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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

 

     X      ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended February 26, 2011 .

OR

 

    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File No. 001-07832

PIER 1 IMPORTS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DELAWARE

   75-1729843
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

100 Pier 1 Place

Fort Worth, Texas

   76102

(Address of principal executive offices)

   (Zip Code)

Company’s telephone number, including area code: (817) 252-8000

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

 

Title of each class

  

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common Stock, $0.001 par value

   New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes   X     No       

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes            No   X

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   X     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 Regulation S-T 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer  X

      Accelerated filer                                 

Non-accelerated filer         

   (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company               

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes              No   X

As of August 27, 2010, the approximate aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $743,972,000 based on the closing sales price on that day of $6.43 as reported by the New York Stock Exchange.

As of April 18, 2011, 118,209,814 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.001 par value, were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the following documents have been incorporated herein by reference:

 

  1) Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2011 Annual Meeting in Part III hereof.


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PIER 1 IMPORTS, INC.

FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

Fiscal Year Ended February  26, 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         PART I   PAGE  

Item

  1.    Business.     3   

Item

  1A.    Risk Factors.     7   

Item

  1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments.     13   

Item

  2.    Properties.     13   

Item

  3.    Legal Proceedings.     15   

Item

  4.    Reserved.     15   
         PART II      

Item

  5.    Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.     16   

Item

  6.    Selected Financial Data.     18   

Item

  7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.     19   

Item

  7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.     33   

Item

  8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.     35   

Item

  9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.     61   

Item

  9A.    Controls and Procedures.     61   

Item

  9B.    Other Information.     63   
         PART III      

Item

  10.    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.     64   

Item

  11.    Executive Compensation.     64   

Item

  12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.     64   

Item

  13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.     64   

Item

  14.    Principal Accounting Fees and Services.     64   
         PART IV      

Item

  15.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.     65   


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PART I

 

Item 1. Business .

 

(a) General Development of Business.

Pier 1 Imports, Inc. was incorporated as a Delaware corporation in 1986. Throughout this report, references to the “Company” include Pier 1 Imports, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. References to “Pier 1 Imports” relate to the Company’s retail locations operating under the name Pier 1 Imports ® . References to “Pier 1 Kids” relate to the Company’s retail locations that operated under the name Pier 1 Kids ® .

As of February 26, 2011 the Company had 1,046 stores in the United States and Canada. In fiscal 2011, the Company opened 3 new Pier 1 Imports stores and closed 11 stores. Subject to changes in the retail environment, availability of suitable store sites, and lease renewal negotiations, the Company plans to open 12 new Pier 1 Imports stores and close 7 stores during fiscal 2012.

As of the end of fiscal 2011, the Company operates regional distribution center facilities in or near Baltimore, Maryland; Columbus, Ohio; Fort Worth, Texas; Ontario, California; Savannah, Georgia; and Tacoma, Washington. The Company ceased operations at its Company-owned 514,000 square foot distribution center near Chicago, Illinois during fiscal 2010 and completed the sale of the facility during the first quarter of fiscal 2011.

The Company has an arrangement to supply Grupo Sanborns, S.A. de C.V. (“Grupo Sanborns”) with Pier 1 Imports merchandise to be sold primarily in a “store within a store” format in certain stores operated by Grupo Sanborns’ subsidiaries, Sears Operadora de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (“Sears Mexico”) and Corporacion de Tiendas Internationales, S.A. de C.V. (“Sears El Salvador”). The agreement with Grupo Sanborns will expire January 1, 2017. The agreement is structured in a manner which substantially insulates the Company from currency fluctuations in the value of the Mexican peso. As of February 26, 2011, Pier 1 Imports merchandise was offered in 38 Sears Mexico stores and one Sears El Salvador store. Since Sears Mexico and Sears El Salvador operate these locations, the Company has no employee or real estate obligations in Mexico or El Salvador.

As of October 19, 2009, the Company terminated its agreement with Sears Roebuck de Puerto Rico, Inc. (“Sears Puerto Rico”) and ceased operations in Puerto Rico. The Company had a product distribution agreement with Sears Puerto Rico, which allowed Sears Puerto Rico to market and sell Pier 1 Imports merchandise in a “store within a store” format in certain Sears Puerto Rico stores. The Company had no employee or real estate obligations in Puerto Rico because Sears Puerto Rico operated these locations. Pier 1 Imports merchandise was offered in seven Sears Puerto Rico stores prior to the termination of the agreement.

During fiscal 2011, the Company entered into a new private-label credit card program agreement with Chase Bank USA, N.A. (“Chase”) effective January 1, 2011, with a term of eighteen months. In conjunction with this agreement, the Company and Chase terminated the original program agreement in consideration of payment to the Company from Chase of $28.3 million plus all remaining sums due to the Company by Chase.

During fiscal 2011 the Company repaid $9.5 million of industrial revenue bonds related to the Chicago, Illinois distribution center with proceeds received from the sale of the facility. In addition, all remaining 6.375% convertible senior notes due 2036 were surrendered in full during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 and the Company paid the holders all remaining principal and accrued interest.

The Company continues to use its website, www.pier1.com for marketing and product information, plus investor relations purposes. During fiscal 2011 the website was enhanced to include more products, better product descriptions and now provides in-store merchandise availability. In June 2011, the Company plans to

 

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launch its site to store e-commerce initiative called “Pier 1 To-Go”, which allows customers to order and reserve merchandise online and pick up and pay in store. Further, the Company has plans to invest additional capital in fiscal 2012 to enhance the website as an effective sales tool, and the Company will begin online selling in the near future. This phase of the e-commerce initiative will be called “Pier 1 To-You”.

 

(b) Financial Information about Industry Segments .

In fiscal 2011, the Company conducted business as one operating segment consisting of the retail sale of decorative home furnishings, gifts and related items.

Financial information with respect to the Company’s business is found in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, which are set forth in Item 8 herein.

 

(c) Narrative Description of Business .

The specialty retail operations of the Company consist of retail stores operating under the name “Pier 1 Imports”, which sell a wide variety of furniture, decorative home furnishings, dining and kitchen goods, bath and bedding accessories, candles, gifts and other specialty items for the home.

