take deliv- ery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note, such other Global Note shall be increased accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Registrar to reflect such increase. (g) Private Placement Legend. Upon the registration of transfer, exchange or replacement of Notes not bearing the Private Placement Legend, the Registrar shall deliver Notes that do not bear the Private Placement Legend. Upon the registration of transfer, ex- change or replacement of Notes bearing the Private Placement Legend, the Registrar shall de- liver only Notes that bear the Private Placement Legend unless (i) there is delivered to the Registrar an Opinion of Counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Issuer to the effect that neither such legend nor the related restrictions on transfer are required in order to maintain compli- ance with the provisions of the Securities Act or (ii) such Note has been sold pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and the Registrar has received an Of- ficer’s Certificate from the Issuer to such effect. (h) General. All Global Notes and Physical Notes issued upon any regis- tration of transfer or exchange of Global Notes or Physical Notes shall be the valid obligations of the Issuer, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Global Notes or Physical Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or ex- change. The Registrar shall retain for a period of two years copies of all letters, notices and other written communications received pursuant to Section 2.16 or this Section 2.17. The Issuer shall have the right to inspect and make copies of all such letters, notices or other writ-


 
-57- ten communications at any reasonable time upon the giving of reasonable notice to the Regis- trar. None of the Issuer, the Trustee, Paying Agent nor any Agent of the Issuer shall have any responsibility or liability in any respect of the records relating to or payment made on account of beneficial interests in a Global Note, or for maintaining, supervising or review- ing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests. Neither the Trustee nor the Registrar shall have any obligation or duty to moni- tor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Note (in- cluding any transfers between or among Agent Members or beneficial owners of interests in any Global Note) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by the terms of, this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof. SECTION 2.18. Computation of Interest. Interest on the Notes shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months and, in the case of an incomplete month, the actual days elapsed. ARTICLE THREE REDEMPTION SECTION 3.01. Election To Redeem; Notices to Trustee. If the Issuer elects to redeem Notes of a series pursuant to paragraph 5 of the Notes at least 15 days prior to the Redemption Date but not more than 60 days before the Re- demption Date, the Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing of the Redemption Date, the prin- cipal amount of such Notes to be redeemed and the redemption price(s) (or manner of calcula- tion if not then known), and deliver to the Trustee (1) an Officer’s Certificate stating that such redemption will comply with the conditions contained in paragraph 5 of the Notes; provided, that if the basis for such redemption is a Change in Tax Law, such Officer’s Certificate (A) shall be delivered to the Trustee by the Issuer prior to the giving of any notice of such re- demption and (B) shall further set forth a statement of facts showing that the conditions prec- edent to the right of the Issuer to so redeem have occurred (including that the obligation to pay Additional Amounts cannot be avoided by the Issuer or an applicable Guarantor taking reasonable measures available to it) and (2) in the case of a redemption due to a Change in Tax Law only, an opinion of independent tax counsel of recognized standing qualified under the laws of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction and reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee to the effect that the Issuer is or would be obligated to pay Additional Amounts as a result of a


 
-58- Change in Tax Law. Notice given to the Trustee pursuant to this Section 3.01 may not be re- voked after the time that notice is given to Noteholders pursuant to Section 3.03. If the re- demption price is not known at the time such notice is to be given, the actual redemption price, calculated as described in the terms of the Notes, will be set forth in an Officer’s Certif- icate delivered to the Trustee no later than two Business Days prior to the Redemption Date. SECTION 3.02. Selection by Trustee of Notes To Be Redeemed. If less than all of the Notes of a series are to be redeemed at any time, selection of such Notes of such series for redemption will be made by the Trustee on a pro rata basis (or, in the case of Global Notes, the Notes will be selected for redemption based on the De- pository’s applicable procedures); provided that no Notes with a principal amount of $200,000 or less shall be redeemed in part. For all purposes of this Indenture unless the con- text otherwise requires, provisions of this Indenture that apply to Notes called for redemption also apply to portions of Notes called for redemption. In the case of Physical Notes, redemp- tion amounts shall only be paid upon presentation and surrender of any such Notes to be re- deemed to the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office. SECTION 3.03. Notice of Redemption. At least 15 days, and no more than 60 days, before a Redemption Date, the Is- suer shall send, or cause to be sent, a notice of redemption electronically or by first-class mail to each Holder of Notes of the applicable series to be redeemed at his or her last address as the same appears on the registry books maintained by the Registrar pursuant to Section 2.06, in accordance with paragraph 6 of the Notes except that notices of redemption may be delivered or mailed more than 60 days prior to a Redemption Date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the applicable series of Notes pursuant to Section 9.02 of this Indenture, a satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture with respect to the applicable series of Notes pur- suant to Section 9.01 of this Indenture or as specified in Section 3.04 of this Indenture. Not- withstanding the foregoing, no such notice of redemption as a result of a Change in Tax Law will be given (a) earlier than 90 days prior to the earliest date on which the Issuer would be obligated to pay Additional Amounts as a result of a Change in Tax Law, and (b) unless, at the time such notice is given, such obligation to pay such Additional Amounts remains in ef- fect. The Issuer may instruct the Trustee in writing to send the notice of redemption in the name of and at the expense of the Issuer provided the Trustee receives such written instruction at least 15 days (or such shorter time as the Trustee may agree) prior to the date such notice of redemption is to be sent. The notice shall identify the Notes to be redeemed (including the CUSIP and/or ISIN numbers thereof) and shall state: (1) the Redemption Date;


 
-59- (2) the redemption price and the amount of premium (or manner of calcula- tion if not then known) and accrued interest to be paid; (3) if any Note of a series is being redeemed in part, the portion of the principal amount of such Note to be redeemed and that, after the Redemption Date and upon surrender of such Note, a new Note or Notes of such series in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion will be issued; (4) the name and address of the Paying Agent; (5) that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price; (6) that unless the Issuer defaults in making the redemption payment, inter- est on Notes called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the Redemption Date; (7) that paragraph 5 of the Notes is the provision of the Notes pursuant to which the redemption is occurring; (8) the aggregate principal amount of Notes that are being redeemed; (9) any conditions precedent to such redemption in reasonable detail; and (10) that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP or ISIN numbers printed in the notice or on the Notes, and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes. If any notice of redemption is subject to one or more conditions precedent, any such redemption may be rescinded in whole and not in part at any time prior to the close of business on the Business Day prior to the Redemption Date if the Issuer delivers an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee describing the failure of the condition in reasonable detail and re- scinding the redemption and instructing the Trustee to provide such Officer’s Certificate to the Holders. The Trustee shall promptly provide a copy of such Officer’s Certificate to the Holders in the same manner in which the notice of redemption was given. The Issuer may provide in any notice of redemption that payment of the re- demption price and performance of the Issuer’s obligations with respect to such redemption may be performed by a Person or Persons other than the Issuer. SECTION 3.04. Effect of Notice of Redemption. Once the notice of redemption described in Section 3.03 is sent and subject to the proviso to this sentence, Notes called for redemption become due and payable on the Re- demption Date and at the redemption price, including any premium, plus interest accrued to


 
-60- the Redemption Date; provided, however, that any redemption and notice thereof pursuant to this Indenture may, in the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent described in such notice and in which case if and/or to the extent such condition(s) precedent is/are not satisfied the Issuer shall have no obligation to redeem Notes on such Redemption Date, including completion of an Equity Offering or other corporate transaction. In addition, if such redemption or purchase is subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall describe each such condition, and if applicable, shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the Redemption Date may be delayed until such time (including more than 60 days after the date the notice of redemption was mailed or delivered, including by electronic transmission) as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied or waived, or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied or waived by the Redemption Date or by the Redemption Date as so delayed, or such notice or offer may be rescinded at any time in the Issuer’s discretion if the Issuer reasonably believes that any or all of such conditions will not be satisfied or waived. Upon surrender to the Paying Agent, such Notes shall be paid at the redemption price, including any premium, plus interest accrued to the Redemption Date; provided that if the Redemption Date is after a regular record date and on or prior to the Inter- est Payment Date, the accrued interest shall be payable to the Holder of the redeemed Notes registered on the relevant record date; and provided, further, that if a Redemption Date is a Legal Holiday, payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day and no interest shall accrue for the period from such Redemption Date to such succeeding Business Day. SECTION 3.05. Deposit of Redemption Price. On or prior to 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on each Redemption Date, the Issuer shall deposit with the Paying Agent U.S. Dollars sufficient to pay the redemption price of, including premium, if any, and accrued interest on any and all Notes to be redeemed on that date (other than Notes or portions thereof called for redemption on that date which have been delivered by the Issuer to the Trustee for cancellation). On and after any Redemption Date, if money sufficient to pay the redemption price of, including premium, if any, and accrued interest on all Notes called for redemption shall have been made available in accordance with the immediately preceding paragraph, the Notes called for redemption will cease to accrue interest and the only right of the Holders of such Notes will be to receive payment of the redemption price of and, subject to the first pro- viso in Section 3.04, accrued and unpaid interest on such Notes to the Redemption Date. If any Note surrendered for redemption shall not be so paid, interest will be paid, from the Re- demption Date until such redemption payment is made, on the unpaid principal of the Note and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) any interest not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate and in the manner provided in the Notes.


 
-61- SECTION 3.06. Notes Redeemed in Part. Upon surrender of a Physical Note that is redeemed in part, the Issuer shall ex- ecute and, upon receipt of a written order of the Issuer in the form of an Officer’s Certificate in accordance with Section 2.01, the Trustee shall authenticate for the Holder thereof a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of the Physical Note surrendered. SECTION 3.07. Mandatory Redemption, Etc. Except as set forth in Sections 4.08 and 4.09, the Issuer shall not be required to make any mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes of any series. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Issuer shall be permitted to acquire or repurchase the Notes by means other than as set forth in this Article Three, including by tender offers, open market purchases, negotiated transactions or other- wise, in each case in accordance with applicable securities laws; provided that such acquisi- tions or repurchases do not otherwise violate the terms of this Indenture. ARTICLE FOUR COVENANTS SECTION 4.01. Payment of Notes. (a) The Issuer shall pay the principal of and interest on the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes and this Indenture. An installment of principal or interest shall be considered paid on the date it is due if the Trustee or the Paying Agents hold by 11:00 A.M. Eastern Time on that date U.S. Dollars designated for and sufficient to pay such installment. (b) The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal (including post- petition interest in a proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law), and overdue interest, to the ex- tent lawful, at the rate specified in the Notes. (c) (1) All payments made by or on behalf of the Issuer or any Guaran- tor under or with respect to the Notes or any Note Guarantee will be made free and clear of and without withholding or deduction for or on account of any present or future Taxes unless required by law or by the interpretation or administration thereof. The Issuer or the applicable Guarantor, as the case may be, will pay any applicable Additional Amounts. (2) The applicable withholding agent will (i) make any required withhold- ing or deduction, and (ii) remit the full amount deducted or withheld to the Relevant


 
-62- Taxing Jurisdiction in accordance with applicable law. The Issuer or any Guarantor, as applicable, will use all reasonable efforts to obtain certified copies of tax receipts evidencing the payment of Taxes so deducted or withheld from each Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction imposing such Taxes and will provide such certified copies to the Trustee. If certified copies of such tax receipts are not reasonably obtainable, the Issuer or such Guarantor, as applicable, shall provide the Trustee with other reasonable evidence of payment. Such certified copies or other evidence shall be made available to Holders of Notes upon written request. (3) Whenever in this Indenture there is mentioned, in any context, the payment of amounts based upon the principal amount of the Notes or of principal, premium (if any), interest or of any other amount payable under or with respect to any of the Notes, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of Ad- ditional Amounts to the extent that, in such context, Additional Amounts are, were, or would be payable in respect thereof. (4) In addition, the Issuer shall pay any present or future stamp, issue, reg- istration, court, documentary, excise, property, or similar Taxes (i) imposed by any Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction in respect of the execution, issuance, delivery, or regis- tration of the Notes, any Note Guarantee, this Indenture, or any other document or in- strument referred to therein or herein, or the receipt of any payments with respect to the Notes, or (ii) imposed by any jurisdiction in respect of the enforcement of the Notes, any Note Guarantee, this Indenture, or any other document or instrument re- ferred to therein or herein. (5) If the Issuer or any Guarantor is required to pay Additional Amounts with respect to the Notes, Holdings will notify the Trustee pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate that specifies the Additional Amounts payable and when the Additional Amounts are payable. Without limiting any obligation of the Issuer or any Guarantor to pay Additional Amounts, if the Trustee does not receive such Officer’s Certificate, the Trustee may rely on the absence of such an Officer’s Certificate in assuming that no such Additional Amounts are payable. (6) The preceding provisions of this Section 4.01(c) shall survive any ter- mination, defeasance, or discharge of this Indenture and shall apply mutatis mutandis to any successor of the Issuer or any Guarantor, and to any jurisdiction in which such successor is incorporated, organized, engaged in business for tax purposes or other- wise resident for tax purposes, and any political subdivision or governmental authority thereof or therein.


 
-63- SECTION 4.02. Maintenance of Office or Agency. (a) The Issuer shall maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, an office or agency (which may be an office of the Trustee or an Affiliate of the Trustee or Registrar) where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or for ex- change and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served. The Issuer shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Issuer shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee. (b) The Issuer may also from time to time designate one or more other of- fices or agencies where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purpos- es and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however, that no such des- ignation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Issuer of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York. The Issuer shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency. (c) The Issuer hereby designates the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, or its Agent, in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, as such office or agency of the Issuer in accordance with Section 2.04. SECTION 4.03. Legal Existence. Except as permitted by Article Five, Holdings shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect (i) its legal existence, and the corporate, partnership or other existence of each of its Restricted Subsidiaries, in accordance with the respective organizational documents (as the same may be amended from time to time) of Holdings and each such Restricted Subsidiary and (ii) the material rights (charter and statutory) and franchises of Holdings and such Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that Holdings shall not be required to preserve any such right, franchise, or the corporate, partnership or other existence of any of its Restricted Subsidiaries if the Board of Directors of Holdings shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or that the loss thereof is not ad- verse in any material respect to the Holders.


 
-64- SECTION 4.04. [Reserved]. SECTION 4.05. Waiver of Stay, Extension or Usury Laws. The Issuer and each of the Guarantors covenants (to the extent that it may law- fully do so) that it shall not at any time insist upon, or plead (as a defense or otherwise) or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law or any usury law or other law which would prohibit or forgive the Issuer and the Guarantors from paying all or any portion of the principal of, premium, if any, and/or interest on the Notes as contemplated herein, wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, or which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and (to the extent that they may lawfully do so) the Issuer and each of the Guarantors hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execu- tion of every such power as though no such law had been enacted. SECTION 4.06. Compliance Certificate. (a) The Issuer shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each Fiscal Year, an Officer’s Certificate stating that the Officer has conducted or supervised a review of the activities of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries and the performance of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries under this Indenture during such Fiscal Year, and further stating, as to such Officer signing such certificate, that, to the best of such Officer’s knowledge, based upon such review, Holdings has fulfilled all obliga- tions under this Indenture or, if there has been a Default under this Indenture that is continu- ing, a description of the event and what action Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries are taking or propose to take with respect thereto. (b) The Issuer shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee, within 15 Business Days after an executive officer of Holdings becomes aware of any Default or Event of Default, a statement in the form of an Officer’s Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default and the action which Holdings proposes to take with respect thereto. SECTION 4.07. Taxes. Holdings shall, and shall cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, pay prior to delinquency all material Taxes, assessments, and governmental levies; provided, however, that, neither Holdings nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries shall be required to pay or dis- charge or cause to be paid or discharged any such Tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or where the failure to effect such payment is not adverse in any material respects to the Holders of the Notes.


 
-65- SECTION 4.08. Repurchase at the Option of Holders upon Change of Control Triggering Event. (a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Triggering Event with re- spect to a series of Notes, each Holder of such series of Notes shall have the right to require the Issuer to repurchase all or any part (equal to $200,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) of such Holder’s Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “Change of Control Offer”) at an offer price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to, but excluding, the date of purchase (the “Change of Control Payment”). (b) Within 30 days following any Change of Control Triggering Event or, at the Issuer’s option, prior to the consummation of such Change of Control Triggering Event but after the public announcement of a Change of Control (in which case, the notice shall state that the Change of Control Offer is conditional on the occurrence of such Change of Control Triggering Event or such other conditions specified therein), the Issuer will mail (or to the ex- tent permitted or required by applicable Depository procedures or regulations with respect to Global Notes, sent electronically in .pdf format), a written notice to each Holder of such series and the Trustee. The notice shall describe the transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control Triggering Event and offer to repurchase Notes of such series on the pur- chase date specified in such notice (which must be no earlier than 20 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is sent (provided that the Change of Control Payment Date may be delayed, in the Issuer’s discretion, until such time (including more than 60 days after the date notice is sent) as any or all conditions to such Change of Control Offer are satisfied or waived), other than as required by law) (the “Change of Control Payment Date”) pursuant to the proce- dures required by this Indenture and described in such notice. Such notice shall state: (1) that the Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 4.08 and that all Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn will be accepted for payment; (2) the offer price and the Change of Control Payment Date; (3) that any Note not tendered will continue to accrue interest; (4) that, unless the Issuer defaults in making payment therefor, any Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer shall cease to accrue in- terest after the Change of Control Payment Date; (5) that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to the Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender the Note, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of the Note completed, to the Paying Agent and Registrar for the Note at the address specified in the notice prior to the


 
-66- close of business on the third Business Day prior to the Change of Control Payment Date; (6) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their election if the Paying Agent receives, not later than the third Business Day prior to the Change of Control Payment Date, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Notes the Holder delivered for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its election to have such Note purchased; (7) that Holders whose Notes are purchased only in part will be issued new Notes in a principal amount equal to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surren- dered; provided, however, that each Note purchased and each new Note issued shall be in a principal amount of $200,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof; and (8) the material circumstances and relevant facts regarding such Change of Control. (c) On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Issuer shall, to the extent lawful: (1) accept for payment all Notes or portions thereof (in minimum amounts of $200,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) properly tendered pur- suant to the Change of Control Offer; (2) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Change of Con- trol Payment in respect of all Notes or portions thereof so tendered; and (3) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee for cancellation all Notes so accepted together with an Officer’s Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes (or portions thereof) being purchased by the Issuer. The Paying Agent will promptly remit to each Holder of Notes so tendered the Change of Control Payment for such Notes, and the Issuer shall execute and, upon receipt of a written order of the Issuer in the form of an Officer’s Certificate in accordance with Section 2.01, the Trustee shall promptly authenticate and deliver (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each Holder of Notes a new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased por- tion of the Notes surrendered, if any; provided that each such new Note shall be in a principal amount of $200,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. If the Change of Control Payment Date is on or after an interest record date and on or before the related interest payment date, any accrued and unpaid interest to the


 
-67- Change of Control Payment Date will be paid on the Change of Control Payment Date to the Person in whose name a Note is registered at the close of business on such record date. With respect to the Notes of each series, if Holders of not less than 90% in ag- gregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of such series validly tender and do not withdraw such Notes in a Change of Control Offer and the Issuer, or any other Person making a Change of Control Offer in lieu of the Issuer as described below, purchases all of the Notes of such series validly tendered and not withdrawn by such Holders, the Issuer will have the right, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, given not more than 30 days following such purchase pursuant to the Change of Control Offer described above, to redeem all Notes of such series that remain outstanding following such purchase at a redemp- tion price in cash equal to the applicable Change of Control Payment plus, to the extent not included in the Change of Control Payment, accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the Change of Control Payment Date (subject to the right of Holders of record of Notes of such series on a record date to receive interest due on the Redemption Date). Upon the payment of the Change of Control Payment, the Trustee shall, sub- ject to the provisions of Section 2.16, return the Notes purchased to the Issuer for cancella- tion. The Trustee may act as the Paying Agent for purposes of any Change of Control Offer. (d) The Issuer will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control Triggering Event if (1) a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Section 4.08 with respect to a Change of Control Offer made by the Issuer and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer or (2) notice of redemption has been given or will be given pursuant to this Indenture as described in Article Three, prior to the date the Issuer is required to send notice of the Change of Control Offer to the Holders of the applicable series of Notes, unless and until there is a default in payment of the applicable redemption price. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, a Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control Triggering Event, conditioned upon the consummation of such Change of Control Triggering Event or such oth- er conditions as specified therein, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Con- trol at the time the Change of Control Offer is made and such Change of Control Offer is oth- erwise made in compliance with the provisions of this Section 4.08. (e) The Issuer shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes as a result of a Change of Control. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations con- flict with provisions of this Section 4.08, the Issuer shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Sec- tion 4.08 by virtue thereof.


 
-68- SECTION 4.09. Limitation on Asset Disposition. (a) Holdings shall not, and shall not permit the Issuer or any other Restrict- ed Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, consummate any Asset Disposition unless: (1) Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary receives consideration at least equal to the fair market value (such fair market value to be determined in good faith by Holdings on the date of contractually agreeing to such Asset Disposition) of the as- sets subject to such Asset Disposition; (2) at least 75% of the consideration received by Holdings or such Re- stricted Subsidiary is in the form of cash or cash equivalents, Additional Assets or any combination thereof (collectively, the “Cash Consideration”); and (3) within 365 days from the later of the date of the consummation of such Asset Disposition or the receipt of the related Net Available Cash, an amount equal to 100% of the Net Available Cash from such Asset Disposition may be applied by Hold- ings (or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be): (A) to the extent Holdings elects (or is required by the terms of any applicable Indebtedness), (i) to prepay, repay, redeem or purchase Secured Debt of Holdings, the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor or Indebtedness of a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Holdings that is a Restricted Subsidiary but is not a Guarantor (in each case, other than Indebtedness owed to Holdings or an Affiliate of Holdings), provided such prepayment, repayment, redemption or purchase permanently retires, or reduces the related loan commitment (if any) for, such Indebtedness in an amount equal to the principal amount so prepaid, repaid, redeemed or purchased or (ii) prepay, pay or otherwise satisfy or dis- charge obligations under or in connection with the AFFA; (B) to the extent Holdings elects, to acquire Additional Assets or to make any other Capital Expenditures; (C) to make an offer to the Holders of the Notes (and to holders of other Pari Passu Indebtedness designated by the Issuer) to purchase Notes (and such other Pari Passu Indebtedness) pursuant to and subject to the conditions contained herein, as set forth below, and in the instruments governing such Pari Passu Indebtedness; or (D) to the extent of the balance of such Net Available Cash after application in accordance with clauses (A), (B) and (C), for any purpose per- mitted by the terms of this Indenture.


 
-69- In the case of Section 4.09(a)(3)(B), a binding commitment to acquire Addi- tional Assets or to make any other Capital Expenditures shall be treated as a permitted appli- cation of the Net Available Cash from the date of such commitment so long as Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary enters into such commitment with the good faith expectation that such Net Available Cash will be applied to satisfy such commitment within 180 days of such commitment (an “Acceptable Commitment”) and such Net Available Cash is actually applied in such manner within the later of (i) 365 days from the date of the consummation of the As- set Disposition or the receipt of the related Net Available Cash and (ii) 180 days from the date of the Acceptable Commitment, it being understood that if any Acceptable Commitment is later cancelled or terminated for any reason after the 365th day from the date of the consum- mation of the Asset Disposition or the receipt of the related Net Available Cash and before such Net Available Cash is applied, then such Net Available Cash shall constitute Excess Pro- ceeds. Pending application of Net Available Cash pursuant to this Section 4.09, such Net Available Cash may be applied to temporarily reduce revolving credit Indebtedness or in any manner not prohibited by this Indenture. (b) For the purposes of this Section 4.09, the following are deemed to be Cash Consideration: (1) any liabilities (as reflected on the Consolidated Group’s most recent consolidated balance sheet or in the footnotes thereto, or if incurred, accrued or in- creased subsequent to the date of such balance sheet, such liabilities that would have been reflected on the Consolidated Group’s consolidated balance sheet or in the foot- notes thereto if such incurrence, accrual or increase had taken place on or prior to the date of such balance sheet, as determined in good faith by Holdings) of Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets (or are otherwise extinguished in connection with the transactions relating to such Asset Disposition); (2) any securities, notes or other obligations received by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by Holdings or such Re- stricted Subsidiary into cash or cash equivalents within 180 days after such Asset Dis- position, to the extent of the cash and cash equivalents received in that conversion; and (3) any Designated Non-cash Consideration received by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in such Asset Disposition having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Designated Non-cash Consideration received pur- suant to this clause that has at that time not been converted into cash or a cash equiva- lent, not to exceed the greater of $100.0 million and 5.0% of Consolidated Net Tangi- ble Assets (with the fair market value of each item of Designated Non-cash Considera-


 
-70- tion being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value). (c) The amount of Net Available Cash not applied or invested as provided and within the time period set forth above will constitute “Excess Proceeds.” When the aggre- gate amount of Excess Proceeds equals or exceeds $100.0 million, within 20 Business Days thereof, the Issuer shall make an offer (an “Offer”) to all Holders of Notes and to holders of Pari Passu Indebtedness that contemporaneously requires the purchase, prepayment or re- demption of such Pari Passu Indebtedness with the proceeds of sales of assets, to purchase the maximum aggregate principal amount (or accreted value, as applicable) of the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds, at a purchase price of 100% of the principal amount thereof without premium, plus accrued but unpaid interest to, but excluding, such date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on a record date to receive interest due on the purchase date) (or, in respect of such other Pari Passu Indebted- ness of the Issuer, such lesser price, if any, as may be provided for by the terms of such Pari Passu Indebtedness) in accordance with the procedures (including prorating in the event of oversubscription) set forth in this Indenture and the terms of such other Pari Passu Indebted- ness. If any Excess Proceeds remain after consummation of an Offer contemplated above, the Issuer may use those Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by this Inden- ture. If the aggregate principal amount (or accreted value, as applicable) of the Notes or Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered pursuant to an Offer exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Issuer shall allocate the Excess Proceeds between such Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness on a pro rata basis and the Trustee will select the Notes of each series to be purchased on a pro rata basis but in denominations of $200,000 principal amount or integral multiples of $1,000 in ex- cess thereof and in accordance with the Depository’s applicable procedures, if the Notes are in global form. The remainder of the Excess Proceeds allocable to the Pari Passu Indebtedness will be repurchased as provided pursuant to the terms of such Indebtedness. Upon completion of such an Offer, Excess Proceeds will be deemed to be reset to zero (regardless of whether there are any remaining Excess Proceeds upon such completion). (d) The Issuer shall comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereun- der to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to this Section 4.09. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with provisions of this Section 4.09, the Issuer shall comply with the ap- plicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obliga- tions under this Section 4.09 by virtue of its compliance with such securities laws or regula- tions. SECTION 4.10. Limitation on Restricted Payments. Holdings will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, make any Restricted Payment if at the time of such Restricted Payment:


 
-71- (a) a Default shall have occurred and be continuing or shall occur as a con- sequence thereof; (b) after giving effect to such Restricted Payment (including, without limi- tation, the incurrence of any Indebtedness to finance such Restricted Payment), the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio would be less than 2:00 to 1:00; or (c) the amount of such Restricted Payment, when added to the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made after the Issue Date (other than Re- stricted Payments made pursuant to clauses (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (i), (k), (l), (n) or (o) of the next paragraph), exceeds the sum (the “Restricted Payments Basket”) of (with- out duplication): (1) 50% of Consolidated Net Income determined in accordance with GAAP for the period (taken as one accounting period) commencing on the first day of the fiscal quarter during which the Issue Date occurs to and in- cluding the last day of the fiscal quarter ended immediately prior to the date of such calculation for which consolidated financial statements are available (or, if such Consolidated Net Income shall be a deficit, minus 100% of such aggre- gate deficit), plus (2) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds and the fair market value, as determined in good faith by Holdings, of property and marketable se- curities, in each case received by Holdings from (a) the issuance and sale of Qualified Equity Interests of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent compa- ny of Holdings) after the Issue Date or (b) the issuance or sale of convertible or exchangeable Disqualified Equity Interests of Holdings (or any direct or indi- rect parent company of Holdings) or convertible or exchangeable debt securi- ties of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent company of Holdings), in each case that have been converted into or exchanged for Qualified Equity Interests of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent company of Holdings), plus the aggregate net cash proceeds received by Holdings at the time of such conver- sion or exchange, or (c) any capital contribution made to Holdings, in each case other than (A) any such proceeds which are used to effect a Make-Whole Redemption (as defined in paragraph 5 of the Notes) of Notes, (B) any such proceeds or assets received from a Subsidiary of Holdings or (C) contributions to the extent such amounts have been applied to Restricted Payments made in accordance with clause (c) of the next succeeding paragraph, plus (3) the aggregate amount by which Indebtedness (other than any Subordinated Indebtedness) of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary is re- duced on the consolidated balance sheet of the Consolidated Group upon the conversion or exchange subsequent to the Issue Date into Qualified Equity In-


 
-72- terests of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent company of Holdings) (less the amount of any cash, or the fair value of assets, distributed by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary upon such conversion or exchange), plus (4) to the extent not already included in Consolidated Net Income, 100% of the aggregate amount received in cash and the fair market value, as determined in good faith by Holdings, of property and marketable securities received by means of the sale (other than to Holdings or a Restricted Subsidi- ary) of the Capital Stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or a distribution from an Unrestricted Subsidiary (other than, in each case, to the extent the Invest- ment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary was made by a Restricted Subsidiary pur- suant to clause (h) of the next succeeding paragraph) or a dividend from an Unrestricted Subsidiary, plus (5) in the case of the redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary or the merger or consolidation of an Unrestricted Sub- sidiary into Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary or the transfer of assets of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary, the fair market value of the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary, as determined by Holdings in good faith at the time of the redesignation of such Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary or at the time of such merger, consolida- tion or transfer of assets (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary was made by a Restricted Subsidi- ary pursuant to clause (h) of the next succeeding paragraph). The foregoing provisions will not prohibit: (a) the payment by Holdings of any dividend or the consummation of any redemption within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof or the giving of the re- demption notice, as the case may be, if on the date of declaration or notice, the divi- dend or redemption payment would have complied with the provisions of this Inden- ture; (b) the redemption of any Equity Interests of Holdings in exchange for, or out of the net cash proceeds of the substantially concurrent issuance and sale of, Quali- fied Equity Interests of Holdings; (c) payments by Holdings (including indirectly through any direct or indi- rect parent) to redeem Equity Interests of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent company thereof) held by officers, directors or employees or former officers, directors or employees (or their transferees, estates or beneficiaries under their estates) of Hold- ings or its Subsidiaries (or any direct or indirect parent company thereof), upon their death, disability, retirement, severance or termination of employment or service or


 
-73- other repurchase event pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan, shareholders’ agreement or any other management or employee benefit plan or agree- ment or arrangement; provided that the aggregate cash consideration paid for all such redemptions shall not exceed (A) $25.0 million during any calendar year (with unused amounts being available to be used in the next succeeding two calendar years) plus (B) the amount of any net cash proceeds received by Holdings from the issuance and sale after the Issue Date of Qualified Equity Interests of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent company thereof) to officers, directors or employees of Holdings or the Subsid- iaries (or any direct or indirect parent company thereof) that have not been applied to the payment of Restricted Payments pursuant to this clause (c), plus (C) the net cash proceeds of any “key-man” life insurance policies that have not been applied to the payment of Restricted Payments pursuant to this clause (c); provided, that neither (x) cancellation of Indebtedness owing to Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent com- pany thereof) from any current or former officer, director or employee (or any permit- ted transferees thereof) of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries (or any direct or indirect parent company thereof), in connection with a repurchase of Equity Interests of Hold- ings (or any direct or indirect parent company thereof) from such Persons nor (y) any payments or other obligations arising in respect of Equity Interests of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent company thereof) held by officers, directors or employees or former officers, directors or employees (or their transferees, estates or beneficiaries under their estates) in connection with or resulting from the announcement or con- summation of a Change of Control, will be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment for purposes of this Section 4.10 or any other provisions of this Indenture; (d) repurchases, acquisitions or retirements for value of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon the exercise, conversion or exchange of stock options, warrants, other rights to acquire Equity Interests or other convertible or exchangeable securities if the Equity Interests represent all or a portion of the exercise, conversion or exchange price thereof, or in connection with the withholding of a portion of the Equity Interests granted or awarded to an employee to pay for the taxes payable by such employee up- on such grant or award or in connection with any such exercise, conversion or ex- change (and related payments by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect thereof); (e) the payment of (and Restricted Payments to any direct or indirect par- ent company of Holdings to allow the payment of) cash in lieu of the issuance of frac- tional shares upon (i) the exercise of options or warrants, (ii) the conversion or ex- change of any convertible or exchangeable debt securities, or (iii) the conversion or exchange of Equity Interests of any Person (including in a merger, consolidation, amalgamation or similar transaction) and payments of cash to dissenting shareholders in connection with a merger, consolidation, amalgamation, or transfer of assets;


 
-74- (f) the payment of any dividend (or, in the case of any partnership or lim- ited liability company, any similar distribution) by a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings to any class or classes of holders of its Equity Interests on a pro rata basis; (g) dividends or distributions to the Parent in connection with the making by the Parent of ordinary dividend payments in respect of its common stock in an ag- gregate amount not to exceed, in any period of two consecutive Fiscal Years (the “Dividend Period”), 75% of the aggregate Adjusted Net Income in respect of the two Fiscal Years ending at the end of the first Fiscal Year of the Dividend Period (and af- ter deducting from the dividends included in that calculation any dividends to the ex- tent such dividends are reinvested by the Parent in the Parent or any Subsidiary thereof (for the avoidance of any doubt, excluding the Excluded Entities) or are replaced pur- suant to an underwritten dividend reinvestment plan or equivalent program); (h) Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries having an aggregate fair mar- ket value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (h) that are at the time outstanding, without giving effect to the sale of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the proceeds of such sale do not consist of cash and/or mar- ketable securities, not to exceed $250.0 million at the time of such Investment (with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value); (i) to the extent constituting Restricted Payments, any AICF Payments; (j) other Restricted Payments if, at the time of the making of such pay- ments, and after giving effect thereto (including, without limitation, the incurrence of any Indebtedness to finance such payment), the Total Net Leverage Ratio would not exceed 3.50 to 1.00; (k) Restricted Payments under or in respect of hedge and warrant transac- tions entered into in connection with a convertible notes offering of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary (or any direct or indirect parent company of Holdings); provided that the proceeds of such offering are contributed to Holdings or such Restricted Sub- sidiary; (l) the declaration and payment of dividends by Holdings to, or the making of loans to, any direct or indirect parent company of Holdings in amounts required for any direct or indirect parent company to pay: (i) franchise and excise taxes and other fees and expenses required to maintain its organizational existence;


 
-75- (ii) with respect to any taxable year (or portion thereof) with respect to which Holdings is a member of a consolidated, combined or similar income tax group of which a direct or indirect parent of Hold- ings is the common parent, foreign, federal, state and local income and similar taxes (including any interest or penalties related thereto) of such tax group, to the extent such taxes are attributable to the income, reve- nue, receipts, capital or margin of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidi- aries and, to the extent of the amount actually received from its Unre- stricted Subsidiaries in amounts required to pay such taxes to the extent attributable to the income of such Unrestricted Subsidiaries; provided that in each case the amount of such payments in any fiscal year does not exceed the amount that Holdings, its Restricted Subsidiaries and its Unrestricted Subsidiaries (to the extent described above) would be re- quired to pay in respect of such foreign, federal, state and local income and similar taxes for such fiscal year had Holdings, its Restricted Sub- sidiaries and its Unrestricted Subsidiaries (to the extent described above) been a stand-alone taxpayer (separate from any such direct or indirect parent company of Holdings) for all fiscal years ending after the Issue Date; (iii) customary salary, bonus, severance and other benefits payable to, and indemnities provided on behalf of, future, current or former officers, employees, directors and managers and consultants of any direct or indirect parent company of Holdings to the extent such salaries, bonuses, severance and other benefits and indemnities are at- tributable to the ownership or operation of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries, including Holdings’ and the Restricted Subsidiaries’ pro- portionate share of such amount relating to such parent company being a public company; (iv) general corporate or other operating (including, without limitation, expenses related to auditing or other accounting matters and listing fees and other costs and expenses attributable to being a public company) and overhead costs and expenses, of any direct or indirect parent company of Holdings; (v) amounts required for any direct or indirect parent com- pany of Holdings to pay fees and expenses incurred by any direct or in- direct parent company of Holdings related to transactions of such par- ent company of Holdings of the type described in clauses (8) and (11) of the definition of “Consolidated Net Income”; and


 
-76- (vi) amounts required for the purpose of enabling any direct or indi- rect parent company of Holdings to pay interest on Indebtedness issued by such Person after the Issue Date to the extent the net cash proceeds therefrom are contributed to the Issuer; (m) the distribution, as a dividend or otherwise, of shares of Capital Stock of, or Indebtedness owed to Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary by, Unrestricted Sub- sidiaries; (n) other Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50.0 million; or (o) any Restricted Payments made in connection with a Permitted Reorgan- ization (other than any Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries). Provided that (i) in the case of any Restricted Payment pursuant to subsection (j) of the sec- ond paragraph of this Section 4.10, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or occur as a consequence thereof, (ii) no issuance and sale of Qualified Equity Interests of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent company thereof) that are used to make a payment pursuant to clause (b) of the second paragraph of this Section 4.10 shall increase the Restricted Payments Basket; and (iii) in the case of any Restricted Payment pursuant to clause (j) of the second paragraph of this Section 4.10, such Restricted Payment shall not be made prior to the utiliza- tion of any amount available under clause (c) of the first paragraph of this Section 4.10 or, to the extent applicable, clause (g) of the second paragraph of this Section 4.10. For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.10, in the event that a proposed Restricted Payment (or a portion thereof) meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Restricted Payments described in the preceding clauses (a) through (o) of the second paragraph of this Section 4.10 and/or is entitled to be made pursuant to the first paragraph of this Section 4.10, Holdings will be entitled to divide or classify (or later divide, classify or reclassify in whole or in part in its sole discretion) such Restricted Payment (or a portion thereof) among such clauses (a) through (o) of the second paragraph of this Section 4.10 and/or such first paragraph of this Section 4.10 in a manner that otherwise complies with this covenant. SECTION 4.11. Limitation on Liens. Holdings will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indi- rectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Security Interest (except Permitted Security Interests) (each, a “Subject Security Interest”) that secures any Indebtedness on any of their assets (including Capital Stock of Subsidiaries), whether owned on the Issue Date or acquired after that date, unless the Notes and the related Note Guarantees and any other indebtedness of or guaranteed by Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary then entitled thereto, subject to


 
-77- applicable priorities of payment, are equally and ratably secured with (or, at Holdings’ option or if such Subject Security Interest secures Subordinated Indebtedness, on a senior basis to) the Indebtedness secured by such Subject Security Interest. Any Security Interest created for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes pursu- ant to this Section 4.11 shall provide by its terms that such Security Interest shall be uncondi- tionally and automatically released and discharged upon the release and discharge of the Se- curity Interest that gave rise to the obligation to secure the Notes. In addition, in the event that a Subject Security Interest is or becomes a Permitted Security Interest, Holdings may, at its option and without consent from any Holder, elect to release and discharge any Security In- terest created for the benefit of the Holders pursuant to the preceding paragraph in respect of such Subject Security Interest. SECTION 4.12. Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions. Holdings will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, engage in any Sale and Leaseback Transaction unless: (1) Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary would be permitted to incur Se- cured Debt pursuant to Section 4.11 equal in amount to the net proceeds of the proper- ty sold or transferred or to be sold or to be transferred pursuant to such Sale and Leaseback Transaction and secured by a Security Interest on the property to be leased, without equally and ratably securing the Notes as provided under Section 4.11; or (2) Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary shall apply, within 180 days after the effective date of such sale or transfer, an amount equal to such net proceeds to (i) the acquisition, construction, development or improvement of properties, facilities or equipment which are, or upon such acquisition, construction, development or im- provement will be, a Principal Facility or Principal Facilities or a part thereof or (ii) the repurchase or redemption of Notes issued under this Indenture or to the repayment or redemption of long-term Indebtedness of the Issuer, Holdings or of any Restricted Subsidiary, or in part to such acquisition, construction, development or improvement and in part to such redemption, repurchase and/or repayment. In lieu of applying an amount equal to such net proceeds to such redemption, repurchase or repayment the Issuer may, within 180 days after such sale or transfer, deliver to the appropriate in- denture trustee Notes issued under this Indenture or long-term Indebtedness for can- cellation and thereby reduce the amount to be applied to the redemption, repurchase or repayment of such Notes or long-term Indebtedness by an amount equivalent to the aggregate principal amount of Notes or long-term Indebtedness.


 
-78- SECTION 4.13. Reports to Holders. (a) Whether or not the Issuer or the Parent is subject to the reporting re- quirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or otherwise reports on an annual and quarterly basis on forms provided for such annual and quarterly reporting pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Commission, so long as any Notes are outstanding this Indenture, the Issuer or the Parent will furnish to the Trustee and Holders the following: (1) within the time period specified in the Commission’s rules and regula- tions for non-accelerated filers, annual reports of the Parent on Form 20-F or 10-K (as then applicable to the Parent) (or any successor or comparable form) containing the in- formation required to be contained therein (or required in such successor or compara- ble form); (2) within the time period specified in the Commission’s rules and regula- tions for non-accelerated filers, quarterly reports of the Parent on Form 6-K or 10-Q (as then applicable to the Parent) (or any successor or comparable form) containing the information required to be contained in such Form (or required in such successor or comparable form); and (3) at or prior to such times as would be required to be filed or furnished to the Commission if the Parent was then a “foreign private issuer” subject to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, all such other reports and information of the Par- ent that the Parent would have been required to file or furnish pursuant thereto; provided that, in the case of clauses (1) and (2) above, to the extent such reports are being provided by the Parent, such reports shall include, or the Issuer shall otherwise deliver at the time of delivery of such reports, a qualitative disclosure of differences between the Parent’s consolidated financial statements and Holdings’ consolidated financial statements consistent with such disclosure set forth in the Offering Memorandum; provided, further, that to the ex- tent that the Parent ceases to qualify as a “foreign private issuer” within the meaning of the Exchange Act, whether or not the Parent is then subject to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Ex- change Act, the Issuer or the Parent will furnish to the Trustee and the Holders, so long as any Notes are outstanding, within 30 days of the respective dates on which the Parent would be required to file such documents with the Commission if it was required to file such documents under the Exchange Act, all reports and other information of the Parent that would be required to be filed with (or furnished to) the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. (b) In addition, whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the Commission, the Issuer or the Parent will make all such reports and other information of the Parent that it would be required to file as a foreign private issuer or otherwise as set forth in Section 4.13(a) with the Commission publicly available (including via a non-password pro-


 
-79- tected website) within the time periods specified above (unless the Commission will not ac- cept such a filing) and make such information available to the Trustee and Holders of the Notes upon request. In addition, the Issuer (or the Parent) and the Guarantors shall, for so long as any Notes remain outstanding, furnish to the Holders of such Notes and to securities ana- lysts and prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act. (c) Whether the Parent files such reports with the Commission or posts such reports on its website, the public posting of such reports shall satisfy any requirement hereunder to deliver such reports to the Trustee and Holders of the Notes; provided, that the Trustee shall have no obligation whatsoever to determine whether or not such reports and in- formation have been so filed or posted. The terms of this Indenture shall not impose any duty on the Issuer of the Parent under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the related Commission rules that would not otherwise be applicable to it. (d) Any direct or indirect parent company of the Parent (including a Per- mitted Parent or a Permitted Person) may satisfy the obligations of the Parent set forth in this Section 4.13 by providing the requisite reports and other information of such parent company instead of the Parent. (e) Delivery of such reports and information to the Trustee shall be for in- formational purposes only, and the Trustee’s receipt of them shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained there- in, including the Issuer’s or the Parent’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officer’s Certificates delivered pursuant to this Indenture, including without limitation Officer’s Certificates delivered pursuant to Sec- tion 4.06(a)). SECTION 4.14. Additional Note Guarantees. If, on or after the Issue Date: (1) Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries acquires or creates anoth- er Subsidiary that Guarantees any Indebtedness under Credit Facilities of the Issuer or a Guarantor (other than Indebtedness owing to Holdings or any of its Restricted Sub- sidiaries) in an aggregate principal amount greater than or equal to $150.0 million; or (2) any Subsidiary of Holdings that Guarantees any Indebtedness under Credit Facilities of the Issuer or a Guarantor (other than Indebtedness owing to Hold- ings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) in an aggregate principal amount greater than or equal to $150.0 million, and that Subsidiary was not a Guarantor immediately prior to such Guarantee (an “Additional Obligor”),


 
-80- then that newly acquired or created Subsidiary or Additional Obligor, as the case may be (i) shall become a Guarantor and (ii) execute a supplemental indenture substantially in the form of Exhibit I within 30 Business Days of the date on which it was acquired or created or be- came an Additional Obligor. In addition, in the event of the release of the Note Guarantee given by James Hardie International Group Limited in connection with a Permitted Reorganization, its Re- placement Entity shall promptly thereafter become a Guarantor and execute a supplemental indenture substantially in the form of Exhibit I. In addition, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certifi- cate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such supplemental indenture complies with the applicable provisions of this Indenture, that all conditions precedent in this Indenture re- lating to such transaction have been satisfied, and such Opinion of Counsel shall additionally state that such supplemental indenture is enforceable against the new Guarantor, subject to customary qualifications. SECTION 4.15. Termination of Covenants. (a) If on any date following the Issue Date, with respect to a series of Notes, (i) the Notes of such series have Investment Grade Ratings from both Rating Agencies, and (ii) no Default has occurred and is continuing under this Indenture with respect to such series of Notes (the occurrence of the events described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) be- ing collectively referred to as a “Covenant Termination Event”), Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries will not be subject to Sections 4.09, 4.10, 4.12 and 4.14 hereof with respect to such series of Notes (collectively, the “Terminated Covenants”). (b) In the event that a Covenant Termination Event occurs with respect to a series of Notes, (x) the Issuer shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee an Of- ficer’s Certificate stating that such Covenant Termination Event has occurred, and (y) Hold- ings and its Restricted Subsidiaries will no longer be subject to the Terminated Covenants with respect to such series of Notes, regardless of whether on any subsequent date one or both of the Rating Agencies withdraw their Investment Grade Rating or downgrade the rating as- signed to the Notes of such series below an Investment Grade Rating. (c) The Trustee shall have no responsibility to monitor any change in the rating of the Notes or to determine whether a Covenant Termination Event has occurred. The Trustee may deliver a copy of any Officer’s Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 4.15(b)(x) above to the Holders upon written request.


 
-81- ARTICLE FIVE SUCCESSOR CORPORATION SECTION 5.01. Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets. (a) Neither Holdings nor the Issuer will consolidate or merge with or into any other Person or, in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, Transfer all or substantially all of its assets, in each case, to another Person unless: (1) Holdings or the Issuer, as the case may be, shall be the continuing Per- son, or the successor or transferee shall be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the United States or a state thereof, Australia or a state thereof, Canada or a province thereof, a member state of the European Union or any other jurisdiction (oth- er than The Philippines) in which the Issuer, a Guarantor or a Wholly-Owned Subsidi- ary of Holdings is organized as of the Issue Date, and the successor or transferee Per- son expressly assumes by a supplemental indenture or amendment of the relevant doc- uments Holdings’ or the Issuer’s obligations under the Note Guarantee or the Notes, as the case may be, and under this Indenture; (2) Holdings or the Issuer, or the successor or transferee Person, as the case may be, shall not immediately after such transaction, be in default in the performance of any covenant or condition under this Indenture; and (3) after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have occurred or be continuing. (b) Holdings shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee an Of- ficer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each to the effect that such consolidation, merger or Transfer complies with the requirements of this Indenture, and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the Notes and this Indenture constitute valid and binding obligations of the successor or transferee entity, if any, subject to customary exceptions. (c) Notwithstanding the preceding clauses (a) and (b) of this Section 5.01, (x) Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries (including the Issuer) may Transfer assets (other than by means of a liquidation or dissolution of the Issuer) to or among Holdings or any one or more of its Subsidiaries and (y) a Permitted Reorganization shall be permitted at any time. (d) Notwithstanding the preceding clauses (a)(2), (a)(3), (b) and (c) of this Section 5.01, (x) the Issuer may liquidate, dissolve or merge or consolidate with or into one of Holdings’ Subsidiaries for any purpose and (y) Holdings, the Issuer or a Subsidiary may merge


 
-82- or consolidate solely for the purpose of reincorporating Holdings, the Issuer or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, in another jurisdiction. (e) For purposes of this Section 5.01, the Transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of one or more Subsidiaries of Holdings, which assets, if held by Holdings or the Issuer instead of such Subsidiaries, would constitute all or substantially all of the assets of Hold- ings on a consolidated basis, will be deemed to be the disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Holdings. SECTION 5.02. Successor Person Substituted. Upon any consolidation, combination or merger of Holdings or the Issuer, or any Transfer of all or substantially all of its assets in accordance with the foregoing provisions of Section 5.01, in which Holdings or the Issuer is not the continuing obligor under this Indenture and the Note Guarantee or the Notes, as the case may be, the surviving entity formed by such consolidation or into which Holdings or the Issuer is merged or to which such Transfer of all or substantially all of its assets is made will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of Holdings or the Issuer under this Indenture and the Note Guarantee or the Notes, as the case may be, with the same effect as if such surviving entity had been named therein as Holdings or the Issuer and Holdings or the Issuer, as the case may be, will be released from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest on such Note Guarantee or such Notes, and from all of Holdings’ or the Issuer’s other obligations and covenants under such Note Guar- antee or such Notes and this Indenture. ARTICLE SIX DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES SECTION 6.01. Events of Default. Each of the following constitutes an “Event of Default” with respect to the Notes of any series: (1) default for 30 consecutive days in the payment when due of interest with respect to the Notes of such series; (2) default in payment when due of principal or premium, if any, on the Notes of such series at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise; (3) failure by the Issuer for 60 consecutive days after receipt of notice from the Trustee or Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes of such series then outstanding under this Indenture (with a copy to the Trustee) to com- ply with any of the provisions under Section 4.08;


 
-83- (4) failure by the Issuer, Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary for 60 con- secutive days after receipt of notice from the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes of such series then outstanding under this In- denture (with a copy to the Trustee) to comply with any covenant or agreement con- tained in this Indenture (other than the covenants and agreements specified in clauses (1) through (3) of this Section 6.01); (5) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary or the payment of which is Guaranteed by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than Indebtedness owed to the Parent, Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary), whether such Indebtedness or Guarantee existed as of, or was created after, the Issue Date, which default (a) is caused by a failure to pay when due at final stated maturity (giving effect to any grace period related thereto) principal of such Indebtedness (a “Payment Default”) or (b) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its stated maturity, and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any such In- debtedness under which there has been a Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $100.0 million or more; (6) failure by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary (or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, together, (as of the date of the lat- est audited consolidated financial statements of the Parent) would constitute a Signifi- cant Subsidiary) to pay final and non-appealable judgments (net of any amounts cov- ered by insurance and as to which such insurer has not denied responsibility or cover- age in writing) aggregating $100.0 million or more, which judgments are not paid, discharged, bonded, stayed or waived within 60 days after such judgment becomes fi- nal, and in the event such judgment is covered in full by insurance, an enforcement proceeding has been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or decree which is not promptly stayed; (7) (A) a court of competent jurisdiction over the Issuer, Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary enters (x) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Issuer, Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or group of Re- stricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary (as of the date of the latest audited consolidated financial statements of the Parent) in an involuntary case or proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law or (y) a decree or order ad- judging the Issuer, Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidi- ary or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Signifi- cant Subsidiary as bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Issuer, Holdings or any such Restricted Subsidiary or group of Restricted Subsidiaries


 
-84- under any Bankruptcy Law, or appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Issuer, Holdings or any such Re- stricted Subsidiary or group of Restricted Subsidiaries or of any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days or (B) the Issuer, Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary (as of the date of the latest audited consolidated financial statements of the Parent) (i) commences a voluntary case under any Bankruptcy Law or consents to the entry of an order for relief in an in- voluntary case under any Bankruptcy Law, (ii) consents to the appointment of or tak- ing possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of the Issuer, Holdings or any such Restricted Subsidiary or group of Restricted Subsidiaries or for all or substantially all the property and assets of the Is- suer, Holdings or any such Restricted Subsidiary or group of Restricted Subsidiaries, (iii) effects any general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (iv) generally is not paying its debts as they become due; and (8) any Note Guarantee of such series of Notes of any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary ceases to be in full force and effect in all material respects (oth- er than in accordance with the terms of such Note Guarantee and this Indenture) or is declared null and void and unenforceable or found to be invalid or any Guarantor de- nies its liability under its Note Guarantee of such series of Notes (other than by reason of release of a Guarantor from its Note Guarantee of such series of Notes in accord- ance with the terms of this Indenture and such Note Guarantee). SECTION 6.02. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission. If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing under this Indenture with re- spect to the Notes of any series, either the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes of such series then outstanding, may declare all Notes of such series to be due and payable by notice in writing to the Issuer and the Trustee, in the case of notice by Holders, specifying the respective Event of Default and that it is a “notice of accel- eration” and the same shall become immediately due and payable; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(7) occurs with respect to the Issuer, all outstanding Notes shall become due and payable without further ac- tion or notice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if after such acceleration but before a judgment or decree based on such acceleration is obtained by the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes of a series may rescind and annul such ac- celeration if:


 
-85- (1) all Events of Default, other than nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, or interest that has become due solely because of the acceleration, have been cured or waived; (2) to the extent the payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest and overdue principal, which has become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration, has been paid; (3) the Issuer has paid the Trustee its reasonable compensation and reim- bursed the Trustee for its expenses, disbursements, indemnities and advances; and (4) in the event of the cure or waiver of an Event of Default of the type de- scribed in Section 6.01(7), the Trustee shall have received an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel that such Event of Default has been cured or waived. No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right con- sequent thereto. SECTION 6.03. Other Remedies. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing in respect of a series of Notes, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy by proceeding at law or in equity to collect the payment of principal of, or premium, if any, and interest on the Notes of such series or to en- force the performance of any provision of such Notes or this Indenture and may take any nec- essary action requested in writing by the Holders of a majority of the principal amount out- standing of the Notes of the applicable series to settle, compromise, adjust or otherwise con- clude any proceedings to which it is a party. The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Noteholder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of De- fault. No remedy is exclusive of any other remedy. All available remedies are cumulative. Any costs associated with actions taken by the Trustee under this Section 6.03 shall be reim- bursed to the Trustee by the Issuer and the Guarantors. SECTION 6.04. Waiver of Existing Defaults and Events of Default. (a) Subject to Sections 2.10, 6.02, 6.08 and 8.02, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes of a series then outstanding shall have the right to waive any existing Defaults or Events of Default under this Indenture except a Default or Event of De- fault in the payment of principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on any Note of such series as specified in clauses (1) and (2) of Section 6.01. The Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee an


 
-86- Officer’s Certificate stating that the requisite percentage of Holders have consented to such waiver and attaching copies of such consents. In case of any such waiver, the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder and under the Notes of such series, respectively. (b) Upon any such waiver with respect to such series, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or oth- er Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereto. SECTION 6.05. Control by Majority. Subject to Sections 2.10 and 7.01, the Holders of a majority in aggregate prin- cipal amount of the outstanding Notes of a series have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee or ex- ercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee by this Indenture with respect to such se- ries. The Trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or that the Trustee determines may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of another Holder not taking part in such direction, and the Trustee shall have the right to decline to fol- low any such direction (it being understood that the Trustee does not have an affirmative duty to ascertain whether or not any such directions are unduly prejudicial to such Holders) if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines that the action so directed may not lawfully be taken or if the Trustee in good faith shall, by a Responsible Officer, determine that the pro- ceedings so directed may involve it in personal liability; provided that the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction. In the event the Trustee takes any action or follows any direction pursuant to this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to indemnification and security satisfactory to it against any cost, liability or expense that might be caused by taking such action or following such direction. SECTION 6.06. Limitation on Suits. Subject to Section 6.07, a Holder may not pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes of a series unless: (1) the Holder has previously given the Trustee written notice of a continu- ing Event of Default; (2) the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Notes of such se- ries then outstanding make a written request to the Trustee to pursue the remedy; (3) such Holder or Holders offer the Trustee security or indemnity satisfac- tory to the Trustee against any costs, liability or expense;


 
-87- (4) the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after re- ceipt of the request and the offer of security or indemnity against any cost, liability or expense that might be caused by complying with such request; and (5) during such 60-day period, the Holders of a majority in aggregate prin- cipal amount of the outstanding Notes of such series do not give the Trustee a direc- tion that is inconsistent with the request. A Noteholder may not use any provision of this Indenture to disturb or preju- dice the rights of another Noteholder or to obtain a preference or priority over another Note- holder. SECTION 6.07. Rights of Holders To Receive Payment. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder of a Note to receive payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on such Note on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Note, or to bring suit for the en- forcement of any such payment, on or after such respective due dates, is absolute and uncon- ditional and shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of the Holder. SECTION 6.08. Collection Suit by Trustee. If an Event of Default pursuant to clause (1) or (2) of Section 6.01 occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Issuer or any Guarantor (or any other obligor on the applicable series of Notes) for the whole amount of unpaid principal and accrued interest remaining unpaid, to- gether with interest on overdue principal and, to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest, in each case at the rate set forth in the ap- plicable series of Notes, and such further amounts as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel. SECTION 6.09. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. The Trustee may file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07) and the Note- holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer or any Guarantor (or any other obligor upon the applicable series of Notes), its creditors or its property and shall be en- titled and empowered to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or delivera- ble on any such claims and to distribute the same after deduction of its charges and expenses to the extent that any such charges and expenses are not paid out of the estate in any such pro-


 
-88- ceedings and any custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Noteholder to make such payments to the Trustee, and in the event that the Trustee shall con- sent to the making of such payments directly to the Noteholders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Noteholder any plan or reorganization, ar- rangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes of the applicable series or the rights of any Noteholder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Noteholder in any such proceedings. SECTION 6.10. Priorities. If the Trustee collects any money or property pursuant to this Article Six, and after an Event of Default any money or other property distributable in respect of the Compa- ny’s or Guarantors’ obligations under this Indenture, such money or property shall be paid out or distributed in the following order: FIRST: to the Trustee, its agents and any predecessor Trustee for amounts due under Section 7.07; SECOND: to Noteholders for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes of the ap- plicable series for principal, premium, if any, and interest, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes; and THIRD: to the Issuer or, to the extent the Trustee collects any amount from any Guarantor, to such Guarantor. The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Note- holders pursuant to this Section 6.10. SECTION 6.11. Undertaking for Costs. In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reason- able attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section 6.11 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Noteholder pursuant to Section 6.07 or a suit by Noteholders of more than 10% in principal amount of the Notes of a series then out- standing.


 
-89- ARTICLE SEVEN TRUSTEE SECTION 7.01. Duties of Trustee. (a) If a Default or Event of Default actually known to a Responsible Of- ficer of the Trustee has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise as a prudent person under the circumstances would exercise or use under the same circumstances in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Except for an Event of Default pursuant to Section 6.01(1) or 6.01(2) (upon the occurrence of which the Trustee if then acting as Paying Agent will be deemed to have knowledge thereof), the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice or be charged with knowledge of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has received written notice of any event which is in fact such a Default or Event of Default by the Issuer or by the Holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of a series of Notes by written notice of such event sent to the Trustee in accordance with Section 11.02, and such notice references such series of Notes and this Indenture. (b) Except during the continuance of a Default or Event of Default of which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge: (1) The Trustee need perform only those duties that are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no others, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee. (2) In the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively re- ly, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed there- in, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the re- quirements of this Indenture but, in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform on their face to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein). Whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may require and, in the absence of bad faith on its part, conclusively rely upon an Officer’s Certificate.


 
-90- (c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liability for its own negligent ac- tion, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that: (1) This paragraph does not limit the effect of subsection (b) of this Sec- tion 7.01. (2) The Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it is proved that the Trustee was negligent in as- certaining the pertinent facts. (3) The Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it from a majori- ty in aggregate principal amount of the Notes of a series outstanding pursuant to the terms of this Indenture. (4) No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its rights, powers or duties. The Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the performance of its powers or duties hereunder. (d) Whether or not therein expressly so provided, subsections (a), (b), (c) and (e) of this Section 7.01 shall govern every provision of this Indenture that in any way re- lates to the Trustee. (e) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction (including, but in no way limited to, the fees and disbursements of agents and attorneys). The Trustee’s fees, expenses and indemni- ties (in each of its capacities under this Indenture) (including, but in no way limited to, the fees and disbursements of agents and attorneys) are included in the amounts guaranteed by the Note Guarantees. (f) The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Issuer or any Guarantor. Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by the law. SECTION 7.02. Rights of Trustee. Subject to Section 7.01:


 
-91- (1) The Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document (whether in its original or facsimile form) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper per- son. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document. (2) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require and shall be entitled to receive an Officer’s Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel, or both, which shall conform to the provisions of Sections 11.04 and 11.05. The Trustee shall be pro- tected and shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in re- liance on such certificate or opinion. (3) The Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or per- form any duties hereunder directly or indirectly or by or through its attorneys and agents and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any attorney or agent appointed by it with due care. (4) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith which it reasonably believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers; provided that the Trustee’s conduct does not constitute negligence or willful miscon- duct. (5) The Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection, at the expense of the Issuer, and the advice or opinion of such counsel as to matters of law shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, omitted or suffered by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel. (6) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be compensated, reimbursed and in- demnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its ca- pacities hereunder (including but not limited to as Registrar, Paying Agent and Depos- itory Custodian), and each agent, custodian and other person employed to act hereun- der. (7) The right of the Trustee to perform any discretionary act enumerated in this Indenture shall not be construed as a duty, and the Trustee shall not be answerable for other than its own negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of such act. (8) The Trustee may from time to time request that the Issuer deliver an Officer’s Certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers au- thorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture, which Of-


 
-92- ficer’s Certificate may be signed by any persons authorized to sign an Officer’s Certif- icate, including any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previous- ly delivered and not superseded. (9) In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indi- rect, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action. (10) The Trustee will not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of in- debtedness, or other paper or document, or inquire as to the performance by the Issuer or the Guarantors of any of their covenants in this Indenture, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Is- suers or the Guarantors, personally or by agent or attorney at the sole cost of the Issu- ers and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such in- quiry or investigation. SECTION 7.03. Individual Rights of Trustee. The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may make loans to, accept deposits from, perform services for or other- wise deal with either the Issuer or any Guarantor, or any Affiliates thereof, with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. However, in the event that the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest within the meaning of TIA § 310(b) it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, or resign. The Trustee shall also be subject to Sections 7.10 and 7.11. SECTION 7.04. Trustee’s Disclaimer. The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Notes or any Note Guarantee, it shall not be ac- countable for the Issuer’s or any Guarantor’s use of the proceeds from the sale of Notes, it will not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent (other than itself as Paying Agent) or any money paid to the Issuer or any Guarantor pursuant to the terms of this Indenture and it shall not be responsible for any statement in the Notes, the Note Guarantees or this Indenture other than its certificate of authentication. The Trustee shall not be responsible for any statement in the Offering Memorandum or any other docu- ment utilized by the Issuer in connection with the sale of the Notes, and shall not be responsi- ble for any rating on the Notes or any action or omission of any Rating Agency.


 
-93- SECTION 7.05. Notice of Defaults. If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing (which shall not be cured or waived) and if it is actually known to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee (pursuant to Section 7.01(a) hereof), the Trustee shall give to each Noteholder a notice of the Default or Event of Default within 90 days after it occurs in the manner and to the extent otherwise pro- vided in this Indenture. Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of the principal of or interest on any Note of any series (including payments pursuant to a redemption or repurchase of such Notes pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture), the Trustee may withhold from the Holders of such series of Notes the notice, and shall be fully protected in so withholding, if and so long as it in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests such Holders. SECTION 7.06. [Reserved]. SECTION 7.07. Compensation and Indemnity. The Issuer and the Guarantors shall pay to the Trustee from time to time com- pensation as agreed upon in writing for its services hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust). The Issuer and the Guarantors shall reimburse the Trustee upon request for all reason- able disbursements, expenses and advances incurred or made by it in connection with the Trustee’s duties under this Indenture, including the reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee’s agents and external counsel. The Issuer and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, shall indemnify each of the Trustee and its agents, employees, stockholders, directors and officers and any predeces- sor Trustee for, and hold each of them harmless against, any and all loss, damage, claim, lia- bility or expense, including without limitation taxes (other than taxes based on the income of the Trustee) and reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses (collectively, “Losses”) incurred by each of them in connection with the acceptance or administration of this Indenture or the per- formance of its duties under this Indenture or the exercise of its rights and powers under the Notes and the Guarantees, including the costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture (in- cluding this Section 7.07), the Notes and the Guarantees or otherwise arising under this Inden- ture and including the reasonable costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim (whether asserted by any Holder, the Issuer, any Guarantor or otherwise) or liability in con- nection with the exercise or performance of any of its rights, powers or duties hereunder (in- cluding, without limitation, settlement costs). The Trustee shall notify the Issuer and the Guarantors in writing promptly of any third party claim of which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge asserted against the Trustee for which it may seek indemnity (each, a “Third Party Claim”); provided that the failure by the Trustee to so notify the Issuer and the Guarantors shall not relieve the Issuer and Guarantors of their obligations hereunder except to the extent the Issuer and the Guarantors are actually prejudiced thereby. Neither the


 
-94- Issuer nor any Guarantor need pay for any settlement or provide any indemnification for any other Losses associated therewith to the extent such settlement is made in connection with any Third Party Claim without its consent, which consent may be withheld in its sole discretion. The Trustee shall have the right to its own counsel and the Issuer shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel in connection with any Third Party Claim to the extent the Trus- tee reasonably determines that a conflict of interest exists or is required in connection with the performance of its duties under this Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Issuer and the Guarantors need not reim- burse the Trustee for any expense or indemnify it against any loss or liability to have been in- curred by the Trustee through its own negligence or willful misconduct. To secure the payment obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors in this Sec- tion 7.07, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or col- lected by the Trustee except for such money or property held in trust to pay principal of and interest on particular Notes. Such lien shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this In- denture. The obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors under this Section 7.07 to compensate and indemnify the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee for expenses, disbursements and advances shall be joint and several liabilities of each Issuer and each of the Guarantors and shall survive the res- ignation or removal of the Trustee and the satisfaction, discharge or other termination of this Indenture, including any termination or rejection hereof under any Bankruptcy Law. When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(7) occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any applicable Bankruptcy Law. For purposes of this Section 7.07, the term “Trustee” shall include any trustee appointed pursuant to this Article Seven, provided, however, that the negligence or willful misconduct of any Trustee hereunder shall not affect the rights of any other Trustee hereun- der. The provisions of this Section 7.07 shall apply to Trustee in its capacity as Paying Agent, Registrar and any other Agent under this Indenture. SECTION 7.08. Replacement of Trustee. The Trustee may resign at any time by so notifying the Issuer and the Guaran- tors in writing. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes of a series may remove the Trustee with respect to such series by notifying the Issuer and the re- moved Trustee in writing and may appoint a successor Trustee of such series with the Issuer’s written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Issuer may remove the Trustee at its election if:


 
-95- (1) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10; (2) the Trustee is adjudged a bankrupt or an insolvent or an order for relief is entered with respect to the Trustee under any Bankruptcy Law; (3) a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its prop- erty; or (4) the Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting. If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trus- tee for any reason, the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee. If a successor Trustee does not take office within 30 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Issuer or the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes of a series may petition at the expense of the Issuer any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee. If the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10, Noteholders holding at least 10% in principal amount of the Notes of the applicable series may petition any court of com- petent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to such series and the appoint- ment of a successor Trustee of such series. A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Issuer. Immediately following such delivery, the retiring Trustee shall, subject to its rights under Section 7.07, transfer all property held by it as Trustee in re- spect of such series of Notes to the successor Trustee, the resignation or removal of the retir- ing Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee in respect of such series of Notes under this Indenture. A successor Trustee shall mail notice of its succession to each Noteholder. Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.08, the Issuer’s obligations under Section 7.07 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee. SECTION 7.09. Successor Trustee by Consolidation, Merger, etc. If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust assets to, another corporation, subject to Section 7.10, the successor corporation without any further act shall be the successor Trustee; provided that such entity shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article Seven. SECTION 7.10. Eligiblity; Disqualification. There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a corporation or national banking association organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of


 
-96- America or of any state thereof that is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trustee power, that is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authorities and that has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition. SECTION 7.11. Paying Agents. The Issuer shall cause each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to it and the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section 7.11: (A) that it will hold all sums held by it as agent for the payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the Notes (whether such sums have been paid to it by the Issuer or by any obligor on the Notes) in trust for the benefit of Holders of the Notes or the Trustee; (B) that it will at any time during the continuance of any Event of Default, upon written request from the Trustee, deliver to the Trustee all sums so held in trust by it together with a full accounting thereof; and (C) that it will give the Trustee written notice within three Business Days of any failure of the Issuer (or by any obligor on the Notes) in the payment of any in- stallment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, the Notes when the same shall be due and payable. ARTICLE EIGHT AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER SECTION 8.01. Without Consent of Noteholders. Notwithstanding Section 8.02, the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee may modify and amend or supplement this Indenture, the Notes or the Note Guarantees, in each case with respect to a series of Notes, without the consent of any Holder of Notes of such se- ries for any of the following purposes: (1) to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency; (2) to provide for uncertificated Notes of such series in addition to or in place of Physical Notes; (3) to provide for the assumption of the Issuer’s or any Guarantor’s obliga- tions to the Holders of Notes of such series pursuant to the terms of this Indenture;


 
-97- (4) to secure the Notes of such series and the related Note Guarantees; (5) to release and discharge any Security Interest securing the Notes of such series and the related Note Guarantees when permitted by this Indenture (including pur- suant to the second paragraph under Section 4.11); (6) to evidence and provide for the acceptance and appointment under this Indenture of a successor Trustee or a successor paying agent thereunder pursuant to the requirements thereof; (7) to add any Guarantor or release any Guarantor from its Note Guarantee of such series of Notes if such release is in accordance with the terms of this Inden- ture; (8) to conform the text of this Indenture, the Notes, or the Note Guarantees to any provision of the “Description of the Notes” set forth in the Offering Memoran- dum to the extent that such provision in the “Description of the Notes” set forth in the Offering Memorandum was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of this Indenture, the Notes, or the Note Guarantees, which intent may be evidenced by an Officer’s Certificate to that effect; (9) to make any amendment to the provisions of this Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of Notes as permitted by this Indenture, including, without limitation, to facilitate the issuance and administration of the Notes; provided, howev- er, that such amendment does not materially and adversely affect the rights of Holders to transfer Notes of such series; (10) to add covenants for the benefit of the Holders or to surrender any right or power conferred upon Holdings, the Issuer or any other Guarantor with respect to such series; (11) to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes of such series in ac- cordance with the limitations set forth in this Indenture as of the date hereof; (12) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders of Notes of such series or that does not adversely affect the rights under this Indenture of any Holder of Notes of such series in any material respect; or (13) to comply with the rules of any applicable securities depositary. After an amendment or supplement under this Section 8.01 becomes effective, the Issuer shall send to the Holders of the applicable series a notice briefly describing the amendment or supplement. Any failure of the Issuer to send such notice, or any defect there-


 
-98- in, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amendment or sup- plement. SECTION 8.02. With Consent of Noteholders. (a) Except to the extent provided in Section 8.01 and subsections (b) and (c) of this Section 8.02, this Indenture, the Notes of a series or any Note Guarantee of a series may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in ag- gregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of such series voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, tender of- fer or exchange offer for Notes of such series), and any existing Default or compliance with any provision of this Indenture, the Notes of a series or any Note Guarantee of a series may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of such series voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, tender offer or exchange offer for Notes of such series). (b) Except as provided in Section 8.02(a), without the consent of each Holder of Notes of such series issued under this Indenture affected thereby, an amendment or waiver may not (with respect to any Note of such series held by a non-consenting Holder): (1) reduce the principal amount of such Notes issued under this Indenture whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver; (2) reduce the principal amount of or change the Maturity Date of any such Notes, or alter the provisions with respect to the redemption of any such Notes other than, except as set forth in clause (7) of this Section 8.02(b), the provisions of Sections 4.08 and 4.09; (3) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any such Notes; (4) waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any such Notes (except a rescission of acceleration of the Notes of such series by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of such series and a waiver of the payment de- fault that resulted from such acceleration); (5) make any such Note payable in currency other than that stated in such Note;


 
-99- (6) make any change to the provisions of this Indenture relating to waiver of past Defaults or the rights of Holders of the Notes of such series issued hereunder to receive payments of principal of or interest on the Notes of such series; (7) after the Issuer’s obligation to purchase Notes of such series arises hereunder, amend, change or modify in any material respect the obligations of the Is- suer to make and consummate a Change of Control Offer with respect to a Change of Control Triggering Event that has occurred with respect to such series, including, without limitation, in each case, by amending, changing or modifying any of the defi- nitions relating thereto; (8) release the Issuer or any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary from any of its obligations under its Note Guarantee of such series or this Indenture with re- spect to such series otherwise than in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; or (9) modify or change any provision of this Indenture affecting the ranking of the Notes of such series or the Note Guarantees of such series in a manner adverse to the Holders of Notes of such series. (c) It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders of the applicable series under this Section 8.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof. (d) After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 8.02 be- comes effective, the Issuer shall send to the Holders of the applicable series a notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver. Any failure of the Issuer to send such no- tice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amendment, supplement or waiver. SECTION 8.03. [Reserved]. SECTION 8.04. Revocation and Effect of Consents. (a) After an amendment, supplement, waiver or other action becomes ef- fective, a consent to it by a Holder of a Note is a continuing consent conclusive and binding upon such Holder and every subsequent Holder of the same Note or portion thereof, and of any Note issued upon the transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in place thereof, even if notation of the consent is not made on any such Note. (b) The Issuer may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to consent to any amendment, supplement or waiver. If a record date is fixed, then, notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, those Per- sons who were Noteholders of the applicable series at such record date (or their duly desig-


 
-100- nated proxies), and only such Persons, shall be entitled to consent to such amendment, sup- plement, or waiver or to revoke any consent previously given, whether or not such Persons continue to be Noteholders of the applicable series after such record date. No such consent shall be valid or effective for more than 90 days after such record date unless the consent of the requisite number of Noteholders has been obtained. (c) After an amendment, supplement, waiver or other action under Section 8.01 or Section 8.02 becomes effective, it shall bind every Noteholder of the applicable series, unless it makes a change described in any of clauses (1) through (9) of Section 8.02(b). In that case the amendment, supplement, waiver or other action shall bind each Noteholder of the applicable series who has consented to it and every subsequent Noteholder of the applica- ble series or portion of a Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Note. SECTION 8.05. Notation on or Exchange of Notes. If an amendment, supplement, or waiver changes the terms of a Note, the Trus- tee (in accordance with the specific written direction of the Issuer) shall, in the case of a Phys- ical Note, request the Holder of the Note (in accordance with the specific written direction of the Issuer) to deliver it to the Trustee. In such case, the Trustee shall place an appropriate no- tation on the Note about the changed terms and return it to the Noteholder. Alternatively, if the Issuer or the Trustee so determines, the Issuer in exchange for the Note shall issue, the Guarantors shall endorse and, upon receipt of a written order of the Issuer in the form of an Officer’s Certificate in accordance with Section 2.01, the Trustee shall authenticate a new Note that reflects the changed terms. Failure to make the appropriate notation or issue a new Note shall not affect the validity and effect of such amendment, supplement or waiver. SECTION 8.06. Trustee To Sign Amendments, etc. The Trustee shall sign any amendment, supplement or waiver authorized pur- suant to this Article Eight if the amendment, supplement or waiver does not affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee. If it does affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee, the Trustee may, but need not, sign such amendment, supplement or waiver. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in signing or refusing to sign an amendment, supplement or waiver the Trustee shall be entitled to receive and, subject to Sec- tion 7.01, shall be fully protected in relying upon an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating, in addition to the matters required by Sections 11.04 and 11.05, that the exe- cution of such amendment, supplement or waiver is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and an Opinion of Counsel stating that such amendment, supplement or waiver is a legal, val- id and binding obligation of the Issuer and the Guarantors, enforceable against the Issuer and the Guarantors in accordance with its terms (subject to customary exceptions).


 
-101- ARTICLE NINE DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE; GUARANTEE SECTION 9.01. Discharge of Indenture. This Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect as to all Notes and Note Guarantees of a series, and the Trustee, at the expense and upon the written request of the Issuer, will execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and dis- charge of this Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guarantees of such series, when all amounts due to the Trustee shall have been paid and either: (1) the Issuer delivers to the Trustee all outstanding Notes of such series is- sued under this Indenture (other than (i) Notes of such series which have been de- stroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Sec- tion 2.08 hereof and (ii) Notes of such series for whose payment money has thereto- fore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Issuer and thereafter repaid to the Issuer or discharged from such trust) for cancellation; or (2) (a) all Notes of such series outstanding under this Indenture (I) have become due and payable, whether at maturity or as a result of the sending of a notice of redemption, or (II) will become due and payable within one year, or are to be called for redemption within one year, under arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuer, and the Issuer or any Guarantor irrevocably deposits with the Trustee as trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders of Notes of such se- ries, cash in U.S. Dollars, U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes of such series outstanding under this Indenture on the maturity date or on the applicable Re- demption Date, as the case may be; (b) no Default or Event of Default (other than re- sulting from the granting of any Security Interests securing any borrowing of funds to be applied to make such deposit) shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or shall occur as a result of such deposit and such deposit shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default (other than resulting from the grant- ing of any Security Interests securing any borrowing of funds to be applied to make such deposit) under, any Credit Facilities or other material agreement or instrument (other than this Indenture) to which the Issuer or any Guarantor is a party or by which the Issuer or any Guarantor is bound; (c) the Issuer or any Guarantor has paid or caused to be paid all sums payable by the Issuer or any Guarantor under this Inden- ture; and (d) the Issuer have delivered (I) irrevocable instructions to the Trustee under this Indenture to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the Notes of such


 
-102- series at maturity or the applicable Redemption Date, as the case may be, and (II) an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions prece- dent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to such series of Notes have been complied with and that such satisfaction and discharge does not result in a default under any agreement or instrument then known to such counsel which binds or affects the Issuer. Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obliga- tions of the Issuer in Article Two and in Sections 4.01, 4.02, 7.07, 9.05 and 9.06 shall survive such satisfaction and discharge (in the case of obligations under Article Two, Sections 4.01 and 4.02, until the Notes of such series are no longer outstanding). SECTION 9.02. Legal Defeasance. The Issuer may, at its option and at any time, elect to have all of its obligations and the obligations of the Guarantors with respect to a series of Notes discharged with respect to this Indenture, the outstanding Notes of such series and the Note Guarantees of such series on a date the conditions set forth in Section 9.04 are satisfied (hereinafter, “Legal Defea- sance”). For this purpose, such Legal Defeasance means that the Issuer will be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the outstanding Notes of a series and to have satisfied all their other obligations under such Notes and this Indenture in- sofar as such Notes are concerned (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Issuer, shall, subject to Section 9.06, execute instruments in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee and the Issuer acknowledging the same), except for the following which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (1) the rights of the Holders of the outstanding Notes of such series to re- ceive solely from the trust described in Section 9.04 and as more fully set forth in Sec- tion 9.04, payments in respect of the principal amount of, premium, if any, and interest on such Notes when such payments are due, (2) the Issuer’s obligations with respect to issuing temporary Notes of such series, registration of Notes or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes, in each case under Article Two and Section 4.02, (3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties, and immunities of the Trustee hereun- der (including claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 7.07) and the Issuer’s obligations in connection therewith, and (4) this Article Nine. Concurrently with any Legal Defeasance, the Issuer may, at its further option, cause to be terminated, as of the date on which such Legal Defeasance occurs, all of the obli-


 
-103- gations under any or all of the Note Guarantees, if any, then existing and obtain the release of the Note Guarantees of any or all Guarantors. In order to exercise such option regarding a Note Guarantee, the Issuer shall provide the Trustee with written notice of their desire to ter- minate such Note Guarantee prior to the delivery of the Opinions of Counsel referred to in Section 9.04. Subject to compliance with this Article Nine, the Issuer may exercise its option under this Section 9.02 with respect to the Notes of a series notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 9.03 below with respect to the Notes of such series. SECTION 9.03. Covenant Defeasance. The Issuer may, at its option and at any time, elect to have its obligations and the obligations of the Guarantors under Sections 4.01(c), 4.03, 4.06, 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13 and 4.14 and Section 5.01(a) released with respect to the outstanding Notes of a series on a date the conditions set forth in Section 9.04 are satisfied (hereinafter, “Covenant Defeasance”). For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to the out- standing Notes of a series, the Issuer may fail to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under Sec- tion 6.01, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guarantees of such series shall be unaffected thereby. In addition, upon the Issuer’s ex- ercise of the option in this Section 9.03, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 9.04, Sections 6.01(3), (4), (5), (6) and (8) shall not constitute Events of Default with respect to such series. Notwithstanding any discharge or release of any obligations under this Inden- ture pursuant to Section 9.02 or this Section 9.03, the Issuer’s obligations in Article Two and Sections 7.07, 9.05, 9.06, 9.07 and 9.08 shall survive until such time as the Notes of such se- ries have been paid in full. Thereafter, the Issuer’s obligations in Sections 7.07, 9.05, 9.07 and 9.08 shall survive. SECTION 9.04. Conditions to Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance. The following shall be the conditions to application of Section 9.02 or Section 9.03 to the outstanding Notes of any series: (1) the Issuer must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes of such series issued under this Indenture, cash in U.S. Dollars, U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent


 
-104- public accountants (such opinion shall be delivered to the Trustee, and upon which the Trustee shall have no liability in relying), to pay the principal, premium, if any, and in- terest on the Notes of such series outstanding under this Indenture on the stated ma- turity or on the applicable Redemption Date, as the case may be, and the Issuer must specify whether such Notes are being defeased to maturity or to a particular Redemp- tion Date; (2) in the case of Legal Defeasance, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel in the United States (upon which the Trustee shall have no liability in relying) confirming that subject to customary assumptions and exclu- sions, (a) the Issuer has received from, or there has been published by, the U.S. Inter- nal Revenue Service a ruling or (b) since the Issue Date, there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the Holders of the Notes of such series outstanding under this Indenture will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred; (3) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel in the United States (upon which the Trustee shall have no liability in relying) confirming that subject to customary assumptions and ex- clusions, the Holders of the Notes of such series outstanding under this Indenture will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred; (4) no Default or Event of Default with respect to such series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit and the granting of Liens in connection therewith) or insofar as Events of Default from bank- ruptcy or insolvency events are concerned, at any time in the period ending on the 91st day after the date of deposit; (5) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under any material agreement or instru- ment (other than this Indenture) to which the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries is bound; (6) the Issuer must deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Issuer with the intent of preferring the Holders of Notes of such series issued under this Indenture over the other creditors of the Issuer


 
-105- with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors of the Issuer or others; and (7) the Issuer must deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Cov- enant Defeasance have been complied with. SECTION 9.05. Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations To Be Held in Trust. All money and U.S. Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 9.04 in respect of the outstanding Notes of the applicable series shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the pro- visions of such Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agents, to the Holders of such Notes, of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Issuer and the Guarantors shall (on a joint and several basis) pay and in- demnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the U.S. Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 9.04 or the principal, premium, if any, and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the outstanding Notes of such series. Anything in this Article Nine to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Issuer from time to time upon a written request of the Issuer any money or U.S. Government Obligations held by it as provided in Section 9.04 which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certi- fication thereof delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance. SECTION 9.06. Reinstatement. If the Trustee or any Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or U.S. Gov- ernment Obligations in accordance with Section 9.01, 9.02 or 9.03 by reason of any legal pro- ceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoin- ing, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, each Issuer’s and each Guarantor’s obligations under this Indenture, the applicable series of Notes and the applicable series of Note Guarantees shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article Nine until such time as the Trustee or such Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with Section 9.01; provided that if the Issuer or the Guarantors have made any payment of principal of, premium, if any, or


 
-106- accrued interest on any Notes of any series because of the reinstatement of their obligations, the Issuer or the Guarantors, as the case may be, shall be subrogated to the rights of the Hold- ers of such Notes to receive such payment from the money or U.S. Government Obligations held by the Trustee or any Paying Agent. SECTION 9.07. Moneys Held by Paying Agent. In connection with the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, all moneys and U.S. Government Obligations then held by any Paying Agent under the provisions of this Indenture shall, upon written demand of the Issuer, be paid or delivered to the Trustee, or if sufficient moneys and U.S. Government Obligations have been deposited pursuant to Section 9.04, to the Issuer upon a request of the Issuer (or, if such moneys and U.S. Government Ob- ligations had been deposited by the Guarantors, to such Guarantors), and thereupon such Pay- ing Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such moneys. SECTION 9.08. Moneys Held by Trustee. Any moneys and U.S. Government Obligations deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent or then held by the Issuer or the Guarantors in trust for the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on any Note that are not applied but remain un- claimed by the Holder of such Note for two years after the date upon which the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on such Note shall have respectively become due and payable shall be repaid or returned to the Issuer (or, if appropriate, the Guarantors) upon a written re- quest of the Issuer, or if such moneys and U.S. Government Obligations are then held by the Issuer or the Guarantors in trust, such moneys and U.S. Government Obligations shall be re- leased from such trust; and the Holder of such Note entitled to receive such payment shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Issuer and the Guarantors for the payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust moneys and U.S. Government Obligations shall thereupon cease. ARTICLE TEN GUARANTEE OF SECURITIES SECTION 10.01. Guarantee. The Guarantors, by execution of this Indenture, jointly and severally, guarantee to each Holder and to the Trustee (i) the due and punctual payment of the principal of, premi- um, if any, and interest on each Note, when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, the due and punctual payment of interest on the overdue principal of and interest on the Notes, to the extent lawful, and the due and punc- tual payment of all other obligations and due and punctual performance of all obligations of


 
-107- the Issuer to the Holders or the Trustee all in accordance with the terms of such Note and this Indenture and (ii) in the case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that the same will be promptly paid in full when due or per- formed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, at stated maturity, by accel- eration or otherwise. Each Guarantor, by execution of this Indenture, agrees that, subject only to the applicable provisions, if any, of Section 10.06, its obligations hereunder shall be abso- lute and unconditional, irrespective of, and shall be unaffected by, any invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability of any such Note or this Indenture, any failure to enforce the provisions of any such Note or this Indenture, any waiver, modification or indulgence granted to the Issuer with respect thereto by the Holder of such Note, or any other circumstances which may oth- erwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a surety or such Guarantor. Each Guarantor further agrees that its Note Guarantee herein constitutes a Guarantee of payment when due (and not a Guarantee of collection). Each Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand for payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of merger or bankruptcy of the Issuer, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuer, protest or notice with respect to any such Note or the Indebtedness evidenced thereby and all demands whatsoever, and covenants that this Guarantee will not be discharged as to any such Note except by payment in full of the princi- pal thereof and interest thereon. Each Guarantor hereby agrees that, as between such Guaran- tor, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (i) the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article Six for the purposes of this Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (ii) in the event of any decla- ration of acceleration of such obligations as provided in Article Six, such obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by each Guarantor for the purpose of this Guarantee. The Guarantors shall have the right to seek contribution from any non-paying Guarantor so long as the exercise of such right does not impair the rights of the Trustee or any Holder under the Note Guarantees. SECTION 10.02. Execution and Delivery of Note Guarantee. To further evidence the Note Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01, each Guar- antor hereby agrees that a notation of such Note Guarantee, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit H, shall be endorsed on each Note authenticated and delivered by the Trus- tee and such Note Guarantee shall be executed by either manual or facsimile signature of an Officer of each Guarantor. The validity and enforceability of any Note Guarantee shall not be affected by the fact that it is not affixed to any particular Note.


 
-108- Each of the Guarantors hereby agrees that its Note Guarantee set forth in Sec- tion 10.01 shall be in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Note a notation of such Note Guarantee. If an Officer of a Guarantor whose signature is on this Indenture or a Note Guarantee no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Note on which such Note Guarantee is endorsed or at any time thereafter, such Guarantor’s Guarantee of such Note shall be valid nevertheless. The delivery of any Note by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof here- under, shall constitute due delivery of any Note Guarantee set forth in this Indenture on behalf of the Guarantor. SECTION 10.03. Release of Guarantors. (a) A Note Guarantee of a Guarantor will be unconditionally and automati- cally released and discharged upon any of the following: (1) any Transfer directly or indirectly (including, without limitation, by way of consolidation or merger) to any Person that is not a Guarantor of all or substan- tially all of the assets of, such Guarantor; provided that such Guarantor is also released from all of its obligations in respect of Indebtedness under each Credit Facility; or (2) any Transfer directly or indirectly (including, without limitation, by way of consolidation or merger) to any Person that is not a Guarantor, of Equity Inter- ests of a Guarantor or any issuance by a Guarantor of its Equity Interests, such that such Guarantor ceases to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that such Guarantor is also released from all of its obligations in respect of Indebtedness under each Credit Facility; or (3) the release of such Guarantor from all guarantee obligations of such Guarantor in respect of other Indebtedness that gave rise (or would give rise) to the obligation to provide such Note Guarantee; or (4) upon Legal Defeasance, Covenant Defeasance or satisfaction and dis- charge of this Indenture in accordance with Article Nine; or (5) such Guarantor is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; or (6) such Guarantor is disposed of or ceases to exist, including, without lim- itation, by dissolution, liquidation or winding up, in each case in connection with a Permitted Reorganization.


 
-109- (b) No such release or discharge of a Note Guarantee of a Guarantor shall be effective against the Trustee or the Holders of Notes to which such Note Guarantee relates if a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing under this Indenture as of the time of such proposed release until such time as such Default or Event of Default is cured and waived (unless such release or discharge is (x) in connection with the sale of the Equity Interests in such Guarantor constituting collateral for a Credit Facility in connection with the exercise of remedies against such Equity Interests or (y) in connection with a Trans- fer permitted by this Indenture, including a Permitted Reorganization, if, but for the existence of such Default or Event of Default, such Guarantor would otherwise be entitled to be re- leased from its Guarantee following the Transfer, including the consummation of a Permitted Reorganization). (c) If the Note Guarantee of any Guarantor is deemed to be released or is automatically released, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating the identity of the released Guarantor, the basis for release in reasonable detail, and that such release complies with this Indenture. At the written request and expense of the Issuer, and up- on delivery to the Trustee of an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to such release or dis- charge have been complied with, the Trustee shall execute and deliver such releases, docu- ments and instruments to the Issuer as requested by either the Issuer or a Guarantor in order to evidence the release or discharge of such Guarantor from its obligations under its Guarantee endorsed on the Notes and under this Article Nine (it being understood that the failure to ob- tain any such instrument shall not impair any automatic release pursuant to this Section 10.03). SECTION 10.04. Waiver of Subrogation. Each Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives any claim or other rights which it may now or hereafter acquire against the Issuer that arise from the existence, payment, per- formance or enforcement of such Guarantor’s obligations under its Note Guarantee and this Indenture, including, without limitation, any right of subrogation, reimbursement, exonera- tion, indemnification, and any right to participate in any claim or remedy of any Holder of Notes against the Issuer, whether or not such claim, remedy or right arises in equity, or under contract, statute or common law, including, without limitation, the right to take or receive from the Issuer, directly or indirectly, in cash or other property or by set-off or in any other manner, payment or Note on account of such claim or other rights. If any amount shall be paid to any Guarantor in violation of the preceding sentence and the Notes shall not have been paid in full, such amount shall have been deemed to have been paid to such Guarantor for the benefit of, and held in trust for the benefit of, the Holders of the Notes, and shall forthwith be paid to the Trustee for the benefit of such Holders to be credited and applied upon the Notes, whether matured or unmatured, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture. Each Guaran- tor acknowledges that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the financing arrange-


 
-110- ments contemplated by this Indenture and that the waiver set forth in this Section 10.04 is knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits. SECTION 10.05. Notice to Trustee. The Issuer or any Guarantor shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any fact known to such Issuer or any such Guarantor which could reasonably be expected to prohibit the making of any payment to or by the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office in re- spect of the Note Guarantees. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article Nine or any oth- er provision of this Indenture, the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of the exist- ence of any facts which would prohibit the making of any payment to or by the Trustee in re- spect of the Note Guarantees, unless and until a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have received written notice thereof from the Issuer no later than three Business Days prior to such payment; and, prior to the receipt of any such written notice, the Trustee, subject to the provi- sions of this Section 10.05, and subject to the provisions of Sections 7.01 and 7.02, shall be entitled in all respects to assume that no such facts exist; provided, however, that if the Trus- tee shall not have received the notice referred to in this Section 10.05 at least three Business Days prior to the date upon which by the terms hereof any such payment may become payable for any purpose under this Indenture (including, without limitation, the payment of the princi- pal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Note), then, anything herein contained to the con- trary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall have full power and authority to receive such money and to apply the same to the purpose for which such money was received and shall not be af- fected by any notice to the contrary which may be received by it less than three Business Days prior to such date. SECTION 10.06. Limitation on Guarantor’s Liability. Each Guarantor, and by its acceptance hereof, each Holder and the Trustee, hereby confirm that it is the intention of all such parties that the Guarantee of a Guarantor does not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar U.S. Federal or state or other applicable law. To effectuate the foregoing intention, each Holder and each Guarantor hereby irrevocably agree that the obliga- tions of a Guarantor under its Note Guarantee shall be limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Guarantor result in the obligations of such Guarantor not constituting such a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.


 
-111- ARTICLE ELEVEN MISCELLANEOUS SECTION 11.01. [Reserved]. SECTION 11.02. Notices. Except for notice or communications to Holders, any notice or communication shall be given in writing in English and delivered in person or mailed by first class mail (reg- istered or certified, return receipt requested), telex, electronic transmission with a portable document format (.pdf) attachment, telecopier or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, addressed as follows: If to the Issuer or any Guarantor: James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company Europa House 2nd Floor Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Street Dublin 2, Ireland Facsimile: +353-1-479-1128 E-mail: treasury@jameshardie.com Attention: The Treasurer With copies to: Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP 425 Lexington Avenue New York, New York 10017 Facsimile: (212) 455-2502 Attention: Marisa D. Stavenas, Esq. If to the Trustee: Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas Trust Agency Services 60 Wall Street, 16th Floor MS: NYC60-1630 New York, New York 10005 Facsimile: 732-578-4635 Attention: Corporates Team Deal Manager – James Hardie Internation- al Finance Designated Activity Company


 
-112- With copies to: Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas c/o Deutsche Bank National Trust Company Trust Agency Services 100 Plaza One, 8th Floor MS: JCY03-0801 Jersey City, New Jersey 07311 Facsimile: 732-578-4635 Attention: Corporates Team Deal Manager – James Hardie Internation- al Finance Designated Activity Company The Issuer, the Guarantors or the Trustee by written notice to the others may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications. All notices and communications (other than those sent to Holders) shall be deemed to have been duly given at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five (5) calendar days after mailing if sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid (except that a notice of change of address shall not be deemed to have been given until actually received by the addressee); when answered back, if telexed; when receipt acknowledged, if telecopied; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery. The Trustee agrees to accept and act upon instructions, directions, reports, no- tices and other communications or information pursuant to this Indenture sent by unsecured electronic transmissions (including email and .pdf attachments); provided that (i) the Trustee shall not have any duty or obligation to verify or confirm that the Person sending instructions, directions, reports, notices or other communications or information by electronic transmission is, in fact, a Person authorized to give such instructions, directions, reports, notices or other communications or information on behalf of the party purporting to send such electronic transmission; and the Trustee shall not have any liability for any losses, liabilities, costs or expenses incurred or sustained directly or indirectly by any party as a result of such reliance upon or compliance with such instructions, directions, reports, notices or other communica- tions or information and (ii) each other party agrees to assume all risks arising out of the use of electronic methods to submit instructions, directions, reports, notices or other communica- tions or information to the Trustee, including the risk of the Trustee acting on unauthorized instructions, notices, reports or other communications or information, and the risk of intercep- tion and misuse by third parties. If the party elects to give the Trustee email or facsimilie in- structions (or instructions by a similar electronic method) and the Trustee in its discretion elects to act upon such instructions, the Trustee’s understanding of such instructions shall be deemed controlling.


 
-113- Any notice or communication to a Holder shall be mailed by first class mail, certified or registered, return receipt requested, sent in accordance with the Depository’s ap- plicable procedures in the case of a Global Note, or by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery to its address shown on the register kept by the Registrar (or to the extent permit- ted or required by applicable Depository procedures or regulations with respect to Global Notes, sent electronically in .pdf format). Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders. Where this Indenture or any Note provides for notice of any event (including any notice of redemp- tion or repurchase) to a Holder of a Global Note (whether by mail or otherwise), such notice shall be sufficiently given if given to the Depository (or its designee) pursuant to the standing instructions from the Depository or its designee, including by electronic mail in accordance with the Depository’s applicable procedures. If a notice or communication to a Holder is mailed in the manner provided above, it shall be deemed duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any notice to the Trustee shall be deemed given when actually received. SECTION 11.03. [Reserved]. SECTION 11.04. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent. Upon any request or application by the Issuer or any Guarantor to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, such Issuer or such Guarantor shall furnish to the Trustee: (1) an Officer’s Certificate (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 11.05 below) stating that, in the opinion of the signatory, all conditions prece- dent and covenants, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed ac- tion have been complied with; and (2) an Opinion of Counsel (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 11.05 below) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants have been complied with. SECTION 11.05. Statements Required in Certificate and Opinion. Each certificate and opinion with respect to compliance by or on behalf of the Issuer or any Guarantor with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture shall in- clude:


 
-114- (1) a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition; (2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or inves- tigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based; (3) a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, it or he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable it or him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and (4) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such covenant or condition has been complied with. SECTION 11.06. Rules by Trustee and Agents. The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or meetings of Notehold- ers. The Registrar and Paying Agent may make reasonable rules and set reasonable require- ments for their functions. SECTION 11.07. Business Days; Legal Holidays. A “Business Day” is a day that is not a Legal Holiday. A “Legal Holiday” is a Saturday, a Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in The City of New York, the State of New York are authorized or required by law to close. If a payment date is a Legal Holiday at a place of payment, payment may be made at that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period. SECTION 11.08. Governing Law. This Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guarantees shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. SECTION 11.09. No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements. This Indenture may not be used to interpret another indenture, loan, security or debt agreement of the Issuer or any Subsidiary thereof. No such indenture, loan, security or debt agreement may be used to interpret this Indenture. SECTION 11.10. Successors. All agreements of the Issuer and the Guarantors in this Indenture and the Notes shall bind their respective successors. All agreements of the Trustee, any additional trustee and any Agents in this Indenture shall bind its successor.


 
-115- SECTION 11.11. Multiple Counterparts. The parties may sign multiple counterparts of this Indenture. Each signed counterpart shall be deemed an original, but all of them together represent one and the same agreement. The exchange of copies of this Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Indenture for all purposes. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signa- tures for all purposes. SECTION 11.12. Table of Contents, Headings, etc. The table of contents, cross-reference sheet and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part hereof, and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof. SECTION 11.13. Separability. Each provision of this Indenture shall be considered separable and if for any reason any provision which is not essential to the effectuation of the basic purpose of this In- denture or the Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and en- forceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. SECTION 11.14. Waiver of Jury Trial. THE ISSUER, THE GUARANTORS AND THE TRUSTEE, AND EACH HOLDER OF A NOTE BY ITS ACCEPTANCE THEREOF, IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES, THE NOTE GUARANTEES OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. SECTION 11.15. Consent to Jurisdiction and Service. Each of the Issuer and any Guarantor not organized in the United States hereby appoint CT Corporation as its agent for service of process in any suit, action or proceeding with respect to this Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guarantees and for actions brought un- der the U.S. federal or state securities laws brought in any U.S. federal or state court located in the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York. In relation to any legal action or pro- ceeding arising out of or in connection with this Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guaran- tees, the Issuer and each Guarantor hereby irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdic-


 
-116- tion of the U.S. federal and state courts in the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York, County and State of New York, United States. SECTION 11.16. Force Majeure. The Trustee shall not incur any liability for not performing any act or fulfilling any duty, obligation or responsibility hereunder by reason of any occurrence beyond the con- trol of the Trustee (including but not limited to any act or provision of any present or future law or regulation or governmental authority, any act of God or war, civil unrest, local or na- tional disturbance or disaster, any act of terrorism, or the unavailability of the Federal Re- serve Bank wire or facsimile or other wire or communication facility). SECTION 11.17. U.S.A. Patriot Act. In order to comply with the laws, rules, regulations and executive orders in ef- fect from time to time applicable to banking institutions, including, without limitation, those relating to the funding of terrorist activities and money laundering, including Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act of the United States (“Applicable Law”), the Trustee is required to obtain, verify, record and update certain information relating to individuals and entities which maintain a business relationship with the Trustee. Accordingly, each of the parties agree to provide to the Trustee, upon their request from time to time such identifying information and documentation as may be available for such party in order to enable the Trustee to comply with Applicable Law. SECTION 11.18. No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders. No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator, member, partner or stockholder of the Parent, any Guarantor, the Issuer or of any other Subsidiary of the Parent, or any affiliate of the foregoing, as such, shall have any liability for any obliga- tions of the Issuer or the Guarantors under the Notes, this Indenture or the Note Guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the Notes. This waiver may not be ef- fective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws. [Signature Pages Follow]


 


 


 


 
EXHIBIT A-1 [FORM OF RESTRICTED NOTE] JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY 4.75% SENIOR NOTE DUE 2025 [Insert Global Note Legend, if applicable] [Insert Private Placement Legend] [Insert Regulation S Legend, if applicable] [Insert ERISA Legend] No. [ ] CUSIP No. [ ] ISIN No. [ ] $[ ] JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY, a private designated activity company duly incorporated under the laws of Ire- land (the “Issuer”), for value received promises to pay to Cede & Co. or registered assigns the principal sum of [ ] (or such other principal amount as shall be set forth in the Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in Global Note attached hereto), on January 15, 2025. Interest Payment Dates: January 15 and July 15, commencing July 15, 2018. Record Dates: January 1 and July 1 (whether or not a Business Day). Reference is made to the further provisions of this 2025 Note contained herein, which will for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place. A-1-1


 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this 2025 Note to be signed manually or by facsimile by its duly authorized officer. JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY By: Name: Title: A-1-2


 
Certificate of Authentication This is one of the 4.75% Senior Notes due 2025 referred to in the within- mentioned Indenture. DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, as Trustee By: Authorized Signatory Dated: A-1-3


 
[FORM OF REVERSE OF RESTRICTED NOTE] JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY 4.75% SENIOR NOTE DUE 2025 1. Interest. JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY, a private designated activity company duly incor- porated under the laws of Ireland (the “Issuer”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount set forth on the face hereof at a rate of 4.75% per annum. Interest hereon will accrue from and including the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from and including December 13, 2017 to but excluding the date on which interest is paid. Interest shall be payable in arrears on each January 15 and July 15, commencing July 15, 2018. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months and, in the case of an incomplete month, the actual days elapsed. The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal and on overdue interest (to the full extent permitted by law) at the rate borne by the 2025 Notes. 2. Method of Payment. The Issuer will pay interest hereon (except de- faulted interest) to the Persons who are registered Holders at the close of business on January 1 or July 1 preceding the Interest Payment Date (whether or not a Business Day). Holders of Physical Notes must surrender such Physical Notes to a Paying Agent to collect principal payments. Prior to 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on each Interest Payment Date and Ma- turity Date, the Issuer shall have deposited with the Paying Agent in immediately available funds U.S. Dollars sufficient to make cash payments, if any, due on such Interest Payment Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be, in a timely manner which permits such Paying Agents to remit payment to the Holders on such Interest Payment Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be. The principal and interest on Global Notes shall be payable to the Deposito- ry or its nominee, as the case may be, as the sole registered owner and the sole Holder of the Global Notes represented thereby. All payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest with respect to Global Notes shall be made in accordance with the Depository’s applicable procedures. The principal and interest on Physical Notes shall be payable, either in person, by wire transfer or by mail, at the office of the Paying Agent, such payment information to be received by the Paying Agent at least 15 days prior to the applicable payment date. Final payment of principal at maturity with respect to a Physical Note will only be made by the Trustee upon surrender of the related 2025 Note to the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office. 3. Paying Agent and Registrar. Initially, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (the “Trustee”) will act as a Paying Agent and Registrar. The Issuer may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without prior notice to the Holders. The Issuer or any Affiliate thereof may act as Paying Agent or Registrar. A-1-4


 
4. Indenture. The Issuer issued the 2025 Notes under an Indenture dated as of December 13, 2017 (the “Indenture”) among the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee. This is one of an issue of 2025 Notes of the Issuer issued, or to be issued, under the Indenture. The terms of the 2025 Notes include those stated in the Indenture. The 2025 Notes are sub- ject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and such Act for a statement of them. Capitalized and certain other terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in the Indenture. 5. Optional Redemption. At any time prior to January 15, 2021, the Issuer may on any one or more oc- casions redeem up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2025 Notes (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional 2025 Notes) issued under the Indenture , upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice to Holders of 2025 Notes, at a redemption price (as calculated by Holdings) equal to (i) 104.750% of the aggre- gate principal amount of the 2025 Notes redeemed, with an amount equal or less than the net cash proceeds from one or more Equity Offerings to the extent that such net proceeds are re- ceived by or contributed to Holdings, plus (ii) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but ex- cluding the Redemption Date; provided that: (1) at least 50% of the original aggregate principal amount of 2025 Notes issued under the Indenture on the Issue Date (but excluding any Additional 2025 Notes issued under the Indenture after the Issue Date) remains outstanding immediate- ly after the occurrence of each such redemption; and (2) the redemption occurs within 180 days of the date of the closing of such Equity Offering. In addition, prior to January 15, 2021, the Issuer may redeem on any one or more occasions the 2025 Notes, in whole or in part, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice to Holders of 2025 Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the princi- pal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the applicable Make-Whole Redemption Date, plus the applicable Make-Whole Premium (a “Make-Whole Redemption”). The Issuer shall notify the Trustee of the Make-Whole Premium by delivering to the Trustee promptly after the calculation of such Make-Whole Premium, on or before the applicable Redemption Date, an Officer’s Certificate showing the calculation thereof in rea- sonable detail, and the Trustee shall have no responsibility for verifying or otherwise for such calculation or the calculation of any redemption price or the Make-Whole Premium. On or after January 15, 2021, the Issuer may on any one or more occasions re- deem all or a part of the 2025 Notes, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice to Holders of 2025 Notes, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 2025 Notes re- deemed, to but excluding the applicable Redemption Date, if redeemed during the twelve- month period beginning on January 15 of the years indicated below: A-1-5


 
Year Percenta ge 2021 ............................................................... 102.375% 2022 ............................................................... 101.188% 2023 and thereafter ........................................ 100.000% The Issuer may, at its option, at any time upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ notice to Holders of 2025 Notes, redeem all (but not less than all) of the 2025 Notes then outstanding, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to but excluding the applicable Re- demption Date (subject to the rights of Holders of 2025 Notes to be redeemed on or after a record date for the payment of interest to receive interest on the relevant Interest Payment Date), and all Additional Amounts, if any, then due and which shall become due on the appli- cable Redemption Date as a result of the redemption or otherwise, if the Issuer reasonably de- termines in good faith that, as a result of a Change in Tax Law, the Issuer or any Guarantor is, or on the next Interest Payment Date in respect of the 2025 Notes would be, required to pay any Additional Amounts, and such obligation to pay Additional Amounts cannot be avoided by taking reasonable measures available to the Issuer or such Guarantor (including, without limitation, making payment through a paying agent located in another jurisdiction or, in the case of a Guarantor, by having the Issuer or another Guarantor make the payment). For the avoidance of doubt, the 2025 Notes shall not be redeemable due to a Change in Tax Law because the 2025 Notes have not been listed or fail to remain listed on the Irish Stock Exchange, unless such failure is caused by a Change in Tax Law that otherwise could serve as a basis for redemption of the 2025 Notes due to a Change in Tax Law. The foregoing provisions related to redemption due to a Change in Tax Law shall apply mutatis mutandis to any successor to the Issuer. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph 5, the payment of accrued but unpaid interest in connection with the redemption of 2025 Notes is subject to the rights of a Holder of 2025 Notes on a record date for the payment of interest whose 2025 Notes are to be redeemed on or after such record date but on or prior to the related Interest Payment Date to receive interest on such Interest Payment Date. 6. Notice of Redemption. Notices of redemption shall be mailed by first class mail at least 15 but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date to each Holder of 2025 Notes to be redeemed at its registered address (or to the extent permitted or required by applicable Depository procedures or regulations with respect to Global Notes, sent electroni- cally in .pdf format), except that notices of redemption may be delivered or mailed more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the 2025 Notes, a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the 2025 Notes or as specified in the last sentence of this paragraph. The Issuer may instruct the Trustee in writ- ing to send the notice of redemption in the name or and at the expense of the Issuer provided the Trustee receives such written instruction at least 15 days (or such shorter time as the Trus- tee may agree) prior to the date such notice of redemption is to be sent. If any 2025 Note is to A-1-6


 
be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to such 2025 Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. Any redemption and notice thereof may, in the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent described in the notice relating to such redemption, including completion of an Eq- uity Offering or other corporate transaction. In addition, if such redemption or purchase is subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall describe each such condition, and if applicable, shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the Redemption Date or purchase date may be delayed until such time (including more than 60 days after the date the notice of redemption was mailed or delivered, including by electronic transmission) as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied or waived, or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied or waived by the Redemption Date or by the Redemption Date as so delayed, or such notice or offer may be rescinded at any time in the Issuer’s discretion if the Issuer rea- sonably believes that any or all of such conditions will not be satisfied or waived. 7. Offers To Purchase. The Indenture provides that upon the occurrence of a Change of Control or an Asset Disposition and subject to further limitations contained therein, the Issuer shall make an offer to purchase outstanding 2025 Notes in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. 8. Denominations, Transfer, Exchange. The 2025 Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $200,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. A Holder may transfer or exchange 2025 Notes in accordance with the Inden- ture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish ap- propriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay to it any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Issuer shall not be required to (i) transfer or exchange any 2025 Note selected for redemption or (ii) transfer or exchange any note for a period of 15 days before a mailing of notice of redemption. The Registrar need not register the transfer of or exchange any 2025 Notes or portion of a 2025 Note selected for redemption, or register the transfer of or exchange any 2025 Notes for a period of 15 days before a mailing of notice of redemption. 9. Persons Deemed Owners. The registered Holder of this 2025 Note may be treated as the owner of this 2025 Note for all purposes. 10. Unclaimed Money. If money for the payment of principal or interest remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee will pay the money back to the Issuer at its writ- ten request. After that, Holders entitled to the money must look to the Issuer and the Guaran- tors for payment as general creditors unless an “abandoned property” law designates another Person. 11. Amendment, Supplement, Waiver, Etc. The Issuer and the Trustee may, without the consent of the Holders of any outstanding 2025 Notes, amend, waive or supplement the Indenture or the 2025 Notes for certain specified purposes, including, among other things, curing ambiguities, omissions, defects or inconsistencies, conforming the text of A-1-7


 
the Indenture, this Notes, or the Note Guarantees to any provision of the “Description of the Notes” set forth in the Offering Memorandum to the extent that such provision in the “De- scription of the Notes” set forth in the Offering Memorandum was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the Indenture, this Note, or the Note Guarantees, providing for the assumption by a successor to the Issuer of its obligations to the Holders and making any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder in any material respect. Other amendments and modifications of the Indenture or the 2025 Notes may be made by the Issuer and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2025 Notes, subject to certain exceptions requiring the consent of the Holders of the particular 2025 Notes to be affected. 12. Restrictive Covenants. The Indenture imposes certain limitations on the ability of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries to, among other things, create liens, make Re- stricted Payments, enter into Sale and Leaseback Transactions or consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries and requires the Issuer to provide reports to Holders of the 2025 Notes. Such limitations are subject to a number of im- portant qualifications and exceptions. Pursuant to Section 4.06 of the Indenture, the Issuer must annually report to the Trustee on compliance with such limitations. 13. Successor Corporation. When a successor corporation assumes all the obligations of its predecessor under the 2025 Notes and the Indenture and the transaction complies with the terms of Article Five of the Indenture, the predecessor corporation will, ex- cept as provided in Article Five, be released from those obligations. 14. Defaults and Remedies. Events of Default are set forth in the Inden- ture. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing under the Indenture, either the Trustee, by notice in writing to the Issuer, or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes then outstanding, by notice in writing to the Issuer and the Trustee specify- ing the respective Event of Default and that it is a “notice of acceleration”, may declare the principal of and premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, on the 2025 Notes to be due and payable, and upon such declaration of acceleration, such principal of and premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, shall be immediately due and payable; provided, however, that, not- withstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(7) occurs with respect to the Issuer, the principal of and premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, on the 2025 Notes then outstanding shall become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if after such acceleration but before a judgment or decree based on such acceleration is obtained by the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2025 Notes may rescind and annul such accelera- tion if: (1) all Events of Default, other than nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, or interest that has become due solely because of the acceleration, have been cured or waived; A-1-8


 
(2) to the extent the payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest and overdue principal, which has become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration, has been paid; (3) the Issuer has paid the Trustee its reasonable compensation and reim- bursed the Trustee for its expenses, disbursements and advances; and (4) in the event of the cure or waiver of an Event of Default of the type de- scribed in Section 6.01(7), the Trustee shall have received an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel that such Event of Default has been cured or waived. No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right consequent thereto. Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the 2025 Notes except as provided in the Indenture. The Trustee may require indemnity satisfactory to it before it enforces the In- denture or the 2025 Notes. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding 2025 Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of the 2025 Notes notice of any continu- ing Default or Event of Default with respect to the 2025 Notes (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal of or interest on the 2025 Notes) if it determines that withholding notice is in their best interests. 15. Trustee Dealings with the Issuer. The Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from and perform services for the Issuer or its Affiliates, and may otherwise deal with the Issuer or its Affiliates, as if it were not Trustee. 16. No Recourse Against Others. No past, present or future director, of- ficer, employee, incorporator, member, partner or stockholder of the Parent, any Guarantor, the Issuer or of any other Subsidiary of the Parent, or any affiliate of the foregoing, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or the Guarantors under the 2025 Notes, the Indenture or the Note Guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of 2025 Notes by accepting a 2025 Note waives and releases all such liability. This waiver may not be effective to waive liabili- ties under the federal securities laws. 17. Discharge. The Issuer’s obligations pursuant to the Indenture will be discharged, except for obligations pursuant to certain sections thereof, subject to the terms of the Indenture, upon the payment of all the 2025 Notes or upon the irrevocable deposit with the Trustee of cash in U.S. Dollars, U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient to pay when due principal of and interest on the 2025 Notes to maturity or redemption, as the case may be. 18. Guarantees. From and after the Issue Date, the 2025 Notes will be enti- tled to the benefits of certain Note Guarantees made for the benefit of the Holders. Reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and obligations thereunder of the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Holders. A-1-9


 
19. Authentication. This 2025 Note shall not be valid until the Trustee manually signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this 2025 Note. 20. Governing Law. THIS 2025 NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 21. Abbreviations. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TENANT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in com- mon), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act). The Issuer will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture. Requests may be made to: James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company Europa House 2nd Floor Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Street Dublin 2, Ireland Facsimile: +353-1-479-1128 E-mail: treasury@jameshardie.com Attention: The Treasurer A-1-10


 
ASSIGNMENT I or we assign and transfer this 2025 Note to: (Insert assignee’s social security or tax I.D. number) (Print or type name, address and zip code of assignee) and irrevocably appoint Agent to transfer this 2025 Note on the books of the Issuer. The Agent may substitute another to act for him. Date: Your Signature: (Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this 2025 Note) Signature Guarantee: ______________________________ SIGNATURE GUARANTEE Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guaran- tee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. A-1-11


 
OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE If you want to elect to have all or any part of this 2025 Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 4.08 or Section 4.09 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box:  Section 4.08  Section 4.09 If you want to have only part of the 2025 Note purchased by the Issuer pursu- ant to Section 4.08 or Section 4.09 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have pur- chased: $ ($200,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof; provided that the part not purchased must be at least $200,000) Date: Your Signature: ___________________________________ (Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this 2025 Note) Signature Guaranteed SIGNATURE GUARANTEE Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guaran- tee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. A-1-12


 
SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN GLOBAL NOTE* The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or for a Physical Note, or exchanges of a part of another Global Note or Physical Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made: Principal Amount Amount of decrease in Amount of increase in of this Global Note Principal Amount Principal Amount following such de- of of crease Signature of authorized Date of Exchange this Global Note this Global Note (or increase) signatory of Trustee * Insert in Global Securities only. A-1-13


 
EXHIBIT A-2 [FORM OF RESTRICTED NOTE] JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY 5.00% SENIOR NOTE DUE 2028 [Insert Global Note Legend, if applicable] [Insert Private Placement Legend] [Insert Regulation S Legend, if applicable] [Insert ERISA Legend] No. [ ] CUSIP No. [ ] ISIN No. [ ] $[ ] JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY, a private designated activity company duly incorporated under the laws of Ire- land (the “Issuer”), for value received promises to pay to Cede & Co. or registered assigns the principal sum of [ ] (or such other principal amount as shall be set forth in the Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in Global Note attached hereto), on January 15, 2028. Interest Payment Dates: January 15 and July 15, commencing July 15, 2018. Record Dates: January 1 and July 1 (whether or not a Business Day). Reference is made to the further provisions of this 2028 Note contained herein, which will for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place. A-2-1


 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this 2028 Note to be signed manually or by facsimile by its duly authorized officer. JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY By: Name: Title: A-2-2


 
Certificate of Authentication This is one of the 5.00% Senior Notes due 2028 referred to in the within- mentioned Indenture. DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, as Trustee By: Authorized Signatory Dated: A-2-3


 
[FORM OF REVERSE OF RESTRICTED NOTE] JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY 5.00% SENIOR NOTE DUE 2028 1. Interest. JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY, a private designated activity company duly incor- porated under the laws of Ireland (the “Issuer”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount set forth on the face hereof at a rate of 5.00% per annum. Interest hereon will accrue from and including the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from and including December 13, 2017 to but excluding the date on which interest is paid. Interest shall be payable in arrears on each January 15 and July 15, commencing July 15, 2018. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months and, in the case of an incomplete month, the actual days elapsed. The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal and on overdue interest (to the full extent permitted by law) at the rate borne by the 2028 Notes. 2. Method of Payment. The Issuer will pay interest hereon (except de- faulted interest) to the Persons who are registered Holders at the close of business on January 1 or July 1 preceding the Interest Payment Date (whether or not a Business Day). Holders of Physical Notes must surrender such Physical Notes to a Paying Agent to collect principal payments. Prior to 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on each Interest Payment Date and Ma- turity Date, the Issuer shall have deposited with the Paying Agent in immediately available funds U.S. Dollars sufficient to make cash payments, if any, due on such Interest Payment Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be, in a timely manner which permits such Paying Agents to remit payment to the Holders on such Interest Payment Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be. The principal and interest on Global Notes shall be payable to the Deposito- ry or its nominee, as the case may be, as the sole registered owner and the sole Holder of the Global Notes represented thereby. All payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest with respect to Global Notes shall be made in accordance with the Depository’s applicable procedures. The principal and interest on Physical Notes shall be payable, either in person, by wire transfer or by mail, at the office of the Paying Agent, such payment information to be received by the Paying Agent at least 15 days prior to the applicable payment date. Final payment of principal at maturity with respect to a Physical Note will only be made by the Trustee upon surrender of the related 2028 Note to the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office. 3. Paying Agent and Registrar. Initially, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (the “Trustee”) will act as a Paying Agent and Registrar. The Issuer may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without prior notice to the Holders. The Issuer or any Affiliate thereof may act as Paying Agent or Registrar. A-2-4


 
4. Indenture. The Issuer issued the 2028 Notes under an Indenture dated as of December 13, 2017 (the “Indenture”) among the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee. This is one of an issue of 2028 Notes of the Issuer issued, or to be issued, under the Indenture. The terms of the 2028 Notes include those stated in the Indenture. The 2028 Notes are sub- ject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and such Act for a statement of them. Capitalized and certain other terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in the Indenture. 5. Optional Redemption. At any time prior to January 15, 2021, the Issuer may on any one or more oc- casions redeem up to (i) 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2028 Notes (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional 2028 Notes) issued under the Indenture, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice to Holders of 2028 Notes, at a redemption price (as calculated by Holdings) equal to (i) 105.000% of the aggre- gate principal amount of the 2028 Notes redeemed, with an amount equal or less than the net cash proceeds from one or more Equity Offerings to the extent that such net proceeds are re- ceived by or contributed to Holdings, plus (ii) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but ex- cluding the Redemption Date; provided that: (1) at least 50% of the original aggregate principal amount of 2028 Notes issued under the Indenture on the Issue Date (but excluding any Additional 2028 Notes issued under the Indenture after the Issue Date) remains outstanding immediate- ly after the occurrence of each such redemption; and (2) the redemption occurs within 180 days of the date of the closing of such Equity Offering. In addition, prior to January 15, 2023, the Issuer may redeem on any one or more occasions the 2028 Notes, in whole or in part, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice to Holders of 2028 Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the princi- pal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the applicable Make-Whole Redemption Date, plus the applicable Make-Whole Premium (a “Make-Whole Redemption”). The Issuer shall notify the Trustee of the Make-Whole Premium by delivering to the Trustee promptly after the calculation of such Make-Whole Premium, on or before the applicable Redemption Date, an Officer’s Certificate showing the calculation thereof in rea- sonable detail, and the Trustee shall have no responsibility for verifying or otherwise for such calculation or the calculation of any redemption price or the Make-Whole Premium. On or after January 15, 2023, the Issuer may on any one or more occasions re- deem all or a part of the 2028 Notes, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice to Holders of 2028 Notes, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 2028 Notes re- deemed, to but excluding the applicable Redemption Date, if redeemed during the twelve- month period beginning on January 15 of the years indicated below: A-2-5


 
Year Percentage 2023 ............................................................... 102.500% 2024 ............................................................... 101.667% 2025 ............................................................... 100.833% 2026 and thereafter ........................................ 100.000% The Issuer may, at its option, at any time upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ notice to Holders of 2028 Notes, redeem all (but not less than all) of the 2028 Notes then outstanding, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2028 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to but excluding the applicable Re- demption Date (subject to the rights of Holders of 2028 Notes to be redeemed on or after a record date for the payment of interest to receive interest on the relevant Interest Payment Date), and all Additional Amounts, if any, then due and which shall become due on the appli- cable Redemption Date as a result of the redemption or otherwise, if the Issuer reasonably de- termines in good faith that, as a result of a Change in Tax Law, the Issuer or any Guarantor is, or on the next Interest Payment Date in respect of the 2028 Notes would be, required to pay any Additional Amounts, and such obligation to pay Additional Amounts cannot be avoided by taking reasonable measures available to the Issuer or such Guarantor (including, without limitation, making payment through a paying agent located in another jurisdiction or, in the case of a Guarantor, by having the Issuer or another Guarantor make the payment). For the avoidance of doubt, the 2028 Notes shall not be redeemable due to a Change in Tax Law because the 2028 Notes have not been listed or fail to remain listed on the Irish Stock Exchange, unless such failure is caused by a Change in Tax Law that otherwise could serve as a basis for redemption of the 2028 Notes due to a Change in Tax Law. The foregoing provisions related to redemption due to a Change in Tax Law shall apply mutatis mutandis to any successor to the Issuer. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph 5, the payment of accrued but unpaid interest in connection with the redemption of 2028 Notes is subject to the rights of a Holder of 2028 Notes on a record date for the payment of interest whose 2028 Notes are to be redeemed on or after such record date but on or prior to the related Interest Payment Date to receive interest on such Interest Payment Date. 6. Notice of Redemption. Notices of redemption shall be mailed by first class mail at least 15 but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date to each Holder of 2028 Notes to be redeemed at its registered address (or to the extent permitted or required by applicable Depository procedures or regulations with respect to Global Notes, sent electroni- cally in .pdf format), except that notices of redemption may be delivered or mailed more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the 2028 Notes, a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the 2028 Notes or as specified in the last sentence of this paragraph. The Issuer may instruct the Trustee in writ- ing to send the notice of redemption in the name or and at the expense of the Issuer provided the Trustee receives such written instruction at least 15 days (or such shorter time as the Trus- A-2-6


 
tee may agree) prior to the date such notice of redemption is to be sent. If any 2028 Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to such 2028 Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. Any redemption and notice thereof may, in the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent described in the notice relating to such redemption, including completion of an Eq- uity Offering or other corporate transaction. In addition, if such redemption or purchase is subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall describe each such condition, and if applicable, shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the Redemption Date or purchase date may be delayed until such time (including more than 60 days after the date the notice of redemption was mailed or delivered, including by electronic transmission) as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied or waived, or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied or waived by the Redemption Date or by the Redemption Date as so delayed, or such notice or offer may be rescinded at any time in the Issuer’s discretion if the Issuer rea- sonably believes that any or all of such conditions will not be satisfied or waived. 7. Offers To Purchase. The Indenture provides that upon the occurrence of a Change of Control or an Asset Disposition and subject to further limitations contained therein, the Issuer shall make an offer to purchase outstanding 2028 Notes in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. 8. Denominations, Transfer, Exchange. The 2028 Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $200,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. A Holder may transfer or exchange 2028 Notes in accordance with the Inden- ture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish ap- propriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay to it any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Issuer shall not be required to (i) transfer or exchange any 2028 Note selected for redemption or (ii) transfer or exchange any note for a period of 15 days before a mailing of notice of redemption. The Registrar need not register the transfer of or exchange any 2028 Notes or portion of a 2028 Note selected for redemption, or register the transfer of or exchange any 2028 Notes for a period of 15 days before a mailing of notice of redemption. 9. Persons Deemed Owners. The registered Holder of this 2028 Note may be treated as the owner of this 2028 Note for all purposes. 10. Unclaimed Money. If money for the payment of principal or interest remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee will pay the money back to the Issuer at its writ- ten request. After that, Holders entitled to the money must look to the Issuer and the Guaran- tors for payment as general creditors unless an “abandoned property” law designates another Person. 11. Amendment, Supplement, Waiver, Etc. The Issuer and the Trustee may, without the consent of the Holders of any outstanding 2028 Notes, amend, waive or supplement the Indenture or the 2028 Notes for certain specified purposes, including, among A-2-7


 
other things, curing ambiguities, omissions, defects or inconsistencies, conforming the text of the Indenture, this Notes, or the Note Guarantees to any provision of the “Description of the Notes” set forth in the Offering Memorandum to the extent that such provision in the “De- scription of the Notes” set forth in the Offering Memorandum was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the Indenture, this Note, or the Note Guarantees, providing for the assumption by a successor to the Issuer of its obligations to the Holders and making any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder in any material respect. Other amendments and modifications of the Indenture or the 2028 Notes may be made by the Issuer and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2028 Notes, subject to certain exceptions requiring the consent of the Holders of the particular 2028 Notes to be affected. 12. Restrictive Covenants. The Indenture imposes certain limitations on the ability of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries to, among other things, create liens, make Re- stricted Payments, enter into Sale and Leaseback Transactions or consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries and requires the Issuer to provide reports to Holders of the 2028 Notes. Such limitations are subject to a number of im- portant qualifications and exceptions. Pursuant to Section 4.06 of the Indenture, the Issuer must annually report to the Trustee on compliance with such limitations. 13. Successor Corporation. When a successor corporation assumes all the obligations of its predecessor under the 2028 Notes and the Indenture and the transaction complies with the terms of Article Five of the Indenture, the predecessor corporation will, ex- cept as provided in Article Five, be released from those obligations. 14. Defaults and Remedies. Events of Default are set forth in the Inden- ture. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing under the Indenture, either the Trustee, by notice in writing to the Issuer, or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the 2028 Notes then outstanding, by notice in writing to the Issuer and the Trustee specify- ing the respective Event of Default and that it is a “notice of acceleration”, may declare the principal of and premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, on the 2028 Notes to be due and payable, and upon such declaration of acceleration, such principal of and premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, shall be immediately due and payable; provided, however, that, not- withstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(7) occurs with respect to the Issuer, the principal of and premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, on the 2028 Notes then outstanding shall become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if after such acceleration but before a judgment or decree based on such acceleration is obtained by the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2028 Notes may rescind and annul such accelera- tion if: A-2-8


 
(1) all Events of Default, other than nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, or interest that has become due solely because of the acceleration, have been cured or waived; (2) to the extent the payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest and overdue principal, which has become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration, has been paid; (3) the Issuer has paid the Trustee its reasonable compensation and reim- bursed the Trustee for its expenses, disbursements and advances; and (4) in the event of the cure or waiver of an Event of Default of the type de- scribed in Section 6.01(7), the Trustee shall have received an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel that such Event of Default has been cured or waived. No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right consequent thereto. Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the 2028 Notes except as provided in the Indenture. The Trustee may require indemnity satisfactory to it before it enforces the In- denture or the 2028 Notes. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding 2028 Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of the 2028 Notes notice of any continu- ing Default or Event of Default with respect to the 2028 Notes (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal of or interest on the 2028 Notes) if it determines that withholding notice is in their best interests. 15. Trustee Dealings with the Issuer. The Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from and perform services for the Issuer or its Affiliates, and may otherwise deal with the Issuer or its Affiliates, as if it were not Trustee. 16. No Recourse Against Others. No past, present or future director, of- ficer, employee, incorporator, member, partner or stockholder of the Parent, any Guarantor, the Issuer or of any other Subsidiary of the Parent, or any affiliate of the foregoing, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or the Guarantors under the 2028 Notes, the Indenture or the Note Guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of 2028 Notes by accepting a 2028 Note waives and releases all such liability. This waiver may not be effective to waive liabili- ties under the federal securities laws. 17. Discharge. The Issuer’s obligations pursuant to the Indenture will be discharged, except for obligations pursuant to certain sections thereof, subject to the terms of the Indenture, upon the payment of all the 2028 Notes or upon the irrevocable deposit with the Trustee of cash in U.S. Dollars, U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient to pay when due principal of and interest on the 2028 Notes to maturity or redemption, as the case may be. A-2-9


 
18. Guarantees. From and after the Issue Date, the 2028 Notes will be enti- tled to the benefits of certain Note Guarantees made for the benefit of the Holders. Reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and obligations thereunder of the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Holders. 19. Authentication. This 2028 Note shall not be valid until the Trustee manually signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this 2028 Note. 20. Governing Law. THIS 2028 NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 21. Abbreviations. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TENANT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in com- mon), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act). The Issuer will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture. Requests may be made to: James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company Europa House 2nd Floor Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Street Dublin 2, Ireland Facsimile: +353-1-479-1128 E-mail: treasury@jameshardie.com Attention: The Treasurer A-2-10


 
ASSIGNMENT I or we assign and transfer this 2028 Note to: (Insert assignee’s social security or tax I.D. number) (Print or type name, address and zip code of assignee) and irrevocably appoint Agent to transfer this 2028 Note on the books of the Issuer. The Agent may substitute another to act for him. Date: Your Signature: (Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this 2028 Note) Signature Guarantee: ______________________________ SIGNATURE GUARANTEE Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guaran- tee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. A-2-11


 
OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE If you want to elect to have all or any part of this 2028 Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 4.08 or Section 4.09 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box:  Section 4.08  Section 4.09 If you want to have only part of the 2028 Note purchased by the Issuer pursu- ant to Section 4.08 or Section 4.09 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have pur- chased: $ ($200,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof; provided that the part not purchased must be at least $200,000) Date: Your Signature: ___________________________________ (Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this 2028 Note) Signature Guaranteed SIGNATURE GUARANTEE Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guaran- tee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. A-2-12


 
SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN GLOBAL NOTE* The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or for a Physical Note, or exchanges of a part of another Global Note or Physical Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made: Principal Amount Amount of decrease in Amount of increase in of this Global Note Principal Amount Principal Amount following such de- of of crease Signature of authorized Date of Exchange this Global Note this Global Note (or increase) signatory of Trustee * Insert in Global Securities only. A-2-13


 
EXHIBIT A-3 [FORM OF UNRESTRICTED NOTE] JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY 4.75% SENIOR NOTE DUE 2025 [Insert Global Note Legend, if applicable] [Insert ERISA Legend] No. [ ] CUSIP No. [ ] ISIN No. [ ] $[ ] JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY, a private designated activity company duly incorporated under the laws of Ire- land (the “Issuer”), for value received promises to pay to Cede & Co. or registered assigns the principal sum of [ ] (or such other principal amount as shall be set forth in the Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in Global Note attached hereto), on January 15, 2025. Interest Payment Dates: January 15 and July 15, commencing July 15, 2018. Record Dates: January 1 and July 1 (whether or not a Business Day). Reference is made to the further provisions of this 2025 Note contained herein, which will for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place. A-3-1


 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this 2025 Note to be signed manually or by facsimile by its duly authorized officer. JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY By: Name: Title: A-3-2


 
Certificate of Authentication This is one of the 4.75% Senior Notes due 2025 referred to in the within- mentioned Indenture. DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, as Trustee By: Authorized Signatory Dated: A-3-3


 
[FORM OF REVERSE OF UNRESTRICTED NOTE] JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY 4.75% SENIOR NOTE DUE 2025 1. Interest. JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY, a private designated activity company duly incor- porated under the laws of Ireland (the “Issuer”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount set forth on the face hereof at a rate of 4.75% per annum. Interest hereon will accrue from and including the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from and including December 13, 2017 to but excluding the date on which interest is paid. Interest shall be payable in arrears on each January 15 and July 15, commencing July 15, 2018. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months and, in the case of an incomplete month, the actual days elapsed. The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal and on overdue interest (to the full extent permitted by law) at the rate borne by the 2025 Notes. 2. Method of Payment. The Issuer will pay interest hereon (except de- faulted interest) to the Persons who are registered Holders at the close of business on January 1 or July 1 preceding the Interest Payment Date (whether or not a Business Day). Holders of Physical Notes must surrender such Physical Notes to a Paying Agent to collect principal payments. Prior to 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on each Interest Payment Date and Ma- turity Date, the Issuer shall have deposited with the Paying Agent in immediately available funds U.S. Dollars sufficient to make cash payments, if any, due on such Interest Payment Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be, in a timely manner which permits such Paying Agents to remit payment to the Holders on such Interest Payment Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be. The principal and interest on Global Notes shall be payable to the Deposito- ry or its nominee, as the case may be, as the sole registered owner and the sole Holder of the Global Notes represented thereby. All payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest with respect to Global Notes shall be made in accordance with the Depository’s applicable procedures. The principal and interest on Physical Notes shall be payable, either in person, by wire transfer or by mail, at the office of the Paying Agent, such payment information to be received by the Paying Agent at least 15 days prior to the applicable payment date. Final payment of principal at maturity with respect to a Physical Note will only be made by the Trustee upon surrender of the related 2025 Note to the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office. 3. Paying Agent and Registrar. Initially, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (the “Trustee”) will act as a Paying Agent and Registrar. The Issuer may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without prior notice to the Holders. The Issuer or any Affiliate thereof may act as Paying Agent or Registrar. A-3-4


 
4. Indenture. The Issuer issued the 2025 Notes under an Indenture dated as of December 13, 2017 (the “Indenture”) among the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee. This is one of an issue of 2025 Notes of the Issuer issued, or to be issued, under the Indenture. The terms of the 2025 Notes include those stated in the Indenture. The 2025 Notes are sub- ject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and such Act for a statement of them. Capitalized and certain other terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in the Indenture. 5. Optional Redemption. At any time prior to January 15, 2021, the Issuer may on any one or more oc- casions redeem up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2025 Notes (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional 2025 Notes) issued under the Indenture , upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice to Holders of 2025 Notes, at a redemption price (as calculated by Holdings) equal to (i) 104.750% of the aggre- gate principal amount of the 2025 Notes redeemed, with an amount equal or less than the net cash proceeds from one or more Equity Offerings to the extent that such net proceeds are re- ceived by or contributed to Holdings, plus (ii) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but ex- cluding the Redemption Date; provided that: (1) at least 50% of the original aggregate principal amount of 2025 Notes issued under the Indenture on the Issue Date (but excluding any Additional 2025 Notes issued under the Indenture after the Issue Date) remains outstanding immediate- ly after the occurrence of each such redemption; and (2) the redemption occurs within 180 days of the date of the closing of such Equity Offering. In addition, prior to January 15, 2021, the Issuer may redeem on any one or more occasions the 2025 Notes, in whole or in part, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice to Holders of 2025 Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the princi- pal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the applicable Make-Whole Redemption Date, plus the applicable Make-Whole Premium (a “Make-Whole Redemption”). The Issuer shall notify the Trustee of the Make-Whole Premium by delivering to the Trustee promptly after the calculation of such Make-Whole Premium, on or before the applicable Redemption Date, an Officer’s Certificate showing the calculation thereof in rea- sonable detail, and the Trustee shall have no responsibility for verifying or otherwise for such calculation or the calculation of any redemption price or the Make-Whole Premium. On or after January 15, 2021, the Issuer may on any one or more occasions re- deem all or a part of the 2025 Notes, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice to Holders of 2025 Notes, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 2025 Notes re- deemed, to but excluding the applicable Redemption Date, if redeemed during the twelve- month period beginning on January 15 of the years indicated below: A-3-5


 
Year Percentage 2021 ............................................................... 102.375% 2022 ............................................................... 101.188% 2023 and thereafter ........................................ 100.000% The Issuer may, at its option, at any time upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ notice to Holders of 2025 Notes, redeem all (but not less than all) of the 2025 Notes then outstanding, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to but excluding the applicable Re- demption Date (subject to the rights of Holders of 2025 Notes to be redeemed on or after a record date for the payment of interest to receive interest on the relevant Interest Payment Date), and all Additional Amounts, if any, then due and which shall become due on the appli- cable Redemption Date as a result of the redemption or otherwise, if the Issuer reasonably de- termines in good faith that, as a result of a Change in Tax Law, the Issuer or any Guarantor is, or on the next Interest Payment Date in respect of the 2025 Notes would be, required to pay any Additional Amounts, and such obligation to pay Additional Amounts cannot be avoided by taking reasonable measures available to the Issuer or such Guarantor (including, without limitation, making payment through a paying agent located in another jurisdiction or, in the case of a Guarantor, by having the Issuer or another Guarantor make the payment). For the avoidance of doubt, the 2025 Notes shall not be redeemable due to a Change in Tax Law because the 2025 Notes have not been listed or fail to remain listed on the Irish Stock Exchange, unless such failure is caused by a Change in Tax Law that otherwise could serve as a basis for redemption of the 2025 Notes due to a Change in Tax Law. The foregoing provisions related to redemption due to a Change in Tax Law shall apply mutatis mutandis to any successor to the Issuer. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph 5, the payment of accrued but unpaid interest in connection with the redemption of 2025 Notes is subject to the rights of a Holder of 2025 Notes on a record date for the payment of interest whose 2025 Notes are to be redeemed on or after such record date but on or prior to the related Interest Payment Date to receive interest on such Interest Payment Date. 6. Notice of Redemption. Notices of redemption shall be mailed by first class mail at least 15 but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date to each Holder of 2025 Notes to be redeemed at its registered address (or to the extent permitted or required by applicable Depository procedures or regulations with respect to Global Notes, sent electroni- cally in .pdf format), except that notices of redemption may be delivered or mailed more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the 2025 Notes, a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the 2025 Notes or as specified in the last sentence of this paragraph. The Issuer may instruct the Trustee in writ- ing to send the notice of redemption in the name or and at the expense of the Issuer provided the Trustee receives such written instruction at least 15 days (or such shorter time as the Trus- tee may agree) prior to the date such notice of redemption is to be sent. If any 2025 Note is to A-3-6


 
be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to such 2025 Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. Any redemption and notice thereof may, in the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent described in the notice relating to such redemption, including completion of an Eq- uity Offering or other corporate transaction. In addition, if such redemption or purchase is subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall describe each such condition, and if applicable, shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the Redemption Date or purchase date may be delayed until such time (including more than 60 days after the date the notice of redemption was mailed or delivered, including by electronic transmission) as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied or waived, or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied or waived by the Redemption Date or by the Redemption Date as so delayed, or such notice or offer may be rescinded at any time in the Issuer’s discretion if the Issuer rea- sonably believes that any or all of such conditions will not be satisfied or waived. 7. Offers To Purchase. The Indenture provides that upon the occurrence of a Change of Control or an Asset Disposition and subject to further limitations contained therein, the Issuer shall make an offer to purchase outstanding 2025 Notes in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. 8. Denominations, Transfer, Exchange. The 2025 Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $200,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. A Holder may transfer or exchange 2025 Notes in accordance with the Inden- ture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish ap- propriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay to it any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Issuer shall not be required to (i) transfer or exchange any 2025 Note selected for redemption or (ii) transfer or exchange any note for a period of 15 days before a mailing of notice of redemption. The Registrar need not register the transfer of or exchange any 2025 Notes or portion of a 2025 Note selected for redemption, or register the transfer of or exchange any 2025 Notes for a period of 15 days before a mailing of notice of redemption. 9. Persons Deemed Owners. The registered Holder of this 2025 Note may be treated as the owner of this 2025 Note for all purposes. 10. Unclaimed Money. If money for the payment of principal or interest remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee will pay the money back to the Issuer at its writ- ten request. After that, Holders entitled to the money must look to the Issuer and the Guaran- tors for payment as general creditors unless an “abandoned property” law designates another Person. 11. Amendment, Supplement, Waiver, Etc. The Issuer and the Trustee may, without the consent of the Holders of any outstanding 2025 Notes, amend, waive or supplement the Indenture or the 2025 Notes for certain specified purposes, including, among other things, curing ambiguities, omissions, defects or inconsistencies, conforming the text of A-3-7


 
the Indenture, this Notes, or the Note Guarantees to any provision of the “Description of the Notes” set forth in the Offering Memorandum to the extent that such provision in the “De- scription of the Notes” set forth in the Offering Memorandum was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the Indenture, this Note, or the Note Guarantees, providing for the assumption by a successor to the Issuer of its obligations to the Holders and making any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder in any material respect. Other amendments and modifications of the Indenture or the 2025 Notes may be made by the Issuer and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2025 Notes, subject to certain exceptions requiring the consent of the Holders of the particular 2025 Notes to be affected. 12. Restrictive Covenants. The Indenture imposes certain limitations on the ability of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries to, among other things, create liens, make Re- stricted Payments, enter into Sale and Leaseback Transactions or consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries and requires the Issuer to provide reports to Holders of the 2025 Notes. Such limitations are subject to a number of im- portant qualifications and exceptions. Pursuant to Section 4.06 of the Indenture, the Issuer must annually report to the Trustee on compliance with such limitations. 13. Successor Corporation. When a successor corporation assumes all the obligations of its predecessor under the 2025 Notes and the Indenture and the transaction complies with the terms of Article Five of the Indenture, the predecessor corporation will, ex- cept as provided in Article Five, be released from those obligations. 14. Defaults and Remedies. Events of Default are set forth in the Inden- ture. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing under the Indenture, either the Trustee, by notice in writing to the Issuer, or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes then outstanding, by notice in writing to the Issuer and the Trustee specify- ing the respective Event of Default and that it is a “notice of acceleration”, may declare the principal of and premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, on the 2025 Notes to be due and payable, and upon such declaration of acceleration, such principal of and premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, shall be immediately due and payable; provided, however, that, not- withstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(7) occurs with respect to the Issuer, the principal of and premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, on the 2025 Notes then outstanding shall become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if after such acceleration but before a judgment or decree based on such acceleration is obtained by the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2025 Notes may rescind and annul such accelera- tion if: (1) all Events of Default, other than nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, or interest that has become due solely because of the acceleration, have been cured or waived; A-3-8


 
(2) to the extent the payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest and overdue principal, which has become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration, has been paid; (3) the Issuer has paid the Trustee its reasonable compensation and reim- bursed the Trustee for its expenses, disbursements and advances; and (4) in the event of the cure or waiver of an Event of Default of the type de- scribed in Section 6.01(7), the Trustee shall have received an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel that such Event of Default has been cured or waived. No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right consequent thereto. Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the 2025 Notes except as provided in the Indenture. The Trustee may require indemnity satisfactory to it before it enforces the In- denture or the 2025 Notes. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding 2025 Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of the 2025 Notes notice of any continu- ing Default or Event of Default with respect to the 2025 Notes (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal of or interest on the 2025 Notes) if it determines that withholding notice is in their best interests. 15. Trustee Dealings with the Issuer. The Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from and perform services for the Issuer or its Affiliates, and may otherwise deal with the Issuer or its Affiliates, as if it were not Trustee. 16. No Recourse Against Others. No past, present or future director, of- ficer, employee, incorporator, member, partner or stockholder of the Parent, any Guarantor, the Issuer or of any other Subsidiary of the Parent, or any affiliate of the foregoing, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or the Guarantors under the 2025 Notes, the Indenture or the Note Guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of 2025 Notes by accepting a 2025 Note waives and releases all such liability. This waiver may not be effective to waive liabili- ties under the federal securities laws. 17. Discharge. The Issuer’s obligations pursuant to the Indenture will be discharged, except for obligations pursuant to certain sections thereof, subject to the terms of the Indenture, upon the payment of all the 2025 Notes or upon the irrevocable deposit with the Trustee of cash in U.S. Dollars, U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient to pay when due principal of and interest on the 2025 Notes to maturity or redemption, as the case may be. 18. Guarantees. From and after the Issue Date, the 2025 Notes will be enti- tled to the benefits of certain Note Guarantees made for the benefit of the Holders. Reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and obligations thereunder of the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Holders. A-3-9


 
19. Authentication. This 2025 Note shall not be valid until the Trustee manually signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this 2025 Note. 20. Governing Law. THIS 2025 NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 21. Abbreviations. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TENANT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in com- mon), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act). The Issuer will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture. Requests may be made to: James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company Europa House 2nd Floor Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Street Dublin 2, Ireland Facsimile: +353-1-479-1128 E-mail: treasury@jameshardie.com Attention: The Treasurer A-3-10


 
ASSIGNMENT I or we assign and transfer this 2025 Note to: (Insert assignee’s social security or tax I.D. number) (Print or type name, address and zip code of assignee) and irrevocably appoint Agent to transfer this 2025 Note on the books of the Issuer. The Agent may substitute another to act for him. Date: Your Signature: (Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this 2025 Note) Signature Guarantee: ______________________________ SIGNATURE GUARANTEE Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guaran- tee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. A-3-11


 
OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE If you want to elect to have all or any part of this 2025 Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 4.08 or Section 4.09 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box:  Section 4.08  Section 4.09 If you want to have only part of the 2025 Note purchased by the Issuer pursu- ant to Section 4.08 or Section 4.09 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have pur- chased: $ ($200,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof; provided that the part not purchased must be at least $200,000) Date: Your Signature: ___________________________________ (Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this 2025 Note) Signature Guaranteed SIGNATURE GUARANTEE Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guaran- tee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. A-3-12


 
SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN GLOBAL NOTE* The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or for a Physical Note, or exchanges of a part of another Global Note or Physical Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made: Principal Amount Amount of decrease in Amount of increase in of this Global Note Principal Amount Principal Amount following such de- of of crease Signature of authorized Date of Exchange this Global Note this Global Note (or increase) signatory of Trustee * Insert in Global Securities only. A-3-13


 
EXHIBIT A-4 [FORM OF UNRESTRICTED NOTE] JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY 5.00% SENIOR NOTE DUE 2028 [Insert Global Note Legend, if applicable] [Insert ERISA Legend] No. [ ] CUSIP No. [ ] ISIN No. [ ] $[ ] JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY, a private designated activity company duly incorporated under the laws of Ire- land (the “Issuer”), for value received promises to pay to Cede & Co. or registered assigns the principal sum of [ ] (or such other principal amount as shall be set forth in the Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in Global Note attached hereto), on January 15, 2028. Interest Payment Dates: January 15 and July 15, commencing July 15, 2018. Record Dates: January 1 and July 1 (whether or not a Business Day). Reference is made to the further provisions of this 2028 Note contained herein, which will for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place. A-4-1


 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this 2028 Note to be signed manually or by facsimile by its duly authorized officer. JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY By: Name: Title: A-4-2


 
Certificate of Authentication This is one of the 5.00% Senior Notes due 2028 referred to in the within- mentioned Indenture. DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, as Trustee By: Authorized Signatory Dated: A-4-3


 
[FORM OF REVERSE OF UNRESTRICTED NOTE] JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY 5.00% SENIOR NOTE DUE 2028 1. Interest. JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY, a private designated activity company duly incor- porated under the laws of Ireland (the “Issuer”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount set forth on the face hereof at a rate of 5.00% per annum. Interest hereon will accrue from and including the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from and including December 13, 2017 to but excluding the date on which interest is paid. Interest shall be payable in arrears on each January 15 and July 15, commencing July 15, 2018. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months and, in the case of an incomplete month, the actual days elapsed. The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal and on overdue interest (to the full extent permitted by law) at the rate borne by the 2028 Notes. 2. Method of Payment. The Issuer will pay interest hereon (except de- faulted interest) to the Persons who are registered Holders at the close of business on January 1 or July 1 preceding the Interest Payment Date (whether or not a Business Day). Holders of Physical Notes must surrender such Physical Notes to a Paying Agent to collect principal payments. Prior to 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on each Interest Payment Date and Ma- turity Date, the Issuer shall have deposited with the Paying Agent in immediately available funds U.S. Dollars sufficient to make cash payments, if any, due on such Interest Payment Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be, in a timely manner which permits such Paying Agents to remit payment to the Holders on such Interest Payment Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be. The principal and interest on Global Notes shall be payable to the Deposito- ry or its nominee, as the case may be, as the sole registered owner and the sole Holder of the Global Notes represented thereby. All payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest with respect to Global Notes shall be made in accordance with the Depository’s applicable procedures. The principal and interest on Physical Notes shall be payable, either in person, by wire transfer or by mail, at the office of the Paying Agent, such payment information to be received by the Paying Agent at least 15 days prior to the applicable payment date. Final payment of principal at maturity with respect to a Physical Note will only be made by the Trustee upon surrender of the related 2028 Note to the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office. 3. Paying Agent and Registrar. Initially, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (the “Trustee”) will act as a Paying Agent and Registrar. The Issuer may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without prior notice to the Holders. The Issuer or any Affiliate thereof may act as Paying Agent or Registrar. A-4-4


 
4. Indenture. The Issuer issued the 2028 Notes under an Indenture dated as of December 13, 2017 (the “Indenture”) among the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee. This is one of an issue of 2028 Notes of the Issuer issued, or to be issued, under the Indenture. The terms of the 2028 Notes include those stated in the Indenture. The 2028 Notes are sub- ject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and such Act for a statement of them. Capitalized and certain other terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in the Indenture. 5. Optional Redemption. At any time prior to January 15, 2021, the Issuer may on any one or more oc- casions redeem up to (i) 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2028 Notes (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional 2028 Notes) issued under the Indenture, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice to Holders of 2028 Notes, at a redemption price (as calculated by Holdings) equal to (i) 105.000% of the aggre- gate principal amount of the 2028 Notes redeemed, with an amount equal or less than the net cash proceeds from one or more Equity Offerings to the extent that such net proceeds are re- ceived by or contributed to Holdings, plus (ii) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but ex- cluding the Redemption Date; provided that: (1) at least 50% of the original aggregate principal amount of 2028 notes issued under the Indenture on the Issue Date (but excluding any Additional 2028 Notes issued under the Indenture after the Issue Date) remains outstanding immediate- ly after the occurrence of each such redemption; and (2) the redemption occurs within 180 days of the date of the closing of such Equity Offering. In addition, prior to January 15, 2023, the Issuer may redeem on any one or more occasions the 2028 Notes, in whole or in part, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice to Holders of 2028 Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the princi- pal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the applicable Make-Whole Redemption Date, plus the applicable Make-Whole Premium (a “Make-Whole Redemption”). The Issuer shall notify the Trustee of the Make-Whole Premium by delivering to the Trustee promptly after the calculation of such Make-Whole Premium, on or before the applicable Redemption Date, an Officer’s Certificate showing the calculation thereof in rea- sonable detail, and the Trustee shall have no responsibility for verifying or otherwise for such calculation or the calculation of any redemption price or the Make-Whole Premium. On or after January 15, 2023, the Issuer may on any one or more occasions re- deem all or a part of the 2028 Notes, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice to Holders of 2028 Notes, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 2028 Notes re- deemed, to but excluding the applicable Redemption Date, if redeemed during the twelve- month period beginning on January 15 of the years indicated below: A-4-5


 
Year Percentage 2023 ............................................................... 102.500% 2024 ............................................................... 101.667% 2025 ............................................................... 100.833% 2026 and thereafter ........................................ 100.000% The Issuer may, at its option, at any time upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ notice to Holders of 2028 Notes, redeem all (but not less than all) of the 2028 Notes then outstanding, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2028 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to but excluding the applicable Re- demption Date (subject to the rights of Holders of 2028 Notes to be redeemed on or after a record date for the payment of interest to receive interest on the relevant Interest Payment Date), and all Additional Amounts, if any, then due and which shall become due on the appli- cable Redemption Date as a result of the redemption or otherwise, if the Issuer reasonably de- termines in good faith that, as a result of a Change in Tax Law, the Issuer or any Guarantor is, or on the next Interest Payment Date in respect of the 2028 Notes would be, required to pay any Additional Amounts, and such obligation to pay Additional Amounts cannot be avoided by taking reasonable measures available to the Issuer or such Guarantor (including, without limitation, making payment through a paying agent located in another jurisdiction or, in the case of a Guarantor, by having the Issuer or another Guarantor make the payment). For the avoidance of doubt, the 2028 Notes shall not be redeemable due to a Change in Tax Law because the 2028 Notes have not been listed or fail to remain listed on the Irish Stock Exchange, unless such failure is caused by a Change in Tax Law that otherwise could serve as a basis for redemption of the 2028 Notes due to a Change in Tax Law. The foregoing provisions related to redemption due to a Change in Tax Law shall apply mutatis mutandis to any successor to the Issuer. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph 5, the payment of accrued but unpaid interest in connection with the redemption of 2028 Notes is subject to the rights of a Holder of 2028 Notes on a record date for the payment of interest whose 2028 Notes are to be redeemed on or after such record date but on or prior to the related Interest Payment Date to receive interest on such Interest Payment Date. 6. Notice of Redemption. Notices of redemption shall be mailed by first class mail at least 15 but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date to each Holder of 2028 Notes to be redeemed at its registered address (or to the extent permitted or required by applicable Depository procedures or regulations with respect to Global Notes, sent electroni- cally in .pdf format), except that notices of redemption may be delivered or mailed more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the 2028 Notes, a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the 2028 Notes or as specified in the last sentence of this paragraph. The Issuer may instruct the Trustee in writ- ing to send the notice of redemption in the name or and at the expense of the Issuer provided the Trustee receives such written instruction at least 15 days (or such shorter time as the Trus- A-4-6


 
tee may agree) prior to the date such notice of redemption is to be sent. If any 2028 Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to such 2028 Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. Any redemption and notice thereof may, in the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent described in the notice relating to such redemption, including completion of an Eq- uity Offering or other corporate transaction. In addition, if such redemption or purchase is subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall describe each such condition, and if applicable, shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the Redemption Date or purchase date may be delayed until such time (including more than 60 days after the date the notice of redemption was mailed or delivered, including by electronic transmission) as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied or waived, or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied or waived by the Redemption Date or by the Redemption Date as so delayed, or such notice or offer may be rescinded at any time in the Issuer’s discretion if the Issuer rea- sonably believes that any or all of such conditions will not be satisfied or waived. 7. Offers To Purchase. The Indenture provides that upon the occurrence of a Change of Control or an Asset Disposition and subject to further limitations contained therein, the Issuer shall make an offer to purchase outstanding 2028 Notes in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. 8. Denominations, Transfer, Exchange. The 2028 Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $200,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. A Holder may transfer or exchange 2028 Notes in accordance with the Inden- ture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish ap- propriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay to it any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Issuer shall not be required to (i) transfer or exchange any 2028 Note selected for redemption or (ii) transfer or exchange any note for a period of 15 days before a mailing of notice of redemption. The Registrar need not register the transfer of or exchange any 2028 Notes or portion of a 2028 Note selected for redemption, or register the transfer of or exchange any 2028 Notes for a period of 15 days before a mailing of notice of redemption. 9. Persons Deemed Owners. The registered Holder of this 2028 Note may be treated as the owner of this 2028 Note for all purposes. 10. Unclaimed Money. If money for the payment of principal or interest remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee will pay the money back to the Issuer at its writ- ten request. After that, Holders entitled to the money must look to the Issuer and the Guaran- tors for payment as general creditors unless an “abandoned property” law designates another Person. 11. Amendment, Supplement, Waiver, Etc. The Issuer and the Trustee may, without the consent of the Holders of any outstanding 2028 Notes, amend, waive or supplement the Indenture or the 2028 Notes for certain specified purposes, including, among A-4-7


 
other things, curing ambiguities, omissions, defects or inconsistencies, conforming the text of the Indenture, this Notes, or the Note Guarantees to any provision of the “Description of the Notes” set forth in the Offering Memorandum to the extent that such provision in the “De- scription of the Notes” set forth in the Offering Memorandum was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the Indenture, this Note, or the Note Guarantees, providing for the assumption by a successor to the Issuer of its obligations to the Holders and making any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder in any material respect. Other amendments and modifications of the Indenture or the 2028 Notes may be made by the Issuer and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2028 Notes, subject to certain exceptions requiring the consent of the Holders of the particular 2028 Notes to be affected. 12. Restrictive Covenants. The Indenture imposes certain limitations on the ability of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries to, among other things, create liens, make Re- stricted Payments, enter into Sale and Leaseback Transactions or consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries and requires the Issuer to provide reports to Holders of the 2028 Notes. Such limitations are subject to a number of im- portant qualifications and exceptions. Pursuant to Section 4.06 of the Indenture, the Issuer must annually report to the Trustee on compliance with such limitations. 13. Successor Corporation. When a successor corporation assumes all the obligations of its predecessor under the 2028 Notes and the Indenture and the transaction complies with the terms of Article Five of the Indenture, the predecessor corporation will, ex- cept as provided in Article Five, be released from those obligations. 14. Defaults and Remedies. Events of Default are set forth in the Inden- ture. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing under the Indenture, either the Trustee, by notice in writing to the Issuer, or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the 2028 Notes then outstanding, by notice in writing to the Issuer and the Trustee specify- ing the respective Event of Default and that it is a “notice of acceleration”, may declare the principal of and premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, on the 2028 Notes to be due and payable, and upon such declaration of acceleration, such principal of and premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, shall be immediately due and payable; provided, however, that, not- withstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(7) occurs with respect to the Issuer, the principal of and premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, on the 2028 Notes then outstanding shall become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if after such acceleration but before a judgment or decree based on such acceleration is obtained by the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2028 Notes may rescind and annul such accelera- tion if: A-4-8


 
(1) all Events of Default, other than nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, or interest that has become due solely because of the acceleration, have been cured or waived; (2) to the extent the payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest and overdue principal, which has become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration, has been paid; (3) the Issuer has paid the Trustee its reasonable compensation and reim- bursed the Trustee for its expenses, disbursements and advances; and (4) in the event of the cure or waiver of an Event of Default of the type de- scribed in Section 6.01(7), the Trustee shall have received an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel that such Event of Default has been cured or waived. No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right consequent thereto. Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the 2028 Notes except as provided in the Indenture. The Trustee may require indemnity satisfactory to it before it enforces the In- denture or the 2028 Notes. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding 2028 Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of the 2028 Notes notice of any continu- ing Default or Event of Default with respect to the 2028 Notes (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal of or interest on the 2028 Notes) if it determines that withholding notice is in their best interests. 15. Trustee Dealings with the Issuer. The Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from and perform services for the Issuer or its Affiliates, and may otherwise deal with the Issuer or its Affiliates, as if it were not Trustee. 16. No Recourse Against Others. No past, present or future director, of- ficer, employee, incorporator, member, partner or stockholder of the Parent, any Guarantor, the Issuer or of any other Subsidiary of the Parent, or any affiliate of the foregoing, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or the Guarantors under the 2028 Notes, the Indenture or the Note Guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of 2028 Notes by accepting a 2028 Note waives and releases all such liability. This waiver may not be effective to waive liabili- ties under the federal securities laws. 17. Discharge. The Issuer’s obligations pursuant to the Indenture will be discharged, except for obligations pursuant to certain sections thereof, subject to the terms of the Indenture, upon the payment of all the 2028 Notes or upon the irrevocable deposit with the Trustee of cash in U.S. Dollars, U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient to pay when due principal of and interest on the 2028 Notes to maturity or redemption, as the case may be. A-4-9


 
18. Guarantees. From and after the Issue Date, the 2028 Notes will be enti- tled to the benefits of certain Note Guarantees made for the benefit of the Holders. Reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and obligations thereunder of the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Holders. 19. Authentication. This 2028 Note shall not be valid until the Trustee manually signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this 2028 Note. 20. Governing Law. THIS 2028 NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 21. Abbreviations. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TENANT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in com- mon), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act). The Issuer will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture. Requests may be made to: James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company Europa House 2nd Floor Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Street Dublin 2, Ireland Facsimile: +353-1-479-1128 E-mail: treasury@jameshardie.com Attention: The Treasurer A-4-10


 
ASSIGNMENT I or we assign and transfer this 2028 Note to: (Insert assignee’s social security or tax I.D. number) (Print or type name, address and zip code of assignee) and irrevocably appoint Agent to transfer this 2028 Note on the books of the Issuer. The Agent may substitute another to act for him. Date: Your Signature: (Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this 2028 Note) Signature Guarantee: ______________________________ SIGNATURE GUARANTEE Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guaran- tee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. A-4-11


 
OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE If you want to elect to have all or any part of this 2028 Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 4.08 or Section 4.09 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box:  Section 4.08  Section 4.09 If you want to have only part of the 2028 Note purchased by the Issuer pursu- ant to Section 4.08 or Section 4.09 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have pur- chased: $ ($200,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof; provided that the part not purchased must be at least $200,000) Date: Your Signature: ___________________________________ (Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this 2028 Note) Signature Guaranteed SIGNATURE GUARANTEE Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guaran- tee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. A-4-12


 
SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN GLOBAL NOTE* The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or for a Physical Note, or exchanges of a part of another Global Note or Physical Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made: Principal Amount Amount of decrease in Amount of increase in of this Global Note Principal Amount Principal Amount following such de- of of crease Signature of authorized Date of Exchange this Global Note this Global Note (or increase) signatory of Trustee * Insert in Global Securities only. A-4-13


 
EXHIBIT B [FORM OF LEGEND FOR RESTRICTED SECURITIES] Any Restricted Note authenticated and delivered hereunder shall bear a legend (which would be in addition to any other legends required in the case of a Global Note) in substantially the following form: THE SECURITY (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) EVIDENCED HEREBY WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SECTION 5 OF THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED OR DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER. THE HOLDER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY AGREES, ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF ANY INVESTOR ACCOUNT FOR WHICH IT HAS PURCHASED SECURITIES, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISSUER THAT (A) SUCH SECURITY MAY BE RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, PRIOR TO THE DATE (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”) THAT IS [IN THE CASE OF RULE 144A NOTES: ONE YEAR AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF, THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE OF THE ISSUANCE OF ANY ADDITIONAL NOTES AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE ISSUER OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUER WAS THE OWNER OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY),] [IN THE CASE OF REGULATION S NOTES: 40 DAYS AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF, THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE OF THE ISSUANCE OF ANY ADDITIONAL NOTES AND THE DATE ON WHICH THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY) WAS FIRST OFFERED TO PERSONS OTHER THAN DISTRIBUTORS (AS DEFINED IN RULE 902 OF REGULATION S) IN RELIANCE ON REGULATION S] ONLY (1)(a) INSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO A PERSON WHO THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (b) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO A NON-U.S. PERSON IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (C) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANOTHER B-1


 
EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT (AND IN THE CASE OF CLAUSES (1)(b) AND (c), BASED UPON AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/ OR OTHER INFORMATION ACCEPTABLE TO THE ISSUER IF THE ISSUER SO REQUESTS), (2) TO THE ISSUER, A GUARANTOR OR A SUBSIDIARY THEREOF OR (3) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND, IN EACH CASE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTION AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN CLAUSE (A) ABOVE. B-2


 
EXHIBIT C [FORM OF ERISA LEGEND] Any Note authenticated and delivered hereunder shall bear a legend (which would be in addition to any other legends required in the case of a Restricted Note or Global Note) in substantially the following form: BY ITS ACQUISITION OF THIS SECURITY OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN, THE PURCHASER OR HOLDER THEREOF WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND WARRANTED TO THE ISSUER, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS AND EACH OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES THAT EITHER (A) NO PORTION OF THE ASSETS USED BY SUCH PURCHASER OR HOLDER TO ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS SECURITY CONSTITUTES THE ASSETS OF AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), OF A PLAN, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT THAT IS SUBJECT TO SECTION 4975 OF THE U.S. INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “INTERNAL REVENUE CODE”) OR PROVISIONS UNDER ANY OTHER FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. OR OTHER LAWS, RULES OR REGULATIONS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SUCH PROVISIONS OF ERISA OR THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE (“SIMILAR LAWS”), AND OF AN ENTITY WHOSE UNDERLYING ASSETS ARE CONSIDERED TO INCLUDE “PLAN ASSETS” OF ANY SUCH PLAN, ACCOUNT OR ARRANGEMENT (EACH, A “PLAN”), OR (B) THE ACQUISITION AND HOLDING OF THIS SECURITY WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OR A SIMILAR VIOLATION UNDER ANY APPLICABLE SIMILAR LAWS. ADDITIONALLY, IF ANY PURCHASER OR HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY IS USING ASSETS OF ANY PLAN SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE ( AN “ERISA PLAN”) TO ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS SECURITY, SUCH PURCHASER OR HOLDER WILL BE DEEMED TO REPRESENT THAT TO THE ISSUER, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS AND EACH OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES (A) NEITHER THE ISSUER, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS NOR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES HAS ACTED AS THE ERISA PLAN’S FIDUCIARY, OR HAS BEEN RELIED UPON FOR ANY ADVICE, WITH RESPECT TO THE ERISA PLAN’S DECISION TO ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS SECURITY OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN AND NEITHER THE ISSUER, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS NOR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES SHALL AT ANY TIME BE RELIED UPON AS THE ERISA PLAN’S C-1


 
FIDUCIARY WITH RESPECT TO ANY DECISION TO ACQUIRE, CONTINUE TO HOLD OR TRANSFER ITS INTEREST IN THIS SECURITY, (B) THE ERISA PLAN IS AWARE OF AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (1) NEITHER THE ISSUER, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS NOR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES IS UNDERTAKING TO PROVIDE IMPARTIAL INVESTMENT ADVICE, OR TO GIVE ADVICE IN A FIDUCIARY CAPACITY, IN CONNECTION WITH THE ERISA PLAN’S INVESTMENT IN THIS SECURITY, (2) THE ISSUER AND INITIAL PURCHASERS EACH HAVE A FINANCIAL INTEREST IN THE ERISA PLAN’S INVESTMENT IN THIS SECURITY AND (3) THE INITIAL PURCHASERS HAVE RECEIVED OR WILL RECEIVE COMPENSATION IN THE FORM OF CUSTOMARY DISCOUNTS AND COMMISSIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING OF THIS SECURITY AND (C) THE ERISA PLAN’S DECISION TO INVEST IN THE SECURITIES HAS BEEN MADE AT THE RECOMMENDATION OR DIRECTION OF AN “INDEPENDENT FIDUCIARY” (“INDEPENDENT FIDUCIARY”) WITHIN THE MEANING OF U.S. CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 29 C.F.R. SECTION 2510.3-21(c), AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME (THE “FIDUCIARY RULE”) WHO (1) IS INDEPENDENT OF THE ISSUER AND INITIAL PURCHASERS; (2) IS CAPABLE OF EVALUATING INVESTMENT RISKS INDEPENDENTLY, BOTH IN GENERAL AND WITH RESPECT TO PARTICULAR TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT STRATEGIES (WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE FIDUCIARY RULE); (3) IS A FIDUCIARY (UNDER ERISA AND/OR SECTION 4975 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE) WITH RESPECT TO THE ERISA PLAN’S INVESTMENT IN THIS SECURITY AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EXERCISING INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT IN EVALUATING THE ERISA PLAN’S INVESTMENT IN THIS SECURITY; (4) IS EITHER (a) A BANK AS DEFINED IN SECTION 202 OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISERS ACT OF 1940, AS AMENDED (THE “ADVISERS ACT”) OR SIMILAR INSTITUTION THAT IS REGULATED AND SUPERVISED AND SUBJECT TO PERIODIC EXAMINATION BY A STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY OF THE UNITED STATES; (b) AN INSURANCE CARRIER WHICH IS QUALIFIED UNDER THE LAWS OF MORE THAN ONE STATE OF THE UNITED STATES TO PERFORM THE SERVICES OF MANAGING, ACQUIRING OR DISPOSING OF ASSETS OF SUCH AN ERISA PLAN; (c) AN INVESTMENT ADVISER REGISTERED UNDER THE ADVISERS ACT OR, IF NOT REGISTERED AN AS INVESTMENT ADVISER UNDER THE ADVISERS ACT BY REASON OF PARAGRAPH (1) OF SECTION 203A OF THE ADVISERS ACT, IS REGISTERED AS AN INVESTMENT ADVISER UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE (REFERRED TO IN SUCH PARAGRAPH (1)) IN WHICH IT MAINTAINS ITS PRINCIPAL OFFICE AND PLACE OF BUSINESS; (d) A BROKER DEALER REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED; AND/OR (e) AN INDEPENDENT FIDUCIARY (NOT DESCRIBED IN CLAUSES (a), (b), (c) OR (d) ABOVE) THAT HOLDS OR HAS UNDER MANAGEMENT OR CONTROL TOTAL ASSETS OF AT C-2


 
LEAST $50 MILLION, AND WILL AT ALL TIMES THAT SUCH ERISA PLAN HOLDS AN INTEREST IN THIS SECURITY, HOLD OR HAVE UNDER MANAGEMENT OR CONTROL, TOTAL ASSETS OF AT LEAST $50 MILLION; AND (5) IS AWARE OF AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (I) NEITHER THE ISSUER, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS NOR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES IS UNDERTAKING TO PROVIDE IMPARTIAL INVESTMENT ADVICE, OR TO GIVE ADVICE IN A FIDUCIARY CAPACITY, IN CONNECTION WITH THE ERISA PLAN’S INVESTMENT IN THIS SECURITY, (II) THE ISSUER AND ITS AFFILIATES HAVE A FINANCIAL INTEREST IN THE ERISA PLAN’S INVESTMENT IN THIS SECURITY AND (III) THE INITIAL PURCHASERS HAVE RECEIVED OR WILL RECEIVE COMPENSATION IN THE FORM OF CUSTOMARY DISCOUNTS AND COMMISSIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING OF THIS SECURITY. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, ANY ERISA PLAN WHICH IS AN INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT THAT IS NOT REPRESENTED BY AN INDEPENDENT FIDUCIARY SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO HAVE MADE TO THE ISSUER AND ITS AFFILIATES THE REPRESENTATION IN CLAUSE (C) ABOVE. C-3


 
EXHIBIT D [FORM OF LEGEND FOR GLOBAL NOTE] Any Global Note authenticated and delivered hereunder shall bear a legend (which would be in addition to any other legends required in the case of a Restricted Note) in substantially the following form: THIS NOTE IS A GLOBAL NOTE WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITORY OR A NOMINEE OF A DEPOSITORY. THIS NOTE IS NOT EXCHANGEABLE FOR NOTES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEPOSITORY OR ITS NOMINEE EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE (OTHER THAN A TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITORY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY TO THE DEPOSITORY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY) MAY BE REGISTERED EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE. UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE, OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN. D-1


 
EXHIBIT E [FORM OF LEGEND FOR REGULATION S NOTE] Any Regulation S Note authenticated and delivered hereunder shall bear a leg- end (which would be in addition to any other legends required in the case of a Restricted Note) in substantially the following form: “BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER HEREOF REPRESENTS THAT IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON, NOR IS IT PURCHASING FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A U.S. PERSON, AND IS ACQUIRING THIS NOTE IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.” E-1


 
EXHIBIT F FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company Europa House 2nd Floor Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Street Dublin 2, Ireland Facsimile: +353-1-479-1128 E-mail: treasury@jameshardie.com Attention: The Treasurer Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas c/o DB Services Americas, Inc. 5022 Gate Parkway, Suite 200 Jacksonville, FL 32256 Attention: Transfer Department re: James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company Re: [4.75% Senior Notes due 2025] [5.00% Senior Notes due 2028] (CUSIP _________________) (ISIN ___________________) Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of December 13, 2017 (the “Indenture”), by and among James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company (the “Issu- er”), the Guarantors and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture. ______________ (the “Transferor”) owns and proposes to transfer the [2025][2028] Note[s] or interest in such [2025][2028] Note[s] specified in Annex A hereto, in the principal amount of ___________ in such [2025][2028] Note[s] or interests (the “Trans- fer”), to __________ (the “Transferee”), as further specified in Annex A hereto. In connec- tion with the Transfer, the Transferor hereby certifies that: [CHECK ALL THAT APPLY] 1.  Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in a Rule 144A Global Note or a Physical Note pursuant to Rule 144A. The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144A under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies F-1


 
that the beneficial interest or Physical Note is being transferred to a Person that the Transferor reasonably believed and believes is purchasing the beneficial interest or Physical Note for its own account, or for one or more accounts with respect to which such Person exercises sole investment discretion, and such Person and each such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and such Transfer is in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Physical Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Rule 144A Global Note and/or the Physical Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act. 2.  Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global Note or a Physical Note pursuant to Regulation S. The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and, ac- cordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that (i) the Transfer is not being made to a person in the United States and (x) at the time the buy order was originated, the Transferee was outside the United States or such Transferor and any Person acting on its behalf reasona- bly believed and believes that the Transferee was outside the United States or (y) the transac- tion was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and neither such Transferor nor any Person acting on its behalf knows that the transaction was prearranged with a buyer in the United States, (ii) no directed selling efforts have been made in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b) of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (iii) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration re- quirements of the Securities Act and (iv) if the proposed transfer is being made prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, the transfer is not being made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than an Initial Purchaser). Upon consummation of the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Physical Note will be subject to the restrictions on Transfer enumerated in the Pri- vate Placement Legend printed on the Regulation S Global Note and/or the Physical Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act. 3.  Check and complete if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the Global Note or a Physical Note pursuant to any provision of the Securities Act other than Rule 144A or Regulation S. The Transfer is being effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Physical Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States, and accordingly the Transferor hereby further certifies that (check one): (a)  such Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act; or (b)  such Transfer is being effected to the Issuer or a Subsidiary thereof; F-2


 
or (c)  such Transfer is being effected pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and in compliance with the prospectus delivery re- quirements of the Securities Act; or (d)  such Transfer is being effected pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 144A, Rule 144 or Rule 904, and the Transferor hereby further certifies that it has not engaged in any general solicitation within the meaning of Regulation D under the Securities Act and the Transfer complies with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in a Restricted Global Note or Restricted Physical Notes and the requirements of the ex- emption claimed, which certification is supported by, if such Transfer is in respect of a principal amount of Notes at the time of transfer of less than $250,000, an Opinion of Counsel provided by the Transferor or the Transferee (a copy of which the Transferor has attached to this certification), to the effect that such Transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Physical Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Global Note and/or the Physical Notes and in the Indenture and the Se- curities Act. 4.  Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in an Unrestrict- ed Global Note or an Unrestricted Physical Note. (a)  Check if Transfer is pursuant to Rule 144. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer con- tained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accord- ance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Physical Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Leg- end printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Physical Notes and in the Indenture. (b)  Check if Transfer is pursuant to Regulation S. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securi- ties Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Trans- fer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Physi- cal Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private F-3


 
Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Physical Notes and in the Indenture. (c)  Check if Transfer is pursuant to Other Exemption. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in compliance with an exemption from the registra- tion requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 144, Rule 903 or Rule 904 and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any State of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer con- tained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accord- ance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Physical Note will not be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes or Restricted Physical Notes and in the Indenture. (d)  Check if Transfer is pursuant to an Effective Registration Statement. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in compliance with an effec- tive registration statement under the Securities Act and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any State of the United States and in compliance with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the In- denture, the transferred beneficial interest or Physical Note will not be subject to the re- strictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes or Restricted Physical Notes and in the Indenture. This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Issuer. [Insert Name of Transferor] By: Name: Title: Dated: F-4


 
ANNEX A TO CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER 1. The Transferor owns and proposes to transfer the following: [CHECK ONE] (a)  a beneficial interest in a: (i)  Rule 144A Global Note (CUSIP _______________) (ISIN ________________), or (ii)  Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP _______________) (ISIN ________________), or (b)  a Restricted Physical Note. 2. After the Transfer the Transferee will hold: [CHECK ONE] (a)  a beneficial interest in the: (i)  Rule 144A Global Note (CUSIP _______________) (ISIN ________________), or (ii)  Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP _______________) (ISIN ________________), or (iii)  Unrestricted Global Note (CUSIP _______________) (ISIN ________________), or (b)  a Restricted Physical Note; or (c)  an Unrestricted Physical Note, in accordance with the terms of the Indenture. F-5


 
EXHIBIT G FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company Europa House 2nd Floor Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Street Dublin 2, Ireland Facsimile: +353-1-479-1128 E-mail: treasury@jameshardie.com Attention: The Treasurer Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas c/o DB Services Americas, Inc. 5022 Gate Parkway, Suite 200 Jacksonville, FL 32256 Attention: Transfer Department re: James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company Re: [4.75% Senior Notes due 2025] [5.00% Senior Notes due 2028] (CUSIP__________________) (ISIN ___________________) Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of December 13, 2017 (the “Indenture”), by and among James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company (the “Issu- er”), the Guarantors and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture. ____________ (the “Owner”) owns and proposes to exchange the [2025][2028] Note[s] or interest in such [2025][2028] Note[s] specified herein, in the princi- pal amount of ____________ in such [2025][2028] Note[s] or interests (the “Exchange”). In connection with the Exchange, the Owner hereby certifies that: 1. Exchange of Restricted Physical Notes or Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Unrestricted Physical Notes or Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note (a)  Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a beneficial inter- G-1


 
est in an Unrestricted Global Note in an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. (b)  Check if Exchange is from Restricted Physical Note to bene- ficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Physical Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account with- out transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Physical Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Leg- end are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the bene- ficial interest is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. (c)  Check if Exchange is from Restricted Physical Note to Un- restricted Physical Note. In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Physical Note for an Unrestricted Physical Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Unrestricted Physi- cal Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Physical Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on trans- fer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Unrestricted Physical Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. 2. Exchange of Restricted Physical Notes for Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes. (a)  Check if Exchange is from Restricted Physical Note to bene- ficial interest in a Restricted Global Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s Restricted Physical Note for a beneficial interest in the [CHECK ONE] __ Rule 144A Global Note, __Regulation S Global Note with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer and (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, and in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the beneficial interest issued will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the G-2


 
Private Placement Legend printed on the relevant Restricted Global Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act. G-3


 
This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Issuer. [Insert Name of Owner] By: Name: Title: Dated: ________________ G-4


 
EXHIBIT H GUARANTEES Each of the undersigned (the “Guarantors”) hereby jointly and severally un- conditionally guarantees, to the extent set forth in the Indenture, dated as of December 13, 2017, by and among James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company (the “Issuer”), the Guarantors and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (as amend- ed, restated or supplemented from time to time, the “Indenture”), and subject to the Indenture, (a) the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on the Notes, when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at maturity, by accelera- tion or otherwise, the due and punctual payment of interest on overdue principal of, and pre- mium and, to the extent permitted by law, interest, and the due and punctual performance of all other obligations of the Issuer to the Noteholders or the Trustee, all in accordance with the terms set forth in Sections 10.01 through 10.06 of the Indenture, (b) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that the same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the ex- tension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise and (c) all amounts due to the Trustee pursuant to the Indenture. The obligations of the Guarantors to the Noteholders and to the Trustee pursu- ant to this Guarantee and the Indenture are expressly set forth in Sections 10.01 through 10.06 of the Indenture, and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for the precise terms and limi- tations of this Guarantee. Each Holder of the Note to which this Guarantee is endorsed, by accepting such Note, agrees to and shall be bound by such provisions. [Signatures on Following Pages] H-1


 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Guarantors has caused this Guarantee to be signed by a duly authorized officer. JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL GROUP LIMITED, as a Guarantor By: Name: Title: JAMES HARDIE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED, as a Guarantor By: Name: Title: JAMES HARDIE BUILDING PRODUCTS INC., as a Guarantor By: Name: Title: H-2


 
EXHIBIT I FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE TO BE DELIVERED BY SUBSEQUENT GUARANTORS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this “Supplemental Indenture”), dated as of , among (the “Guaranteeing Subsidiary”), a subsidiary of James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company (or its permitted successor), a private designated activity company duly incorporated under the laws of Ireland (the “Issu- er”), the Issuer, the other Guarantors (as defined in the Indenture referred to herein) and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, a New York banking corporation, as trustee under the Indenture referred to below (the “Trustee”). W I T N E S S E T H WHEREAS, the Issuer has heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an indenture, dated as of December 13, 2017 (the “Indenture”), providing for the issuance of the Issuer’s 4.75% Senior Notes due 2025 and 5.00% Senior Notes due 2028 (together, the “Notes”); WHEREAS, the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances the Guar- anteeing Subsidiary shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursu- ant to which the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall unconditionally guarantee all of the Issuer’s Obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the terms and conditions set forth herein (the “Note Guarantee”); and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 8.01 of the Indenture, the Trustee is author- ized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Guaranteeing Sub- sidiary and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes as follows: 1. CAPITALIZED TERMS. Capitalized terms used herein without defi- nition shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture. 2. AGREEMENT TO GUARANTEE. The Guaranteeing Subsidiary hereby agrees to provide an unconditional Guarantee on the terms and subject to the condi- tions set forth in the Note Guarantee and in the Indenture including but not limited to Sections 10.01 through 10.06 thereof. 4. NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS. No director, officer, employ- ee, incorporator or stockholder of the Parent, any Guarantor, the Issuer or of any other Subsid- iary of the Parent, or any affiliate of the foregoing, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or the Guarantors under the Notes, the Indenture, this Supplemental I-1


 
Indenture or the Note Guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and re- leases all such liability. This waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws. 5. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 6. COUNTERPARTS. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together rep- resent the same agreement. 7. EFFECT OF HEADINGS. The Section headings herein are for con- venience only and shall not affect the construction hereof. 8. THE TRUSTEE. The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or for or in respect of the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the Guaranteeing Subsidiary and the Issuer, or for or with respect to (i) the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or any of the terms or provisions hereof, (ii) the proper author- ization hereof by the Company, the Guarantors or the Guaranteeing Subsidiary by action or otherwise, (iii) the due execution hereof by the Company, the Guarantors or the Guaranteeing Subsidiary or (iv) the consequences of any amendment herein provided for, and the Trustee makes no representation with respect to any such matters.. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed and attested, all as of the date first above written. Dated: ___________ [GUARANTEEING SUBSIDIARY] By: Name: Title: I-2


 
JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY By: Name: Title: [EXISTING GUARANTORS] By: Name: Title: DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, as Trustee By: Name: Title: By: Name: Title: I-3


 
Exhibit 2.14

THIS NOTE IS A GLOBAL NOTE WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITORY OR A NOMINEE OF A DEPOSITORY. THIS NOTE IS NOT EXCHANGEABLE FOR NOTES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEPOSITORY OR ITS NOMINEE EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE (OTHER THAN A TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITORY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY TO THE DEPOSITORY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY) MAY BE REGISTERED EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.
UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE, OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
THE SECURITY (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) EVIDENCED HEREBY WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SECTION 5 OF THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED OR DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER. THE HOLDER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY AGREES, ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF ANY INVESTOR ACCOUNT FOR WHICH IT HAS PURCHASED SECURITIES, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISSUER THAT (A) SUCH SECURITY MAY BE RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, PRIOR TO THE DATE (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”) THAT IS [ONE YEAR AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF, THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE OF THE ISSUANCE OF ANY ADDITIONAL NOTES AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE ISSUER OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUER WAS THE OWNER OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY),][40 DAYS AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF, THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE OF THE ISSUANCE OF ANY ADDITIONAL NOTES AND THE DATE ON WHICH THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY) WAS FIRST OFFERED TO PERSONS OTHER THAN DISTRIBUTORS (AS DEFINED IN RULE 902 OF REGULATION S) IN RELIANCE





ON REGULATION S] ONLY (1)(a) INSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO A PERSON WHO THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (b) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO A NON-U.S. PERSON IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (c) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANOTHER EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT (AND IN THE CASE OF CLAUSES (1)(b) AND (c), BASED UPON AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/ OR OTHER INFORMATION ACCEPTABLE TO THE ISSUER IF THE ISSUER SO REQUESTS), (2) TO THE ISSUER, A GUARANTOR OR A SUBSIDIARY THEREOF OR (3) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND, IN EACH CASE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTION AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN CLAUSE (A) ABOVE.
[BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER HEREOF REPRESENTS THAT IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON, NOR IS IT PURCHASING FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A U.S. PERSON, AND IS ACQUIRING THIS NOTE IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.]