On February 26, 2011, the Company operated 967 Pier 1 Imports stores in the United States and 79 Pier 1 Imports stores in Canada. During fiscal 2011, the Company supplied merchandise and licensed the Pier 1 Imports name to Grupo Sanborns which sold Pier 1 Imports merchandise primarily in a “store within a store” format in 38 Sears Mexico stores and one store in El Salvador. Pier 1 Imports stores in the United States and Canada average approximately 9,900 gross square feet, which includes an average of approximately 7,900 square feet of retail selling space. The stores consist of freestanding units located near shopping centers or malls and in-line positions in major shopping centers. Pier 1 Imports operates in all major U.S. metropolitan areas and many of the primary smaller markets. Pier 1 Imports stores generally have their highest sales volumes during November and December as a result of the holiday selling season. In fiscal 2011, net sales of the Company totaled $1.4 billion.

Pier 1 Imports offers a unique selection of merchandise consisting of more than 5,000 items throughout the year imported from many countries around the world. While the broad categories of Pier 1 Imports’ merchandise remain fairly constant, individual items within these merchandise categories change frequently in order to meet the changing demands and preferences of customers. The principal categories of merchandise include the following:

DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES – This merchandise group constitutes the broadest category of merchandise in Pier 1 Imports’ sales mix and contributed 61% to Pier 1 Imports’ total U.S. and Canadian retail sales in fiscal year 2011, 60% in fiscal year 2010 and 60% in fiscal year 2009. These items are imported primarily from Asian and European countries, as well as some domestic sources. This merchandise group includes decorative accents, lamps, vases, dried and artificial flowers, baskets, ceramics, dinnerware, bath and fragrance products, candles, bedding, seasonal and gift items.

FURNITURE – This merchandise group consists of furniture and furniture cushions to be used in living, dining, office, kitchen and bedroom areas, sunrooms and on patios. Also included in this group are wall decorations and mirrors. This group constituted 39% of Pier 1 Imports’ total U.S. and Canadian retail sales in fiscal year 2011, 40% in fiscal year 2010 and 40% in fiscal year 2009. These goods are imported from a variety of countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Brazil, Thailand, China, the Philippines, India and Indonesia, and are also obtained from domestic sources. This merchandise group is generally made of metal or handcrafted natural materials, including rattan, pine, beech, rubberwood and selected hardwoods with either natural, stained, painted or upholstered finishes.

 

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Pier 1 Imports merchandise largely consists of items that feature a significant degree of handcraftsmanship and are mostly imported directly from foreign suppliers. For the most part, the imported merchandise is handcrafted in cottage industries and small factories. Pier 1 Imports has enjoyed long-standing relationships with many vendors and agents and is not dependent on any particular supplier. The Company believes alternative sources of merchandise could be procured over a relatively short period of time, if necessary. In selecting the source of merchandise, Pier 1 Imports considers quality, dependability of delivery, and cost. During fiscal 2011, Pier 1 Imports sold merchandise imported from many different countries with approximately 56% of its sales derived from merchandise produced in China. The remainder of its merchandise is sourced from India, Vietnam, Indonesia and other countries around the world.

Imported merchandise and the majority of domestic purchases are delivered to the Company’s distribution centers, where merchandise is received, allocated and shipped to the various stores in each distribution center’s region.

The Company owns a number of federally registered trademarks and service marks under which Pier 1 Imports stores conduct business. Additionally, the Company has registered and has applications pending for the registration of certain other Pier 1 Imports trademarks and service marks in the United States, Canada and other foreign countries. The Company believes that its marks have significant value and are important in its marketing efforts. The Company maintains a policy of pursuing registration of its marks and opposing any infringement of its marks.

The Company operates in the highly competitive specialty home retail business and competes primarily with specialty sections of large department stores, furniture and decorative home furnishings retailers, small specialty stores and mass merchandising discounters.

The Company allows customers to return merchandise within a reasonable time after the date of purchase without limitation as to reason. Most returns occur within 30 days of the date of purchase. The Company monitors the level of returns and maintains a reserve for future returns based on historical experience and other known factors.

On February 26, 2011, the Company employed approximately 17,000 associates in the United States and Canada, of which approximately 3,400 were full-time employees and 13,600 were part-time employees.

 

(d) Financial Information about Geographic Areas.

Information required by this Item is found in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements .

 

(e) Available Information .

The Company makes available free of charge through its Internet website address ( www.pier1.com ) its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after it electronically files such material with, or furnishes such material to, the SEC.

Certain statements contained in Item 1, Item 1A, Item 7, Item 7A, Item 8 and elsewhere in this report may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company may also make forward-looking statements in other reports filed with the SEC and in material delivered to the Company’s shareholders. Forward-looking

 

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statements provide current expectations of future events based on management’s assumptions and assessments in light of past experience and trends, current economic and industry conditions, expected future developments, and other relevant factors. These statements encompass information that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact and often may be identified with words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects” and other similar expressions. Management’s expectations and assumptions regarding planned store openings and closings, financing of Company obligations from operations, success of its marketing, merchandising and store operations strategies, and other future results are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that may affect Company operations and performance include, among others, the effects of terrorist attacks or other acts of war, conflicts or war involving the United States or its allies or trading partners, labor strikes, weather conditions or natural disasters, volatility of fuel and utility costs, the actions taken by the United States and other countries to stimulate the economy, the general strength of the economy and levels of consumer spending, consumer confidence, suitable store sites and distribution center locations, the availability of a qualified labor force and management, the availability and proper functioning of technology and communications systems supporting the Company’s key business processes, the ability of the Company to import merchandise from foreign countries without significantly restrictive tariffs, duties or quotas, and the ability of the Company to source, ship and deliver items of acceptable quality to its U.S. distribution centers at reasonable prices and rates and in a timely fashion. The foregoing risks and uncertainties are in addition to others discussed elsewhere in this report which may also affect Company operations and performance. The Company assumes no obligation to update or otherwise revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied will not be realized.

Executive Officers of the Company

ALEXANDER W. SMITH, age 58, joined the Company as President and Chief Executive Officer in February 2007. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Smith served as group president of the TJX Companies, Inc. where he oversaw the operations and development of Home Goods, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and a number of corporate functions. He was instrumental in the development of the TK Maxx stores in Great Britain and also ran their international operations.