BY ITS ACQUISITION OF THIS SECURITY OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN, THE PURCHASER OR HOLDER THEREOF WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND WARRANTED TO THE ISSUER, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS AND EACH OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES THAT EITHER (A) NO PORTION OF THE ASSETS USED BY SUCH PURCHASER OR HOLDER TO ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS SECURITY CONSTITUTES THE ASSETS OF AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), OF A PLAN, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT THAT IS SUBJECT TO SECTION 4975 OF THE U.S. INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “INTERNAL REVENUE CODE”) OR PROVISIONS UNDER ANY OTHER FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. OR OTHER LAWS, RULES OR REGULATIONS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SUCH PROVISIONS OF ERISA OR THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE (“SIMILAR LAWS”), AND OF AN ENTITY WHOSE UNDERLYING ASSETS ARE CONSIDERED TO INCLUDE “PLAN ASSETS” OF ANY SUCH PLAN, ACCOUNT OR ARRANGEMENT (EACH, A “PLAN”), OR (B) THE ACQUISITION AND HOLDING OF THIS SECURITY WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OR A SIMILAR VIOLATION UNDER ANY APPLICABLE SIMILAR LAWS.

ADDITIONALLY, IF ANY PURCHASER OR HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY IS USING ASSETS OF ANY PLAN SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE ( AN “ERISA PLAN”) TO ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS



SECURITY, SUCH PURCHASER OR HOLDER WILL BE DEEMED TO REPRESENT THAT TO THE ISSUER, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS AND EACH OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES (A) NEITHER THE ISSUER, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS NOR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES HAS ACTED AS THE ERISA PLAN’S FIDUCIARY, OR HAS BEEN RELIED UPON FOR ANY ADVICE, WITH RESPECT TO THE ERISA PLAN’S DECISION TO ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS SECURITY OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN AND NEITHER THE ISSUER, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS NOR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES SHALL AT ANY TIME BE RELIED UPON AS THE ERISA PLAN’S FIDUCIARY WITH RESPECT TO ANY DECISION TO ACQUIRE, CONTINUE TO HOLD OR TRANSFER ITS INTEREST IN THIS SECURITY, (B) THE ERISA PLAN IS AWARE OF AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (1) NEITHER THE ISSUER, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS NOR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES IS UNDERTAKING TO PROVIDE IMPARTIAL INVESTMENT ADVICE, OR TO GIVE ADVICE IN A FIDUCIARY CAPACITY, IN CONNECTION WITH THE ERISA PLAN’S INVESTMENT IN THIS SECURITY, (2) THE ISSUER AND INITIAL PURCHASERS EACH HAVE A FINANCIAL INTEREST IN THE ERISA PLAN’S INVESTMENT IN THIS SECURITY AND (3) THE INITIAL PURCHASERS HAVE RECEIVED OR WILL RECEIVE COMPENSATION IN THE FORM OF CUSTOMARY DISCOUNTS AND COMMISSIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING OF THIS SECURITY AND (C) THE ERISA PLAN’S DECISION TO INVEST IN THE SECURITIES HAS BEEN MADE AT THE RECOMMENDATION OR DIRECTION OF AN “INDEPENDENT FIDUCIARY” (“INDEPENDENT FIDUCIARY”) WITHIN THE MEANING OF U.S. CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 29 C.F.R. SECTION 2510.3-21(c), AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME (THE “FIDUCIARY RULE”) WHO (1) IS INDEPENDENT OF THE ISSUER AND INITIAL PURCHASERS; (2) IS CAPABLE OF EVALUATING INVESTMENT RISKS INDEPENDENTLY, BOTH IN GENERAL AND WITH RESPECT TO PARTICULAR TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT STRATEGIES (WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE FIDUCIARY RULE); (3) IS A FIDUCIARY (UNDER ERISA AND/OR SECTION 4975 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE) WITH RESPECT TO THE ERISA PLAN’S INVESTMENT IN THIS SECURITY AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EXERCISING INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT IN EVALUATING THE ERISA PLAN’S INVESTMENT IN THIS SECURITY; (4) IS EITHER (a) A BANK AS DEFINED IN SECTION 202 OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISERS ACT OF 1940, AS AMENDED (THE “ADVISERS ACT”) OR SIMILAR INSTITUTION THAT IS REGULATED AND SUPERVISED AND SUBJECT TO PERIODIC EXAMINATION BY A STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY OF THE UNITED STATES; (b) AN INSURANCE CARRIER WHICH IS QUALIFIED UNDER THE LAWS OF MORE THAN ONE STATE OF THE UNITED STATES TO PERFORM THE SERVICES OF MANAGING, ACQUIRING OR DISPOSING OF ASSETS OF SUCH AN ERISA PLAN; (c) AN INVESTMENT ADVISER REGISTERED UNDER THE ADVISERS ACT OR, IF NOT REGISTERED AN AS INVESTMENT ADVISER UNDER THE ADVISERS ACT BY REASON OF PARAGRAPH (1) OF SECTION 203A OF THE ADVISERS ACT, IS REGISTERED AS AN INVESTMENT ADVISER UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE (REFERRED TO IN SUCH PARAGRAPH (1)) IN WHICH IT MAINTAINS ITS PRINCIPAL OFFICE AND PLACE OF BUSINESS; (d) A BROKER DEALER REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED; AND/OR (e) AN INDEPENDENT FIDUCIARY (NOT DESCRIBED IN CLAUSES (a), (b), (c) OR (d) ABOVE)



THAT HOLDS OR HAS UNDER MANAGEMENT OR CONTROL TOTAL ASSETS OF AT LEAST $50 MILLION, AND WILL AT ALL TIMES THAT SUCH ERISA PLAN HOLDS AN INTEREST IN THIS SECURITY, HOLD OR HAVE UNDER MANAGEMENT OR CONTROL, TOTAL ASSETS OF AT LEAST $50 MILLION; AND (5) IS AWARE OF AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (I) NEITHER THE ISSUER, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS NOR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES IS UNDERTAKING TO PROVIDE IMPARTIAL INVESTMENT ADVICE, OR TO GIVE ADVICE IN A FIDUCIARY CAPACITY, IN CONNECTION WITH THE ERISA PLAN’S INVESTMENT IN THIS SECURITY, (II) THE ISSUER AND ITS AFFILIATES HAVE A FINANCIAL INTEREST IN THE ERISA PLAN’S INVESTMENT IN THIS SECURITY AND (III) THE INITIAL PURCHASERS HAVE RECEIVED OR WILL RECEIVE COMPENSATION IN THE FORM OF CUSTOMARY DISCOUNTS AND COMMISSIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING OF THIS SECURITY. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, ANY ERISA PLAN WHICH IS AN INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT THAT IS NOT REPRESENTED BY AN INDEPENDENT FIDUCIARY SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO HAVE MADE TO THE ISSUER AND ITS AFFILIATES THE REPRESENTATION IN CLAUSE (C) ABOVE.























JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY
4.75% SENIOR NOTE DUE 2025
  No. [ ]
 
 
 
CUSIP No. [ ]
 
 
 
 
ISIN No. [ ]
 
 
 
 
$ [ ]
JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY, a private designated activity company duly incorporated under the laws of Ireland (the “ Issuer ”), for value received promises to pay to Cede & Co. or registered assigns the principal sum of [                 ] (or such other principal amount as shall be set forth in the Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in Global Note attached hereto), on January 15, 2025.
Interest Payment Dates:
January 15 and July 15, commencing July 15, 2018.
Record Dates:
January 1 and July 1 (whether or not a Business Day).
Reference is made to the further provisions of this 2025 Note contained herein, which will for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.




IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this 2025 Note to be signed manually or by facsimile by its duly authorized officer.
JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY
By:
 
 
 
Name:
 
Title:
    
    





Certificate of Authentication
This is one of the 4.75% Senior Notes due 2025 referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS,
as Trustee

By:
 
 
 
Authorized Signatory
 
 


Dated:




JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY
4.75% SENIOR NOTE DUE 2025
1.     Interest . JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY, a private designated activity company duly incorporated under the laws of Ireland (the “ Issuer ”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount set forth on the face hereof at a rate of 4.75% per annum. Interest hereon will accrue from and including the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from and including December 13, 2017 to but excluding the date on which interest is paid. Interest shall be payable in arrears on each January 15 and July 15, commencing July 15, 2018. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months and, in the case of an incomplete month, the actual days elapsed. The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal and on overdue interest (to the full extent permitted by law) at the rate borne by the 2025 Notes.
2.     Method of Payment . The Issuer will pay interest hereon (except defaulted interest) to the Persons who are registered Holders at the close of business on January 1 or July 1 preceding the Interest Payment Date (whether or not a Business Day). Holders of Physical Notes must surrender such Physical Notes to a Paying Agent to collect principal payments. Prior to 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on each Interest Payment Date and Maturity Date, the Issuer shall have deposited with the Paying Agent in immediately available funds U.S. Dollars sufficient to make cash payments, if any, due on such Interest Payment Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be, in a timely manner which permits such Paying Agents to remit payment to the Holders on such Interest Payment Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be. The principal and interest on Global Notes shall be payable to the Depository or its nominee, as the case may be, as the sole registered owner and the sole Holder of the Global Notes represented thereby. All payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest with respect to Global Notes shall be made in accordance with the Depository’s applicable procedures. The principal and interest on Physical Notes shall be payable, either in person, by wire transfer or by mail, at the office of the Paying Agent, such payment information to be received by the Paying Agent at least 15 days prior to the applicable payment date. Final payment of principal at maturity with respect to a Physical Note will only be made by the Trustee upon surrender of the related 2025 Note to the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office.
3.     Paying Agent and Registrar . Initially, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (the “ Trustee ”) will act as a Paying Agent and Registrar. The Issuer may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without prior notice to the Holders. The Issuer or any Affiliate thereof may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.
4.     Indenture . The Issuer issued the 2025 Notes under an Indenture dated as of December 13, 2017 (the “ Indenture ”) among the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee. This is one of an issue of 2025 Notes of the Issuer issued, or to be issued, under the Indenture. The terms of the 2025 Notes include those stated in the Indenture. The 2025 Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and such Act for a statement of them. Cap-



italized and certain other terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in the Indenture.
5.     Optional Redemption .
At any time prior to January 15, 2021, the Issuer may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2025 Notes (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional 2025 Notes) issued under the Indenture , upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice to Holders of 2025 Notes, at a redemption price (as calculated by Holdings) equal to (i) 104.750% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes redeemed, with an amount equal or less than the net cash proceeds from one or more Equity Offerings to the extent that such net proceeds are received by or contributed to Holdings, plus (ii) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the Redemption Date; provided that:
(1)    at least 50% of the original aggregate principal amount of 2025 Notes issued under the Indenture on the Issue Date (but excluding any Additional 2025 Notes issued under the Indenture after the Issue Date) remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption; and
(2)    the redemption occurs within 180 days of the date of the closing of such Equity Offering.
In addition, prior to January 15, 2021, the Issuer may redeem on any one or more occasions the 2025 Notes, in whole or in part, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice to Holders of 2025 Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the applicable Make-Whole Redemption Date, plus the applicable Make-Whole Premium (a “ Make-Whole Redemption ”). The Issuer shall notify the Trustee of the Make-Whole Premium by delivering to the Trustee promptly after the calculation of such Make-Whole Premium, on or before the applicable Redemption Date, an Officer’s Certificate showing the calculation thereof in reasonable detail, and the Trustee shall have no responsibility for verifying or otherwise for such calculation or the calculation of any redemption price or the Make-Whole Premium.
On or after January 15, 2021, the Issuer may on any one or more occasions redeem all or a part of the 2025 Notes, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice to Holders of 2025 Notes, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 2025 Notes redeemed, to but excluding the applicable Redemption Date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on January 15 of the years indicated below:
Year
 
Percentage
 
2021
102.375%
2022
101.188%
2023 and thereafter
100.000%



The Issuer may, at its option, at any time upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ notice to Holders of 2025 Notes, redeem all (but not less than all) of the 2025 Notes then outstanding, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to but excluding the applicable Redemption Date (subject to the rights of Holders of 2025 Notes to be redeemed on or after a record date for the payment of interest to receive interest on the relevant Interest Payment Date), and all Additional Amounts, if any, then due and which shall become due on the applicable Redemption Date as a result of the redemption or otherwise, if the Issuer reasonably determines in good faith that, as a result of a Change in Tax Law, the Issuer or any Guarantor is, or on the next Interest Payment Date in respect of the 2025 Notes would be, required to pay any Additional Amounts, and such obligation to pay Additional Amounts cannot be avoided by taking reasonable measures available to the Issuer or such Guarantor (including, without limitation, making payment through a paying agent located in another jurisdiction or, in the case of a Guarantor, by having the Issuer or another Guarantor make the payment).
For the avoidance of doubt, the 2025 Notes shall not be redeemable due to a Change in Tax Law because the 2025 Notes have not been listed or fail to remain listed on the Irish Stock Exchange, unless such failure is caused by a Change in Tax Law that otherwise could serve as a basis for redemption of the 2025 Notes due to a Change in Tax Law.
The foregoing provisions related to redemption due to a Change in Tax Law shall apply mutatis mutandis to any successor to the Issuer.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph 5, the payment of accrued but unpaid interest in connection with the redemption of 2025 Notes is subject to the rights of a Holder of 2025 Notes on a record date for the payment of interest whose 2025 Notes are to be redeemed on or after such record date but on or prior to the related Interest Payment Date to receive interest on such Interest Payment Date.
6.     Notice of Redemption . Notices of redemption shall be mailed by first class mail at least 15 but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date to each Holder of 2025 Notes to be redeemed at its registered address (or to the extent permitted or required by applicable Depository procedures or regulations with respect to Global Notes, sent electronically in .pdf format), except that notices of redemption may be delivered or mailed more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the 2025 Notes, a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the 2025 Notes or as specified in the last sentence of this paragraph. The Issuer may instruct the Trustee in writing to send the notice of redemption in the name or and at the expense of the Issuer provided the Trustee receives such written instruction at least 15 days (or such shorter time as the Trustee may agree) prior to the date such notice of redemption is to be sent. If any 2025 Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to such 2025 Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. Any redemption and notice thereof may, in the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent described in the notice relating to such redemption, including completion of an Equity Offering or other corporate transaction. In addition, if such redemption or purchase is subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall describe each such condition, and if applicable, shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the Redemption Date or purchase date may be delayed until such time (includ-



ing more than 60 days after the date the notice of redemption was mailed or delivered, including by electronic transmission) as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied or waived, or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied or waived by the Redemption Date or by the Redemption Date as so delayed, or such notice or offer may be rescinded at any time in the Issuer’s discretion if the Issuer reasonably believes that any or all of such conditions will not be satisfied or waived.
7.     Offers To Purchase . The Indenture provides that upon the occurrence of a Change of Control or an Asset Disposition and subject to further limitations contained therein, the Issuer shall make an offer to purchase outstanding 2025 Notes in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture.
8.     Denominations, Transfer, Exchange . The 2025 Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $200,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. A Holder may transfer or exchange 2025 Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay to it any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Issuer shall not be required to (i) transfer or exchange any 2025 Note selected for redemption or (ii) transfer or exchange any note for a period of 15 days before a mailing of notice of redemption. The Registrar need not register the transfer of or exchange any 2025 Notes or portion of a 2025 Note selected for redemption, or register the transfer of or exchange any 2025 Notes for a period of 15 days before a mailing of notice of redemption.
9.     Persons Deemed Owners . The registered Holder of this 2025 Note may be treated as the owner of this 2025 Note for all purposes.
10.     Unclaimed Money . If money for the payment of principal or interest remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee will pay the money back to the Issuer at its written request. After that, Holders entitled to the money must look to the Issuer and the Guarantors for payment as general creditors unless an “abandoned property” law designates another Person.
11.     Amendment, Supplement, Waiver, Etc . The Issuer and the Trustee may, without the consent of the Holders of any outstanding 2025 Notes, amend, waive or supplement the Indenture or the 2025 Notes for certain specified purposes, including, among other things, curing ambiguities, omissions, defects or inconsistencies, conforming the text of the Indenture, this Notes, or the Note Guarantees to any provision of the “Description of the Notes” set forth in the Offering Memorandum to the extent that such provision in the “Description of the Notes” set forth in the Offering Memorandum was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the Indenture, this Note, or the Note Guarantees, providing for the assumption by a successor to the Issuer of its obligations to the Holders and making any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder in any material respect. Other amendments and modifications of the Indenture or the 2025 Notes may be made by the Issuer and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2025 Notes, subject to certain exceptions requiring the consent of the Holders of the particular 2025 Notes to be affected.



12.     Restrictive Covenants . The Indenture imposes certain limitations on the ability of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries to, among other things, create liens, make Restricted Payments, enter into Sale and Leaseback Transactions or consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries and requires the Issuer to provide reports to Holders of the 2025 Notes. Such limitations are subject to a number of important qualifications and exceptions. Pursuant to Section 4.06 of the Indenture, the Issuer must annually report to the Trustee on compliance with such limitations.
13.     Successor Corporation . When a successor corporation assumes all the obligations of its predecessor under the 2025 Notes and the Indenture and the transaction complies with the terms of Article Five of the Indenture, the predecessor corporation will, except as provided in Article Five, be released from those obligations.
14.     Defaults and Remedies . Events of Default are set forth in the Indenture. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing under the Indenture, either the Trustee, by notice in writing to the Issuer, or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes then outstanding, by notice in writing to the Issuer and the Trustee specifying the respective Event of Default and that it is a “notice of acceleration”, may declare the principal of and premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, on the 2025 Notes to be due and payable, and upon such declaration of acceleration, such principal of and premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, shall be immediately due and payable; provided , however , that, notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(7) occurs with respect to the Issuer, the principal of and premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, on the 2025 Notes then outstanding shall become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if after such acceleration but before a judgment or decree based on such acceleration is obtained by the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2025 Notes may rescind and annul such acceleration if:
(1)    all Events of Default, other than nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, or interest that has become due solely because of the acceleration, have been cured or waived;
(2)    to the extent the payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest and overdue principal, which has become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration, has been paid;
(3)    the Issuer has paid the Trustee its reasonable compensation and reimbursed the Trustee for its expenses, disbursements and advances; and
(4)    in the event of the cure or waiver of an Event of Default of the type described in Section 6.01(7), the Trustee shall have received an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel that such Event of Default has been cured or waived.
No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right consequent thereto.



Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the 2025 Notes except as provided in the Indenture. The Trustee may require indemnity satisfactory to it before it enforces the Indenture or the 2025 Notes. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding 2025 Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of the 2025 Notes notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default with respect to the 2025 Notes (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal of or interest on the 2025 Notes) if it determines that withholding notice is in their best interests.
15.     Trustee Dealings with the Issuer . The Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from and perform services for the Issuer or its Affiliates, and may otherwise deal with the Issuer or its Affiliates, as if it were not Trustee.
16.     No Recourse Against Others . No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator, member, partner or stockholder of the Parent, any Guarantor, the Issuer or of any other Subsidiary of the Parent, or any affiliate of the foregoing, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or the Guarantors under the 2025 Notes, the Indenture or the Note Guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of 2025 Notes by accepting a 2025 Note waives and releases all such liability. This waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.
17.     Discharge . The Issuer’s obligations pursuant to the Indenture will be discharged, except for obligations pursuant to certain sections thereof, subject to the terms of the Indenture, upon the payment of all the 2025 Notes or upon the irrevocable deposit with the Trustee of cash in U.S. Dollars, U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient to pay when due principal of and interest on the 2025 Notes to maturity or redemption, as the case may be.
18.     Guarantees . From and after the Issue Date, the 2025 Notes will be entitled to the benefits of certain Note Guarantees made for the benefit of the Holders. Reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and obligations thereunder of the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Holders.
19.     Authentication . This 2025 Note shall not be valid until the Trustee manually signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this 2025 Note.
20.     Governing Law . THIS 2025 NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
21.    Abbreviations. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TENANT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).



The Issuer will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture. Requests may be made to:
James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company
Europa House 2nd Floor
Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Street
Dublin 2, Ireland
Facsimile: +353-1-479-1128
E-mail: treasury@jameshardie.com
Attention: The Treasurer




ASSIGNMENT
I or we assign and transfer this 2025 Note to:

(Insert assignee’s social security or tax I.D. number)


(Print or type name, address and zip code of assignee)
and irrevocably appoint
 
 
 


Agent to transfer this 2025 Note on the books of the Issuer. The Agent may substitute another to act for him.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
 
 
Your Signature:
 
 
 
 
 
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this 2025 Note)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Signature Guarantee:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

SIGNATURE GUARANTEE
Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.





OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE
If you want to elect to have all or any part of this 2025 Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 4.08 or Section 4.09 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box:
¨     Section 4.08             ¨     Section 4.09
If you want to have only part of the 2025 Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 4.08 or Section 4.09 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased:
 
 
 
 
$
 
 
 
 
($200,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof provided  that the part not purchased must be at least $200,000)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Your Signature:
 
 
 
 
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this 2025 Note)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Signature Guaranteed
 
 
SIGNATURE GUARANTEE
Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.




SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN GLOBAL NOTE
The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or for a Physical Note, or exchanges of a part of another Global Note or Physical Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made:

Date of Exchange
Amount of decrease in Principal Amount
of
 
this Global Note
Amount of increase in Principal Amount
of
 
this Global Note
Principal Amount
of this Global Note following such decrease
 
(or increase)
Signature of authorized signatory of Trustee


Exhibit 2.15

THIS NOTE IS A GLOBAL NOTE WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITORY OR A NOMINEE OF A DEPOSITORY. THIS NOTE IS NOT EXCHANGEABLE FOR NOTES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEPOSITORY OR ITS NOMINEE EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE (OTHER THAN A TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITORY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY TO THE DEPOSITORY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY) MAY BE REGISTERED EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.
UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE, OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
THE SECURITY (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) EVIDENCED HEREBY WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SECTION 5 OF THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED OR DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER. THE HOLDER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY AGREES, ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF ANY INVESTOR ACCOUNT FOR WHICH IT HAS PURCHASED SECURITIES, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISSUER THAT (A) SUCH SECURITY MAY BE RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, PRIOR TO THE DATE (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”) THAT IS [ONE YEAR AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF, THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE OF THE ISSUANCE OF ANY ADDITIONAL NOTES AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE ISSUER OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUER WAS THE OWNER OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY),][40 DAYS AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF, THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE OF THE ISSUANCE OF ANY ADDITIONAL NOTES AND THE DATE ON WHICH THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY) WAS FIRST OFFERED TO PERSONS OTHER THAN DISTRIBUTORS (AS DEFINED IN RULE 902 OF REGULATION S) IN RELIANCE ON REGULATION S] ONLY (1)(a) INSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO A PERSON WHO





THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (b) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO A NON-U.S. PERSON IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (c) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANOTHER EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT (AND IN THE CASE OF CLAUSES (1)(b) AND (c), BASED UPON AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/ OR OTHER INFORMATION ACCEPTABLE TO THE ISSUER IF THE ISSUER SO REQUESTS), (2) TO THE ISSUER, A GUARANTOR OR A SUBSIDIARY THEREOF OR (3) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND, IN EACH CASE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTION AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN CLAUSE (A) ABOVE.
[BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER HEREOF REPRESENTS THAT IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON, NOR IS IT PURCHASING FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A U.S. PERSON, AND IS ACQUIRING THIS NOTE IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.]

BY ITS ACQUISITION OF THIS SECURITY OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN, THE PURCHASER OR HOLDER THEREOF WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND WARRANTED TO THE ISSUER, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS AND EACH OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES THAT EITHER (A) NO PORTION OF THE ASSETS USED BY SUCH PURCHASER OR HOLDER TO ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS SECURITY CONSTITUTES THE ASSETS OF AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), OF A PLAN, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT THAT IS SUBJECT TO SECTION 4975 OF THE U.S. INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “INTERNAL REVENUE CODE”) OR PROVISIONS UNDER ANY OTHER FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. OR OTHER LAWS, RULES OR REGULATIONS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SUCH PROVISIONS OF ERISA OR THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE (“SIMILAR LAWS”), AND OF AN ENTITY WHOSE UNDERLYING ASSETS ARE CONSIDERED TO INCLUDE “PLAN ASSETS” OF ANY SUCH PLAN, ACCOUNT OR ARRANGEMENT (EACH, A “PLAN”), OR (B) THE ACQUISITION AND HOLDING OF THIS SECURITY WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OR A SIMILAR VIOLATION UNDER ANY APPLICABLE SIMILAR LAWS.

ADDITIONALLY, IF ANY PURCHASER OR HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY IS USING ASSETS OF ANY PLAN SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE ( AN “ERISA PLAN”) TO ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS SECURITY, SUCH PURCHASER OR HOLDER WILL BE DEEMED TO REPRESENT





THAT TO THE ISSUER, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS AND EACH OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES (A) NEITHER THE ISSUER, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS NOR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES HAS ACTED AS THE ERISA PLAN’S FIDUCIARY, OR HAS BEEN RELIED UPON FOR ANY ADVICE, WITH RESPECT TO THE ERISA PLAN’S DECISION TO ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS SECURITY OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN AND NEITHER THE ISSUER, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS NOR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES SHALL AT ANY TIME BE RELIED UPON AS THE ERISA PLAN’S FIDUCIARY WITH RESPECT TO ANY DECISION TO ACQUIRE, CONTINUE TO HOLD OR TRANSFER ITS INTEREST IN THIS SECURITY, (B) THE ERISA PLAN IS AWARE OF AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (1) NEITHER THE ISSUER, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS NOR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES IS UNDERTAKING TO PROVIDE IMPARTIAL INVESTMENT ADVICE, OR TO GIVE ADVICE IN A FIDUCIARY CAPACITY, IN CONNECTION WITH THE ERISA PLAN’S INVESTMENT IN THIS SECURITY, (2) THE ISSUER AND INITIAL PURCHASERS EACH HAVE A FINANCIAL INTEREST IN THE ERISA PLAN’S INVESTMENT IN THIS SECURITY AND (3) THE INITIAL PURCHASERS HAVE RECEIVED OR WILL RECEIVE COMPENSATION IN THE FORM OF CUSTOMARY DISCOUNTS AND COMMISSIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING OF THIS SECURITY AND (C) THE ERISA PLAN’S DECISION TO INVEST IN THE SECURITIES HAS BEEN MADE AT THE RECOMMENDATION OR DIRECTION OF AN “INDEPENDENT FIDUCIARY” (“INDEPENDENT FIDUCIARY”) WITHIN THE MEANING OF U.S. CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 29 C.F.R. SECTION 2510.3-21(c), AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME (THE “FIDUCIARY RULE”) WHO (1) IS INDEPENDENT OF THE ISSUER AND INITIAL PURCHASERS; (2) IS CAPABLE OF EVALUATING INVESTMENT RISKS INDEPENDENTLY, BOTH IN GENERAL AND WITH RESPECT TO PARTICULAR TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT STRATEGIES (WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE FIDUCIARY RULE); (3) IS A FIDUCIARY (UNDER ERISA AND/OR SECTION 4975 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE) WITH RESPECT TO THE ERISA PLAN’S INVESTMENT IN THIS SECURITY AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EXERCISING INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT IN EVALUATING THE ERISA PLAN’S INVESTMENT IN THIS SECURITY; (4) IS EITHER (a) A BANK AS DEFINED IN SECTION 202 OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISERS ACT OF 1940, AS AMENDED (THE “ADVISERS ACT”) OR SIMILAR INSTITUTION THAT IS REGULATED AND SUPERVISED AND SUBJECT TO PERIODIC EXAMINATION BY A STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY OF THE UNITED STATES; (b) AN INSURANCE CARRIER WHICH IS QUALIFIED UNDER THE LAWS OF MORE THAN ONE STATE OF THE UNITED STATES TO PERFORM THE SERVICES OF MANAGING, ACQUIRING OR DISPOSING OF ASSETS OF SUCH AN ERISA PLAN; (c) AN INVESTMENT ADVISER REGISTERED UNDER THE ADVISERS ACT OR, IF NOT REGISTERED AN AS INVESTMENT ADVISER UNDER THE ADVISERS ACT BY REASON OF PARAGRAPH (1) OF SECTION 203A OF THE ADVISERS ACT, IS REGISTERED AS AN INVESTMENT ADVISER UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE (REFERRED TO IN SUCH PARAGRAPH (1)) IN WHICH IT MAINTAINS ITS PRINCIPAL OFFICE AND PLACE OF BUSINESS; (d) A BROKER DEALER REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED; AND/OR (e) AN INDEPENDENT FIDUCIARY (NOT DESCRIBED IN CLAUSES (a), (b), (c) OR (d) ABOVE) THAT HOLDS OR HAS UNDER MANAGEMENT OR CONTROL TOTAL ASSETS OF AT LEAST $50 MILLION, AND WILL AT ALL TIMES THAT SUCH ERISA PLAN HOLDS AN INTEREST IN THIS SECURITY, HOLD OR HAVE UNDER MANAGEMENT OR CONTROL, TOTAL ASSETS OF AT





LEAST $50 MILLION; AND (5) IS AWARE OF AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (I) NEITHER THE ISSUER, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS NOR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES IS UNDERTAKING TO PROVIDE IMPARTIAL INVESTMENT ADVICE, OR TO GIVE ADVICE IN A FIDUCIARY CAPACITY, IN CONNECTION WITH THE ERISA PLAN’S INVESTMENT IN THIS SECURITY, (II) THE ISSUER AND ITS AFFILIATES HAVE A FINANCIAL INTEREST IN THE ERISA PLAN’S INVESTMENT IN THIS SECURITY AND (III) THE INITIAL PURCHASERS HAVE RECEIVED OR WILL RECEIVE COMPENSATION IN THE FORM OF CUSTOMARY DISCOUNTS AND COMMISSIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING OF THIS SECURITY. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, ANY ERISA PLAN WHICH IS AN INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT THAT IS NOT REPRESENTED BY AN INDEPENDENT FIDUCIARY SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO HAVE MADE TO THE ISSUER AND ITS AFFILIATES THE REPRESENTATION IN CLAUSE (C) ABOVE.

























JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY
5.00% SENIOR NOTE DUE 2028
No. [ ]
 
 
 
CUSIP No. [ ]  
 
 
 
 
ISIN No. [ ]
 
 
 
 
$[ ]

JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY, a private designated activity company duly incorporated under the laws of Ireland (the “ Issuer ”), for value received promises to pay to Cede & Co. or registered assigns the principal sum of [                 ] (or such other principal amount as shall be set forth in the Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in Global Note attached hereto), on January 15, 2028.
Interest Payment Dates:
January 15 and July 15, commencing July 15, 2018.
Record Dates:
January 1 and July 1 (whether or not a Business Day).
Reference is made to the further provisions of this 2028 Note contained herein, which will for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.






IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this 2028 Note to be signed manually or by facsimile by its duly authorized officer.
JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY
By:
        
Name:    
Title:    
    







Certificate of Authentication
This is one of the 5.00% Senior Notes due 2028 referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS,
as Trustee

By:             
Authorized Signatory

Dated:






JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY
5.00% SENIOR NOTE DUE 2028
1.     Interest . JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY, a private designated activity company duly incorporated under the laws of Ireland (the “ Issuer ”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount set forth on the face hereof at a rate of 5.00% per annum. Interest hereon will accrue from and including the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from and including December 13, 2017 to but excluding the date on which interest is paid. Interest shall be payable in arrears on each January 15 and July 15, commencing July 15, 2018. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months and, in the case of an incomplete month, the actual days elapsed. The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal and on overdue interest (to the full extent permitted by law) at the rate borne by the 2028 Notes.
2.     Method of Payment . The Issuer will pay interest hereon (except defaulted interest) to the Persons who are registered Holders at the close of business on January 1 or July 1 preceding the Interest Payment Date (whether or not a Business Day). Holders of Physical Notes must surrender such Physical Notes to a Paying Agent to collect principal payments. Prior to 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on each Interest Payment Date and Maturity Date, the Issuer shall have deposited with the Paying Agent in immediately available funds U.S. Dollars sufficient to make cash payments, if any, due on such Interest Payment Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be, in a timely manner which permits such Paying Agents to remit payment to the Holders on such Interest Payment Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be. The principal and interest on Global Notes shall be payable to the Depository or its nominee, as the case may be, as the sole registered owner and the sole Holder of the Global Notes represented thereby. All payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest with respect to Global Notes shall be made in accordance with the Depository’s applicable procedures. The principal and interest on Physical Notes shall be payable, either in person, by wire transfer or by mail, at the office of the Paying Agent, such payment information to be received by the Paying Agent at least 15 days prior to the applicable payment date. Final payment of principal at maturity with respect to a Physical Note will only be made by the Trustee upon surrender of the related 2028 Note to the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office.
3.     Paying Agent and Registrar . Initially, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (the “ Trustee ”) will act as a Paying Agent and Registrar. The Issuer may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without prior notice to the Holders. The Issuer or any Affiliate thereof may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.
4.     Indenture . The Issuer issued the 2028 Notes under an Indenture dated as of December 13, 2017 (the “ Indenture ”) among the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee. This is one of an issue of 2028 Notes of the Issuer issued, or to be issued, under the Indenture. The terms of the 2028 Notes include those stated in the Indenture. The 2028 Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and such Act for a statement of them. Cap-





italized and certain other terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in the Indenture.
5.     Optional Redemption .
At any time prior to January 15, 2021, the Issuer may on any one or more occasions redeem up to (i) 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2028 Notes (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional 2028 Notes) issued under the Indenture, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice to Holders of 2028 Notes, at a redemption price (as calculated by Holdings) equal to (i) 105.000% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2028 Notes redeemed, with an amount equal or less than the net cash proceeds from one or more Equity Offerings to the extent that such net proceeds are received by or contributed to Holdings, plus (ii) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the Redemption Date; provided that:
(1)    at least 50% of the original aggregate principal amount of 2028 Notes issued under the Indenture on the Issue Date (but excluding any Additional 2028 Notes issued under the Indenture after the Issue Date) remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption; and
(2)    the redemption occurs within 180 days of the date of the closing of such Equity Offering.
In addition, prior to January 15, 2023, the Issuer may redeem on any one or more occasions the 2028 Notes, in whole or in part, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice to Holders of 2028 Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the applicable Make-Whole Redemption Date, plus the applicable Make-Whole Premium (a “ Make-Whole Redemption ”). The Issuer shall notify the Trustee of the Make-Whole Premium by delivering to the Trustee promptly after the calculation of such Make-Whole Premium, on or before the applicable Redemption Date, an Officer’s Certificate showing the calculation thereof in reasonable detail, and the Trustee shall have no responsibility for verifying or otherwise for such calculation or the calculation of any redemption price or the Make-Whole Premium.
On or after January 15, 2023, the Issuer may on any one or more occasions redeem all or a part of the 2028 Notes, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice to Holders of 2028 Notes, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 2028 Notes redeemed, to but excluding the applicable Redemption Date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on January 15 of the years indicated below:
Year
 
Percentage
 
2023
102.500%
2024
101.667%
2025
100.833%
2026 and thereafter
100.000%






The Issuer may, at its option, at any time upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ notice to Holders of 2028 Notes, redeem all (but not less than all) of the 2028 Notes then outstanding, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2028 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to but excluding the applicable Redemption Date (subject to the rights of Holders of 2028 Notes to be redeemed on or after a record date for the payment of interest to receive interest on the relevant Interest Payment Date), and all Additional Amounts, if any, then due and which shall become due on the applicable Redemption Date as a result of the redemption or otherwise, if the Issuer reasonably determines in good faith that, as a result of a Change in Tax Law, the Issuer or any Guarantor is, or on the next Interest Payment Date in respect of the 2028 Notes would be, required to pay any Additional Amounts, and such obligation to pay Additional Amounts cannot be avoided by taking reasonable measures available to the Issuer or such Guarantor (including, without limitation, making payment through a paying agent located in another jurisdiction or, in the case of a Guarantor, by having the Issuer or another Guarantor make the payment).
For the avoidance of doubt, the 2028 Notes shall not be redeemable due to a Change in Tax Law because the 2028 Notes have not been listed or fail to remain listed on the Irish Stock Exchange, unless such failure is caused by a Change in Tax Law that otherwise could serve as a basis for redemption of the 2028 Notes due to a Change in Tax Law.
The foregoing provisions related to redemption due to a Change in Tax Law shall apply mutatis mutandis to any successor to the Issuer.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph 5, the payment of accrued but unpaid interest in connection with the redemption of 2028 Notes is subject to the rights of a Holder of 2028 Notes on a record date for the payment of interest whose 2028 Notes are to be redeemed on or after such record date but on or prior to the related Interest Payment Date to receive interest on such Interest Payment Date.
6.     Notice of Redemption . Notices of redemption shall be mailed by first class mail at least 15 but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date to each Holder of 2028 Notes to be redeemed at its registered address (or to the extent permitted or required by applicable Depository procedures or regulations with respect to Global Notes, sent electronically in .pdf format), except that notices of redemption may be delivered or mailed more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the 2028 Notes, a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the 2028 Notes or as specified in the last sentence of this paragraph. The Issuer may instruct the Trustee in writing to send the notice of redemption in the name or and at the expense of the Issuer provided the Trustee receives such written instruction at least 15 days (or such shorter time as the Trustee may agree) prior to the date such notice of redemption is to be sent. If any 2028 Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to such 2028 Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. Any redemption and notice thereof may, in the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent described in the notice relating to such redemption, including completion of an Equity Offering or other corporate transaction. In addition, if such redemption or purchase is subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall describe each such condition, and if applicable, shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the Redemption Date or purchase date may be delayed until such time (includ-





ing more than 60 days after the date the notice of redemption was mailed or delivered, including by electronic transmission) as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied or waived, or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied or waived by the Redemption Date or by the Redemption Date as so delayed, or such notice or offer may be rescinded at any time in the Issuer’s discretion if the Issuer reasonably believes that any or all of such conditions will not be satisfied or waived.
7.     Offers To Purchase . The Indenture provides that upon the occurrence of a Change of Control or an Asset Disposition and subject to further limitations contained therein, the Issuer shall make an offer to purchase outstanding 2028 Notes in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture.
8.     Denominations, Transfer, Exchange . The 2028 Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $200,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. A Holder may transfer or exchange 2028 Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay to it any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Issuer shall not be required to (i) transfer or exchange any 2028 Note selected for redemption or (ii) transfer or exchange any note for a period of 15 days before a mailing of notice of redemption. The Registrar need not register the transfer of or exchange any 2028 Notes or portion of a 2028 Note selected for redemption, or register the transfer of or exchange any 2028 Notes for a period of 15 days before a mailing of notice of redemption.
9.     Persons Deemed Owners . The registered Holder of this 2028 Note may be treated as the owner of this 2028 Note for all purposes.
10.     Unclaimed Money . If money for the payment of principal or interest remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee will pay the money back to the Issuer at its written request. After that, Holders entitled to the money must look to the Issuer and the Guarantors for payment as general creditors unless an “abandoned property” law designates another Person.
11.     Amendment, Supplement, Waiver, Etc . The Issuer and the Trustee may, without the consent of the Holders of any outstanding 2028 Notes, amend, waive or supplement the Indenture or the 2028 Notes for certain specified purposes, including, among other things, curing ambiguities, omissions, defects or inconsistencies, conforming the text of the Indenture, this Notes, or the Note Guarantees to any provision of the “Description of the Notes” set forth in the Offering Memorandum to the extent that such provision in the “Description of the Notes” set forth in the Offering Memorandum was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the Indenture, this Note, or the Note Guarantees, providing for the assumption by a successor to the Issuer of its obligations to the Holders and making any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder in any material respect. Other amendments and modifications of the Indenture or the 2028 Notes may be made by the Issuer and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2028 Notes, subject to certain exceptions requiring the consent of the Holders of the particular 2028 Notes to be affected.





12.     Restrictive Covenants . The Indenture imposes certain limitations on the ability of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries to, among other things, create liens, make Restricted Payments, enter into Sale and Leaseback Transactions or consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries and requires the Issuer to provide reports to Holders of the 2028 Notes. Such limitations are subject to a number of important qualifications and exceptions. Pursuant to Section 4.06 of the Indenture, the Issuer must annually report to the Trustee on compliance with such limitations.
13.     Successor Corporation . When a successor corporation assumes all the obligations of its predecessor under the 2028 Notes and the Indenture and the transaction complies with the terms of Article Five of the Indenture, the predecessor corporation will, except as provided in Article Five, be released from those obligations.
14.     Defaults and Remedies . Events of Default are set forth in the Indenture. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing under the Indenture, either the Trustee, by notice in writing to the Issuer, or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the 2028 Notes then outstanding, by notice in writing to the Issuer and the Trustee specifying the respective Event of Default and that it is a “notice of acceleration”, may declare the principal of and premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, on the 2028 Notes to be due and payable, and upon such declaration of acceleration, such principal of and premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, shall be immediately due and payable; provided , however , that, notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(7) occurs with respect to the Issuer, the principal of and premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, on the 2028 Notes then outstanding shall become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if after such acceleration but before a judgment or decree based on such acceleration is obtained by the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2028 Notes may rescind and annul such acceleration if:
(1)    all Events of Default, other than nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, or interest that has become due solely because of the acceleration, have been cured or waived;
(2)    to the extent the payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest and overdue principal, which has become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration, has been paid;
(3)    the Issuer has paid the Trustee its reasonable compensation and reimbursed the Trustee for its expenses, disbursements and advances; and
(4)    in the event of the cure or waiver of an Event of Default of the type described in Section 6.01(7), the Trustee shall have received an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel that such Event of Default has been cured or waived.
No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right consequent thereto.





Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the 2028 Notes except as provided in the Indenture. The Trustee may require indemnity satisfactory to it before it enforces the Indenture or the 2028 Notes. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding 2028 Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of the 2028 Notes notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default with respect to the 2028 Notes (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal of or interest on the 2028 Notes) if it determines that withholding notice is in their best interests.
15.     Trustee Dealings with the Issuer . The Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from and perform services for the Issuer or its Affiliates, and may otherwise deal with the Issuer or its Affiliates, as if it were not Trustee.
16.     No Recourse Against Others . No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator, member, partner or stockholder of the Parent, any Guarantor, the Issuer or of any other Subsidiary of the Parent, or any affiliate of the foregoing, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or the Guarantors under the 2028 Notes, the Indenture or the Note Guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of 2028 Notes by accepting a 2028 Note waives and releases all such liability. This waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.
17.     Discharge . The Issuer’s obligations pursuant to the Indenture will be discharged, except for obligations pursuant to certain sections thereof, subject to the terms of the Indenture, upon the payment of all the 2028 Notes or upon the irrevocable deposit with the Trustee of cash in U.S. Dollars, U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient to pay when due principal of and interest on the 2028 Notes to maturity or redemption, as the case may be.
18.     Guarantees . From and after the Issue Date, the 2028 Notes will be entitled to the benefits of certain Note Guarantees made for the benefit of the Holders. Reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and obligations thereunder of the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Holders.
19.     Authentication . This 2028 Note shall not be valid until the Trustee manually signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this 2028 Note.
20.     Governing Law . THIS 2028 NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
21.    Abbreviations. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TENANT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).





The Issuer will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture. Requests may be made to:
James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company
Europa House 2nd Floor
Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Street
Dublin 2, Ireland
Facsimile: +353-1-479-1128
E-mail: treasury@jameshardie.com
Attention: The Treasurer






ASSIGNMENT
I or we assign and transfer this 2028 Note to:

(Insert assignee’s social security or tax I.D. number)


(Print or type name, address and zip code of assignee)
and irrevocably appoint     

Agent to transfer this 2028 Note on the books of the Issuer. The Agent may substitute another to act for him.
Date:              Your Signature:         
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this 2028 Note)
Signature Guarantee:    ______________________________
SIGNATURE GUARANTEE
Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.







OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE
If you want to elect to have all or any part of this 2028 Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 4.08 or Section 4.09 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box:
¨     Section 4.08             ¨     Section 4.09
If you want to have only part of the 2028 Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 4.08 or Section 4.09 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased:
$

($200,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000
in excess thereof;
provided that the part not
purchased must be at least $200,000)
Date:     
Your Signature:
___________________________________
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this 2028 Note)
    
Signature Guaranteed
SIGNATURE GUARANTEE
Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.






SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN GLOBAL NOTE
The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or for a Physical Note, or exchanges of a part of another Global Note or Physical Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made:

Date of Exchange
Amount of decrease in Principal Amount
of
 
this Global Note
Amount of increase in Principal Amount
of
 
this Global Note
Principal Amount
of this Global Note following such decrease
 
(or increase)
Signature of authorized signatory of Trustee





EXECUTION VERSION Published CUSIP Number: ________________ AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT Dated as of December 13, 2017 among JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY (F/K/A JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE LIMITED) and JAMES HARDIE BUILDING PRODUCTS INC., as the Initial Borrowers, JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL GROUP LIMITED and JAMES HARDIE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED, as Initial Guarantors, JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES PLC, as the Initial Parent HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Administrative Agent, HSBC BANK PLC, as Swing Line Lender, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as L/C Issuer, and The Other Lenders Party Hereto HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED, and WELL FARGO SECURITIES, LLC as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunning Managers NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS ........................................................1  1.01  Defined Terms .........................................................................................................1  1.02  Other Interpretive Provisions .................................................................................43  1.03  Accounting Terms ..................................................................................................44  1.04  Rounding ................................................................................................................44  1.05  Times of Day; Rates...............................................................................................44  1.06  Letter of Credit Amounts .......................................................................................45  1.07  Pro Forma and Other Calculations .........................................................................45  ARTICLE II. THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS .......................................46  2.01  Committed Loans ...................................................................................................46  2.02  Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Committed Loans ......................46  2.03  Letters of Credit .....................................................................................................47  2.04  Swing Line Loans ..................................................................................................56  2.05  Prepayments ...........................................................................................................59  2.06  Termination or Reduction of Commitments ..........................................................60  2.07  Repayment of Loans ..............................................................................................61  2.08  Interest....................................................................................................................61  2.09  Fees ........................................................................................................................62  2.10  Computation of Interest and Fees; Retroactive Adjustments of Applicable Rate ........................................................................................................................63  2.11  Evidence of Debt....................................................................................................63  2.12  Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback ......................................64  2.13  Sharing of Payments by Lenders ...........................................................................66  2.14  Increase in Commitments ......................................................................................67  2.15  Cash Collateral .......................................................................................................68  2.16  Defaulting Lenders .................................................................................................69  2.17  Appointment and Authorization of Borrower Agent .............................................71  ARTICLE III. TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY .........................................72  3.01  Taxes ......................................................................................................................72  3.02  Illegality .................................................................................................................78  3.03  Inability to Determine Rates ..................................................................................79  3.04  Increased Costs ......................................................................................................80  3.05  Compensation for Losses .......................................................................................81  3.06  Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders ..................................................82  3.07  Survival ..................................................................................................................83  ARTICLE IV. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT EXTENSIONS ...............................83  4.01  Conditions of Initial Credit Extension ...................................................................83  i James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
4.02  Conditions to all Credit Extensions .......................................................................84  ARTICLE V. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES .......................................................85  5.01  Existence, Qualification and Power .......................................................................85  5.02  Authorization; No Contravention ..........................................................................85  5.03  Governmental Authorization; Other Consents .......................................................85  5.04  Binding Effect ........................................................................................................85  5.05  Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect ...............................................86  5.06  Litigation ................................................................................................................86  5.07  No Default ..............................................................................................................86  5.08  Environmental Compliance ...................................................................................86  5.09  Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act ....................................................87  5.10  Disclosure ..............................................................................................................87  5.11  Compliance with Laws ..........................................................................................87  5.12  OFAC .....................................................................................................................87  5.13  Anti-Corruption Laws ............................................................................................88  5.14  Pari Passu Ranking ................................................................................................88  5.15  Holding Company ..................................................................................................88  ARTICLE VI. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS ...........................................................................88  6.01  Financial Statements ..............................................................................................88  6.02  Certificates; Other Information ..............................................................................89  6.03  Notices ...................................................................................................................91  6.04  Payment of Obligations ..........................................................................................91  6.05  Preservation of Existence, Etc. ..............................................................................92  6.06  Maintenance of Properties .....................................................................................92  6.07  Maintenance of Insurance ......................................................................................92  6.08  Compliance with Laws ..........................................................................................92  6.09  Books and Records ................................................................................................92  6.10  Inspection Rights ...................................................................................................92  6.11  Use of Proceeds ......................................................................................................93  6.12  Additional Guarantors ............................................................................................93  6.13  Continued Listing on the ASX/NYSE/LSE ...........................................................94  ARTICLE VII. NEGATIVE COVENANTS .................................................................................94  A. COVENANTS OF THE LOAN PARTIES ..............................................................................94  7.01  Liens .......................................................................................................................94  7.02  Investments ............................................................................................................94  7.03  Indebtedness ...........................................................................................................94  7.04  Fundamental Changes ............................................................................................95  7.05  Dispositions............................................................................................................97  7.06  Restricted Payments ...............................................................................................98  7.07  Change in Nature of Business ................................................................................98  ii James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
7.08  Transactions with Affiliates ...................................................................................98  7.09  Burdensome Agreements .....................................................................................101  7.10  Use of Proceeds ....................................................................................................103  7.11  Financial Covenants .............................................................................................103  7.12  Sanctions ..............................................................................................................104  7.13  Anti-Corruption Laws ..........................................................................................104  B. COVENANTS OF THE PARENT .........................................................................................104  7.14  AFFA Amendments .............................................................................................104  7.15  Change in Nature of Business ..............................................................................104  ARTICLE VIII. EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES ...................................................105  8.01  Events of Default .................................................................................................105  8.02  Remedies Upon Event of Default ........................................................................107  8.03  Application of Funds............................................................................................107  ARTICLE IX. ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT .............................................................................108  9.01  Appointment and Authority .................................................................................108  9.02  Rights as a Lender ................................................................................................109  9.03  Exculpatory Provisions ........................................................................................109  9.04  Reliance by Administrative Agent .......................................................................110  9.05  Delegation of Duties ............................................................................................111  9.06  Resignation of Administrative Agent ..................................................................111  9.07  Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders ................................113  9.08  No Other Duties, Etc. ...........................................................................................113  9.09  Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim .................................................113  9.10  Guaranty Matters .................................................................................................114  ARTICLE X. GUARANTY ........................................................................................................114  10.01  Guaranty ...............................................................................................................114  10.02  Rights of Lenders .................................................................................................114  10.03  Certain Waivers ...................................................................................................115  10.04  Obligations Independent ......................................................................................115  10.05  Subrogation ..........................................................................................................115  10.06  Termination; Reinstatement .................................................................................115  10.07  Subordination .......................................................................................................116  10.08  Stay of Acceleration .............................................................................................116  10.09  Condition of Borrowers .......................................................................................116  10.10  Limitations with respect to Irish Guarantors .......................................................116  ARTICLE XI. MISCELLANEOUS ............................................................................................117  11.01  Amendments, Etc. ................................................................................................117  11.02  Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communication ............................................118  iii James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
11.03  No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies; Enforcement ................................................120  11.04  Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver ................................................................121  11.05  Payments Set Aside..............................................................................................123  11.06  Successors and Assigns ........................................................................................124  11.07  Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality ..............................................129  11.08  Right of Setoff......................................................................................................130  11.09  Interest Rate Limitation .......................................................................................130  11.10  Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness ..............................................................130  11.11  Survival of Representations and Warranties ........................................................131  11.12  Severability ..........................................................................................................131  11.13  Replacement of Lenders ......................................................................................131  11.14  Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc. .......................................................................132  11.15  Waiver of Jury Trial .............................................................................................133  11.16  No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility ............................................................133  11.17  Electronic Execution of Assignments and Certain Other Documents .................134  11.18  USA PATRIOT Act .............................................................................................134  11.19  Judgment Currency ..............................................................................................134  11.20  Designation as Senior Debt ..................................................................................135  11.21  Release of Guarantors and Borrowers. ................................................................135  11.22  Amendment and Restatement; No Novation. ......................................................136  11.23  Acknowledgment and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions. ...........136  SIGNATURES ............................................................................................................................. S-1 iv James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
SCHEDULES 2.01 Commitments and Applicable Percentages 2.03 Existing Letters of Credit 5.05 Existing Material Indebtedness 5.06 Litigation 5.08 Environmental Matters 7.01 Existing Liens 7.03 Existing Indebtedness 7.07 Existing Affiliate Transactions 7.09 Existing Burdensome Agreements 10.02 Administrative Agent’s Office; Certain Addresses for Notices EXHIBITS A Committed Loan Notice B Swing Line Loan Notice C Form of Note D Compliance Certificate E-1 Assignment and Assumption E-2 Administrative Questionnaire F Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificates v James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT This AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of December 13, 2017, among JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY (F/K/A JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE LIMITED), a designated activity company duly incorporated under the laws of Ireland (“JHIFDAC” or the “Initial Borrower Agent”) and JAMES HARDIE BUILDING PRODUCTS INC., a corporation duly incorporated under the laws of Nevada (“JHBP” and, together with JHIFDAC, the “Initial Borrowers”, and each an “Initial Borrower”), JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES PLC, a public limited company duly incorporated under the laws of Ireland (the “Initial Parent”), JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL GROUP LIMITED, a private limited company duly incorporated under the laws of Ireland (“Initial Holdings”), and JAMES HARDIE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED, an exempt company duly incorporated under the laws of Bermuda (“JHT”, together with Initial Holdings, each an “Initial Guarantor” and, collectively, the “Initial Guarantors”), each lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and each individually, a “Lender”), WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as L/C Issuer, and HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Administrative Agent, and HSBC BANK PLC, as Swing Line Lender. The Borrowers have requested that the Lenders provide a revolving credit facility, and the Lenders are willing to do so on the terms and conditions set forth herein. This Agreement amends and restates that certain Credit Agreement, entered into as of December 10, 2015 (the “Existing Credit Agreement”) by and among the parties to this Agreement. In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows: ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS 1.01 Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below: “Acquired EBITDA” means, with respect to any Acquired Entity or Business or any Converted Restricted Subsidiary for any period, the amount for such period of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, Group Adjusted EBITDA or QS Adjusted EBITDA, as applicable, of such Pro Forma Entity (determined as if references to the Consolidated Group, Group or Qualifying Subsidiary, as applicable, in the definition of the term “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA” were references to such Pro Forma Entity and its subsidiaries that will become Restricted Subsidiaries), all as determined on a consolidated basis for such Pro Forma Entity in accordance with GAAP. “Acquired Entity or Business” has the meaning specified in the definition of the term “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA”, “Group Adjusted EBITDA” and “QS Adjusted EBITDA”, as applicable. 1 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
“Administrative Agent” means HSBC Bank USA, National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent. “Administrative Agent’s Office” means the Administrative Agent’s address and, as appropriate, account as set forth on Schedule 10.02, or such other address or account as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify to the Borrower Agent and the Lenders. “Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in substantially the form of Exhibit E-2 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent. “AFFA” means (i) the Amended and Restated Final Funding Agreement dated as of November 21, 2006 (as amended prior to the Closing Date and as further amended from time to time) among AICF, James Hardie Industries N.V., and the Performing Subsidiary party thereto from time to time, and the State of New South Wales together with (ii) the Amending Agreement—Parent Guarantee dated as of June 23, 2009 among AICF, the State of New South Wales and the Parent. “Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified. “Aggregate Commitments” means the Commitments of all the Lenders. “Agreement” means this Credit Agreement. “AICF” means Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited in its personal capacity and as trustee for the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund. “AICF Payments” means amounts paid by any member of the Consolidated Group (x) to the Performing Subsidiary in connection with the Performing Subsidiary’s payments to AICF pursuant to the terms of the AFFA (including, for the avoidance of doubt, amounts paid in respect of intercompany obligations from time to time owed by a member of the Consolidated Group to the Performing Subsidiary) or (y) under any Guarantee in connection therewith. “Alternate Applicable Rate” means a per annum rate equal to: (a) with respect to the commitment fee, 0.25%. (b) with respect to LIBOR Loans and Letters of Credit, 1.50%; and (c) with respect to Base Rate Loans, 0.50%. “Applicable Percentage” means with respect to any Lender at any time, the percentage (carried out to the ninth decimal place) of the Aggregate Commitments represented by such Lender’s Commitment at such time, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 2.16. If the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and the obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions have been terminated pursuant to Section 8.02 or if the Aggregate Commitments have expired, then the Applicable Percentage of each Lender shall be determined based on the Applicable Percentage of such Lender most recently in effect, giving effect to any subsequent assignments. The initial Applicable Percentage of each Lender is set forth opposite 2 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
the name of such Lender on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable. “Applicable Rate” means, from time to time unless the Alternate Applicable Rate shall apply in accordance with Section 2.08(b), the following percentages per annum, based upon the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio as set forth below: Applicable Rate LIBOR + Consolidated Net Commitment Letters of Pricing Level Leverage Ratio Fee Credit Base Rate 1 <0.75:1 0.200% 1.250% 0.250% 2 >0.75:1 but <1.50:1 0.250% 1.500% 0.500% 3 >1.50:1 but <2.50:1 0.300% 1.750% 0.750% 4 >2.50:1 0.350% 2.000% 1.000% Subject to clause (ii) of the succeeding paragraph, any increase or decrease in the Applicable Rate resulting from a change in the Consolidated Leverage Ratio shall become effective as of the earlier of (i) the first day of the next Interest Period beginning after the date a Compliance Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(a) or (ii) 30 days after the date a Compliance Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(a); provided, however, that if a Compliance Certificate is not delivered when due in accordance with such Section, then, upon the request of the Required Lenders, Pricing Level 4 shall apply as of the first Business Day after the date on which such Compliance Certificate was required to have been delivered and shall remain in effect until the date on which such Compliance Certificate is delivered. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this definition, (i) the determination of the Applicable Rate for any period shall be subject to the provisions of Section 2.10(b) and (ii) Pricing Level 3 shall apply from the Effective Date until the date of delivery of the first Compliance Certificate pursuant to Section 6.02(a) following earlier of (x) the consummation of the Fermacell Acquisition and (y) the date of termination of the Fermacell Acquisition Agreement without the consummation of the Fermacell Acquisition. “Approved Fund” means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender. “Arrangers” means HSBC Bank USA, National Association, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC in their capacities as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners. “Asset Acquisition” means any acquisition of property or series of related acquisitions of property that constitutes all or substantially all of the assets of a business, unit or division of a Person or constitutes all or substantially all of the common stock (or equivalent) of a Person. 3 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
“Asset Disposition” means any disposition of property or series of related dispositions of property that involves all or substantially all of the assets of a business, unit or division of a Person or constitutes all or substantially all of the common stock (or equivalent) of a Subsidiary. “Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 11.06(b)), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit E-1 or any other form (including electronic documentation generated by use of an electronic platform) approved by the Administrative Agent. “Attributable Indebtedness” means, on any date, (a) in respect of any capital lease of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP, and (b) in respect of any Synthetic Lease Obligation, the capitalized amount of the remaining lease payments under the relevant lease that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP if such lease were accounted for as a capital lease. “Audited Financial Statements” means the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Initial Parent and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal year of the Initial Parent and its Subsidiaries, including the notes thereto. “Availability Period” means the period from and including the Closing Date to the earliest of (a) the Maturity Date, (b) the date of termination of the Aggregate Commitments pursuant to Section 2.06, and (c) the date of termination of the Commitment of each Lender to make Loans and of the obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions pursuant to Section 8.02. “Bail-In Action” means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable EEA Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an EEA Financial Institution. “Bail-In Legislation” means, with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule. “Base Rate” means the highest of (x) the rate that the Administrative Agent announces from time to time as its prime lending rate, as in effect from time to time, (y) 1/2 of 1% in excess of the overnight Federal Funds Rate, and (z) LIBOR for an interest period of one month plus 1.00%. “Base Rate Committed Loan” means a Committed Loan that is a Base Rate Loan. “Base Rate Loan” means a Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate. “Borrower Agent” means the Initial Borrower Agent or any successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.04. 4 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
“Borrowers” means the Initial Borrowers or any successor obligors to their respective obligations under this Agreement pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.04. “Borrower Materials” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02. “Borrowing” means a Committed Borrowing or a Swing Line Borrowing, as the context may require. “Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the state where the Administrative Agent’s Office is located and, if such day relates to any LIBOR Loan, means any such day that is also a London Banking Day. “Capital Stock” means: (a) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock; (b) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock; and (c) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited). “Capitalized Lease Obligations” of any Person means the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under a Capitalized Lease, and the amount of such obligation shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP. “Cash Collateralize” means to pledge and deposit with or deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of one or more of the L/C Issuer or the Lenders, as collateral for L/C Obligations or obligations of the Lenders to fund participations in respect of L/C Obligations, cash or deposit account balances or, if the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer shall agree in their sole discretion, other credit support, in each case pursuant to documentation in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer. “Cash Collateral” shall have a meaning correlative to the foregoing and shall include the proceeds of such cash collateral and other credit support. “Cash Management Agreement” means any agreement to provide cash management services, including treasury, depository, overdraft, credit or debit card, electronic funds transfer and other cash management arrangements entered into by and between any Loan Party and any Cash Management Bank. “Cash Management Bank” means any Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender that enters into a Cash Management Agreement in its capacity as a party to such Cash Management Agreement or any other Person that was a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender when the applicable Cash Management Agreement was entered into. “Change in Law” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change 5 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued. “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following: (a) any “person” or “group” (as such terms are defined in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person or its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan) becomes, directly or indirectly, the “beneficial owner” (as such term is defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act) of more than 50% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of the Parent, other than as a result of (i) any transaction where the voting power of the Voting Stock of the Parent immediately prior to such transaction constitutes or is converted into or exchanged for a majority of the voting power of the Voting Stock of such beneficial owner (a “Permitted Parent”) or (ii) any merger or consolidation of the Parent with or into any “person” or “group” (a “Permitted Person”) or Subsidiary of a Permitted Person, in each case, if immediately after such transaction no “person” or “group” is the beneficial owner (as defined above), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of such Permitted Person; (b) the Parent ceases to own, directly or indirectly, 100% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of any Loan Party; or (c) any “Change of Control” under and as defined in the Indenture. For purposes of this definition and any related definition to the extent used for purposes of this definition, a “person” or “group” shall not be deemed to beneficially own securities subject to an equity or asset purchase agreement, merger agreement or similar agreement (or voting or option or similar agreement related thereto) until the consummation of the transactions contemplated by such agreement. “Closing Date” means the first date all the conditions precedent in Section 4.01 are satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 11.01. “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. “Commitment” means, as to each Lender, its obligation to (a) make Committed Loans to the Borrowers pursuant to Section 2.01, (b) purchase participations in L/C Obligations, and (c) purchase participations in Swing Line Loans, in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a 6 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
party hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement. “Committed Borrowing” means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Committed Loans of the same Type and, in the case of LIBOR Loans, having the same Interest Period made by each of the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01. “Committed Loan” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01. “Committed Loan Notice” means a notice of (a) a Committed Borrowing, (b) a conversion of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, or (c) a continuation of LIBOR Loans, pursuant to Section 2.02(a), which shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A or such other form as may be approved by the Administrative Agent (including email delivery or any other form on an electronic platform or electronic transmission system as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent), appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the applicable Borrower. “Compliance Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D. “Connection Income Taxes” means Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes. “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA” means, for any period, for the Consolidated Group, (1) the sum of, without duplication, the amounts for such period, taken as a single accounting period, of: (a) Consolidated Net Income; (b) Consolidated Interest Expense; (c) Consolidated Income Tax Expense (other than income tax expense (either positive or negative) attributable to extraordinary gains or losses); (d) Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense; (e) Consolidated Non-cash Charges; less (2) non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period, other than (a) the accrual of revenue consistent with past practice, and (b) reversals of prior accruals or reserves for cash items previously excluded in the calculation of Consolidated Non-cash Charges; provided, that the calculation of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA shall exclude any Excluded Amounts to the extent such exclusion is not already reflected in the component definitions of the calculation of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA. In addition: (1) there shall be included in determining Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for any period, without duplication, the Acquired EBITDA of any Person, property business or asset, acquired by any member of the Consolidated Group during such period (other than any Unrestricted Subsidiary) to the extent not subsequently sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of during such period (but not including the Acquired EBITDA of any related Person, property, business or assets to the extent not so acquired) (each such Person, property, business or asset acquired, or pursuant to a transaction consummated prior to the Closing Date, and not subsequently so disposed of, an “Acquired Entity or Business”), and the Acquired EBITDA of any Unrestricted Subsidiary that is converted into a Restricted Subsidiary during such period (each, a “Converted Restricted Subsidiary”), in each case based on the Acquired EBITDA of such Pro Forma Entity for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such 7 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
acquisition or conversion) determined on a historical pro forma basis; provided that, with respect to the Fermacell Acquisition, the Acquired EBITDA of Fermacell and its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be $15.0 million for the fiscal period during which the Fermacell Acquisition is consummated and $15.0 million for each of the three preceding fiscal periods preceding such date of consummation; and (2) there shall be excluded in determining Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for any period the Disposed EBITDA of any Person, property, business or asset sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of by any member of the Consolidated Group to the extent not subsequently reacquired, in each case, during such period (each such Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary), property, business or asset so sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, closed or classified, a “Sold Entity or Business”), and the Disposed EBITDA of any Restricted Subsidiary that is converted into an Unrestricted Subsidiary during such period (each, a “Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary”), in each case based on the Disposed EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business or Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such Disposition) determined on a historical pro forma basis. “Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense” means with respect to the Consolidated Group for any period, the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense, including amortization of deferred financing fees, of the Consolidated Group and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise in accordance with GAAP. “Consolidated Group” means the Parent, Holdings, each Loan Party and their Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that the Consolidated Group shall exclude, for the avoidance of doubt, (a) any Unrestricted Subsidiary and (b) any Excluded Entity. “Consolidated Income Tax Expense” means, with respect to the Consolidated Group for any period the provision for federal, state, local and foreign income, franchise, excise, value added and similar taxes based on income, profit, revenue or capital (including any interest and penalties related thereto) of the Consolidated Group and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP. “Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio” means, at any date of determination, the ratio of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for the most recently ended four fiscal quarter period ended immediately prior to such date of determination for which consolidated financial statements are available to Consolidated Interest Expense for such period. “Consolidated Interest Expense” means, for any period, the interest expense of the Consolidated Group for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP (including amortization of original issue discount and deferred financing costs, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of all payments associated with Capitalized Lease Obligations, capitalized interest, net payments, if any, pursuant to interest rate-related Hedging Obligations and imputed interest with respect to Attributable Indebtedness but excluding write-offs associated with the amendment and restatement or repayment of Indebtedness and excluding, to the extent otherwise included therein, any Excluded Amounts). 8 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
“Consolidated Net Debt” means, at any date of determination, the aggregate amount of all outstanding Indebtedness consisting of third party indebtedness for borrowed money (including any Loans and Unreimbursed Amounts, in each case then outstanding), and third party obligations evidenced by promissory notes or similar instruments (less any unrestricted cash and cash equivalents to the extent not constituting Excluding Amounts) of the Consolidated Group determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP. “Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the consolidated Net Income (or loss) of the Consolidated Group for such period as determined in accordance with GAAP. Consolidated Net Income for such period of any Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments in respect of equity that are actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) by such Unrestricted Subsidiary to a Consolidated Group member in respect of such period. “Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio” means, as of the date of determination, the ratio of (a) the Consolidated Net Debt of the Consolidated Group as of the last day of the most recently ended four fiscal quarter period ended immediately prior to such date of determination for which consolidated financial statements are available to (b) Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of the Consolidated Group for such period. “Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means, in each case, with respect to the Consolidated Group the total amount of assets (less applicable reserves and other properly deductible items) after deducting therefrom (i) all liabilities and liability items, except for Indebtedness payable by its terms more than one year from the date of incurrence thereof (or renewable or extendable at the option of the obligor for a period ending more than one year after such date of incurrence), capitalized rent, capital stock (including redeemable preferred stock) and surplus, surplus reserves and deferred income taxes and credits and other non-current liabilities, and (ii) all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discount, unamortized expenses incurred in the issuance of debt, and other like intangibles which, in each case, in accordance with GAAP would be included on a consolidated balance sheet of the Consolidated Group; provided, that the calculation of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets shall exclude, to the extent otherwise included therein, any Excluded Amounts. “Consolidated Non-cash Charges” means, with respect to the Consolidated Group for any period, the aggregate noncash expenses of the Consolidated Group and its Subsidiaries (including without limitation any minority interest) reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP. “Contractual Obligation” means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound. “Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto. 9 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
“Converted Restricted Subsidiary” has the meaning specified in the definition of each of the terms “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA”, “Group Adjusted EBITDA” and “QS Adjusted EBITDA”, as applicable. “Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary” has the meaning specified in the definition of each of the terms “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA”, “Group Adjusted EBITDA” and “QS Adjusted EBITDA”, as applicable. “Corporate Ratings” means the Borrower Agent’s or Holdings’, as applicable, long-term senior unsecured non-credit enhanced rating from the Ratings Agencies. “Credit Extension” means each Borrowing and each L/C Credit Extension. “Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, examinership, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect. “Default” means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default. “Default Rate” means (a) when used with respect to Obligations other than Letter of Credit Fees, an interest rate equal to (i) the Base Rate plus (ii) the Applicable Rate, if any, applicable to Base Rate Loans plus (iii) 2% per annum; provided, however, that with respect to a LIBOR Loan, the Default Rate shall be an interest rate equal to the interest rate (including any Applicable Rate) otherwise applicable to such Loan plus 2% per annum, and (b) when used with respect to Letter of Credit Fees, a rate equal to the Applicable Rate plus 2% per annum. “Defaulting Lender” means, subject to Section 2.16(b), any Lender that (a) has failed to (i) fund all or any portion of its Loans within two Business Days of the date such Loans were required to be funded hereunder unless such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Agent in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding (each of which conditions precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing) has not been satisfied, or (ii) pay to the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, the Swing Line Lender or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder (including in respect of its participation in Letters of Credit or Swing Line Loans) within two Business Days of the date when due, (b) has notified the Borrower Agent, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender in writing that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder, or has made a public statement to that effect (unless such writing or public statement relates to such Lender’s obligation to fund a Loan hereunder and states that such position is based on such Lender’s determination that a condition precedent to funding (which condition precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing or public statement) cannot be satisfied), (c) has failed, within three Business Days after written request by the Administrative Agent or the Borrower Agent, to confirm in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Agent that it will comply with its prospective funding obligations hereunder (provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon 10 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
receipt of such written confirmation by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Agent), or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, (i) become the subject of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, (ii) had appointed for it a receiver, custodian, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or assets, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other state or federal regulatory authority acting in such a capacity or (iii) become the subject of a Bail-In Action; provided that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any Equity Interests in that Lender or any direct or indirect parent company thereof by a Governmental Authority so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Lender (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Lender. Any determination by the Administrative Agent that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender under any one or more of clauses (a) through (d) above, and of the effective date of such status, shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender (subject to Section 2.16(b)) as of the date established therefor by the Administrative Agent in a written notice of such determination, which shall be delivered by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower Agent, the L/C Issuer, the Swing Line Lender and each other Lender promptly following such determination. “Designated Non-cash Consideration” means the fair market value of non-cash consideration received by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with an Asset Disposition that is designated as “Designated Non-cash Consideration” pursuant to a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer, setting forth the basis of such valuation, less the amount of cash or cash equivalents received in connection with a subsequent sale, redemption or payment of, on or with respect to such Designated Non-cash Consideration. A particular item of Designated Non-Cash Consideration will no longer be considered to be outstanding when and to the extent it has been paid, redeemed or otherwise retired or sold or otherwise disposed of in exchange for consideration in the form of cash or cash equivalents in compliance with Section 7.05. “Disposed EBITDA” means, with respect to any Sold Entity or Business or Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary for any period, the amount for such period of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, Group Adjusted EBITDA or QS Adjusted EBITDA, as applicable of such Sold Entity or Business or Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary (determined as if references to the Consolidated Group, the Group or the Qualifying Subsidiary, as applicable, in the definition of each of the terms “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA”, “Group Adjusted EBITDA” or “QS Adjusted EBITDA”, as applicable (and in the component financial definitions used therein) were references top such Sold Entity or Business and its Subsidiaries or to such Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary and its Subsidiaries), all as determined on a consolidated basis for such Sold Entity or Business. “Disposition” means any sale, lease, transfer or other disposition (or series of related sales, leases, transfers or dispositions) by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary, including any disposition by means of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction (each referred to for the purposes of this definition as a “disposition”), of: 11 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(a) any shares of capital stock of a Restricted Subsidiary (other than directors’ qualifying shares or shares required by applicable law to be held by a Person other than Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary); (b) all or substantially all the assets of any division or line of business of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary; or (c) any other assets of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary outside of the ordinary course of business of Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the following shall be deemed to be a Disposition: (1) a disposition by a Restricted Subsidiary to Holdings or by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary to a Restricted Subsidiary, including through any Permitted Reorganization; (2) for purposes of Section 7.05 only, a disposition of all or substantially all the assets of Holdings and the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, in compliance with Section 7.04; (3) a sale, contribution, conveyance or other transfer of accounts receivable and related assets of the type specified in the definition of Qualified Receivables Transaction by or to a Receivables Entity in a Qualified Receivables Transaction; (4) the license, sublicense or cross-license of Intellectual Property or other intangibles; (5) the lease, assignment or sublease of any real or personal property in the ordinary course of business; (6) any surrender or waiver of contract rights or settlement, release, recovery on or surrender of contract, tort or other claims in the ordinary course of business; (7) the granting of security interests not prohibited by Section 7.01; (8) the disposition by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business of (i) cash and cash equivalents, (ii) inventory and other assets acquired and held for resale in the ordinary course of business, (iii) damaged, worn out or obsolete assets or assets that, in Holdings’ reasonable judgment, are no longer used or useful in the business of Holdings or its Restricted Subsidiaries, or (iv) rights granted to others pursuant to leases or licenses, to the extent not materially interfering with the operations of Holdings or its Restricted Subsidiaries; (9) a Restricted Payment that does not violate Section 7.06 or any Investment by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary that does not constitute a Restricted Payment; (10) any exchange of assets for assets (including a combination of assets) (which assets may include Equity Interests or any securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, Equity Interests, but which assets may not include any Indebtedness) of comparable or greater market value or usefulness to the business of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, which in the event of an exchange of assets with a fair market value in excess 12 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
of (a) $50.0 million shall be evidenced by a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer and (b) $100.0 million shall be set forth in a resolution approved by at least a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Holdings; provided that Holdings may apply any cash or cash equivalents received in any such exchange of assets pursuant to Section 2.05(a); (11) dispositions of receivables in connection with the compromise, settlement or collection thereof in the ordinary course of business or in bankruptcy or similar proceedings and exclusive of factoring or similar arrangements; (12) the issuance by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary of preferred stock or any convertible securities; (13) any sale of assets received by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary upon foreclosure on a security interest; (14) the unwinding of any Hedging Obligations (including sales under forward contracts); (15) any dispositions to the extent required by, or made pursuant to customary buy/sell arrangements between the joint venture parties set forth in joint venture arrangements and similar binding agreements; (16) the lease or sublease of office space; (17) the abandonment, farm-out, lease, assignment, sub-lease, license or sub-license of any real or personal property in the ordinary course of business; (18) dispositions of property pursuant to casualty events; (19) a single transaction or series of related transactions that involve the disposition of assets with a fair market value (as determined in good faith by Holdings) of less than $50.0 million; and (20) any sale or disposition of Equity Interests in, or Indebtedness or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary. “Disqualified Equity Interests” of any Person means any class of Equity Interests of such Person that, by its terms, or by the terms of any related agreement or of any security into which it is convertible, puttable or exchangeable, is, or upon the happening of any event or the passage of time would be, required to be redeemed by such Person, whether or not at the option of the holder thereof, or matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date which is 91 days after Maturity Date; provided, however, that any class of Equity Interests of such Person that, by its terms, authorizes such Person to satisfy in full its obligations with respect to the payment of dividends or upon maturity, redemption (pursuant to a sinking fund or otherwise) or repurchase thereof or otherwise by the delivery of Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Equity Interests, and that is not convertible, puttable or exchangeable for Disqualified Equity Interests or Indebtedness, will not be deemed to be Disqualified Equity Interests so long as such Person satisfies its obligations with 13 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
respect thereto solely by the delivery of Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Equity Interests; provided, further, however, that any Equity Interests that would not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests but for provisions thereof giving holders thereof (or the holders of any security into or for which such Equity Interests are convertible, exchangeable or exercisable) the right to require the Issuer to redeem such Equity Interests upon the occurrence of a change of control or a Disposition (each defined in a substantially identical manner to the corresponding definitions in this Agreement) shall not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests if (a) any rights of the holders as a result of a change of control or Disposition do not arise prior to the 91st day after the Maturity Date or (b) shall be subject to the prior repayment in full of the Loans and termination of all Commitments under this Agreement. “Dollar” and “$” mean lawful money of the United States. “EEA Financial Institution” means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clauses (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent. “EEA Member Country” means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. “EEA Resolution Authority” means any public administrative authority or any person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution. “EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule” means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor person), as in effect from time to time. “Eligible Assignee” means any Person that meets the requirements to be an assignee under Section 11.06(b)(iii), and (v) (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 11.06(b)(iii)). “Environmental Laws” means any and all Federal, state, local, and foreign statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees, permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses, agreements or governmental restrictions relating to pollution and the protection of the environment or the release of any materials into the environment, including those related to hazardous substances or wastes, air emissions and discharges to waste or public systems. “Environmental Liability” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of the Borrowers, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into 14 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing. “Equity Interests” of any Person means (1) any and all shares or other equity interests (including common stock, preferred stock, limited liability company interests and partnership interests) in such Person and (2) all rights to purchase, warrants or options (whether or not currently exercisable), participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) such shares or other interests in such Person, but excluding any debt securities that are convertible into, or exchangeable for, such shares or other interests in such Person. “Equity Offering” means a public or private sale for cash of common stock of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent company of Holdings to the extent the net cash proceeds therefrom are contributed to Holdings), other than (i) public offerings with respect to common stock of Holdings (or such parent) registered on Form F-4, Form S-4 or Form S-8 or (ii) any sale to any Subsidiary of Holdings. “Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 8.01. “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. “Excluded Amounts” means with respect to any Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, without duplication, the total amount of (i) asbestos-related liabilities, assets, income, gains, losses and charges other than AICF Payments, (ii) AICF selling, general & administrative expenses, (iii) ASIC-related expenses, recoveries and asset impairments and (iv) New Zealand product liability expenses incurred by such Persons for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise in accordance with GAAP. “Excluded Entities” means AICF (and Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited in its personal capacity) and each of the following entities: (i) Amaba Pty Limited (CAN 000 387 342), (ii) Amaca Pty Limited (ACN 000 035 512), (iii) ABN 60 Pty Limited (ACN 000 009 263), and (iv) Marlew Mining Pty Limited (formerly known as Asbestos Mines Pty Limited) (ACN 000 049 650). “Excluded Taxes” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to any Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient, (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its Lending Office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrower Agent under Section 11.13) or (ii) such Lender changes its Lending Office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 3.01(a)(ii), (a)(iii) or (c), amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender became a party hereto or to such Lender immediately before it changed its Lending Office, 15 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 3.01(e) and (d) any U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed pursuant to FATCA. “Existing Credit Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals. “Existing Letter(s) of Credit” means those Letters of Credit set forth on Schedule 2.03. “Facility Office” means the office or offices notified by a Lender to the Administrative Agent in writing on or before the date it becomes a Lender (or following that date, by not less than five Business Days’ written notice) as the office or offices through which it will perform its obligations under this Agreement. “FASB ASC” means the Accounting Standards Codification of the Financial Accounting Standards Board. “FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code, any published intergovernmental agreement entered into in connection with the implementation of such Sections of the Code and any fiscal or regulatory legislation adopted pursuant to such published intergovernmental agreements. “Federal Funds Rate” means, for any day, the rate published for such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, published for the immediately preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System, or, if such rate is not so published for any day that is a Business Day, the average of the quotations for such day for such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it. “Fee Letter” means that certain letter agreement, dated November 17, 2017, among James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company and HSBC Bank USA, National Association. “Fermacell Acquisition” means the acquisition of all of the outstanding Equity Interests of XI (DL) Holdings GmbH, a limited liability company organized under the laws of Germany (“Fermacell”), by Platin 1391. GmbH pursuant to the Fermacell Acquisition Agreement. “Fermacell Acquisition Agreement” means that certain Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2017, among Xella International S.A., as seller, Platin 1391. GmbH, as purchaser, and James Hardie International Group Limited, as guarantor. “Foreign Lender” means (a) if the relevant Borrower is a U.S. Person, a Lender that is not a U.S. Person, and (b) if the relevant Borrower is not a U.S. Person, a Lender that is resident or organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which such Borrower is resident for tax purposes. For purposes of this definition, the United States, each State thereof and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction. 16 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
“FRB” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States. “Fronting Exposure” means, at any time there is a Defaulting Lender, (a) with respect to the L/C Issuer, such Defaulting Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the outstanding L/C Obligations other than L/C Obligations as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders or Cash Collateralized in accordance with the terms hereof, and (b) with respect to the Swing Line Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Applicable Percentage of Swing Line Loans other than Swing Line Loans as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders in accordance with the terms hereof. “Fund” means any Person (other than a natural Person) that is (or will be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its activities. “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession in the United States, that are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination, consistently applied provided, for the avoidance of doubt, that any obligations that are not or would not be characterized as Capitalized Lease Obligations under GAAP as in effect on the Closing Date shall not be reclassified as Capitalized Lease Obligations and additional liabilities associated with such obligations shall not be classified as Indebtedness as a result of any changes in interpretive releases or literature regarding GAAP or any requirements by the independent auditors of Parent. “Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States or any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank). “Group” means the Consolidated Group and any Unrestricted Subsidiary. “Group Adjusted EBITDA” means, for any period, for the Group, (1) the sum of, without duplication, the amounts for such period, taken as a single accounting period, of: (a) Group Net Income; (b) Group Interest Expense; (c) Group Income Tax Expense (other than income tax expense (either positive or negative) attributable to extraordinary gains or losses); (d) Group Depreciation and Amortization Expense; (e) Group Non-cash Charges; less (2) non-cash items increasing Group Net Income for such period, other than (a) the accrual of revenue consistent with past practice, and (b) reversals of prior accruals or reserves for cash items previously excluded in the calculation of Group Non-cash Charges; provided, that the calculation of Group Adjusted EBITDA shall exclude any Excluded Amounts to the extent such exclusion is not 17 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
already reflected in the component definitions of the calculation of Group Adjusted EBITDA. In addition: (1) there shall be included in determining Group Adjusted EBITDA for any period, without duplication, the Acquired EBITDA of any Person, property business or asset, acquired by any member of the Group during such period (other than any Unrestricted Subsidiary) to the extent not subsequently sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of during such period (but not including the Acquired EBITDA of any Acquired Entity or Business, and the Acquired EBITDA of any Converted Restricted Subsidiary, in each case based on the Acquired EBITDA of such Pro Forma Entity for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such acquisition or conversion) determined on a historical pro forma basis; provided that, with respect to the Fermacell Acquisition, the Acquired EBITDA of Fermacell and its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be $15.0 million for the fiscal period during which the Fermacell Acquisition is consummated and $15.0 million for each of the three preceding fiscal periods preceding such date of consummation; and (2) there shall be excluded in determining Group Adjusted EBITDA for any period the Disposed EBITDA of any Person, property, business or asset, sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of by any member of the Group to the extent not subsequently reacquired, in each case, during such period (each such Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary), property, business or asset so sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, closed or classified, a “Sold Entity or Business”), and the Disposed EBITDA of any Restricted Subsidiary that is converted into an Unrestricted Subsidiary during such period (each, a “Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary”), in each case based on the Disposed EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business or Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such Disposition) determined on a historical pro forma basis. “Group Depreciation and Amortization Expense” means with respect to the Group for any period, the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense, including amortization of deferred financing fees, of the Group for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise in accordance with GAAP. “Group Income Tax Expense” means, for any period, the provision for federal, state, local and foreign income, franchise, excise, value added and similar taxes based on income, profit, revenue or capital (including any interest and penalties related thereto) of the Group for such period as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP. “Group Interest Expense” means, for any period, the interest expense of the Group for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP (including amortization of original issue discount and deferred financing costs, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of all payments associated with Capitalized Lease Obligations, capitalized interest, net payments, if any, pursuant to interest rate related Hedging Obligations and imputed interest with respect to Attributable Indebtedness but excluding write offs associated with the amendment and restatement or repayment of Indebtedness and excluding, to the extent otherwise included therein, any Excluded Amounts). 18 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
“Group Net Debt” means, at any date of determination, the aggregate amount of all outstanding Indebtedness consisting of third party indebtedness for borrowed money, (including any Local Unreimbursed Amounts in each case then outstanding) and third party obligations evidenced by promissory notes or similar instruments (less any unrestricted cash and cash equivalents to the extent not constituting Excluding Amounts) of the Group determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP. “Group Net Income” means, for any period, the consolidated Net Income (or loss) of the Group for such period as determined in accordance with GAAP. “Group Non-cash Charges” means, with respect to the Group for any period, the aggregate noncash expenses of the Group (including without limitation any minority interest) reducing Group Net Income for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP. “Guarantee” means, as to any Person, (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness of another Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part) or (b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien). The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term “Guarantee” as a verb has a corresponding meaning. “Guarantee Trust Deed” means the deed entitled “Guarantee Trust Deed” dated 19 December 2006 between the Initial Parent (then known as James Hardie Industries N.V.) and AET Structured Finance Services Pty Limited. “Guaranteed Party” means the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, the Swing Line Lender, the Lenders, each Cash Management Bank and each Hedge Bank. “Guarantors” means, collectively, Holdings and JHT, and each additional Guarantor designated pursuant to Section 6.12 and, except with respect to its own obligations, each of the Borrowers. 19 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
“Guaranty” means the Guaranty made by the Guarantors in favor of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, in Article X of this Agreement. “Hazardous Materials” means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law. “Hedge Agreement” means any agreement evidencing Hedging Obligations entered into by and between any Loan Party and any Hedge Bank. “Hedge Bank” means any Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender that is a party to or enters into a Hedge Agreement, in its capacity as a party to such Hedge Agreement, or any other Person that was a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender when the applicable Hedge Agreement was entered into. “Hedging Obligations” of any Person means the obligations of such Person under swap, cap, collar, forward purchase or similar agreements or arrangements dealing with interest rates, currency exchange rates or commodity prices or availability, either generally or under specific contingencies, and including both physical and financial settlement transactions. “Holdings” means Initial Holdings or its Replacement Entity. “Holding Company” means any Person who does not conduct any material operations or own directly any material assets other than the Equity Interests or Indebtedness of any other Person. “HSBC” means HSBC Bank USA, National Association and its successors. “Indebtedness” of any Person at any date means, without duplication: (a) all liabilities, contingent or otherwise, of such Person for borrowed money; (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments; (c) all reimbursement obligations of such Person in respect of letters of credit, letters of guaranty, bankers’ acceptances and similar credit transactions; (d) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred and unpaid purchase price of property or services, except trade payables and accrued expenses incurred by such Person in the ordinary course of business in connection with obtaining goods, materials or services and except obligations to pay a contingent purchase price as long as such obligation remains contingent; (e) the maximum fixed redemption or repurchase price of all Disqualified Equity Interests of such Person (but excluding any accrued but unpaid dividends); 20 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(f) all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person; (g) all Indebtedness of others secured by a security interest on any asset of such Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person; (h) all Indebtedness of others guaranteed by such Person to the extent of such guarantee; provided that Indebtedness of (i) the Consolidated Group that is guaranteed by any Consolidated Group member shall only be counted once in the calculation of the amount of Indebtedness of the Consolidated Group on a consolidated basis and (ii) Holdings or the Restricted Subsidiaries that is guaranteed by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary shall only be counted once in the calculation of the amount of Indebtedness of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis; and (i) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to assets purchased by such Person. The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be the outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above, the maximum liability of such Person for any such contingent obligations at such date and, in the case of clause (g), the lesser of (a) the fair market value (as determined in good faith by Holdings) of any asset subject to a security interest securing the Indebtedness of others on the date that the security interest attaches and (b) the amount of the Indebtedness secured. For purposes of clause (e), the “maximum fixed redemption or repurchase price” of any Disqualified Equity Interests that do not have a fixed redemption or repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Equity Interests as if such Disqualified Equity Interests were redeemed or repurchased on any date on which an amount of Indebtedness outstanding shall be required to be determined pursuant to this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the obligations and liabilities in respect to AICF Payments do not constitute Indebtedness. “Indemnified Taxes” means (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in (a), Other Taxes. “Indemnitees” has the meaning specified in Section 11.04(b). “Indenture” means, initially, that certain Indenture dated as February 10, 2015 of the 5.875% Senior Notes due 2023, and, to the extent any Loan Party shall have issued any notes in the public markets or under Rule 144A under any new indentures after the date hereof, “Indenture” shall refer to the indenture under which the Issuer shall have most recently issued any such notes on or prior to any relevant determination date that references the term “Indenture” herein. “Information” has the meaning specified in Section 11.07. “Initial Borrower Agent” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto. “Initial Borrowers” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto. 21 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
“Initial Holdings” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto. “Initial Parent” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto. “Intellectual Property” means (a) any patents, trademarks, service marks, designs, business names, copyrights, database rights, design rights, domain names, moral rights, inventions, confidential information, knowhow and other intellectual property rights and interests (which may now or in the future subsist), whether registered or unregistered; (b) any interest in any of them; and (c) the benefit of all applications and rights. “Intercreditor Deed” means the deed so entitled dated 19 December 2006 between the State of New South Wales, the Initial Parent (then known as James Hardie Industries N.V.), Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited in its capacity as trustee for the Charitable Fund and AET Structured Finance Services Pty Limited as amended by the letter dated 19 December 2006 between the same parties. “Interest Payment Date” means, (a) as to any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan and the Maturity Date; provided, however, that if any Interest Period for a LIBOR Loan exceeds three months, the respective dates that fall every three months after the beginning of such Interest Period shall also be Interest Payment Dates; and (b) as to any Base Rate Loan (including a Swing Line Loan), the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December and the Maturity Date. “Interest Period” means as to each LIBOR Loan, the period commencing on the date such LIBOR Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a LIBOR Loan and ending on the date one week, one month, three months or six months thereafter (in each case, subject to availability), as selected by the applicable Borrower in its Committed Loan Notice or such other period as agreed to by the Administrative Agent; provided that: (i) any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless, in the case of a LIBOR Loan, such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day; (ii) any Interest Period pertaining to a LIBOR Loan that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period; and (iii) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date. “Investments” means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form of loans (including guarantees), advances or capital contributions (excluding accounts receivable, trade credit and advances to customers and commission, travel and similar advances to officers, employees and consultants made in the ordinary course of business and any assets or securities received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors and any prepayments and other credits to suppliers made in the ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for 22 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities issued by any other Person and investments that are required by GAAP to be classified on the balance sheet of such Person in the same manner as the other investments included in this definition to the extent such transactions involve the transfer of cash or other property. For purposes of the definition of Unrestricted Subsidiary and Section 7.06, (a) “Investments” shall include the portion (proportionate to Holdings’ equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of a Subsidiary at the time that such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; (b) any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its fair market value at the time of such transfer, in each case as determined in good faith by Holdings; and (c) any transfer of Capital Stock that results in an entity which became a Restricted Subsidiary after the Closing Date ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to be an Investment in an amount equal to the fair market value (as determined by Holdings in good faith as of the date of initial acquisition) of the Capital Stock of such entity owned by Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries immediately after such transfer. “Irish Borrower” means, for so long as it is a Borrower under this Agreement, JHIFDAC. “Irish Qualifying Lender” means a Lender which is beneficially entitled to interest payable to that Lender in respect of an advance under a Loan Document and: (a) which is a bank which is carrying on a bona fide banking business in Ireland (for the purposes of Section 246(3) of the TCA) and whose Facility Office is located in Ireland; or (b) which is a body corporate: (i) which, by virtue of the law of a Relevant Territory is resident in the Relevant Territory for the purposes of tax and that Relevant Territory imposes a tax that generally applies to interest receivable in that Relevant Territory by bodies corporate from sources outside that Relevant Territory; or (ii) which is in receipt of interest under a Loan Document which: (x) is exempted from the charge to Irish income tax pursuant to the terms of a double taxation treaty entered into between Ireland and another jurisdiction that is in force on the date the relevant interest is paid; or (y) would be exempted from the charge to Irish income tax pursuant to the terms of a double taxation treaty entered into between Ireland and another jurisdiction signed on or before the date on which the relevant interest is paid but not in force on that date, assuming that treaty had the force of law on that date; 23 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
provided that, in the case of both (i) and (ii) above, such body corporate does not provide its commitment in connection with a trade or business which is carried on in Ireland through a branch or agency; or (c) in the case only where an Irish Borrower is a qualifying company within the meaning of Section 110 of the TCA, which is a person which by virtue of the law of a Relevant Territory is resident in a Relevant Territory for the purposes of tax provided that such person does not provide its commitment in connection with a trade or business which is carried on in Ireland through a branch or agency in Ireland; or (d) which is a U.S. corporation that is incorporated under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and is subject to tax in the United States on its worldwide income, provided that such U.S. corporation does not provide its commitment in connection with a trade or business which is carried on in Ireland through a branch or agency; or (e) which is a U.S. LLC, where the ultimate recipients of the interest payable to that LLC satisfy the requirements set out in (b) or (d) above and the business conducted through the LLC is so structured for market reasons and not for tax avoidance purposes, provided that such LLC does not provide its commitment in connection with a trade or business which is carried on by it in Ireland through a branch or agency; or (f) which is a body corporate: (i) which advances money in the ordinary course of a trade which includes the lending of money; (ii) in whose hands any interest payable in respect of money so advanced is taken into account in computing the trading income of that body corporate; (iii) which has complied with the notification requirements set out in Section 246(5)(a) of the TCA; and (iv) whose Facility Office is located in Ireland; or (g) which is a qualifying company (within the meaning of section 110 of the TCA) and whose Facility Office is located in Ireland; or (h) which is an investment undertaking (within the meaning of Section 739B of the TCA) and whose Facility Office is located in Ireland; or (i) which is an exempted approved scheme within the meaning of section 774 of the TCA whose Facility Office is located in Ireland; or (j) which is a Treaty Lender. 24 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
“IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service. “Irish Guarantor” means a Guarantor incorporated or existing under the laws of Ireland. “ISP” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the “International Standby Practices 1998” published by the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice, Inc. (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance). “Issuer Documents” means with respect to any Letter of Credit, the Letter of Credit Application, and any other document, agreement and instrument entered into by the L/C Issuer and a Borrower (or any Subsidiary) or in favor of the L/C Issuer and relating to such Letter of Credit. “JHBP” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto. “JHIFDAC” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto. “JH Insurance” means James Hardie Insurance Ltd, a company incorporated in Guernsey. “JHT” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto (and shall include, for the avoidance of doubt, any successor Person). “Judgment Currency” has the meaning specified in Section 11.19. “Laws” means, collectively, all international, foreign, Federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes and administrative or judicial precedents or authorities, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority, in each case whether or not having the force of law. “L/C Advance” means, with respect to each Lender, such Lender’s funding of its participation in any L/C Borrowing in accordance with its Applicable Percentage. “L/C Borrowing” means an extension of credit resulting from a drawing under any Letter of Credit which has not been reimbursed on the date when made or refinanced as a Committed Borrowing. “L/C Credit Extension” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the issuance thereof or extension of the expiry date thereof, or the increase of the amount thereof. “L/C Issuer” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, in its capacity as issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, or any successor issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder. “L/C Obligations” means, as at any date of determination, the aggregate amount available to be drawn under all outstanding Letters of Credit plus the aggregate of all Unreimbursed Amounts, including all L/C Borrowings. For purposes of computing the amount available to be 25 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.06. For all purposes of this Agreement, if on any date of determination a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of Rule 3.14 of the ISP, such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be “outstanding” in the amount so remaining available to be drawn. “Lender” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto and, unless the context requires otherwise, includes the Swing Line Lender. “Lending Office” means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lender’s Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent, which office may include any Affiliate of such Lender or any domestic or foreign branch of such Lender or such Affiliate. Unless the context otherwise requires each reference to a Lender shall include its applicable Lending Office. “Letter of Credit” means any standby letter of credit issued hereunder providing for the payment of cash upon the honoring of a presentation thereunder and shall include the Existing Letters of Credit. “Letter of Credit Application” means an application and agreement for the issuance or amendment of a Letter of Credit in the form from time to time in use by the L/C Issuer. “Letter of Credit Expiration Date” means the day that is seven days prior to the Maturity Date then in effect (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next preceding Business Day). “Letter of Credit Fee” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(h). “Letter of Credit Sublimit” means an amount equal to $25,000,000. The Letter of Credit Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Aggregate Commitments. “LIBOR” means: (a) for any Interest Period with respect to a LIBOR Loan, the London interbank offered rate as administered by ICE Benchmark Administration or such other rate per annum as is widely recognized as the successor thereto if the ICE Benchmark Administration is no longer making a London interbank offered rate available, as published by Bloomberg or such other commercially available information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion, in each case, at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two London Banking Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, for Dollar deposits (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period; and (b) for any interest calculation with respect to a Base Rate Loan on any date, the rate per annum equal to LIBOR, at or about 11:00 a.m., London time determined two Business Days prior to such date for U.S. Dollar deposits with a term of one month commencing that day; 26 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
provided that (x) notwithstanding the foregoing, if LIBOR would otherwise be less than zero, LIBOR shall instead be deemed for all purposes of this Agreement to be zero and (y) to the extent a comparable or successor rate is approved by the Administrative Agent in connection herewith, the approved rate shall be applied in a manner consistent with market practice; provided, further that to the extent such market practice is not administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent, such approved rate shall be applied in a manner as otherwise reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent. “LIBOR Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on clause (a) of the definition of LIBOR. “Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority, encumbrance or other security interest or preferential arrangement in the nature of a security interest of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to real property, and any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing). “Loan” means an extension of credit by a Lender to a Borrower under Article II in the form of a Committed Loan or a Swing Line Loan. “Loan Documents” means this Agreement, each Note, each Issuer Document, any agreement creating or perfecting rights in Cash Collateral pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.15 of this Agreement and the Fee Letter. “Loan Parties” means, collectively, the Borrowers and each Guarantor. “London Banking Day” means any day on which dealings in Dollar deposits are conducted by and between banks in the London interbank eurodollar market. “Material Acquisition” means any acquisition in respect of which acquisition consideration is equal to or exceeds $100.0 million in the aggregate. “Material Adverse Effect” means (a) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the business, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent), or financial condition of the Parent and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; (b) a material impairment of the ability of any Loan Party to perform its obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party; or (c) a material adverse effect upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against any Loan Party of any Loan Document to which it is a party. “Material Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that would be a “significant subsidiary” as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Regulation is in effect on the Closing Date. “Maturity Date” means the earlier of (a) December 13, 2022 and (b) the date that the Aggregate Commitments are terminated in full in accordance with Section 2.06(b); provided, however, that if such date is not a Business Day, the Maturity Date shall be the next preceding Business Day. 27 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
“Minimum Collateral Amount” means, at any time, (i) with respect to Cash Collateral consisting of cash or deposit account balances provided to reduce or eliminate Fronting Exposure during the existence of a Defaulting Lender, an amount equal to 100% of the Fronting Exposure of the L/C Issuer with respect to Letters of Credit issued and outstanding at such time, (ii) with respect to Cash Collateral consisting of cash or deposit account balances provided in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.15(a)(i), (a)(ii) or (a)(iii), an amount equal to 100% of the Outstanding Amount of all LC Obligations, and (iii) otherwise, an amount determined by the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer in their sole discretion. “Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto. “Net Available Cash” from a Disposition means cash payments received therefrom (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or otherwise, but only as and when received, but excluding any other consideration received in the form of assumption by the acquiring Person of Indebtedness or other obligations relating to such properties or assets or received in any other noncash form), in each case net of: (1) all legal, accounting, investment banking, title and recording tax expenses, commissions and other fees (including financial and other advisory fees) and expenses incurred, and all Federal, state, provincial, foreign and local taxes required to be paid or accrued as a liability under GAAP, as a consequence of such Disposition; (2) all payments made on any Indebtedness which is secured by any assets subject to such Disposition, in accordance with the terms of any lien upon or other security agreement of any kind with respect to such assets, or which must by its terms, or in order to obtain a necessary consent to such Disposition, or by applicable law, be repaid out of the proceeds from such Disposition; (3) all distributions and other payments required to be made to non-controlling interest holders in Subsidiaries or joint ventures as a result of such Disposition; and (4) appropriate amounts provided by the seller as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities associated with the property or other assets disposed of in such Disposition and retained by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary after such Disposition. “Net Income” means, for any period, the consolidated net income (or loss) of any Person and its applicable consolidated Subsidiaries for such period as determined in accordance with GAAP, adjusted, to the extent included in calculating such net income, by excluding, without duplication: (1) all extraordinary gains or losses (net of fees and expenses relating to the transaction giving rise thereto); (2) the portion of net income of any Persons allocable to minority interests in unconsolidated Persons to the extent that cash dividends or distributions have not actually been received by such Persons; 28 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(3) gains or losses in respect of any sales of capital stock or asset sales outside the ordinary course of business (including in a Sale and Leaseback Transaction) by such Person; (4) any gain or loss realized as a result of the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles; (5) any fees, expenses and other costs incurred or paid (and write offs recorded) in connection with this Agreement or other Indebtedness; (6) nonrecurring or unusual gains or losses; (7) the net after tax effects of adjustments in the inventory, property and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets line items in such Person's consolidated financial statements pursuant to GAAP resulting from the application of purchase accounting or the amortization or write off of any amounts thereof; (8) any fees and expenses incurred (and write offs recorded) during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with any acquisition, investment, asset sale, issuance or repayment or amendment or restatement of indebtedness, issuance of stock, stock options or other equity based awards, refinancing transaction or amendment or modification of any debt instrument (including without limitation any such transaction undertaken but not completed); (9) any gain or loss recorded in connection with the designation of a discontinued operation (exclusive of its operating income or loss); (10) any non-cash compensation or other non-cash expenses or charges arising from the grant of or issuance or repricing of stock, stock options or other equity based awards or any amendment, modification, substitution or change of any such stock, stock options or other equity based awards; (11) any expenses or charges (including any break costs, redemption premium, make whole payments, liquidated damages or other penalties) related to any Equity Offering, Disposition, merger, amalgamation, consolidation, arrangement, acquisition, disposition, recapitalization or the incurrence of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by this Agreement (including an exchange or refinancing thereof or amendment or modification of any debt instrument or issuance of stock) (whether or not successful); (12) any non-cash impairment, restructuring or special charge or asset write off or write down, and the amortization or write off of intangibles; (13) Excluded Amounts; and (14) any swap break or reset costs incurred and paid as part of any termination of any Hedging Obligations. “New Loan Parties” and “New Loan Party” have the meanings specified in the definition of “Permitted Reorganization”. 29 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
“Non-Consenting Lender” means any Lender that does not approve any consent, waiver or amendment that (i) requires the approval of all Lenders or all affected Lenders in accordance with the terms of Section 11.01 and (ii) has been approved by the Required Lenders. “Non-Defaulting Lender” means, at any time, each Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender at such time. “Note” means a promissory note made by a Borrower in favor of a Lender evidencing Loans made by such Lender to such Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit C. “Obligations” means all advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, any Loan Party arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan or Letter of Credit, all obligations under Cash Management Agreements and all Hedging Obligations, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding. “OFAC” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury. “Organization Documents” means, (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity. “Other Connection Taxes” means, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such Recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan or Loan Document). “Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 3.06). 30 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
“Outstanding Amount” means (i) with respect to Committed Loans and Swing Line Loans on any date, the aggregate outstanding principal amount thereof after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Committed Loans and Swing Line Loans, as the case may be, occurring on such date; and (ii) with respect to any L/C Obligations on any date, the amount of such L/C Obligations on such date after giving effect to any L/C Credit Extension occurring on such date and any other changes in the aggregate amount of the L/C Obligations as of such date, including as a result of any reimbursements by the Borrowers of Unreimbursed Amounts. “Parent” means the Initial Parent and, following any transaction involving a Permitted Parent or Permitted Person, shall instead mean such Permitted Parent or Permitted Person, as the case may be. “Pari Passu Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Guarantor that ranks pari passu in right of payment with the Loans or the Guaranty (without giving effect to collateral arrangements). “Participant” has the meaning specified in Section 11.06(d). “Participant Register” has the meaning specified in Section 11.06(d). “PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. “Performing Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of Parent primarily liable to make funding payments to AICF under the AFFA; it being understood that the Performing Subsidiary, as of the Closing Date, is James Hardie 117 Pty Limited. “Permitted Liens” shall mean: (1) Liens Securing Indebtedness permitted by Section 7.03(d) and secured on property acquired, constructed, developed or improved after the Closing Date by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary and created prior to or contemporaneously with, or within 180 days after such acquisition, construction, development or improvement; (2) Liens on property at the time of acquisition which secure obligations assumed by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary, or on the property or on the outstanding shares or indebtedness of a Person at the time it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or is merged into or consolidated with Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary, or on properties of a Person acquired by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary as an entirety or substantially as an entirety; provided that such Liens were not created in contemplation of such acquisition and may not extend to any other property of Holdings or Restricted Subsidiary other than proceeds and products of such property, shares or indebtedness and accessions thereto; (3) Liens arising from conditional sales agreements or title retention agreements with respect to property acquired by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary; (4) Liens on accounts receivable and related assets of the types specified in the definition of “Qualified Receivables Transaction” incurred in connection with a Qualified Receivables 31 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
Transaction, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed, together with Indebtedness secured by Liens permitted by clause (26) below, the greater of (x) $200 million and (y) 15% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets; (5) Liens existing on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 7.01; (6) any Lien arising by reason of deposits with, or the giving of any form of security to, any governmental agency or anybody created or approved by law or governmental regulations, which is required by law or governmental regulation as a condition to the transaction of any business, or the exercise of any privilege, franchise or license; (7) carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’ and other statutory liens arising in the ordinary course of business (including construction of facilities) in respect of obligations that are not more than 90 days overdue or that are being contested in good faith; (8) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges that are not more than 90 days overdue or for taxes, assessments or governmental charges that are being contested in good faith; (9) Liens (including judgment liens) arising in connection with legal proceedings so long as such proceedings are being contested in good faith and, in the case of judgment liens, execution thereon is stayed or does not give rise to an Event of Default; (10) landlords’ liens on fixtures on premises leased in the ordinary course of business; (11) Liens to secure the performance of statutory obligations, insurance, surety or appeal bonds, performance bonds, or other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business (including Liens to secure letters of credit issued to assure payment of such obligations); (12) Liens on assets of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of Cash Management Agreements or Hedge Agreements; (13) survey exceptions, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights-of-way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real property that were not incurred in connection with Indebtedness and that do not in the aggregate materially impair the use of said properties in the operation of the business of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries; (14) Liens on insurance policies and proceeds thereof, or other deposits, to secure insurance premium financings; (15) filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements as a precautionary measure in connection with operating leases; (16) bankers’ liens and rights of setoff; (17) Liens in cash, cash equivalents or other property arising in connection with the defeasance, discharge or redemption of Indebtedness; 32 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(18) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods (and the proceeds thereof) of Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or trade-related letters of credit issued or created in the ordinary course of business for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods; (19) grants of intellectual property licenses (including software and other technology licenses) in the ordinary course of business; (20) Liens incurred or pledges or deposits made in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social security and employee health and disability benefits (including pledges or deposits securing liability to insurance carriers under insurance or self-insurance arrangements); (21) pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business to secure liability to insurance carriers; (22) Liens to secure partial, progress, advance or other payments or any indebtedness incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price or the cost of construction, development, or substantial repair, alteration or improvement of the property subject to such Liens if the commitment for the financing is obtained not later than 180 days after the later of the completion of or the placing into operation (exclusive of test and start-up periods) of such property; (23) Liens on the Capital Stock of any Unrestricted Subsidiary or joint venture which secures Indebtedness or other obligations of such Unrestricted Subsidiary or joint venture: (24) Liens on the assets of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor and which secures Indebtedness or other obligations of such Restricted Subsidiary (or of another Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor) otherwise not prohibited by this Agreement; (25) Liens to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement (or successive refinancing, refunding, extensions, renewals or replacements) as a whole, or in part, of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in the foregoing clauses (1), (2), (4), (5) or (22) above or this clause (25); provided that (x) such new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same property that secured the original Lien (plus improvements thereof, accessions thereto and proceeds and products thereof) and (y) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien at such time is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (A) the outstanding principal amount or, if greater, committed amount of the Indebtedness described under clauses (1), (2), (4), (5) or (22) above at the time the original Lien became a Permitted Lien under the Indenture and in the case of this clause (25) at the time of refinancing, refunding, extending, renewing or replacing such Permitted Lien, and (B) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums, related to such refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement; or (26) other Liens securing Indebtedness, in an aggregate principal amount for Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries together with the amount of Attributable Indebtedness incurred in connection with sale and leaseback transactions, not exceeding at the time such Lien is created or 33 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
assumed, together with Indebtedness secured by Liens permitted by clause (4) above, the greater of (x) $200 million and (y) 15% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets. For purposes of determining compliance with Section 7.01, a Lien need not be permitted solely by one category of Permitted Lien but may be permitted in part under any combination thereof, and if a Permitted Lien (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria or more than one of the exceptions described in clauses (1) through (26) above, Holdings may, in its sole discretion, classify or reclassify the Permitted Lien (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with such covenant. “Permitted Parent” has the meaning specified in the definition of Change of Control. “Permitted Person” has the meaning specified in the definition of Change of Control. “Permitted Reorganization” means any amalgamation, merger, plan or scheme of arrangement, exchange offer, business combination, reincorporation, reorganization, consolidation, continuation, discontinuation, domestication, re-domestication, conversion or similar action (including, without limitation, pursuant to a dissolution, liquidation or winding up), or a sale, distribution or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets (or any combination thereof), in each case, involving the assets of (including, as applicable, Equity Interests in), Initial Parent and its Subsidiaries, including any steps in a reorganization plan adopted in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Parent, whether or not such steps occur before, concurrently with or after other steps in such plan (a “Reorganization”) where: (a) all of the assets of (including Equity Interests in) the relevant Subsidiary of the Consolidated Group (but excluding any Holding Companies) continue to be owned directly or indirectly by Initial Holdings (or its Replacement Entity) in the same or a greater percentage as prior to such Reorganization, except for: (i) the Equity Interests in any Subsidiary of the Consolidated Group which has been Reorganized with or into another Subsidiary of the Consolidated Group or which has otherwise ceased to exist as a result of such Reorganization; or (ii) the assets (including Equity Interests in) Subsidiaries of the Consolidated Group which cease, in connection with such Reorganization, to be owned as a result of a transaction that otherwise is, or would be, permitted under this Agreement (but for the inclusion of this definition); and (b) immediately after giving effect to any Reorganization, including the release of any Guarantor or the addition of any Guarantor, the Borrowers and the Guarantors will own, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all of the assets (other than Equity Interests in any Holding Companies, but including all Equity Interests owned, directly or indirectly, by such Holding Companies in entities that are not Holding Companies) as they collectively owned before such Reorganization; provided that in connection with any release of the Guaranty of Initial Holdings, a direct or indirect Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Parent, which shall be a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or trust organized and existing under the laws of Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Bermuda, the United States or a state thereof, Australia or a state thereof or the United Kingdom (the “Replacement Entity”), provides a 34 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
Guaranty substantially concurrently with such release and such Replacement Entity owns directly or indirectly 100% of the Equity Interests of the Restricted Subsidiaries (other than Equity Interests in any Holding Companies, but including all Equity Interests owned, directly or indirectly, by such Holding Companies in entities that are not Holding Companies) immediately following the provision by the Replacement Entity of such Guaranty; provided, however, that such Reorganization shall be subject to the delivery by each Replacement Entity and each new Loan Party formed or acquired as part of such Reorganization of the information described in Section 6.12(b) and a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer dated the date of the consummation of the Reorganization certifying that the representations and warranties contained in Article V and each other Loan Document are true and correct in all material respects on and as of such date (provided that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality,” “Material Adverse Effect” or similar language shall be true and correct in all respects) except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct on and as of such earlier date). “Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity. “Platform” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02. “Preferred Stock” means, with respect to any Person, any and all preferred or preference stock or other equity interests (however designated) of such Person having a preference or priority over other Equity Interests (however designated) of such Person, whether outstanding as of, or issued after, the Closing Date. “Pro Forma Determination” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA”. “Pro Forma Entity” means any Acquired Entity or Business, any Sold Entity or Business, any Converted Restricted Subsidiary or any Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary. “Public Lender” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02. “Qualified Equity Interests” of any Person means Equity Interests of such Person other than Disqualified Equity Interests; provided that such Equity Interests shall not be deemed Qualified Equity Interests to the extent sold to a Subsidiary of such Person or financed, directly or indirectly, using funds (1) borrowed from such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person until and to the extent such borrowing is repaid or (2) contributed, extended, guaranteed or advanced by such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person (including, without limitation, in respect of any employee stock ownership or benefit plan). Unless otherwise specified, Qualified Equity Interests refer to Qualified Equity Interests of Holdings. “Qualified Receivables Transaction” means any transaction or series of transactions that may be entered into by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to which Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may sell, convey or otherwise transfer to: 35 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(1) a Receivables Entity (in the case of a transfer by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries), or (2) any other Person (in the case of a transfer by a Receivables Entity), or may grant a security interest in, any accounts receivable (whether now existing or arising in the future) of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, and any assets related thereto, including all collateral securing such accounts receivable, all contracts and all Guarantees or other obligations in respect of such accounts receivable, proceeds of such accounts receivable and other assets which are customarily transferred or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted in connection with asset securitization transactions involving accounts receivable; provided, however, that the financing terms, covenants, termination events and other provisions thereof shall be market terms in all material respects at the time of such transaction (as determined in good faith by Holdings). The grant of a security interest in any accounts receivable of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to secure Indebtedness under Credit Facilities shall not be deemed a Qualified Receivables Transaction. “Qualifying Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary which, by itself or when aggregated with one or more other Qualifying Subsidiaries, has a QS Adjusted EBITDA in an amount sufficient that when added to the Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA the Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA then equals at least 70% of the Group Adjusted EBITDA. “QS Adjusted EBITDA” means, for any period, for the applicable Qualifying Subsidiary, (1) the sum of, without duplication, the amounts for such period, taken as a single accounting period, of: (a) QS Net Income; (b) QS Interest Expense; (c) QS Income Tax Expense (other than income tax expense (either positive or negative) attributable to extraordinary gains or losses); (d) QS Depreciation and Amortization Expense; (e) QS Non-cash Charges; less (2) non-cash items increasing QS Net Income for such period, other than (a) the accrual of revenue consistent with past practice, and (b) reversals of prior accruals or reserves for cash items previously excluded in the calculation of QS Non-cash Charges; provided, that the calculation of QS Adjusted EBITDA shall exclude any Excluded Amounts to the extent such exclusion is not already reflected in the component definitions of the calculation of QS Adjusted EBITDA. In addition: (1) there shall be included in determining QS Adjusted EBITDA for any period, without duplication, the Acquired EBITDA of any Person, property business or asset, acquired by the applicable Qualifying Subsidiary during such period (other than any Unrestricted Subsidiary) to the extent not subsequently sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of during such period (but not including the Acquired EBITDA of any Acquired Entity or Business, and the Acquired EBITDA of any Converted Restricted Subsidiary, in each case based on the Acquired EBITDA of such Pro Forma Entity for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such acquisition or conversion) determined on a historical pro forma basis; provided that, with respect to the Fermacell Acquisition, the Acquired EBITDA of Fermacell and its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be $15.0 million for the fiscal period during which the Fermacell Acquisition is consummated and $15.0 million for each of the three preceding fiscal periods preceding such date of consummation; and 36 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(2) there shall be excluded in determining QS Adjusted EBITDA for any period the Disposed EBITDA of any Person, property, business or asset, sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of by the applicable Qualifying Subsidiary to the extent not subsequently reacquired, in each case, during such period (each such Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary), property, business or asset so sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, closed or classified, a “Sold Entity or Business”), and the Disposed EBITDA of any Restricted Subsidiary that is converted into an Unrestricted Subsidiary during such period (each, a “Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary”), in each case based on the Disposed EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business or Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such Disposition) determined on a historical pro forma basis. “QS Depreciation and Amortization Expense” means with respect to any Qualifying Subsidiary for any period, the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense, including amortization of deferred financing fees, of the Qualifying Subsidiary for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise in accordance with GAAP. “QS Income Tax Expense” means, for any period, the provision for federal, state, local and foreign income, franchise, excise, value added and similar taxes based on income, profit, revenue or capital (including any interest and penalties related thereto) of any Qualifying Subsidiary for such period in accordance with GAAP. “QS Interest Expense” means, for any period, the interest expense of any Qualifying Subsidiary for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP (including amortization of original issue discount and deferred financing costs, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of all payments associated with Capitalized Lease Obligations, capitalized interest, net payments, if any, pursuant to interest rate related Hedging Obligations and imputed interest with respect to Attributable Indebtedness but excluding write offs associated with the amendment and restatement or repayment of indebtedness and excluding, to the extent otherwise included therein, any Excluded Amounts). “QS Net Debt” means, at any date of determination, the aggregate amount of all outstanding Indebtedness consisting of third party Indebtedness for borrowed money (including any Loans and Unreimbursed Amounts, in each case then outstanding) and third party obligations evidenced by promissory notes or similar instruments (less any unrestricted cash and cash equivalents to the extent not constituting Excluding Amounts) of any Qualifying Subsidiary in accordance with GAAP. “QS Net Income” means, for any period, the consolidated Net Income (or loss) of the Qualifying Subsidiary for such period. “QS Non-cash Charges” means, with respect to any Qualifying Subsidiary for any period, the aggregate noncash expenses of such Qualifying Subsidiary (including without limitation any minority interest) reducing GS Net Income for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP. “Rating Agencies” means Moody’s and S&P or if Moody’s or S&P or both cease to provide Corporate Ratings for reasons outside of the control of the Borrower Agent, a nationally 37 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
recognized statistical rating organization or organizations, as the case may be, within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act, selected by the Parent which shall be substituted for Moody’s or S&P or both, as the case may be. “Receivables Entity” means (a) a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Holdings that is designated by the Board of Directors of Holdings (as provided below) as a Receivables Entity or (b) another Person engaging in a Qualified Receivables Transaction with Holdings, which Person engages in the business of the financing of accounts receivable, and in the case of either clause (a) or (b): (1) no portion of the Indebtedness or any other obligations (contingent or otherwise) of such entity: (A) is Guaranteed by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings (excluding Guarantees of obligations (other than the principal of, and interest on, Indebtedness) pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings), (B) is recourse to or obligates Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings in any way (other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings), or (C) subjects any asset of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings, directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction thereof (other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings); (2) the entity is not an Affiliate of Holdings or is an entity with which neither Holdings nor any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings has any material contract, agreement, arrangement or understanding other than on terms that Holdings reasonably believes to be no less favorable to Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons that are not Affiliates of Holdings; and (3) is an entity to which neither Holdings nor any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings has any obligation to maintain or preserve such entity’s financial condition or cause such entity to achieve certain levels of operating results. Any such designation by the Board of Directors of Holdings shall be evidenced to the Trustee by providing the Trustee a certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors of Holdings giving effect to such designation and a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing conditions. “Recipient” means the Administrative Agent, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party hereunder. “Register” has the meaning specified in Section 11.06(c). “Related Parties” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees, administrators, managers, advisors and representatives of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates. 38 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
“Relevant Territory” means (i) a member state of the European Communities (other than Ireland); or (ii) to the extent not a member state of the European Communities, a jurisdiction with which Ireland has entered into a double taxation treaty that either has the force of law by virtue of section 826(1) of the TCA or which will have the force of law on completion of the procedures set out in section 826(1) of the TCA. “Reorganization” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Permitted Reorganization”. “Replacement Entity” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Permitted Reorganization”. “Request for Credit Extension” means (a) with respect to a Borrowing, conversion or continuation of Committed Loans, a Committed Loan Notice, (b) with respect to an L/C Credit Extension, a Letter of Credit Application, and (C) with respect to a Swing Line Loan, a Swing Line Loan Notice. “Required Lenders” means, at any time, Lenders having Total Credit Exposures representing more than 50% of the Total Credit Exposures of all Lenders. The Total Credit Exposure of any Defaulting Lender shall be disregarded in determining Required Lenders at any time; provided that, the amount of any participation in any Swing Line Loan and Unreimbursed Amounts that such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund that have not been reallocated to and funded by another Lender shall be deemed to be held by the Lender that is the Swing Line Lender or L/C Issuer, as the case may be, in making such determination. “Responsible Officer” means the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, treasurer, assistant treasurer or controller of a Loan Party and solely for purposes of the delivery of incumbency certificates pursuant to Section 4.01, the secretary or any assistant secretary of a Loan Party. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party. “Restricted Payment” means any of the following: (a) the declaration or payment of any dividend or any other distribution on Equity Interests of Holdings or any payment made to the direct or indirect holders (in their capacities as such) of Equity Interests of Holdings, including, without limitation, any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving Holdings but excluding dividends or distributions payable solely in Qualified Equity Interests of Holdings or through accretion or accumulation of such dividends on such Equity Interests; (b) the redemption of any Equity Interests of Holdings, including, without limitation, any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving Holdings; or (c) any Investment in an Unrestricted Subsidiary. 39 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
“Restricted Subsidiary” means, at any time, any direct or indirect Subsidiary of Holdings that is not then an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that upon the occurrence of an Unrestricted Subsidiary ceasing to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary, such Subsidiary shall be included in the definition of Restricted Subsidiary. “Revolving Credit Exposure” means, as to any Lender at any time, the aggregate principal amount at such time of its outstanding Committed Loans and such Lender’s participation in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans at such time. “Sanctions” has the meaning specified in Section 5.12. “S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and any successor thereto. “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions. “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. “Sold Entity or Business” has the meaning specified in the definition of the term “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA”, “Group Adjusted EBITDA” or “QS Adjusted EBITDA”, as applicable. “Standard Securitization Undertakings” means representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities entered into by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings that, taken as a whole, are customary in an accounts receivable transaction (as determined in good faith by Holdings). “Subsidiary” of a Person means a corporation, association, partnership, limited liability company or other entity of which more than 50% of the outstanding Voting Stock is owned, directly or indirectly by such Person or by one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiaries” shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of Holdings. “Swap Contract” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “Master Agreement”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement. 40 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
“Swap Termination Value” means, in respect of any one or more Swap Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Swap Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Swap Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Swap Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Swap Contracts (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender). “Swing Line Borrowing” means a borrowing of a Swing Line Loan pursuant to Section 2.04. “Swing Line Lender” means HSBC Bank plc in its capacity as provider of Swing Line Loans, or any successor swing line lender hereunder. “Swing Line Loan” has the meaning specified in Section 2.04(a). “Swing Line Loan Notice” means a notice of a Swing Line Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.04(b), which shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit B or such other form as approved by the Administrative Agent (including any form on an electronic platform or electronic transmission system as shall be approve by the Administrative Agent), appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the applicable Borrower. “Swing Line Sublimit” means an amount equal to the lesser of (a) $25,000,000 and (b) the Aggregate Commitments. The Swing Line Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Aggregate Commitments. “Synthetic Lease Obligation” means the monetary obligation of a Person under (a) a so-called synthetic, off-balance sheet or tax retention lease, or (b) an agreement for the use or possession of property creating obligations that do not appear on the balance sheet of such Person but which, upon the insolvency or bankruptcy of such Person, would be characterized as the indebtedness of such Person (without regard to accounting treatment). “Taxes” means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto. “TCA” means the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 of Ireland. “Threshold Amount” means $50,000,000. “Total Credit Exposure” means, as to any Lender at any time, the unused Commitments and Revolving Credit Exposure of such Lender at such time. “Total Outstandings” means the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Loans and all L/C Obligations. 41 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
“Treaty Lender” means a Lender (other than a Lender falling within paragraph (b), (c), (d) or (e) of the definition of Irish Qualifying Lender) which is on the date any relevant payment is made entitled under a double taxation agreement (a “Treaty”) in force on that date (subject to the completion of any procedural formalities other than any procedural formalities which relate specifically to the business or nature of the person making the payment) to that payment without any Tax deduction. “Type” means, with respect to a Committed Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan or a LIBOR Loan. “UCP” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, International Chamber of Commerce (“ICC”) Publication No. 600 (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance). “United States” and “U.S.” mean the United States of America. “Unreimbursed Amount” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(c)(i). “Unrestricted Subsidiary” means (a) James Hardie 117 Pty Ltd (unless, such Person has been designated as a Restricted Subsidiary after the Closing Date as provided below) and (b) any other Subsidiary of Holdings other than the Borrowers that at the time of determination is an Unrestricted Subsidiary (as designated by the Board of Directors of Holdings after the Closing Date, as provided below) and (c) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors of Holdings may designate any Subsidiary of Holdings (including any existing Subsidiary and any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary after the Closing Date unless such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries owns any Equity Interests or Indebtedness of, or owns or holds any lien on, any property of, Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings (other than any Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated), provided that (i) such designation complies with Section 6.12 and (ii) each of (1) the Subsidiary to be so designated and (2) its Subsidiaries has not at the time of designation, and does not thereafter, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable with respect to any Indebtedness pursuant to which the lender has recourse to any of the assets of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors of Holdings may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that, such designation will be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings of any outstanding Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary, and such designation will only be permitted if immediately after giving effect to such designation, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing. Any such designation by the Board of Directors shall be notified by Holdings to the Administrative Agent by promptly delivering to the Administrative Agent a copy of the board resolution giving effect to such designation and an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions. For the avoidance of doubt, Unrestricted Subsidiaries will not be subject to any of the restrictive covenants set forth in this Agreement. “U.S. Person” means any Person that is a “United States Person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code (or an entity treated as a disregarded entity with respect to such a Person). 42 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
“U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” has the meaning specified in Section 3.01(e)(ii)(B)(III). “Voting Stock” means any class or classes of Capital Stock pursuant to which the holders thereof have power to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees of any Person (irrespective of whether or not, at the time, stock of any other class or classes shall have, or might have, voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency). “Wholly Owned Subsidiary” of any Person means a Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person. “Write-Down and Conversion Powers” means, with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write- down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule. 1.02 Other Interpretive Provisions. With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document: (a) The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.” Unless the context requires otherwise, (i) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document (including any Organization Document) shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein or in any other Loan Document), (ii) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (iii) the words “hereto,” “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document, shall be construed to refer to such Loan Document in its entirety and not to any particular provision thereof, (iv) all references in a Loan Document to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, the Loan Document in which such references appear, (v) any reference to any law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing or interpreting such law and any reference to any law or regulation shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law or regulation as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, and (vi) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights. 43 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(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 and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document. 1.03 Accounting Terms. (a) Generally. All accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with, GAAP applied on a consistent basis, as in effect from time to time, applied in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the Audited Financial Statements, except as otherwise specifically prescribed herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of determining compliance with any covenant (including the computation of any financial covenant) contained herein, Indebtedness of Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be carried at 100% of the outstanding principal amount thereof, and the effects of FASB ASC 825 on financial liabilities shall be disregarded. (b) Changes in GAAP. If at any time any change in GAAP would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Loan Document, and either the Borrower Agent or the Required Lenders shall so request, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower Agent shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP (subject to the approval of the Required Lenders); provided that, until so amended, (A) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein and (B) the Borrowers shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP. Without limiting the foregoing, leases shall continue to be classified and accounted for on a basis consistent with that reflected in the Audited Financial Statements for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding any change in GAAP relating thereto, unless the parties hereto shall enter into a mutually acceptable amendment addressing such changes, as provided for above. 1.04 Rounding. Any financial ratios required to be maintained by the Borrowers pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding-up if there is no nearest number). 1.05 Times of Day; Rates. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable). The 44 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
Administrative Agent does not warrant, nor accept responsibility, nor shall the Administrative Agent have any liability with respect to the administration, submission or any other matter related to the rates in the definition of “LIBOR” or with respect to any comparable or successor rate thereto. 1.06 Letter of Credit Amounts. Unless otherwise specified herein, the amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to be the stated amount of such Letter of Credit in effect at such time. 1.07 Pro Forma and Other Calculations. (a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, financial ratios and tests (including measurements of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, Group Adjusted EBITDA and QS Adjusted EBITDA), including the Consolidated Interest Expense Ratio and Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio, shall be calculated in the manner prescribed by this Section 1.07; provided that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 1.07, when calculating the Consolidated Interest Expense Ratio and the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio for purposes of Section 7.11, the events described in this Section 1.07 that occurred subsequent to the end of the applicable four fiscal quarter test period (other than as specifically described in the definition of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA) shall not be given pro forma effect. In addition, whenever a financial ratio or test is to be calculated on a pro forma basis or requires pro forma compliance, the reference to “Test Period” for purposes of calculating such financial ratio or test shall be deemed to be a reference to, and shall be based on, the most recently ended Test Period for which Section 9.1 Financials have been delivered. (b) For purposes of calculating any financial ratio or test (including Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, Group Adjusted EBITDA and QS Adjusted EBITDA), any acquisition and disposition that shall have occurred since the first day of any twelve month period which Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, Group Adjusted EBITDA or QS Adjusted EBITDA is being calculated, such calculation shall give pro forma effect to such disposition or acquisition including, for the avoidance of doubt, any Indebtedness incurred in connection with such disposition or acquisition. (c) In the event that any Consolidated Group member incurs, redeems, retires, defeases or extinguishes any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility unless such Indebtedness has been permanently paid and not replaced) subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to or simultaneously with the event for which the calculation of the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio is made, then the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, redemption, retirement, defeasance or extinguishment of Indebtedness as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four quarter period. (d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in the definition of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, Group Adjusted EBITDA and QS Adjusted EBITDA (and all component definitions referenced in such definitions), whenever pro forma effect 45 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
is to be given to any acquisition, disposition or incurrence, redemption, retirement, defeasance or extinguishment of Indebtedness as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four quarter period, the pro forma calculations shall be determined in good faith by a responsible officer of the Parent or Holdings. ARTICLE II. THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS 2.01 Committed Loans. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally agrees to make loans (each such loan, a “Committed Loan”) to the Borrowers from time to time, on any Business Day during the Availability Period, in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of such Lender’s Commitment; provided, however, that after giving effect to any Committed Borrowing, (i) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Aggregate Commitments, and (ii) the Revolving Credit Exposure of any Lender shall not exceed such Lender’s Commitment. Within the limits of each Lender’s Commitment, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrowers may borrow under this Section 2.01, prepay under Section 2.05, and reborrow under this Section 2.01. Committed Loans may be Base Rate Loans or LIBOR Loans, as further provided herein. 2.02 Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Committed Loans. (a) Each Committed Borrowing, each conversion of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, and each continuation of LIBOR Loans shall be made upon a Borrower’s irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent, which may be given by (A) telephone, or (B) a Committed Loan Notice; provided that any telephonic notice must be confirmed immediately by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a Committed Loan Notice. Each such Committed Loan Notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (i) three Business Days prior to the requested date of any Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of LIBOR Loans or of any conversion of LIBOR Loans to Base Rate Committed Loans, and (ii) on the requested date of any Borrowing of Base Rate Committed Loans. Each Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of LIBOR Loans shall be in a principal amount of $5,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. Except as provided in Sections 2.03(c) and 2.04(c), each Borrowing of or conversion to Base Rate Committed Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof. Each Committed Loan Notice shall specify (i) whether such Borrower is requesting a Committed Borrowing, a conversion of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, or a continuation of LIBOR Loans, (ii) the requested date of the Borrowing, conversion or continuation, as the case may be (which shall be a Business Day), (iii) the principal amount of Committed Loans to be borrowed, converted or continued, (iv) the Type of Committed Loans to be borrowed or to which existing Committed Loans are to be converted, (v) if applicable, whether the Alternate Applicable Rate should be applied to the Loans and (vi) if applicable, the duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto. If the applicable Borrower fails to specify a Type of Committed Loan in a Committed Loan Notice or if the applicable Borrower fails to give a timely notice requesting a conversion or continuation, then the applicable Committed Loans shall be made as, or converted to, Base Rate Loans. Any such automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be effective as of the last day of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable LIBOR 46 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
Loans. If a Borrower requests a Borrowing of, conversion to, or continuation of LIBOR Loans in any such Committed Loan Notice, but fails to specify an Interest Period, it will be deemed to have specified an Interest Period of one month. (b) Following receipt of a Committed Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the amount of its Applicable Percentage of the applicable Committed Loans, and if no timely notice of a conversion or continuation is provided by the applicable Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the details of any automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans described in the preceding subsection. In the case of a Committed Borrowing, each Lender shall make the amount of its Committed Loan available to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 1:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in the applicable Committed Loan Notice. Upon satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (and, if such Borrowing is the initial Credit Extension, Section 4.01), the Administrative Agent shall make all funds so received available to the applicable Borrower in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent either by (i) crediting the account of such Borrower on the books of HSBC with the amount of such funds or (ii) wire transfer of such funds, in each case in accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Administrative Agent by such Borrower; provided, however, that if, on the date the Committed Loan Notice with respect to such Borrowing is given by a Borrower, there are Swing Line Loans or L/C Borrowings outstanding to such Borrower, then the proceeds of such Borrowing, first, shall be applied to the payment in full of any such Swing Line Loans, second, shall be applied to the payment in full of any such L/C Borrowings, and third, shall be made available to such Borrower as provided above. (c) Except as otherwise provided herein, a LIBOR Loan may be continued or converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such LIBOR Loan. During the existence of a Default, no Loans may be requested as, converted to or continued as LIBOR Loans without the consent of the Required Lenders. (d) The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the applicable Borrower and the Lenders of the interest rate applicable to any Interest Period for LIBOR Loans upon determination of such interest rate. At any time that Base Rate Loans are outstanding, the Administrative Agent shall notify the applicable Borrower and the Lenders of any change in HSBC’s prime rate used in determining the Base Rate promptly following the public announcement of such change. (e) After giving effect to all Committed Borrowings, all conversions of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, and all continuations of Committed Loans as the same Type, there shall not be more than ten Interest Periods in effect with respect to Committed Loans. 2.03 Letters of Credit. (a) The Letter of Credit Commitment. 47 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(i) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (A) the L/C Issuer agrees, in reliance upon the agreements of the Lenders set forth in this Section 2.03, from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the Closing Date until the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, to issue Letters of Credit for the account of a Borrower, and to amend or extend Letters of Credit previously issued by it, in accordance with subsection (b) below; and (B) the Lenders severally agree to participate in Letters of Credit issued for the account of a Borrower and any drawings thereunder; provided that after giving effect to any L/C Credit Extension with respect to any Letter of Credit, (x) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Aggregate Commitments, (y) the Revolving Credit Exposure of any Lender shall not exceed such Lender’s Commitment, and (z) the Outstanding Amount of the L/C Obligations shall not exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit. Each request by the applicable Borrower for the issuance or amendment of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be a representation by such Borrower that the L/C Credit Extension so requested complies with the conditions set forth in the proviso to the preceding sentence. Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Borrowers’ ability to obtain Letters of Credit shall be fully revolving, and accordingly the Borrowers may, during the foregoing period, obtain Letters of Credit to replace Letters of Credit that have expired or that have been drawn upon and reimbursed. All Existing Letters of Credit shall be deemed to have been issued pursuant hereto, and from and after the Closing Date shall be subject to and governed by the terms and conditions hereof. (ii) The L/C Issuer shall not issue any Letter of Credit, if: (A) subject to Section 2.03(b)(iii), the expiry date of the requested Letter of Credit would occur more than twelve months after the date of issuance or last extension, unless the Required Lenders have approved such expiry date; or (B) the expiry date of the requested Letter of Credit would occur after the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, unless all the Lenders have approved such expiry date. (iii) The L/C Issuer shall not be under any obligation to issue any Letter of Credit if: (A) any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain the L/C Issuer from issuing the Letter of Credit, or any Law applicable to the L/C Issuer or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over the L/C Issuer shall prohibit, or request that the L/C Issuer refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or the Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon the L/C Issuer with respect to the Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which the L/C Issuer is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Closing Date, or shall impose upon the L/C Issuer any unreimbursed loss, cost or 48 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
expense which was not applicable on the Closing Date and which the L/C Issuer in good faith deems material to it; (B) the issuance of the Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of the L/C Issuer applicable to letters of credit generally; (C) except as otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer, the Letter of Credit is in an initial stated amount less than $100,000, in the case of a commercial Letter of Credit, or $500,000, unless otherwise agreed, in the case of a standby Letter of Credit; (D) the Letter of Credit is to be denominated in a currency other than Dollars; (E) any Lender is at that time a Defaulting Lender, unless the L/C Issuer has entered into arrangements, including the delivery of Cash Collateral, satisfactory to the L/C Issuer (in its sole discretion) with the applicable Borrower or such Lender to eliminate the L/C Issuer’s actual or potential Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 2.16(a)(iv)) with respect to the Defaulting Lender arising from either the Letter of Credit then proposed to be issued or that Letter of Credit and all other L/C Obligations as to which the L/C Issuer has actual or potential Fronting Exposure, as it may elect in its sole discretion; or (F) the Letter of Credit contains any provisions for automatic reinstatement of the stated amount after any drawing thereunder. (iv) The L/C Issuer shall not amend any Letter of Credit if the L/C Issuer would not be permitted at such time to issue the Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof. (v) The L/C Issuer shall be under no obligation to amend any Letter of Credit if (A) the L/C Issuer would have no obligation at such time to issue the Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof, or (B) the beneficiary of the Letter of Credit does not accept the proposed amendment to the Letter of Credit. (vi) The L/C Issuer shall act on behalf of the Lenders with respect to any Letters of Credit issued by it and the documents associated therewith, and the L/C Issuer shall have all of the benefits and immunities (A) provided to the Administrative Agent in Article IX with respect to any acts taken or omissions suffered by the L/C Issuer in connection with Letters of Credit issued by it or proposed to be issued by it and Issuer Documents pertaining to such Letters of Credit as fully as if the term “Administrative Agent” as used in Article IX included the L/C Issuer with respect to such acts or omissions, and (B) as additionally provided herein with respect to the L/C Issuer. (b) Procedures for Issuance and Amendment of Letters of Credit; Auto- Extension Letters of Credit. 49 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(i) Each Letter of Credit shall be issued or amended, as the case may be, upon the request of the applicable Borrower delivered to the L/C Issuer (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) in the form of a Letter of Credit Application, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of such Borrower. Such Letter of Credit Application may be sent by facsimile, by United States mail, by overnight courier, by electronic transmission using the system provided by the L/C Issuer, by personal delivery or by any other means acceptable to the L/C Issuer. Such Letter of Credit Application must be received by the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. at least two Business Days (or such later date and time as the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer may agree in a particular instance in their sole discretion) prior to the proposed issuance date or date of amendment, as the case may be. In the case of a request for an initial issuance of a Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail satisfactory to the L/C Issuer: (A) the proposed issuance date of the requested Letter of Credit (which shall be a Business Day); (B) the amount thereof; (C) the expiry date thereof; (D) the name and address of the beneficiary thereof; (E) the documents to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; (F) the full text of any certificate to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; (G) the purpose and nature of the requested Letter of Credit; and (H) such other matters as the L/C Issuer may require. In the case of a request for an amendment of any outstanding Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail satisfactory to the L/C Issuer (A) the Letter of Credit to be amended; (B) the proposed date of amendment thereof (which shall be a Business Day); (C) the nature of the proposed amendment; and (D) such other matters as the L/C Issuer may require. Additionally, the applicable Borrower shall furnish to the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent such other documents and information pertaining to such requested Letter of Credit issuance or amendment, including any Issuer Documents, as the L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent may require. (ii) Promptly after receipt of any Letter of Credit Application, the L/C Issuer will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has received a copy of such Letter of Credit Application from the applicable Borrower and, if not, the L/C Issuer will provide the Administrative Agent with a copy thereof. Unless the L/C Issuer has received written notice from any Lender, the Administrative Agent or any Loan Party, at least one Business Day prior to the requested date of issuance or amendment of the applicable Letter of Credit, that one or more applicable conditions contained in Article IV shall not then be satisfied, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the L/C Issuer shall, on the requested date, issue a Letter of Credit for the account of the applicable Borrower or enter into the applicable amendment, as the case may be, in each case in accordance with the L/C Issuer’s usual and customary business practices. Immediately upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit, each Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the L/C Issuer a risk participation in such Letter of Credit in an amount equal to the product of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage times the amount of such Letter of Credit. (iii) If the Borrower so requests in any applicable Letter of Credit Application, the L/C Issuer may, in its sole discretion, agree to issue a Letter of Credit 50 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
that has automatic extension provisions (each, an “Auto-Extension Letter of Credit”); provided that any such Auto-Extension Letter of Credit must permit the L/C Issuer to prevent any such extension at least once in each twelve-month period (commencing with the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit) by giving prior notice to the beneficiary thereof not later than a day (the “Non-Extension Notice Date”) in each such twelve- month period to be agreed upon at the time such Letter of Credit is issued. Unless otherwise directed by the L/C Issuer, the Borrower shall not be required to make a specific request to the L/C Issuer for any such extension. Once an Auto-Extension Letter of Credit has been issued, the Lenders shall be deemed to have authorized (but may not require) the L/C Issuer to permit the extension of such Letter of Credit at any time to an expiry date not later than the Letter of Credit Expiration Date; provided, however, that the L/C Issuer shall not permit any such extension if (A) the L/C Issuer has determined that it would not be permitted, or would have no obligation, at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its revised form (as extended) under the terms hereof (by reason of the provisions of clause (ii) or (iii) of Section 2.03(a) or otherwise), or (B) it has received notice (which may be by telephone or in writing) on or before the day that is seven Business Days before the Non-Extension Notice Date (1) from the Administrative Agent that the Required Lenders have elected not to permit such extension or (2) from the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Borrower that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 4.02 is not then satisfied, and in each such case directing the L/C Issuer not to permit such extension. (iv) Promptly after its delivery of any Letter of Credit or any amendment to a Letter of Credit to an advising bank with respect thereto or to the beneficiary thereof, the L/C Issuer will also deliver to the applicable Borrower and the Administrative Agent a true and complete copy of such Letter of Credit or amendment. (c) Drawings and Reimbursements; Funding of Participations. (i) Upon receipt from the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit of any notice of a drawing under such Letter of Credit, the L/C Issuer shall notify the applicable Borrower and the Administrative Agent thereof. Not later than 11:00 a.m. on the date of any payment by the L/C Issuer under a Letter of Credit (each such date, an “Honor Date”), such Borrower shall reimburse the L/C Issuer through the Administrative Agent in an amount equal to the amount of such drawing. If the applicable Borrower fails to so reimburse the L/C Issuer by such time, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the Honor Date, the amount of the unreimbursed drawing (the “Unreimbursed Amount”), and the amount of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage thereof. In such event, the applicable Borrower shall be deemed to have requested a Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans to be disbursed on the Honor Date in an amount equal to the Unreimbursed Amount, without regard to the minimum and multiples specified in Section 2.02 for the principal amount of Base Rate Loans, but subject to the amount of the unutilized portion of the Aggregate Commitments and the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (other than the delivery of a Committed Loan Notice). Any notice given by the L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 2.03(c)(i) may be given by telephone if immediately confirmed in writing; 51 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
provided that the lack of such an immediate confirmation shall not affect the conclusiveness or binding effect of such notice. (ii) Each Lender shall upon any notice pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(i) make funds available (and the Administrative Agent may apply Cash Collateral provided for this purpose) for the account of the L/C Issuer at the Administrative Agent’s Office in an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the Unreimbursed Amount not later than 1:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in such notice by the Administrative Agent, whereupon, subject to the provisions of Section 2.03(c)(iii), each Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Base Rate Committed Loan to the applicable Borrower in such amount. The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the L/C Issuer. (iii) With respect to any Unreimbursed Amount that is not fully refinanced by a Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans because the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 cannot be satisfied or for any other reason, the applicable Borrower shall be deemed to have incurred from the L/C Issuer an L/C Borrowing in the amount of the Unreimbursed Amount that is not so refinanced, which L/C Borrowing shall be due and payable on demand (together with interest) and shall bear interest at the Default Rate. In such event, each Lender’s payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(ii) shall be deemed payment in respect of its participation in such L/C Borrowing and shall constitute an L/C Advance from such Lender in satisfaction of its participation obligation under this Section 2.03. (iv) Until each Lender funds its Committed Loan or L/C Advance pursuant to this Section 2.03(c) to reimburse the L/C Issuer for any amount drawn under any Letter of Credit, interest in respect of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such amount shall be solely for the account of the L/C Issuer. (v) Each Lender’s obligation to make Committed Loans or L/C Advances to reimburse the L/C Issuer for amounts drawn under Letters of Credit, as contemplated by this Section 2.03(c), shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the L/C Issuer, the applicable Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever; (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default, or (C) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided, however, that each Lender’s obligation to make Committed Loans pursuant to this Section 2.03(c) is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (other than delivery by such Borrower of a Committed Loan Notice). No such making of an L/C Advance shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of the applicable Borrower to reimburse the L/C Issuer for the amount of any payment made by the L/C Issuer under any Letter of Credit, together with interest as provided herein. (vi) If any Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer any amount required to be paid by such Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.03(c) by the time specified in Section 2.03(c)(ii), then, without limiting the other provisions of this Agreement, the L/C 52 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
Issuer shall be entitled to recover from such Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to the L/C Issuer at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the L/C Issuer in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the L/C Issuer in connection with the foregoing. If such Lender pays such amount (with interest and fees as aforesaid), the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Committed Loan included in the relevant Committed Borrowing or L/C Advance in respect of the relevant L/C Borrowing, as the case may be. A certificate of the L/C Issuer submitted to any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this clause (vi) shall be conclusive absent manifest error. (d) Repayment of Participations. (i) At any time after the L/C Issuer has made a payment under any Letter of Credit and has received from any Lender such Lender’s L/C Advance in respect of such payment in accordance with Section 2.03(c), if the Administrative Agent receives for the account of the L/C Issuer any payment in respect of the related Unreimbursed Amount or interest thereon (whether directly from the applicable Borrower or otherwise, including proceeds of Cash Collateral applied thereto by the Administrative Agent), the Administrative Agent will distribute to such Lender its Applicable Percentage thereof in the same funds as those received by the Administrative Agent. (ii) If any payment received by the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(i) is required to be returned under any of the circumstances described in Section 11.05 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the L/C Issuer in its discretion), each Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer its Applicable Percentage thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned by such Lender, at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. The obligations of the Lenders under this clause shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement. (e) Obligations Absolute. The obligation of the applicable Borrower to reimburse the L/C Issuer for each drawing under each Letter of Credit and to repay each L/C Borrowing shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances, including the following: (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of such Letter of Credit, this Agreement, or any other Loan Document; (ii) the existence of any claim, counterclaim, setoff, defense or other right that the applicable Borrower or any Subsidiary may have at any time against any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such 53 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), the L/C Issuer or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or by such Letter of Credit or any agreement or instrument relating thereto, or any unrelated transaction; (iii) any draft, demand, certificate or other document presented under such Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; or any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under such Letter of Credit; (iv) waiver by the L/C Issuer of any requirement that exists for the L/C Issuer’s protection and not the protection of the applicable Borrower or any waiver by the L/C Issuer which does not in fact materially prejudice such Borrower; (v) honor of a demand for payment presented electronically even if such Letter of Credit requires that demand be in the form of a draft; (vi) any payment made by the L/C Issuer in respect of an otherwise complying item presented after the date specified as the expiration date of, or the date by which documents must be received under such Letter of Credit if presentation after such date is authorized by the UCC, the ISP or the UCP, as applicable; (vii) any payment by the L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or certificate that does not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; or any payment made by the L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit to any Person purporting to be a trustee in bankruptcy, debtor-in-possession, assignee for the benefit of creditors, liquidator, receiver or other representative of or successor to any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit, including any arising in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law; or (viii) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, including any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, the applicable Borrower or any Subsidiary. The applicable Borrower shall promptly examine a copy of each Letter of Credit and each amendment thereto that is delivered to it and, in the event of any claim of noncompliance with such Borrower’s instructions or other irregularity, such Borrower will immediately notify the L/C Issuer. The applicable Borrower shall be conclusively deemed to have waived any such claim against the L/C Issuer and its correspondents unless such notice is given as aforesaid. (f) Role of L/C Issuer. Each Lender and each Borrower agree that, in paying any drawing under a Letter of Credit, the L/C Issuer shall not have any responsibility to obtain any document (other than any sight draft, certificates and documents expressly required by the Letter of Credit) or to ascertain or inquire as to the validity or accuracy of any such document or the authority of the Person executing or delivering any such document. None of the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent, any of their respective 54 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
Related Parties nor any correspondent, participant or assignee of the L/C Issuer shall be liable to any Lender for (i) any action taken or omitted in connection herewith at the request or with the approval of the Lenders or the Required Lenders, as applicable; (ii) any action taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct; or (iii) the due execution, effectiveness, validity or enforceability of any document or instrument related to any Letter of Credit or Issuer Document. Each Borrower hereby assumes all risks of the acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee with respect to its use of any Letter of Credit; provided, however, that this assumption is not intended to, and shall not, preclude a Borrower’s pursuing such rights and remedies as it may have against the beneficiary or transferee at law or under any other agreement. None of the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent, any of their respective Related Parties nor any correspondent, participant or assignee of the L/C Issuer shall be liable or responsible for any of the matters described in clauses (i) through (viii) of Section 2.03(e); provided, however, that anything in such clauses to the contrary notwithstanding, the applicable Borrower may have a claim against the L/C Issuer, and the L/C Issuer may be liable to such Borrower, to the extent, but only to the extent, of any direct, as opposed to consequential or exemplary, damages suffered by such Borrower which such Borrower proves were caused by the L/C Issuer’s willful misconduct or gross negligence or the L/C Issuer’s willful failure to pay under any Letter of Credit after the presentation to it by the beneficiary of a sight draft and certificate(s) strictly complying with the terms and conditions of a Letter of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, the L/C Issuer may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order, without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, and the L/C Issuer shall not be responsible for the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign a Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason. The L/C Issuer may send a Letter of Credit or conduct any communication to or from the beneficiary via the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (“SWIFT”) message or overnight courier, or any other commercially reasonable means of communicating with a beneficiary. (g) Applicability of ISP; Limitation of Liability. Unless otherwise expressly agreed by the L/C Issuer and the applicable Borrower when a Letter of Credit is issued (including any such agreement applicable to an Existing Letter of Credit), the rules of the ISP shall apply to each standby Letter of Credit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the L/C Issuer shall not be responsible to the applicable Borrower for, and the L/C Issuer’s rights and remedies against such Borrower shall not be impaired by, any action or inaction of the L/C Issuer required or permitted under any law, order, or practice that is required or permitted to be applied to any Letter of Credit or this Agreement, including the Law or any order of a jurisdiction where the L/C Issuer or the beneficiary is located, the practice stated in the ISP, or in the decisions, opinions, practice statements, or official commentary of the ICC Banking Commission, the Bankers Association for Finance and Trade - International Financial Services Association (BAFT-IFSA), or the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice, whether or not any Letter of Credit chooses such law or practice. 55 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(h) Letter of Credit Fees. The applicable Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance, subject to Section 2.16, with its Applicable Percentage a Letter of Credit fee (the “Letter of Credit Fee”) for each Letter of Credit issued for the account of such Borrower equal to the Applicable Rate times the daily amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit; provided, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, no Letter of Credit Fee shall be less than $500 per annum for each Letter of Credit. For purposes of computing the daily amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.06. Letter of Credit Fees shall be (i) due and payable on the first Business Day after the end of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and thereafter on demand and (ii) computed on a quarterly basis in arrears. If there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the daily amount available to be drawn under each Letter of Credit shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, upon the request of the Required Lenders, while any Event of Default exists, all Letter of Credit Fees shall accrue at the Default Rate. (i) Fronting Fee and Documentary and Processing Charges Payable to L/C Issuer. The applicable Borrower shall pay directly to the L/C Issuer for its own account a fronting fee with respect to each Letter of Credit issued for the account of such Borrower, at the rate per annum specified in the Fee Letter, computed on the daily amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit on a quarterly basis in arrears. Such fronting fee shall be due and payable on the tenth Business Day after the end of each March, June, September and December in respect of the most recently-ended quarterly period (or portion thereof, in the case of the first payment), commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and thereafter on demand. For purposes of computing the daily amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.06. In addition, the applicable Borrower shall pay directly to the L/C Issuer for its own account the customary issuance, presentation, amendment and other processing fees, and other standard costs and charges, of the L/C Issuer relating to letters of credit as from time to time in effect. Such customary fees and standard costs and charges are due and payable on demand and are nonrefundable. (j) Conflict with Issuer Documents. In the event of any conflict between the terms hereof and the terms of any Issuer Document, the terms hereof shall control. (k) Monthly Report. The L/C Issuer, on the last Business Day of each month until the Maturity Date, shall calculate the L/C Obligations on such date in respect of Letters of Credit issued by it and shall promptly send notice in a form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent of such L/C Obligations to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Agent. 2.04 Swing Line Loans. 56 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(a) The Swing Line. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Swing Line Lender, in reliance upon the agreements of the other Lenders set forth in this Section 2.04, may in its sole discretion make loans (each such loan, a “Swing Line Loan”) to the Borrowers from time to time on any Business Day during the Availability Period in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of the Swing Line Sublimit, notwithstanding the fact that such Swing Line Loans, when aggregated with the Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of Committed Loans and L/C Obligations of the Lender acting as Swing Line Lender, may exceed the amount of such Lender’s Commitment; provided, however, that (x) after giving effect to any Swing Line Loan, (i) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Aggregate Commitments, and (ii) the Revolving Credit Exposure of any Lender shall not exceed such Lender’s Commitment, (y) no Borrower shall use the proceeds of any Swing Line Loan to refinance any outstanding Swing Line Loan, and (z) the Swing Line Lender shall not be under any obligation to make any Swing Line Loan if it shall determine (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that it has, or by such Credit Extension may have, Fronting Exposure. Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrowers may borrow under this Section 2.04, prepay under Section 2.05, and reborrow under this Section 2.04. Each Swing Line Loan shall be a Base Rate Loan. Immediately upon the making of a Swing Line Loan, each Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the Swing Line Lender a risk participation in such Swing Line Loan in an amount equal to the product of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage times the amount of such Swing Line Loan. (b) Borrowing Procedures. Each Swing Line Borrowing shall be made upon the applicable Borrower’s irrevocable notice to the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent, which may be given by (A) telephone or (B) by a Swing Line Loan Notice; provided that any telephonic notice must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent of a Swing Line Loan Notice. Each such Swing Line Loan Notice must be received by the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. on the requested borrowing date, and shall specify (i) the amount to be borrowed, which shall be a minimum of $100,000, and (ii) the requested borrowing date, which shall be a Business Day. Promptly after receipt by the Swing Line Lender of any Swing Line Loan Notice, the Swing Line Lender will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has also received such Swing Line Loan Notice and, if not, the Swing Line Lender will notify the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) of the contents thereof. Unless the Swing Line Lender has received notice (by telephone or in writing) from the Administrative Agent (including at the request of any Lender) prior to 2:00 p.m. on the date of the proposed Swing Line Borrowing (A) directing the Swing Line Lender not to make such Swing Line Loan as a result of the limitations set forth in the first proviso to the first sentence of Section 2.04(a), or (B) that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Article IV is not then satisfied, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Swing Line Lender will, not later than 3:00 p.m. on the borrowing date specified in such Swing Line Loan Notice, wire transfer of such funds, in each case in accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Administrative Agent by such Borrower in immediately available funds. 57 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(c) Refinancing of Swing Line Loans. (i) The Swing Line Lender at any time in its sole discretion may, but not less frequently than once per week, shall request, on behalf of the applicable Borrower (which hereby irrevocably authorizes the Swing Line Lender to so request on its behalf), that each Lender make a Base Rate Committed Loan in an amount equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the amount of Swing Line Loans then outstanding. Such request shall be made in writing (which written request shall be deemed to be a Committed Loan Notice for purposes hereof) and in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.02, without regard to the minimum and multiples specified therein for the principal amount of Base Rate Loans, but subject to the unutilized portion of the Aggregate Commitments and the conditions set forth in Section 4.02. The Swing Line Lender shall furnish the applicable Borrower with a copy of the applicable Committed Loan Notice promptly after delivering such notice to the Administrative Agent. Each Lender shall make an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the amount specified in such Committed Loan Notice available to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds (and the Administrative Agent may apply Cash Collateral available with respect to the applicable Swing Line Loan) for the account of the Swing Line Lender at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 1:00 p.m. on the day specified in such Committed Loan Notice, whereupon, subject to Section 2.04(c)(ii), each Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Base Rate Committed Loan to the applicable Borrower in such amount. The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the Swing Line Lender. (ii) If for any reason any Swing Line Loan cannot be refinanced by such a Committed Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.04(c)(i), the request for Base Rate Committed Loans submitted by the Swing Line Lender as set forth herein shall be deemed to be a request by the Swing Line Lender that each of the Lenders fund its risk participation in the relevant Swing Line Loan and each Lender’s payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swing Line Lender pursuant to Section 2.04(c)(i) shall be deemed payment in respect of such participation. (iii) If any Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swing Line Lender any amount required to be paid by such Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.04(c) by the time specified in Section 2.04(c)(i), the Swing Line Lender shall be entitled to recover from such Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to the Swing Line Lender at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Swing Line Lender in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Swing Line Lender in connection with the foregoing. If such Lender pays such amount (with interest and fees as aforesaid), the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Committed Loan included in the relevant Committed Borrowing or funded participation in the relevant Swing Line Loan, as the case may be. A certificate of the Swing Line Lender submitted 58 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
to any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this clause (iii) shall be conclusive absent manifest error. (iv) Each Lender’s obligation to make Committed Loans or to purchase and fund risk participations in Swing Line Loans pursuant to this Section 2.04(c) shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the Swing Line Lender, the applicable Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever, (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default, or (C) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided, however, that each Lender’s obligation to make Committed Loans pursuant to this Section 2.04(c) is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.02. No such funding of risk participations shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of the applicable Borrower to repay Swing Line Loans made to it, together with interest as provided herein. (d) Repayment of Participations. (i) At any time after any Lender has purchased and funded a risk participation in a Swing Line Loan, if the Swing Line Lender receives any payment on account of such Swing Line Loan, the Swing Line Lender will distribute to such Lender its Applicable Percentage thereof in the same funds as those received by the Swing Line Lender. (ii) If any payment received by the Swing Line Lender in respect of principal or interest on any Swing Line Loan is required to be returned by the Swing Line Lender under any of the circumstances described in Section 11.05 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Swing Line Lender in its discretion), each Lender shall pay to the Swing Line Lender its Applicable Percentage thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned, at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate. The Administrative Agent will make such demand upon the request of the Swing Line Lender. The obligations of the Lenders under this clause shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement. (e) Interest for Account of Swing Line Lender. The Swing Line Lender shall be responsible for invoicing the applicable Borrower for interest on the Swing Line Loans. Until each Lender funds its Base Rate Committed Loan or risk participation pursuant to this Section 2.04 to refinance such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of any Swing Line Loan, interest in respect of such Applicable Percentage shall be solely for the account of the Swing Line Lender. (f) Payments Directly to Swing Line Lender. Each Borrower shall make all payments of principal and interest in respect of the Swing Line Loans made to it directly to the Swing Line Lender. 2.05 Prepayments. 59 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(a) The Borrowers may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, at any time or from time to time voluntarily prepay Committed Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (i) such notice must be in a form acceptable to the Administrative Agent and be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (A) three Business Days prior to any date of prepayment of LIBOR Loans and (B) on the date of prepayment of Base Rate Committed Loans; (ii) any prepayment of LIBOR Loans shall be in a principal amount of $5,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof; and (iii) any prepayment of Base Rate Committed Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof or, in each case, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the Type(s) of Committed Loans to be prepaid and, if LIBOR Loans are to be prepaid, the Interest Period(s) of such Loans. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the amount of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such prepayment. If such notice is given by a Borrower, such Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein. Any prepayment of a LIBOR Loan shall be accompanied by all accrued interest on the amount prepaid, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05. Subject to Section 2.16, each such prepayment shall be applied to the Committed Loans of the Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages. (b) The Borrowers may, upon notice to the Swing Line Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at any time or from time to time, voluntarily prepay Swing Line Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (i) such notice must be received by the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. on the date of the prepayment, and (ii) any such prepayment shall be in a minimum principal amount of $100,000. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment. If such notice is given by a Borrower, such Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein. (c) If for any reason the Total Outstandings at any time exceed the Aggregate Commitments then in effect, the Borrowers shall immediately prepay Loans and/or Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations in an aggregate amount equal to such excess; provided, however, that the Borrowers shall not be required to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations pursuant to this Section 2.05(c) unless after the prepayment in full of the Committed Loans and Swing Line Loans the Total Outstandings exceed the Aggregate Commitments then in effect. 2.06 Termination or Reduction of Commitments. (a) Optional. The Borrower Agent may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, terminate the Aggregate Commitments, or from time to time permanently reduce the Aggregate Commitments; provided that (i) any such notice shall be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. three Business Days prior to the date of termination or reduction, (ii) any such partial reduction shall be in an aggregate amount of 60 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
$5,000,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, (iii) the Borrower Agent shall not terminate or reduce the Aggregate Commitments if, after giving effect thereto and to any concurrent prepayments hereunder, the Total Outstandings would exceed the Aggregate Commitments, and (iv) if, after giving effect to any reduction of the Aggregate Commitments, the Letter of Credit Sublimit or the Swing Line Sublimit exceeds the amount of the Aggregate Commitments, such Sublimit shall be automatically reduced by the amount of such excess. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Lenders of any such notice of termination or reduction of the Aggregate Commitments. Any reduction of the Aggregate Commitments shall be applied to the Commitment of each Lender according to its Applicable Percentage. All fees accrued until the effective date of any termination of the Aggregate Commitments shall be paid on the effective date of such termination. (b) Mandatory. Upon the 90th day after the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Aggregate Commitments shall terminate in full. 2.07 Repayment of Loans. (a) Each of the Borrowers hereby unconditionally promises on a joint and several basis to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Committed Loans outstanding on the Maturity Date and all interest, fees and other amounts payable hereunder on such date. (b) Unless refunded as a Base Rate Committed Loan, each of the Borrowers hereby unconditionally promises on a joint and several basis to pay to the Swing Line Lender the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Swing Line Loans outstanding on the earlier of (i) the date that occurs ten Business Days after such Swing Line Loan is made and (ii) the Maturity Date and all interest, fees and other amounts payable hereunder on such date. 2.08 Interest. (a) Subject to the provisions of subsections (b) and (c) below, (i) each LIBOR Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof for each Interest Period at a rate per annum equal to the LIBOR for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Rate; (ii) each Base Rate Committed Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate; and (iii) each Swing Line Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate. (b) The Alternate Applicable Rate shall apply if (i) the Corporate Ratings is at least BBB- from S&P, and at least Baa3 from Moody’s and (ii) the Borrower Agent elects to apply the Alternate Applicable Rate to the Loans by written notice to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.02(a)(v). (c) If any amount of principal of any Loan is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or 61 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
otherwise, such amount shall thereafter bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws. (i) If any amount (other than principal of any Loan) payable by a Borrower under any Loan Document is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, then upon the request of the Required Lenders, such amount shall thereafter bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws. (ii) Upon the request of the Required Lenders, while any Event of Default exists that is not referred to above in this Section 2.08(c) (unless at such time the Alternate Applicable Rate shall apply as set forth in clause (b) above), the Borrowers shall pay interest on the principal amount of all outstanding Obligations hereunder at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws. (iii) Accrued and unpaid interest on past due amounts (including interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable upon demand. (d) Interest on each Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto and at such other times as may be specified herein. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable in accordance with the terms hereof before and after judgment, and before and after the commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law. 2.09 Fees. In addition to certain fees described in subsections (h) and (i) of Section 2.03: (a) Commitment Fee. The Borrowers shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Applicable Percentage, a commitment fee equal to the Applicable Rate times the actual daily amount by which the Aggregate Commitments exceed the sum of (i) the Outstanding Amount of Committed Loans and (ii) the Outstanding Amount of L/C Obligations, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 2.16. For the avoidance of doubt, the Outstanding Amount of Swing Line Loans shall not be counted towards or considered usage of the Aggregate Commitments for purposes of determining the commitment fee. The commitment fee shall accrue at all times during the Availability Period, including at any time during which one or more of the conditions in Article IV is not met, and shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the Closing Date, and on the last day of the Availability Period. The commitment fee shall be calculated quarterly in arrears, and if there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the actual daily amount shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect. 62 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(b) Other Fees. (i) The Borrowers shall pay to the Arrangers and the Administrative Agent for their own respective accounts fees in the amounts and at the times specified in the Fee Letters Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever. The Borrowers shall pay to the Lenders such fees as shall have been separately agreed upon in writing in the amounts and at the times so specified. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever. 2.10 Computation of Interest and Fees; Retroactive Adjustments of Applicable Rate. (a) All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans determined by reference to the Administrative Agent’s announced prime rate shall be made on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed. All other computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed (which results in more fees or interest, as applicable, being paid than if computed on the basis of a 365-day year). Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid, provided that any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall, subject to Section 2.12(a), bear interest for one day. Each determination by the Administrative Agent of an interest rate or fee hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. (b) If, as a result of any restatement of or other adjustment to the financial statements of the Parent or for any other reason, the Borrower Agent or the Lenders determine that (i) the Consolidated Leverage Ratio as calculated as of any applicable date was inaccurate and (ii) a proper calculation of the Consolidated Leverage Ratio would have resulted in higher pricing for such period, the Borrowers shall immediately and retroactively be obligated to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the applicable Lenders or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, promptly on demand by the Administrative Agent (or, after the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the applicable Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, automatically and without further action by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer), an amount equal to the excess of the amount of interest and fees that should have been paid for such period over the amount of interest and fees actually paid for such period. This paragraph shall not limit the rights of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, under Section 2.03(c)(iii), 2.03(h) or 2.08(b) or under Article VIII. The Borrowers’ obligations under this paragraph shall survive the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment of all other Obligations hereunder. 2.11 Evidence of Debt. (a) The Credit Extensions made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender and by the Administrative Agent in the ordinary course of business. The accounts or records maintained by the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall be conclusive absent manifest error of the 63 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