CHARLES H. TURNER, age 54, was named Executive Vice President of the Company in April 2002 and has served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company since August 1999. Mr. Turner has served the Company for nineteen years in key executive capacities within the organization including Senior Vice President of Stores and Controller. Mr. Turner first became an officer of the Company in 1992 when he was named Principal Accounting Officer. Prior to joining the Company, he was Group Controller for JC Penney and a Senior Manager for KPMG Peat Marwick.

CATHERINE DAVID, age 47, joined the organization in August 2009 as Executive Vice President of Merchandising and was named an executive officer of the Company in October 2009. Prior to her current role, Ms. David served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Kirkland’s Inc. and Vice President and General Manager with Sears Essential, Sears Grand and The Great Indoors. Ms. David also previously served the Target Corporation for thirteen years in various positions including Vice President and General Manager of target.direct and various positions in the buying, planning and stores divisions.

GREGORY S. HUMENESKY, age 59, was named Executive Vice President of Human Resources of the Company in February 2005. Prior to his current position, he served in various human resource positions for other retailers including ten years as Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Zale Corporation and twenty-one years in various positions of increasing importance at Macys.

 

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SHARON M. LEITE, age 48, joined the organization in August 2007 as Executive Vice President of Stores and was named an executive officer of the Company in September 2007. Prior to joining the Company, she spent eight years at Bath & Body Works, six years as Vice President of Store Operations and two years as a director. Before joining Bath & Body Works, Ms. Leite held various operations positions with several prominent retailers, including Gap, Inc., The Walt Disney Company, and Limited, Inc.

MICHAEL R. BENKEL, age 42, joined the organization in September 2008 as Senior Vice President of Planning and Allocations and was named an executive officer of the Company in July 2009. Prior to joining the Company, he spent eleven years at Williams-Sonoma Inc. in continuously advancing positions in the Pottery Barn Retail Stores division, including Vice President of Inventory Management, Director – Inventory Management, and a home furnishings and furniture buyer.

MICHAEL A. CARTER, age 52, was named Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company in December 2005. Mr. Carter has served within the organization for twenty years in various leadership capacities including Vice President – Legal Affairs, and Corporate Counsel. Mr. Carter first became an officer of the Company in 1991 when he was named Assistant Secretary. Mr. Carter is a licensed attorney in the State of Texas. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Carter practiced law with the Fort Worth, Texas law firm of Brackett and Ellis, LLP.

LAURA A. COFFEY, age 44, was named Senior Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Planning in January 2011. Ms. Coffey has served within the organization for fourteen years in various capacities, including most recently as Senior Vice President of Finance. Ms. Coffey first became an officer of the Company in 2005 and was named Principal Accounting Officer in 2008. Prior to joining the Company, she held various positions with Alcon Laboratories and KPMG, LLP.

DONALD L. KINNISON, age 53, was named Senior Vice President of Marketing and Visual Merchandising in March 2008 and was named an executive officer of the Company in July 2009. Mr. Kinnison has served within the organization for twenty-one years in various capacities including Vice President of Visual Merchandising and Merchandise Support and Director, Visual Merchandising. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Kinnison held various positions with May Company and Federated Department Stores.

The executive officers of the Company are elected by the Board of Directors and hold office until their successors are elected or appointed and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. None of the above executive officers has any family relationship with any other of such officers or with any director of the Company. None of such officers was selected pursuant to any arrangement or understanding between him and any other person.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors .

Strategic Risks and Strategy Execution Risks

An overall decline in the health of the United States economy and its impact on consumer confidence and spending could adversely impact the Company’s results of operations.

The recession experienced by the United States in recent years resulted in a significant decline in the market value of domestic and foreign companies, adversely affecting the savings and investments of United States consumers. The resulting deterioration in consumer confidence and spending during that recessionary period resulted in consumers sacrificing purchases of discretionary items, including the Company’s merchandise. This adversely impacted the Company’s financial results during these years. Such a recession could occur again and could have a similar, if not worse, impact on the Company’s financial results.

 

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The success of the business is dependent on factors affecting consumer spending that are not controllable by the Company.

Consumer spending, including spending for the home and home-related furnishings, are further dependent upon factors besides general economic conditions and include, but are not limited to, levels of employment, disposable consumer income, prevailing interest rates, consumer debt, costs of fuel, inflation, recession and fears of recession or actual recession periods, war and fears of war, pandemics, inclement weather, tax rates and rate increases, consumer confidence in future economic conditions and political conditions (including the possibility of a governmental shut down), and consumer perceptions of personal well-being and security. Unfavorable changes in factors affecting discretionary spending could reduce demand for the Company’s products and therefore lower sales and negatively impact the business and its financial results.

Failure by the Company to identify and successfully implement strategic initiatives could have a negative impact on the Company.

The Company’s long-term growth, strategic plans and capital allocation strategies are dependent on the Company’s ability to identify and successfully implement those items. If these initiatives are not properly developed and successfully executed, the implementation of such initiatives may negatively impact the Company’s business operations and financial results. While the Company believes these disruptions would be short-term, it is unknown whether the impact would be material.

The Company must be able to anticipate, identify and respond to changing trends and customer preferences for home furnishings.

The success of the Company’s specialty retail business depends largely upon its ability to predict trends in home furnishings consistently and to provide merchandise that satisfies consumer demand in a timely manner. Consumer preferences often change and may not be reasonably predicted. A majority of the Company’s merchandise is manufactured, purchased and imported from countries around the world and may be ordered well in advance of the applicable selling season. Extended lead times may make it difficult to respond rapidly to changes in consumer demand and as a result, the Company may be unable to react quickly and source needed merchandise. In addition, the Company’s vendors may not have the ability to handle its increased demand for product. The seasonal nature of the business leads the Company to purchase and requires it to carry a significant amount of inventory prior to its peak selling season. As a result, the Company may be vulnerable to evolving home furnishing trends, changes in customer preferences, and pricing shifts, and may misjudge the timing and selection of merchandise purchases. The Company’s failure to anticipate, predict and respond in a timely manner to changing home furnishing trends could lead to lower sales and additional discounts and markdowns in an effort to clear merchandise, which could have a negative impact on merchandise margins and in turn the results of operations.