amount of the Credit Extensions made by the Lenders to the Borrowers and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrowers hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error. Upon the request of any Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a Note, which shall evidence such Lender’s Loans in addition to such accounts or records. Each Lender may attach schedules to its Note and endorse thereon the date, Type (if applicable), amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto. (b) In addition to the accounts and records referred to in subsection (a) above, each Lender and the Administrative Agent shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice accounts or records evidencing the purchases and sales by such Lender of participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by the Administrative Agent and the accounts and records of any Lender in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error. 2.12 Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback. (a) General. All payments to be made by the Borrowers shall be made free and clear of and without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by the Borrowers hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the Administrative Agent’s Office in Dollars and in immediately available funds not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date specified herein. The Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to each Lender its Applicable Percentage (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer to such Lender’s Lending Office. All payments received by the Administrative Agent after 2:00 p.m. shall be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue. If any payment to be made by a Borrower shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be. (b) (i) Funding by Lenders; Presumption by Administrative Agent. Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Committed Borrowing of LIBOR Loans (or, in the case of any Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, prior to 12:00 noon on the date of such Committed Borrowing) that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Committed Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with Section 2.02 (or, in the case of a Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, that such Lender has made such share available in accordance with and at the time required by Section 2.02) and may, 64 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the applicable Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Committed Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and such Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to such Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (A) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing, and (B) in the case of a payment to be made by a Borrower, the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Loans. If such Borrower and such Lender shall pay such interest to the Administrative Agent for the same or an overlapping period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to such Borrower the amount of such interest paid by such Borrower for such period. If such Lender pays its share of the applicable Committed Borrowing to the Administrative Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Committed Loan included in such Committed Borrowing. Any payment by a Borrower shall be without prejudice to any claim such Borrower may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to the Administrative Agent. (ii) Payments by Borrowers; Presumptions by Administrative Agent. Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or the L/C Issuer hereunder that such Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, the amount due. In such event, if such Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation. A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender or any Borrower with respect to any amount owing under this subsection (b) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error. (c) Failure to Satisfy Conditions Precedent. If any Lender makes available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such Lender as provided in the foregoing provisions of this Article II, and such funds are not made available to the applicable Borrower by the Administrative Agent because the conditions to the applicable Credit Extension set forth in Article IV are not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof, the Administrative Agent shall return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to such Lender, without interest. 65 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(d) Obligations of the Administrative Agent and Lenders Several. The obligations of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereunder to make Committed Loans, to fund participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans and to make payments pursuant to Section 11.04(c) are several and not joint. The failure of any Lender to make any Committed Loan, to fund any such participation or to make any payment under Section 11.04(c) on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender nor the Administrative Agent shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Committed Loan, to purchase its participation or to make its payment under Section 11.04(c). (e) Funding Source. Nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any Lender to obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner or to constitute a representation by any Lender that it has obtained or will obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner. 2.13 Sharing of Payments by Lenders. If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of the Committed Loans made by it, or the participations in L/C Obligations or in Swing Line Loans held by it resulting in such Lender’s receiving payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of such Committed Loans or participations and accrued interest thereon greater than its pro rata share thereof as provided herein, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Committed Loans and subparticipations in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans of the other Lenders, or make such other adjustments as shall be equitable, so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Committed Loans and other amounts owing them, provided that: (i) if any such participations or subparticipations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations or subparticipations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest; and (ii) the provisions of this Section shall not be construed to apply to (x) any payment made by or on behalf of the Borrowers pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement (including the application of funds arising from the existence of a Defaulting Lender), (y) the application of Cash Collateral provided for in Section 2.15, or (z) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Committed Loans or subparticipations in L/C Obligations or Swing Line Loans to any assignee or participant, other than an assignment to any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this Section shall apply). Each Loan Party consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against such Loan Party rights of setoff and counterclaim with 66 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Loan Party in the amount of such participation. 2.14 Increase in Commitments. (a) Request for Increase. Provided there exists no Default, upon notice to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly notify the Lenders), the Borrower Agent may from time to time, request an increase in the Aggregate Commitments to an amount (including all such requests) not exceeding $750,000,000; provided that (i) any such request for an increase shall be in a minimum amount of $25,000,000, and (ii) the Borrower Agent may make a maximum of three such requests in any year. At the time of sending such notice, the Borrower Agent (in consultation with the Administrative Agent) shall specify the time period within which each Lender is requested to respond (which shall in no event be less than ten Business Days from the date of delivery of such notice to the Lenders). (b) Lender Elections to Increase. Each Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent within such time period whether or not it agrees to increase its Commitment and, if so, whether by an amount equal to, greater than, or less than its Applicable Percentage of such requested increase. Any Lender not responding within such time period shall be deemed to have declined to increase its Commitment. (c) Notification by Administrative Agent; Additional Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower Agent and each Lender of the Lenders’ responses to each request made hereunder. To achieve the full amount of a requested increase and subject to the approval of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), the Borrower Agent may also invite one or more additional Eligible Assignees to become Lenders pursuant to a joinder agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel. (d) Effective Date and Allocations. If the Aggregate Commitments are increased in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Agent shall determine the effective date (the “Increase Effective Date”) and the final allocation of such increase. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower Agent and the Lenders of the final allocation of such increase and the Increase Effective Date. (e) Conditions to Effectiveness of Increase. As the only conditions precedent to such increase, the Borrower Agent shall deliver to the Administrative Agent (i) a certificate of each Loan Party dated as of the Increase Effective Date (in sufficient copies for each Lender) signed by a Responsible Officer of such Loan Party certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by such Loan Party approving or consenting to such increase, and certifying that, before and after giving effect to such increase, (A) the representations and warranties contained in Article V and the other Loan Documents are true and correct on and as of the Increase Effective Date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are 67 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
true and correct as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Section 2.14, the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to subsections (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01, and (B) no Default exists, and (ii) legal opinions customary for transactions of this type (limited to opinions covering New York law, U.S. federal laws and the laws of the jurisdictions of the Borrowers). The Borrowers shall prepay any Committed Loans outstanding on the Increase Effective Date (and pay any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05) to the extent necessary to keep the outstanding Committed Loans ratable with any revised Applicable Percentages arising from any nonratable increase in the Commitments under this Section. (f) Conflicting Provisions. This Section shall supersede any provisions in Section 2.13 or 10.01 to the contrary. 2.15 Cash Collateral. (a) Certain Credit Support Events. If (i) the L/C Issuer has honored any full or partial drawing request under any Letter of Credit and such drawing has resulted in an L/C Borrowing, (ii) as of the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, any L/C Obligation for any reason remains outstanding, (iii) the Borrowers shall be required to provide Cash Collateral pursuant to Section 8.02(c), or (iv) there shall exist a Defaulting Lender, the Borrowers shall immediately (in the case of clause (iii) above) or within one Business Day (in all other cases) following any request by the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer, provide Cash Collateral in an amount not less than the applicable Minimum Collateral Amount (determined in the case of Cash Collateral provided pursuant to clause (iv) above, after giving effect to Section 2.16(a)(iv) and any Cash Collateral provided by the Defaulting Lender). (b) Grant of Security Interest. Each Borrower, and to the extent provided by any Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender, hereby grants to (and subjects to the control of) the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders, and agrees to maintain, a first priority security interest in all such cash, deposit accounts and all balances therein, and all other property so provided as collateral pursuant hereto, and in all proceeds of the foregoing, all as security for the obligations to which such Cash Collateral may be applied pursuant to Section 2.15(c). If at any time the Administrative Agent determines that Cash Collateral is subject to any right or claim of any Person other than the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer as herein provided, or that the total amount of such Cash Collateral is less than the Minimum Collateral Amount, the Borrowers will, promptly upon demand by the Administrative Agent, pay or provide to the Administrative Agent additional Cash Collateral in an amount sufficient to eliminate such deficiency. All Cash Collateral (other than credit support not constituting funds subject to deposit) shall be maintained in blocked, non-interest bearing deposit accounts at HSBC. The Borrowers shall pay on demand therefor from time to time all customary account opening, activity and other administrative fees and charges in connection with the maintenance and disbursement of Cash Collateral. 68 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(c) Application. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Cash Collateral provided under any of this Section 2.15 or Sections 2.03, 2.05, 2.16 or 8.02 in respect of Letters of Credit shall be held and applied to the satisfaction of the specific L/C Obligations, obligations to fund participations therein (including, as to Cash Collateral provided by a Defaulting Lender, any interest accrued on such obligation) and other obligations for which the Cash Collateral was so provided, prior to any other application of such property as may otherwise be provided for herein. (d) Release. Cash Collateral (or the appropriate portion thereof) provided to reduce Fronting Exposure or to secure other obligations shall be released promptly following (i) the elimination of the applicable Fronting Exposure or other obligations giving rise thereto (including by the termination of Defaulting Lender status of the applicable Lender (or, as appropriate, its assignee following compliance with Section 11.06(b)(vi))) or (ii) the determination by the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer that there exists excess Cash Collateral; provided, however, the Person providing Cash Collateral and the L/C Issuer may agree that Cash Collateral shall not be released but instead held to support future anticipated Fronting Exposure or other obligations. 2.16 Defaulting Lenders. (a) Adjustments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as that Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable Law: (i) Waivers and Amendments. Such Defaulting Lender’s right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in the definition of “Required Lenders” and Section 11.01. (ii) Defaulting Lender Waterfall. Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article VIII or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 11.08 shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second, to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender hereunder; third, to Cash Collateralize the L/C Issuer’s Fronting Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender in accordance with Section 2.15; fourth, as the Borrower Agent may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; fifth, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Agent, to be held in a deposit account and released pro rata in order to (x) satisfy such Defaulting Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Loans under this Agreement and (y) Cash Collateralize the L/C Issuer’s future Fronting Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender with respect to future Letters of Credit issued under this Agreement, in accordance with Section 2.15; sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the 69 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
Lenders, the L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; seventh, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrowers as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by a Borrower against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and eighth, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or L/C Borrowings in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share, and (y) such Loans were made or the related Letters of Credit were issued at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of, and L/C Obligations owed to, all Non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of, or L/C Obligations owed to, such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Loans and funded and unfunded participations in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans are held by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with the Commitments hereunder without giving effect to Section 2.16(a)(iv). Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post Cash Collateral pursuant to this Section 2.16(a)(ii) shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto. (iii) Certain Fees. (A) No Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive any fee payable under Section 2.09(a) for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender (and the Borrowers shall not be required to pay any such fee that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to that Defaulting Lender). (B) Each Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive Letter of Credit Fees for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender only to the extent allocable to its Applicable Percentage of the stated amount of Letters of Credit for which it has provided Cash Collateral pursuant to Section 2.15. (C) With respect to any fee payable under Section 2.09(a) any Letter of Credit Fee not required to be paid to any Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (A) or (B) above, the Borrowers shall (x) pay to each Non-Defaulting Lender that portion of any such fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s participation in L/C Obligations or Swing Line Loans that has been reallocated to such Non-Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (iv) below, (y) pay to the L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender, as applicable, the amount of any such fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender to the extent allocable to such L/C Issuer’s or Swing Line Lender’s 70 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
Fronting Exposure to such Defaulting Lender, and (z) not be required to pay the remaining amount of any such fee. (iv) Reallocation of Applicable Percentages to Reduce Fronting Exposure. All or any part of such Defaulting Lender’s participation in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans shall be reallocated among the Non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages (calculated without regard to such Defaulting Lender’s Commitment) but only to the extent that such reallocation does not cause the aggregate Revolving Credit Exposure of any Non-Defaulting Lender to exceed such Non-Defaulting Lender’s Commitment. Subject to Section 11.23, no reallocation hereunder shall constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder against a Defaulting Lender arising from that Lender having become a Defaulting Lender, including any claim of a Non-Defaulting Lender as a result of such Non-Defaulting Lender’s increased exposure following such reallocation. (v) Cash Collateral, Repayment of Swing Line Loans. If the reallocation described in clause (a)(iv) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Borrowers shall, without prejudice to any right or remedy available to them hereunder or under applicable Law, (x) first, prepay Swing Line Loans in an amount equal to the Swing Line Lenders’ Fronting Exposure and (y) second, Cash Collateralize the L/C Issuers’ Fronting Exposure in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.15. (b) Defaulting Lender Cure. If the Borrower Agent, the Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and the L/C Issuer agree in writing that a Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein (which may include arrangements with respect to any Cash Collateral), that Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase at par that portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Committed Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans to be held on a pro rata basis by the Lenders in accordance with their Applicable Percentages (without giving effect to Section 2.16(a)(iv)), whereupon such Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrowers while that Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided, further, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender. 2.17 Appointment and Authorization of Borrower Agent. (a) JHBP (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) hereby designates, appoints, authorizes and empowers JHIFDAC (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) as its agent and hereby irrevocably authorizes and directs JHIFDAC to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and any other instruments, documents and 71 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
agreements referred to herein or therein, and to exercise such powers and to perform such duties hereunder and thereunder, and such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto, including, without limitation, to submit on behalf of JHBP (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) Requests for Extension of Credit and Letter of Credit Applications in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, each such document to be submitted by JHIFDAC (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) to the applicable recipient as soon as practicable after its receipt of a request to do so from JHBP (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement). (b) JHIFDAC (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement)is further authorized and directed by JHBP (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) to take all such actions on behalf of JHBP (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) necessary to exercise the specific powers granted in Section 2.17(a) and to perform such other duties hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, and deliver such documents as delegated to or required of JHIFDAC (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement). The Administrative Agent and each Lender may regard any notice or other communication pursuant to any Loan Documents from JHIFDAC (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) as a notice or communication from all Borrowers, and may give any notice or communication required or permitted to be given to JHBP (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) hereunder to JHIFDAC (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) on behalf of JHBP (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement). JHBP (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) agrees that each notice, election, representation and warranty, covenant, agreement and undertaking made on its behalf by JHIFDAC (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) shall be deemed for all purposes to have been made by JHBP (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) and shall be binding upon and enforceable against JHBP (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) to the same extent as if the same had been made directly by JHBP (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement). (c) JHIFDAC (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) may perform any of its duties hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents by or through its agents or employees. ARTICLE III. TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY 3.01 Taxes. (a) Payments Free of Taxes; Obligation to Withhold; Payments on Account of Taxes. (i) Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable Laws. If any applicable Laws (as 72 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
determined in the good faith discretion of the Administrative Agent with consent of the Loan Parties, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) require the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by the Administrative Agent or a Loan Party, then the Administrative Agent or such Loan Party shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding, upon the basis of the information and documentation to be delivered pursuant to subsection (e) below. (ii) If any Loan Party or the Administrative Agent shall be required by the Code to withhold or deduct any Taxes, including both United States federal backup withholding and withholding taxes, from any payment, then (A) the Administrative Agent shall withhold or make such deductions as are determined by the Administrative Agent to be required based upon the information and documentation it has received pursuant to subsection (e) below, (B) the Administrative Agent shall timely pay the full amount withheld or deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with the Code, and (C) to the extent that the withholding or deduction is made on account of Indemnified Taxes, the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after any required withholding or the making of all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 3.01) the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such withholding or deduction been made. (iii) If any Loan Party or the Administrative Agent shall be required by any applicable Laws other than the Code to withhold or deduct any Taxes from any payment, then (A) such Loan Party or the Administrative Agent, as required by such Laws, shall withhold or make such deductions as are determined by it to be required based upon the information and documentation it has received pursuant to subsection (e) below, (B) such Loan Party or the Administrative Agent, to the extent required by such Laws, shall timely pay the full amount withheld or deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with such Laws, and (C) to the extent that the withholding or deduction is made on account of Indemnified Taxes, the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after any required withholding or the making of all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 3.01) the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such withholding or deduction been made. (b) Payment of Other Taxes by the Borrowers. Without limiting the provisions of subsection (a) above, the Loan Parties shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law, or at the option of the Administrative Agent timely reimburse the Administrative Agent for the payment of, any Other Taxes. (c) Tax Indemnifications. (i) Each of the Loan Parties shall, and does hereby, jointly and severally indemnify each Recipient, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 3.01) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient, and any penalties, interest and reasonable 73 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower Agent by a Lender or the L/C Issuer (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender or the L/C Issuer, shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each of the Loan Parties shall, and does hereby, jointly and severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, for any amount which a Lender or the L/C Issuer for any reason fails to pay indefeasibly to the Administrative Agent as required pursuant to Section 3.01(c)(ii) below. (ii) Each Lender and the L/C Issuer shall, and does hereby, severally indemnify, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, (x) the Administrative Agent against any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender or the L/C Issuer (but only to the extent that any Loan Party has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Loan Parties to do so), (y) the Administrative Agent and the Loan Parties, as applicable, against any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 11.06(d) relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (z) the Administrative Agent and the Loan Parties, as applicable, against any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent or a Loan Party in connection with any Loan Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender and the L/C Issuer hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this clause (ii). (d) Evidence of Payments. As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by a Borrower to a Governmental Authority as provided in this Section 3.01, such Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt or other similar evidence issued or made available by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of any return required by Laws to report such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. (e) Status of Lenders; Tax Documentation. (i) Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at 74 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 3.01(e)(ii)(A), (ii)(B) and (ii)(D) below) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender. (ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that each Borrower is a U.S. Person, (A) any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall, to the extent U.S. federal tax laws so allow, deliver to the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax; (B) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable: (1) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Loan Document, executed copies of IRS Form W-8BENE (or W-8BEN, as applicable) establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty and (y) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Loan Document, IRS Form W-8BENE (or W-8BEN, as applicable) establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty; (2) executed copies of IRS Form W-8ECI; (3) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit F-1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of the 75 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
Borrowers within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”) and (y) executed copies of IRS Form W-8BENE (or W-8BEN, as applicable); or (4) to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed copies of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BENE (or W-8BEN, as applicable), a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit F-2 or Exhibit F-3, IRS Form W-9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit F-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner; (C) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and (D) if a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (D), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement. (iii) Each Lender agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered pursuant to this Section 3.01 expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any 76 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so. (iv) Each Lender shall, on or before the date it becomes a party hereto, inform the Irish Borrower whether it is an Irish Qualifying Lender. Any such Lender shall also promptly notify the Borrower Agent if it subsequently ceases to be an Irish Qualifying Lender or subsequently becomes an Irish Qualifying Lender. (v) If a Lender with respect to a Loan to an Irish Borrower fails to confirm that it is an Irish Qualifying Lender in accordance with Section 3.01(e)(iv) then such Lender shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as if it was not an Irish Qualifying Lender until such time as it confirms that it is an Irish Qualifying Lender. (vi) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document (but subject to the proviso in this Section 3.01(e)(vii), no Irish Borrower shall be required to make an increased payment to a Lender under this Section 3.01 or any Loan Document for any Tax deduction imposed under the laws of Ireland from a payment of interest by any Irish Borrower under a Loan Document if: (i) on the date on which the payment falls due the payment could have been made to the relevant Lender without a Tax deduction if the Lender was an Irish Qualifying Lender but, on that date, the Lender is not or has ceased to be an Irish Qualifying Lender other than as a result of any change after the date it became a Lender under a Loan Document in (or in the interpretation, administration, or application of) any law or Treaty, or any published practice or concession of any relevant tax authority, or (ii) the relevant Lender is a Treaty Lender and the applicable Irish Borrower is able to demonstrate that the payment could have been made to the Lender without the Tax deduction had the Treaty Lender complied with its obligations under Section 3.01(e)(viii); provided, however, that (A) if a Lender assigns or transfers any of its rights or obligations under the Loan Documents to an assignee Lender (or designates a new Lending Office), and at the date of such assignment or transfer (or designation of a new Lending Office) an Irish Borrower would be obliged to make an increased payment to such assignor Lender under Section 3.01(a), then such assignee Lender shall be entitled to receive increased payments under Section 3.01(a) from such Irish Borrower to the same extent such assignor Lender would have been entitled to if the assignment or transfer (or designation of new Lending Office) had not occurred; (B) the applicable Irish Borrower shall be required to make increased payments under Section 3.01(a) to a Lender that is an assignee pursuant to a request by the applicable Borrower under Section 3.06, and (C) the applicable Irish Borrower shall be required to make increased payments to a Lender under Section 3.01(a) with respect to any Taxes arising as a result of an Irish Borrower failing to comply with its obligations under Section 3.01(e)(viii). 77 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(vii) Upon request from an Irish Borrower, each Lender with respect to a Loan to an Irish Borrower shall promptly provide such information as shall be reasonably requested to enable such Irish Borrower to verify that such Lender is an Irish Qualifying Lender and to comply with the provisions of sections 891A and 891E of the TCA (or any regulations made in respect of or in connection with such sections). (viii) Each Treaty Lender and each applicable Irish Borrower that makes a payment to which that Treaty Lender is entitled shall cooperate in completing any procedural formalities as may be necessary or advisable for such Irish Borrower to obtain authorization to make such payment without any Tax deduction imposed under the laws of Ireland. (f) Treatment of Certain Refunds. Unless required by applicable Laws, at no time shall the Administrative Agent have any obligation to file for or otherwise pursue on behalf of a Lender or the L/C Issuer, or have any obligation to pay to any Lender or the L/C Issuer, any refund of Taxes withheld or deducted from funds paid for the account of such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be. If any Recipient determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by any Loan Party or with respect to which any Loan Party has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 3.01, it shall pay to the applicable Loan Party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by a Loan Party under this Section 3.01 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) incurred by such Recipient, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund), provided that the applicable Loan Party, upon the request of the Recipient, agrees to repay the amount paid over to such Loan Party (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Recipient in the event the Recipient is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this subsection, in no event will the applicable Recipient be required to pay any amount to such Loan Party pursuant to this subsection the payment of which would place the Recipient in a less favorable net after-Tax position than such Recipient would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid. This subsection shall not be construed to require any Recipient to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) to any Loan Party or any other Person. (g) Survival. Each party’s obligations under this Section 3.01 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender or the L/C Issuer, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations. 3.02 Illegality. If any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its Lending Office to perform any of its obligations hereunder or make, maintain or fund or charge interest with 78 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
respect to any Credit Extension or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the LIBOR, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, Dollars in the London interbank market, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower Agent through the Administrative Agent, (i) any obligation of such Lender to issue, make, maintain, fund or charge interest with respect to any such Credit Extension or continue LIBOR Loans or to convert Base Rate Committed Loans to LIBOR Loans shall be suspended, and (ii) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender making or maintaining Base Rate Loans the interest rate on which is determined by reference to the LIBOR component of the Base Rate, the interest rate on which Base Rate Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the LIBOR component of the Base Rate, in each case until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Agent that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, (x) the Borrowers shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable, convert all LIBOR Loans of such Lender to Base Rate Loans (the interest rate on which Base Rate Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the LIBOR component of the Base Rate), either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such LIBOR Loans to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such LIBOR Loans and (y) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender determining or charging interest rates based upon the LIBOR, the Administrative Agent shall during the period of such suspension compute the Base Rate applicable to such Lender without reference to the LIBOR component thereof until the Administrative Agent is advised in writing by such Lender that it is no longer illegal for such Lender to determine or charge interest rates based upon the LIBOR. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrowers shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted. 3.03 Inability to Determine Rates. If in connection with any request for a LIBOR Loan or a conversion to or continuation thereof, (a) the Administrative Agent determines that (i) Dollar deposits are not being offered to banks in the London interbank eurodollar market for the applicable amount and Interest Period of such LIBOR Loan, or (ii) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining the LIBOR for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed LIBOR Loan or in connection with an existing or proposed Base Rate Loan (in each case with respect to clause (a) (i) above, “Impacted Loans”), or (b) the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders determine that for any reason the LIBOR for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed LIBOR Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such LIBOR Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Borrower Agent and each Lender. Thereafter, (x) the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain LIBOR Loans shall be suspended, (to the extent of the affected LIBOR Loans or Interest Periods), and (y) in the event of a determination described in the preceding sentence with respect to the LIBOR component of the Base Rate, the utilization of the LIBOR component in determining the Base Rate shall be suspended, in each case until the Administrative Agent upon the instruction of the Required Lenders revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrowers may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of LIBOR Loans (to the extent of the affected LIBOR Loans or Interest Periods) or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans in the amount specified therein. 79 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Administrative Agent has made the determination described in clause (a) (i) of this section, the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Borrower Agent and the affected Lenders, may establish an alternative interest rate for the Impacted Loans, in which case, such alternative rate of interest shall apply with respect to the Impacted Loans until (1) the Administrative Agent revokes the notice delivered with respect to the Impacted Loans under clause (a) of the first sentence of this section, (2) the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Agent that such alternative interest rate does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding the Impacted Loans, or (3) any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for such Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund Loans whose interest is determined by reference to such alternative rate of interest or to determine or charge interest rates based upon such rate or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to do any of the foregoing and provides the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Agent written notice thereof. 3.04 Increased Costs. (a) Increased Costs Generally. If any Change in Law shall: (i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except any reserve requirement reflected in the LIBOR) or the L/C Issuer; (ii) subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (C) Connection Income Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto; or (iii) impose on any Lender or the L/C Issuer or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense affecting this Agreement or LIBOR Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein; and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making, converting to, continuing or maintaining any Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan), or to increase the cost to such Lender or the L/C Issuer of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit (or of maintaining its obligation to participate in or to issue any Letter of Credit), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or the L/C Issuer hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender or the L/C Issuer, the Borrowers will pay to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered. (b) Capital Requirements. If any Lender or the L/C Issuer determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or the L/C Issuer or any Lending Office of such 80 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
Lender or such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company, if any, regarding capital or liquidity requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments of such Lender or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit or Swing Line Loans held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by the L/C Issuer, to a level below that which such Lender or the L/C Issuer or such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time the Borrowers will pay to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the L/C Issuer or such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company for any such reduction suffered. (c) Certificates for Reimbursement. A certificate of a Lender or the L/C Issuer setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or the L/C Issuer or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this Section and delivered to the Borrower Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrowers shall pay such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 15 days after receipt thereof. (d) Delay in Requests. Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or the L/C Issuer to demand compensation pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.04 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s right to demand such compensation, provided that the Borrowers shall not be required to compensate a Lender or the L/C Issuer pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than six months prior to the date that such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower Agent of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the six-month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof). (e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Lender or L/C Issuer shall be entitled to seek compensation under this Section 3.04 based on the occurrence of a Change in Law arising solely from (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or any requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or (y) Basel III or any requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith, unless such Lender or L/C Issuer is generally seeking compensation from other borrowers in the U.S. loan market with respect to its similarly affected commitments, loans and/or participations under agreements with such borrowers having provisions similar to this Section 3.04(e). 3.05 Compensation for Losses. Upon demand of any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) from time to time, the applicable Borrower shall promptly compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense incurred by it as a result of: 81 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(a) any continuation, conversion, payment or prepayment of any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan (whether voluntary, mandatory, automatic, by reason of acceleration, or otherwise); (b) any failure by such Borrower (for a reason other than the failure of such Lender to make a Loan) to prepay, borrow, continue or convert any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on the date or in the amount notified by such Borrower; or (c) any assignment of a LIBOR Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period therefor as a result of a request by the Borrower Agent pursuant to Section 11.13; excluding any loss of anticipated profits, but including any loss or expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained. The Borrowers shall also pay any customary administrative fees charged by such Lender in connection with the foregoing. For purposes of calculating amounts payable by the Borrowers to the Lenders under this Section 3.05, each Lender shall be deemed to have funded each LIBOR Loan made by it at the LIBOR for such Loan by a matching deposit or other borrowing in the London interbank eurodollar market for a comparable amount and for a comparable period, whether or not such LIBOR Loan was in fact so funded. 3.06 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders. (a) Designation of a Different Lending Office. Each Lender may make any Credit Extension to any Borrower through any Lending Office, provided that the exercise of this option shall not affect the obligation of such Borrower to repay the Credit Extension in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04, or requires a Borrower to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender, the L/C Issuer, or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender or the L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 3.01, or if any Lender gives a notice pursuant to Section 3.02, then at the request of the Borrower Agent such Lender or the L/C Issuer shall, as applicable, use reasonable efforts to designate a different Lending Office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender or the L/C Issuer, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.01 or 3.04, as the case may be, in the future, or eliminate the need for the notice pursuant to Section 3.02, as applicable, and (ii) in each case, would not subject such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be. The Borrowers hereby agree to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender or the L/C Issuer in connection with any such designation or assignment. (b) Replacement of Lenders. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04, or if a Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional 82 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01 and, in each case, such Lender has declined or is unable to designate a different lending office in accordance with Section 3.06(a), the Borrower Agent may replace such Lender in accordance with Section 11.13. 3.07 Survival. All of the Borrowers’ obligations under this Article III shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments, repayment of all other Obligations hereunder, and resignation of the Administrative Agent. ARTICLE IV. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT EXTENSIONS 4.01 Conditions of Initial Credit Extension. The obligation of the L/C Issuer and each Lender to make its initial Credit Extension hereunder is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions precedent: (a) The Administrative Agent’s receipt of the following, each of which shall be originals or telecopies (followed promptly by originals) unless otherwise specified, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer of the signing Loan Party, each dated the Closing Date (or, in the case of certificates of governmental officials, a recent date before the Closing Date) and each in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders: (i) executed counterparts of this Agreement, sufficient in number for distribution to the Administrative Agent, each Lender and each Loan Party and the Parent; (ii) such certificates of resolutions or other action, incumbency certificates and/or other certificates of Responsible Officers of each Loan Party and the Parent as the Administrative Agent may require evidencing the identity, authority and capacity of each Responsible Officer thereof authorized to act as a Responsible Officer in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party or the Parent is a party; (iii) such certifications as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require to evidence that each Loan Party and the Parent is duly organized or formed, and that each Loan Party is validly existing and in good standing (to the extent good standing is applicable) in the jurisdiction of its organization; (iv) a customary opinion of (i) Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, counsel to the Loan Parties and the Parent and (ii) local counsel to the Loan Parties and the Parent located in Bermuda, Ireland and Nevada, each addressed to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent; and (v) a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower Agent certifying that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b) have been satisfied. 83 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(b) Any fees required to be paid on or before the Closing Date shall have been paid. (c) Unless waived by the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers shall have paid the reasonable and documented out of pocket fees, charges and disbursements of one firm of counsel to the Administrative Agent and one firm of local counsel to the Administrative Agent in each relevant jurisdiction (directly to such counsel if requested by the Administrative Agent), in each case to the extent invoiced at least 2 Business Days prior to the Closing Date. Without limiting the generality of the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 9.03, for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 4.01, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto. 4.02 Conditions to all Credit Extensions. The obligation of each Lender to honor any Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Committed Loans to the other Type, or a continuation of LIBOR Loans) is subject to the following conditions precedent: (a) The representations and warranties of each Borrower and each other Loan Party contained in Article V or any other Loan Document, or which are contained in any document furnished at any time under or in connection herewith or therewith, shall be true and correct in all material respects (provided that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality,” “Material Adverse Effect” or similar language shall be true and correct in all respects) on such respective dates on and as of the date of such Credit Extension, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects (provided that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality,” “Material Adverse Effect” or similar language shall be true and correct in all respects) on such respective dates as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Section 4.02, the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to subsections (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01. (b) No Default shall exist, or would result from such proposed Credit Extension or from the application of the proceeds thereof. (c) The Administrative Agent and, if applicable, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender shall have received a Request for Credit Extension in accordance with the requirements hereof. Each Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Committed Loans to the other Type or a continuation of LIBOR Loans) 84 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
submitted by the Borrowers shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b) have been satisfied on and as of the date of the applicable Credit Extension. ARTICLE V. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES Each Loan Party and, solely with respect to Sections 5.01, 5.02, 5.03, 5.04, 5.05, 5.06, 5.12, 5.13, and 5.15, the Parent represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that: 5.01 Existence, Qualification and Power. The Parent and each Loan Party (a) is duly organized or formed and is validly existing or the local equivalent under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, (b) has all requisite power and authority and all requisite governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to (i) own or lease its assets and carry on its business and (ii) execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and (c) is duly qualified and is licensed and, as applicable, in good standing or the local equivalent, if any under the Laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification or license; except in each case referred to in clause (b)(i) or (c), to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 5.02 Authorization; No Contravention. The execution, delivery and performance by the Parent and each Loan Party of each Loan Document to which such Person is party, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational action, and do not and will not (a) contravene the terms of any of such Person’s Organization Documents; (b) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of any Lien under, or require any payment to be made under (i) any material Contractual Obligation to which such Person is a party or affecting such Person or the properties of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) any order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which such Person or its property is subject; or (c) violate any Law. 5.03 Governmental Authorization; Other Consents. No approval, consent, exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is necessary or required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, the Parent or any Loan Party of this Agreement or any other Loan Document that has not been given or provided. 5.04 Binding Effect. This Agreement has been, and each other Loan Document, when delivered hereunder, will have been, duly executed and delivered by the Parent and each Loan Party that is party thereto, as applicable. This Agreement constitutes, and each other Loan Document when so delivered will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation enforceable against the Parent and each Loan Party that is party thereto in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to equitable principles (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in equity or at law). 85 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
5.05 Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect. (a) The Audited Financial Statements (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; (ii) fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; and (iii) show all material indebtedness and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and Indebtedness. (b) The unaudited consolidated balance sheets of the Parent and its Subsidiaries dated September 30, 2017, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the fiscal quarter ended on that date (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein, and (ii) fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby, subject, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), to the absence of footnotes and to normal year-end audit adjustments. Schedule 5.05 sets forth all material indebtedness and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of the Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the date of such financial statements, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and Indebtedness. (c) Since the date of the Audited Financial Statements, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 5.06 Litigation. There are no actions, suits, proceedings, claims or disputes pending or, to the knowledge of the Parent or any Loan Party threatened or contemplated, at law, in equity, in arbitration or before any Governmental Authority, by or against the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or against any of their properties or revenues that (a) purport to affect or pertain to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any of the transactions contemplated hereby, or (b) except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.06, either individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and there has been no adverse change in the status, or financial effect on the Parent or any Subsidiary thereof, of the matters described on Schedule 5.06. 5.07 No Default. No Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof is in default under or with respect to any Contractual Obligation that could, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document. 5.08 Environmental Compliance. Each Loan Party and its Subsidiaries conduct in the ordinary course of business a review of the effect of existing Environmental Laws and claims 86 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
alleging potential liability or responsibility for violation of any Environmental Law on their respective businesses, operations and properties, and as a result thereof such Loan Party has reasonably concluded that, except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.08, such Environmental Laws and claims could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 5.09 Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act. (a) No Borrower is engaged and each Borrower will not engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U issued by the FRB), or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock. (b) None of the Borrower, any Person Controlling a Borrower, or any Subsidiary is or is required to be registered as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940. 5.10 Disclosure. The reports, financial statements, certificates and the other written information furnished in writing by or on behalf of any Loan Party to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder or under any other Loan Document (in each case, as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished), when taken as a whole and when taken together with any reports, proxy statements and other materials filed by Parent and/or any of its Subsidiaries with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of such commission, or with any other national securities exchange or regulator, as the case may be, do not contain any material misstatement of fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading (after giving effect to all supplements and updates thereto heretofore made); it being understood and agreed that for purposes of this Section 5.10, such information shall not include projections (including financial estimates, forecasts and other forward-looking information), pro forma financial information or information of a general economic or industry specific nature, with respect to which, the Borrowers represent only that such projected information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time. 5.11 Compliance with Laws. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary thereof is in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its properties, except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted or (b) the failure to comply therewith, either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 5.12 OFAC. None of the Parent, any Loan Party, any of its Subsidiaries, any director or officer, or any employee, agent, or Affiliate, of the Parent, any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries is an individual or entity (“Person”) that is, or is owned or controlled by Persons that are, (i) the subject of any sanctions administered or enforced by the US Department of the 87 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), the US Department of State, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, Her Majesty’s Treasury, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “Sanctions”), or (ii) located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is, or whose government is, the subject of Sanctions, including, without limitation, currently, the Crimea Region, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria. 5.13 Anti-Corruption Laws. None of the Parent, each Borrower, nor to the knowledge of any Loan Party or the Parent, any director, officer, agent, employee, Affiliate or other person acting on behalf of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is aware of or has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would result in a violation by such persons of any applicable anti-bribery law, including but not limited to, the United Kingdom Bribery Act 2010 (the “UK Bribery Act”) and the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (the “FCPA”). Furthermore, the Parent, each Loan Party and, to the knowledge of each Loan Party, its Affiliates have conducted their businesses in compliance with the UK Bribery Act, the FCPA and similar laws, rules or regulations and have instituted and maintain policies and procedures designed to ensure, and which are reasonably expected to continue to ensure, continued compliance therewith. No part of the proceeds of the Loans will be used, directly or indirectly, for any payment that could constitute a violation of any applicable anti-bribery law. 5.14 Pari Passu Ranking. Each Loan Party’s obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, will, upon the execution and delivery thereof, respectively, rank pari passu, without preference or priority, with all of the other outstanding unsecured and unsubordinated Indebtedness of such Loan Party. 5.15 Holding Company. (a) The Parent does not have any material liabilities other than (i) creditors, provisions and indemnities incidental to its activities as a holding company without a material operating business; (ii) liabilities under this Agreement, and its liabilities (if any) under the Guarantee Trust Deed and the Intercreditor Deed; (iii) liabilities under the AFFA; (iv) liabilities in relation to taxation; and (v) liabilities to shareholders in their capacity as such not prohibited under the AFFA and (b) the only Person (excluding Holdings) which is a Subsidiary of the Parent, and not also a Subsidiary of Holdings, is JH Insurance and other Holding Companies. ARTICLE VI. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding, each Loan Party shall, and shall (except in the case of the covenants set forth in Sections 6.01, 6.02, and 6.03) cause each Restricted Subsidiary to: 6.01 Financial Statements. Deliver to the Administrative Agent for distribution to each Lender: (a) as soon as available, but in any event within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Parent, a consolidated balance sheet of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as 88 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
at the end of such fiscal year, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied by a report and opinion of an independent certified public accountant of nationally recognized standing reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or any qualification as to the scope of such audit; and (b) as soon as available, but in any event within 60 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Parent, a consolidated balance sheet of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal quarter, the related consolidated statements of income or operations for such fiscal quarter and for the portion of the Parent’s fiscal year then ended, and the related consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the portion of the Parent’s fiscal year then ended, in each case setting forth in comparative form, as applicable, the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, certified by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, treasurer or controller of the Parent as fairly presenting the financial condition, results of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows of the Parent and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes. As to any information contained in materials furnished pursuant to Section 6.02(b), the Loan Parties shall not be separately required to furnish such information under subsection (a) or (b) above, but the foregoing shall not be in derogation of the obligation of such Loan Party to furnish the information and materials described in subsections (a) and (b) above at the times specified therein. 6.02 Certificates; Other Information. Deliver to the Administrative Agent for distribution to each Lender: (a) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in Sections 6.01(a) and (b), a duly completed Compliance Certificate signed by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, treasurer or controller of the Borrower Agent (which delivery may, unless the Administrative Agent, or a Lender requests executed originals, be by electronic communication including fax or email and shall be deemed to be an original authentic counterpart thereof for all purposes); (b) promptly after the same are available, copies of each annual report, proxy or financial statement or other report or communication sent to the stockholders of the Parent or the Loan Party, and copies of all annual, regular, periodic and special reports and registration statements which the Parent or the Loan Parties may file or be required to file with the SEC under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, and not otherwise required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant hereto; 89 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(c) promptly after the furnishing thereof, copies of any statement or report furnished to any holder of debt securities of the Parent or any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof pursuant to the terms of any indenture, loan or credit or similar agreement and not otherwise required to be furnished to the Lenders pursuant to Section 6.01 or any other clause of this Section 6.02; (d) promptly, and in any event within five Business Days after receipt thereof by the Parent or any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof, copies of each notice or other correspondence received from the SEC or the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (or comparable agency in any other applicable jurisdiction) concerning any investigation or possible investigation or other inquiry by such agency regarding financial or other operational results of the Parent or any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof; and (e) promptly, such additional information regarding the business, financial or corporate affairs of the Parent or any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, or compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may from time to time reasonably request. Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b) (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Parent or such Loan Party posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Parent’s website on the Internet at the website address listed on Schedule 10.02; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Parent’s behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); provided that: (i) the Borrower Agent shall notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender (by facsimile or electronic mail) of the posting of any such documents and (ii) the Borrower Agent shall provide to the Administrative Agent or any Lender by electronic mail electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents upon its request to the Borrower Agent to deliver such electronic versions. The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery of or to maintain electronic copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by the Borrower Agent with any such request by a Lender for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its electronic copies of such documents. The Parent and the Loan Parties hereby acknowledge that (a) the Administrative Agent and/or the Arrangers may, but shall not be obligated to, make available to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Parent and the Loan Parties hereunder (collectively, “Borrower Materials”) by posting the Borrower Materials on IntraLinks, Syndtrak, ClearPar, or a substantially similar electronic transmission system (the “Platform”) and (b) certain of the Lenders (each, a “Public Lender”) may have personnel who do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Parent and each Loan Party or their respective Affiliates, or the respective securities of any of the foregoing, and who may be engaged in investment and other market-related activities with respect to such Persons’ securities. The Parent and the Loan Parties hereby agree that so long as the Parent or any Loan Party is the issuer of any outstanding debt or equity securities that are registered or issued 90 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
pursuant to a private offering or is actively contemplating issuing any such securities (w) all Borrower Materials that are to be made available to Public Lenders shall be clearly and conspicuously marked “PUBLIC” which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word “PUBLIC” shall appear prominently on the first page thereof; (x) by marking Borrower Materials “PUBLIC,” the Parent and the Loan Parties shall be deemed to have authorized the Administrative Agent, the Arranger, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders to treat such Borrower Materials as not containing any material non-public information with respect to the Parent and each Loan Party or its securities for purposes of United States Federal and state securities laws (provided, however, that to the extent such Borrower Materials constitute Information, they shall be treated as set forth in Section 11.07); (y) all Borrower Materials marked “PUBLIC” are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated “Public Side Information;” and (z) the Administrative Agent and the Arrangers shall be entitled to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated “Public Side Information.” 6.03 Notices. Promptly notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender (by facsimile or electronic mail): (a) of the occurrence of any Default; (b) of any matter that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, including (i) breach or non-performance of, or any default under, a Contractual Obligation of the Loan Parties or any Subsidiary; (ii) any dispute, litigation, investigation, proceeding or suspension between the Loan Parties or any Subsidiary and any Governmental Authority; or (iii) the commencement of, or any material development in, any litigation or proceeding affecting the Loan Parties or any Subsidiary, including pursuant to any applicable Environmental Laws which, in each case, if adversely determined, would have a Material Adverse Effect; (c) of any material amendment to the AFFA (it being understood notice pursuant to this subsection shall not be required prior to the time of any disclosure requirement under Item 1.01 of Form 8-K or comparable disclosure requirements for the entry into material agreements under applicable law). Each notice pursuant to this Section 6.03(a) and (b) shall be accompanied by a statement of a Responsible Officer of such Loan Party setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action such Loan Party has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto. Each notice pursuant to Section 6.03(a) shall describe with particularity any and all provisions of this Agreement and any other Loan Document that have been breached. 6.04 Payment of Obligations. Except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, pay and discharge as the same shall become due and payable, (a) all tax liabilities, assessments and governmental charges or levies upon it or its properties or assets, unless the same are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are being maintained by the Parent and the Loan Parties or such Subsidiary; and (b) all lawful claims which, if unpaid, would by law become a Lien, other than a Lien permitted by Section 7.01 upon its property. 91 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
6.05 Preservation of Existence, Etc. (a) Preserve, renew and maintain in full force and effect its legal existence and, as applicable, good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization except in a transaction permitted by Section 7.04 or 7.05 or otherwise in connection with a Permitted Reorganization and except, other than with respect to the preservation of the existence of any Borrower, to the extent that failure to be in such compliance could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (b) take all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges, permits, licenses and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business, except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (c) preserve or renew all of its registered patents, trademarks, trade names and service marks, the non-preservation of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 6.06 Maintenance of Properties. (a) Maintain, preserve and protect all of its properties and equipment necessary in the operation of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted; and (b) make all necessary repairs thereto and renewals and replacements thereof except, in the case of each of clauses (a) and (b), where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 6.07 Maintenance of Insurance. Maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies not Affiliates of the Loan Parties, insurance with respect to its properties and business against loss or damage of the kinds customarily insured against by Persons engaged in the same or similar business, of such types and in such amounts (after giving effect to any self-insurance) as are customarily carried under similar circumstances by such other Persons and providing for not less than 30 days’ prior notice to the Administrative Agent of termination, lapse or cancellation of such insurance. 6.08 Compliance with Laws. Comply in all material respects with the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its business or property, except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted; or (b) the failure to comply therewith could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 6.09 Books and Records. (a) Maintain proper books of record and account, in which full, true and correct entries in conformity with GAAP consistently applied shall be made of all financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of such Loan Party or such Subsidiary, as the case may be; and (b) maintain such books of record and account in material conformity with all applicable requirements of any Governmental Authority having regulatory jurisdiction over such Loan Party or such Subsidiary, as the case may be. 6.10 Inspection Rights. Permit representatives and independent contractors of the Administrative Agent and each Lender (which shall be coordinated through the Administrative Agent) to visit and inspect any of its properties, to examine its corporate, financial and operating records, and make copies thereof or abstracts therefrom, and to discuss its affairs, finances and accounts with its directors, officers, and independent public accountants, all at the expense of the Loan Parties and at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as may be reasonably desired, upon reasonable advance notice to the Loan Parties; provided, however, that 92 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(i) there shall be no more than one such visit per calendar year for as long as no Event of Default shall be continuing during such calendar year and if an Event of Default shall not be then continuing, only the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lender may exercise the visitation rights under this Section 6.10 and (ii) when an Event of Default exists the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or any of their respective representatives or independent contractors) may do any of the foregoing at the expense of the Loan Parties at any time during normal business hours and without advance notice. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall give the Loan Parties the opportunity to participate in any discussions with the Parent’s or the Loan Parties’ independent public accountants. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 6.02 or this Section 6.10, none of Parent, Holdings, the Borrowers or any Restricted Subsidiary will be required to disclose, permit the inspection, examination or making copies or abstracts of, or discussion of, any document, information or other matter (i) in respect of which disclosure to the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or their respective representatives or contractors) is prohibited by applicable law or any binding third party agreement or (ii) that is subject to attorney-client privilege or which constitutes attorney work product. 6.11 Use of Proceeds. Use the proceeds of the Credit Extensions for general corporate purposes (including working capital, refinance of existing debt, acquisitions, capital expenditures and distributions) not in contravention of any Law or of any Loan Document. 6.12 Additional Guarantors. (a) If, following any transaction permitted under this Agreement, the Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA constitutes less than 70% of the Group Adjusted EBITDA as of the date of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.01 and giving pro forma effect to such transaction, Borrower Agent shall notify the Administrative Agent, and promptly thereafter (and in any event within 30 days), cause, in its sole discretion, one or more Qualifying Subsidiaries to (i) become a Guarantor by executing and delivering to the Administrative Agent a counterpart of the Guaranty or such other document as the Administrative Agent shall deem appropriate for such purpose, such that after giving pro forma effect to each joinder of a Guarantor pursuant to this subsection (a), the Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA constitutes at least 70% of the Group Adjusted EBITDA, and (ii) deliver to the Administrative Agent documents of the types referred to in clauses (ii) and (iii) of Section 4.01(a) and, to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, opinions of counsel of such Qualifying Subsidiary (which shall cover, among other things, the legality, validity, binding effect and enforceability of the documentation referred to in clause (a)), all in form, content and scope similar to opinions referred to in clause (iv) of Section 4.01(a) and customary for transactions of this type (taking into account changes in law and in jurisdiction). For the avoidance of doubt, each designation of an additional Guarantor pursuant to this Section 6.12 shall be accompanied by a designation by the Board of Directors of Holdings making such Guarantor a Restricted Subsidiary for all purposes of this Agreement. (b) In addition, in the event of a Permitted Reorganization, upon the release of the Guaranty from Initial Holdings in connection therewith, its Replacement Entity, as specified by Parent to the Administrative Agent shall substantially simultaneously with such release (a) become a Guarantor by executing and delivering to the Administrative Agent a counterpart of the Guaranty or such other document as the Administrative Agent shall deem appropriate for such purpose, and deliver to the Administrative Agent documents of the types referred to in clauses (ii) and (iii) of Section 4.01(a) and, to the extent reasonably requested by the 93 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
Administrative Agent, opinions of counsel of such Replacement Entity (which shall cover, among other things, the legality, validity, binding effect and enforceability of the documentation referred to in clause (a)), all in form, content and scope similar to opinions referred to in clause (iv) of Section 4.01(a) and customary for transactions of this type). 6.13 Continued Listing on the ASX/NYSE/LSE. Ensure at all times that the common stock Equity Interests of the Parent continue to be listed on at least one of the New York Stock Exchange, the London Stock Exchange or the Australian Stock Exchange. ARTICLE VII. NEGATIVE COVENANTS A. COVENANTS OF THE LOAN PARTIES: So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding, 7.01 Liens. No Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien (except Permitted Liens) on any of their assets (including Capital Stock of Subsidiaries), whether owned on the Closing Date or acquired after that date. 7.02 Investments. No Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, make any Investments, except: (a) Investments held by such Loan Party or such Subsidiary in the form of cash equivalents; (b) advances to officers, directors and employees of the Loan Parties and Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10 million at any time outstanding, for travel, entertainment, relocation and analogous ordinary business purposes; (c) Investments of the Loan Parties in any wholly-owned Subsidiary and Investments of any wholly-owned Subsidiary in the Loan Parties or in another wholly-owned Subsidiary. (d) Investments consisting of extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the grant of trade credit in the ordinary course of business, and Investments received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors to the extent reasonably necessary in order to prevent or limit loss; (e) Guarantees permitted by Section 7.03; and (f) Other Investments so long as, after consummation thereof, no Default is continuing and the Borrowers are in compliance with Section 7.06. 7.03 Indebtedness. No Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except: 94 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(a) Indebtedness under the Loan Documents; (b) Indebtedness outstanding on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 7.03 and any refinancings, refundings, renewals or extensions thereof; provided that (i) the amount of such Indebtedness is not increased at the time of such refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension except by an amount equal to a reasonable premium or other reasonable amount paid, and fees and expenses reasonably incurred, in connection with such refinancing and by an amount equal to any existing commitments unutilized thereunder and (ii) the terms relating to principal amount, amortization, maturity, collateral (if any) and subordination (if any), and other material terms taken as a whole, of any such refinancing, refunding, renewing or extending Indebtedness, and of any agreement entered into and of any instrument issued in connection therewith, are no more restrictive on the Loan Parties (when taken as whole) than the terms of any agreement or instrument governing the Indebtedness being refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended (when taken as a whole) and the interest rate applicable to any such refinancing, refunding, renewing or extending Indebtedness does not exceed the then applicable market interest rate (as determined in good faith by Holdings); (c) Guarantees of (i) a Loan Party in respect of Indebtedness otherwise permitted hereunder of the other Loan Parties and (ii) Indebtedness of Subsidiaries which are not Loan Parties, provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness at any time outstanding guaranteed in accordance with this clause (ii) shall not exceed $50 million; (d) Indebtedness in respect of capital leases, Synthetic Lease Obligations and purchase money obligations for fixed or capital assets; provided, however, that the aggregate amount of all such Indebtedness at any one time outstanding shall not exceed $100 million; (e) Indebtedness secured by a Permitted Lien set forth in clauses (2), (4), (11), (12), (14), (16), (22) (provided that the aggregate amount of such Indebtedness, together with the Indebtedness permitted pursuant to clause (d) above, at any one time outstanding shall not exceed $100 million), (24), (25) and (26) of the definition thereof and any other clause to the extent deemed to constitute Indebtedness (other than indebtedness for borrowed money); and (f) Other unsecured Indebtedness. 7.04 Fundamental Changes. (a) None of Holdings or any Loan Party shall merge, dissolve, liquidate, consolidate with or into another Person, or, in a single transaction or series of related transactions, Dispose of all or substantially all of the assets of Holdings and the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, to or in favor of any Person, unless (i) otherwise permitted under the Indenture, or (ii): (1) if such transaction involves a Borrower, such Borrower shall be the continuing Person or the successor or transferee shall be a Person organized and existing under the laws of Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States or a 95 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
state thereof or Australia or a state thereof, and the successor or transferee Person expressly assumes, by a supplement or amendment to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, such Borrower’ Obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents; (2) if such transaction involves Holdings or any other Loan Parties, Holdings or such Loan Party, as the case may be, shall be the continuing Person or the successor or transferee shall be a Person organized and existing under the laws of Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Bermuda, the United Kingdom, the United States or a state thereof or Australia or a state thereof, and the successor or transferee Person expressly assumes, by a supplement or amendment to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, the prior Holdings’ or Loan Party’s Obligations, as the case may be, hereunder and under the other Loan Documents; and (3) after giving effect to any such transaction, no Default or Event of Default, shall have occurred or be continuing. (b) Holdings shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Administrative Agent an officer’s certificate, each to the effect that such transaction complies with the requirements of this Agreement, and an opinion of counsel stating that Obligations constitute valid and binding obligations of the successor or transferee entity, if any, subject to customary exceptions. (c) Notwithstanding the preceding clauses (a) and (b), a Permitted Reorganization shall be permitted at any time. (d) Notwithstanding the preceding clauses (a)(3), (b) and (c) of this Section 7.04, (x) the Borrowers may liquidate, dissolve or merge or consolidate with or into one of Holdings’ Subsidiaries for any purpose and (y) Holdings, the Borrowers or a Subsidiary may merge or consolidate solely for the purpose of reincorporating Holdings, the Borrowers or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, in another jurisdiction. (e) For purposes of this Section 7.04, the Disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of one or more Subsidiaries of Holdings, which assets, if held by Holdings or the Borrowers instead of such Subsidiaries, would constitute all or substantially all of the assets of Holdings on a consolidated basis, will be deemed to be the Disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Holdings. (f) Upon any consolidation, combination or merger of Holdings or the Borrowers, or any Disposition of all or substantially all of its assets in accordance with the foregoing provisions, in which Holdings or a Borrower is not the continuing obligor under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, as the case may be, the surviving or transferee entity formed by such consolidation or into which Holdings or such Borrower is merged or to which such Disposition of all or substantially all of its assets is made will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of Holdings or such Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, as the case may be, 96 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
with the same effect as if such surviving entity had been named therein as Holdings or a Borrower and, to the extent not the surviving or transferee entity, the entity formerly referred to as Holdings or the Borrower, as the case may be, will be released from the Obligations and covenants under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. 7.05 Dispositions. (a) No Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, make any Disposition, other than as set forth in subsection (c), unless: (1) Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary receives consideration at least equal to the fair market value (such fair market value to be determined in good faith by Holdings on the date of contractually agreeing to such Disposition) of the assets subject to such Disposition; and (2) at least 75% of the consideration received by Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary is in the form of cash or cash equivalents, Additional Assets or any combination thereof (collectively, the “Cash Consideration”). (b) For the purposes of this Section 7.05, the following are deemed to be Cash Consideration: (1) any liabilities (as reflected on the Consolidated Group’s most recent consolidated balance sheet or in the footnotes thereto, or if incurred, accrued or increased subsequent to the date of such balance sheet, such liabilities that would have been reflected on the Consolidated Group’s consolidated balance sheet or in the footnotes thereto if such incurrence, accrual or increase had taken place on or prior to the date of such balance sheet, as determined in good faith by Holdings) of Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets (or are otherwise extinguished in connection with the transactions relating to such Disposition); (2) any securities, notes or other obligations received by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash or cash equivalents within 180 days after such Disposition, to the extent of the cash and cash equivalents received in that conversion; and (3) any Designated Non-cash Consideration received by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in such Disposition having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Designated Non-cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause that has at that time not been converted into cash or a cash equivalent, not to exceed the greater of $100.0 million and 5.0% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets (with the fair market value of each item of Designated Non-cash Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value). 97 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(c) JHT may not make any Disposition of any Intellectual Property unless the Disposition: (1) is of obsolete assets no longer required or useful for its business; (2) is in the ordinary course of business; provided that such Dispositions in the aggregate do not exceed 10% of the fair market value of its Intellectual Property in any fiscal year; or (3) occurs with the prior consent of the Required Lenders. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this clause 7.05(c) restricts or prohibits any distribution by JHT of cash or inter-company receivables to a shareholder of JHT through dividends or the making of subordinated loans. 7.06 Restricted Payments. No Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, declare or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, or incur any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to do so, or issue or sell any Equity Interests, except that, so long as no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom, the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries may make Restricted Payments to the extent permitted by the Indenture; provided, however, that, so long as no Default is continuing and would not result therefrom, the limitations set forth in this Section 7.06 shall cease to apply upon the first date on which (a) the Corporate Rating from S&P is at least BBB- and the Corporate Rating from Moody’s is at least Baa3, or (b) all obligations and indebtedness of any Loan Party pursuant to the Indenture have been terminated or repaid, respectively. 7.07 Change in Nature of Business. No Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to engage in business in any industry sector substantially different from the industry sector in which such Loan Party and its Restricted Subsidiaries conducts business on the date hereof. 7.08 Transactions with Affiliates. No Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, enter into any transaction of any kind with any Affiliate of any Loan Party, whether or not in the ordinary course of business, other than on fair and reasonable terms (taken as a whole) substantially as favorable to such Loan Party or such Subsidiary as would be obtainable by such Loan Party or such Subsidiary at the time in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a Person that is not an Affiliate except: (a) if such transaction is among Parent, any Holding Companies, JH Insurance, Holdings, the Borrowers and/or one or more Restricted Subsidiaries or any entity that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transaction; (b) the issuance of Equity Interest by Parent, Holdings or any other Restricted Subsidiary to the management of such Person, pursuant to arrangements described in clause (k) below; (c) equity issuances, repurchases, retirements, redemptions or other acquisitions or retirements of Equity Interest by Parent, Holdings, or the Borrower 98 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
permitted under Section 7.06 and any actions by Parent, Holdings, or the Borrower to permit the same; (d) loans, guarantees and other transactions by Parent, Holdings, or the Borrower to the extent not prohibited by this Article VII (other than by reliance on this Section 7.08); (e) the entry into, performance under, and making of any payments in respect of any employment, compensation and severance arrangements and health, disability and similar insurance or benefit plans or supplemental executive retirement benefit plans or arrangements between Parent, Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, managers, employees, consultants or independent contractors (including management and/or employee benefit plans or agreements, stock/equity/option plans, management equity plans, subscription agreements or similar agreements pertaining to the repurchase of Equity Interests pursuant to put/call rights or similar rights with current or former employees, officers, managers, directors, consultants or independent contractors and stock option or incentive plans and other compensation arrangements) in the ordinary course of business or as otherwise approved by the Board of Directors of Parent or Holdings; (f) the payment of customary fees, compensation and reasonable out-of-pocket costs to, and benefits, indemnities and reimbursements and employment and severance arrangements provided on behalf of, or for the benefit of, future, current or former, directors, managers, consultants, officers, employees and independent contractors of Parent, Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of Parent, Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries; (g) transactions pursuant to permitted agreements in existence on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 7.07 or any amendment thereto to the extent such an amendment is not adverse, taken as a whole, to the interests of the Lenders in any material respect as compared to the applicable agreement in effect on the Closing Date (in the good-faith judgment of Holdings); (h) Restricted Payments permitted under Section 7.06, and Investments permitted under Section 7.02; (i) any issuance or transfer of Equity Interests, or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities, Capital Stock or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment arrangements, equity options and equity ownership plans approved by the Board of Directors of Parent, Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be and the granting and performing of customary registration rights; (j) the issuance and sale of any Equity Interests of the Borrower; (k) any contribution by Parent to the capital of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary; 99 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(l) any transaction between or among Parent, Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and any Affiliate of Parent, Holdings, the Borrower or a joint venture or similar Person that would constitute an Affiliate transaction solely because Parent, Holdings, the Borrower, or a Restricted Subsidiary owns Capital Stock in or otherwise controls such Affiliate, joint venture or similar Person or due to the fact that a director of such Joint Venture or similar Person is also a director of the Parent, Holdings, Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (or any Parent Entity); (m) customary transactions effected as part of any Qualified Receivables Transaction that are otherwise permitted under this Agreement; (n) the entering into, and payments by, the Parent, Holdings, the Borrower, and the Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to tax sharing agreements among any such Persons on customary terms; (o) transactions in which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, delivers to the Administrative Agent a letter from an Independent Financial Advisor stating that such transaction is fair to Parent, Holdings, the Borrower, or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view or meets the requirements of the introductory paragraph of this Section; (p) payments, loans, advances or guarantees (or cancellation of loans, advances or guarantees) to future, current or former employees, directors or consultants of Parent, Holdings, the Borrower, any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount not to exceed, at any time, $25 million, and employment agreements, stock option plans and other compensatory arrangements with any such employees, directors or consultants which, in each case, are approved by Holdings in good faith; (q) pledges of Capital Stock of Unrestricted Subsidiaries; (r) the existence and performance of agreements and transactions with any Unrestricted Subsidiary that were entered into prior to the designation of a Restricted Subsidiary as such Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent that the transaction was permitted at the time that it was entered into with such Restricted Subsidiary (and not entered into in contemplation of such designation) and transactions entered into by an Unrestricted Subsidiary with an Affiliate prior to the redesignation of any such Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary (and not entered into in contemplation of such designation); and (s) the existence of, and performance under, customary obligations under the terms of any equityholders agreement, principal investors agreement (including any registration rights or purchase agreement related thereto) to which Parent, Holdings, the Borrower, or any Restricted Subsidiary is a party as of the Closing Date (as such agreement may be amended or otherwise modified from time to time) and any similar agreements relating to the Capital Stock of any of the foregoing which the relevant parties may enter into after the Closing Date (except to the extent the performance of such obligations is otherwise prohibited under the terms of this Agreement). 100 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
7.09 Burdensome Agreements. (a) No Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly enter into any Contractual Obligations (other than this Agreement or any other Loan Document) that limit the ability of any Subsidiary to make Restricted Payments to any Loan Party or any Guarantor or to otherwise transfer property to any Loan Party or any Guarantor; or (b) no Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into Pari Passu Indebtedness unless such Indebtedness permits the Obligations to be secured; provided that the foregoing clause (a) shall not apply to Contractual Obligations that: (i) (x) exist on the Closing Date and are listed on Schedule 7.09 hereto and (y) to the extent Contractual Obligations permitted by clause (x) are set forth in an agreement evidencing any permitted refinancing Indebtedness incurred to refinance such Indebtedness or obligation so long as such permitted refinancing Indebtedness does not materially expand the scope of such Contractual Obligation (as determined in good faith by Holdings); (ii) are binding on a Restricted Subsidiary at the time such Restricted Subsidiary first becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings, so long as such contractual obligations were not entered into in contemplation of such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings; (iii) represent Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Loan Party to the extent such Indebtedness is permitted by Section 7.03; (iv) arise pursuant to agreements entered into with respect to any sale, transfer, lease, license or other Disposition permitted by Section 7.05, including customary restrictions with respect to a Subsidiary of Holdings pursuant to an agreement that has been entered into for the sale, transfer, lease, license or other Disposition of the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary, and applicable solely to assets under such sale, transfer, lease, license or other Disposition; (v) are customary provisions in joint venture agreements, partnership agreements, limited liability company organizational governance document, and other similar agreements applicable to partnerships, limited liability companies, Joint Ventures and similar Persons permitted by Section 7.02 or Section 7.06 and applicable solely to such Persons or the transfer of ownership therein; (vi) are customary restrictions on leases, subleases, service agreements, product sales, licenses and sublicenses (including with respect to Intellectual Property) or asset sale agreements otherwise permitted hereby so long as such restrictions relate to the assets subject thereto; (vii) compromise restrictions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 7.07 to the extent that such restrictions apply only to the specific property or asset securing such Indebtedness; 101 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(viii) are customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment or transfers of any lease governing a leasehold interest of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary; (ix) are customary provisions restricting assignment or transfers of any lease governing a leasehold interest of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary; (x) are restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed (including by customers) under agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business; (xi) are imposed by applicable law; (xii) are customary net worth provisions contained in real property leases entered into by Subsidiaries of Holdings, so long as Holdings has determined in good faith that such net worth provisions could not reasonably be expected to impair the ability of Holdings to meet their ongoing obligation; (xiii) comprise restrictions imposed by any agreement governing Indebtedness entered into after the Closing Date and permitted under Section 7.03 that are, taken as a whole, in the good-faith judgment of Holdings, no more restrictive with respect to Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary than customary market terms for Indebtedness of such type (and, in any event, are no more restrictive than the restrictions contained in this Agreement), so long as Holdings shall have determined in good faith that such restrictions will not materially impair its obligation or ability to make any payments required hereunder; (xiv) arise in connection with purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of business or Capitalized Lease Obligations; (xv) arise in connection with any agreement or other instrument of a Person or relating to Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person, which Person is acquired by or merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or any other transaction is entered into with any such Acquisition, merger, consolidation or amalgamation, in existence at the time of such Acquisition or at the time it merges, consolidates or amalgamates with or into Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person (but, in any such case, not created in contemplation thereof), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person so acquired and its Subsidiaries, or the property or assets of the Person so acquired and its Subsidiaries or the property or assets so acquired or redesignated; (xvi) are restrictions or conditions contained in any trading, netting, operating, construction, service, supply, purchase, sale or other agreement to which Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is a party entered into in the ordinary course of business; 102 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(xvii) arise in connection with case or other deposits imposed by agreements permitted under Section 7.01, Section 7.02 or Section 7.06 entered into in the ordinary course of business; (xviii) restrictions with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary that was previously an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to or by reason of an agreement that such Restricted Subsidiary is a party to or entered into before the date on which such Subsidiary became a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that such agreement was not entered into in anticipation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary becoming a Restricted Subsidiary and any such or restriction does not extend to any assets or property of Holdings or any other Restricted Subsidiary other than the assets and property of such Subsidiary; (xix) restrictions created in connection with any Qualified Receivables Transaction that, in the good faith determination of the Borrower, are necessary or advisable to effect such Qualified Receivables Transaction; (xx) are any encumbrances or restrictions imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (i) through (xx) of this Section 7.09; provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings are, in the good-faith judgment of Holdings, no more restrictive in any material respect with respect to such encumbrance and other restrictions taken as a whole than those prior to such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, supplement, refunding, replacement or refinancing; and (c) No Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit as Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly enter into any guarantee, indemnity or other form of financial support in relation to the obligations under the AFFA of the Performing Subsidiary, other than as existing as of the Closing Date. 7.10 Use of Proceeds. No Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit as Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly use the proceeds of any Credit Extension, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, to purchase or carry margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U of the FRB) or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock or to refund indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose. 7.11 Financial Covenants. (a) Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio. Holdings shall not permit the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio as of the end of any four fiscal quarter period of the Parent for which financial statements have been delivered under Section 6.01 to be less than 3.25:1.00; and (b) Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio. Holdings shall not permit the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio as of the end of any four fiscal quarter period of the Parent for which financial statements have been delivered under Section 6.01 to be greater 103 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
than 3.00:1.00; provided that such ratio shall be reset to 3:25:1.00 after a Material Acquisition for a period of four full fiscal quarters from the date of such Material Acquisition. 7.12 Sanctions. None of Holdings and its Subsidiaries shall use the proceeds of any Credit Extension, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person, (i) to fund any activities or business of or with any Person, or in any country or territory, that, at the time of such funding, is, or whose government is, the subject of Sanctions or (ii) in any other manner that would result in a violation of Sanctions by any Person (including any Person participating in the Credit Extension, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise). 7.13 Anti-Corruption Laws. None of Holdings and its Subsidiaries shall use the proceeds of any Credit Extension for any purpose which would breach the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 or the UK Bribery Act 2010. B. COVENANTS OF THE PARENT: So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding, the Parent shall not, directly or indirectly: 7.14 AFFA Amendments. Voluntarily agree to any amendment to the AFFA, the primary effect of which is to increase the mandatory annual funding obligations of the Performing Subsidiary (as defined in the AFFA). Notwithstanding the foregoing, other than as described above with respect to the proposed changes to mandatory annual payment obligations under the AFFA, the Loan Parties shall not be restricted in any manner whatsoever from their ability to amend the AFFA in any other respect and to make payments, including prepayments, or otherwise exercise their respective rights and comply with their respective obligations under the AFFA in their sole discretion. 7.15 Change in Nature of Business. (a) Engage in business in any industry sector substantially different from the industry sector in which Parent conducts business on the date hereof. (b) permit to exist any material liabilities other than those listed in Section 5.15; (c) directly or indirectly through any Subsidiaries who are not Holdings or any Subsidiary of Holdings, to hold any material assets (other than Equity Interests of any Person who also does not hold any material assets), provided, that for the avoidance of doubt, neither any Unrestricted Subsidiary nor JH Insurance and its assets constitute “material assets” for the purposes of this clause; and (d) permit any Person other than Holdings, JH Insurance and any Holding Companies to be Subsidiaries of the Parent unless such Person is also a Subsidiary of Holdings. 104 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
ARTICLE VIII. EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES 8.01 Events of Default. Any of the following shall constitute an Event of Default: (a) Non-Payment. Any Borrower or any other Loan Party fails to pay (i) when and as required to be paid herein, any amount of principal of any Loan or any L/C Obligation; provided, any failure to pay that would otherwise constitute an Event of Default under this Section 8.01(a)(i) shall not result in an Event of Default if (x) such failure is attributable solely to an administrative or technical error; (y) the Borrower can demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the Administrative Agent that sufficient funds were available to enable the Borrower to make the relevant payment when due; and (z) such default is remedied within one (1) Business Day, or (ii) within five days after the same becomes due, any interest on any Loan or on any L/C Obligation, any fee due hereunder or any other amount payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document; or (b) Specific Covenants. Any Loan Party or the Parent fails to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in any of Section 6.03 (a), 6.05 (a) (with respect to the legal existence of Holdings and the Borrowers only), 6.11 or Article VII; or (c) Other Defaults. Any Loan Party fails to perform or observe any other covenant or agreement (not specified in subsection (a) or (b) above) contained in any Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure continues for 30 days after notice of such failure shall have been delivered by the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders to any Loan Party; or (d) Representations and Warranties. Any representation, warranty, certification or statement of fact made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Borrower, any other Loan Party or the Parent herein, in any other Loan Document, or in any document delivered in connection herewith or therewith shall be incorrect or misleading in any material respect when made or deemed made; or (e) Cross-Default. (i) Any Borrower or any Subsidiary (A) fails to make any payment when due (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or otherwise) and such failure continues beyond the period of grace if any set forth in the documentation governing such payment in respect of any Indebtedness or Guarantee (other than Indebtedness hereunder and Indebtedness under Swap Contracts) having an aggregate principal amount (including undrawn committed or available amounts and including amounts owing to all creditors under any combined or syndicated credit arrangement) of more than the Threshold Amount, or (B) fails to observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to any such Indebtedness or Guarantee or contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto, or any other event occurs, the effect of which default or other event is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness or the beneficiary or beneficiaries of such Guarantee (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or beneficiaries) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such Indebtedness to be demanded or to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or 105 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
otherwise), prior to its stated maturity, or (ii) there occurs under any Swap Contract an Early Termination Date (as defined in such Swap Contract) resulting from (A) any event of default under such Swap Contract as to which any Borrower or any Subsidiary is the Defaulting Party (as defined in such Swap Contract) but in any event excluding any Termination Event (as so defined) under such Swap Contract as to which any Borrower or any Subsidiary is an Affected Party (as so defined) and, in either event, the Swap Termination Value owed by such Borrower or such Subsidiary as a result thereof is greater than the Threshold Amount; or (f) Insolvency Proceedings, Etc. Any Loan Party or any of its Material Subsidiaries institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for 60 calendar days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for 60 calendar days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or (g) Inability to Pay Debts; Attachment. (i) any Borrower or any Material Subsidiary becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due, or (ii) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of any Borrower or any Material Subsidiary and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within 60 days after its issue or levy; or (h) Judgments. There is entered against any Borrower or any Material Subsidiary (i) one or more final judgments or orders for the payment of money in an aggregate amount (as to all such judgments or orders) exceeding the Threshold Amount (to the extent not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer does not dispute coverage), and enforcement proceedings are commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order, unless such judgments or orders shall have been satisfied, vacated, discharged, stayed or bonded pending appeal within 60 days from the entry thereof; or (i) Invalidity of Loan Documents. Any provision of any Loan Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder or satisfaction in full of all the Obligations, ceases to be in full force and effect; or any Loan Party or any other Person contests in any manner the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Loan Document; or any Loan Party denies that it has any or further liability or obligation under any Loan Document, or purports to revoke, terminate or rescind any provision of any Loan Document. 106 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
8.02 Remedies Upon Event of Default. If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Administrative Agent shall, at the request of, or may, with the consent of, the Required Lenders, take any or all of the following actions: (a) declare the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and any obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions to be terminated, whereupon such commitments and obligation shall be terminated; (b) declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower; (c) require that the Borrowers Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations (in an amount equal to the Minimum Collateral Amount with respect thereto); and (d) exercise on behalf of itself, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer all rights and remedies available to it, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer under the Loan Documents; provided, however, that upon the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to a Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, the obligation of each Lender to make Loans and any obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions shall automatically terminate, the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans and all interest and other amounts as aforesaid shall automatically become due and payable, and the obligation of the Borrowers to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations as aforesaid shall automatically become effective, in each case without further act of the Administrative Agent or any Lender. 8.03 Application of Funds. After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 8.02 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable and the L/C Obligations have automatically been required to be Cash Collateralized as set forth in the proviso to Section 8.02), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall, subject to the provisions of Sections 2.15 and 2.16, be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order: First, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent and amounts payable under Article III) payable to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such; Second, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal, interest and Letter of Credit Fees) payable to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the respective Lenders and the L/C Issuer and amounts payable under Article III), ratably among them in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Second payable to them; 107 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
Third, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid Letter of Credit Fees and interest on the Loans, L/C Borrowings and other Obligations, ratably among the Lenders and the L/C Issuer in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them; Fourth, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans and L/C Borrowings, and any breakage, termination or other payments under Cash Management Agreements or Hedge Agreements, ratably among the Lenders, the L/C Issuer, Cash Management Banks and Hedge Banks in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth held by them; Fifth, to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer, to Cash Collateralize that portion of L/C Obligations comprised of the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit to the extent not otherwise Cash Collateralized by the Borrowers pursuant to Sections 2.03 and 2.15; and Last, the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full, to the Borrowers or as otherwise required by Law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Obligations arising under Cash Management Agreements and Hedge Agreements shall be excluded from the application described above if the Administrative Agent has not received written notice thereof, together with such supporting documentation as the Administrative Agent may request, from the applicable Cash Management Bank or Hedge Bank, as the case may be. Each Cash Management Bank or Hedge Bank not a party to the Credit Agreement that has given the notice contemplated by the preceding sentence shall, by such notice, be deemed to have acknowledged and accepted the appointment of the Administrative Agent pursuant to the terms of Article IX hereof for itself and its Affiliates as if a “Lender” party hereto. Subject to Sections 2.03(c) and 2.15, amounts used to Cash Collateralize the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit pursuant to clause Fifth above shall be applied to satisfy drawings under such Letters of Credit as they occur. If any amount remains on deposit as Cash Collateral after all Letters of Credit have either been fully drawn or expired, such remaining amount shall be applied to the other Obligations, if any, in the order set forth above. ARTICLE IX. ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT 9.01 Appointment and Authority. Each of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer hereby irrevocably appoints HSBC to act on its behalf as the Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, and neither Borrower nor any other Loan Party shall have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions (except as provided in Section 9.06). It is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” herein or in any other Loan Documents (or any other similar term) with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary 108 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable Law. Instead such term is used as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties. 9.02 Rights as a Lender. The Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with any Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders. 9.03 Exculpatory Provisions. The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, and its duties hereunder shall be administrative in nature. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent: (a) shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing; (b) shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents), provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable law, including for the avoidance of doubt any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any Debtor Relief Law or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any Debtor Relief Law; and (c) shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to each Borrower or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 10.01 and 8.02) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment. The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any default or event of default, except 109 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
with respect to defaults in the payment of principal, interest and fees required to be paid to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or L/C Issuer, unless the Administrative Agent shall have received written notice from a Lender, L/C Issuer or the Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such default or event of default and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” or “Notice of Event of Default”. The Administrative Agent will notify the Lenders and L/C Issuer of its receipt of any such notice. The Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to such default or event of default as may be directed by the Required Lenders in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; provided, however that unless and until the Administrative Agent has received any such direction by Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to any such default or event of default as it shall deem advisable or in the best interest of the Lenders and L/C Issuer. In no event shall the Administrative Agent be required to expend or risk any of its own funds or otherwise incur any liability, financial or otherwise, in the performance of its duties under the Loan Documents or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers under the Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to take any action or refuse to take any action which the Administrative Agent regards as necessary for the Administrative Agent to comply with any applicable law, regulation or court order. The Administrative Agent shall not incur any liability for not performing any act or fulfilling any duty, obligation or responsibility hereunder by reason of any occurrence beyond the control of the Administrative Agent (including but not limited to any act or provision of any present or future law or regulation or governmental authority, any act of God or war, civil unrest, local or national disturbance or disaster, any act of terrorism, or the unavailability of the Federal Reserve Bank wire or facsimile or other wire or communication facility). The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent. 9.04 Reliance by Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person. The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the issuance, extension, renewal or increase of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent may presume that such 110 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
condition is satisfactory to such Lender or the L/C Issuer unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender or the L/C Issuer prior to the making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts. 9.05 Delegation of Duties. The Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub-agents except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and non appealable judgment that the Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agents. Any entity into which the Administrative Agent in its individual capacity may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidations which the Administrative Agent in its individual capacity may be party, or any corporation to which substantially all of the corporate trust or agency business of the Administrative Agent in its individual capacity may be transferred, shall be the Administrative Agent under this Agreement without further action. 9.06 Resignation of Administrative Agent. (a) The Administrative Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Borrower. Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, with, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the consent of Holdings (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), to appoint a successor, which shall be a bank with an office in the United States, or an Affiliate of any such bank with an office in the United States. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required Lenders) (the “Resignation Effective Date”), then the retiring Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) on behalf of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, appoint a successor Administrative Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above, provided that in no event shall any such successor Administrative Agent be a Defaulting Lender. Whether or not a successor has been appointed, such resignation shall become effective in accordance with such notice on the Resignation Effective Date. (b) If the Person serving as Administrative Agent is a Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (d) of the definition thereof, the Required Lenders may, to the extent 111 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
permitted by applicable law, by notice in writing to the Borrower Agent and such Person remove such Person as Administrative Agent and, with, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the consent of Holdings (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), appoint a successor. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required Lenders) (the “Removal Effective Date”), then such removal shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice on the Removal Effective Date. (c) With effect from the Resignation Effective Date or the Removal Effective Date (as applicable) (1) the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (except that in the case of any collateral security held by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders or the L/C Issuer under any of the Loan Documents, the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall continue to hold such collateral security until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed) and (2) except for any indemnity payments or other amounts then owed to the retiring or removed Administrative Agent, all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender and the L/C Issuer directly, until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided for above. Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring (or removed) Administrative Agent (other than as provided in Section 3.01(g) and other than any rights to indemnity payments or other amounts owed to the retiring or removed Administrative Agent as of the Resignation Effective Date or the Removal Effective Date, as applicable), and the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this Section). The fees payable by the Borrowers to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrowers and such successor. After the retiring or removed Administrative Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Article and Section 11.04 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring or removed Administrative Agent, its sub agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring or removed Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent. (d) If HSBC Bank plc resigns as Swing Line Lender, it shall retain all the rights of the Swing Line Lender provided for hereunder with respect to Swing Line Loans made by it and outstanding as of the effective date of such resignation, including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Loans or fund risk participations in outstanding Swing Line Loans pursuant to Section 2.04(c). Upon the appointment by the Borrower Agent of a successor Swing Line Lender hereunder (which successor shall in all cases be a Lender other than a Defaulting Lender), (a) such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Swing Line 112 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
Lender and (b) the retiring Swing Line Lender shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents. 9.07 Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders. Each Lender and the L/C Issuer acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender and the L/C Issuer also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder. 9.08 No Other Duties, Etc. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the Bookrunners or Arrangers listed on the cover page hereof shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent, a Lender or the L/C Issuer hereunder. 9.09 Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim. In case of the pendency of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or any other judicial proceeding relative to any Loan Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or L/C Obligation shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered but not obligated, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise (a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, L/C Obligations and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.03(i) and (j), 2.09 and 10.04) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and (b) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same; and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender and the L/C Issuer to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.09 and 10.04. 113 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender or the L/C Issuer any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or the L/C Issuer to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender or the L/C Issuer in any such proceeding. 9.10 Guaranty Matters. Without limiting the provisions of Section 9.09, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty to the extent permitted or contemplated by the terms of the Loan Documents. Upon request by the Administrative Agent at any time, the Required Lenders will direct in writing the Administrative Agent to release or subordinate its interest in particular types or items of property, or to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty pursuant to this Section 9.10. ARTICLE X. GUARANTY 10.01 Guaranty. Each Guarantor hereby absolutely and unconditionally guarantees, as a guaranty of payment and performance and not merely as a guaranty of collection, prompt payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by required prepayment, upon acceleration, demand or otherwise, and at all times thereafter, of any and all of the Obligations, whether for principal, interest, premiums, fees, indemnities, damages, costs, expenses or otherwise, of each Borrower to the Guaranteed Parties, and whether arising hereunder or under any other Loan Document (including all renewals, extensions, amendments, refinancings and other modifications thereof and all costs, attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by the Guaranteed Parties in connection with the collection or enforcement thereof). The Administrative Agent’s books and records showing the amount of the Obligations shall be admissible in evidence in any action or proceeding, and shall be binding upon each Guarantor, and conclusive for the purpose of establishing the amount of the Obligations. This Guaranty shall not be affected by the genuineness, validity, regularity or enforceability of the Obligations or any instrument or agreement evidencing any Obligations, or by the existence, validity, enforceability, perfection, non-perfection or extent of any collateral therefor, or by any fact or circumstance relating to the Obligations which might otherwise constitute a defense to the obligations of each Guarantor under this Guaranty, and each Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives any defenses it may now have or hereafter acquire in any way relating to any or all of the foregoing. 10.02 Rights of Lenders. Each Guarantor consents and agrees that the Guaranteed Parties may, at any time and from time to time, without notice or demand, and without affecting the enforceability or continuing effectiveness hereof: (a) amend, extend, renew, compromise, discharge, accelerate or otherwise change the time for payment or the terms of the Obligations or any part thereof; (b) take, hold, exchange, enforce, waive, release, fail to perfect, sell, or otherwise dispose of any security for the payment of this Guaranty or any Obligations; and (c) apply such security and direct the order or manner of sale thereof as the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders in their sole discretion may determine; and (d) release or substitute one or more of any endorsers or other guarantors of any of the Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Guarantor consents to the taking of, or failure to 114 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
take, any action which might in any manner or to any extent vary the risks of each Guarantor under this Guaranty or which, but for this provision, might operate as a discharge of each Guarantor. 10.03 Certain Waivers. Each Guarantor waives (a) any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense of any Borrower or any other guarantor, or the cessation from any cause whatsoever (including any act or omission of any Guaranteed Party) of the liability of any Borrower; (b) any defense based on any claim that each Guarantor’s obligations exceed or are more burdensome than those of any Borrower; (c) the benefit of any statute of limitations affecting each Guarantor’s liability hereunder; (d) any right to proceed against any Borrower, proceed against or exhaust any security for the Obligations, or pursue any other remedy in the power of any Guaranteed Party whatsoever; (e) any benefit of and any right to participate in any security now or hereafter held by any Guaranteed Party; and (f) to the fullest extent permitted by law, any and all other defenses or benefits that may be derived from or afforded by applicable law limiting the liability of or exonerating guarantors or sureties. Each Guarantor expressly waives all setoffs and counterclaims and all presentments, demands for payment or performance, notices of nonpayment or nonperformance, protests, notices of protest, notices of dishonor and all other notices or demands of any kind or nature whatsoever with respect to the Obligations, and all notices of acceptance of this Guaranty or of the existence, creation or incurrence of new or additional Obligations. 10.04 Obligations Independent. The obligations of each Guarantor hereunder are those of primary obligor, and not merely as surety, and are independent of the Obligations and the obligations of any other guarantor, and a separate action may be brought against each Guarantor to enforce this Guaranty whether or not any Borrower or any other person or entity is joined as a party. 10.05 Subrogation. No Guarantor shall exercise any right of subrogation, contribution, indemnity, reimbursement or similar rights with respect to any payments it makes under this Guaranty until all of the Obligations and any amounts payable under this Guaranty have been indefeasibly paid and performed in full and the Commitments are terminated. If any amounts are paid to each Guarantor in violation of the foregoing limitation, then such amounts shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Guaranteed Parties and shall forthwith be paid to the Guaranteed Parties to reduce the amount of the Obligations, whether matured or unmatured. 10.06 Termination; Reinstatement. This Guaranty is a continuing and irrevocable guaranty of all Obligations now or hereafter existing and shall remain in full force and effect until all Obligations (other than contingent obligations not then due, Hedging Obligations and obligations under Cash Management Agreements) and any other amounts payable under this Guaranty are indefeasibly paid in full in cash and the Commitments are terminated. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Guaranty shall continue in full force and effect or be revived, as the case may be, if any payment by or on behalf of any Borrower or each Guarantor is made, or any of the Guaranteed Parties exercises its right of setoff, in respect of the Obligations and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by any of the Guaranteed Parties in their discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief 115 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
Laws or otherwise, all as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred and whether or not the Guaranteed Parties are in possession of or have released this Guaranty and regardless of any prior revocation, rescission, termination or reduction. The obligations of each Guarantor under this paragraph shall survive termination of this Guaranty. 10.07 Subordination. Each Guarantor hereby subordinates the payment of all obligations and indebtedness of any Borrower owing to each Guarantor, whether now existing or hereafter arising, including but not limited to any obligation of any Borrower to such Guarantor as subrogee of the Guaranteed Parties or resulting from such Guarantor’s performance under this Guaranty, to the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all Obligations. If the Guaranteed Parties so request, any such obligation or indebtedness of any Borrower to such Guarantor shall be enforced and performance received by such Guarantor as trustee for the Guaranteed Parties and the proceeds thereof shall be paid over to the Guaranteed Parties on account of the Obligations, but without reducing or affecting in any manner the liability of such Guarantor under this Guaranty. 10.08 Stay of Acceleration. If acceleration of the time for payment of any of the Obligations is stayed, in connection with any case commenced by or against each Guarantor or any Borrower under any Debtor Relief Laws, or otherwise, all such amounts shall nonetheless be payable by each Guarantor immediately upon demand by the Guaranteed Parties. 10.09 Condition of Borrowers. Each Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that it has the sole responsibility for, and has adequate means of, obtaining from each Borrower and any other guarantor such information concerning the financial condition, business and operations of such Borrower and any such other guarantor as such Guarantor requires, and that none of the Guaranteed Parties has any duty, and such Guarantor is not relying on the Guaranteed Parties at any time, to disclose to such Guarantor any information relating to the business, operations or financial condition of any Borrower or any other guarantor (such Guarantor waiving any duty on the part of the Guaranteed Parties to disclose such information and any defense relating to the failure to provide the same). 10.10 Limitations with respect to Irish Guarantors. (a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, the obligations of any Irish Guarantor, under or pursuant to Section 10.01 (Guaranty) shall exclude any obligation to the extent that it would result in the relevant obligation constituting unlawful financial assistance within the meaning of Section 82 of the Irish Companies Act 2014 (the “Irish Companies Act”). (b) The guarantee granted by any Irish Guarantor under Section 10.01 (Guaranty) shall only apply in respect of the obligations of a Loan Party to the extent that such Loan Party is a holding company of such Irish Guarantor, a subsidiary of such Irish Guarantor or a subsidiary of the holding company of such Irish Guarantor. For the purposes of this paragraph (b), the terms “holding company”, and “subsidiary” shall have the meanings given to them in Sections 8 and 7, respectively, of the Irish Companies Act. 116 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
ARTICLE XI. MISCELLANEOUS 11.01 Amendments, Etc. Except as otherwise set forth herein, no amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by any Borrower or any other Loan Party therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the Required Lenders and the applicable Loan Party, and each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided, however, that no such amendment, waiver or consent shall: (a) waive any condition set forth in Section 4.01(a) or Section 2.13 without the written consent of each Lender; (b) extend or increase the Commitment of any Lender (or reinstate any Commitment terminated pursuant to Section 8.02) without the written consent of such Lender; (c) postpone any date fixed by this Agreement or any other Loan Document for any payment or mandatory prepayment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts due to the Lenders (or any of them) hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby; (d) reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, any Loan or L/C Borrowing, or (subject to clause (iv) of the second proviso to this Section 11.01) any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby; provided, however, that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary (i) to amend the definition of “Default Rate” or to waive any obligation of the Borrowers to pay interest or Letter of Credit Fees at the Default Rate; (e) change Section 8.03 in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby without the written consent of each Lender; (f) change any provision of this Section or the percentage of Lenders in the definition of “Required Lenders” or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to amend, waive or otherwise modify any rights hereunder or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender; or (g) release all or substantially all of the value of the Guaranty without the written consent of each Lender, except to the extent the release of any Guarantor is permitted by this Agreement; and, provided further, that (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the L/C Issuer in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the L/C Issuer under this Agreement or any Issuer Document relating to any Letter of Credit issued or to be issued by it; (ii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Swing Line Lender in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the Swing Line Lender under this Agreement; (iii) no amendment, waiver or consent 117 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; and (iv) the Fee Letter may be amended, or rights or privileges thereunder waived, in a writing executed only by the parties thereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder (and any amendment, waiver or consent which by its terms requires the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender may be effected with the consent of the applicable Lenders other than Defaulting Lenders), except that (x) the Commitment of any Defaulting Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender and (y) any waiver, amendment or modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender that by its terms affects any Defaulting Lender disproportionately adversely relative to other affected Lenders shall require the consent of such Defaulting Lender. Notwithstanding any provision of this Section 11.01 to the contrary, (a) any provision of this Agreement or any other Credit Document may be amended by an agreement in writing entered into by Holdings, the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency so long as, in each case, the Lenders shall have received at least five Business Days’ prior written notice thereof and the Administrative Agent shall not have received, within five Business Days of the date of such notice to the Lenders, a written notice from the Required Lenders stating that the Required Lenders object to such amendment and (b) in connection with the addition of a new Guarantor to this Agreement organized in a new jurisdiction from those of the existing Guarantors, the provisions of Article X may be amended or supplemented by an agreement in writing entered into by Holdings, the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent without the consent of any Lender in order to add guaranty limitations customary for the jurisdiction of such Guarantor. 11.02 Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communication. (a) Notices Generally. Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and except as provided in subsection (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by facsimile as follows, and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows: (i) if to the Parent, any Borrower or any other Loan Party, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such Person on Schedule 10.02; and (ii) if to any other Lender, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in its Administrative Questionnaire (including, as appropriate, notices delivered solely to the Person designated by a Lender on its Administrative Questionnaire then in effect for the delivery of notices that may contain material non-public information relating to the Borrower). 118 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
Notices and other communications sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices and other communications sent by facsimile shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient). Notices and other communications delivered through electronic communications to the extent provided in subsection (b) below, shall be effective as provided in such subsection (b). (b) Electronic Communications. Notices and other communications to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e mail, FpML messaging, and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender or the L/C Issuer pursuant to Article II if such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as applicable, has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication. The Administrative Agent, the Swing Line Lender, the L/C Issuer or the Borrower Agent may each, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it, provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications. Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii), if such notice, email or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice, email or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient. (c) The Platform. THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.” THE AGENT PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE PLATFORM, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS IN OR OMISSIONS FROM THE BORROWER MATERIALS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY ANY AGENT PARTY IN CONNECTION WITH THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE PLATFORM. In no event shall the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties (collectively, the “Agent Parties”) have any liability to the Borrower, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any other Person for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses of any kind (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising out of the Borrower’s, any Loan Party’s or the Administrative Agent’s transmission of Borrower Materials or notices 119 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
through the Platform, any other electronic platform or electronic messaging service, or through the Internet. (d) Change of Address, Etc. Each of the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender may change its address, facsimile or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. Each other Lender may change its address, facsimile or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender. In addition, each Lender agrees to notify the Administrative Agent from time to time to ensure that the Administrative Agent has on record (i) an effective address, contact name, telephone number, facsimile number and electronic mail address to which notices and other communications may be sent and (ii) accurate wire instructions for such Lender. Furthermore, each Public Lender agrees to cause at least one individual at or on behalf of such Public Lender to at all times have selected the “Private Side Information” or similar designation on the content declaration screen of the Platform in order to enable such Public Lender or its delegate, in accordance with such Public Lender’s compliance procedures and applicable Law, including United States Federal and state securities Laws, to make reference to Borrower Materials that are not made available through the “Public Side Information” portion of the Platform and that may contain material non-public information with respect to each Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal or state securities laws. (e) Reliance by Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Lenders. The Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices (including telephonic notices, Committed Loan Notices, Letter of Credit Applications and Swing Line Loan Notices) purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower Agent even if (i) such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any other form of notice specified herein, or (ii) the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof. The Loan Parties shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, each Lender and the Related Parties of each of them from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower. All telephonic notices to and other telephonic communications with the Administrative Agent may be recorded by the Administrative Agent, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to such recording. 11.03 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies; Enforcement. No failure by any Lender, the L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided, and provided under each other Loan Document, are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by law. 120 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any other Loan Document, the authority to enforce rights and remedies hereunder and under the other Loan Documents against the Loan Parties or any of them shall be vested exclusively in, and all actions and proceedings at law in connection with such enforcement shall be instituted and maintained exclusively by, the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 8.02 for the benefit of all the Lenders and the L/C Issuer; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prohibit (a) the Administrative Agent from exercising on its own behalf the rights and remedies that inure to its benefit (solely in its capacity as Administrative Agent) hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, (b) the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender from exercising the rights and remedies that inure to its benefit (solely in its capacity as L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, as the case may be) hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, (c) any Lender from exercising setoff rights in accordance with Section 11.08 (subject to the terms of Section 2.13), or (d) any Lender from filing proofs of claim or appearing and filing pleadings on its own behalf during the pendency of a proceeding relative to any Loan Party under any Debtor Relief Law; and provided, further, that if at any time there is no Person acting as Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, then (i) the Required Lenders shall have the rights otherwise ascribed to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.02 and (ii) in addition to the matters set forth in clauses (b), (c) and (d) of the preceding proviso and subject to Section 2.13, any Lender may, with the consent of the Required Lenders, enforce any rights and remedies available to it and as authorized by the Required Lenders). 11.04 Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver. (a) Costs and Expenses. The Borrowers shall pay (i) all reasonable and documented out of pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of one firm of counsel (and a single local counsel in each appropriate jurisdiction) for the Administrative Agent), in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) all reasonable and documented out of pocket expenses incurred by the L/C Issuer in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iii) all reasonable and documented out of pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of one firm of counsel and a single firm of local counsel in each appropriate jurisdiction, for the Administrative Agent, all Lenders and the L/C Issuer taken as a whole) in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights (A) in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or (B) in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such reasonable and documented out of pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit (and, in the case of an actual or perceived conflict of interest where the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer affected by such conflict notifies Borrower Agent of the existence of such conflict and, thereafter one additional law firm in each applicable jurisdiction for each affected group of Persons). 121 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(b) Indemnification by the Borrower. The Borrowers shall indemnify the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof), each Lender and the L/C Issuer, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses (including the fees, charges and disbursements of one firm of counsel for all Indemnitees, a single firm of local counsel in each appropriate jurisdiction and, in the case of an actual or perceived conflict of interest where the Indemnitees affected by such conflict notify Borrower Agent of the existence of such conflict, one additional law firm in each applicable jurisdiction for each group of affected Indemnitees), incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any Person (including any Borrower or any other Loan Party) other than such Indemnitee and its Related Parties arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or, in the case of the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof) and its Related Parties only, the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including in respect of any matters addressed in Section 3.01), (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by the L/C Issuer to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit) or (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by each Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to each Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by any Borrower or any other Loan Party, and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or any of its Related Parties or any material breach of the obligations of such Indemnitee or any of its Related Parties under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents. Without limiting the provisions of Section 3.01(c), this Section 11.4(b) shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, etc. arising from any non-Tax claim. (c) Reimbursement by Lenders. To the extent that any Borrower for any reason fails to indefeasibly pay any amount required under subsection (a) or (b) of this Section to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof), the L/C Issuer, the Swing Line Lender or any Related Party of any of the foregoing, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), the L/C Issuer, the Swing Line Lender or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lender’s pro rata share (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought based on each Lender’s share of the Total Credit Exposure at such time) of such unpaid amount (including any such unpaid amount in respect of a claim asserted by such Lender), such payment to be made severally among them based on such 122 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
Lenders’ Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought), provided, further that, the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender in its capacity as such, or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender in connection with such capacity. The obligations of the Lenders under this subsection (c) are subject to the provisions of Section 2.12(d). (d) Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, no party hereto shall assert, and each party hereto hereby waives, and acknowledges that no other Person shall have, any claim against any other Person, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof provided that nothing in this paragraph shall limit the Borrowers’ indemnity and reimbursement obligations to the extent that such indirect, special, punitive or consequential damages are included in any claim by a third party with respect to which the applicable Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Section 11.04. No Indemnitee referred to in subsection (b) above shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed to such unintended recipients by such Indemnitee through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby except to the extent such damages are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Person. (e) Survival. The agreements in this Section and the indemnity provisions of Section 11.02(e) shall survive the resignation of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender, the replacement of any Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations. 11.05 Payments Set Aside. To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of any Borrower is made to the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or any Lender, or the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or any Lender exercises its right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred, and (b) each Lender and the L/C Issuer severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable 123 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
share (without duplication) of any amount so recovered from or repaid by the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. The obligations of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer under clause (b) of the preceding sentence shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement. 11.06 Successors and Assigns. (a) Successors and Assigns Generally. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that, except as otherwise permitted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including in connection with any Permitted Reorganization or as permitted under Sections 7.04 or 7.05, neither Borrower nor any other Loan Party may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an assignee in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this Section, (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of this Section, or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of subsection (e) of this Section (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in subsection (d) of this Section and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement. (b) Assignments by Lenders. Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans (including for purposes of this subsection (b), participations in L/C Obligations and in Swing Line Loans) at the time owing to it); provided that any such assignment shall be subject to the following conditions: (i) Minimum Amounts. (A) in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and/or the Loans at the time owing to it or contemporaneous assignments to related Approved Funds (determined after giving effect to such Assignments) that equal at least the amount specified in paragraph (b)(i)(B) of this Section in the aggregate or in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, no minimum amount need be assigned; and (B) in any case not described in subsection (b)(i)(A) of this Section, the aggregate amount of the Commitment (which for this purpose 124 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
includes Loans outstanding thereunder) or, if the Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment, determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent or, if “Trade Date” is specified in the Assignment and Assumption, as of the Trade Date, shall not be less than $5,000,000 unless each of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower Agent otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). (ii) Proportionate Amounts. Each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Loans or the Commitment assigned, except that this clause (ii) shall not apply to the Swing Line Lender’s rights and obligations in respect of Swing Line Loans; (iii) Required Consents. No consent shall be required for any assignment except to the extent required by subsection (b)(i)(B) of this Section and, in addition: (A) the consent of the Borrower Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required unless (1) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment or (2) such assignment is to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender; and (B) the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required if such assignment is to a Person that is not a Lender, an Affiliate of such Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to such Lender; and (C) the consent of the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender shall be required for any assignment. (iv) Assignment and Assumption. The parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee in the amount of $3,500; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion, elect to waive such processing and recordation fee in the case of any assignment. The assignee, if it is not a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire. (v) No Assignment to Certain Persons. No such assignment shall be made (A) to any Loan Party or any of the Loan Parties’ Affiliates or Subsidiaries, (B) to any Defaulting Lender or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Person who, upon becoming a Lender hereunder, would constitute any of the foregoing Persons described in this clause (B), or (C) to a natural Person (or a holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of a natural Person). 125 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(vi) Certain Additional Payments. In connection with any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder, no such assignment shall be effective unless and until, in addition to the other conditions thereto set forth herein, the parties to the assignment shall make such additional payments to the Administrative Agent in an aggregate amount sufficient, upon distribution thereof as appropriate (which may be outright payment, purchases by the assignee of participations or subparticipations, or other compensating actions, including funding, with the consent of the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent, the applicable pro rata share of Loans previously requested but not funded by the Defaulting Lender, to each of which the applicable assignee and assignor hereby irrevocably consent), to (x) pay and satisfy in full all payment liabilities then owed by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or any Lender hereunder (and interest accrued thereon) and (y) acquire (and fund as appropriate) its full pro rata share of all Loans and participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans in accordance with its Applicable Percentage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder shall become effective under applicable Law without compliance with the provisions of this paragraph, then the assignee of such interest shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender for all purposes of this Agreement until such compliance occurs. Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04, 3.05, and 10.04 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment; provided, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no assignment by a Defaulting Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender. Upon request, the Borrower Agent (at its expense) shall execute and deliver a Note to the assignee Lender. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this subsection shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with subsection (d) of this Section. (c) Register. The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower Agent (and such agency being solely for tax purposes), shall maintain at the Administrative Agent’s Office a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it (or the equivalent thereof in electronic form) and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts (and stated interest) of the Loans and L/C Obligations owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative 126 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
Agent and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrowers and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. Upon its receipt of a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee, the assignee’s Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in clause (b) of this Section and any written consent to such assignment required by clause (b) of this Section, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register; provided that if either the assigning Lender or the assignee shall have failed to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to this Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information therein in the Register unless and until such payment shall have been made in full, together with all accrued interest thereon. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph. (d) Participations. Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural Person, or a holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of a natural Person, a Defaulting Lender or any Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries) (each, a “Participant”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans (including such Lender’s participations in L/C Obligations and/or Swing Line Loans) owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, each Lender shall be responsible for the indemnity under Section 11.04(c) without regard to the existence of any participation. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, waiver or other modification described in the first proviso to Section 11.01 that affects such Participant. The Borrowers agree that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04 and 3.05 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 3.01(e) shall be delivered to the Lender who sells the participation) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section; provided that such Participant (A) agrees to be subject to the provisions of Sections 3.06 and 10.13 as if it were an assignee under paragraph (b) of this Section and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 3.01 or 3.04, with respect to any participation, than the Lender from whom it 127 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
acquired the applicable participation would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Change in Law that occurs after the Participant acquired the applicable participation. Each Lender that sells a participation agrees, at the Borrower’s request and expense, to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Borrowers to effectuate the provisions of Section 3.06 with respect to any Participant. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 11.08 as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.13 as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under the Loan Documents (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any commitments, loans, letters of credit or its other obligations under any Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan, letter of credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register. (e) Certain Pledges. Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement (including under its Note, if any) to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto. (f) Resignation as L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender after Assignment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if at any time HSBC Bank plc assigns all of its Commitment and Loans pursuant to subsection (b) above, HSBC Bank plc may, (i) upon 30 days’ notice to the Borrower Agent and the Lenders, resign as Swing Line Lender. In the event of any such resignation as Swing Line Lender, the Borrowers shall be entitled to appoint from among the Lenders a successor Swing Line Lender hereunder; provided, however, that no failure by a Borrower to appoint any such successor shall affect the resignation of HSBC Bank plc as Swing Line Lender. If HSBC Bank plc resigns as Swing Line Lender, it shall retain all the rights of the Swing Line Lender provided for hereunder with respect to Swing Line Loans made by it and outstanding as of the effective date of such resignation, including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Committed Loans or fund risk participations in outstanding Swing Line Loans pursuant to Section 2.04(c). Upon the appointment of a successor Swing Line Lender, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Swing Line Lender. 128 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
11.07 Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and to its Related Parties (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential with the applicable Person being responsible for breaches by its Affiliates or Related Parties), (b) to the extent required or requested by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over such Person or its Related Parties (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party hereto, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedy or the enforcement of any right under this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any litigation or arbitration action or proceeding relating thereto, to the extent such disclosure is reasonably necessary in connection with such litigation or arbitration action or proceeding (provided that the Borrowers shall be given notice thereof and a reasonable opportunity to seek a protective court order with respect to such Information prior to such disclosure (it being understood that the refusal by a court to grant such a protective order shall not prevent the disclosure of such Information thereafter)), (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement or (ii) any actual or prospective party (or its Related Parties) to any swap, derivative or other transaction under which payments are to be made by reference to each Borrower and its obligations, this Agreement or payments hereunder, (g) [reserved], (h) with the consent of the Borrower Agent or (i) to the extent such Information (x) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or similar obligation of confidentiality (y) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any of their respective Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower. In addition, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may disclose the existence of this Agreement and information about this Agreement to market data collectors, similar service providers to the lending industry and service providers to the Agents and the Lenders in connection with the administration of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, and the Commitments. For purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from any Loan Party or any Subsidiary relating to Parent, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or any of their respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by any Borrower or any Subsidiary, provided that, in the case of information received from any Borrower or any Subsidiary after the date hereof, such information, unless otherwise noted shall be deemed as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information. Each of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer acknowledges that (a) the Information may include material non-public information concerning a Borrower or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, (b) it has developed compliance procedures regarding the use of 129 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
material non-public information and (c) it will handle such material non-public information in accordance with applicable Law, including United States Federal and state securities Laws. 11.08 Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender, the L/C Issuer and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender, the L/C Issuer or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of any Borrower or any other Loan Party against any and all of the obligations of such Borrower or such Loan Party then due and owing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender or the L/C Issuer or their respective Affiliates, irrespective of whether or not such Lender, L/C Issuer or Affiliate shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations are owed to a branch, office or Affiliate of such Lender or the L/C Issuer different from the branch, office or Affiliate holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness; provided, that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.17 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. The rights of each Lender, the L/C Issuer and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender, the L/C Issuer or their respective Affiliates may have. Each Lender and the L/C Issuer agrees to notify the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application. 11.09 Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the “Maximum Rate”). If the Administrative Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to the Borrower. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by the Administrative Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder. 11.10 Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement, the other Loan Documents, and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer, constitute the entire contract among 130 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic imaging means (e.g. “pdf” or “tif”) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement. 11.11 Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any other Loan Document or other document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and thereof. Such representations and warranties have been or will be relied upon by the Administrative Agent and each Lender, regardless of any investigation made by the Administrative Agent or any Lender or on their behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Credit Extension, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding. 11.12 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, (a) the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby and (b) the parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 11.12, if and to the extent that the enforceability of any provisions in this Agreement relating to Defaulting Lenders shall be limited by Debtor Relief Laws, as determined in good faith by the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, as applicable, then such provisions shall be deemed to be in effect only to the extent not so limited. 11.13 Replacement of Lenders. If the Borrower Agent is entitled to replace a Lender pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.06, or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender or a Non-Consenting Lender, then the Borrower Agent may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 11.06), all of its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to payments pursuant to Sections 3.01 and 3.04) and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an Eligible Assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment), provided that: (a) the Borrowers shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee (if any) specified in Section 11.06(b); 131 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(b) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and L/C Advances, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 3.05) from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrowers (in the case of all other amounts); (c) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 3.04 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 3.01, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter; (d) such assignment does not conflict with applicable Laws; and (e) in the case of an assignment resulting from a Lender becoming a Non-Consenting Lender, the applicable assignee shall have consented to the applicable amendment, waiver or consent. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling any Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply. 11.14 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc. (a) GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. (b) SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION. EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT COMMENCE ANY ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING OF ANY KIND OR DESCRIPTION, WHETHER IN LAW OR EQUITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR IN TORT OR OTHERWISE, AGAINST ANY OTHER PARTY HERETO IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATING HERETO OR THERETO, IN ANY FORUM OTHER THAN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. 132 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(c) WAIVER OF VENUE. EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT. (d) SERVICE OF PROCESS. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 11.02. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW. 11.15 Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION. 11.16 No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility. In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document), each Borrowers and each other Loan Party acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Affiliates’ understanding, that: (i) (A) the arranging and other services regarding this Agreement provided by the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers and the Lenders are arm’s-length commercial transactions between the Borrower, each other Loan Party and their respective Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers and the Lenders, on the other hand, (B) each Borrower and each other Loan Party has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate, and (C) each Borrower and each other Loan Party is capable of evaluating, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents; (ii) (A) the Administrative Agent, each Arranger and each Lender is and has been acting solely as a principal and, except as expressly agreed in writing by the relevant parties, has not been, is not, and will not be acting as an advisor, agent or fiduciary for the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Affiliates, or any other Person 133 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
and (B) neither the Administrative Agent, any Arranger nor any Lender has any obligation to the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents; and (iii) the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers and the Lenders and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Borrower, the other Loan Parties and their respective Affiliates, and neither the Administrative Agent, any Arranger nor any Lender has any obligation to disclose any of such interests to the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Affiliates. To the fullest extent permitted by law, each Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby waives and releases any claims that it may have against the Administrative Agent, any Arranger or any Lender with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty in connection with any aspect of any transaction contemplated hereby. 11.17 Electronic Execution of Assignments and Certain Other Documents. The words “execute,” “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in or related to any document to be signed in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including without limitation Assignment and Assumptions, amendments or other modifications, Committed Loan Notices, Swing Line Loan Notices, waivers and consents) shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, the electronic matching of assignment terms and contract formations on electronic platforms approved by the Administrative Agent, or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. 11.18 USA PATRIOT Act. Each Lender that is subject to the Act (as hereinafter defined) and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower Agent that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “Act”), it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of each Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify the relevant Borrower in accordance with the Act. Each Borrower shall, promptly following a request by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, provide all documentation and other information that the Administrative Agent or such Lender requests in order to comply with its ongoing obligations under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the Act. 11.19 Judgment Currency. If, for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court, it is necessary to convert a sum due hereunder or any other Loan Document in one currency into another currency, the rate of exchange used shall be that at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Administrative Agent could purchase the first currency with such other currency on the Business Day preceding that on which final judgment is given. The obligation of the Loan Party in respect of any such sum due from it to the Administrative Agent or any Lender hereunder or under the other Loan Documents shall, notwithstanding any judgment in a currency (the “Judgment Currency”) other than that in which such sum is denominated in 134 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
accordance with the applicable provisions of this Agreement (the “Agreement Currency”), be discharged only to the extent that on the Business Day following receipt by the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, of any sum adjudged to be so due in the Judgment Currency, the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, may in accordance with normal banking procedures purchase the Agreement Currency with the Judgment Currency. If the amount of the Agreement Currency so purchased is less than the sum originally due to the Administrative Agent or any Lender from any Loan Party in the Agreement Currency, such Loan Party agrees, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, to indemnify the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, against such loss. If the amount of the Agreement Currency so purchased is greater than the sum originally due to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in such currency, the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, agrees to return the amount of any excess to such Loan Party (or to any other Person who may be entitled thereto under applicable law). 11.20 Designation as Senior Debt. All Obligations shall be designated “Pari Passu Indebtedness” for purposes of and as defined in the Indenture and all supplemental indentures thereto. 11.21 Release of Guarantors and Borrowers.Subject in each case to Section 6.12, the Lenders hereby irrevocably agree that (i) the Guarantors shall be released from the Guaranty upon consummation of any transaction permitted hereunder resulting in a Person ceasing to constitute a Subsidiary (including in connection with any designation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary), or, in the case of Holdings, upon notice to the Administrative Agent that a Permitted Reorganization has occurred and that a Replacement Entity will be substituted as “Holdings” under the terms of the Loan Documents in accordance with the terms hereof and (ii) any Borrower, upon notice to the Administrative Agent that a Permitted Reorganization has occurred and/or in connection with any other transaction permitted by Section 7.04, so long as the successor or transferee entity for such Borrower is substituted as a “Borrower” under the terms of the Loan Documents in accordance with the terms hereof. The Lenders hereby authorize the Administrative Agent to execute and deliver any instruments, documents, and agreements necessary or desirable to evidence and confirm the release of any Guarantor or Borrower pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this paragraph, all without the further consent or joinder of any Lender. Any representation, warranty or covenant contained in any Loan Document relating to any such Guarantor or Borrower shall no longer be deemed to be repeated. (b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or any other Credit Document, when all Obligations (other than (i) Hedging Obligations, (ii) obligations under Cash Management Agreements and (iii) any contingent obligations or contingent indemnification obligations not then due and payable) have been paid in full, all Commitments have terminated or expired and no Letter of Credit shall be outstanding that is not Cash Collateralized or back-stopped on terms reasonably satisfactory to the L/C Issuer, upon request of the Borrower Agent, the Administrative Agent shall (without notice to, or vote or consent of, any Lender) take such actions as to release all obligations under any Loan Document, whether or not on the date of such release there may be any (i) Hedging Obligations, (ii) obligations under Cash Management Agreements and (iii) any contingent obligations or contingent indemnification obligations not then due and payable. 135 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
Any such release of Obligations shall be deemed subject to the provision that such Obligations shall be reinstated if after such release any portion of any payment in respect of the Obligations guaranteed thereby shall be rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned upon the insolvency, bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation or reorganization of the Borrowers or any Guarantor, or upon or as a result of the appointment of a receiver, intervenor or conservator of, or trustee or similar officer for, the Borrowers or any Guarantor or any substantial part of its property, or otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made. 11.22 Amendment and Restatement; No Novation. (a) This Agreement constitutes an amendment and restatement of the Existing Credit Agreement effective from and after the Closing Date. The execution and delivery of this Agreement shall not constitute a novation of any Indebtedness or other Obligations owing to the Lenders or the Administrative Agent under the Existing Credit Agreement based on facts or events occurring or existing prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement. On the Closing Date, the credit facilities described in the Existing Credit Agreement shall be amended, supplemented, modified and restated in their entirety by the facilities described herein, all loans and other obligations of the Borrowers outstanding as of such date under the Existing Credit Agreement shall be deemed to be Loans and Obligations outstanding under the corresponding facilities described herein, without any further action by any Person. (b) In connection with the foregoing, by signing this Agreement, each Loan Party confirms that notwithstanding the effectiveness of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (i) the Obligations of such Loan Party under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents are entitled to the benefits of the guarantees set forth herein, (ii) each Guarantor hereby confirms and ratifies its continuing unconditional obligations as Guarantor with respect to all of the Obligations and (iii) each Loan Document to which such Loan Party is a party is, and shall continue to be, in full force and effect and is hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects and shall remain in full force and effect according to its terms. 11.23 Acknowledgment and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among any such parties, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any EEA Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document, to the extent such liability is unsecured, may be subject to the write-down and conversion powers of an EEA Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by: (a) the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by an EEA Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an EEA Financial Institution; and (b) the effects of any Bail-In Action on any such liability, including, if applicable: 136 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 
(i) a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability; (ii) a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such EEA Financial Institution, its parent undertaking, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or (iii) the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of any EEA Resolution Authority. 137 James Hardie Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement NYDOCS03/1067767.15