Failure to control merchandise returns could negatively impact the business.

The Company has established a provision for estimated merchandise returns based upon historical experience and other known factors. If actual returns are greater than those projected by management, additional reductions of revenue could be recorded in the future. Also, to the extent that returned merchandise is damaged, the Company may not receive full retail value from the resale of the returned merchandise. Introductions of new merchandise, changes in merchandise mix, associate selling behavior, merchandise quality issues, changes in consumer confidence, or other competitive and general economic conditions may cause actual returns to exceed the provision for estimated merchandise returns. An increase in merchandise returns that exceeds the Company’s current provisions could negatively impact the business and financial results.

 

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A disruption in the operation of the domestic portion of the Company’s supply chain could impact its ability to deliver merchandise to its stores and customers, which could impact its sales and results of operations.

The Company maintains regional distribution centers in Maryland, Ohio, Texas, California, Georgia and Washington. At these distribution centers, merchandise is received, allocated, and shipped to the Company’s stores. Major catastrophic events such as fire or flooding, malfunction or disruption of the information systems, or shipping problems could result in distribution delays of merchandise to the Company’s stores and customers. Such disruptions could have a negative impact on the Company’s sales and results of operations.

The Company outsources certain business processes to third-party vendors and has certain business relationships that subject the Company to risks, including disruptions in business and increased costs.

The Company outsources some business processes to third parties including gift card tracking and authorization, credit card authorization and processing, store scheduling and time and attendance, insurance claims processing, U.S. customs filings and reporting, ocean freight processing, certain payroll processing and tax filings, and record keeping for retirement plans. In addition, the Company has business relationships with third parties to provide essential services such as the extension of credit to its customers and maintenance of the Company’s rewards program. The Company makes a diligent effort to ensure that all providers of these services are observing proper internal control practices, such as redundant processing facilities; however, there are no guarantees that failures will not occur. Failure of third parties to provide adequate services or the Company’s inability to arrange for alternative providers on favorable terms in a timely manner could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, or ability to accomplish its financial and management reporting.

Factors that may or may not be controllable by the Company may adversely affect the Company’s financial performance.

Increases in the Company’s expenses that are beyond the Company’s control including items such as increases in fuel and transportation costs, higher interest rates, increases in losses from damaged merchandise, inflation, fluctuations in foreign currency rates, higher costs of labor, labor disputes around the world, increases in insurance and healthcare, increases in postage and media costs, higher tax rates and changes in laws and regulations, including accounting standards, may negatively impact the Company’s financial results.

Failure to successfully manage and execute the Company’s marketing initiatives could have a negative impact on the business.

The success and growth of the Company is partially dependent on generating customer traffic in order to gain sales momentum in its stores. Successful marketing efforts require the ability to reach customers through their desired mode of communication utilizing various media outlets. Media placement decisions are generally made months in advance of the scheduled release date. The Company’s inability to accurately predict its consumers’ preferences, to utilize the desired mode of communication, or to ensure availability of advertised products may negatively impact the business and operating results.

Changes to estimates related to the Company’s property and equipment, or financial results that are lower than its current estimates at certain store locations, may cause the Company to incur impairment charges on certain long-lived assets.

The Company makes certain estimates and projections with regards to individual store operations as well as overall Company performance in connection with its impairment analyses for long-lived assets in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. An impairment charge is required when the carrying value of the asset

 

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exceeds the estimated fair value or undiscounted future cash flows of the asset. The projection of future cash flows used in this analysis requires the use of judgment and a number of estimates and projections of future operating results. If actual results differ from the Company’s estimates, additional charges for asset impairments may be required in the future. If impairment charges are significant, the Company’s financial results could be adversely affected.

Risks Related to Store Profitability

The Company’s success depends, in part, on its ability to operate in desirable locations at reasonable rental rates and to close underperforming stores at or before the conclusion of their lease terms.

The profitability of the business is dependent on operating the current store base at a reasonable profit, opening and operating new stores at a reasonable profit, and identifying and closing underperforming stores. For a majority of the Company’s current store base, a large portion of a store’s operating expense is the cost associated with leasing the location. Management actively monitors individual store performance and attempts to negotiate rent reductions to ensure stores can remain profitable or have the ability to rebound to a profitable state. Current locations may not continue to be desirable as demographics change, and the Company may choose to close an underperforming store before its lease expires and incur lease termination costs associated with that closing. The Company cannot give assurance that opening new stores or an increase in closing underperforming stores will result in greater profits.

Failure to attract and retain an effective management team or changes in the costs or availability of a suitable workforce to manage and support the Company’s stores and distribution facilities could adversely affect the business.

The Company’s success is dependent, in a large part, on being able to successfully attract, motivate and retain a qualified management team and employees. Sourcing qualified candidates to fill important positions within the Company, especially management, in the highly competitive retail environment may prove to be a challenge. The inability to recruit and retain such individuals could result in turnover in the home office, stores and the distribution facilities, which could have an adverse effect on the business. Management will continue to assess the Company’s compensation and benefit program in an effort to attract future qualified candidates and retain current experienced management team members. The focus of the Company’s overall compensation program encourages management to take a balanced approach on maintaining the Company’s profitability. The Company’s compensation policies, principles, objectives and practices are not structured to promote inappropriate risk taking by employees; however, there are no assurances that employees will not engage in taking risks that could negatively impact the Company.

Occasionally the Company experiences union organizing activities in non-unionized distribution facilities. These types of activities may result in work slowdowns or stoppages and higher labor costs. Any increase in costs associated with labor organization at distribution facilities could result in higher costs to distribute inventory and could negatively impact merchandise margins.

The Company operates in a highly competitive retail environment with companies offering similar merchandise, and if customers are lost to the Company’s competitors, sales could decline.

The Company’s retail locations operate in the highly competitive specialty retail business competing with specialty sections of large department stores, home furnishing stores, small specialty stores and mass merchandising discounters. Management believes that as it is competing for sales, it does so on the basis of pricing and quality of products, constantly changing merchandise assortment, visual presentation of its merchandise and customer service. The Company could also experience added short-term competition when

 

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other retailers are liquidating merchandise for various reasons. If the Company is unable to maintain a competitive position, it could experience negative pressure on retail prices and loss of customers, which in turn could result in reduced merchandise margins and operating results.

The Company’s business is subject to seasonal variations, with a significant portion of its sales and earnings occurring during two months of the year.

Approximately 25% of the Company’s sales generally occur during the November-December holiday selling season. Failure to predict consumer demand correctly during these months could result in lost sales or gross margin erosion if merchandise must be marked down significantly to clear inventory.

The Company’s business may be harmed by adverse weather conditions and natural disasters.

Extreme or undesirable weather can adversely affect customer traffic in retail stores as well as customer shopping behavior. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, weather phenomena, and events causing infrastructure failures could adversely affect any of the Company’s retail locations, distribution centers, administrative facilities, ports, or locations of its suppliers domestically and in foreign countries.

Risks Associated with Dependence on Technology

The Company is heavily dependent on various kinds of technology in the operation of its business.

Failure of any critical software applications, technology infrastructure, telecommunications, data communications, data storage facilities, or networks could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to manage the merchandise supply chain, sell merchandise, accomplish payment functions, report financial data or manage labor and staffing. Although the Company maintains off-site data backups, a concentration of technology-related risk exists in the Company’s headquarters located in Fort Worth, Texas.

Failure to protect the integrity and security of individually identifiable data of the Company’s customers and employees could expose the Company to litigation and damage the Company’s reputation.

The Company receives and maintains certain personal information about its customers and employees. The use of this information by the Company is regulated at the international, federal and state levels, as well as by certain third party contracts. If the security and information systems of the Company or of its business associates are compromised or our business associates fail to comply with these laws and regulations and this information is obtained by unauthorized persons or used inappropriately, it could adversely affect the Company’s reputation, as well as operations, results of operations and financial condition, and could result in litigation against the Company or the imposition of penalties. As privacy and information security laws and regulations change, the Company may incur additional costs to ensure it remains in compliance.

Regulatory Risks

The Company is subject to laws and regulatory requirements in many jurisdictions. Changes in these laws and requirements may result in additional costs to the Company, including the costs of compliance as well as potential penalties for non-compliance.

The Company operates in many taxing jurisdictions, including foreign countries. In most of these jurisdictions, the Company is required to collect state and local sales taxes at the point of sale and remit them to the appropriate taxing authority. The Company is also subject to income taxes, excise taxes, franchise taxes, payroll taxes and other special taxes. The Company is also required to maintain various kinds of business and

 

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commercial licenses to operate its stores and other facilities. Rates of taxation are beyond the Company’s control, and increases in such rates or taxation methods and rules could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s profitability. Failure to comply with laws concerning the collection and remittance of taxes and with licensing requirements could also subject the Company to financial penalties or business interruptions.

Legislation also has the potential on a local, regional, state or national level to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s profitability or ability to operate its business. Compliance with certain legislation carries with it significant costs. The Company is subject to oversight by many governmental agencies in the course of operating its business because of its numerous locations, large number of employees, contact with consumers and importation and exportation of product. In addition, the Company is subject to regulations regarding consumer product quality and safety standards. Complying with regulations may cause the Company to incur significant expenses, including the costs associated with periodic audits. Failure to comply may also result in additional costs in the form of penalties.

Risks Associated with International Trade

As a retailer of imported merchandise, the Company is subject to certain risks that typically do not affect retailers of domestically produced merchandise.

The Company may order merchandise well in advance of delivery and generally takes title to the merchandise at the time it is loaded for transport to designated U.S. destinations. Global political unrest, war, threats of war, terrorist acts or threats, especially threats to foreign and U.S. ports and piracy, or natural disasters could affect the Company’s ability to import merchandise from certain countries. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and the relative value of the U.S. dollar, restrictions on the convertibility of the dollar and other currencies, duties, taxes and other charges on imports, dock strikes, import quota systems and other restrictions sometimes placed on foreign trade can affect the price, delivery and availability of imported merchandise as well as exports to the Company’s stores in other countries. The inability to import merchandise from China and other countries, unavailability of adequate shipping capacity at reasonable rates, or the imposition of significant tariffs could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations of the Company. Freight costs contribute a substantial amount to the cost of imported merchandise. Monitoring of foreign vendors’ compliance with applicable laws and Company standards, including quality and safety standards, is more difficult than monitoring of domestic vendors.

Governmental agencies have the authority to enforce trade agreements, resolve trade disputes, and control market access to goods and services. Governments may also impose trade sanctions on foreign countries that are deemed to violate trade agreements or maintain laws or practices that are unjustifiable and restrict commerce. In these situations, governments may increase duties on imports from one or more foreign countries. In this event, the Company could be adversely affected by the imposition of trade sanctions.

In addition, the governments in which the Company does business maintain a variety of additional international trade laws under which the Company’s ability to import may be affected from time to time, including, but not limited to, antidumping laws, countervailing duty laws, safeguards laws, and laws designed to protect intellectual property rights. Although the Company may not be directly involved in a particular trade dispute under any of these laws, its ability to import, or the terms and conditions under which it can continue to import, may be affected by the outcome of such disputes.

In particular, because the Company imports merchandise from countries around the world, the Company may be affected from time to time by antidumping petitions filed with the United States Commerce Department and International Trade Commission by U.S. producers of competing products alleging that foreign manufacturers are selling their own products at prices in the United States that are less than the prices that they charge in their home country market or in third country markets or at less than their cost of production. Such

 

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petitions, if successful, could significantly increase the United States import duties on those products. In that event, the Company might possibly decide to pay the increased duties, thereby possibly increasing the Company’s price to consumers. Alternatively, the Company might decide to source the product or a similar product from a different country not subject to increased duties or else discontinue the importation and sale of the product.

In recent years, dispute resolution processes have been utilized to resolve disputes regarding market access between the European Union, China, the United States and other countries. In some instances, these trade disputes can lead to threats by countries of sanctions against each other, which can include import prohibitions and increased duty rates on imported items. The Company considers any agreement that reduces tariff and non-tariff barriers in international trade to be beneficial to its business. Any type of sanction on imports is likely to increase the Company’s import costs or limit the availability of merchandise purchased from sanctioned countries. In that case, the Company may be required to seek similar merchandise from other countries.