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 
Lender By: -----...L4."""--.e:::....!:C.----,¥-'-------'---­ Name: Glenn Le rer Title: Vice President [Signature Page to Credit and Guaranty Agreement]


 
Exhibit 2.17
EXECUTION VERSION



Published CUSIP Number: ________________

364-DAY TERM LOAN AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT
Dated as of December 13, 2017
among
JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY
(F/K/A JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE LIMITED)
and
JAMES HARDIE BUILDING PRODUCTS INC.,
as the Initial Borrowers,
JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL GROUP LIMITED
and
JAMES HARDIE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED,
as Initial Guarantors,
JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES PLC,
as the Initial Parent
HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Administrative Agent,
and

The Other Lenders Party Hereto

HSBC SECURITIES (USA) INC.,
as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunning Manager




        



TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS ........................................1
1.01 Defined Terms .........................................................................................................1
1.02 Other Interpretive Provisions .................................................................................41
1.03 Accounting Terms ..................................................................................................42
1.04 Rounding ................................................................................................................43
1.05 Times of Day; Rates................................................................................................43
1.06 [Reserved] ..............................................................................................................43
1.07 Pro Forma and Other Calculations .........................................................................43
ARTICLE II. THE COMMITMENTS AND BORROWINGS ......................................44
2.01 Loans ......................................................................................................................44
2.02 Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans ..........................................44
2.03 [Reserved] ...............................................................................................................46
2.04 [Reserved] ......................................................................................................... .....46
2.05 Prepayments ....................................................................................................... ....46
2.06 Termination or Reduction of Commitments ...........................................................47
2.07 Repayment of Loans ...............................................................................................47
2.08 Interest..................................................................................................................... 47
2.09 Fees .........................................................................................................................48
2.10 Computation of Interest and Fees; Retroactive Adjustments of Applicable Rate .......................................................................................................................49
2.11 Evidence of Debt....................................................................................................49
2.12 Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback ......................................50
2.13 Sharing of Payments by Lenders ...........................................................................52
2.14 [Reserved] ..............................................................................................................52
2.15 [Reserved] ..............................................................................................................52
2.16 Defaulting Lenders .................................................................................................52
2.17 Appointment and Authorization of Borrower Agent .............................................54
ARTICLE III. TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY ..........................55
3.01 Taxes ......................................................................................................................55
3.02 Illegality .................................................................................................................61
3.03 Inability to Determine Rates ..................................................................................61
3.04 Increased Costs ......................................................................................................62
3.05 Compensation for Losses .......................................................................................63
3.06 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders ..................................................64
3.07 Survival ..................................................................................................................65
ARTICLE IV. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO BORROWING ...............................................65
4.01 Conditions to Effectiveness ...................................................................................65





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4.02 Conditions to Closing ............................................................................................66
ARTICLE V. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES .......................................................67
5.01 Existence, Qualification and Power .......................................................................67
5.02 Authorization; No Contravention ..........................................................................67
5.03 Governmental Authorization; Other Consents .......................................................67
5.04 Binding Effect ........................................................................................................68
5.05 Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect ...............................................68
5.06 Litigation ................................................................................................................68
5.07 No Default ..............................................................................................................69
5.08 Environmental Compliance ...................................................................................69
5.09 Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act ....................................................69
5.10 Disclosure ..............................................................................................................69
5.11 Compliance with Laws ..........................................................................................69
5.12 OFAC .....................................................................................................................70
5.13 Anti-Corruption Laws ............................................................................................70
5.14 Pari Passu Ranking ................................................................................................70
5.15 Holding Company ..................................................................................................70
5.16 Solvency .................................................................................................................70
ARTICLE VI. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS ...........................................................................71
6.01 Financial Statements ..............................................................................................71
6.02 Certificates; Other Information ..............................................................................72
6.03 Notices ...................................................................................................................73
6.04 Payment of Obligations ..........................................................................................74
6.05 Preservation of Existence, Etc. ..............................................................................74
6.06 Maintenance of Properties .....................................................................................74
6.07 Maintenance of Insurance ......................................................................................74
6.08 Compliance with Laws ..........................................................................................74
6.09 Books and Records ................................................................................................75
6.10 Inspection Rights ...................................................................................................75
6.11 Use of Proceeds ......................................................................................................75
6.12 Additional Guarantors ............................................................................................75
6.13 Continued Listing on the ASX/NYSE/LSE ...........................................................76
ARTICLE VII. NEGATIVE COVENANTS ..................................................................76
A. COVENANTS OF THE LOAN PARTIES ................................................................76
7.01 Liens .......................................................................................................................76
7.02 Investments ............................................................................................................76
7.03 Indebtedness ...........................................................................................................77
7.04 Fundamental Changes ............................................................................................78
7.05 Dispositions............................................................................................................79
7.06 Restricted Payments ...............................................................................................80






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7.07 Change in Nature of Business ................................................................................81
7.08 Transactions with Affiliates ...................................................................................81
7.09 Burdensome Agreements .......................................................................................83
7.10 Use of Proceeds ......................................................................................................86
7.11 Financial Covenants ...............................................................................................86
7.12 Sanctions ................................................................................................................86
7.13 Anti-Corruption Laws ............................................................................................86
B. COVENANTS OF THE PARENT ...........................................................................................86
7.14 AFFA Amendments ...............................................................................................86
7.15 Change in Nature of Business ................................................................................87
ARTICLE VIII. EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES .....................................................87
8.01 Events of Default ...................................................................................................87
8.02 Remedies Upon Event of Default ..........................................................................89
8.03 Application of Funds..............................................................................................89
ARTICLE IX. ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT ...............................................................................90
9.01 Appointment and Authority ...................................................................................90
9.02 Rights as a Lender ..................................................................................................90
9.03 Exculpatory Provisions ..........................................................................................91
9.04 Reliance by Administrative Agent .........................................................................92
9.05 Delegation of Duties ..............................................................................................92
9.06 Resignation of Administrative Agent ....................................................................93
9.07 Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders ..................................94
9.08 No Other Duties, Etc. .............................................................................................94
9.09 Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim ...................................................94
9.10 Guaranty Matters .....................................................................................................95
ARTICLE X. GUARANTY .............................................................................................95
10.01 Guaranty .................................................................................................................95
10.02 Rights of Lenders ...................................................................................................96
10.03 Certain Waivers .....................................................................................................96
10.04 Obligations Independent ........................................................................................96
10.05 Subrogation ............................................................................................................96
10.06 Termination; Reinstatement ...................................................................................97
10.07 Subordination .........................................................................................................97
10.08 Stay of Acceleration ...............................................................................................97
10.09 Condition of Borrowers .........................................................................................97
10.10 Limitations with respect to Irish Guarantors .........................................................98
ARTICLE XI. MISCELLANEOUS ................................................................................98
11.01 Amendments, Etc. ..................................................................................................98








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11.02 Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communication ..............................................99
11.03 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies; Enforcement ................................................101
11.04 Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver ................................................................102
11.05 Payments Set Aside..............................................................................................104
11.06 Successors and Assigns ........................................................................................104
11.07 Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality ..............................................109
11.08 Right of Setoff......................................................................................................110
11.09 Interest Rate Limitation .......................................................................................110
11.10 Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness ..............................................................111
11.11 Survival of Representations and Warranties ........................................................111
11.12 Severability ..........................................................................................................111
11.13 Replacement of Lenders ......................................................................................111
11.14 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc. .......................................................................112
11.15 Waiver of Jury Trial .............................................................................................113
11.16 No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility ............................................................113
11.17 Electronic Execution of Assignments and Certain Other Documents .................114
11.18 USA PATRIOT Act .............................................................................................114
11.19 Judgment Currency ..............................................................................................114
11.20 Designation as Senior Debt ..................................................................................115
11.21 Release of Guarantors and Borrowers. ................................................................115
11.22 Acknowledgment and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions. ...........116

SIGNATURES................................................................................................................ S-1























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SCHEDULES
2.01 Commitments and Applicable Percentages
5.05 Existing Material Indebtedness
5.06 Litigation
5.08 Environmental Matters
7.01 Existing Liens
7.03 Existing Indebtedness
7.07 Existing Affiliate Transactions
7.09 Existing Burdensome Agreements
10.02 Administrative Agent’s Office; Certain Addresses for Notices
EXHIBITS
A Loan Notice
B Form of Note
C Compliance Certificate
D-1 Assignment and Assumption
D-2 Administrative Questionnaire
E Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificates
F Form of Solvency Certificate


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     James Hardie Credit Agreement
        



364-DAY TERM LOAN AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

This 364-DAY TERM LOAN AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into as of December 13, 2017, among JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY (F/K/A JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE LIMITED), a designated activity company duly incorporated under the laws of Ireland (“ JHIFDAC ” or the “ Initial Borrower Agent ”) and JAMES HARDIE BUILDING PRODUCTS INC., a corporation duly incorporated under the laws of Nevada (“ JHBP ” and, together with JHIFDAC, the “ Initial Borrowers ”, and each an “ Initial Borrower ”), JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES PLC, a public limited company duly incorporated under the laws of Ireland (the “ Initial Parent ”), JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL GROUP LIMITED, a private limited company duly incorporated under the laws of Ireland (“ Initial Holdings ”), and JAMES HARDIE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED, an exempt company duly incorporated under the laws of Bermuda (“ JHT ”, together with Initial Holdings, each an “ Initial Guarantor ” and, collectively, the “ Initial Guarantors ”), each lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the “ Lenders ” and each individually, a “ Lender ”), and HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Administrative Agent.
The Borrowers have requested that the Lenders provide a revolving credit facility, and the Lenders are willing to do so on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS
1.01     Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
Acquired EBITDA ” means, with respect to any Acquired Entity or Business or any Converted Restricted Subsidiary for any period, the amount for such period of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, Group Adjusted EBITDA or QS Adjusted EBITDA, as applicable, of such Pro Forma Entity (determined as if references to the Consolidated Group, Group or Qualifying Subsidiary, as applicable, in the definition of the term “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA” were references to such Pro Forma Entity and its subsidiaries that will become Restricted Subsidiaries), all as determined on a consolidated basis for such Pro Forma Entity in accordance with GAAP.
Acquired Entity or Business ” has the meaning specified in the definition of the term “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA”, “Group Adjusted EBITDA” and “QS Adjusted EBITDA”, as applicable.
Administrative Agent ” means HSBC Bank USA, National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent.


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Administrative Agent’s Office ” means the Administrative Agent’s address and, as appropriate, account as set forth on Schedule 10.02 , or such other address or account as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify to the Borrower Agent and the Lenders.
Administrative Questionnaire ” means an Administrative Questionnaire in substantially the form of Exhibit D‑2 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.
AFFA ” means (i) the Amended and Restated Final Funding Agreement dated as of November 21, 2006 (as amended prior to the Effective Date and as further amended from time to time) among AICF, James Hardie Industries N.V., and the Performing Subsidiary party thereto from time to time, and the State of New South Wales together with (ii) the Amending Agreement—Parent Guarantee dated as of June 23, 2009 among AICF, the State of New South Wales and the Parent.
Affiliate ” means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.
Aggregate Commitments ” means the Commitments of all the Lenders.
Agreement ” means this Credit Agreement.
AICF ” means Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited in its personal capacity and as trustee for the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund.
AICF Payments ” means amounts paid by any member of the Consolidated Group (x) to the Performing Subsidiary in connection with the Performing Subsidiary’s payments to AICF pursuant to the terms of the AFFA (including, for the avoidance of doubt, amounts paid in respect of intercompany obligations from time to time owed by a member of the Consolidated Group to the Performing Subsidiary) or (y) under any Guarantee in connection therewith.
Alternate Applicable Rate ” means a per annum rate equal to:
(a)
with respect to LIBOR Loans, 1.50%; and
(b)
with respect to Base Rate Loans, 0.50%.

Applicable Percentage ” means with respect to any Lender at any time, the percentage (carried out to the ninth decimal place) of the Aggregate Commitments or total Loans represented by such Lender’s Commitment or Loan at such time, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 2.16 . If the commitment of each Lender to make Loans has been terminated pursuant to Section 8.02 or if the Aggregate Commitments have expired, then the Applicable Percentage of each Lender shall be determined based on the Applicable Percentage of such Lender most recently in effect, giving effect to any subsequent assignments. The initial Applicable Percentage of each Lender is set forth opposite the name of such Lender on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable.

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Applicable Rate ” means, from time to time unless the Alternate Applicable Rate shall apply in accordance with Section 2.08(b) , the following percentages per annum, based upon the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio as set forth below:
Applicable Rate
Pricing Level
Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio
Ticking Fee
LIBOR
Base Rate
1
<0.75:1
0.200%
1.250%
0.250%
2
> 0.75:1 but <1.50:1
0.250%
1.500%
0.500%
3
> 1.50:1 but <2.50:1
0.300%
1.750%
0.750%
4
> 2.50:1
0.350%
2.000%
1.000%

Subject to clause (ii) of the succeeding paragraph, any increase or decrease in the Applicable Rate resulting from a change in the Consolidated Leverage Ratio shall become effective as of the earlier of (i) the first day of the next Interest Period beginning after the date a Compliance Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(a) or (ii) 30 days after the date a Compliance Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(a) ; provided , however , that if a Compliance Certificate is not delivered when due in accordance with such Section, then, upon the request of the Required Lenders, Pricing Level 4 shall apply as of the first Business Day after the date on which such Compliance Certificate was required to have been delivered and shall remain in effect until the date on which such Compliance Certificate is delivered.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this definition, (i) the determination of the Applicable Rate for any period shall be subject to the provisions of Section 2.10(b) and (ii) Pricing Level 3 shall apply from the Effective Date until the date of delivery of the first Compliance Certificate pursuant to Section 6.02(a) following the Closing Date, and thereafter the Applicable Rate shall be determined in accordance with this definition (other than this clause (ii)).
Applicable Time ” means, with respect to Borrowings and payments in Euro, the local time in the place of settlement for Euro as may be determined by the Administrative Agent to be necessary for timely settlement on the relevant date in accordance with normal banking procedures in the place of payment.
Approved Fund ” means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.
Arranger ” means HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. in its capacity as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner.
Asset Acquisition ” means any acquisition of property or series of related acquisitions of property that constitutes all or substantially all of the assets of a business, unit or division of a Person or constitutes all or substantially all of the common stock (or equivalent) of a Person.

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Asset Disposition ” means any disposition of property or series of related dispositions of property that involves all or substantially all of the assets of a business, unit or division of a Person or constitutes all or substantially all of the common stock (or equivalent) of a Subsidiary.
Assignment and Assumption ” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 11.06(b) ), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit E‑1 or any other form (including electronic documentation generated by use of an electronic platform) approved by the Administrative Agent.
Attributable Indebtedness ” means, on any date, (a) in respect of any capital lease of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP, and (b) in respect of any Synthetic Lease Obligation, the capitalized amount of the remaining lease payments under the relevant lease that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP if such lease were accounted for as a capital lease.
Audited Financial Statements ” means the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Initial Parent and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal year of the Initial Parent and its Subsidiaries, including the notes thereto.
Bail-In Action ” means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable EEA Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an EEA Financial Institution.
Bail-In Legislation ” means, with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.
Base Rate ” means the highest of (x) the rate that the Administrative Agent announces from time to time as its prime lending rate, as in effect from time to time, (y) 1/2 of 1% in excess of the overnight Federal Funds Rate, and (z) LIBOR for an interest period of one month plus 1.00%.
Base Rate Loan ” means a Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate.
Borrower Agent ” means the Initial Borrower Agent or any successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.04 .
Borrowers ” means the Initial Borrowers or any successor obligors to their respective obligations under this Agreement pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.04 .
Borrower Materials ” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02 .
Borrowing ” means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Loans of the same Type and, in the case of LIBOR Loans, having the same Interest Period made by each of the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01 .


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Business Day ” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the state where the Administrative Agent’s Office is located and, if such day relates to any LIBOR Loan, means any such day that is also a London Banking Day.
Capital Stock ” means:
(a) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock;
(b) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock; and
(c) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited).
Capitalized Lease Obligations ” of any Person means the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under a Capitalized Lease, and the amount of such obligation shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP.
Change in Law ” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd‑Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, and (z) the implementation or compliance with, CRD IV or CRR, or any law or regulation that implements or applies CRD IV or CRR, shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.
Change of Control ” means the occurrence of any of the following:
(a) any “person” or “group” (as such terms are defined in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person or its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan) becomes, directly or indirectly, the “beneficial owner” (as such term is defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act) of more than 50% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of the Parent, other than as a result of (i) any transaction where the voting power of the Voting Stock of the Parent immediately prior to such transaction constitutes or is converted into or exchanged for a majority of the voting power of the Voting Stock of such beneficial owner (a “ Permitted Parent ”) or (ii) any merger or consolidation of the Parent with or into any “person” or “group” (a “ Permitted Person ”) or Subsidiary of a Permitted Person, in each case, if immediately after such transaction no “person” or “group” is the beneficial owner (as defined above), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of such Permitted Person;

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(b) the Parent ceases to own, directly or indirectly, 100% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of any Loan Party; or

(c) any “Change of Control” under and as defined in the Indenture.
For purposes of this definition and any related definition to the extent used for purposes of this definition, a “person” or “group” shall not be deemed to beneficially own securities subject to an equity or asset purchase agreement, merger agreement or similar agreement (or voting or option or similar agreement related thereto) until the consummation of the transactions contemplated by such agreement.
Closing Date ” means the first date all the conditions precedent in Section 4.02 are satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 11.01 .
Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
Commitment ” means, as to each Lender, its obligation to make Loans to the Borrowers on the Closing Date pursuant to Section 2.01 , in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement. The aggregate amount of the Commitments as of the Effective Date is €525,000,000.
Compliance Certificate ” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit C .
Connection Income Taxes ” means Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA ” means, for any period, for the Consolidated Group, (1) the sum of, without duplication, the amounts for such period, taken as a single accounting period, of: (a) Consolidated Net Income; (b) Consolidated Interest Expense; (c) Consolidated Income Tax Expense (other than income tax expense (either positive or negative) attributable to extraordinary gains or losses); (d) Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense; (e) Consolidated Non‑cash Charges; less (2) non‑cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period, other than (a) the accrual of revenue consistent with past practice, and (b) reversals of prior accruals or reserves for cash items previously excluded in the calculation of Consolidated Non‑cash Charges; provided , that the calculation of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA shall exclude any Excluded Amounts to the extent such exclusion is not already reflected in the component definitions of the calculation of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA. In addition:
(1) there shall be included in determining Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for any period, without duplication, the Acquired EBITDA of any Person, property business or asset, acquired by any member of the Consolidated Group during such period (other than any Unrestricted Subsidiary) to the extent not subsequently sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of during such period (but not including the Acquired EBITDA of any related Person, property,

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business or assets to the extent not so acquired) (each such Person, property, business or asset acquired, or pursuant to a transaction consummated prior to the Effective Date, and not subsequently so disposed of, an “Acquired Entity or Business”), and the Acquired EBITDA of any Unrestricted Subsidiary that is converted into a Restricted Subsidiary during such period (each, a “Converted Restricted Subsidiary”), in each case based on the Acquired EBITDA of such Pro Forma Entity for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such acquisition or conversion) determined on a historical pro forma basis; provided that, with respect to the Fermacell Acquisition, the Acquired EBITDA of Fermacell and its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be $15.0 million for the fiscal period during which the Fermacell Acquisition is consummated and $15.0 million for each of the three preceding fiscal periods preceding such date of consummation; and
(2) there shall be excluded in determining Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for any period the Disposed EBITDA of any Person, property, business or asset sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of by any member of the Consolidated Group to the extent not subsequently reacquired, in each case, during such period (each such Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary), property, business or asset so sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, closed or classified, a “Sold Entity or Business”), and the Disposed EBITDA of any Restricted Subsidiary that is converted into an Unrestricted Subsidiary during such period (each, a “Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary”), in each case based on the Disposed EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business or Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such Disposition) determined on a historical pro forma basis.
Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense ” means with respect to the Consolidated Group for any period, the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense, including amortization of deferred financing fees, of the Consolidated Group and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise in accordance with GAAP.
Consolidated Group ” means the Parent, Holdings, each Loan Party and their Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that the Consolidated Group shall exclude, for the avoidance of doubt, (a) any Unrestricted Subsidiary and (b) any Excluded Entity.
Consolidated Income Tax Expense ” means, with respect to the Consolidated Group for any period the provision for federal, state, local and foreign income, franchise, excise, value added and similar taxes based on income, profit, revenue or capital (including any interest and penalties related thereto) of the Consolidated Group and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio ” means, at any date of determination, the ratio of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for the most recently ended four fiscal quarter period ended immediately prior to such date of determination for which consolidated financial statements are available to Consolidated Interest Expense for such period.
Consolidated Interest Expense ” means, for any period, the interest expense of the Consolidated Group for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP (including amortization of original issue discount and deferred financing costs, non‑cash interest payments, the interest component of all payments associated with Capitalized Lease

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Obligations, capitalized interest, net payments, if any, pursuant to interest rate‑related Hedging Obligations and imputed interest with respect to Attributable Indebtedness but excluding write‑offs associated with the amendment and restatement or repayment of Indebtedness and excluding, to the extent otherwise included therein, any Excluded Amounts).
Consolidated Net Debt ” means, at any date of determination, the aggregate amount of all outstanding Indebtedness consisting of third party indebtedness for borrowed money (including the Loans then outstanding), and third party obligations evidenced by promissory notes or similar instruments (less any unrestricted cash and cash equivalents to the extent not constituting Excluding Amounts) of the Consolidated Group determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
Consolidated Net Income ” means, for any period, the consolidated Net Income (or loss) of the Consolidated Group for such period as determined in accordance with GAAP. Consolidated Net Income for such period of any Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments in respect of equity that are actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) by such Unrestricted Subsidiary to a Consolidated Group member in respect of such period.
Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio ” means, as of the date of determination, the ratio of (a) the Consolidated Net Debt of the Consolidated Group as of the last day of the most recently ended four fiscal quarter period ended immediately prior to such date of determination for which consolidated financial statements are available to (b) Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of the Consolidated Group for such period.
Consolidated Net Tangible Assets ” means, in each case, with respect to the Consolidated Group the total amount of assets (less applicable reserves and other properly deductible items) after deducting therefrom (i) all liabilities and liability items, except for Indebtedness payable by its terms more than one year from the date of incurrence thereof (or renewable or extendable at the option of the obligor for a period ending more than one year after such date of incurrence), capitalized rent, capital stock (including redeemable preferred stock) and surplus, surplus reserves and deferred income taxes and credits and other non-current liabilities, and (ii) all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discount, unamortized expenses incurred in the issuance of debt, and other like intangibles which, in each case, in accordance with GAAP would be included on a consolidated balance sheet of the Consolidated Group; provided , that the calculation of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets shall exclude, to the extent otherwise included therein, any Excluded Amounts.
Consolidated Non‑cash Charges ” means, with respect to the Consolidated Group for any period, the aggregate noncash expenses of the Consolidated Group and its Subsidiaries (including without limitation any minority interest) reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
Contractual Obligation ” means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.

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

Converted Restricted Subsidiary ” has the meaning specified in the definition of each of the terms “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA”, “Group Adjusted EBITDA” and “QS Adjusted EBITDA”, as applicable.
Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary ” has the meaning specified in the definition of each of the terms “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA”, “Group Adjusted EBITDA” and “QS Adjusted EBITDA”, as applicable.
Corporate Ratings ” means the Borrower Agent’s or Holdings’, as applicable, long-term senior unsecured non-credit enhanced rating from the Ratings Agencies.
CRD IV ” means Directive 2013/36/EU of June 26, 2013 on access to the activity of credit institutions and the prudential supervision of credit institutions and investment firms, amending Directive 2002/87/EC and repealing Directive 2006/48/EC and 2006/49/EC.
CRR ” shall mean Regulation (EU) no. 575/2013 of June 26, 2013 on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms and amending regulation (EU) no. 648/2012.
Debt Issuance ” means the issuance or incurrence of Indebtedness referred to in clauses (a) or (b) of the definition thereof by the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries for the purpose of repaying or refinancing any Indebtedness (including, without limitation, the Loans) incurred to finance the Fermacell Acquisition and/or pay related fees and expenses, whether or not issued and deposited in an escrow account; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, none of the following shall constitute a Debt Issuance: (i) the amendment and refinancing on the Effective Date of, or any borrowings under, the Revolving Credit Agreement or under any existing revolving facilities of Fermacell and/or its subsidiaries, existing ordinary course working capital facilities and/or existing ordinary course letter of credit facilities, and (ii) purchase money indebtedness, capital leases and equipment leasing (and refinancings of any of the foregoing), in each case in the ordinary course of business.
Debtor Relief Laws ” means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, examinership, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect.
Default ” means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.
Default Rate ” means an interest rate equal to (i) the Base Rate plus (ii) the Applicable Rate, if any, applicable to Base Rate Loans plus (iii) 2% per annum; provided , however , that with respect to a LIBOR Loan, the Default Rate shall be an interest rate equal to the interest rate (including any Applicable Rate) otherwise applicable to such Loan plus 2% per annum.

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Defaulting Lender ” means, subject to Section 2.16(b), any Lender that (a) has failed to (i) fund all or any portion of its Loans within two Business Days of the date such Loans were required to be funded hereunder unless such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Agent in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding (each of which conditions precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing) has not been satisfied, or (ii) pay to the Administrative Agent or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within two Business Days of the date when due, (b) has notified the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent in writing that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder, or has made a public statement to that effect (unless such writing or public statement relates to such Lender’s obligation to fund a Loan hereunder and states that such position is based on such Lender’s determination that a condition precedent to funding (which condition precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing or public statement) cannot be satisfied), (c) has failed, within three Business Days after written request by the Administrative Agent or the Borrower Agent, to confirm in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Agent that it will comply with its prospective funding obligations hereunder (provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon receipt of such written confirmation by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Agent), or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, (i) become the subject of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, (ii) had appointed for it a receiver, custodian, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or assets, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other state or federal regulatory authority acting in such a capacity or (iii) become the subject of a Bail-In Action; provided that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any Equity Interests in that Lender or any direct or indirect parent company thereof by a Governmental Authority so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Lender (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Lender. Any determination by the Administrative Agent that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender under any one or more of clauses (a) through (d) above, and of the effective date of such status, shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender (subject to Section 2.16(b)) as of the date established therefor by the Administrative Agent in a written notice of such determination, which shall be delivered by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower Agent and each other Lender promptly following such determination.
 
Designated Non-cash Consideration ” means the fair market value of non-cash consideration received by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with an Asset Disposition that is designated as “Designated Non-cash Consideration” pursuant to a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer, setting forth the basis of such valuation, less the amount of cash or cash equivalents received in connection with a subsequent sale, redemption or payment of, on or with respect to such Designated Non-cash Consideration. A particular item of Designated Non-Cash Consideration will no longer be considered to be outstanding when and to the extent it has been paid, redeemed or otherwise retired or sold or otherwise disposed of in

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exchange for consideration in the form of cash or cash equivalents in compliance with Section 7.05.
Disposed EBITDA ” means, with respect to any Sold Entity or Business or Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary for any period, the amount for such period of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, Group Adjusted EBITDA or QS Adjusted EBITDA, as applicable of such Sold Entity or Business or Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary (determined as if references to the Consolidated Group, the Group or the Qualifying Subsidiary, as applicable, in the definition of each of the terms “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA”, “Group Adjusted EBITDA” or “QS Adjusted EBITDA”, as applicable (and in the component financial definitions used therein) were references top such Sold Entity or Business and its Subsidiaries or to such Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary and its Subsidiaries), all as determined on a consolidated basis for such Sold Entity or Business.
Disposition ” means any sale, lease, transfer or other disposition (or series of related sales, leases, transfers or dispositions) by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary, including any disposition by means of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction (each referred to for the purposes of this definition as a “disposition”), of:
(a) any shares of capital stock of a Restricted Subsidiary (other than directors’ qualifying shares or shares required by applicable law to be held by a Person other than Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary);
(b) all or substantially all the assets of any division or line of business of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary; or
(c) any other assets of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary outside of the ordinary course of business of Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the following shall be deemed to be a Disposition:
(1) a disposition by a Restricted Subsidiary to Holdings or by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary to a Restricted Subsidiary, including through any Permitted Reorganization;
(2) for purposes of Section 7.05 only, a disposition of all or substantially all the assets of Holdings and the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, in compliance with Section 7.04;
(3) a sale, contribution, conveyance or other transfer of accounts receivable and related assets of the type specified in the definition of Qualified Receivables Transaction by or to a Receivables Entity in a Qualified Receivables Transaction;
(4) the license, sublicense or cross-license of Intellectual Property or other intangibles;
(5) the lease, assignment or sublease of any real or personal property in the ordinary course of business;

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(6) any surrender or waiver of contract rights or settlement, release, recovery on or surrender of contract, tort or other claims in the ordinary course of business;

(7) the granting of security interests not prohibited by Section 7.01;
(8) the disposition by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business of (i) cash and cash equivalents, (ii) inventory and other assets acquired and held for resale in the ordinary course of business, (iii) damaged, worn out or obsolete assets or assets that, in Holdings’ reasonable judgment, are no longer used or useful in the business of Holdings or its Restricted Subsidiaries, or (iv) rights granted to others pursuant to leases or licenses, to the extent not materially interfering with the operations of Holdings or its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(9) a Restricted Payment that does not violate Section 7.06 or any Investment by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary that does not constitute a Restricted Payment;
(10) any exchange of assets for assets (including a combination of assets) (which assets may include Equity Interests or any securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, Equity Interests, but which assets may not include any Indebtedness) of comparable or greater market value or usefulness to the business of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, which in the event of an exchange of assets with a fair market value in excess of (a) $50.0 million shall be evidenced by a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer and (b) $100.0 million shall be set forth in a resolution approved by at least a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Holdings; provided that Holdings may apply any cash or cash equivalents received in any such exchange of assets pursuant to Section 2.05(a) ;
(11) dispositions of receivables in connection with the compromise, settlement or collection thereof in the ordinary course of business or in bankruptcy or similar proceedings and exclusive of factoring or similar arrangements;
(12) the issuance by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary of preferred stock or any convertible securities;
(13) any sale of assets received by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary upon foreclosure on a security interest;
(14) the unwinding of any Hedging Obligations (including sales under forward contracts);
(15) any dispositions to the extent required by, or made pursuant to customary buy/sell arrangements between the joint venture parties set forth in joint venture arrangements and similar binding agreements;
(16) the lease or sublease of office space;
(17) the abandonment, farm-out, lease, assignment, sub-lease, license or sub-license of any real or personal property in the ordinary course of business;
(18) dispositions of property pursuant to casualty events;

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(19) a single transaction or series of related transactions that involve the disposition of assets with a fair market value (as determined in good faith by Holdings) of less than $50.0 million; and
(20) any sale or disposition of Equity Interests in, or Indebtedness or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
Disqualified Equity Interests ” of any Person means any class of Equity Interests of such Person that, by its terms, or by the terms of any related agreement or of any security into which it is convertible, puttable or exchangeable, is, or upon the happening of any event or the passage of time would be, required to be redeemed by such Person, whether or not at the option of the holder thereof, or matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date which is 91 days after Maturity Date; provided , however , that any class of Equity Interests of such Person that, by its terms, authorizes such Person to satisfy in full its obligations with respect to the payment of dividends or upon maturity, redemption (pursuant to a sinking fund or otherwise) or repurchase thereof or otherwise by the delivery of Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Equity Interests, and that is not convertible, puttable or exchangeable for Disqualified Equity Interests or Indebtedness, will not be deemed to be Disqualified Equity Interests so long as such Person satisfies its obligations with respect thereto solely by the delivery of Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Equity Interests; provided , further , however , that any Equity Interests that would not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests but for provisions thereof giving holders thereof (or the holders of any security into or for which such Equity Interests are convertible, exchangeable or exercisable) the right to require the Issuer to redeem such Equity Interests upon the occurrence of a change of control or a Disposition (each defined in a substantially identical manner to the corresponding definitions in this Agreement) shall not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests if (a) any rights of the holders as a result of a change of control or Disposition do not arise prior to the 91st day after the Maturity Date or (b) shall be subject to the prior repayment in full of the Loans and termination of all Commitments under this Agreement.

Dollar ” and “ $ ” mean lawful money of the United States.
EEA Financial Institution ” means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clauses (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.
EEA Member Country ” means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
EEA Resolution Authority ” means any public administrative authority or any person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution.

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EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule ” means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor person), as in effect from time to time.
Effective Date ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.01 .
Eligible Assignee ” means any Person that meets the requirements to be an assignee under Section 11.06(b)(iii) , and (v) (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 11.06(b)(iii) ).
Environmental Laws ” means any and all Federal, state, local, and foreign statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees, permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses, agreements or governmental restrictions relating to pollution and the protection of the environment or the release of any materials into the environment, including those related to hazardous substances or wastes, air emissions and discharges to waste or public systems.
Environmental Liability ” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of the Borrowers, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.
Equity Interests ” of any Person means (1) any and all shares or other equity interests (including common stock, preferred stock, limited liability company interests and partnership interests) in such Person and (2) all rights to purchase, warrants or options (whether or not currently exercisable), participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) such shares or other interests in such Person, but excluding any debt securities that are convertible into, or exchangeable for, such shares or other interests in such Person.
Equity Issuance ” means the issuance of Equity Interests of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to any Person, other than (i) by any Subsidiary of the Parent to the Parent or any other Subsidiary of the Parent and (ii) pursuant to any employee equity compensation plan, employee benefit plan, stock option or stock purchase plan, management equity plan, or other similar benefit plans or compensation arrangements or accommodations for current or former directors, officers, employees or consultants of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries existing on the Effective Date or established thereafter in the ordinary course of business, in each case for the purpose of repaying or refinancing any Indebtedness (including, without limitation, the Loans) incurred to finance the Fermacell Acquisition and/or pay related fees and expenses.
Equity Offering ” means a public or private sale for cash of common stock of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent company of Holdings to the extent the net cash proceeds therefrom are contributed to Holdings), other than (i) public offerings with respect to common stock of Holdings (or such parent) registered on Form F-4, Form S-4 or Form S-8 or (ii) any sale to any Subsidiary of Holdings.

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Euro ” and “ ” mean the single currency of the Participating Member States.

Euro Equivalent ” means, at any time, with respect to any amount denominated in Euro, the equivalent amount thereof in Dollars as determined by the Administrative Agent at such time on the basis of the Spot Rate for the purchase of Dollars with Euro.
Event of Default ” has the meaning specified in Section 8.01 .
Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Excluded Amounts ” means with respect to any Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, without duplication, the total amount of (i) asbestos‑related liabilities, assets, income, gains, losses and charges other than AICF Payments, (ii) AICF selling, general & administrative expenses, (iii) ASIC‑related expenses, recoveries and asset impairments and (iv) New Zealand product liability expenses incurred by such Persons for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise in accordance with GAAP.
Excluded Entities ” means AICF (and Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited in its personal capacity) and each of the following entities: (i) Amaba Pty Limited (CAN 000 387 342), (ii) Amaca Pty Limited (ACN 000 035 512), (iii) ABN 60 Pty Limited (ACN 000 009 263), and (iv) Marlew Mining Pty Limited (formerly known as Asbestos Mines Pty Limited) (ACN 000 049 650).
Excluded Taxes ” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to any Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient, (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its Lending Office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrower Agent under Section 11.13 ) or (ii) such Lender changes its Lending Office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 3.01(a)(ii), (a)(iii)  or (c) , amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender became a party hereto or to such Lender immediately before it changed its Lending Office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 3.01(e) and (d) any U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed pursuant to FATCA.
Facility Office ” means the office or offices notified by a Lender to the Administrative Agent in writing on or before the date it becomes a Lender (or following that date, by not less than five Business Days’ written notice) as the office or offices through which it will perform its obligations under this Agreement.
FASB ASC ” means the Accounting Standards Codification of the Financial Accounting Standards Board.

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FATCA ” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code, any published intergovernmental agreement entered into in connection with the implementation of such Sections of the Code and any fiscal or regulatory legislation adopted pursuant to such published intergovernmental agreements.
Federal Funds Rate ” means, for any day, the rate published for such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, published for the immediately preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System, or, if such rate is not so published for any day that is a Business Day, the average of the quotations for such day for such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.
Fee Letter ” means the letter agreement, dated November 7, 2017, among James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. and HSBC Bank PLC.
Fermacell ” means XI (DL) Holdings GmbH, a limited liability company organized under the laws of Germany.
Fermacell Acquisition ” means the acquisition of all of the outstanding Equity Interests of Fermacell by Platin 1391. GmbH pursuant to the Fermacell Acquisition Agreement.
Fermacell Acquisition Agreement ” means that certain Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2017, among Xella International S.A., as seller, Platin 1391. GmbH, as purchaser, and James Hardie International Group Limited, as guarantor, as amended, modified, consented or waived from time to time; provided that no amendment, modification, consent or waiver of any term thereof or any condition to the Parent’s and its applicable Subsidiaries’ obligation to consummate the Fermacell Acquisition thereunder (other than any such amendment, modification, consent or waiver that is not materially adverse to any interest of the Lenders) shall be made or granted, as the case may be, without the prior written consent of the Arranger (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) (it being understood that (i) any increase or decrease in the cash consideration payable or the price in excess of 10% of the amount set forth in the Fermacell Acquisition Agreement on the date thereof or (ii) any material change to the structure of the Fermacell Acquisition, in each case, will be deemed to be materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders and will require the prior written consent of the Arranger (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed)).

Foreign Lender ” means (a) if the relevant Borrower is a U.S. Person, a Lender that is not a U.S. Person, and (b) if the relevant Borrower is not a U.S. Person, a Lender that is resident or organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which such Borrower is resident for tax purposes. For purposes of this definition, the United States, each State thereof and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction.

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FRB ” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.
Fund ” means any Person (other than a natural Person) that is (or will be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its activities.
GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession in the United States, that are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination, consistently applied provided , for the avoidance of doubt, that any obligations that are not or would not be characterized as Capitalized Lease Obligations under GAAP as in effect on the Effective Date shall not be reclassified as Capitalized Lease Obligations and additional liabilities associated with such obligations shall not be classified as Indebtedness as a result of any changes in interpretive releases or literature regarding GAAP or any requirements by the independent auditors of Parent.
Governmental Authority ” means the government of the United States or any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supra‑national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).
Group ” means the Consolidated Group and any Unrestricted Subsidiary.
Group Adjusted EBITDA ” means, for any period, for the Group, (1) the sum of, without duplication, the amounts for such period, taken as a single accounting period, of: (a) Group Net Income; (b) Group Interest Expense; (c) Group Income Tax Expense (other than income tax expense (either positive or negative) attributable to extraordinary gains or losses); (d) Group Depreciation and Amortization Expense; (e) Group Non-cash Charges; less (2) non-cash items increasing Group Net Income for such period, other than (a) the accrual of revenue consistent with past practice, and (b) reversals of prior accruals or reserves for cash items previously excluded in the calculation of Group Non-cash Charges; provided , that the calculation of Group Adjusted EBITDA shall exclude any Excluded Amounts to the extent such exclusion is not already reflected in the component definitions of the calculation of Group Adjusted EBITDA. In addition:
(1) there shall be included in determining Group Adjusted EBITDA for any period, without duplication, the Acquired EBITDA of any Person, property business or asset, acquired by any member of the Group during such period (other than any Unrestricted Subsidiary) to the extent not subsequently sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of during such period (but not including the Acquired EBITDA of any Acquired Entity or Business, and the Acquired EBITDA of any Converted Restricted Subsidiary, in each case based on the Acquired EBITDA of such Pro Forma Entity for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such

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acquisition or conversion) determined on a historical pro forma basis; provided that, with respect to the Fermacell Acquisition, the Acquired EBITDA of Fermacell and its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be $15.0 million for the fiscal period during which the Fermacell Acquisition is consummated and $15.0 million for each of the three preceding fiscal periods preceding such date of consummation; and
(2) there shall be excluded in determining Group Adjusted EBITDA for any period the Disposed EBITDA of any Person, property, business or asset, sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of by any member of the Group to the extent not subsequently reacquired, in each case, during such period (each such Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary), property, business or asset so sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, closed or classified, a “Sold Entity or Business”), and the Disposed EBITDA of any Restricted Subsidiary that is converted into an Unrestricted Subsidiary during such period (each, a “Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary”), in each case based on the Disposed EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business or Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such Disposition) determined on a historical pro forma basis.
Group Depreciation and Amortization Expense ” means with respect to the Group for any period, the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense, including amortization of deferred financing fees, of the Group for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise in accordance with GAAP.
Group Income Tax Expense ” means, for any period, the provision for federal, state, local and foreign income, franchise, excise, value added and similar taxes based on income, profit, revenue or capital (including any interest and penalties related thereto) of the Group for such period as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
Group Interest Expense ” means, for any period, the interest expense of the Group for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP (including amortization of original issue discount and deferred financing costs, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of all payments associated with Capitalized Lease Obligations, capitalized interest, net payments, if any, pursuant to interest rate related Hedging Obligations and imputed interest with respect to Attributable Indebtedness but excluding write offs associated with the amendment and restatement or repayment of Indebtedness and excluding, to the extent otherwise included therein, any Excluded Amounts).
Group Net Debt ” means, at any date of determination, the aggregate amount of all outstanding Indebtedness consisting of third party indebtedness for borrowed money, (including any Local Unreimbursed Amounts in each case then outstanding) and third party obligations evidenced by promissory notes or similar instruments (less any unrestricted cash and cash equivalents to the extent not constituting Excluding Amounts) of the Group determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
Group Net Income ” means, for any period, the consolidated Net Income (or loss) of the Group for such period as determined in accordance with GAAP.

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Group Non-cash Charges ” means, with respect to the Group for any period, the aggregate noncash expenses of the Group (including without limitation any minority interest) reducing Group Net Income for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
Guarantee ” means, as to any Person, (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness of another Person (the “ primary obligor ”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part) or (b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien). The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term “Guarantee” as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
Guarantee Trust Deed ” means the deed entitled “Guarantee Trust Deed” dated 19 December 2006 between the Initial Parent (then known as James Hardie Industries N.V.) and AET Structured Finance Services Pty Limited.
Guaranteed Party ” means the Administrative Agent and the Lenders.
Guarantors ” means, collectively, Holdings and JHT, and each additional Guarantor designated pursuant to Section 6.12 and, except with respect to its own obligations, each of the Borrowers.
Guaranty ” means the Guaranty made by the Guarantors in favor of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, in Article X of this Agreement.
Hazardous Materials ” means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos‑containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.
Hedging Obligations ” of any Person means the obligations of such Person under swap, cap, collar, forward purchase or similar agreements or arrangements dealing with interest rates,

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currency exchange rates or commodity prices or availability, either generally or under specific contingencies, and including both physical and financial settlement transactions.
Holdings ” means Initial Holdings or its Replacement Entity.
Holding Company ” means any Person who does not conduct any material operations or own directly any material assets other than the Equity Interests or Indebtedness of any other Person.
HSBC ” means HSBC Bank USA, National Association and its successors.
Indebtedness ” of any Person at any date means, without duplication:
(a) all liabilities, contingent or otherwise, of such Person for borrowed money;
(b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments;
(c) all reimbursement obligations of such Person in respect of letters of credit, letters of guaranty, bankers’ acceptances and similar credit transactions;
(d) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred and unpaid purchase price of property or services, except trade payables and accrued expenses incurred by such Person in the ordinary course of business in connection with obtaining goods, materials or services and except obligations to pay a contingent purchase price as long as such obligation remains contingent;
(e) the maximum fixed redemption or repurchase price of all Disqualified Equity Interests of such Person (but excluding any accrued but unpaid dividends);
(f) all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person;
(g) all Indebtedness of others secured by a security interest on any asset of such Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person;
(h) all Indebtedness of others guaranteed by such Person to the extent of such guarantee; provided that Indebtedness of (i) the Consolidated Group that is guaranteed by any Consolidated Group member shall only be counted once in the calculation of the amount of Indebtedness of the Consolidated Group on a consolidated basis and (ii) Holdings or the Restricted Subsidiaries that is guaranteed by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary shall only be counted once in the calculation of the amount of Indebtedness of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis; and
(i) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to assets purchased by such Person.
The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be the outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above, the maximum liability of such Person for any such contingent obligations at such date and, in the case of clause (g), the lesser

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of (a) the fair market value (as determined in good faith by Holdings) of any asset subject to a security interest securing the Indebtedness of others on the date that the security interest attaches and (b) the amount of the Indebtedness secured. For purposes of clause (e), the “maximum fixed redemption or repurchase price” of any Disqualified Equity Interests that do not have a fixed redemption or repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Equity Interests as if such Disqualified Equity Interests were redeemed or repurchased on any date on which an amount of Indebtedness outstanding shall be required to be determined pursuant to this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the obligations and liabilities in respect to AICF Payments do not constitute Indebtedness.
Indemnified Taxes ” means (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in (a), Other Taxes.
Indemnitees ” has the meaning specified in Section 11.04(b) .
Indenture ” means, initially, that certain Indenture dated as February 10, 2015 of the 5.875% Senior Notes due 2023, and, to the extent any Loan Party shall have issued any notes in the public markets or under Rule 144A under any new indentures after the date hereof, “Indenture” shall refer to the indenture under which the Issuer shall have most recently issued any such notes on or prior to any relevant determination date that references the term “Indenture” herein.
Information ” has the meaning specified in Section 11.07 .
Initial Borrower Agent ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.
Initial Borrowers ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.
Initial Holdings ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.
Initial Parent ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.
Intellectual Property ” means (a) any patents, trademarks, service marks, designs, business names, copyrights, database rights, design rights, domain names, moral rights, inventions, confidential information, knowhow and other intellectual property rights and interests (which may now or in the future subsist), whether registered or unregistered; (b) any interest in any of them; and (c) the benefit of all applications and rights.
Intercreditor Deed ” means the deed so entitled dated 19 December 2006 between the State of New South Wales, the Initial Parent (then known as James Hardie Industries N.V.), Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited in its capacity as trustee for the Charitable Fund and AET Structured Finance Services Pty Limited as amended by the letter dated 19 December 2006 between the same parties.
Interest Payment Date ” means, (a) as to any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan and the Maturity Date; provided , however , that if any Interest Period for a LIBOR Loan exceeds three months, the respective dates

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that fall every three months after the beginning of such Interest Period shall also be Interest Payment Dates; and (b) as to any Base Rate Loan, the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December and the Maturity Date.
Interest Period ” means as to each LIBOR Loan, the period commencing on the date such LIBOR Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a LIBOR Loan and ending on the date one week, one month, three months or six months thereafter (in each case, subject to availability), as selected by the applicable Borrower in its Loan Notice or such other period as agreed to by the Administrative Agent; provided that:
(i)    any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless, in the case of a LIBOR Loan, such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day;
(ii)    any Interest Period pertaining to a LIBOR Loan that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period; and
(iii)    no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date.
Investments ” means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form of loans (including guarantees), advances or capital contributions (excluding accounts receivable, trade credit and advances to customers and commission, travel and similar advances to officers, employees and consultants made in the ordinary course of business and any assets or securities received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors and any prepayments and other credits to suppliers made in the ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities issued by any other Person and investments that are required by GAAP to be classified on the balance sheet of such Person in the same manner as the other investments included in this definition to the extent such transactions involve the transfer of cash or other property.
For purposes of the definition of Unrestricted Subsidiary and Section 7.06, (a) “Investments” shall include the portion (proportionate to Holdings’ equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of a Subsidiary at the time that such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; (b) any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its fair market value at the time of such transfer, in each case as determined in good faith by Holdings; and (c) any transfer of Capital Stock that results in an entity which became a Restricted Subsidiary after the Effective Date ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to be an Investment in an amount equal to the fair market value (as determined by Holdings in good faith as of the date of initial acquisition) of the Capital Stock of such entity owned by Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries immediately after such transfer.
Irish Borrower ” means, for so long as it is a Borrower under this Agreement, JHIFDAC.

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Irish Qualifying Lender ” means a Lender which is beneficially entitled to interest payable to that Lender in respect of an advance under a Loan Document and:
(a)
which is a bank which is carrying on a bona fide banking business in Ireland (for the purposes of Section 246(3) of the TCA) and whose Facility Office is located in Ireland; or
(b)     which is a body corporate:
(i)
which, by virtue of the law of a Relevant Territory is resident in the Relevant Territory for the purposes of tax and that Relevant Territory imposes a tax that generally applies to interest receivable in that Relevant Territory by bodies corporate from sources outside that Relevant Territory; or
(ii)     which is in receipt of interest under a Loan Document which:
(x) is exempted from the charge to Irish income tax pursuant to the terms of a double taxation treaty entered into between Ireland and another jurisdiction that is in force on the date the relevant interest is paid; or
(y) would be exempted from the charge to Irish income tax pursuant to the terms of a double taxation treaty entered into between Ireland and another jurisdiction signed on or before the date on which the relevant interest is paid but not in force on that date, assuming that treaty had the force of law on that date;
provided that, in the case of both (i) and (ii) above, such body corporate does not provide its commitment in connection with a trade or business which is carried on in Ireland through a branch or agency; or
(c)
in the case only where an Irish Borrower is a qualifying company within the meaning of Section 110 of the TCA, which is a person which by virtue of the law of a Relevant Territory is resident in a Relevant Territory for the purposes of tax provided that such person does not provide its commitment in connection with a trade or business which is carried on in Ireland through a branch or agency in Ireland; or
(d)
which is a U.S. corporation that is incorporated under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and is subject to tax in the United States on its worldwide income, provided that such U.S. corporation does not provide its commitment in connection with a trade or business which is carried on in Ireland through a branch or agency; or
(e)
which is a U.S. LLC, where the ultimate recipients of the interest payable to that LLC satisfy the requirements set out in (b) or (d) above and the business conducted through the LLC is so structured for market reasons and not for tax avoidance purposes, provided that such LLC does not provide its commitment in

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connection with a trade or business which is carried on by it in Ireland through a branch or agency; or
(f)     which is a body corporate:
(i)
which advances money in the ordinary course of a trade which includes the lending of money;
(ii)
in whose hands any interest payable in respect of money so advanced is taken into account in computing the trading income of that body corporate;
(iii)
which has complied with the notification requirements set out in Section 246(5)(a) of the TCA; and
(iv)     whose Facility Office is located in Ireland; or
(g)
which is a qualifying company (within the meaning of section 110 of the TCA) and whose Facility Office is located in Ireland; or
(h)
which is an investment undertaking (within the meaning of Section 739B of the TCA) and whose Facility Office is located in Ireland; or
(i)
which is an exempted approved scheme within the meaning of section 774 of the TCA whose Facility Office is located in Ireland; or
(j)     which is a Treaty Lender.
IRS ” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
Irish Guarantor ” means a Guarantor incorporated or existing under the laws of Ireland.
JHBP ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.
JHIFDAC ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.
JH Insurance ” means James Hardie Insurance Ltd, a company incorporated in Guernsey.
JHT ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto (and shall include, for the avoidance of doubt, any successor Person).
Judgment Currency ” has the meaning specified in Section 11.19 .
Laws ” means, collectively, all international, foreign, Federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes and administrative or judicial precedents or authorities, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and

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permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority, in each case whether or not having the force of law.
Lender ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.
Lending Office ” means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lender’s Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent, which office may include any Affiliate of such Lender or any domestic or foreign branch of such Lender or such Affiliate. Unless the context otherwise requires each reference to a Lender shall include its applicable Lending Office.
LIBOR ” means:
(a)    for any Interest Period with respect to a LIBOR Loan denominated in Dollars or in Euro, the London interbank offered rate as administered by ICE Benchmark Administration or such other rate per annum as is widely recognized as the successor thereto if the ICE Benchmark Administration is no longer making a London interbank offered rate available, as published by Bloomberg or such other commercially available information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion, in each case, at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two London Banking Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, for Dollar or Euro deposits, as the case may be (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period; and
(b)    for any interest calculation with respect to a Base Rate Loan on any date, the rate per annum equal to LIBOR, at or about 11:00 a.m., London time determined two Business Days prior to such date for U.S. Dollar deposits with a term of one month commencing that day;
provided that (x) notwithstanding the foregoing, if LIBOR would otherwise be less than zero, LIBOR shall instead be deemed for all purposes of this Agreement to be zero and (y) to the extent a comparable or successor rate is approved by the Administrative Agent in connection herewith, the approved rate shall be applied in a manner consistent with market practice; provided , further that to the extent such market practice is not administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent, such approved rate shall be applied in a manner as otherwise reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent.
LIBOR Loan ” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on clause (a) of the definition of LIBOR.
Lien ” means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority, encumbrance or other security interest or preferential arrangement in the nature of a security interest of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to real property, and any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).

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Loan ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01 .
Loan Notice ” means a notice of (a) a Borrowing, (b) a conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, or (c) a continuation of LIBOR Loans, pursuant to Section 2.02(a) , which shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A or such other form as may be approved by the Administrative Agent (including email delivery or any other form on an electronic platform or electronic transmission system as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent), appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the applicable Borrower.
Loan Documents ” means this Agreement, each Note and the Fee Letter.
Loan Parties ” means, collectively, the Borrowers and each Guarantor.
London Banking Day ” means any day on which dealings in Dollar deposits are conducted by and between banks in the London interbank eurodollar market.
Material Acquisition ” means any acquisition in respect of which acquisition consideration is equal to or exceeds $100.0 million in the aggregate.
Material Adverse Effect ” means (a) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the business, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent), or financial condition of the Parent and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; (b) a material impairment of the ability of any Loan Party to perform its obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party; or (c) a material adverse effect upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against any Loan Party of any Loan Document to which it is a party.
Material Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary that would be a “significant subsidiary” as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Regulation is in effect on the Effective Date.
Maturity Date ” means the earlier of (a) the date that is three-hundred-sixty-four (364) days after the Closing Date and (b) the date that the Aggregate Commitments are terminated in full in accordance with Section 2.06(b) ; provided , however , that if such date is not a Business Day, the Maturity Date shall be the next preceding Business Day.
Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto.
Net Available Cash ” from a Disposition means cash payments received therefrom (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or otherwise, but only as and when received, but excluding any other consideration received in the form of assumption by the acquiring Person of Indebtedness or other obligations relating to such properties or assets or received in any other noncash form), in each case net of:
(1) all legal, accounting, investment banking, title and recording tax expenses, commissions and other fees (including financial and other advisory fees) and expenses incurred, and all Federal, state, provincial, foreign and local taxes required to be paid or accrued as a liability under GAAP, as a consequence of such Disposition;

26
    
        



(2) all payments made on any Indebtedness which is secured by any assets subject to such Disposition, in accordance with the terms of any lien upon or other security agreement of any kind with respect to such assets, or which must by its terms, or in order to obtain a necessary consent to such Disposition, or by applicable law, be repaid out of the proceeds from such Disposition;
(3) all distributions and other payments required to be made to non-controlling interest holders in Subsidiaries or joint ventures as a result of such Disposition; and
(4) appropriate amounts provided by the seller as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities associated with the property or other assets disposed of in such Disposition and retained by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary after such Disposition.
Net Cash Proceeds ” means the proceeds actually received by the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries in the form of cash or cash equivalents (it being understood that cash equivalents will not include Equity Interests) from any Debt Issuance or Equity Issuance, in each case net of brokers’, investment bankers’ and advisors’ (including legal, accountants, consultants and financial advisors) fees and other discounts, commissions, placement fees and other fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with any such transaction.
Net Income ” means, for any period, the consolidated net income (or loss) of any Person and its applicable consolidated Subsidiaries for such period as determined in accordance with GAAP, adjusted, to the extent included in calculating such net income, by excluding, without duplication:
(1) all extraordinary gains or losses (net of fees and expenses relating to the transaction giving rise thereto);
(2) the portion of net income of any Persons allocable to minority interests in unconsolidated Persons to the extent that cash dividends or distributions have not actually been received by such Persons;
(3) gains or losses in respect of any sales of capital stock or asset sales outside the ordinary course of business (including in a Sale and Leaseback Transaction) by such Person;
(4) any gain or loss realized as a result of the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles;
(5) any fees, expenses and other costs incurred or paid (and write offs recorded) in connection with this Agreement or other Indebtedness;
(6) nonrecurring or unusual gains or losses;
(7) the net after tax effects of adjustments in the inventory, property and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets line items in such Person's consolidated financial statements pursuant to GAAP resulting from the application of purchase accounting or the amortization or write off of any amounts thereof;

27
    
        




(8) any fees and expenses incurred (and write offs recorded) during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with any acquisition, investment, asset sale, issuance or repayment or amendment or restatement of indebtedness, issuance of stock, stock options or other equity based awards, refinancing transaction or amendment or modification of any debt instrument (including without limitation any such transaction undertaken but not completed);
(9) any gain or loss recorded in connection with the designation of a discontinued operation (exclusive of its operating income or loss);
(10) any non-cash compensation or other non-cash expenses or charges arising from the grant of or issuance or repricing of stock, stock options or other equity based awards or any amendment, modification, substitution or change of any such stock, stock options or other equity based awards;
(11) any expenses or charges (including any break costs, redemption premium, make whole payments, liquidated damages or other penalties) related to any Equity Offering, Disposition, merger, amalgamation, consolidation, arrangement, acquisition, disposition, recapitalization or the incurrence of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by this Agreement (including an exchange or refinancing thereof or amendment or modification of any debt instrument or issuance of stock) (whether or not successful);
(12) any non-cash impairment, restructuring or special charge or asset write off or write down, and the amortization or write off of intangibles;
(13) Excluded Amounts; and
(14) any swap break or reset costs incurred and paid as part of any termination of any Hedging Obligations.
New Loan Parties ” and “ New Loan Party ” have the meanings specified in the definition of “Permitted Reorganization”.
Non‑Consenting Lender ” means any Lender that does not approve any consent, waiver or amendment that (i) requires the approval of all Lenders or all affected Lenders in accordance with the terms of Section 11.01 and (ii) has been approved by the Required Lenders.
Non‑Defaulting Lender ” means, at any time, each Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender at such time.
Note ” means a promissory note made by a Borrower in favor of a Lender evidencing Loans made by such Lender to such Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit B .
Obligations ” means all advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, any Loan Party arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof of

28
    
        



any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding.
OFAC ” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury.
Organization Documents ” means, (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non‑U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.
Other Connection Taxes ” means, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such Recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan or Loan Document).
Other Taxes ” means all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 3.06 ).  
Outstanding Amount ” means the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Loans after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Loans.
Parent ” means the Initial Parent and, following any transaction involving a Permitted Parent or Permitted Person, shall instead mean such Permitted Parent or Permitted Person, as the case may be.
Pari Passu Indebtedness ” means any Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Guarantor that ranks pari passu in right of payment with the Loans or the Guaranty (without giving effect to collateral arrangements).
Participant ” has the meaning specified in Section 11.06(d) .
Participant Register ” has the meaning specified in Section 11.06(d) .

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Participating Member State ” means any member state of the European Union that has the Euro as its lawful currency in accordance with legislation of the European Union relating to Economic and Monetary Union.
PBGC ” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
Performing Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of Parent primarily liable to make funding payments to AICF under the AFFA; it being understood that the Performing Subsidiary, as of the Effective Date, is James Hardie 117 Pty Limited.
Permitted Liens ” shall mean:
(1) Liens Securing Indebtedness permitted by Section 7.03(d) and secured on property acquired, constructed, developed or improved after the Effective Date by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary and created prior to or contemporaneously with, or within 180 days after such acquisition, construction, development or improvement;
(2) Liens on property at the time of acquisition which secure obligations assumed by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary, or on the property or on the outstanding shares or indebtedness of a Person at the time it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or is merged into or consolidated with Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary, or on properties of a Person acquired by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary as an entirety or substantially as an entirety; provided that such Liens were not created in contemplation of such acquisition and may not extend to any other property of Holdings or Restricted Subsidiary other than proceeds and products of such property, shares or indebtedness and accessions thereto;
(3) Liens arising from conditional sales agreements or title retention agreements with respect to property acquired by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary;
(4) Liens on accounts receivable and related assets of the types specified in the definition of “Qualified Receivables Transaction” incurred in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed, together with Indebtedness secured by Liens permitted by clause (26) below, the greater of (x) $200 million and (y) 15% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets;
(5) Liens existing on the Effective Date and set forth on Schedule 7.01 ;
(6) any Lien arising by reason of deposits with, or the giving of any form of security to, any governmental agency or anybody created or approved by law or governmental regulations, which is required by law or governmental regulation as a condition to the transaction of any business, or the exercise of any privilege, franchise or license;
(7) carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’ and other statutory liens arising in the ordinary course of business (including construction of facilities) in respect of obligations that are not more than 90 days overdue or that are being contested in good faith;
(8) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges that are not more than 90 days overdue or for taxes, assessments or governmental charges that are being contested in good faith;

30
    
        




(9) Liens (including judgment liens) arising in connection with legal proceedings so long as such proceedings are being contested in good faith and, in the case of judgment liens, execution thereon is stayed or does not give rise to an Event of Default;
(10) landlords’ liens on fixtures on premises leased in the ordinary course of business;
(11) Liens to secure the performance of statutory obligations, insurance, surety or appeal bonds, performance bonds, or other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business (including Liens to secure letters of credit issued to assure payment of such obligations);
(12) [reserved];
(13) survey exceptions, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights-of-way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real property that were not incurred in connection with Indebtedness and that do not in the aggregate materially impair the use of said properties in the operation of the business of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(14) Liens on insurance policies and proceeds thereof, or other deposits, to secure insurance premium financings;
(15) filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements as a precautionary measure in connection with operating leases;
(16) bankers’ liens and rights of setoff;
(17) Liens in cash, cash equivalents or other property arising in connection with the defeasance, discharge or redemption of Indebtedness;
(18) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods (and the proceeds thereof) of Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or trade-related letters of credit issued or created in the ordinary course of business for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods;
(19) grants of intellectual property licenses (including software and other technology licenses) in the ordinary course of business;
(20) Liens incurred or pledges or deposits made in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social security and employee health and disability benefits (including pledges or deposits securing liability to insurance carriers under insurance or self-insurance arrangements);
(21) pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business to secure liability to insurance carriers;

31
    
        




(22) Liens to secure partial, progress, advance or other payments or any indebtedness incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price or the cost of construction, development, or substantial repair, alteration or improvement of the property subject to such Liens if the commitment for the financing is obtained not later than 180 days after the later of the completion of or the placing into operation (exclusive of test and start-up periods) of such property;
(23) Liens on the Capital Stock of any Unrestricted Subsidiary or joint venture which secures Indebtedness or other obligations of such Unrestricted Subsidiary or joint venture:
(24) Liens on the assets of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor and which secures Indebtedness or other obligations of such Restricted Subsidiary (or of another Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor) otherwise not prohibited by this Agreement;
(25) Liens to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement (or successive refinancing, refunding, extensions, renewals or replacements) as a whole, or in part, of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in the foregoing clauses (1), (2), (4), (5) or (22) above or this clause (25); provided that (x) such new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same property that secured the original Lien (plus improvements thereof, accessions thereto and proceeds and products thereof) and (y) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien at such time is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (A) the outstanding principal amount or, if greater, committed amount of the Indebtedness described under clauses (1), (2), (4), (5) or (22) above at the time the original Lien became a Permitted Lien under the Indenture and in the case of this clause (25) at the time of refinancing, refunding, extending, renewing or replacing such Permitted Lien, and (B) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums, related to such refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement; or
(26) other Liens securing Indebtedness, in an aggregate principal amount for Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries together with the amount of Attributable Indebtedness incurred in connection with sale and leaseback transactions, not exceeding at the time such Lien is created or assumed, together with Indebtedness secured by Liens permitted by clause (4) above, the greater of (x) $200 million and (y) 15% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.
For purposes of determining compliance with Section 7.01, a Lien need not be permitted solely by one category of Permitted Lien but may be permitted in part under any combination thereof, and if a Permitted Lien (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria or more than one of the exceptions described in clauses (1) through (26) above, Holdings may, in its sole discretion, classify or reclassify the Permitted Lien (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with such covenant.
Permitted Parent ” has the meaning specified in the definition of Change of Control.
Permitted Person ” has the meaning specified in the definition of Change of Control.
Permitted Reorganization ” means any amalgamation, merger, plan or scheme of arrangement, exchange offer, business combination, reincorporation, reorganization, consolidation, continuation, discontinuation, domestication, re-domestication, conversion or similar action (including, without limitation, pursuant to a dissolution, liquidation or winding

32
    
        



up), or a sale, distribution or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets (or any combination thereof), in each case, involving the assets of (including, as applicable, Equity Interests in), Initial Parent and its Subsidiaries, including any steps in a reorganization plan adopted in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Parent, whether or not such steps occur before, concurrently with or after other steps in such plan (a “ Reorganization ”) where:
(a) all of the assets of (including Equity Interests in) the relevant Subsidiary of the Consolidated Group (but excluding any Holding Companies) continue to be owned directly or indirectly by Initial Holdings (or its Replacement Entity) in the same or a greater percentage as prior to such Reorganization, except for:
(i) the Equity Interests in any Subsidiary of the Consolidated Group which has been Reorganized with or into another Subsidiary of the Consolidated Group or which has otherwise ceased to exist as a result of such Reorganization; or
(ii) the assets (including Equity Interests in) Subsidiaries of the Consolidated Group which cease, in connection with such Reorganization, to be owned as a result of a transaction that otherwise is, or would be, permitted under this Agreement (but for the inclusion of this definition); and
(b) immediately after giving effect to any Reorganization, including the release of any Guarantor or the addition of any Guarantor, the Borrowers and the Guarantors will own, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all of the assets (other than Equity Interests in any Holding Companies, but including all Equity Interests owned, directly or indirectly, by such Holding Companies in entities that are not Holding Companies) as they collectively owned before such Reorganization; provided that in connection with any release of the Guaranty of Initial Holdings, a direct or indirect Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Parent, which shall be a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or trust organized and existing under the laws of Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Bermuda, the United States or a state thereof, Australia or a state thereof or the United Kingdom (the “ Replacement Entity ”), provides a Guaranty substantially concurrently with such release and such Replacement Entity owns directly or indirectly 100% of the Equity Interests of the Restricted Subsidiaries (other than Equity Interests in any Holding Companies, but including all Equity Interests owned, directly or indirectly, by such Holding Companies in entities that are not Holding Companies) immediately following the provision by the Replacement Entity of such Guaranty;
provided , however , that such Reorganization shall be subject to the delivery by each Replacement Entity and each new Loan Party formed or acquired as part of such Reorganization of the information described in Section 6.12(b) and a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer dated the date of the consummation of the Reorganization certifying that the representations and warranties contained in Article V and each other Loan Document are true and correct in all material respects on and as of such date (provided that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality,” “Material Adverse Effect” or similar language shall be true and correct in all respects) except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct on and as of such earlier date).