Risks Relating to Liquidity

A disruption in the global credit and equity markets could adversely impact the Company’s ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms.

In the future, the Company could become dependent on the availability of adequate capital to fund its operations. Disruption in the global credit and equity markets and future disruptions in the financial markets could adversely affect the Company’s ability to enter into new financing agreements or obtain funding through the issuance of Company securities. A decline in economic conditions could also result in difficulties for financial institutions and other parties that the Company does business with, which could potentially affect the Company’s ability to access financing under existing arrangements or to otherwise recover amounts as they become due under the Company’s contractual agreements. The inability of the Company to obtain financing as needed, on acceptable terms in order to fund its operations may have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Insufficient cash flows from operations could result in the substantial utilization of the Company’s secured credit facility, which may limit the Company’s ability to conduct certain activities.

The Company maintains a secured credit facility to enable it to issue merchandise and special purpose standby letters of credit as well as to fund working capital requirements. Borrowings under the credit facility are subject to a borrowing base calculation consisting of a percentage of certain eligible assets of the Company and is subject to advance rates and commercially reasonable reserves. Substantial utilization of the availability under the borrowing base will result in various restrictions on the Company including: restricted ability of the Company to repurchase its common stock or pay dividends and dominion over the Company’s cash accounts. See Note 5 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion regarding the Company’s secured credit facility. Significant decreases in cash flow from operations and investing could result in the Company’s borrowing increased amounts under the credit facility to fund operational needs. Increases in utilization of letters of credit and/or increased cash borrowings could result in the Company being subject to these limitations.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments .

None.

 

Item 2. Properties .

The Company is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. In August 2004, the Company completed construction of a corporate headquarters facility, which contains approximately 460,000 square feet of office

 

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space. On June 9, 2008, the Company sold its headquarters building and accompanying land. As part of the transaction, the Company entered into a lease agreement to rent approximately 250,000 square feet of office space in the building for a primary term of seven years beginning on the closing date, with one three-year renewal option, and a right to terminate the lease at the end of the fifth lease year.

The Company leases the majority of its retail stores, warehouses and regional spaces. As of February 26, 2011, the present value of the Company’s minimum future operating lease commitments discounted at 10% totaled approximately $592.8 million. The following table sets forth the distribution of Pier 1 Imports’ U.S. and Canadian stores by state and province as of February 26, 2011:

 

United States

                                 

Alabama

    14         Louisiana      15         Ohio      29   

Alaska

    1         Maine      1         Oklahoma      8   

Arizona

    24         Maryland      22         Oregon      14   

Arkansas

    8         Massachusetts      24         Pennsylvania      37   

California

    109         Michigan      31         Rhode Island      3   

Colorado

    15         Minnesota      18         South Carolina      16   

Connecticut

    20         Mississippi      6         South Dakota      2   

Delaware

    4         Missouri      18         Tennessee      18   

Florida

    73         Montana      6         Texas      77   

Georgia

    27         Nebraska      3         Utah      9   

Hawaii

    4         Nevada      9         Virginia      34   

Idaho

    6         New Hampshire      6         Washington      28   

Illinois

    39         New Jersey      33         West Virginia      5   

Indiana

    17         New Mexico      5         Wisconsin      19   

Iowa

    8         New York      45         Wyoming      1   

Kansas

    8         North Carolina      34           
Kentucky     11         North Dakota      3           

Canada

                                 

Alberta

    11         New Brunswick      2         Ontario      33   

British Columbia

    14         Newfoundland      1         Quebec      13   

Manitoba

    2         Nova Scotia      1         Saskatchewan      2   

The Company currently owns or leases distribution center space of approximately 3.6 million square feet. The Company also acquires temporary distribution center space from time to time through short-term leases. During fiscal 2011, the Company sold its distribution center near Chicago, Illinois. As of February 26, 2011, the Company owned or leased under operating leases the following warehouse properties in or near the following cities:

 

Location

  

Approx. Sq. Ft.

  

Owned/Leased

Facility

Baltimore, Maryland

   634,000 sq. ft.    Leased

Columbus, Ohio

   527,000 sq. ft.    Leased

Fort Worth, Texas

   460,000 sq. ft.    Owned

Ontario, California

   747,000 sq. ft.    Leased

Savannah, Georgia

   784,000 sq. ft.    Leased

Tacoma, Washington

   451,000 sq. ft.    Leased

 

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Item 3. Legal Proceedings .

The Company is a party to various legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of its business. The Company believes that the outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Item 4. Reserved .

 

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PART II

 

Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities .

Market Prices of Common Stock

The following table shows the high and low closing sale prices of the Company’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), as reported in the consolidated transaction reporting system for each quarter of fiscal 2011 and 2010.

 

           Market Price  

Fiscal 2011

         High            Low  

First quarter

     $     9.66         $     6.37   

Second quarter

       8.35           5.86   

Third quarter

       9.92           6.10   

Fourth quarter

       11.05           9.11   

Fiscal 2010

         High            Low  

First quarter

     $ 2.28         $ 0.11   

Second quarter

       2.68           1.69   

Third quarter

       4.85           2.49   

Fourth quarter

       6.37           3.79   

Number of Holders of Record

The Company’s common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol “PIR”. As of April 18, 2011, there were approximately 9,500 shareholders of record of the Company’s common stock.

Dividends

In fiscal 2007, the Company announced that its Board of Directors discontinued the Company’s quarterly cash dividend. The Company did not pay any cash dividends in fiscal years 2011, 2010 or 2009 and does not currently anticipate paying cash dividends in fiscal 2012. The Company’s dividend policy in the near term will depend upon the earnings, financial condition and capital needs of the Company and other factors deemed relevant by the Company’s Board of Directors.

As of February 26, 2011, the Company was not restricted under its secured credit facility from paying certain dividends. The Company’s recently amended and restated secured credit facility may limit certain investments and, in some instances, limit payment of cash dividends and repurchases of the Company’s common stock. The Company will not be restricted from paying certain dividends unless credit extensions on the line result in availability over a specified period of time that is projected to be less than 20% of the lesser of either $300,000,000 or the calculated borrowing base, subject to the Company meeting a fixed charge coverage requirement when availability over the same specified period of time is projected to be less than 50% of the lesser of either $300,000,000 or the calculated borrowing base. See Note 5 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the Company’s secured credit facility.

 

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Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

There were no purchases of common stock of the Company made during the three months ended February 26, 2011, by Pier 1 Imports, Inc. or any “affiliated purchaser” of Pier 1 Imports, Inc. as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. During fiscal 2011, 117,078 shares of the Company’s common stock were acquired from employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations that arose upon vesting of restricted stock granted pursuant to approved plans.

Performance Graph

The following graph compares the five-year cumulative total shareholder return for the Company’s common stock against the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index and the Standard & Poor’s Retail Stores Composite Index. The annual changes for the five-year period shown on the graph are based on the assumption, as required by the SEC’s rules, that $100 had been invested in the Company’s stock and in each index on February 25, 2006, and that all quarterly dividends were reinvested at the average of the closing stock prices at the beginning and end of the quarter. The total cumulative dollar returns shown on the graph represent the value that such investments would have had on February 26, 2011. The information used in the graph below was obtained from Bloomberg.

PIER 1 IMPORTS, INC. STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH

LOGO

 

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data .

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

 

    Year Ended  
    2011            2010           2009           2008           2007  (1)  
    ($ in millions except per share amounts)   

SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS (2) :

                  

Net sales

  $     1,396.5           1,290.9          1,320.7          1,511.8          1,623.2   

Gross profit

  $ 555.4           440.4          363.5          439.6          474.0   

Selling, general and administrative expenses (3)

  $ 431.9           421.2          453.5          487.9          649.0   

Depreciation and amortization

  $ 19.7           22.5          30.6          39.8          51.2   

Operating income (loss)

  $ 103.7           (3.3       (120.6       (88.1       (226.2

Operating income (loss) as a % of sales

    7.4%           (0.3%       (9.1%       (5.8%       (13.9%

Nonoperating (income) and expenses, net (4)

  $ 0.2           (35.3       8.1          5.3          1.9   

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

  $ 103.5           32.1          (128.6       (93.4       (228.1

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax (7)

  $ 100.1           86.8          (129.3       (96.0       (227.2

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

  $ -             -            -            -            (0.4

Net income (loss)

  $ 100.1           86.8          (129.3       (96.0       (227.6

PER SHARE AMOUNTS:

                  

Basic earnings (loss) from continuing operations

  $ .86           .86          (1.45       (1.09       (2.59

Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations

  $ .85           .86          (1.45       (1.09       (2.59

Basic loss from discontinued operations

  $ -             -            -            -            (.01

Diluted loss from discontinued operations

  $ -             -            -            -            (.01

Basic earnings (loss)

  $ .86           .86          (1.45       (1.09       (2.60

Diluted earnings (loss)

  $ .85           .86          (1.45       (1.09       (2.60

Cash dividends declared

  $ -             -            -            -            .20   

Shareholders’ equity

  $ 3.51           3.01          1.62          3.04          4.13   

OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:

                  

Working capital

  $ 415.6           316.7          299.9          307.3          349.4   

Current ratio

    2.8           2.3          2.3          2.1          2.2   

Total assets

  $ 743.6           643.0          655.5          821.9          916.5   

Long-term debt (5)

  $ 9.5           19.0          184.0          184.0          184.0   

Shareholders’ equity

  $ 412.9           303.1          144.3          267.7          361.1   

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding (millions) (6)

    117.5           100.7          88.9          88.1          87.4   

Effective tax rate (%)  (7)

    3.3           (171.0       (0.5       (2.8       0.4   

 

(1)

Fiscal 2007 consisted of a 53-week year. All other fiscal years presented reflect 52-week years.

 

(2)  

On March 20, 2006, the Company announced the sale of its subsidiary based in the United Kingdom, The Pier Retail Group Limited (“The Pier”). The Pier has been included in discontinued operations in the Company’s financial statements for fiscal 2007 and prior years. All financial information in this report relates to continuing operations, unless stated otherwise.

 

(3)  

The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 relate primarily to initiatives to reduce costs Company-wide. See detailed description of these expenses in Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Selling, general and administrative expense in fiscal 2007 included a pre-tax charge of $32.3 million related to impairment charges on long-lived store level assets.

 

(4)  

Nonoperating income for fiscal 2010 included a gain of $49.6 million related to the debt transactions during the year. This gain was partially offset by $18.3 million in related expenses. See detailed discussion in Note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this report. Nonoperating income also included a $10.0 million payment received as a result of a foreign litigation settlement.

 

(5)  

The Company’s consolidated long-term debt was reduced significantly during fiscal 2011 and 2010 as a result of multiple debt transactions. See detailed discussion in Note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this report.

 

(6)  

The increase in shares outstanding in fiscal 2011 and 2010 was primarily the result of the Company issuing approximately 24.5 million shares of common stock related to the conversion of its 9% Notes during fiscal 2010. See detailed discussion in Note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this report.

 

(7)  

In fiscal 2010, the Company recorded and received a $55.9 million tax benefit as a result of a tax law change allowing additional carryback of the Company’s net operating losses. In fiscal years 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company recorded minimal state and foreign tax provisions and provided a valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset arising during those periods. The Company’s effective tax rate for fiscal 2007 was the result of recording a valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets during the second quarter and only recording a tax benefit on the losses for the year that could be carried back.

 

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations .

MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW

Introduction

Pier 1 Imports, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the “Company”) is a global importer and is one of North America’s largest specialty retailers of imported decorative home furnishings and gifts. The Company directly imports merchandise from many countries, and sells a wide variety of decorative accessories, furniture collections, bed and bath products, candles, housewares, gifts and other seasonal assortments in its stores. The Company conducts business as one operating segment and operates stores in the United States and Canada under the name Pier 1 Imports. As of February 26, 2011, the Company operated 1,046 stores in the United States and Canada.

Comparable store sales during fiscal 2011 and 2010 increased 10.9% and 1.5%, respectively, which was attributable to increases in traffic, conversion rate, and average ticket over last year. Sales per retail square foot were $168 during fiscal 2011, compared to $152 last year. Management believes that the Company’s results will continue to improve as a result of its unique merchandise assortments, carefully managed cost base, improved in-store experience and strong focus placed on the customer.