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Person ” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
Platform ” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02 .
Preferred Stock means, with respect to any Person, any and all preferred or preference stock or other equity interests (however designated) of such Person having a preference or priority over other Equity Interests (however designated) of such Person, whether outstanding as of, or issued after, the Effective Date.
Pro Forma Determination ” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA”.
Pro Forma Entity ” means any Acquired Entity or Business, any Sold Entity or Business, any Converted Restricted Subsidiary or any Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary.
Public Lender ” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02 .
Qualified Equity Interests ” of any Person means Equity Interests of such Person other than Disqualified Equity Interests; provided that such Equity Interests shall not be deemed Qualified Equity Interests to the extent sold to a Subsidiary of such Person or financed, directly or indirectly, using funds (1) borrowed from such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person until and to the extent such borrowing is repaid or (2) contributed, extended, guaranteed or advanced by such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person (including, without limitation, in respect of any employee stock ownership or benefit plan). Unless otherwise specified, Qualified Equity Interests refer to Qualified Equity Interests of Holdings.
Qualified Receivables Transaction ” means any transaction or series of transactions that may be entered into by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to which Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may sell, convey or otherwise transfer to:
(1) a Receivables Entity (in the case of a transfer by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries), or
(2) any other Person (in the case of a transfer by a Receivables Entity),
or may grant a security interest in, any accounts receivable (whether now existing or arising in the future) of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, and any assets related thereto, including all collateral securing such accounts receivable, all contracts and all Guarantees or other obligations in respect of such accounts receivable, proceeds of such accounts receivable and other assets which are customarily transferred or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted in connection with asset securitization transactions involving accounts receivable; provided , however , that the financing terms, covenants, termination events and other provisions thereof shall be market terms in all material respects at the time of such transaction (as determined in good faith by Holdings). The grant of a security interest in any accounts receivable of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to secure Indebtedness under Credit Facilities shall not be deemed a Qualified Receivables Transaction.

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Qualifying Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary which, by itself or when aggregated with one or more other Qualifying Subsidiaries, has a QS Adjusted EBITDA in an amount sufficient that when added to the Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA the Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA then equals at least 70% of the Group Adjusted EBITDA.
QS Adjusted EBITDA ” means, for any period, for the applicable Qualifying Subsidiary, (1) the sum of, without duplication, the amounts for such period, taken as a single accounting period, of: (a) QS Net Income; (b) QS Interest Expense; (c) QS Income Tax Expense (other than income tax expense (either positive or negative) attributable to extraordinary gains or losses); (d) QS Depreciation and Amortization Expense; (e) QS Non-cash Charges; less (2) non-cash items increasing QS Net Income for such period, other than (a) the accrual of revenue consistent with past practice, and (b) reversals of prior accruals or reserves for cash items previously excluded in the calculation of QS Non-cash Charges; provided , that the calculation of QS Adjusted EBITDA shall exclude any Excluded Amounts to the extent such exclusion is not already reflected in the component definitions of the calculation of QS Adjusted EBITDA. In addition:
(1) there shall be included in determining QS Adjusted EBITDA for any period, without duplication, the Acquired EBITDA of any Person, property business or asset, acquired by the applicable Qualifying Subsidiary during such period (other than any Unrestricted Subsidiary) to the extent not subsequently sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of during such period (but not including the Acquired EBITDA of any Acquired Entity or Business, and the Acquired EBITDA of any Converted Restricted Subsidiary, in each case based on the Acquired EBITDA of such Pro Forma Entity for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such acquisition or conversion) determined on a historical pro forma basis; provided that, with respect to the Fermacell Acquisition, the Acquired EBITDA of Fermacell and its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be $15.0 million for the fiscal period during which the Fermacell Acquisition is consummated and $15.0 million for each of the three preceding fiscal periods preceding such date of consummation; and
(2) there shall be excluded in determining QS Adjusted EBITDA for any period the Disposed EBITDA of any Person, property, business or asset, sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of by the applicable Qualifying Subsidiary to the extent not subsequently reacquired, in each case, during such period (each such Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary), property, business or asset so sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, closed or classified, a “Sold Entity or Business”), and the Disposed EBITDA of any Restricted Subsidiary that is converted into an Unrestricted Subsidiary during such period (each, a “Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary”), in each case based on the Disposed EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business or Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such Disposition) determined on a historical pro forma basis.
QS Depreciation and Amortization Expense ” means with respect to any Qualifying Subsidiary for any period, the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense, including amortization of deferred financing fees, of the Qualifying Subsidiary for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise in accordance with GAAP.
QS Income Tax Expense ” means, for any period, the provision for federal, state, local and foreign income, franchise, excise, value added and similar taxes based on income, profit,

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revenue or capital (including any interest and penalties related thereto) of any Qualifying Subsidiary for such period in accordance with GAAP.
QS Interest Expense ” means, for any period, the interest expense of any Qualifying Subsidiary for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP (including amortization of original issue discount and deferred financing costs, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of all payments associated with Capitalized Lease Obligations, capitalized interest, net payments, if any, pursuant to interest rate related Hedging Obligations and imputed interest with respect to Attributable Indebtedness but excluding write offs associated with the amendment and restatement or repayment of indebtedness and excluding, to the extent otherwise included therein, any Excluded Amounts).
QS Net Debt ” means, at any date of determination, the aggregate amount of all outstanding Indebtedness consisting of third party Indebtedness for borrowed money (including the Loans then outstanding) and third party obligations evidenced by promissory notes or similar instruments (less any unrestricted cash and cash equivalents to the extent not constituting Excluding Amounts) of any Qualifying Subsidiary in accordance with GAAP.
QS Net Income ” means, for any period, the consolidated Net Income (or loss) of the Qualifying Subsidiary for such period.
QS Non-cash Charges ” means, with respect to any Qualifying Subsidiary for any period, the aggregate noncash expenses of such Qualifying Subsidiary (including without limitation any minority interest) reducing GS Net Income for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
Rating Agencies ” means Moody’s and S&P or if Moody’s or S&P or both cease to provide Corporate Ratings for reasons outside of the control of the Borrower Agent, a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or organizations, as the case may be, within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act, selected by the Parent which shall be substituted for Moody’s or S&P or both, as the case may be.
Receivables Entity ” means (a) a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Holdings that is designated by the Board of Directors of Holdings (as provided below) as a Receivables Entity or (b) another Person engaging in a Qualified Receivables Transaction with Holdings, which Person engages in the business of the financing of accounts receivable, and in the case of either clause (a) or (b):
(1) no portion of the Indebtedness or any other obligations (contingent or otherwise) of such entity:
(A) is Guaranteed by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings (excluding Guarantees of obligations (other than the principal of, and interest on, Indebtedness) pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings),
(B) is recourse to or obligates Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings in any way (other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings), or

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(C) subjects any asset of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings, directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction thereof (other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings);
(2) the entity is not an Affiliate of Holdings or is an entity with which neither Holdings nor any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings has any material contract, agreement, arrangement or understanding other than on terms that Holdings reasonably believes to be no less favorable to Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons that are not Affiliates of Holdings; and
(3) is an entity to which neither Holdings nor any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings has any obligation to maintain or preserve such entity’s financial condition or cause such entity to achieve certain levels of operating results.
Any such designation by the Board of Directors of Holdings shall be evidenced to the Trustee by providing the Trustee a certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors of Holdings giving effect to such designation and a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing conditions.
Recipient ” means the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party hereunder.
Register ” has the meaning specified in Section 11.06(c) .
Related Parties ” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees, administrators, managers, advisors and representatives of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates.
Relevant Territory ” means (i) a member state of the European Communities (other than Ireland); or (ii) to the extent not a member state of the European Communities, a jurisdiction with which Ireland has entered into a double taxation treaty that either has the force of law by virtue of section 826(1) of the TCA or which will have the force of law on completion of the procedures set out in section 826(1) of the TCA.
Reorganization ” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Permitted Reorganization”.
Replacement Entity ” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Permitted Reorganization”.
Required Lenders ” means, at any time, Lenders having more than 50% of the Aggregate Commitments or Lenders holdings in the aggregate more than 50% of the aggregate Outstanding Amount, as applicable. The Commitments of, and the portion of the Outstanding Amount held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be disregarded in determining Required Lenders at any time.
Responsible Officer ” means the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, treasurer, assistant treasurer or controller of a Loan Party and solely for purposes of the

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delivery of incumbency certificates pursuant to Section 4.01 , the secretary or any assistant secretary of a Loan Party. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party.
Restricted Payment ” means any of the following:
(a) the declaration or payment of any dividend or any other distribution on Equity Interests of Holdings or any payment made to the direct or indirect holders (in their capacities as such) of Equity Interests of Holdings, including, without limitation, any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving Holdings but excluding dividends or distributions payable solely in Qualified Equity Interests of Holdings or through accretion or accumulation of such dividends on such Equity Interests;
(b) the redemption of any Equity Interests of Holdings, including, without limitation, any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving Holdings; or
(c) any Investment in an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
Restricted Subsidiary ” means, at any time, any direct or indirect Subsidiary of Holdings that is not then an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that upon the occurrence of an Unrestricted Subsidiary ceasing to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary, such Subsidiary shall be included in the definition of Restricted Subsidiary.
Revolving Credit Agreement ” means that certain Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among the Borrowers, the Guarantors, the Parent, the lenders from time to time party thereto and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as administrative agent.
Sanctions ” has the meaning specified in Section 5.12 .
S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and any successor thereto.
SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.
Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Sold Entity or Business ” has the meaning specified in the definition of the term “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA”, “Group Adjusted EBITDA” or “QS Adjusted EBITDA”, as applicable.
Solvent ” means, with respect to any Person, on a consolidated basis, as of any date of determination, that (i) the fair value of the assets of such Person, on a consolidated basis, as of such date exceeds, on a consolidated basis, the debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as of such date, (ii) the present fair saleable valuable of the property of such Person, on a consolidated basis, as of such date, is greater than the amount that will be

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required to pay the probable liability, on a consolidated basis, of such Person’s debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured, (iii) such Person, on a consolidated basis, is able to pay its debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such liabilities become absolute and matured and (iv) such Person, on a consolidated basis, is not engaged in, and is not about to engage in, business for which it has unreasonably small capital. For purposes of this definition, the amount of any contingent liability at any time shall be computed as the amount that would reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.
Specified Representations ” means the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 5.01(a) , 5.01(b)(ii) (as it relates to power and authority to execute, deliver and perform obligations under the applicable Loan Documents), 5.01(c) , 5.02 (other than 5.02(b) ), 5.04 , 5.09 , 5.12 , 5.13 and 5.16 .
Spot Rate ” means the rate of exchange quoted by the Reuters World Currency Page for Dollars at 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the Closing Date; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing such rate shall in no event exceed an exchange rate of 1.20 Dollars for 1.00 Euro.
Standard Securitization Undertakings ” means representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities entered into by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings that, taken as a whole, are customary in an accounts receivable transaction (as determined in good faith by Holdings).
Subsidiary ” of a Person means a corporation, association, partnership, limited liability company or other entity of which more than 50% of the outstanding Voting Stock is owned, directly or indirectly by such Person or by one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiaries” shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of Holdings.
Swap Contract ” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross‑currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “ Master Agreement ”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.

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Swap Termination Value ” means, in respect of any one or more Swap Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Swap Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Swap Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a) , the amount(s) determined as the mark‑to‑market value(s) for such Swap Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid‑market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Swap Contracts (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender).
Synthetic Lease Obligation ” means the monetary obligation of a Person under (a) a so‑called synthetic, off‑balance sheet or tax retention lease, or (b) an agreement for the use or possession of property creating obligations that do not appear on the balance sheet of such Person but which, upon the insolvency or bankruptcy of such Person, would be characterized as the indebtedness of such Person (without regard to accounting treatment).
Taxes ” means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.
TCA ” means the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 of Ireland.
Threshold Amount ” means $50,000,000.
Treaty Lender ” means a Lender (other than a Lender falling within paragraph (b), (c), (d) or (e) of the definition of Irish Qualifying Lender) which is on the date any relevant payment is made entitled under a double taxation agreement (a “ Treaty ”) in force on that date (subject to the completion of any procedural formalities other than any procedural formalities which relate specifically to the business or nature of the person making the payment) to that payment without any Tax deduction.
Type ” means, with respect to a Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan or a LIBOR Loan.
United States ” and “ U.S. ” mean the United States of America.
Unrestricted Subsidiary ” means (a) James Hardie 117 Pty Ltd (unless, such Person has been designated as a Restricted Subsidiary after the Effective Date as provided below) and (b) any other Subsidiary of Holdings other than the Borrowers that at the time of determination is an Unrestricted Subsidiary (as designated by the Board of Directors of Holdings after the Effective Date, as provided below) and (c) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors of Holdings may designate any Subsidiary of Holdings (including any existing Subsidiary and any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary after the Effective Date unless such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries owns any Equity Interests or Indebtedness of, or owns or holds any lien on, any property of, Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings (other than any Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated), provided that (i) such designation complies with Section 6.12 and (ii) each of (1) the Subsidiary to be so designated and (2) its Subsidiaries has not at the time of designation, and does not thereafter, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or

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indirectly liable with respect to any Indebtedness pursuant to which the lender has recourse to any of the assets of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors of Holdings may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that, such designation will be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings of any outstanding Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary, and such designation will only be permitted if immediately after giving effect to such designation, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing. Any such designation by the Board of Directors shall be notified by Holdings to the Administrative Agent by promptly delivering to the Administrative Agent a copy of the board resolution giving effect to such designation and an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions. For the avoidance of doubt, Unrestricted Subsidiaries will not be subject to any of the restrictive covenants set forth in this Agreement.
U.S. Person ” means any Person that is a “United States Person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code (or an entity treated as a disregarded entity with respect to such a Person).
U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate ” has the meaning specified in Section 3.01(e)(ii)(B)(III) .
Voting Stock ” means any class or classes of Capital Stock pursuant to which the holders thereof have power to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees of any Person (irrespective of whether or not, at the time, stock of any other class or classes shall have, or might have, voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency).
Wholly Owned Subsidiary ” of any Person means a Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.
Write-Down and Conversion Powers ” means, with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.
1.02     Other Interpretive Provisions . With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document:
(a)     The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “ include ,” “ includes ” and “ including ” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “ will ” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “ shall .” Unless the context requires otherwise, (i) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document (including any Organization Document) shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on

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such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein or in any other Loan Document), (ii) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (iii) the words “ hereto ,” “ herein ,” “ hereof ” and “ hereunder ,” and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document, shall be construed to refer to such Loan Document in its entirety and not to any particular provision thereof, (iv) all references in a Loan Document to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, the Loan Document in which such references appear, (v) any reference to any law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing or interpreting such law and any reference to any law or regulation shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law or regulation as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, and (vi) the words “ asset ” and “ property ” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.
(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 and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
1.03     Accounting Terms .
(a)     Generally . All accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with, GAAP applied on a consistent basis, as in effect from time to time, applied in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the Audited Financial Statements, except as otherwise specifically prescribed herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of determining compliance with any covenant (including the computation of any financial covenant) contained herein, Indebtedness of Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be carried at 100% of the outstanding principal amount thereof, and the effects of FASB ASC 825 on financial liabilities shall be disregarded.
(b)     Changes in GAAP . If at any time any change in GAAP would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Loan Document, and either the Borrower Agent or the Required Lenders shall so request, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower Agent shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP (subject to the approval of the Required Lenders); provided that , until so amended, (A) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein and (B) the Borrowers shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between

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calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP. Without limiting the foregoing, leases shall continue to be classified and accounted for on a basis consistent with that reflected in the Audited Financial Statements for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding any change in GAAP relating thereto, unless the parties hereto shall enter into a mutually acceptable amendment addressing such changes, as provided for above.
1.04     Rounding . Any financial ratios required to be maintained by the Borrowers pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding‑up if there is no nearest number).
1.05     Times of Day; Rates . Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable). The Administrative Agent does not warrant, nor accept responsibility, nor shall the Administrative Agent have any liability with respect to the administration, submission or any other matter related to the rates in the definition of “LIBOR” or with respect to any comparable or successor rate thereto.
1.06     [Reserved] .
1.07     Pro Forma and Other Calculations .
(a)     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, financial ratios and tests (including measurements of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, Group Adjusted EBITDA and QS Adjusted EBITDA), including the Consolidated Interest Expense Ratio and Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio, shall be calculated in the manner prescribed by this Section 1.07; provided that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 1.07, when calculating the Consolidated Interest Expense Ratio and the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio for purposes of Section 7.11, the events described in this Section 1.07 that occurred subsequent to the end of the applicable four fiscal quarter test period (other than as specifically described in the definition of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA) shall not be given pro forma effect. In addition, whenever a financial ratio or test is to be calculated on a pro forma basis or requires pro forma compliance, the reference to “Test Period” for purposes of calculating such financial ratio or test shall be deemed to be a reference to, and shall be based on, the most recently ended Test Period for which Section 9.1 Financials have been delivered.
(b)     For purposes of calculating any financial ratio or test (including Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, Group Adjusted EBITDA and QS Adjusted EBITDA), any acquisition and disposition that shall have occurred since the first day of any twelve month period which Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, Group Adjusted EBITDA or QS Adjusted EBITDA is being calculated, such calculation shall give pro forma effect to such disposition or acquisition including, for the avoidance of doubt, any Indebtedness incurred in connection with such disposition or acquisition.

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(c)     In the event that any Consolidated Group member incurs, redeems, retires, defeases or extinguishes any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility unless such Indebtedness has been permanently paid and not replaced) subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to or simultaneously with the event for which the calculation of the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio is made, then the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, redemption, retirement, defeasance or extinguishment of Indebtedness as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four quarter period.
(d)     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in the definition of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, Group Adjusted EBITDA and QS Adjusted EBITDA (and all component definitions referenced in such definitions), whenever pro forma effect is to be given to any acquisition, disposition or incurrence, redemption, retirement, defeasance or extinguishment of Indebtedness as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four quarter period, the pro forma calculations shall be determined in good faith by a responsible officer of the Parent or Holdings.
ARTICLE II. THE COMMITMENTS AND BORROWINGS
2.01     Loans . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally agrees to make loans (each such loan, a “ Loan ”) to the Borrowers in Euro (or in the case of a Loan requested to be advanced in Dollars in accordance with Section 2.02(a) , in an amount equal to the Euro Equivalent of the Aggregate Commitments then in effect) in a single drawing on the Closing Date, in an aggregate amount not to exceed the amount of such Lender’s Commitment. Loans may not be reborrowed once repaid or prepaid. Loans may be Base Rate Loans or LIBOR Loans, as further provided herein.
2.02     Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans .
(a)     Each Borrowing, each conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, and each continuation of LIBOR Loans shall be made upon a Borrower’s irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent, which may be given by (A) telephone, or (B) a Loan Notice; provided that any telephonic notice must be confirmed immediately by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a Loan Notice. Each such Loan Notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than (A) 11:00 a.m. (i) with respect to the Borrowing of LIBOR Loans on the Closing Date, three Business Days Prior to the Closing Date and (ii) with respect to the Borrowing of Base Rate Loans on the Closing Date, on the Closing Date and (B) 11:00 a.m. (in the case of any LIBOR Loans denominated in Dollars) or the Applicable Time (in the case of any LIBOR Loans denominated in Euro), in each case three Business Days prior to the requested date of any conversion to or continuation of LIBOR Loans or of any conversion of LIBOR Loans to Base Rate Loans. Each Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of LIBOR Loans shall be in a principal amount of €5,000,000 (or, in the case of LIBOR Loans denominated in Dollars, $5,000,000) or a whole multiple of €1,000,000 (or, in the case of LIBOR Loans denominated in Dollars, $1,000,000) in excess thereof. Each Borrowing of or conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of

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$100,000 in excess thereof. Each Loan Notice shall specify (i) whether such Borrower is requesting a Borrowing, a conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, or a continuation of LIBOR Loans, (ii) the requested date of the Borrowing, conversion or continuation, as the case may be (which shall be a Business Day), (iii) the principal amount of Loans to be borrowed, converted or continued, (iv) the Type of Loans to be borrowed or to which existing Loans are to be converted, (v) if applicable, whether the Alternate Applicable Rate should be applied to the Loans, (vi) if applicable, the duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto and (vii) whether such Loan is requested to be denominated in Dollars or Euro. If the applicable Borrower fails to specify a Type of Loan in a Loan Notice or if the applicable Borrower fails to give a timely notice requesting a conversion or continuation, then the applicable Loans shall be made as Euro-denominated Loans with an interest period of one month, or converted to, a LIBOR Loan having an interest period of one month. Any such automatic conversion to LIBOR Loans with an interest period of one month shall be effective as of the last day of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable LIBOR Loans. If a Borrower requests a Borrowing of, conversion to, or continuation of LIBOR Loans in any such Loan Notice, but fails to specify an Interest Period, it will be deemed to have specified an Interest Period of one month. Notwithstanding the foregoing, only Loans denominated in Dollars may be made or continued as, or converted to, Base Rate Loans.
(b)     Following receipt of a Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the amount of its Applicable Percentage of the applicable Loans, and if no timely notice of a conversion or continuation is provided by the applicable Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the details of any automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans described in the preceding subsection. In the case of a Borrowing, each Lender shall make the amount of its Loan available to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 11 a.m. London time on the Closing Date. Upon satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 4.02 , the Administrative Agent shall make all funds so received available to the applicable Borrower in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent either by (i) crediting the account of such Borrower on the books of HSBC with the amount of such funds or (ii) wire transfer of such funds, in each case in accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Administrative Agent by such Borrower.
(c)     Except as otherwise provided herein, a LIBOR Loan may be continued or converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such LIBOR Loan. During the existence of a Default, no Loans may be requested as, converted to or continued as LIBOR Loans without the consent of the Required Lenders.
(d)     The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the applicable Borrower and the Lenders of the interest rate applicable to any Interest Period for LIBOR Loans upon determination of such interest rate. At any time that Base Rate Loans are outstanding, the Administrative Agent shall notify the applicable Borrower and the Lenders of any change in HSBC’s prime rate used in determining the Base Rate promptly following the public announcement of such change.

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(e)     After giving effect to all Borrowings, all conversions of Loans from one Type to the other, and all continuations of Loans as the same Type, there shall not be more than ten Interest Periods in effect with respect to Loans.
2.03     [Reserved] .
2.04     [Reserved] .
2.05     Prepayments .
(a)     The Borrowers may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, at any time or from time to time voluntarily prepay Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (i) such notice must be in a form acceptable to the Administrative Agent and be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (in the case of Loans denominated in Dollars) or the Applicable Time (in the case of LIBOR Loans denominated in Euro) in each case (A) three Business Days prior to any date of prepayment of LIBOR Loans and (B) on the date of prepayment of Base Rate Loans; (ii) any prepayment of LIBOR Loans shall be in a principal amount of €5,000,000 (or, in the case of LIBOR Loans denominated in Dollars, $5,000,000) or a whole multiple of €1,000,000 (or, in the case of LIBOR Loans denominated in Dollars, $1,000,000) in excess thereof; and (iii) any prepayment of Base Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof or, in each case, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the Type(s) of Loans to be prepaid and, if LIBOR Loans are to be prepaid, the Interest Period(s) of such Loans. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the amount of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such prepayment. If such notice is given by a Borrower, such Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein. Any prepayment of a LIBOR Loan shall be accompanied by all accrued interest on the amount prepaid, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05 . Subject to Section 2.16 , each such prepayment shall be applied to the Loans of the Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages.
(b)     Upon receipt by the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, after the Closing Date, of Net Cash Proceeds arising from any Debt Issuance or Equity Issuance on or after the Closing Date and without duplication of any reduction of the Aggregate Commitments pursuant to Section 2.06(b)(ii) , the Borrowers shall promptly (and in any event within one Business Day) notify the Administrative Agent thereof in writing and within three Business Days of such receipt, prepay the Loans (including any accrued interest) in an amount equal to 100% of such Net Cash Proceeds.
(c)     If the Fermacell Acquisition shall not have been consummated in accordance with the terms of the Fermacell Acquisition Agreement within two Business Days from the Closing Date (as evidenced by a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower Agent and delivered to the Administrative Agent), then the Borrowers shall within one Business Day prepay the Loans (including any accrued interest) in full.

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2.06     Termination or Reduction of Commitments .
(a)     Optional . The Borrower Agent may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, terminate the Aggregate Commitments, or from time to time permanently reduce the Aggregate Commitments; provided that (i) any such notice shall be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (in the case of Loans denominated in Dollars) or the Applicable Time (in the case of Loans denominated in Euro), in each case three Business Days prior to the date of termination or reduction and (ii) any such partial reduction shall be in an aggregate amount of €5,000,000 (or, in the case of Loans denominated in Dollars, $5,000,000) or a whole multiple of €1,000,000 (or, in the case of Loans denominated in Dollars, $1,000,000) in excess thereof. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Lenders of any such notice of termination or reduction of the Aggregate Commitments. Any reduction of the Aggregate Commitments shall be applied to the Commitment of each Lender according to its Applicable Percentage. All fees accrued until the effective date of any termination of the Aggregate Commitments shall be paid on the effective date of such termination.
(b)     Mandatory . (i) Upon the 90 th  day after the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Aggregate Commitments shall terminate in full and (ii) in the event that there occurs one or more Debt Issuances or Equity Issuances before the Closing Date, the Aggregate Commitments shall be reduced in an aggregate amount equal to 100% of the Net Cash Proceeds of each such Debt Issuance and Equity Issuance. Without limiting foregoing, the Borrowers shall promptly (and in any event within one Business Day) notify the Administrative Agent in writing of any such Debt Issuance and/or Equity Issuance.
(c)     Unless previously terminated, the Commitment of each Lender shall automatically terminate in full at 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the earlier of (i) the Closing Date (after giving effect to the Borrowings on such date) and (ii) May 31, 2018.
2.07     Repayment of Loans .
Each of the Borrowers hereby unconditionally promises on a joint and several basis to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Loans outstanding on the Maturity Date in the currency in which the Loans were made and all interest, fees and other amounts payable hereunder on such date.
2.08     Interest .
(a)     Subject to the provisions of subsections (b) and (c) below, (i) each LIBOR Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof for each Interest Period at a rate per annum equal to the LIBOR for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Rate and (ii) each Base Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.

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(b)     The Alternate Applicable Rate shall apply if (i) the Corporate Ratings is at least BBB‑ from S&P, and at least Baa3 from Moody’s and (ii) the Borrower Agent elects to apply the Alternate Applicable Rate to the Loans by written notice to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.02(a)(v) .
(c)     If any amount of principal of any Loan is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, such amount shall thereafter bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.
(i)     If any amount (other than principal of any Loan) payable by a Borrower under any Loan Document is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, then upon the request of the Required Lenders, such amount shall thereafter bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.
(ii)     Upon the request of the Required Lenders, while any Event of Default exists that is not referred to above in this Section 2.08(c) (unless at such time the Alternate Applicable Rate shall apply as set forth in clause (b ) above), the Borrowers shall pay interest on the principal amount of all outstanding Obligations hereunder at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.
(iii)     Accrued and unpaid interest on past due amounts (including interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable upon demand.
(d)     Interest on each Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto and at such other times as may be specified herein in the same currency in which such Loan is denominated. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable in accordance with the terms hereof before and after judgment, and before and after the commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law.
2.09     Fees .
(a)     Ticking Fee . The Borrowers shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Applicable Percentage, a ticking fee equal to the Applicable Rate times the actual daily amount of Aggregate Commitments. The ticking fee shall accrue for the period beginning on January 7, 2018 until the earlier of (x) the Closing Date and (y) the termination of the Commitments, and shall be due and payable on the earlier of (x) the Closing Date and (y) the termination of the Commitments.
(b)     Other Fees . (i) The Borrowers shall pay to the Arranger and the Administrative Agent for their own respective accounts fees in the amounts and at the times specified in the Fee Letter. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever. The Borrowers shall pay to the Lenders such fees as shall have been separately agreed upon in writing in the amounts and at the times

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so specified. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever.
2.10     Computation of Interest and Fees; Retroactive Adjustments of Applicable Rate .
(a)     All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans determined by reference to the Administrative Agent’s announced prime rate shall be made on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed. All other computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of a 360‑day year and actual days elapsed (which results in more fees or interest, as applicable, being paid than if computed on the basis of a 365‑day year). Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid, provided that any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall, subject to Section 2.12(a) , bear interest for one day. Each determination by the Administrative Agent of an interest rate or fee hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.
(b)     If, as a result of any restatement of or other adjustment to the financial statements of the Parent or for any other reason, the Borrower Agent or the Lenders determine that (i) the Consolidated Leverage Ratio as calculated as of any applicable date was inaccurate and (ii) a proper calculation of the Consolidated Leverage Ratio would have resulted in higher pricing for such period, the Borrowers shall immediately and retroactively be obligated to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the applicable Lenders promptly on demand by the Administrative Agent (or, after the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the applicable Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, automatically and without further action by the Administrative Agent or any Lender), an amount equal to the excess of the amount of interest and fees that should have been paid for such period over the amount of interest and fees actually paid for such period. This paragraph shall not limit the rights of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, as the case may be, under Section 2.08(b) or under Article VIII . The Borrowers’ obligations under this paragraph shall survive the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment of all other Obligations hereunder.
2.11     Evidence of Debt .
The Borrowings made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender and by the Administrative Agent in the ordinary course of business. The accounts or records maintained by the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall be conclusive absent manifest error of the amount of the Borrowings made by the Lenders to the Borrowers and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrowers hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence

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of manifest error. Upon the request of any Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a Note, which shall evidence such Lender’s Loans in addition to such accounts or records. Each Lender may attach schedules to its Note and endorse thereon the date, Type (if applicable), amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.
2.12     Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback .
(a)     General . All payments to be made by the Borrowers shall be made free and clear of and without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by the Borrowers hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the Administrative Agent’s Office in Euro or in Dollars, as the case may be, and in immediately available funds not later than 2:00 p.m. (in the case of Loans denominated in Dollars) or the Applicable Time (in the case of Loans denominated in Euro), in each case on the date specified herein. The Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to each Lender its Applicable Percentage (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer to such Lender’s Lending Office. All payments received by the Administrative Agent after 2:00 p.m. or the Applicable Time, as the case may be, shall be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue. If any payment to be made by a Borrower shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be.
(b)     (i) Funding by Lenders; Presumption by Administrative Agent . Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the Closing Date that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with Section 2.02 (or, in the case of a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, that such Lender has made such share available in accordance with and at the time required by Section 2.02 ) and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the applicable Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and such Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to such Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (A) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing, and (B) in the case of a payment to be made by a Borrower, the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Loans. If such Borrower and such Lender shall pay such interest to the Administrative Agent for the same or an overlapping

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period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to such Borrower the amount of such interest paid by such Borrower for such period. If such Lender pays its share of the applicable Borrowing to the Administrative Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing. Any payment by a Borrower shall be without prejudice to any claim such Borrower may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to the Administrative Agent.
(ii)     Payments by Borrowers; Presumptions by Administrative Agent . Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders hereunder that such Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders the amount due. In such event, if such Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender, in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.
A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender or any Borrower with respect to any amount owing under this subsection (b) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.
(c)     Failure to Satisfy Conditions Precedent . If any Lender makes available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such Lender as provided in the foregoing provisions of this Article II , and such funds are not made available to the applicable Borrower by the Administrative Agent because the conditions to the Borrowing set forth in Article IV are not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof, the Administrative Agent shall return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to such Lender, without interest.
(d)     Obligations of the Administrative Agent and Lenders Several . The obligations of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereunder to make Loans and to make payments pursuant to Section 11.04(c) are several and not joint. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan, to fund any such participation or to make any payment under Section 11.04(c) on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender nor the Administrative Agent shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Loan, to purchase its participation or to make its payment under Section 11.04(c) .
(e)     Funding Source . Nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any Lender to obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner or to constitute a representation by any Lender that it has obtained or will obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner.


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2.13     Sharing of Payments by Lenders . If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of the Loans made by it resulting in such Lender’s receiving payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of such Loans or participations and accrued interest thereon greater than its pro rata share thereof as provided herein, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans of the other Lenders, or make such other adjustments as shall be equitable, so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Loans and other amounts owing them, provided that:
(i)     if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest; and
(ii)     the provisions of this Section shall not be construed to apply to (x) any payment made by or on behalf of the Borrowers pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement (including the application of funds arising from the existence of a Defaulting Lender) or (y) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans to any assignee or participant, other than an assignment to any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this Section shall apply).
Each Loan Party consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against such Loan Party rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Loan Party in the amount of such participation.
2.14     [Reserved] .
2.15     [Reserved] .
2.16     Defaulting Lenders .
(a)     Adjustments . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as that Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable Law:
(i)     Waivers and Amendments . Such Defaulting Lender’s right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in the definition of “Required Lenders” and Section 11.01 .
(ii)     Defaulting Lender Waterfall . Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article VIII or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 11.08 shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the

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Administrative Agent as follows: first , to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second , as the Borrower Agent may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; third , if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Agent, to be held in a deposit account and released pro rata in order to satisfy such Defaulting Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Loans under this Agreement; fourth , to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; fifth , so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrowers as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by a Borrower against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and sixth , to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share, and (y) such Loans were made at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of all Non‑Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Loans are held by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with the Commitments hereunder. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this Section 2.16(a)(ii) shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.
(iii)     Certain Fees .
No Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive any fee payable under Section 2.09(a) for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender (and the Borrowers shall not be required to pay any such fee that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to that Defaulting Lender).
(b)     Defaulting Lender Cure . If the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent agree in writing that a Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein, that Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase at par that portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Loans to be held on a pro rata basis by the Lenders in accordance with their Applicable Percentages, whereupon such Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrowers while that Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided , further , that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or

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release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.
2.17     Appointment and Authorization of Borrower Agent .
(a)     JHBP (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) hereby designates, appoints, authorizes and empowers JHIFDAC (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) as its agent and hereby irrevocably authorizes and directs JHIFDAC to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and any other instruments, documents and agreements referred to herein or therein, and to exercise such powers and to perform such duties hereunder and thereunder, and such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto, including, without limitation, to submit on behalf of JHBP (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) Loan Notices in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, each such document to be submitted by JHIFDAC (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) to the applicable recipient as soon as practicable after its receipt of a request to do so from JHBP (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement).
(b)     JHIFDAC (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement)is further authorized and directed by JHBP (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) to take all such actions on behalf of JHBP (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) necessary to exercise the specific powers granted in Section 2.17(a) and to perform such other duties hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, and deliver such documents as delegated to or required of JHIFDAC (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement). The Administrative Agent and each Lender may regard any notice or other communication pursuant to any Loan Documents from JHIFDAC (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) as a notice or communication from all Borrowers, and may give any notice or communication required or permitted to be given to JHBP (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) hereunder to JHIFDAC (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) on behalf of JHBP (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement). JHBP (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) agrees that each notice, election, representation and warranty, covenant, agreement and undertaking made on its behalf by JHIFDAC (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) shall be deemed for all purposes to have been made by JHBP (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) and shall be binding upon and enforceable against JHBP (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) to the same extent as if the same had been made directly by JHBP (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement).
(c)     JHIFDAC (and each successor obligor to its obligations under this Agreement) may perform any of its duties hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents by or through its agents or employees.


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ARTICLE III. TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY
3.01     Taxes .
(a)     Payments Free of Taxes; Obligation to Withhold; Payments on Account of Taxes .
(i)     Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable Laws. If any applicable Laws (as determined in the good faith discretion of the Administrative Agent with consent of the Loan Parties, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) require the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by the Administrative Agent or a Loan Party, then the Administrative Agent or such Loan Party shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding, upon the basis of the information and documentation to be delivered pursuant to subsection (e) below.
(ii)     If any Loan Party or the Administrative Agent shall be required by the Code to withhold or deduct any Taxes, including both United States federal backup withholding and withholding taxes, from any payment, then (A) the Administrative Agent shall withhold or make such deductions as are determined by the Administrative Agent to be required based upon the information and documentation it has received pursuant to subsection (e) below, (B) the Administrative Agent shall timely pay the full amount withheld or deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with the Code, and (C) to the extent that the withholding or deduction is made on account of Indemnified Taxes, the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after any required withholding or the making of all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 3.01 ) the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such withholding or deduction been made.
(iii)     If any Loan Party or the Administrative Agent shall be required by any applicable Laws other than the Code to withhold or deduct any Taxes from any payment, then (A) such Loan Party or the Administrative Agent, as required by such Laws, shall withhold or make such deductions as are determined by it to be required based upon the information and documentation it has received pursuant to subsection (e) below, (B) such Loan Party or the Administrative Agent, to the extent required by such Laws, shall timely pay the full amount withheld or deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with such Laws, and (C) to the extent that the withholding or deduction is made on account of Indemnified Taxes, the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after any required withholding or the making of all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 3.01 ) the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such withholding or deduction been made.


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(b)     Payment of Other Taxes by the Borrowers . Without limiting the provisions of subsection (a) above, the Loan Parties shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law, or at the option of the Administrative Agent timely reimburse the Administrative Agent for the payment of, any Other Taxes.
(c)     Tax Indemnifications . (i) Each of the Loan Parties shall, and does hereby, jointly and severally indemnify each Recipient, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 3.01 ) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient, and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower Agent by a Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each of the Loan Parties shall, and does hereby, jointly and severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, for any amount which a Lender for any reason fails to pay indefeasibly to the Administrative Agent as required pursuant to Section 3.01(c)(ii) below.
(ii)     Each Lender shall, and does hereby, severally indemnify, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, (x) the Administrative Agent against any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that any Loan Party has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Loan Parties to do so), (y) the Administrative Agent and the Loan Parties, as applicable, against any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 11.06(d) relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (z) the Administrative Agent and the Loan Parties, as applicable, against any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent or a Loan Party in connection with any Loan Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this clause (ii) .
(d)     Evidence of Payments . As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by a Borrower to a Governmental Authority as provided in this Section 3.01 , such Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt or other similar evidence issued or made available by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of any return required by Laws to report such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

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(e)     Status of Lenders; Tax Documentation .
(i)     Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 3.01(e)(ii)(A) , (ii)(B) and (ii)(D)  below) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.
(ii)     Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that each Borrower is a U.S. Person,
(A)     any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall, to the extent U.S. federal tax laws so allow, deliver to the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of IRS Form W‑9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;
(B)     any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:
(1)    in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Loan Document, executed copies of IRS Form W‑8BENE (or W‑8BEN, as applicable) establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty and (y) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Loan Document, IRS Form W‑8BENE (or W‑8BEN, as applicable) establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty;

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(2)    executed copies of IRS Form W‑8ECI;
(3)    in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit E‑1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrowers within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a “ U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate ”) and (y) executed copies of IRS Form W‑8BENE (or W‑8BEN, as applicable); or
(4)    to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed copies of IRS Form W‑8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W‑8ECI, IRS Form W‑8BENE (or W‑8BEN, as applicable), a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit E‑2 or Exhibit E‑3 , IRS Form W‑9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit E‑4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner;
(C)     any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and
(D)     if a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with

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such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (D), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.
(iii)     Each Lender agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered pursuant to this Section 3.01 expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.
(iv)     Each Lender shall, on or before the date it becomes a party hereto, inform the Irish Borrower whether it is an Irish Qualifying Lender. Any such Lender shall also promptly notify the Borrower Agent if it subsequently ceases to be an Irish Qualifying Lender or subsequently becomes an Irish Qualifying Lender.
(v)     If a Lender with respect to a Loan to an Irish Borrower fails to confirm that it is an Irish Qualifying Lender in accordance with Section 3.01(e)(iv) then such Lender shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as if it was not an Irish Qualifying Lender until such time as it confirms that it is an Irish Qualifying Lender.
(vi)     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document (but subject to the proviso in this Section 3.01(e)(vii), no Irish Borrower shall be required to make an increased payment to a Lender under this Section 3.01 or any Loan Document for any Tax deduction imposed under the laws of Ireland from a payment of interest by any Irish Borrower under a Loan Document if:
(i)     on the date on which the payment falls due the payment could have been made to the relevant Lender without a Tax deduction if the Lender was an Irish Qualifying Lender but, on that date, the Lender is not or has ceased to be an Irish Qualifying Lender other than as a result of any change after the date it became a Lender under a Loan Document in (or in the interpretation, administration, or application of) any law or Treaty, or any published practice or concession of any relevant tax authority, or
(ii)     the relevant Lender is a Treaty Lender and the applicable Irish Borrower is able to demonstrate that the payment could have been made to the Lender without the Tax deduction had the Treaty Lender complied with its obligations under Section 3.01(e)(viii); provided , however , that (A) if a Lender assigns or transfers any of its rights or obligations under the Loan Documents to an assignee Lender (or designates a new Lending Office), and at the date of such assignment or transfer (or designation of a new Lending Office) an Irish Borrower would be obliged to make an increased payment to such assignor Lender under Section 3.01(a), then such assignee Lender shall be entitled to receive increased payments under Section 3.01(a) from such Irish Borrower to the same extent such assignor Lender would have been entitled to if the assignment or transfer (or designation of new Lending Office) had not occurred; (B) the applicable Irish Borrower shall be required to make increased payments under Section 3.01(a) to a

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Lender that is an assignee pursuant to a request by the applicable Borrower under Section 3.06, and (C) the applicable Irish Borrower shall be required to make increased payments to a Lender under Section 3.01(a) with respect to any Taxes arising as a result of an Irish Borrower failing to comply with its obligations under Section 3.01(e)(viii).
(vii)     Upon request from an Irish Borrower, each Lender with respect to a Loan to an Irish Borrower shall promptly provide such information as shall be reasonably requested to enable such Irish Borrower to verify that such Lender is an Irish Qualifying Lender and to comply with the provisions of sections 891A and 891E of the TCA (or any regulations made in respect of or in connection with such sections).
(viii)     Each Treaty Lender and each applicable Irish Borrower that makes a payment to which that Treaty Lender is entitled shall cooperate in completing any procedural formalities as may be necessary or advisable for such Irish Borrower to obtain authorization to make such payment without any Tax deduction imposed under the laws of Ireland.
(f)     Treatment of Certain Refunds . Unless required by applicable Laws, at no time shall the Administrative Agent have any obligation to file for or otherwise pursue on behalf of a Lender, or have any obligation to pay to any Lender, any refund of Taxes withheld or deducted from funds paid for the account of such Lender. If any Recipient determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by any Loan Party or with respect to which any Loan Party has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 3.01 , it shall pay to the applicable Loan Party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by a Loan Party under this Section 3.01 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out‑of‑pocket expenses (including Taxes) incurred by such Recipient, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund), provided that the applicable Loan Party, upon the request of the Recipient, agrees to repay the amount paid over to such Loan Party (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Recipient in the event the Recipient is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this subsection, in no event will the applicable Recipient be required to pay any amount to such Loan Party pursuant to this subsection the payment of which would place the Recipient in a less favorable net after‑Tax position than such Recipient would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid. This subsection shall not be construed to require any Recipient to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) to any Loan Party or any other Person.
(g)     Survival . Each party’s obligations under this Section 3.01 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or

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the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations.
3.02     Illegality . If any Lender or any of its Affiliates determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender, its Lending Office or such Affiliate to perform any of its obligations hereunder or make, maintain or fund or charge interest with respect to any Borrowing or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the LIBOR, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, Euro or Dollars, as the case may be, in the London interbank market, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower Agent through the Administrative Agent, (i) any obligation of such Lender to issue, make, maintain, fund or charge interest with respect to any such Borrowing or continue LIBOR Loans or to convert Base Rate Loans to LIBOR Loans shall be suspended, and (ii) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender making or maintaining Base Rate Loans the interest rate on which is determined by reference to the LIBOR component of the Base Rate, the interest rate on which Base Rate Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the LIBOR component of the Base Rate, in each case until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Agent that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, (x) the Borrowers shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable, convert all LIBOR Loans of such Lender to Base Rate Loans (the interest rate on which Base Rate Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the LIBOR component of the Base Rate), either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such LIBOR Loans to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such LIBOR Loans and (y) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender determining or charging interest rates based upon the LIBOR, the Administrative Agent shall during the period of such suspension compute the Base Rate applicable to such Lender without reference to the LIBOR component thereof until the Administrative Agent is advised in writing by such Lender, its Lending Office or its applicable Affiliate that it is no longer illegal for such Lender, its Lending Office or such Affiliate to determine or charge interest rates based upon the LIBOR. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrowers shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.
3.03     Inability to Determine Rates . If in connection with any request for a LIBOR Loan or a conversion to or continuation thereof, (a)  the Administrative Agent determines that (i) Euro or Dollars, as the case may be, deposits are not being offered to banks in the London interbank eurodollar market for the applicable amount and Interest Period of such LIBOR Loan, or (ii) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining the LIBOR for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed LIBOR Loan or in connection with an existing or proposed Base Rate Loan (in each case with respect to clause (a) (i) above, “Impacted Loans”), or (b) the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders determine that for any reason the LIBOR for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed LIBOR Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such LIBOR Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Borrower Agent and each Lender. Thereafter, (x) the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain LIBOR Loans shall be suspended, (to the extent of the affected LIBOR Loans or Interest Periods), and (y) in the event of a determination

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described in the preceding sentence with respect to the LIBOR component of the Base Rate, the utilization of the LIBOR component in determining the Base Rate shall be suspended, in each case until the Administrative Agent upon the instruction of the Required Lenders revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrowers may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of LIBOR Loans (to the extent of the affected LIBOR Loans or Interest Periods) or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans in the amount specified therein.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Administrative Agent has made the determination described in clause (a) (i) of this section, the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Borrower Agent and the affected Lenders, may establish an alternative interest rate for the Impacted Loans, in which case, such alternative rate of interest shall apply with respect to the Impacted Loans until (1) the Administrative Agent revokes the notice delivered with respect to the Impacted Loans under clause (a) of the first sentence of this section, (2) the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Agent that such alternative interest rate does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding the Impacted Loans, or (3) any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for such Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund Loans whose interest is determined by reference to such alternative rate of interest or to determine or charge interest rates based upon such rate or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to do any of the foregoing and provides the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Agent written notice thereof.
3.04     Increased Costs .
(a)     Increased Costs Generally . If any Change in Law shall:
(i)     impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except any reserve requirement reflected in the LIBOR);
(ii)     subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (C) Connection Income Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto; or
(iii)     impose on any Lender or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense affecting this Agreement or LIBOR Loans made by such Lender;
and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making, converting to, continuing or maintaining any Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender, the

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Borrowers will pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.
(b)     Capital Requirements . If any Lender determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or any Lending Office of such Lender or such Lender’s holding company, if any, regarding capital or liquidity requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments of such Lender or the Loans made by such Lender, to a level below that which such Lender or such Lender’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time the Borrowers will pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Lender’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.
(c)     Certificates for Reimbursement . A certificate of a Lender setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this Section and delivered to the Borrower Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrowers shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 15 days after receipt thereof.
(d)     Delay in Requests . Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.04 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s right to demand such compensation, provided that the Borrowers shall not be required to compensate a Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than six months prior to the date that such Lender notifies the Borrower Agent of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the six‑month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).
(e)     Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Lender shall be entitled to seek compensation under this Section 3.04 based on the occurrence of a Change in Law arising solely from (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or any requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or (y) Basel III or any requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith, unless such Lender is generally seeking compensation from other borrowers in the U.S. loan market with respect to its similarly affected commitments, loans and/or participations under agreements with such borrowers having provisions similar to this Section 3.04(e).
3.05     Compensation for Losses . Upon demand of any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) from time to time, the applicable Borrower shall promptly compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense incurred by it as a result of:


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(a)     any continuation, conversion, payment or prepayment of any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan (whether voluntary, mandatory, automatic, by reason of acceleration, or otherwise);
(b)     any failure by such Borrower (for a reason other than the failure of such Lender to make a Loan) to prepay, borrow, continue or convert any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on the date or in the amount notified by such Borrower; or
(c)     any assignment of a LIBOR Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period therefor as a result of a request by the Borrower Agent pursuant to Section 11.13 ;
excluding any loss of anticipated profits, but including any loss or expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained. The Borrowers shall also pay any customary administrative fees charged by such Lender in connection with the foregoing.
For purposes of calculating amounts payable by the Borrowers to the Lenders under this Section 3.05 , each Lender shall be deemed to have funded each LIBOR Loan made by it at the LIBOR for such Loan by a matching deposit or other borrowing in the London interbank eurodollar market for a comparable amount and for a comparable period, whether or not such LIBOR Loan was in fact so funded.
3.06     Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders .
(a)     Designation of a Different Lending Office . Each Lender may make any Borrowing to any Borrower through any Lending Office, provided that the exercise of this option shall not affect the obligation of such Borrower to repay the Borrowing in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04 , or requires a Borrower to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01 , or if any Lender gives a notice pursuant to Section 3.02 , then at the request of the Borrower Agent such Lender shall, as applicable, use reasonable efforts to designate a different Lending Office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.01 or 3.04 , as the case may be, in the future, or eliminate the need for the notice pursuant to Section 3.02 , as applicable, and (ii) in each case, would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. The Borrowers hereby agree to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.
(b)     Replacement of Lenders . If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04 , or if a Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01 and, in each case, such Lender has declined or is unable to

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designate a different lending office in accordance with Section 3.06(a) , the Borrower Agent may replace such Lender in accordance with Section 11.13 .
3.07     Survival . All of the Borrowers’ obligations under this Article III shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments, repayment of all other Obligations hereunder, and resignation of the Administrative Agent.
ARTICLE IV. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO BORROWING
4.01     Conditions to Effectiveness . This Agreement shall become effective on the date (the “ Effective Date ”) on which each of the following conditions is satisfied:
(a)     The Administrative Agent shall have received the following, each of which shall be originals or telecopies (followed promptly by originals) unless otherwise specified, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer of the signing Loan Party, each dated the Effective Date (or, in the case of certificates of governmental officials, a recent date before the Effective Date) and each in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders:
(i)     executed counterparts of this Agreement, sufficient in number for distribution to the Administrative Agent, each Lender and each Loan Party and the Parent;
(ii)     such certificates of resolutions or other action, incumbency certificates and/or other certificates of Responsible Officers of each Loan Party and the Parent as the Administrative Agent may require evidencing the identity, authority and capacity of each Responsible Officer thereof authorized to act as a Responsible Officer in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party or the Parent is a party;
(iii)     such certifications as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require to evidence that each Loan Party and the Parent is duly organized or formed, and that each Loan Party is validly existing and in good standing (to the extent good standing is applicable) in the jurisdiction of its organization; and
(iv)     a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower Agent certifying that (i) the representations and warranties of each Borrower and each other Loan Party contained in Article V or any other Loan Document, or which are contained in any document furnished at any time under or in connection herewith or therewith, are true and correct in all material respects (provided that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality,” “Material Adverse Effect” or similar language shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of the Effective Date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects (provided that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality,” “Material Adverse Effect” or similar language shall be true and correct in all respects) as of such earlier date and (ii) no Default or Event of Default as of the Effective Date has occurred and is continuing.

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(b)     Any fees required to be paid on or before the Effective Date shall have been paid.
(c)     Unless waived by the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers shall have paid the reasonable and documented out of pocket fees, charges and disbursements of one firm of counsel to the Administrative Agent and one firm of local counsel to the Administrative Agent in each relevant jurisdiction (directly to such counsel if requested by the Administrative Agent), in each case to the extent invoiced at least 2 Business Days prior to the Effective Date.
(d)     Each Lender shall have received at least five (5) Business Days prior to the Effective Date (to the extent requested no later than seven (7) Business Days prior to the Effective Date) all documentation and other information required by bank regulatory authorities under applicable “know-your-customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the PATRIOT Act.
Without limiting the generality of the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 9.03 , for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 4.01 , each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Effective Date specifying its objection thereto.
4.02     Conditions to Closing . The obligation of each Lender to make a Loan on the Closing Date is subject to the following conditions precedent:
(a)     the Effective Date shall have occurred and the Aggregate Commitments have not been terminated;
(b)     the Administrative Agent shall have received a Loan Notice in accordance with the requirements hereof;
(c)     the Arranger shall have received audited consolidated financial statements of the Parent for each of the last three full fiscal years ended more than 90 days prior to the Closing Date, and unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Parent for each subsequent fiscal quarter ended more than 45 days prior to the Closing Date (and for the corresponding period(s) of the prior fiscal year);
(d)     the Administrative Agent shall have received a solvency certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit F, duly executed and delivered by the chief financial officer, chief accounting officer or other financial officer of the Parent, evidencing that the Parent and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis shall be solvent on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the consummation of the Fermacell Acquisition and the Borrowing of the Loans;
(e)     any fees required to be paid on or before the Closing Date shall have been paid;

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(f)     the Specified Representations shall be true and correct in all material respects at the time of, and after giving effect to, the making of the Loans on the Closing Date;
(g)     the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower Agent certifying that the condition specified in clause (f) above has been satisfied; and
(h)     the Administrative Agent shall have received a customary opinion of (i) DLA Piper, counsel to the Loan Parties and the Parent and (ii) local counsel to the Loan Parties and the Parent located in Bermuda, Ireland and Nevada, each addressed to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
ARTICLE V. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Each Loan Party and, solely with respect to Sections 5.01, 5.02, 5.03, 5.04, 5.05, 5.06, 5.12, 5.13, and 5.15, the Parent represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders on the Effective Date and on the Closing Date that:
5.01     Existence, Qualification and Power . The Parent and each Loan Party (a) is duly organized or formed and is validly existing or the local equivalent under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, (b) has all requisite power and authority and all requisite governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to (i) own or lease its assets and carry on its business and (ii) execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and (c) is duly qualified and is licensed and, as applicable, in good standing or the local equivalent, if any under the Laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification or license; except in each case referred to in clause (b)(i) or (c) , to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.02     Authorization; No Contravention . The execution, delivery and performance by the Parent and each Loan Party of each Loan Document to which such Person is party, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational action, and do not and will not (a) contravene the terms of any of such Person’s Organization Documents; (b) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of any Lien under, or require any payment to be made under (i) any material Contractual Obligation to which such Person is a party or affecting such Person or the properties of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) any order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which such Person or its property is subject; or (c) violate any Law.
5.03     Governmental Authorization; Other Consents . No approval, consent, exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is necessary or required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, the Parent or any Loan Party of this Agreement or any other Loan Document that has not been given or provided.


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5.04     Binding Effect . This Agreement has been, and each other Loan Document, when delivered hereunder, will have been, duly executed and delivered by the Parent and each Loan Party that is party thereto, as applicable. This Agreement constitutes, and each other Loan Document when so delivered will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation enforceable against the Parent and each Loan Party that is party thereto in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to equitable principles (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in equity or at law).
5.05     Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect .
(a)     The Audited Financial Statements (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; (ii) fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; and (iii) show all material indebtedness and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and Indebtedness.
(b)     The unaudited consolidated balance sheets of the Parent and its Subsidiaries dated September 30, 2017, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the fiscal quarter ended on that date (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein, and (ii) fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby, subject, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii) , to the absence of footnotes and to normal year‑end audit adjustments. Schedule 5.05 sets forth all material indebtedness and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of the Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the date of such financial statements, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and Indebtedness.
(c)     Since the date of the Audited Financial Statements, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.06     Litigation . There are no actions, suits, proceedings, claims or disputes pending or, to the knowledge of the Parent or any Loan Party threatened or contemplated, at law, in equity, in arbitration or before any Governmental Authority, by or against the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or against any of their properties or revenues that (a) purport to affect or pertain to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any of the transactions contemplated hereby, or (b) except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.06 , either individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and there has been no adverse change in the status, or financial effect on the Parent or any Subsidiary thereof, of the matters described on Schedule 5.06 .


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5.07     No Default . No Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof is in default under or with respect to any Contractual Obligation that could, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
5.08     Environmental Compliance . Each Loan Party and its Subsidiaries conduct in the ordinary course of business a review of the effect of existing Environmental Laws and claims alleging potential liability or responsibility for violation of any Environmental Law on their respective businesses, operations and properties, and as a result thereof such Loan Party has reasonably concluded that, except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.08 , such Environmental Laws and claims could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.09     Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act .
(a)     No Borrower is engaged and each Borrower will not engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U issued by the FRB), or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock.
(b)     None of the Borrower, any Person Controlling a Borrower, or any Subsidiary is or is required to be registered as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
5.10     Disclosure . The reports, financial statements, certificates and the other written information furnished in writing by or on behalf of any Loan Party to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder or under any other Loan Document (in each case, as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished), when taken as a whole and when taken together with any reports, proxy statements and other materials filed by Parent and/or any of its Subsidiaries with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of such commission, or with any other national securities exchange or regulator, as the case may be, do not contain any material misstatement of fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading (after giving effect to all supplements and updates thereto heretofore made); it being understood and agreed that for purposes of this Section ‎5.10, such information shall not include projections (including financial estimates, forecasts and other forward-looking information), pro forma financial information or information of a general economic or industry specific nature, with respect to which, the Borrowers represent only that such projected information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time.
5.11     Compliance with Laws . Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary thereof is in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its properties, except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith

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by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted or (b) the failure to comply therewith, either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.12     OFAC . None of the Parent, any Loan Party, any of its Subsidiaries, any director or officer, or any employee, agent, or Affiliate, of the Parent, any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries is an individual or entity (“ Person ”) that is, or is owned or controlled by Persons that are, (i) the subject of any sanctions administered or enforced by the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“ OFAC ”), the US Department of State, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, Her Majesty’s Treasury, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “ Sanctions ”), or (ii) located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is, or whose government is, the subject of Sanctions, including, without limitation, currently, the Crimea Region, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria.
5.13     Anti‑Corruption Laws . None of the Parent, each Borrower, nor to the knowledge of any Loan Party or the Parent, any director, officer, agent, employee, Affiliate or other person acting on behalf of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is aware of or has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would result in a violation by such persons of any applicable anti‑bribery law, including but not limited to, the United Kingdom Bribery Act 2010 (the “ UK Bribery Act ”) and the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (the “ FCPA ”). Furthermore, the Parent, each Loan Party and, to the knowledge of each Loan Party, its Affiliates have conducted their businesses in compliance with the UK Bribery Act, the FCPA and similar laws, rules or regulations and have instituted and maintain policies and procedures designed to ensure, and which are reasonably expected to continue to ensure, continued compliance therewith. No part of the proceeds of the Loans will be used, directly or indirectly, for any payment that could constitute a violation of any applicable anti-bribery law.
5.14     Pari Passu Ranking . Each Loan Party’s obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, will, upon the execution and delivery thereof, respectively, rank pari passu, without preference or priority, with all of the other outstanding unsecured and unsubordinated Indebtedness of such Loan Party.
5.15     Holding Company . (a) The Parent does not have any material liabilities other than (i) creditors, provisions and indemnities incidental to its activities as a holding company without a material operating business; (ii) liabilities under this Agreement, and its liabilities (if any) under the Guarantee Trust Deed and the Intercreditor Deed; (iii) liabilities under the AFFA; (iv) liabilities in relation to taxation; and (v) liabilities to shareholders in their capacity as such not prohibited under the AFFA and (b) the only Person (excluding Holdings) which is a Subsidiary of the Parent, and not also a Subsidiary of Holdings, is JH Insurance and other Holding Companies.
5.16     Solvency . On the Effective Date, the Parent and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis are, and, on the Closing Date, the Parent and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis will be, Solvent, both before and after giving effect to the consummation of the
transactions, including without limitation the Fermacell Acquisition, the making of the Loans and after giving effect to the application of the proceeds of the Loans.
ARTICLE VI. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, or any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, each Loan Party shall, and shall (except

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in the case of the covenants set forth in Sections 6.01 , 6.02 , and 6.03 ) cause each Restricted Subsidiary to:
6.01     Financial Statements . Deliver to the Administrative Agent for distribution to each Lender:
(a)     as soon as available, but in any event within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Parent, a consolidated balance sheet of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied by a report and opinion of an independent certified public accountant of nationally recognized standing reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or any qualification as to the scope of such audit; and
(b)     as soon as available, but in any event within 60 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Parent, a consolidated balance sheet of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal quarter, the related consolidated statements of income or operations for such fiscal quarter and for the portion of the Parent’s fiscal year then ended, and the related consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the portion of the Parent’s fiscal year then ended, in each case setting forth in comparative form, as applicable, the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, certified by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, treasurer or controller of the Parent as fairly presenting the financial condition, results of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows of the Parent and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year‑end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes .
As to any information contained in materials furnished pursuant to Section 6.02(b) , the Loan Parties shall not be separately required to furnish such information under subsection (a)  or (b) above, but the foregoing shall not be in derogation of the obligation of such Loan Party to furnish the information and materials described in subsections (a) and (b) above at the times specified therein.

6.02     Certificates; Other Information . Deliver to the Administrative Agent for distribution to each Lender:
(a)     concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in Sections 6.01(a) and (b) , a duly completed Compliance Certificate signed by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, treasurer or controller of the Borrower Agent (which delivery may, unless the Administrative Agent, or a Lender requests executed originals, be by electronic communication including fax or email and shall be deemed to be an original authentic counterpart thereof for all purposes);

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(b)     promptly after the same are available, copies of each annual report, proxy or financial statement or other report or communication sent to the stockholders of the Parent or the Loan Party, and copies of all annual, regular, periodic and special reports and registration statements which the Parent or the Loan Parties may file or be required to file with the SEC under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, and not otherwise required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant hereto;
(c)     promptly after the furnishing thereof, copies of any statement or report furnished to any holder of debt securities of the Parent or any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof pursuant to the terms of any indenture, loan or credit or similar agreement and not otherwise required to be furnished to the Lenders pursuant to Section 6.01 or any other clause of this Section 6.02 ;
(d)     promptly, and in any event within five Business Days after receipt thereof by the Parent or any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof, copies of each notice or other correspondence received from the SEC or the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (or comparable agency in any other applicable jurisdiction) concerning any investigation or possible investigation or other inquiry by such agency regarding financial or other operational results of the Parent or any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof; and
(e)     promptly, such additional information regarding the business, financial or corporate affairs of the Parent or any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, or compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may from time to time reasonably request.
Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b) (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Parent or such Loan Party posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Parent’s website on the Internet at the website address listed on Schedule 10.02 ; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Parent’s behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third‑party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); provided that: (i) the Borrower Agent shall notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender (by facsimile or electronic mail) of the posting of any such documents and (ii) the Borrower Agent shall provide to the Administrative Agent or any Lender by electronic mail electronic versions ( i.e. , soft copies) of such documents upon its request to the Borrower Agent to deliver such electronic versions. The
Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery of or to maintain electronic copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by the Borrower Agent with any such request by a Lender for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its electronic copies of such documents.
The Parent and the Loan Parties hereby acknowledge that (a) the Administrative Agent and/or the Arranger may, but shall not be obligated to, make available to the Lenders materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Parent and the Loan Parties hereunder (collectively, “ Borrower Materials ”) by posting the Borrower Materials on IntraLinks, Syndtrak, ClearPar, or a

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substantially similar electronic transmission system (the “ Platform ”) and (b) certain of the Lenders (each, a “ Public Lender ”) may have personnel who do not wish to receive material non‑public information with respect to the Parent and each Loan Party or their respective Affiliates, or the respective securities of any of the foregoing, and who may be engaged in investment and other market‑related activities with respect to such Persons’ securities. The Parent and the Loan Parties hereby agree that so long as the Parent or any Loan Party is the issuer of any outstanding debt or equity securities that are registered or issued pursuant to a private offering or is actively contemplating issuing any such securities (w) all Borrower Materials that are to be made available to Public Lenders shall be clearly and conspicuously marked “PUBLIC” which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word “PUBLIC” shall appear prominently on the first page thereof; (x) by marking Borrower Materials “PUBLIC,” the Parent and the Loan Parties shall be deemed to have authorized the Administrative Agent, the Arranger and the Lenders to treat such Borrower Materials as not containing any material non‑public information with respect to the Parent and each Loan Party or its securities for purposes of United States Federal and state securities laws ( provided , however , that to the extent such Borrower Materials constitute Information, they shall be treated as set forth in Section 11.07 ); (y) all Borrower Materials marked “PUBLIC” are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated “Public Side Information;” and (z) the Administrative Agent and the Arranger shall be entitled to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated “Public Side Information.”
6.03     Notices . Promptly notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender (by facsimile or electronic mail):
(a)     of the occurrence of any Default;
(b)     of any matter that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, including (i) breach or non‑performance of, or any default under, a Contractual Obligation of the Loan Parties or any Subsidiary; (ii) any dispute, litigation, investigation, proceeding or suspension between the Loan Parties or any Subsidiary and any Governmental Authority; or (iii) the commencement of, or any material development in, any litigation or proceeding affecting the Loan Parties or any Subsidiary, including pursuant to any applicable Environmental Laws which, in each case, if adversely determined, would have a Material Adverse Effect;
 
(c)     of any material amendment to the AFFA (it being understood notice pursuant to this subsection shall not be required prior to the time of any disclosure requirement under Item 1.01 of Form 8-K or comparable disclosure requirements for the entry into material agreements under applicable law).
Each notice pursuant to this Section 6.03(a) and (b) shall be accompanied by a statement of a Responsible Officer of such Loan Party setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action such Loan Party has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto. Each notice pursuant to Section 6.03(a) shall describe with particularity any and all provisions of this Agreement and any other Loan Document that have been breached.

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6.04     Payment of Obligations . Except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, pay and discharge as the same shall become due and payable, (a) all tax liabilities, assessments and governmental charges or levies upon it or its properties or assets, unless the same are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are being maintained by the Parent and the Loan Parties or such Subsidiary; and (b) all lawful claims which, if unpaid, would by law become a Lien, other than a Lien permitted by Section 7.01 upon its property.
6.05     Preservation of Existence, Etc . (a) Preserve, renew and maintain in full force and effect its legal existence and, as applicable, good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization except in a transaction permitted by Section 7.04 or 7.05 or otherwise in connection with a Permitted Reorganization and except, other than with respect to the preservation of the existence of any Borrower, to the extent that failure to be in such compliance could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (b) take all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges, permits, licenses and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business, except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (c) preserve or renew all of its registered patents, trademarks, trade names and service marks, the non‑preservation of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
6.06     Maintenance of Properties . (a) Maintain, preserve and protect all of its properties and equipment necessary in the operation of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted; and (b) make all necessary repairs thereto and renewals and replacements thereof except, in the case of each of clauses (a) and (b), where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
6.07     Maintenance of Insurance . Maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies not Affiliates of the Loan Parties, insurance with respect to its properties and business against loss or damage of the kinds customarily insured against by Persons engaged in the same or similar business, of such types and in such amounts (after giving effect to any self-insurance) as are customarily carried under similar circumstances by such other Persons and providing for not less than 30 days’ prior notice to the Administrative Agent of termination, lapse or cancellation of such insurance.
6.08     Compliance with Laws . Comply in all material respects with the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its business or

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property, except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted; or (b) the failure to comply therewith could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
6.09     Books and Records . (a)  Maintain proper books of record and account, in which full, true and correct entries in conformity with GAAP consistently applied shall be made of all financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of such Loan Party or such Subsidiary, as the case may be; and (b) maintain such books of record and account in material conformity with all applicable requirements of any Governmental Authority having regulatory jurisdiction over such Loan Party or such Subsidiary, as the case may be.
6.10     Inspection Rights . Permit representatives and independent contractors of the Administrative Agent and each Lender (which shall be coordinated through the Administrative Agent) to visit and inspect any of its properties, to examine its corporate, financial and operating records, and make copies thereof or abstracts therefrom, and to discuss its affairs, finances and accounts with its directors, officers, and independent public accountants, all at the expense of the Loan Parties and at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as may be reasonably desired, upon reasonable advance notice to the Loan Parties; provided , however , that (i) there shall be no more than one such visit per calendar year for as long as no Event of Default shall be continuing during such calendar year and if an Event of Default shall not be then continuing, only the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lender may exercise the visitation rights under this Section 6.10 and (ii) when an Event of Default exists the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or any of their respective representatives or independent contractors) may do any of the foregoing at the expense of the Loan Parties at any time during normal business hours and without advance notice. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall give the Loan Parties the opportunity to participate in any discussions with the Parent’s or the Loan Parties’ independent public accountants. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 6.02 or this Section 6.10, none of Parent, Holdings, the Borrowers or any Restricted Subsidiary will be required to disclose, permit the inspection, examination or making copies or abstracts of, or discussion of, any document, information or other matter (i) in respect of which disclosure to the
Administrative Agent or any Lender (or their respective representatives or contractors) is prohibited by applicable law or any binding third party agreement or (ii) that is subject to attorney-client privilege or which constitutes attorney work product.

6.11     Use of Proceeds . Use the proceeds of the Borrowings to consummate the Fermacell Acquisition, to pay fees and expenses in connection therewith, and for other general corporate purposes (including working capital, refinance of existing debt, acquisitions, capital expenditures and distributions) not in contravention of any Law or of any Loan Document.
6.12     Additional Guarantors . (a) If, following any transaction permitted under this Agreement, the Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA constitutes less than 70% of the Group Adjusted EBITDA as of the date of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.01 and giving pro forma effect to such transaction, Borrower Agent shall notify the Administrative Agent, and promptly thereafter (and in any event within 30 days), cause, in its sole discretion, one or more Qualifying Subsidiaries to (i) become a Guarantor by executing and delivering to the Administrative Agent a counterpart of the Guaranty or such other document as

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the Administrative Agent shall deem appropriate for such purpose, such that after giving pro forma effect to each joinder of a Guarantor pursuant to this subsection (a), the Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA constitutes at least 70% of the Group Adjusted EBITDA, and (ii) deliver to the Administrative Agent documents of the types referred to in clauses (ii) and (iii)  of Section 4.01(a) and, to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, opinions of counsel of such Qualifying Subsidiary (which shall cover, among other things, the legality, validity, binding effect and enforceability of the documentation referred to in clause (a) ), all in form, content and scope similar to opinions referred to in clause (iv) of Section 4.01(a) and customary for transactions of this type (taking into account changes in law and in jurisdiction). For the avoidance of doubt, each designation of an additional Guarantor pursuant to this Section 6.12 shall be accompanied by a designation by the Board of Directors of Holdings making such Guarantor a Restricted Subsidiary for all purposes of this Agreement.
(b)    In addition, in the event of a Permitted Reorganization, upon the release of the Guaranty from Initial Holdings in connection therewith, its Replacement Entity, as specified by Parent to the Administrative Agent shall substantially simultaneously with such release (a) become a Guarantor by executing and delivering to the Administrative Agent a counterpart of the Guaranty or such other document as the Administrative Agent shall deem appropriate for such purpose, and deliver to the Administrative Agent documents of the types referred to in clauses (ii) and (iii)  of Section 4.01(a) and, to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, opinions of counsel of such Replacement Entity (which shall cover, among other things, the legality, validity, binding effect and enforceability of the documentation referred to in clause (a) ), all in form, content and scope similar to opinions referred to in clause (iv) of Section 4.01(a) and customary for transactions of this type).
6.13     Continued Listing on the ASX/NYSE/LSE . Ensure at all times that the common stock Equity Interests of the Parent continue to be listed on at least one of the New York Stock Exchange, the London Stock Exchange or the Australian Stock Exchange.
ARTICLE VII. NEGATIVE COVENANTS
A. COVENANTS OF THE LOAN PARTIES : So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder or any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied,
7.01     Liens . No Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien (except Permitted Liens) on any of their assets (including Capital Stock of Subsidiaries), whether owned on the Effective Date or acquired after that date.
7.02     Investments . No Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, make any Investments, except:
(a)     Investments held by such Loan Party or such Subsidiary in the form of cash equivalents;

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(b)     advances to officers, directors and employees of the Loan Parties and Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10 million at any time outstanding, for travel, entertainment, relocation and analogous ordinary business purposes;
(c)     Investments of the Loan Parties in any wholly‑owned Subsidiary and Investments of any wholly‑owned Subsidiary in the Loan Parties or in another wholly‑owned Subsidiary.
(d)     Investments consisting of extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the grant of trade credit in the ordinary course of business, and Investments received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors to the extent reasonably necessary in order to prevent or limit loss;
(e)     Guarantees permitted by Section 7.03 ;
(f)     the Fermacell Acquisition; and
(g)     Other Investments so long as, after consummation thereof, no Default is continuing and the Borrowers are in compliance with Section 7.06 .
7.03     Indebtedness . No Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:
(a)     Indebtedness under the Loan Documents;
(b)     Indebtedness outstanding on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 7.03 and any refinancings, refundings, renewals or extensions thereof; provided that (i) the amount of such Indebtedness is not increased at the time of such refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension except by an amount equal to a reasonable premium or other reasonable amount paid, and fees and expenses reasonably incurred, in connection with such refinancing and by an amount equal to any existing commitments unutilized thereunder and (ii) the terms relating to principal amount, amortization, maturity, collateral (if any) and subordination (if any), and other material terms taken as a whole, of any such refinancing, refunding, renewing or extending Indebtedness, and of any agreement entered into and of any instrument issued in connection therewith, are no more restrictive on the Loan Parties (when taken as whole) than the terms of any agreement or instrument governing the Indebtedness being refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended (when taken as a whole) and the interest rate applicable to any such refinancing, refunding, renewing or extending Indebtedness does not exceed the then applicable market interest rate (as determined in good faith by Holdings);
(c)     Guarantees of (i) a Loan Party in respect of Indebtedness otherwise permitted hereunder of the other Loan Parties and (ii) Indebtedness of Subsidiaries which are not Loan Parties; provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness at any time outstanding guaranteed in accordance with this clause (ii) shall not exceed $50 million;

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(d)     Indebtedness in respect of capital leases, Synthetic Lease Obligations and purchase money obligations for fixed or capital assets; provided , however , that the aggregate amount of all such Indebtedness at any one time outstanding shall not exceed $100 million;
(e)     Indebtedness secured by a Permitted Lien set forth in clauses (2), (4), (11), (12), (14), (16), (22) (provided that the aggregate amount of such Indebtedness, together with the Indebtedness permitted pursuant to clause (d) above, at any one time outstanding shall not exceed $100 million), (24), (25) and (26) of the definition thereof and any other clause to the extent deemed to constitute Indebtedness (other than indebtedness for borrowed money); and
(f)     Other unsecured Indebtedness.
7.04     Fundamental Changes . (a) None of Holdings or any Loan Party shall merge, dissolve, liquidate, consolidate with or into another Person, or, in a single transaction or series of related transactions, Dispose of all or substantially all of the assets of Holdings and the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, to or in favor of any Person, unless (i) otherwise permitted under the Indenture, or (ii):
(1)    if such transaction involves a Borrower, such Borrower shall be the continuing Person or the successor or transferee shall be a Person organized and existing under the laws of Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States or a state thereof or Australia or a state thereof, and the successor or transferee Person expressly assumes, by a supplement or amendment to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, such Borrower’ Obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents;
(2)    if such transaction involves Holdings or any other Loan Parties, Holdings or such Loan Party, as the case may be, shall be the continuing Person or the successor or transferee shall be a Person organized and existing under the laws of Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Bermuda, the United Kingdom, the United States or a state thereof or Australia or a state thereof, and the successor or transferee Person expressly assumes, by a supplement or amendment to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, the prior Holdings’ or Loan Party’s Obligations, as the case may be, hereunder and under the other Loan Documents; and
(3)    after giving effect to any such transaction, no Default or Event of Default, shall have occurred or be continuing.
(b)     Holdings shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Administrative Agent an officer’s certificate, each to the effect that such transaction complies with the requirements of this Agreement, and an opinion of counsel stating that Obligations constitute valid and binding obligations of the successor or transferee entity, if any, subject to customary exceptions.

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(c)     Notwithstanding the preceding clauses (a) and (b), a Permitted Reorganization shall be permitted at any time.
(d)     Notwithstanding the preceding clauses (a)(3), (b) and (c) of this Section 7.04 , (x) the Borrowers may liquidate, dissolve or merge or consolidate with or into one of Holdings’ Subsidiaries for any purpose and (y) Holdings, the Borrowers or a Subsidiary may merge or consolidate solely for the purpose of reincorporating Holdings, the Borrowers or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, in another jurisdiction.
(e)     For purposes of this Section 7.04, the Disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of one or more Subsidiaries of Holdings, which assets, if held by Holdings or the Borrowers instead of such Subsidiaries, would constitute all or substantially all of the assets of Holdings on a consolidated basis, will be deemed to be the Disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Holdings.
(f)     Upon any consolidation, combination or merger of Holdings or the Borrowers, or any Disposition of all or substantially all of its assets in accordance with the foregoing provisions, in which Holdings or a Borrower is not the continuing obligor under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, as the case may be, the surviving or transferee entity formed by such consolidation or into which Holdings or such Borrower is merged or to which such Disposition of all or substantially all of its assets is made will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of Holdings or such Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, as the case may be, with the same effect as if such surviving entity had been named therein as Holdings or a Borrower and, to the extent not the surviving or transferee entity, the entity formerly referred to as Holdings or the Borrower, as the case may be, will be released from the Obligations and covenants under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
7.05     Dispositions . (a) No Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, make any Disposition, other than as set forth in subsection (c), unless:
(1)    Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary receives consideration at least equal to the fair market value (such fair market value to be determined in good faith by Holdings on the date of contractually agreeing to such Disposition) of the assets subject to such Disposition; and
(2)    at least 75% of the consideration received by Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary is in the form of cash or cash equivalents, Additional Assets or any combination thereof (collectively, the “ Cash Consideration ”).
(b)     For the purposes of this Section 7.05 , the following are deemed to be Cash Consideration:
(1)    any liabilities (as reflected on the Consolidated Group’s most recent consolidated balance sheet or in the footnotes thereto, or if incurred, accrued or increased subsequent to the date of such balance sheet, such liabilities that would have been reflected on the Consolidated Group’s

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consolidated balance sheet or in the footnotes thereto if such incurrence, accrual or increase had taken place on or prior to the date of such balance sheet, as determined in good faith by Holdings) of Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets (or are otherwise extinguished in connection with the transactions relating to such Disposition);
(2)    any securities, notes or other obligations received by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash or cash equivalents within 180 days after such Disposition, to the extent of the cash and cash equivalents received in that conversion; and
(3)    any Designated Non-cash Consideration received by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in such Disposition having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Designated Non-cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause that has at that time not been converted into cash or a cash equivalent, not to exceed the greater of $100.0 million and 5.0% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets (with the fair market value of each item of Designated Non-cash Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value).
(c)     JHT may not make any Disposition of any Intellectual Property unless the Disposition:
(1)    is of obsolete assets no longer required or useful for its business;
(2)    is in the ordinary course of business; provided that such Dispositions in the aggregate do not exceed 10% of the fair market value of its Intellectual Property in any fiscal year; or
(3)    occurs with the prior consent of the Required Lenders.
For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this clause 7.05(c) restricts or prohibits any distribution by JHT of cash or inter-company receivables to a shareholder of JHT through dividends or the making of subordinated loans.
7.06     Restricted Payments . No Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, declare or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, or incur any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to do so, or issue or sell any Equity Interests, except that, so long as no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom, the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries may make Restricted Payments to the extent permitted by the Indenture; provided , however , that, so long as no Default is continuing and would not result therefrom, the limitations set forth in this Section 7.06 shall cease to apply upon the first date on which (a) the Corporate Rating from S&P is at least BBB- and the Corporate Rating from Moody’s is at least Baa3, or (b) all obligations and indebtedness of any Loan Party pursuant to the Indenture have been terminated or repaid, respectively.

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7.07     Change in Nature of Business . No Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to engage in business in any industry sector substantially different from the industry sector in which such Loan Party and its Restricted Subsidiaries conducts business on the date hereof.
7.08     Transactions with Affiliates . No Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, enter into any transaction of any kind with any Affiliate of any Loan Party, whether or not in the ordinary course of business, other than on fair and reasonable terms (taken as a whole) substantially as favorable to such Loan Party or such Subsidiary as would be obtainable by such Loan Party or such Subsidiary at the time in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a Person that is not an Affiliate except:
(a)     if such transaction is among Parent, any Holding Companies, JH Insurance, Holdings, the Borrowers and/or one or more Restricted Subsidiaries or any entity that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transaction;
(b)     the issuance of Equity Interest by Parent, Holdings or any other Restricted Subsidiary to the management of such Person, pursuant to arrangements described in clause (k) below;
(c)     equity issuances, repurchases, retirements, redemptions or other acquisitions or retirements of Equity Interest by Parent, Holdings, or the Borrower permitted under Section 7.06 and any actions by Parent, Holdings, or the Borrower to permit the same;
(d)     loans, guarantees and other transactions by Parent, Holdings, or the Borrower to the extent not prohibited by this Article VII (other than by reliance on this Section 7.08);
(e)     the entry into, performance under, and making of any payments in respect of any employment, compensation and severance arrangements and health, disability and similar insurance or benefit plans or supplemental executive retirement benefit plans or arrangements between Parent, Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, managers, employees, consultants or independent contractors (including management and/or employee benefit plans or agreements, stock/equity/option plans, management equity plans, subscription agreements or similar agreements pertaining to the repurchase of Equity Interests pursuant to put/call rights or similar rights with current or former employees, officers, managers, directors, consultants or independent contractors and stock option or incentive plans and other compensation arrangements) in the ordinary course of business or as otherwise approved by the Board of Directors of Parent or Holdings;
(f)     the payment of customary fees, compensation and reasonable out-of-pocket costs to, and benefits, indemnities and reimbursements and employment and severance arrangements provided on behalf of, or for the benefit of, future, current or former, directors, managers, consultants, officers, employees and independent contractors of Parent, Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of

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business to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of Parent, Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries;
(g)     transactions pursuant to permitted agreements in existence on the Effective Date and set forth on Schedule 7.07 or any amendment thereto to the extent such an amendment is not adverse, taken as a whole, to the interests of the Lenders in any material respect as compared to the applicable agreement in effect on the Effective Date (in the good-faith judgment of Holdings);
(h)     Restricted Payments permitted under Section 7.06, and Investments permitted under Section 7.02;
(i)     any issuance or transfer of Equity Interests, or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities, Capital Stock or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment arrangements, equity options and equity ownership plans approved by the Board of Directors of Parent, Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be and the granting and performing of customary registration rights;
(j)     the issuance and sale of any Equity Interests of the Borrower;
(k)     any contribution by Parent to the capital of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary;
(l)     any transaction between or among Parent, Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and any Affiliate of Parent, Holdings, the Borrower or a joint venture or similar Person that would constitute an Affiliate transaction solely because Parent, Holdings, the Borrower, or a Restricted Subsidiary owns Capital Stock in or otherwise controls such Affiliate, joint venture or similar Person or due to the fact that a director of such Joint Venture or similar Person is also a director of the Parent, Holdings, Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (or any Parent Entity);
(m)     customary transactions effected as part of any Qualified Receivables Transaction that are otherwise permitted under this Agreement;
(n)     the entering into, and payments by, the Parent, Holdings, the Borrower, and the Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to tax sharing agreements among any such Persons on customary terms;
(o)     transactions in which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, delivers to the Administrative Agent a letter from an Independent Financial Advisor stating that such transaction is fair to Parent, Holdings, the Borrower, or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view or meets the requirements of the introductory paragraph of this Section;
(p)     payments, loans, advances or guarantees (or cancellation of loans, advances or guarantees) to future, current or former employees, directors or consultants of Parent, Holdings, the Borrower, any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount not to exceed, at any time, $25 million, and employment agreements, stock option plans and

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other compensatory arrangements with any such employees, directors or consultants which, in each case, are approved by Holdings in good faith;
(q)     pledges of Capital Stock of Unrestricted Subsidiaries;
(r)     the existence and performance of agreements and transactions with any Unrestricted Subsidiary that were entered into prior to the designation of a Restricted Subsidiary as such Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent that the transaction was permitted at the time that it was entered into with such Restricted Subsidiary (and not entered into in contemplation of such designation) and transactions entered into by an Unrestricted Subsidiary with an Affiliate prior to the redesignation of any such Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary (and not entered into in contemplation of such designation); and
(s)     the existence of, and performance under, customary obligations under the terms of any equityholders agreement, principal investors agreement (including any registration rights or purchase agreement related thereto) to which Parent, Holdings, the Borrower, or any Restricted Subsidiary is a party as of the Effective Date (as such agreement may be amended or otherwise modified from time to time) and any similar agreements relating to the Capital Stock of any of the foregoing which the relevant parties may enter into after the Effective Date (except to the extent the performance of such obligations is otherwise prohibited under the terms of this Agreement).
7.09     Burdensome Agreements .
(a)     No Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly enter into any Contractual Obligations (other than this Agreement or any other Loan Document) that limit the ability of any Subsidiary to make Restricted Payments to any Loan Party or any Guarantor or to otherwise transfer property to any Loan Party or any Guarantor; or (b) no Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into Pari Passu Indebtedness unless such Indebtedness permits the Obligations to be secured; provided that the foregoing clause (a) shall not apply to Contractual Obligations that:
(i)     (x) exist on the Effective Date and are listed on Schedule 7.09 hereto and (y) to the extent Contractual Obligations permitted by clause (x) are set forth in any agreement evidencing any permitted refinancing Indebtedness incurred to refinance such Indebtedness or obligation so long as such permitted refinancing Indebtedness does not materially expand the scope of such Contractual Obligation (as determined in good faith by Holdings);
(ii)     are binding on a Restricted Subsidiary at the time such Restricted Subsidiary first becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings, so long as such contractual obligations were not entered into in contemplation of such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings;
(iii)     represent Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Loan Party to the extent such Indebtedness is permitted by Section 7.03;

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(iv)     arise pursuant to agreements entered into with respect to any sale, transfer, lease, license or other Disposition permitted by Section 7.05, including customary restrictions with respect to a Subsidiary of Holdings pursuant to an agreement that has been entered into for the sale, transfer, lease, license or other Disposition of the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary, and applicable solely to assets under such sale, transfer, lease, license or other Disposition;
(v)     are customary provisions in joint venture agreements, partnership agreements, limited liability company organizational governance document, and other similar agreements applicable to partnerships, limited liability companies, Joint Ventures and similar Persons permitted by Section 7.02 or Section 7.06 and applicable solely to such Persons or the transfer of ownership therein;
(vi)     are customary restrictions on leases, subleases, service agreements, product sales, licenses and sublicenses (including with respect to Intellectual Property) or asset sale agreements otherwise permitted hereby so long as such restrictions relate to the assets subject thereto;
(vii)     compromise restrictions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 7.07 to the extent that such restrictions apply only to the specific property or asset securing such Indebtedness;
(viii)     are customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment or transfers of any lease governing a leasehold interest of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;
(ix)     are customary provisions restricting assignment or transfers of any lease governing a leasehold interest of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;
(x)     are restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed (including by customers) under agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(xi)     are imposed by applicable law;
(xii)     are customary net worth provisions contained in real property leases entered into by Subsidiaries of Holdings, so long as Holdings has determined in good faith that such net worth provisions could not reasonably be expected to impair the ability of Holdings to meet their ongoing obligation;
(xiii)     comprise restrictions imposed by any agreement governing Indebtedness entered into after the Effective Date and permitted under Section 7.03 that are, taken as a whole, in the good-faith judgment of Holdings, no more restrictive with respect to Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary than customary market terms for Indebtedness of such type (and, in any event, are no more restrictive than the restrictions contained in this Agreement), so long as Holdings shall have determined in good faith that such restrictions will not materially impair its obligation or ability to make any payments required hereunder;

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(xiv)     arise in connection with purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of business or Capitalized Lease Obligations;
(xv)     arise in connection with any agreement or other instrument of a Person or relating to Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person, which Person is acquired by or merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or any other transaction is entered into with any such Acquisition, merger, consolidation or amalgamation, in existence at the time of such Acquisition or at the time it merges, consolidates or amalgamates with or into Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person (but, in any such case, not created in contemplation thereof), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person so acquired and its Subsidiaries, or the property or assets of the Person so acquired and its Subsidiaries or the property or assets so acquired or redesignated;
(xvi)     are restrictions or conditions contained in any trading, netting, operating, construction, service, supply, purchase, sale or other agreement to which Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is a party entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(xvii)     arise in connection with case or other deposits imposed by agreements permitted under Section 7.01, Section 7.02 or Section 7.06 entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(xviii)     restrictions with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary that was previously an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to or by reason of an agreement that such Restricted Subsidiary is a party to or entered into before the date on which such Subsidiary became a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that such agreement was not entered into in anticipation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary becoming a Restricted Subsidiary and any such or restriction does not extend to any assets or property of Holdings or any other Restricted Subsidiary other than the assets and property of such Subsidiary;
(xix)     restrictions created in connection with any Qualified Receivables Transaction that, in the good faith determination of the Borrower, are necessary or advisable to effect such Qualified Receivables Transaction;
(xx)     are any encumbrances or restrictions imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (i) through (xx) of this Section 7.09; provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings are, in the good-faith judgment of Holdings, no more restrictive in any material respect with respect to such encumbrance and other restrictions taken as a whole than those prior to such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, supplement, refunding, replacement or refinancing; and

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(c)     No Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit as Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly enter into any guarantee, indemnity or other form of financial support in relation to the obligations under the AFFA of the Performing Subsidiary, other than as existing as of the Effective Date.
7.10     Use of Proceeds . No Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit as Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly use the proceeds of any Borrowing, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, to purchase or carry margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U of the FRB) or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock or to refund indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose.
7.11     Financial Covenants .
(a)     Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio . Holdings shall not permit the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio as of the end of any four fiscal quarter period of the Parent for which financial statements have been delivered under Section 6.01 to be less than 3.25:1.00; and
(b)     Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio . Holdings shall not permit the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio as of the end of any four fiscal quarter period of the Parent for which financial statements have been delivered under Section 6.01 to be greater than 3.00:1.00; provided that such ratio shall be reset to 3:25:1.00 after a Material Acquisition for a period of four full fiscal quarters from the date of such Material Acquisition.
7.12     Sanctions . None of Holdings and its Subsidiaries shall use the proceeds of any Borrowing, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person, (i) to fund any activities or business of or with any Person, or in any country or territory, that, at the time of such funding, is, or whose government is, the subject of Sanctions or (ii) in any other manner that would result in a violation of Sanctions by any Person (including any Person participating in the Borrowing, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise).
7.13     Anti-Corruption Laws . None of Holdings and its Subsidiaries shall use the proceeds of any Borrowing for any purpose which would breach the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 or the UK Bribery Act 2010.
B. COVENANTS OF THE PARENT : So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, or any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, the Parent shall not, directly or indirectly:
7.14     AFFA Amendments . Voluntarily agree to any amendment to the AFFA, the primary effect of which is to increase the mandatory annual funding obligations of the Performing Subsidiary (as defined in the AFFA). Notwithstanding the foregoing, other than as described above with respect to the proposed changes to mandatory annual payment obligations under the AFFA, the Loan Parties shall not be restricted in any manner whatsoever from their

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ability to amend the AFFA in any other respect and to make payments, including prepayments, or otherwise exercise their respective rights and comply with their respective obligations under the AFFA in their sole discretion.
7.15     Change in Nature of Business . (a)  Engage in business in any industry sector substantially different from the industry sector in which Parent conducts business on the date hereof.
(b)     permit to exist any material liabilities other than those listed in Section 5.15;
(c)     directly or indirectly through any Subsidiaries who are not Holdings or any Subsidiary of Holdings, to hold any material assets (other than Equity Interests of any Person who also does not hold any material assets), provided , that for the avoidance of doubt, neither any Unrestricted Subsidiary nor JH Insurance and its assets constitute “material assets” for the purposes of this clause; and
(d)     permit any Person other than Holdings, JH Insurance and any Holding Companies to be Subsidiaries of the Parent unless such Person is also a Subsidiary of Holdings.
ARTICLE VIII. EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
8.01     Events of Default . Any of the following shall constitute an Event of Default:
(a)     Non‑Payment . Any Borrower or any other Loan Party fails to pay (i) when and as required to be paid herein (except pursuant to Section 2.05(c)), any amount of principal of any Loan; provided, any failure to pay that would otherwise constitute an Event of Default under this Section 8.01(a)(i) shall not result in an Event of Default if (x) such failure is attributable solely to an administrative or technical error; (y) the Borrower can demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the Administrative Agent that sufficient funds were available to enable the Borrower to make the relevant payment when due; and (z) such default is remedied within one (1) Business Day, (ii) within five days after the same becomes due, any interest on any Loan, any fee due hereunder or any other amount payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document or (iii) any amount when and as required to be paid pursuant to Section 2.05(c); or
(b)     Specific Covenants . Any Loan Party or the Parent fails to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in any of Section  6.03 (a) , 6.05 (a) (with respect to the legal existence of Holdings and the Borrowers only), 6.11 or Article VII ; or
(c)     Other Defaults . Any Loan Party fails to perform or observe any other covenant or agreement (not specified in subsection (a) or (b) above) contained in any Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure continues for 30 days after notice of such failure shall have been delivered by the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders to any Loan Party; or

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(d)     Representations and Warranties . Any representation, warranty, certification or statement of fact made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Borrower, any other Loan Party or the Parent herein, in any other Loan Document, or in any document delivered in connection herewith or therewith shall be incorrect or misleading in any material respect when made or deemed made; or
(e)     Cross‑Default . (i) Any Borrower or any Subsidiary (A) fails to make any payment when due (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or otherwise) and such failure continues beyond the period of grace if any set forth in the documentation governing such payment in respect of any Indebtedness or Guarantee (other than Indebtedness hereunder and Indebtedness under Swap Contracts) having an aggregate principal amount (including undrawn committed or available amounts and including amounts owing to all creditors under any combined or syndicated credit arrangement) of more than the Threshold Amount, or (B) fails to observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to any such Indebtedness or Guarantee or contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto, or any other event occurs, the effect of which default or other event is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness or the beneficiary or beneficiaries of such Guarantee (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or beneficiaries) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such Indebtedness to be demanded or to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), prior to its stated maturity, or (ii) there occurs under any Swap Contract an Early Termination Date (as defined in such Swap Contract) resulting from (A) any event of default under such Swap Contract as to which any Borrower or any Subsidiary is the Defaulting Party (as defined in such Swap Contract) but in any event excluding any Termination Event (as so defined) under such Swap Contract as to which any Borrower or any Subsidiary is an Affected Party (as so defined) and, in either event, the Swap Termination Value owed by such Borrower or such Subsidiary as a result thereof is greater than the Threshold Amount; or
(f)     Insolvency Proceedings, Etc. Any Loan Party or any of its Material Subsidiaries institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for 60 calendar days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for 60 calendar days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or
(g)     Inability to Pay Debts; Attachment . (i) any Borrower or any Material Subsidiary becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due, or (ii) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of any Borrower

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or any Material Subsidiary and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within 60 days after its issue or levy; or
(h)     Judgments . There is entered against any Borrower or any Material Subsidiary (i) one or more final judgments or orders for the payment of money in an aggregate amount (as to all such judgments or orders) exceeding the Threshold Amount (to the extent not covered by independent third‑party insurance as to which the insurer does not dispute coverage), and enforcement proceedings are commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order, unless such judgments or orders shall have been satisfied, vacated, discharged, stayed or bonded pending appeal within 60 days from the entry thereof; or
(i)     Invalidity of Loan Documents . Any provision of any Loan Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder or satisfaction in full of all the Obligations, ceases to be in full force and effect; or any Loan Party or any other Person contests in any manner the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Loan Document; or any Loan Party denies that it has any or further liability or obligation under any Loan Document, or purports to revoke, terminate or rescind any provision of any Loan Document.
8.02     Remedies Upon Event of Default . If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Administrative Agent shall, at the request of, or may, with the consent of, the Required Lenders, take any or all of the following actions:
(a)     declare the commitment of each Lender to make Loans to be terminated, whereupon such commitments and obligation shall be terminated;
(b)     declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower; and
(c)     exercise on behalf of itself and the Lenders all rights and remedies available to it and the Lenders under the Loan Documents;
provided , however , that upon the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to a Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, the obligation of each Lender to make Loans shall automatically terminate, and the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans and all interest and other amounts as aforesaid shall automatically become due and payable, in each case without further act of the Administrative Agent or any Lender.
8.03     Application of Funds . After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 8.02 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable as set forth in the proviso to Section 8.02 ), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall, subject to the provisions of Sections 2.15 and 2.16 , be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order:

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First , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent and amounts payable under Article III ) payable to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such;
Second , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts payable to the Lenders (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the respective Lenders and amounts payable under Article III ), ratably among them in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;
Third , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans and other Obligations, ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them;
Fourth , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans, ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth held by them; and
Last , the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full, to the Borrowers or as otherwise required by Law.
ARTICLE IX. ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
9.01     Appointment and Authority . Each of the Lenders hereby irrevocably appoints HSBC to act on its behalf as the Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and neither Borrower nor any other Loan Party shall have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions (except as provided in Section 9.06 ). It is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” herein or in any other Loan Documents (or any other similar term) with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable Law. Instead such term is used as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties.
9.02     Rights as a Lender . The Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with any Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

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9.03     Exculpatory Provisions . The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, and its duties hereunder shall be administrative in nature. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent:
(a)     shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing;
(b)     shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents), provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable law, including for the avoidance of doubt any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any Debtor Relief Law or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any Debtor Relief Law; and
(c)     shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to each Borrower or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity.
The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 10.01 and 8.02 ) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment. The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any default or event of default, except with respect to defaults in the payment of principal, interest and fees required to be paid to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders, unless the Administrative Agent shall have received written notice from a Lender or a Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such default or event of default and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” or “Notice of Event of Default”. The Administrative Agent will notify the Lenders of its receipt of any such notice. The Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to such default or event of default as may be directed by the Required Lenders in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; provided , however that unless and until the Administrative Agent has received any such direction by Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to any such default or event of default as it shall deem advisable or in the best interest of the Lenders.

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In no event shall the Administrative Agent be required to expend or risk any of its own funds or otherwise incur any liability, financial or otherwise, in the performance of its duties under the Loan Documents or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers under the Agreement.
The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to take any action or refuse to take any action which the Administrative Agent regards as necessary for the Administrative Agent to comply with any applicable law, regulation or court order.
The Administrative Agent shall not incur any liability for not performing any act or fulfilling any duty, obligation or responsibility hereunder by reason of any occurrence beyond the control of the Administrative Agent (including but not limited to any act or provision of any present or future law or regulation or governmental authority, any act of God or war, civil unrest, local or national disturbance or disaster, any act of terrorism, or the unavailability of the Federal Reserve Bank wire or facsimile or other wire or communication facility).
The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent.
9.04     Reliance by Administrative Agent . The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person. The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender prior to the making of such Loan. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.
9.05     Delegation of Duties . The Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent

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and any such sub agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub‑agents except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and non appealable judgment that the Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub‑agents.
Any entity into which the Administrative Agent in its individual capacity may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidations which the Administrative Agent in its individual capacity may be party, or any corporation to which substantially all of the corporate trust or agency business of the Administrative Agent in its individual capacity may be transferred, shall be the Administrative Agent under this Agreement without further action.
9.06     Resignation of Administrative Agent .
(a)     The Administrative Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lenders and the Borrower. Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, with, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the consent of Holdings (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), to appoint a successor, which shall be a bank with an office in the United States, or an Affiliate of any such bank with an office in the United States. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required Lenders) (the “ Resignation Effective Date ”), then the retiring Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Administrative Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above, provided that in no event shall any such successor Administrative Agent be a Defaulting Lender. Whether or not a successor has been appointed, such resignation shall become effective in accordance with such notice on the Resignation Effective Date.
(b)     If the Person serving as Administrative Agent is a Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (d) of the definition thereof, the Required Lenders may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, by notice in writing to the Borrower Agent and such Person remove such Person as Administrative Agent and, with, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the consent of Holdings (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), appoint a successor. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required Lenders) (the “Removal Effective Date”), then such removal shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice on the Removal Effective Date.
(c)     With effect from the Resignation Effective Date or the Removal Effective Date (as applicable) (1) the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (except that in the case of any collateral security held by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the

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Lenders under any of the Loan Documents, the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall continue to hold such collateral security until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed) and (2) except for any indemnity payments or other amounts then owed to the retiring or removed Administrative Agent, all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender directly, until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided for above. Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring (or removed) Administrative Agent (other than as provided in Section 3.01(g) and other than any rights to indemnity payments or other amounts owed to the retiring or removed Administrative Agent as of the Resignation Effective Date or the Removal Effective Date, as applicable), and the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this Section). The fees payable by the Borrowers to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrowers and such successor. After the retiring or removed Administrative Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Article and Section 11.04 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring or removed Administrative Agent, its sub agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring or removed Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent.
9.07     Non‑Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders . Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.
9.08     No Other Duties, Etc . Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, neither the Bookrunner nor the Arranger listed on the cover page hereof shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent or a Lender hereunder.
9.09     Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim . In case of the pendency of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or any other judicial proceeding relative to any Loan Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered but not obligated, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise

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(a)     to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.03(i) and (j) , 2.09 and 10.04 ) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and
(b)     to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;
and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.09 and 10.04 .
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender in any such proceeding.
9.10     Guaranty Matters . Without limiting the provisions of Section 9.09 , the Lenders irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty to the extent permitted or contemplated by the terms of the Loan Documents.
Upon request by the Administrative Agent at any time, the Required Lenders will direct in writing the Administrative Agent to release or subordinate its interest in particular types or items of property, or to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty pursuant to this Section 9.10 .
ARTICLE X. GUARANTY
10.01     Guaranty . Each Guarantor hereby absolutely and unconditionally guarantees, as a guaranty of payment and performance and not merely as a guaranty of collection, prompt payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by required prepayment, upon acceleration, demand or otherwise, and at all times thereafter, of any and all of the Obligations, whether for principal, interest, premiums, fees, indemnities, damages, costs, expenses or otherwise, of each Borrower to the Guaranteed Parties, and whether arising hereunder or under any other Loan Document (including all renewals, extensions, amendments, refinancings and other modifications thereof and all costs, attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by the Guaranteed Parties in connection with the collection or enforcement thereof). The Administrative Agent’s books and records showing the amount of the Obligations shall be admissible in evidence in any

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action or proceeding, and shall be binding upon each Guarantor, and conclusive for the purpose of establishing the amount of the Obligations. This Guaranty shall not be affected by the genuineness, validity, regularity or enforceability of the Obligations or any instrument or agreement evidencing any Obligations, or by the existence, validity, enforceability, perfection, non-perfection or extent of any collateral therefor, or by any fact or circumstance relating to the Obligations which might otherwise constitute a defense to the obligations of each Guarantor under this Guaranty, and each Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives any defenses it may now have or hereafter acquire in any way relating to any or all of the foregoing.
10.02     Rights of Lenders . Each Guarantor consents and agrees that the Guaranteed Parties may, at any time and from time to time, without notice or demand, and without affecting the enforceability or continuing effectiveness hereof: (a) amend, extend, renew, compromise, discharge, accelerate or otherwise change the time for payment or the terms of the Obligations or any part thereof; (b) take, hold, exchange, enforce, waive, release, fail to perfect, sell, or otherwise dispose of any security for the payment of this Guaranty or any Obligations; and (c) apply such security and direct the order or manner of sale thereof as the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in their sole discretion may determine; and (d) release or substitute one or more of any endorsers or other guarantors of any of the Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Guarantor consents to the taking of, or failure to take, any action which might in any manner or to any extent vary the risks of each Guarantor under this Guaranty or which, but for this provision, might operate as a discharge of each Guarantor.
10.03     Certain Waivers . Each Guarantor waives (a) any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense of any Borrower or any other guarantor, or the cessation from any cause whatsoever (including any act or omission of any Guaranteed Party) of the liability of any Borrower; (b) any defense based on any claim that each Guarantor’s obligations exceed or are more burdensome than those of any Borrower; (c) the benefit of any statute of limitations affecting each Guarantor’s liability hereunder; (d) any right to proceed against any Borrower, proceed against or exhaust any security for the Obligations, or pursue any other remedy in the power of any Guaranteed Party whatsoever; (e) any benefit of and any right to participate in any security now or hereafter held by any Guaranteed Party; and (f) to the fullest extent permitted by law, any and all other defenses or benefits that may be derived from or afforded by applicable law limiting the liability of or exonerating guarantors or sureties. Each Guarantor expressly waives all setoffs and counterclaims and all presentments, demands for payment or performance, notices of nonpayment or nonperformance, protests, notices of protest, notices of dishonor and all other notices or demands of any kind or nature whatsoever with respect to the Obligations, and all notices of acceptance of this Guaranty or of the existence, creation or incurrence of new or additional Obligations.
10.04     Obligations Independent . The obligations of each Guarantor hereunder are those of primary obligor, and not merely as surety, and are independent of the Obligations and the obligations of any other guarantor, and a separate action may be brought against each Guarantor to enforce this Guaranty whether or not any Borrower or any other person or entity is joined as a party.
10.05     Subrogation . No Guarantor shall exercise any right of subrogation, contribution, indemnity, reimbursement or similar rights with respect to any payments it makes under this

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Guaranty until all of the Obligations and any amounts payable under this Guaranty have been indefeasibly paid and performed in full and the Commitments are terminated. If any amounts are paid to each Guarantor in violation of the foregoing limitation, then such amounts shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Guaranteed Parties and shall forthwith be paid to the Guaranteed Parties to reduce the amount of the Obligations, whether matured or unmatured.
10.06     Termination; Reinstatement . This Guaranty is a continuing and irrevocable guaranty of all Obligations now or hereafter existing and shall remain in full force and effect until all Obligations (other than contingent obligations not then due) and any other amounts payable under this Guaranty are indefeasibly paid in full in cash and the Commitments are terminated. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Guaranty shall continue in full force and effect or be revived, as the case may be, if any payment by or on behalf of any Borrower or each Guarantor is made, or any of the Guaranteed Parties exercises its right of setoff, in respect of the Obligations and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by any of the Guaranteed Parties in their discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws or otherwise, all as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred and whether or not the Guaranteed Parties are in possession of or have released this Guaranty and regardless of any prior revocation, rescission, termination or reduction. The obligations of each Guarantor under this paragraph shall survive termination of this Guaranty.
10.07     Subordination . Each Guarantor hereby subordinates the payment of all obligations and indebtedness of any Borrower owing to each Guarantor, whether now existing or hereafter arising, including but not limited to any obligation of any Borrower to such Guarantor as subrogee of the Guaranteed Parties or resulting from such Guarantor’s performance under this Guaranty, to the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all Obligations. If the Guaranteed Parties so request, any such obligation or indebtedness of any Borrower to such Guarantor shall be enforced and performance received by such Guarantor as trustee for the Guaranteed Parties and the proceeds thereof shall be paid over to the Guaranteed Parties on account of the Obligations, but without reducing or affecting in any manner the liability of such Guarantor under this Guaranty.
10.08     Stay of Acceleration . If acceleration of the time for payment of any of the Obligations is stayed, in connection with any case commenced by or against each Guarantor or any Borrower under any Debtor Relief Laws, or otherwise, all such amounts shall nonetheless be payable by each Guarantor immediately upon demand by the Guaranteed Parties.
10.09     Condition of Borrowers . Each Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that it has the sole responsibility for, and has adequate means of, obtaining from each Borrower and any other guarantor such information concerning the financial condition, business and operations of such Borrower and any such other guarantor as such Guarantor requires, and that none of the Guaranteed Parties has any duty, and such Guarantor is not relying on the Guaranteed Parties at any time, to disclose to such Guarantor any information relating to the business, operations or financial condition of any Borrower or any other guarantor (such Guarantor waiving any duty on the part of the Guaranteed Parties to disclose such information and any defense relating to the failure to provide the same).

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10.10     Limitations with respect to Irish Guarantors . (a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, the obligations of any Irish Guarantor, under or pursuant to Section 10.01 (Guaranty) shall exclude any obligation to the extent that it would result in the relevant obligation constituting unlawful financial assistance within the meaning of Section 82 of the Irish Companies Act 2014 (the “Irish Companies Act”).
(b)     The guarantee granted by any Irish Guarantor under Section 10.01 (Guaranty) shall only apply in respect of the obligations of a Loan Party to the extent that such Loan Party is a holding company of such Irish Guarantor, a subsidiary of such Irish Guarantor or a subsidiary of the holding company of such Irish Guarantor. For the purposes of this paragraph (b), the terms “holding company”, and “subsidiary” shall have the meanings given to them in Sections 8 and 7, respectively, of the Irish Companies Act.
ARTICLE XI. MISCELLANEOUS
11.01     Amendments, Etc . Except as otherwise set forth herein, no amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by any Borrower or any other Loan Party therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the Required Lenders and the applicable Loan Party, and each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided , however , that no such amendment, waiver or consent shall:
(a)     waive any condition set forth in Section 4.01(a) , 4.02 or Section 2.13 without the written consent of each Lender;
(b)     extend or increase the Commitment of any Lender (or reinstate any Commitment terminated pursuant to Section 8.02 ) without the written consent of such Lender;
(c)     postpone any date fixed by this Agreement or any other Loan Document for any payment or mandatory prepayment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts due to the Lenders (or any of them) hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby;
(d)     reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, any Loan, or (subject to clause (ii) of the second proviso to this Section 11.01 ) any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby; provided , however , that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary (i) to amend the definition of “Default Rate” or to waive any obligation of the Borrowers to pay interest at the Default Rate;
(e)     change Section 8.03 in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby without the written consent of each Lender;
(f)     change any provision of this Section  or the percentage of Lenders in the definition of “Required Lenders” or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to amend, waive or otherwise modify any rights hereunder

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or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender; or
(g)     release all or substantially all of the value of the Guaranty without the written consent of each Lender, except to the extent the release of any Guarantor is permitted by this Agreement;
and, provided further , that (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; and (ii) the Fee Letter may be amended, or rights or privileges thereunder waived, in a writing executed only by the parties thereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder (and any amendment, waiver or consent which by its terms requires the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender may be effected with the consent of the applicable Lenders other than Defaulting Lenders), except that (x) the Commitment of any Defaulting Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender and (y) any waiver, amendment or modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender that by its terms affects any Defaulting Lender disproportionately adversely relative to other affected Lenders shall require the consent of such Defaulting Lender.
Notwithstanding any provision of this Section 11.01 to the contrary, (a) any provision of this Agreement or any other Credit Document may be amended by an agreement in writing entered into by Holdings, the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency so long as, in each case, the Lenders shall have received at least five Business Days’ prior written notice thereof and the Administrative Agent shall not have received, within five Business Days of the date of such notice to the Lenders, a written notice from the Required Lenders stating that the Required Lenders object to such amendment and (b) in connection with the addition of a new Guarantor to this Agreement organized in a new jurisdiction from those of the existing Guarantors, the provisions of Article X may be amended or supplemented by an agreement in writing entered into by Holdings, the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent without the consent of any Lender in order to add guaranty limitations customary for the jurisdiction of such Guarantor.
11.02     Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communication .
(a)     Notices Generally . Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and except as provided in subsection (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by facsimile as follows, and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows:
(i)     if to the Parent, any Borrower or any other Loan Party or the Administrative Agent, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such Person on Schedule 10.02 ; and

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(ii)     if to any other Lender, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in its Administrative Questionnaire (including, as appropriate, notices delivered solely to the Person designated by a Lender on its Administrative Questionnaire then in effect for the delivery of notices that may contain material non‑public information relating to the Borrower).
Notices and other communications sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices and other communications sent by facsimile shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient). Notices and other communications delivered through electronic communications to the extent provided in subsection (b) below, shall be effective as provided in such subsection (b) .
(b)     Electronic Communications . Notices and other communications to the Lenders hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e mail, FpML messaging, and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender pursuant to Article II if such Lender has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication. The Administrative Agent or the Borrower Agent may each, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it, provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.
Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e‑mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e‑mail or other written acknowledgement), and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e‑mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii) , if such notice, email or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice, email or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient.
(c)     The Platform . THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.” THE AGENT PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE PLATFORM, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS IN OR OMISSIONS FROM THE BORROWER MATERIALS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON‑INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY ANY AGENT PARTY IN CONNECTION WITH THE BORROWER MATERIALS

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OR THE PLATFORM. In no event shall the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties (collectively, the “ Agent Parties ”) have any liability to the Borrower, any Lender or any other Person for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses of any kind (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising out of the Borrower’s, any Loan Party’s or the Administrative Agent’s transmission of Borrower Materials or notices through the Platform, any other electronic platform or electronic messaging service, or through the Internet.
(d)     Change of Address, Etc . Each of the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent may change its address, facsimile or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. Each other Lender may change its address, facsimile or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent. In addition, each Lender agrees to notify the Administrative Agent from time to time to ensure that the Administrative Agent has on record (i) an effective address, contact name, telephone number, facsimile number and electronic mail address to which notices and other communications may be sent and (ii) accurate wire instructions for such Lender. Furthermore, each Public Lender agrees to cause at least one individual at or on behalf of such Public Lender to at all times have selected the “Private Side Information” or similar designation on the content declaration screen of the Platform in order to enable such Public Lender or its delegate, in accordance with such Public Lender’s compliance procedures and applicable Law, including United States Federal and state securities Laws, to make reference to Borrower Materials that are not made available through the “Public Side Information” portion of the Platform and that may contain material non‑public information with respect to each Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal or state securities laws.
(e)     Reliance by Administrative Agent and Lenders . The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices (including telephonic notices and Loan Notices) purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower Agent even if (i) such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any other form of notice specified herein, or (ii) the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof. The Loan Parties shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the Related Parties of each of them from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower. All telephonic notices to and other telephonic communications with the Administrative Agent may be recorded by the Administrative Agent, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to such recording.
11.03     No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies; Enforcement . No failure by any Lender or the Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided, and

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provided under each other Loan Document, are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by law.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any other Loan Document, the authority to enforce rights and remedies hereunder and under the other Loan Documents against the Loan Parties or any of them shall be vested exclusively in, and all actions and proceedings at law in connection with such enforcement shall be instituted and maintained exclusively by, the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 8.02 for the benefit of all the Lenders; provided , however , that the foregoing shall not prohibit (a) the Administrative Agent from exercising on its own behalf the rights and remedies that inure to its benefit (solely in its capacity as Administrative Agent) hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, (b) any Lender from exercising setoff rights in accordance with Section 11.08 (subject to the terms of Section 2.13 ), or (c) any Lender from filing proofs of claim or appearing and filing pleadings on its own behalf during the pendency of a proceeding relative to any Loan Party under any Debtor Relief Law; and provided , further , that if at any time there is no Person acting as Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, then (i) the Required Lenders shall have the rights otherwise ascribed to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.02 and (ii) in addition to the matters set forth in clauses (b) , (c) and (d) of the preceding proviso and subject to Section 2.13 , any Lender may, with the consent of the Required Lenders, enforce any rights and remedies available to it and as authorized by the Required Lenders).
11.04     Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver .
(a)     Costs and Expenses . The Borrowers shall pay (i) all reasonable and documented out of pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of one firm of counsel (and a single local counsel in each appropriate jurisdiction) for the Administrative Agent), in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated) and (ii) all reasonable and documented out of pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent or any Lender (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of one firm of counsel and a single firm of local counsel in each appropriate jurisdiction, for the Administrative Agent and all Lenders taken as a whole) in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights (A) in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or (B) in connection with the Loans made hereunder, including all such reasonable and documented out of pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans (and, in the case of an actual or perceived conflict of interest where the Administrative Agent or any Lender affected by such conflict notifies Borrower Agent of the existence of such conflict and, thereafter one additional law firm in each applicable jurisdiction for each affected group of Persons).
(b)     Indemnification by the Borrower . The Borrowers shall indemnify the Administrative Agent (and any sub‑agent thereof) and each Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “ Indemnitee ”)

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against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses (including the fees, charges and disbursements of one firm of counsel for all Indemnitees, a single firm of local counsel in each appropriate jurisdiction and, in the case of an actual or perceived conflict of interest where the Indemnitees affected by such conflict notify Borrower Agent of the existence of such conflict, one additional law firm in each applicable jurisdiction for each group of affected Indemnitees), incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any Person (including any Borrower or any other Loan Party) other than such Indemnitee and its Related Parties arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or, in the case of the Administrative Agent (and any sub‑agent thereof) and its Related Parties only, the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including in respect of any matters addressed in Section 3.01 ), (ii) any Loan or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom or (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by each Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to each Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by any Borrower or any other Loan Party, and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or any of its Related Parties or any material breach of the obligations of such Indemnitee or any of its Related Parties under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents. Without limiting the provisions of Section 3.01(c) , this Section 11.4(b) shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, etc. arising from any non‑Tax claim.
(c)     Reimbursement by Lenders . To the extent that any Borrower for any reason fails to indefeasibly pay any amount required under subsection (a) or (b) of this Section to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent (or any sub‑agent thereof) or any Related Party of any of the foregoing, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent (or any such sub‑agent) or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lender’s pro rata share (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought based on each Lender’s Applicable Percentage at such time) of such unpaid amount (including any such unpaid amount in respect of a claim asserted by such Lender), such payment to be made severally among them based on such Lenders’ Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought), provided , further that, the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent (or any such sub‑agent) in its capacity as such, or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for the Administrative Agent (or any such sub‑agent) in connection with

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such capacity. The obligations of the Lenders under this subsection (c) are subject to the provisions of Section 2.12(d) .
(d)     Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, no party hereto shall assert, and each party hereto hereby waives, and acknowledges that no other Person shall have, any claim against any other Person, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loan or the use of the proceeds thereof provided that nothing in this paragraph shall limit the Borrowers’ indemnity and reimbursement obligations to the extent that such indirect, special, punitive or consequential damages are included in any claim by a third party with respect to which the applicable Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Section 11.04 . No Indemnitee referred to in subsection (b) above shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed to such unintended recipients by such Indemnitee through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby except to the extent such damages are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Person.
(e)     Survival . The agreements in this Section and the indemnity provisions of Section 11.02(e) shall survive the resignation of the Administrative Agent, the replacement of any Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations.
11.05     Payments Set Aside . To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of any Borrower is made to the Administrative Agent or any Lender, or the Administrative Agent or any Lender exercises its right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Administrative Agent or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred, and (b) each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable share (without duplication) of any amount so recovered from or repaid by the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. The obligations of the Lenders under clause (b) of the preceding sentence shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.
11.06     Successors and Assigns .
(a)     Successors and Assigns Generally . The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective

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successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that, except as otherwise permitted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including in connection with any Permitted Reorganization or as permitted under Sections 7.04 or 7.05, neither Borrower nor any other Loan Party may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an assignee in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this Section, (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of this Section, or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of subsection (e) of this Section (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in subsection (d) of this Section and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.
(b)     Assignments by Lenders . Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans) at the time owing to it); provided that any such assignment shall be subject to the following conditions:
(i)     Minimum Amounts .
(A)     in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and/or the Loans at the time owing to it or contemporaneous assignments to related Approved Funds (determined after giving effect to such Assignments) that equal at least the amount specified in paragraph (b)(i)(B) of this Section in the aggregate or in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, no minimum amount need be assigned; and
(B)     in any case not described in subsection (b)(i)(A) of this Section, the aggregate amount of the Commitment (which for this purpose includes Loans outstanding thereunder) or, if the Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment, determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent or, if “Trade Date” is specified in the Assignment and Assumption, as of the Trade Date, shall not be less than $5,000,000 unless each of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower Agent otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).
(ii)     Proportionate Amounts . Each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Loans or the Commitment assigned;

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(iii)     Required Consents . No consent shall be required for any assignment except to the extent required by subsection (b)(i)(B) of this Section and, in addition:
(A)     the consent of the Borrower Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required unless (1) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment or (2) such assignment is to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender; and
(B)     the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required if such assignment is to a Person that is not a Lender, an Affiliate of such Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to such Lender.
(iv)     Assignment and Assumption . The parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee in the amount of $3,500; provided , however , that the Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion, elect to waive such processing and recordation fee in the case of any assignment. The assignee, if it is not a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire.
(v)     No Assignment to Certain Persons . No such assignment shall be made (A) to any Loan Party or any of the Loan Parties’ Affiliates or Subsidiaries, (B) to any Defaulting Lender or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Person who, upon becoming a Lender hereunder, would constitute any of the foregoing Persons described in this clause (B) , or (C) to a natural Person (or a holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of a natural Person).
(vi)     Certain Additional Payments . In connection with any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder, no such assignment shall be effective unless and until, in addition to the other conditions thereto set forth herein, the parties to the assignment shall make such additional payments to the Administrative Agent in an aggregate amount sufficient, upon distribution thereof as appropriate (which may be outright payment, purchases by the assignee of participations or subparticipations, or other compensating actions, including funding, with the consent of the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent, the applicable pro rata share of Loans previously requested but not funded by the Defaulting Lender, to each of which the applicable assignee and assignor hereby irrevocably consent), to (x) pay and satisfy in full all payment liabilities then owed by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent or any Lender hereunder (and interest accrued thereon) and (y) acquire (and fund as appropriate) its full pro rata share of all Loans in accordance with its Applicable Percentage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder shall become effective under applicable Law without compliance with the provisions of this paragraph, then the assignee of such interest shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender for all purposes of this Agreement until such compliance occurs.

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Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01 , 3.04 , 3.05 , and 10.04 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment; provided , that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no assignment by a Defaulting Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender. Upon request, the Borrower Agent (at its expense) shall execute and deliver a Note to the assignee Lender. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this subsection shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with subsection (d) of this Section.
(c)     Register . The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower Agent (and such agency being solely for tax purposes), shall maintain at the Administrative Agent’s Office a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it (or the equivalent thereof in electronic form) and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts (and stated interest) of the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “ Register ”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrowers and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. Upon its receipt of a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee, the assignee’s Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in clause (b) of this Section and any written consent to such assignment required by clause (b) of this Section, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register; provided that if either the assigning Lender or the assignee shall have failed to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to this Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information therein in the Register unless and until such payment shall have been made in full, together with all accrued interest thereon. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph.
(d)     Participations . Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower Agent or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural Person, or a holding company, investment vehicle or trust for,

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or owned and operated for the primary benefit of a natural Person, a Defaulting Lender or any Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries) (each, a “ Participant ”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, each Lender shall be responsible for the indemnity under Section 11.04(c) without regard to the existence of any participation.
Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, waiver or other modification described in the first proviso to Section 11.01 that affects such Participant. The Borrowers agree that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01 , 3.04 and 3.05 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 3.01(e) shall be delivered to the Lender who sells the participation) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section; provided that such Participant (A) agrees to be subject to the provisions of Sections 3.06 and 10.13 as if it were an assignee under paragraph (b) of this Section and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 3.01 or 3.04 , with respect to any participation, than the Lender from whom it acquired the applicable participation would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Change in Law that occurs after the Participant acquired the applicable participation. Each Lender that sells a participation agrees, at the Borrower’s request and expense, to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Borrowers to effectuate the provisions of Section 3.06 with respect to any Participant. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 11.08 as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.13 as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non‑fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under the Loan Documents (the “ Participant Register ”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any commitments, loans, letters of credit or its other obligations under any Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan, letter of credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103‑1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. For the avoidance of

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doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.
(e)     Certain Pledges . Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement (including under its Note, if any) to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.
11.07     Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality . Each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and to its Related Parties (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential with the applicable Person being responsible for breaches by its Affiliates or Related Parties), (b) to the extent required or requested by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over such Person or its Related Parties (including any self‑regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party hereto, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedy or the enforcement of any right under this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any litigation or arbitration action or proceeding relating thereto, to the extent such disclosure is reasonably necessary in connection with such litigation or arbitration action or proceeding (provided that the Borrowers shall be given notice thereof and a reasonable opportunity to seek a protective court order with respect to such Information prior to such disclosure (it being understood that the refusal by a court to grant such a protective order shall not prevent the disclosure of such Information thereafter)), (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement or (ii) any actual or prospective party (or its Related Parties) to any swap, derivative or other transaction under which payments are to be made by reference to each Borrower and its obligations, this Agreement or payments hereunder, (g) [reserved], (h) with the consent of the Borrower Agent or (i) to the extent such Information (x) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or similar obligation of confidentiality (y) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any of their respective Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower. In addition, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may disclose the existence of this Agreement and information about this Agreement to market data collectors, similar service providers to the lending industry and service providers to the Agents and the Lenders in connection with the administration of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, and the Commitments.
For purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from any Loan Party or any Subsidiary relating to Parent, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or any of their respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by any Borrower or any Subsidiary, provided that, in the case of information received from any Borrower or any Subsidiary after the date hereof, such information, unless otherwise noted shall be deemed as

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confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.
Each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders acknowledges that (a) the Information may include material non‑public information concerning a Borrower or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, (b) it has developed compliance procedures regarding the use of material non‑public information and (c) it will handle such material non‑public information in accordance with applicable Law, including United States Federal and state securities Laws.
11.08     Right of Setoff . If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender and each of its Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of any Borrower or any other Loan Party against any and all of the obligations of such Borrower or such Loan Party then due and owing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender or its Affiliates, irrespective of whether or not such Lender or Affiliate shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations are owed to a branch, office or Affiliate of such Lender different from the branch, office or Affiliate holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness; provided , that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.17 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. The rights of each Lender and its Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender or its Affiliates may have. Each Lender agrees to notify the Borrower Agent and the Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.
11.09     Interest Rate Limitation . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non‑usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the “ Maximum Rate ”). If the Administrative Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to the Borrower. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by the Administrative Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.

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11.10     Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement, the other Loan Documents, and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent, constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01 , this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic imaging means (e.g. “pdf” or “tif”) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.
11.11     Survival of Representations and Warranties . All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any other Loan Document or other document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and thereof. Such representations and warranties have been or will be relied upon by the Administrative Agent and each Lender, regardless of any investigation made by the Administrative Agent or any Lender or on their behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Borrowing, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied.
11.12     Severability . If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, (a) the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby and (b) the parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 11.12 , if and to the extent that the enforceability of any provisions in this Agreement relating to Defaulting Lenders shall be limited by Debtor Relief Laws, as determined in good faith by the Administrative Agent, then such provisions shall be deemed to be in effect only to the extent not so limited.
11.13     Replacement of Lenders . If the Borrower Agent is entitled to replace a Lender pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.06 , or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender or a Non‑Consenting Lender, then the Borrower Agent may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 11.06 ), all of its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to payments pursuant to Sections 3.01 and 3.04 ) and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an Eligible Assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment), provided that:

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(a)     the Borrowers shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee (if any) specified in Section 11.06(b) ;
(b)     such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 3.05 ) from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrowers (in the case of all other amounts);
(c)     in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 3.04 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 3.01 , such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter;
(d)     such assignment does not conflict with applicable Laws; and
(e)     in the case of an assignment resulting from a Lender becoming a Non‑Consenting Lender, the applicable assignee shall have consented to the applicable amendment, waiver or consent.
A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling any Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.
11.14     Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc.
(a)     GOVERNING LAW . THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
(b)     SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION . EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT COMMENCE ANY ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING OF ANY KIND OR DESCRIPTION, WHETHER IN LAW OR EQUITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR IN TORT OR OTHERWISE, AGAINST ANY OTHER PARTY HERETO IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATING HERETO OR THERETO, IN ANY FORUM OTHER THAN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE

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CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW.
(c)     WAIVER OF VENUE . EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.
(d)     SERVICE OF PROCESS . EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 11.02 . NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
11.15     Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.
11.16     No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility . In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document), each Borrowers and each other Loan Party acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Affiliates’ understanding, that: (i) (A) the arranging and other services regarding this Agreement provided by the Administrative Agent, the Arranger and the Lenders are arm’s‑length commercial transactions between the Borrower, each other Loan Party and their respective Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent, the Arranger and the Lenders, on the other hand, (B) each Borrower and each other Loan Party has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate, and (C) each Borrower and each other Loan Party is capable of evaluating, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents; (ii) (A) the Administrative Agent, the Arranger and each

113
    
        



Lender is and has been acting solely as a principal and, except as expressly agreed in writing by the relevant parties, has not been, is not, and will not be acting as an advisor, agent or fiduciary for the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Affiliates, or any other Person and (B) neither the Administrative Agent, the Arranger nor any Lender has any obligation to the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents; and (iii) the Administrative Agent, the Arranger and the Lenders and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Borrower, the other Loan Parties and their respective Affiliates, and neither the Administrative Agent, the Arranger nor any Lender has any obligation to disclose any of such interests to the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Affiliates. To the fullest extent permitted by law, each Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby waives and releases any claims that it may have against the Administrative Agent, the Arranger or any Lender with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty in connection with any aspect of any transaction contemplated hereby.
11.17     Electronic Execution of Assignments and Certain Other Documents . The words “execute,” “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in or related to any document to be signed in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including without limitation Assignment and Assumptions, amendments or other modifications, Loan Notices, waivers and consents) shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, the electronic matching of assignment terms and contract formations on electronic platforms approved by the Administrative Agent, or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper‑based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.
11.18     USA PATRIOT Act . Each Lender that is subject to the Act (as hereinafter defined) and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower Agent that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107‑56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “ Act ”), it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of each Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify the relevant Borrower in accordance with the Act. Each Borrower shall, promptly following a request by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, provide all documentation and other information that the Administrative Agent or such Lender requests in order to comply with its ongoing obligations under applicable “know your customer” and anti‑money laundering rules and regulations, including the Act.
11.19     Judgment Currency . If, for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court, it is necessary to convert a sum due hereunder or any other Loan Document in one currency into another currency, the rate of exchange used shall be that at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Administrative Agent could purchase the first currency with such other currency on the Business Day preceding that on which final judgment is given. The obligation of the Loan Party in respect of any such sum due from it to the Administrative Agent or any

114
    
        



Lender hereunder or under the other Loan Documents shall, notwithstanding any judgment in a currency (the “ Judgment Currency ”) other than that in which such sum is denominated in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Agreement (the “ Agreement Currency ”), be discharged only to the extent that on the Business Day following receipt by the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, of any sum adjudged to be so due in the Judgment Currency, the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, may in accordance with normal banking procedures purchase the Agreement Currency with the Judgment Currency. If the amount of the Agreement Currency so purchased is less than the sum originally due to the Administrative Agent or any Lender from any Loan Party in the Agreement Currency, such Loan Party agrees, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, to indemnify the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, against such loss. If the amount of the Agreement Currency so purchased is greater than the sum originally due to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in such currency, the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, agrees to return the amount of any excess to such Loan Party (or to any other Person who may be entitled thereto under applicable law).
11.20     Designation as Senior Debt . All Obligations shall be designated “Pari Passu Indebtedness” for purposes of and as defined in the Indenture and all supplemental indentures thereto.
11.21     Release of Guarantors and Borrowers. (a)     Subject in each case to Section 6.12 , the Lenders hereby irrevocably agree that (i) the Guarantors shall be released from the Guaranty upon consummation of any transaction permitted hereunder resulting in a Person ceasing to constitute a Subsidiary (including in connection with any designation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary), or, in the case of Holdings, upon notice to the Administrative Agent that a Permitted Reorganization has occurred and that a Replacement Entity will be substituted as “Holdings” under the terms of the Loan Documents in accordance with the terms hereof and (ii) any Borrower, upon notice to the Administrative Agent that a Permitted Reorganization has occurred and/or in connection with any other transaction permitted by Section 7.04, so long as the successor or transferee entity for such Borrower is substituted as a “Borrower” under the terms of the Loan Documents in accordance with the terms hereof. The Lenders hereby authorize the Administrative Agent to execute and deliver any instruments, documents, and agreements necessary or desirable to evidence and confirm the release of any Guarantor or Borrower pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this paragraph, all without the further consent or joinder of any Lender. Any representation, warranty or covenant contained in any Loan Document relating to any such Guarantor or Borrower shall no longer be deemed to be repeated.
(b)     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or any other Credit Document, when all Obligations (other than any contingent obligations or contingent indemnification obligations not then due and payable) have been paid in full and all Commitments have terminated or expired, upon request of the Borrower Agent, the Administrative Agent shall (without notice to, or vote or consent of, any Lender) take such actions as to release all obligations under any Loan Document, whether or not on the date of such release there may be any contingent obligations or contingent indemnification obligations not then due and payable. Any such release of Obligations shall be deemed subject to the provision that such Obligations shall be reinstated if after such release any

115
    
        



portion of any payment in respect of the Obligations guaranteed thereby shall be rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned upon the insolvency, bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation or reorganization of the Borrowers or any Guarantor, or upon or as a result of the appointment of a receiver, intervenor or conservator of, or trustee or similar officer for, the Borrowers or any Guarantor or any substantial part of its property, or otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made.
11.22     Acknowledgment and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among any such parties, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any EEA Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document, to the extent such liability is unsecured, may be subject to the write-down and conversion powers of an EEA Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by:
(a)     the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by an EEA Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an EEA Financial Institution; and
(b)     the effects of any Bail-In Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:
(i)     a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;
(ii)     a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such EEA Financial Institution, its parent undertaking, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or
(iii)     the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of any EEA Resolution Authority.


116
    
        



IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.
JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY , as an Initial Borrower
By: /s/ Lorcan Murtagh    
Name: Lorcan Murtagh    
Title: Authorized Person    
By: /s/ Natasha Mercer    
Name: Natasha Mercer    
Title: Authorized Person    




JAMES HARDIE BUILDING PRODUCTS INC. , as an Initial Borrower
By: /s/ Joseph C. Blasko    
Name: Joseph C. Blasko    
Title: Authorized Person    
By: /s/Matthew Marsh    
Name: Matthew Marsh    
Title: Authorized Person    




JAMES HARDIE INTERNATIONAL GROUP LIMITED , as a Guarantor
By: /s/ Lorcan Murtagh    
Name: Lorcan Murtagh    
Title: Authorized Person    
By: /s/ Natasha Mercer    
Name: Natasha Mercer    
Title: Authorized Person    




JAMES HARDIE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED , as a Guarantor
By: /s/ James Lenney    
Name: James Lenney    
Title: Authorized Person    
By: /s/ Lorcan Murtagh    
Name: Lorcan Murtagh    
Title: Authorized Person    
    




JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES PLC
as the Initial Parent (solely for purposes of its representations made in Article V and its covenants set forth in Article VII)

By: /s/ Natasha Mercer    
Name: Natasha Mercer    
Title: Authorized Person    
By: /s/ Lorcan Murtagh    
Name: Lorcan Muragh    
Title: Authorized Person    




HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as Administrative Agent
By: /s/ Joseph A. Lloret    
Name: Joseph A. Lloret    
Title: Vice President    






































[Signature page to 364-Day Term Loan and Guaranty Agreement]




HSBC BANK PLC , as a Lender
By: /s/ James Steele    
Name: James Steele    
Title: Senior Associate, Multinational Team


By:     
Name:     
Title:     


































[Signature page to 364-Day Term Loan and Guaranty Agreement]




BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. , as a Lender
By: /s/ Aaron Marks    
Name: Aaron Marks    
Title: Senior Vice President    








































[Signature page to 364-Day Term Loan and Guaranty Agreement]




WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as a Lender
By: /s/ Greg Strauss    
Name: Greg Strauss    
Title: Director    







































[Signature page to 364-Day Term Loan and Guaranty Agreement]




COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA , as a Lender
By: /s/ Samantha Yaager    
Name: Samantha Yaager    
Title: Associate Director    







































[Signature page to 364-Day Term Loan and Guaranty Agreement]




U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as a Lender
By: /s/ Glenn Leyrer    
Name: Glenn Leyrer    
Title: Vice President    







































[Signature page to 364-Day Term Loan and Guaranty Agreement]


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 
I p,wc Deed of Arnendrnent Amended and Restqted Final Funding Agreement James Hardie Industries plc (ARBN ogz 8zg 8gs) ("JHI plc") James Hardie ttTPty Limited (ABN3o 116 rro 948) ("JIJtt7") The State of New SouthWales ("NSW Government") Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited in its capacity as trustee for each of the Compensation Funds (ACN rrz s6s q6rl ("Fund Tbustee") PriceuaterhouseCoopers, ABN gz Z8o 4SS 787 One International Totuers Sgdney, Watermans Quay, Barang eroo, NSW zooo T: +6t e 8266 oooo, F: +6t z 8z66 9999, u.twtu,pwc.com.auflegal PwC I Doc lDi 45478 Ref TWB/AC


 
AFFA Deed of Amendment (clause 13.4A) Contents 1. Interpretation 4 1.1 Definitions 4 L.2 Interpretation 4 2. AFFA amendments 4 3. General 4 3.1 Conflict 4 3.2 Consideration 4 g.B Counterparts 4 9.4 Costs, expenses and duties 5 B.S Governing law and jurisdiction 5 g.6 Further assurances 5 9.7 Notices 5 Schedule - AFFA Amendments 6 2 PwC I Doc lD:45478


 
AFFA Deed of Amendment (clause 13.4A) Dste tt l'ecev,tgE'R. 20t7 Parties Name James Hardie Industries plc a public limited company incorporated in Ireland ARBN og7 8zg 8gs Description JHI plc Notice details 2nd Floor, Europa House Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Street Dublin z, Ireland Facsimile: +3Sg (o) r 479 rrzS Attention: General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer Name Jarnes Hardie LLTPW Lirnited ABN go 116 rro 948 Description JIIrrT Notice details Level 3, zz Pitt Street Sydney NSW zooo Facsimile: +6r (o) z 9z5r 98o5 Attention: General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer Name The State of New South Wales Description NSWGovernment Notice details c/- The Department of Premier and Cabinet Level rz,5z Martin Place Sydney NSW zooo Facsimile: :+6r (o) 28574 74or Attention: General Counsel, Department of Premier & Cabinet Name Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited in its capacity as trustee for each of the Compensation Funds established under the Amended and Restated Trust Deed dated 14 December zoo6 between it as trustee and James Hardie Industries N.V. as settlor ACN rt7 363 46r Description FundTrustee Notice details Level 6,56 Clarence Street Sydney NSW zooo Facsimile: +6r (o) z gzZZ 6699 Attention: General Manager J PwC I Doc lD:45478


 
AFFA Deed of Amendment (clause 13.4A) Background A. JHI plc, JHtt7, the NSW Government and the Fund Trustee are parties to the AFFA. B. The promulgation of the Wrongs (Part VB) (Dust and Tobacco-Relqted Clqims) Regulation zot6by the State of Victoria has triggered clause 4.4 of the AFFA. C. The parties wish to amend the AFFA by the introduction of a new clause r3.4A to address the matter, This DeedWitnesses 7. Interpreto:tion 1.1 Definitions These meanings apply unless the contrary intention appears AFFA means the document entitled "Amended & Restated Final Funding Agreement in respect of the provision of long term funding for compensation arrangements for certain victims of Asbestos-related diseases in Australia" dated zr November eoo6 between James Hardie Industries N.V., JHrr7, the NSW Government and the Fund Trustee, as amended. Corporations Act means Corporations Act 2oo1 (Cth). L.z Interpretation Clause r.z of the AFFA applies to the interpretation of this deed. 2. AFFA oltrlrendrrrten:ts On and from the date of this deed, the AFFA is amended as set out in the Schedule. g. Genero,l 3.1 Conflict If there is a conflict between the AFFA and this deed, the terms of this deed prevail. 3.2 Consideration This deed is entered into in consideration of the parties' exchange of promises under this deed and the receipt ofvaluable consideration which is hereby acknowledged. 3.3 Counterparts This deed may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which, when executed, is an original. Those counterparts together make one instrument. 4 PwC I Doc lD:.45478


 
AFFA Deed of Amendment (clause 13.4A) 3.4 Costs, expenses and duties Each party is responsible for its own costs, charges and expenses in connection with the preparation, negotiation and execution ofthis deed. 3.b Governing law andjurisdiction This deed is governed by the laws of New South Wales. Each party submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of courts exercising jurisdiction in New South Wales, and waives any right to claim that those courts are an inconvenient forum. 3.6 Further assurances Except as expresslyprovided in this deed, each party must, at its own expense, do all things reasonably necessary to give full effect to this deed and the matters contemplated by it. 3.7 Notices (a) A notice or other communication under this deed is only effective if it is given in a manner provided for in the AFFA as amended by this deed. (b) For the purposes ofthis clause, a party's address details are those set out in the AFFA, unless the party has notified a changed address, in which case the notice, consent, approval or other communication must be to that address. 5 PwC I Doc lD:45478


 
AFFA Deed of Amendment (clause 13.4A) S chedttle - AFFA Arnendrnents The AFFA is amended by adding a new clause r3.4A as follows: "tg.4A Impact of the Wrongs (PartVB) (Dust o:ndTobo.cco-Relo,ted Clqims) Regulationzot6 (a) The Parties acknowledge that the promulgation of the Wrongs (Part VB) (Dust and Tobqcco-Relqted Claims) Regulation zot6by the State of Victoria has triggered clause 13.4. ib) Despite any other provision of this deed, the Related Agreements, the Transaction Legislation and the Release Legislation, to the extent that a Proven Claim which is the subject of a final judgment given, or binding settlement made, on or after r January zorS includes an amount of damages in excess of the amount that a Claimant would have been otherwise entitled to due to a change in the basis of assessment of damages brought about by the Wrongs (Pqrt W) (Dust and Tobacco-Related Clsims) Regulation zot6 (or any other Victorian law that may replace that law but, in effect, restate those parts of it which change the basis of the assessment of damages), that excess amount must not be paid (whether in whole or in part and whether by a member of the JHISE Group, a Liable Entity or the Trustee) during the winding up period for the Liable Entities. (c) Having regard to the provisions of sub-clauses g.4A(a) and (b), clause r3.4(c) shall be modified in its application to matters arising out of the Wrongs (Part VB) (Dust and Tobacco-Related Claims) Regulation zot6 (Victoria) (or any other Victorian law that may replace that law but, in effect, restate those parts of it which change the basis of the assessment of damages) so as to provide that clause r3.+(cxi) shall continue to apply if, and to the extent that, an amount of additional damages of the kind referred to in clause $.4A(b) is actually required to be paid by or on behalf of a member of the JHISE Group, a Liable Entity or the Trustee after zz October zo16. 6 PwC I Doc lD:45478


 
AFFA Deed of Amendment (clause 13.4A) Signing pages Executed as a deed. ) ) ) GIVEN underthe COMMON SEAL of ) Signature of Person* JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES PLC and ) DELIVERED as aDEED: ) ) ) LOe-c- /4\^ /\A vt L( hcr| ) ) Name of Bitretor/Authorised Person* ) ) ) ) ) ) ) Signature of Eircrctm/Scrretary,/Authorised Person* ) ) ) ) N A a ftSrt pr rtL(ck{L ) ) Name of IX+eetor/ffiary/Authorised Person* *Delete whichever is not applicable. ) SIGNED, SEI\LED AND DELTVERED by ) JAMES TIARDIE TTTPTYLIMITED in ) accordance with section rzZ(r) ofthe ) Corporations Act 2oo1 (Cth) by authority of its ) directors: ) ) ) ) Signature of director ) Signature of director/company secretary* ) (block letters) ) whichever is not applicable ) "delete ) ) ) Name of director (block letters) Name of Director/Company Secretary* Glock letters) *delete whichever is not applicable 7 PwC I Doc lD:45478


 
AFFA Deed ofAmendment (clause 13.4A) Signing psges Executed as a deed. ) ) ) ) GIVEN under the COMMON SEAL of Signature of Director /Autholised Person* JAMES IIARDIE INDUSTRIES PLCANd ) DELMREDasaDEED: ) ) ) ) ) Name of Directot/Authorisetl Persont ) ) ) ) ) ) ) Directoy'Secretary/Autholised Personx ) Signature of ) ) ) ) ) Narne of Direstodsecretary/Authorised Petson* +Delete lvhichever is not applicable. ) SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED bY ) JAMES IIARDIE fl7 PTYLIMITED iN ) accordance with section rz7(r) ofthe ) Corporations Act zoor (Cth) by authority of its ) directorsr ) ) ) ) of director ) Signahrre of directoy'compan*sec,retary* ) (block letters) ) *delete ) rvhichever: is not applicable ) g,tJ € L€ ) ,Krcc{ loT7t 5l nf ) Name of director (blockletters) Name of Directot/gompflfl#Segetaly* (block letters) *delete whichever is not applicable 7 PwC I Doc lD:45478


 
AFFA Deed of Amendment (clause 13.4A) SIGNED, SEALED AND DELTVERED by ) the Honourable Mark Speakrnan SC MP, ) Attorney General of New South Wales for the ) STATE OF NEW SOUTH WALES in the ) presence of: ) ) ) ) ) Signature of witness ) Hon. MarkSpeakmanSCMP ) Attorney General of New South Wales ) LUC INDA BOU R.l(s ) Name of witness (blockletters) ) ) ) ) SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED bY ) ASBESTOS INJ{'RIES COMPENSATION ) FUND LIMITED in accordance with section ) rzZ(r) ofthe CorporationsAct 2oo1 (Cth)bV ) authority of its directors: ) ) ) ) Signature ofdirector ) Signature of Director/Company Secretary * ) fblock letters) ) *delete ) whichever is not applicable ) ) ) Name of director (blockletters) ) Name of Director/Company Secretary * (block letters) *delete whichever is not applicable 8 PwC I Doc lD:45478


 
AFFA De€d ofAnondmont (dauoo 19.4A) srGNED, SEALBDAND DELIVERETT bv tfte ) Honourable Mark Speatanan SC lvip. ) {ttomey General of Neur Sdrtb Wat , fo"tnu ' SIATE - ) OF NEW SOTITII WALE^S tl tlle ) presence of: ) ) ) ) Sipature ) of r,rritness ) Hon.Msrk8BeakmnngCMp ) AttomeyGeneral of NewSouth Wales ) ) Name of wibress (block lethrs) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) -4*.i-)*-.q.-.. .,- ) _a (*( Sipature of director ) Siguature of EfrcrorlCompany * ) $ecretary (blockletters) ) +ilelete ) whidrever is aot applicable l.,or.- ) -\ L rrr vtt \c,v- ) G t Wnt betrew ) €,ev ?ut- Nane of direetor (bloeklettex) ) Nanre of€ircor/Company Secretary * {blockletters) *delete whic.hever ie not applicable PwC I Doc lD:45478


 
Exhibit 4.32
Execution Version



AMENDMENT TO SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT

(1)
Xella International S.A. , a Luxembourg stock corporation, registered with the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register under number B 139.488 with business address at 2, rue de Bitbourg, L-1273 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg,
(the Seller ),

(2)
Platin 1391. GmbH (now James Hardie Germany GmbH), a German limited liability company ( Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung ), registered with the commercial register ( Handelsregister ) of the local court of Frankfurt am Main under registration number HRB 109077 and with business address at Westend Fair, Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage 36, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany,
(the Purchaser ),


and
(3)
James Hardie International Group Limited , an Irish Company, registered with the Companies Registration Office Ireland under registration number 504374 and with business address at Europa House, second floor, Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, Ireland,
(the Guarantor ),


(the Seller, the Purchaser, and the Guarantor hereinafter collectively referred to as the Parties , and each of them as a Party ).


Preamble
(A)
The Parties have concluded a sale and purchase agreement dated November 7, 2017, roll of deeds no. 931/2017-SF of the Frankfurt notary Dr. Sabine Funke, with respect to all shares in XI (DL) Holdings GmbH as well as certain shareholder loans (the SPA ).  
(B)
The Parties now wish to amend the SPA.
(C)
Capitalised terms used but not defined in this amendment agreement (the Amendment Agreement ) shall be interpreted in accordance with the SPA.

NOW, THEREFORE , the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1.
Exhibit 4.1/1 to the SPA shall be replaced in its entirety by a new Exhibit 4.1/1, attached hereto as Annex 1 .
2.
Sections 17 and 18 of the SPA shall apply mutatis mutandis to this Amendment Agreement.
3.
Except as explicitly provided in this deed, the SPA shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.


295380.3
Exhibit 4.33
Execution Version

April 3, 2018

SECOND AMENDMENT AND ACCESSION AGREEMENT
to the
Sale and Purchase Agreement
related to
XI (DL) HOLDINGS GMBH

(1)
Xella International S.A. , a Luxembourg stock corporation, registered with the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register under number B 139.488 with business address at 2, rue de Bitbourg, L-1273 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg,
(the Seller ),

(2)
James Hardie Germany GmbH (formerly Platin 1391. GmbH ), a German limited liability company ( Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung ), registered with the commercial register ( Handelsregister ) of the local court of Frankfurt am Main under registration number HRB 109077 and with business address at Westend Fair, Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage 36, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany,
(the Purchaser ),

(3)
James Hardie International Group Limited , an Irish company, registered with the Companies Registration Office Ireland under registration number 504374 and with registered address at Europa House, second floor, Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, Ireland,
(the Guarantor ),
and

(4)
James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company , an Irish company, registered with the Companies Registration Office Ireland under registration number 471702 and with registered address at Europa House, second floor, Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, Ireland,
(the Loan Purchaser ),

(the Seller, the Purchaser and the Guarantor hereinafter collectively referred to as the Original SPA Parties ; the Original SPA Parties and the Loan Purchaser hereinafter collectively referred to as the Parties , and each of them as a Party ).

519598.9




Preamble
(A)
The Original SPA Parties have concluded a sale and purchase agreement dated November 7, 2017, roll of deeds no. 931/2017-SF of the Frankfurt notary Dr. Sabine Funke, with respect to all shares in XI (DL) Holdings GmbH as well as certain shareholder loans which has been amended by amendment agreement dated December 13, 2017, roll of deeds no. 1079/2017-SF of the Frankfurt notary Dr. Sabine Funke (the SPA ).
(B)
Under the SPA, the Purchaser shall acquire all claims and other rights under the Shareholder Loans in accordance with, and subject to the terms and conditions of, the SPA.
(C)
The Parties now agree that the Loan Purchaser shall become a party to the SPA for purposes of acquiring all claims and other rights under the Shareholder Loans instead of the Purchaser.
(D)
The Parties now wish to amend the SPA accordingly.

NOW, THEREFORE , the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1.
Definitions and Interpretation
Capitalised terms used but not defined in this second amendment and accession agreement (the Amendment and Accession Agreement ) shall be defined and interpreted in accordance with the SPA.
2.
Accession of Loan Purchaser to the SPA
As of the execution of this Amendment and Accession Agreement by the Parties, the Loan Purchaser shall become a party to the SPA solely for purposes of Sections 3.2, 3.3, 4.3, 4.6, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 7.1(a), 7.2(c), first sentence of 8.2(a), 8.2(a)(vi), 8.2(a)(vii), 8.2(a)(x), 8.2(a)(xi), 8.2(b), 8.2(c), 9.5, 10.2(e), 11.2(a), 11.6, 12.1(a), 12.1(e), 12.1(f), 12.1(i)-(k), 12.2 (a), 14.4, 15.4, 16, 17.1 and 18.1, 18.2, 18.4, 18.6-18.8, 18.10 and 18.11 of the SPA (the Relevant Sections ).
The Loan Purchaser hereby covenants to the Original SPA Parties, to adhere to and be bound by and be subject to all the duties, burdens and obligations imposed on it pursuant to the Relevant Sections (as amended by this Amendment and Accession Agreement).
3.
Amendments to the SPA
3.1.
General
With a view to modifying, altering and amending the provisions of the SPA, the Parties thereto have agreed to execute this Amendment and Accession Agreement. This

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Amendment and Accession Agreement shall be read in conjunction with the SPA and provisions of this Amendment and Accession Agreement shall amend and override the provisions of the SPA in the manner, and only to the extent set out herein below. This Amendment and Accession Agreement shall be, and form, an integral part of the SPA.
3.2.
Amendments to the SPA
3.2.1.
The definition of the term “Purchaser Group” shall be amended to read ““ Purchaser Group ” shall mean (individually and collectively) the Purchaser, the Loan Purchaser and any other Affiliates of the Purchaser and Affiliates of the Loan Purchaser from time to time and shall include the Participations from the Closing”.
3.2.2.
Any reference to “Purchaser” in Sections 3.2, 8.2(a)(vi), 8.2(a)(vii), 8.2(a)(x), 8.2(a)(xi), the last sentence of Section 10.2(e) and Section 15.4 of the SPA shall be a reference to “Loan Purchaser”.
3.2.3.
Any reference to “the Purchaser” in Sections 4.3 and 16 of the SPA shall be a reference to “the Purchaser and the Loan Purchaser, respectively,”.
3.2.4.
Any reference to “the Purchaser or the Guarantor” in Sections 5.1 and 5.2 of the SPA shall be a reference to “the Purchaser, the Loan Purchaser or the Guarantor”.
3.2.5.
The reference to “neither the Purchaser nor the Guarantor” in Section 5.4 of the SPA shall be a reference to “neither the Purchaser, nor the Loan Purchaser nor the Guarantor”.
3.2.6.
Any reference to “the Seller and the Purchaser” in the first line of Section 7.1(a) of the SPA and the first sentence of Section 8.2(a) of the SPA shall be a reference to “the Seller, the Purchaser and the Loan Purchaser”.
3.2.7.
Any reference to “the Purchaser” in Section 7.2(c) of the SPA shall be a reference to “the Purchaser, the Loan Purchaser”.
3.2.8.
Any reference to “the Purchaser and the Guarantor” in Section 11.2(a) shall be a reference to “the Purchaser, the Loan Purchaser and the Guarantor”, whereby the Loan Purchaser is making the representation in Section 11.2(a) first sentence as of the date of this Amendment and Accession Agreement and as of the Closing Date instead of as of the Signing Date and the Closing Date.
3.2.9.
The reference to “the Purchaser and/or the Guarantor” in Section 11.6 of the SPA shall be a reference to “the Purchaser, the Loan Purchaser and/or the Guarantor”.
3.2.10.
The reference to “the Purchaser” in the first line of Section 14.4 of the SPA shall be a reference to “the Purchaser and the Loan Purchaser”.

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3.2.11.
Any reference to “Parties” and/or “Party” in Sections 4.6, 5.6, 7.2(c), 8.2(b), 12.2(a), 17.1 and 18 of the SPA shall include the Loan Purchaser.
3.2.12.
Any reference to “the Guarantor” in Section 18.8 of the SPA shall be a reference to “the Guarantor respectively the Loan Purchaser”.
3.2.13.
Section 3.3 of the SPA shall be amended as follows:
Assignment
The Seller hereby assigns (tritt ab) with effect as of the Closing Date (i) to the Purchaser, who accepts such assignment, the Sold Shares, and (ii) to the Loan Purchaser, who accepts such assignment, all claims and other rights arising from or in connection with the Seller’s Shareholder Loans by way of assumption of contract (im Wege der Vertragsübernahme), in each case, subject to the following conditions precedent (aufschiebende Bedingungen):
(a)
The Closing Condition has been satisfied or waived in accordance with this Agreement; and
(b)
(i) the Share Purchase Price, (ii) the Loan Purchase Price (minus the sum of all Permitted Interest Payments, if any), (iii) the Clearing Claim Amounts and (iv) the Repayment Amount have each been fully, unconditionally and irrevocably received in accordance with Section 8.2.
The Company has given its consent to the assignment and assumption of the Seller’s Shareholder Loans ( Exhibit 3.3 ).
3.2.14.
Section 8.2(b) of the SPA shall be amended as follows:
Waiver of Closing Actions . The Purchaser may unilaterally waive the Closing Actions in Sections 8.2(a)(i) and 8.2(a)(iii) by delivery of written notice to the Purchaser. The Seller may unilaterally waive each of the Closing Actions in Sections 8.2(a)(ii), 8.2(a)(v) and 8.2(a)(viii) through 8.2(a)(xii) by delivery of written notice to the Purchaser. The Seller and the Purchaser may jointly waive in writing the Closing Action in Section 8.2(a)(iv). The Seller and the Loan Purchaser may jointly waive in writing the Closing Actions in Sections 8.2(a)(vi) and 8.2(a)(vii). The effect of a waiver shall be limited to eliminating the need that the respective Closing Action is taken on the Closing Date and shall not limit or prejudice any claims any Party may have with respect to any circumstances relating to such Closing Action not being taken pursuant to this Agreement.
3.2.15.
Section 8.2(c) of the SPA shall be amended as follows:
Closing Confirmation . After all Closing Actions have been taken or occurred or have been waived, the Seller, the Purchaser and the Loan Purchaser shall confirm in a written document, to be jointly executed (in

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duplicate) substantially in the form attached as Exhibit 8.2(c) (the “ Closing Confirmation ”) that (i) the Closing Condition has been fulfilled or waived in accordance with this Agreement, (ii) all actions to be taken at Closing as set out in this Section 8.2(a) have been carried out in accordance with this Agreement, and (iii) the Sold Shares and all claims and rights under the Shareholder Loans have been transferred to the Purchaser or the Loan Purchaser, respectively, and that Closing has occurred. The legal effect of the Closing Confirmation shall be to serve as evidence that all Closing Actions and the Closing Condition have been satisfied or waived. However, the execution of the Closing Confirmation shall not limit or prejudice the rights of the Parties arising under this Agreement or under Applicable Law.
3.2.16.
Section 9.5 of the SPA shall be amended as follows:
“No Other Representations or Warranties
(a)
Subject to the representations, covenants and indemnities expressly contained in this Agreement, it is expressly confirmed and agreed that neither the Seller, nor any of its Affiliates nor any of its and their Representatives has made or assumed, and neither the Purchaser nor the Loan Purchaser has relied on, any other express or implied representations, guarantees, warranties, undertakings or disclosures or similar obligations in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. The Purchaser agrees to acquire the Sold Shares and the Loan Purchaser agrees to acquire the Shareholder Loans in the condition they are in on the Closing Date, based upon its own inspection, examination and determination with respect thereto (including the due diligence investigation conducted by it).
(b)
Subject to the representations, covenants and indemnities expressly contained in this Agreement, the Purchaser and the Loan Purchaser, respectively, confirms that in deciding on the acquisition of the Sold Shares and the Shareholder Loans, respectively, it has not relied on nor will it make any claim against any member of the Xella Related Party Group nor any of their Representatives in respect of (i) any budget, forecast, estimate or other projection of any nature (including without limitation of projections of future revenues, future results of operations, future cash flows, future financial condition or the future business operations (or any underlying components thereof), or (ii) any other information or documents with respect to the Business or the Group Entities (including without limitation the Data Room Documents or any other Due Diligence Material) made available to the Purchaser and/or the Loan Purchaser or their Representatives prior to the date hereof.”

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3.2.17.
Section 12.1(a) of the SPA shall be amended as follows:
Consequences of Breach . Subject to the provisions of this Section 12, if any Seller’s Representation is incorrect or if the Seller is in breach of any other indemnity, covenant, obligation or undertaking contained in this Agreement (a “ Breach ”), the Seller shall put the Purchaser or the Loan Purchaser, as the case may be, or, at the election of the Purchaser, the Group Entity concerned, into the same position it would be in, if the Breach had not occurred (Naturalrestitution). If and to the extent remediation in kind has not been effected by the Seller within a period of two (2) months after a written request for such remediation has been made by the Purchaser or the Loan Purchaser, as the case may be, the Purchaser and/or Loan Purchaser shall be entitled to request from the Seller only compensation in cash (Schadensersatz in Geld) for any Losses (as defined below) incurred by the Purchaser, the Loan Purchaser or any Group Entity. Any payments made by Seller pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated by the Parties as adjustments to the Share Purchase Price except as otherwise required by Applicable Law .”
3.2.18.
Section 12.1(e) and (f) of the SPA shall be amended as follows:
“(e)
Computation of Losses . The present value of any benefits received by the Purchaser, the Loan Purchaser or the Participations in connection with or as result of the Breach (including, without limitation, avoided losses, tax benefits and savings, and increases in the value of any asset owned by the Group Entities (Abzug neu für Alt)) shall be deducted for the purpose of computing the Losses (Vorteilsausgleich).
(f)
Exclusions of Seller’s Liability . The Seller shall not be liable for any Breach, and the Purchaser and the Loan Purchaser shall not be entitled to bring any claim under or in connection with this Agreement, if and to the extent that:
(i)
either the Purchaser or any other member of the Purchaser Group or their respective Representatives have caused or participated in causing (verursacht oder mitverursacht) or have aggravated such Breach or any Losses resulting therefrom or failed to mitigate Losses pursuant to Section 254 of the German Civil Code (BGB);
(ii)
the matter underlying the Breach has been taken into account (A) with respect to the items covered by Cash, Financial Debt and Net Working Capital in the Effective Date Accounts or (B) with respect to items not covered under lit. (A) in the financial information with respect to or in the last financial statements of the respective Group Entity in each case of lit. (B) as disclosed in the Data Room Documents as a write-off (Abschreibung), value adjustment (Wertberichtigung), liability (Verbindlichkeit) or provision (Rückstellung);

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(iii)
the Losses are recovered from a third party (other than any of the Group Entities) or under an insurance policy in force until the Closing Date (including in the event that such policy was not maintained after the Closing Date), it being understood that the Purchaser and the Loan Purchaser, respectively, shall be obliged to use best efforts to recover the respective amounts;
(iv)
the Losses are recovered under a W&I insurance, it being understood that the Purchaser shall be obliged to use best efforts to recover the respective amounts;
(v)
the facts and circumstances underlying the Breach were actually known (positive Kenntnis) by the Purchaser, the Guarantor, another member of the Purchaser Group or their Representatives as of the Signing Date, provided that the Purchaser and the Guarantor shall in any event be deemed to have knowledge of all matters disclosed in the Exhibits or elsewhere in this Agreement or which were Fairly Disclosed in the Due Diligence Material; this clause 12.1(f)(v) shall not apply to any Breach of the Seller’s Representation in Sections 9.3 and claims and rights under Section 13;
(vi)
the Losses result from or are increased by the passing of, or any change in, after the date hereof, any law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, common law rule or administrative practice of any government, governmental department, agency or regulatory body including (without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing) any increase in the rates of Taxes or any imposition of Taxes or any withdrawal or relief from Taxes not actually in effect as of the Effective Date;
(vii)
the matter to which the Breach relates results in any benefits, advantages or savings, including by refund, set-off or reduction of Taxes and benefits resulting from the lengthening of any amortization or depreciation period, higher depreciation allowances, step-up in the Tax basis of assets or the non-recognition of liabilities or provisions (Phasenverschiebung), in each case to the Group Entities or any member of the Purchaser Group; or
(viii)
the Losses were caused (verursacht) or increased (Schadensvertiefung) by the Purchaser’s or the Loan Purchaser’s failure to comply with the obligations under Section 12.2 below.”
3.2.19.
Section 12.1(i)-(k) of the SPA shall be amended as follows:
“(i)
Refund . Any payments actually made by the Seller in order to discharge a liability, which subsequently is or becomes excluded or reduced under this Section 12, shall be refunded by the Purchaser and the Loan Purchaser, respectively, to the Seller without undue delay, but in any event within ten (10) Business Days after the Purchaser or another member of

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the Purchaser Group has become aware of the exclusion or reduction. The Purchaser and the Loan Purchaser, respectively, undertake to inform the Seller, without undue delay, about any event which may trigger an exclusion or reduction of liability, or a refunding obligation. If, and to the extent, that the Seller compensates the Purchaser or the Loan Purchaser for a Breach, the Purchaser shall promptly assign, or procure to have assigned, to the Seller all claims a Group Entity, the Purchaser, the Loan Purchaser or any other Affiliate of the Purchaser or the Loan Purchaser might have against any third party in connection with the event that caused such Losses for which the Seller grants the Purchaser and the Loan Purchaser, respectively, indemnification. If an assignment of such claims is not possible for legal reasons, the Purchaser and the Loan Purchaser, respectively, shall procure that the Seller is economically put in a position as if such assignment had been effected.
(j)
No double recovery . The Purchaser and the Loan Purchaser shall not be entitled to recover damages or obtain payment, reimbursement, restitution or indemnity more than once in respect of any liability, loss, cost, shortfall, damage, deficiency, breach or other set of circumstances which gives rise to more than one claim.
(k)
Contingent liabilities . If a claim by the Purchaser or the Loan Purchaser is based upon a liability which is contingent only, the Seller shall not be liable unless and until such contingent liability gives rise to an obligation to make a payment. This is without prejudice to the right of the Purchaser and the Loan Purchaser, respectively, to give notice under Section 12.2 before such time.”
3.2.20.
Section 15.5(c) of the SPA shall be amended as follows:
IFRS Accounts . The Purchaser shall cause the respective Group Entities to prepare individual unaudited interim financial statements for the Group Entities (including a balance sheet, profit and loss accounts and respective notes) as of March 31, 2018 (the “ Closing Financial Statements ”). The Closing Financial Statements shall be prepared in accordance with the accounting and reporting guidelines and instructions of the Xella Group as of March 31, 2018 and consistent with past practice. In addition, the Purchaser shall cause the respective Group Entities to prepare a list of their IFRS bookings to be made for transactions (Geschäftsvorfälle) in connection with the Closing occurring in the period from April 1, 2018 (inclusive) until completion of the Closing (the “ Closing Bookings ”). The Purchaser shall deliver the Closing Financial Statements and the Closing Bookings to the Seller no later than April 20, 2018. The Purchaser and the Seller shall cooperate in good faith in connection with the preparation of the Closing Financial Statements and the Closing Bookings and the Purchaser shall grant the Seller and the members of the Xella Related Party Group the required access to the books and records of the Group Entities, and in each case provide any relevant additional information that is

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reasonably requested by the Seller in connection with the Closing Financial Statements and the Closing Bookings.
3.2.21.
The current Section 18.1(e) of the SPA shall become Section 18.1(f) and the reference in such new Section 18.1(f) to “the Purchaser” shall be a reference to “the Purchaser or the Loan Purchaser”.
3.2.22.
The current Section 18.1(e) of the SPA shall be replaced by the following provision:
(e)    To the Loan Purchaser:
James Hardie International Finance DAC
Joseph Charles Blasko, General Counsel
Europa House 2nd Floor, Harcourt Centre
Harcourt Street
Dublin 2
Ireland
Fax: +353 (0) 1497 1128

with a copy to:
Dr. Benjamin Parameswaran
DLA Piper UK LLP
Jungfernstieg 7
20354 Hamburg
Germany
Fax: +49 40 1 8888 111
3.3.
Amendments to the Exhibits
3.3.1.
Exhibit 8.2(a)(vii)
Exhibit 8.2(a)(vii) to the SPA shall be replaced in its entirety by a new Exhibit 8.2(a)(vii), attached hereto as Annex 3.3.1 .
3.3.2.
Exhibit 8.2(c)
Exhibit 8.2(c) to the SPA shall be replaced in its entirety by a new Exhibit 8.2(c), attached hereto as Annex 3.3.2 .
4.
Company’s Consent to the Assignment of the Seller’s Shareholder Loans
The Company has given its consent to the assignment and assumption of the Seller’s Shareholder Loans as foreseen in the SPA as amended by this Amendment and Accession Agreement (attached hereto as Annex 4 ). Such consent shall be attached to the SPA as Exhibit 3.3 and replace in its entirety the former Exhibit 3.3 to the SPA.

5.
Loan Purchaser’s Representations

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The Loan Purchaser hereby represents to the Seller in the form of an independent promise of guarantee ( selbständiges Garantieversprechen ) within the meaning of Section 311 of the German Civil Code ( BGB ) that the representations in Sections 5.1 through 5.6 below are true and correct as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date. These representations are also made for the benefit of Xella Finance GmbH in its capacity as seller and assignor of the Spanish Loan, which shall be third party beneficiary ( echter Vertrag zugunster Dritter ).
5.1.
Corporate Status . The Loan Purchaser is an Irish limited liability company, duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of Ireland.
5.2.
Authority . The Loan Purchaser has the corporate power and authority to enter into this Amendment and Accession Agreement, thereby becoming a party to the SPA, and to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the acquisition of the Shareholder Loans (pursuant to the SPA as amended by the Amendment and Accession Agreement).
5.3.
Due Authorization . All required approvals of any corporate bodies of the Loan Purchaser for the execution of this Amendment and Accession Agreement and the thereby effected accession of the Loan Purchaser as a party to the SPA and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder are given, and such execution and consummation do not violate any provisions of the articles of association, certificate of incorporation, bylaws or equivalent constitutional document of the Loan Purchaser.
5.4.
No Insolvency . No insolvency proceedings ( Insolvenzverfahren ) have been opened over the assets of the Loan Purchaser. There are no insolvency proceedings or insolvency investigations pending or threatened against the Loan Purchaser which could prevent or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated under this Amendment and Accession Agreement.
5.5.
No Violation . The execution and consummation of this Amendment and Accession Agreement by the Loan Purchaser and the thereby effected accession of the Loan Purchaser as a party to the SPA and the performance of the transactions contemplated thereunder (i) do not violate any Applicable Law or any judicial or governmental order ( gerichtliche oder behördliche Verfügung ) by which the Loan Purchaser is bound, and (ii) do not require any approvals, consents or permits. There are no proceedings or investigations whatsoever pending or threatened against the Loan Purchaser which would prevent or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated under this Amendment and Accession Agreement.
5.6.
Binding Agreement . This Amendment and Accession Agreement and all other agreements executed or to be executed in connection therewith have been or will be duly executed on behalf of the Loan Purchaser and constitute binding obligations of the Loan Purchaser, enforceable against it in accordance with the respective terms and conditions.
5.7.
Remedies . In the event that the Loan Purchaser is in breach of any guarantee pursuant to this Section 5, the Loan Purchaser shall indemnify ( freistellen ) and hold harmless ( schadlos halten ) the Seller and all members of the Xella Related Party Group from

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any damages incurred by the Seller, and any member of the Xella Related Party Group, in connection therewith. All claims of the Seller and Xella Finance GmbH arising under this Section 5 shall become time-barred on the third (3rd) anniversary of the date hereof.
6.
No Further Amendment
The provisions of the SPA shall, save to the extent amended and modified by the provisions of Section 3 of this Amendment and Accession Agreement, continue in full force and effect and continue to operate in accordance with the terms of the SPA.
7.
Effective Date
The provisions of this Amendment and Accession Agreement shall come into operation with immediate effect on the date hereof.
8.
Miscellaneous
8.1.
This Amendment and Accession Agreement (including any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or in connection with this Amendment and Accession Agreement (or any ancillary agreement), or the breach, termination or (in)validity thereof) shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the substantive laws of Germany, for the avoidance of doubt excluding the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG).
8.2.
The provisions of Section 17.1 ( Confidentiality ) and Sections 18.1, 18.2, 18.4, 18.6-18.8, 18.10 and 18.11 (certain sections of the Miscellaneous section ) of the SPA shall apply mutatis mutandis to this Amendment and Accession Agreement.

[ Signature Page Follows. ]


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519598.9




Xella International S.A.



/s/ Stefanie Zirkel                     _____________________________    
Name: Stefanie Zirkel                    Name:
Position: on basis of power of attorney dated     Position:    
February 26, 2018



James Hardie Germany GmbH (formerly Platin 1391. GmbH)



/s/ Cristina Helena Villafrade
Name: Cristina Helena Villafrade
Position: on basis of power of attorney dated 26 March 2018




James Hardie International Group Limited



/s/ Cristina Helena Villafrade
Name: Cristina Helena Villafrade
Position: on basis of power of attorney dated 23 March 2018




James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company



/s/ Dr. Liane Bednarz
Name: Dr. Liane Bednarz
Position: on basis of power of attorney dated 23 March 2018



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519598.9


EXHIBIT 8.1
LIST OF SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES
The table below sets forth our significant subsidiaries as of 31 March 2018, all of which are 100% owned by James Hardie Industries plc, either directly or indirectly.
Name of Company
Jurisdiction of
Establishment
  
Jurisdiction of
Tax Residence
James Hardie 117 Pty Ltd
Australia
  
Australia
James Hardie Australia Pty Ltd
Australia
  
Australia
James Hardie Building Products Inc.
United States
  
United States
James Hardie Europe B.V.
Netherlands
  
Netherlands
James Hardie Finance Holdings 1 Ltd
Bermuda
  
Ireland
James Hardie Germany GmbH
Germany
 
Germany
James Hardie Holdings Ltd
Ireland
  
Ireland
James Hardie International Finance Designated Activity Company
Ireland
  
Ireland
James Hardie International Group Ltd
Ireland
  
Ireland
James Hardie International Holdings Ltd
Ireland
  
Ireland
James Hardie New Zealand
New Zealand
  
New Zealand
James Hardie NL1 B.V.
Netherlands
 
Netherlands
James Hardie NL2 B.V.
Netherlands
 
Netherlands
James Hardie NZ Holdings
New Zealand
  
New Zealand
James Hardie NZ Holdings Ltd
Bermuda
  
New Zealand
James Hardie North America Inc.
United States
  
United States
James Hardie NV
Netherlands
  
Netherlands
James Hardie Philippines Inc.
Philippines
  
Philippines
James Hardie Research (Holdings) Pty Ltd
Australia
  
Australia
James Hardie Research Pty Ltd
Australia
  
Australia
James Hardie Research USA LLC
United States
  
United States
James Hardie Technology Holdings 1
Ireland
 
Ireland
James Hardie Technology Holdings 2
Ireland
 
Ireland
James Hardie Technology Ltd
Bermuda
  
Ireland
James Hardie U.S. Investments Sierra Inc.
United States
  
United States
RCI Holdings Pty Ltd
Australia
  
Australia




Exhibit 12.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Louis Gries, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of James Hardie Industries plc;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
  
/s/ Louis Gries
Date: 22 May 2018
  
Louis Gries
Chief Executive Officer




Exhibit 12.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Matthew Marsh, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of James Hardie Industries plc;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 
 
  
/s/ Matthew Marsh
Date: 22 May 2018
  
Matthew Marsh
Chief Financial Officer




EXHIBIT 13.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002*
Each of the undersigned hereby certifies, in his capacity as an officer of James Hardie Industries plc (the “Company”), for purposes of 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of his knowledge:
 
the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 31 March 2018 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
the information contained in such report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operation of the Company.
Dated: 22 May 2018
/s/ Louis Gries
 
Louis Gries
Chief Executive Officer
 
/s/ Matthew Marsh
 
Matthew Marsh
Chief Financial Officer
 
*
The foregoing certification is being furnished as an exhibit pursuant to the rules of Form 20-F and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and, accordingly, is not being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of the Form 20-F and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (whether made before or after the date of the Form 20-F, irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing).




Exhibit 15.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:
(1)
 
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-14036) pertaining to the Amended and Restated James Hardie Industries plc 2001 Equity Incentive Plan;
 
 
 
(2)
 
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-153446) pertaining to the Amended and Restated James Hardie Industries plc Managing Board Transitional Stock Option Plan 2005 and the Amended and Restated James Hardie Industries plc Supervisory Board Share Plan 2006;
 
 
 
(3)
 
Registration Statement (Forms S-8 No. 333-161482, 333-190551, 333-198169 and 333-206470) pertaining to the Amended and Restated James Hardie Industries plc Long Term Incentive Plan 2006;
 
 
 
of our reports dated 22 May 2018, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of James Hardie Industries plc and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of James Hardie Industries plc included in this Annual Report (Form 20-F) of James Hardie Industries plc for the year ended 31 March 2018.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Irvine, California
22 May 2018




Exhibit 15.2
Consent of KPMG Actuarial, a division of KPMG Financial Services Consulting Pty Ltd (“KPMG Actuarial”) in relation to Form 20-F filing

We hereby consent to your references to KPMG Actuarial, a division of KPMG Financial Services Consulting Pty Ltd (“KPMG Actuarial”) and to our actuarial valuation report effective as of 31 March 2018, dated 22 May 2018 (the “Report”), and to make use of, or quote, information and analyses contained within that Report for the purpose of James Hardie Industries plc’s (“JHI plc”) Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal year ended 31 March 2018.
In addition, we hereby consent to your references to past actuarial valuations performed by KPMG Actuarial (formerly KPMG Actuarial Pty Ltd or KPMG Actuaries Pty Ltd) for the purpose of JHI plc’s (formerly JHI SE’s) Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 31 March 2018.
Your attention is drawn to the Important Note at the beginning of the Executive Summary of the Report.
/s/ Neil Donlevy
 
 
 
Neil Donlevy MA FIA FIAA
 
Executive
 
KPMG Financial Services Consulting Pty Ltd
 
Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries (London)
 
Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia
 
Sydney, Australia
22 May 2018