Merchandise margins for fiscal 2011 were 58.6% of sales compared to 54.8% of sales in fiscal 2010. This improvement was the result of significantly lower markdown activity, strong input margins, and well-managed inventory levels. Management remains focused on maximizing margins through negotiating advantageous vendor costs and ensuring an efficient supply chain and related expenses.

Store occupancy costs for fiscal 2011 decreased $4.8 million from fiscal 2010. This decrease was primarily attributable to the reduced store count since the end of last year coupled with the benefit from favorable rent negotiations last year. The Company continues to evaluate every lease renewal in its store portfolio and negotiate favorable occupancy rates in a continued effort to maintain low overall costs of its leased properties.

During fiscal 2011 the Company repaid $9.5 million of industrial revenue bonds related to the Chicago, Illinois distribution center with proceeds received from the sale of the facility. In addition, all remaining 6.375% convertible senior notes due 2036 were surrendered in full during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, and the Company paid the holders all remaining principal and accrued interest. The Company ended fiscal 2011 with a strong balance sheet consisting of $301.5 million in cash, $311.8 million in inventory, and $9.5 million in long-term debt.

Profitability has been achieved, the Company has moved from playing defense to playing offense, and it is well positioned to build on its profitability in the future. On April 7, 2011, the Company announced a three-year growth plan to drive sales and further improve profitability in order to increase shareholder value. The plan includes investing in the acceleration of e-commerce initiatives, existing store improvements, expansion of the store portfolio, and development of infrastructure and technology to enhance business processes and efficiencies throughout the entire organization. The Company plans to invest approximately $200 million over the next three years in these initiatives, utilizing cash flow from operations. Additionally, the Board of Directors has also approved a plan to return value to shareholders by authorizing an initial share repurchase program of up to $100 million.

The Company plans to grow sales and profitability by developing an online business to complement its well-performing store base. The Company’s e-commerce initiative will enable it to grow from a single brand, bricks and mortar retailer into an extended brand, multi-channel retailer. In-store merchandise availability on the

 

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Company’s website was launched last October. Pier 1 To-Go, which will allow customers to order and reserve merchandise online and be picked up and paid for at any of the Company’s stores, will be fully launched in the spring of fiscal 2012. In fiscal 2013, the Company plans to enter full e-commerce functionality by allowing customers to purchase merchandise online from its website.

The Company remains focused on increasing sales productivity and maximizing profitability of its existing store portfolio. Over the next three years, the Company’s store improvement initiatives will impact approximately 90% of the existing stores and include capital investments in new store fixtures, store remodels and other leasehold improvements. The Company has developed new merchandise fixtures designed to give the stores a more open look allowing merchandise to be visible and accessible on all sides of the unit, and enhancing the in-store shopping experience for customers. Store remodel plans over the next three years range from minor cosmetic improvements in most cases to major construction efforts such as new flooring and lighting, structural enhancements and new fixtures. Other investments to improve the Company’s existing store portfolio will include new lighting and sign upgrades to select stores, equipment upgrades, such as new HVAC units, and other general leasehold improvements.

The Company’s growth plan also includes investing in the expansion of its existing store portfolio from 1,046 Pier 1 Imports stores today throughout the United States and Canada to approximately 1,100 Pier 1 Imports stores in the United States and Canada within five years. The Company currently plans to open approximately 80 stores and close approximately 30 stores as part of its net new store growth initiative.

The Company’s three-year plan includes capital investments in infrastructure development and technology to facilitate continued improvements in processes, efficiencies and analytics throughout the organization. Investments in information technology will include a new point-of-sale system, an e-commerce platform, replacement of legacy systems, new software for store labor schedule optimization and enhancements to existing systems. In addition, the Company will invest in new store traffic counters, cash stand computer kiosks and other network and infrastructure needs.

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity and capital resources relates to continuing operations, unless otherwise stated, and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying audited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto which can be found in Item 8 of this report.

Overview of Business

The Company’s key financial and operational indicators used by management to evaluate the performance of the business include the following (trends for these indicators are explained in the comparative discussions of this section):

 

Key Performance Indicators    2011      2010      2009  

Total sales growth (decline)

     8.2%         (2.3%)         (12.6%)   

Comparable stores sales growth (decline)

     10.9%         1.5%         (9.2%)   

Sales per average retail square foot

   $ 168       $ 152       $ 149   

Merchandise margins as a % of sales

     58.6%         54.8%         49.0%   

Gross profit as a % of sales

     39.8%         34.1%         27.5%   

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a % of sales

     30.9%         32.6%         34.3%   

Operating income (loss) as a % of sales

     7.4%         (0.3%)         (9.1%)   

Net income (loss) as a % of sales

     7.2%         6.7%         (9.8%)   

Inventory per retail square foot

   $ 38       $ 38       $ 37   

Total retail square footage (in thousands)

         8,232             8,290             8,586   

Total retail square footage decline

     (0.7%)         (3.4%)         (2.2%)   

 

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Stores included in the comparable store sales calculation are those stores that have been opened since the beginning of the preceding fiscal year. Remodeled or relocated stores are included if they meet specific criteria. Those criteria include the following: the new store is within a specified distance serving the same market, no significant change in store size, and no significant overlap or gap between the closing and reopening. Such stores are included in the comparable store sales calculation in the first full month after the re-opening. If a relocated or remodeled store does not meet the above criteria, it is excluded from the calculation until it meets the Company’s established definition of a comparable store.

FISCAL YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 26, 2011 AND FEBRUARY 27, 2010

Net Sales

Net sales consisted primarily of sales to retail customers, net of discounts and returns, but also included delivery revenues and wholesale sales and royalties. Sales by retail concept during fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009 were as follows (in thousands):

 

     2011             2010             2009  

Stores

   $ 1,381,944          $ 1,279,742          $ 1,308,331   

Other (1)

     14,526            11,110            12,346   
                                

Net sales

   $     1,396,470          $     1,290,852          $     1,320,677   
                                

 

  (1)  

Other sales consisted primarily of wholesale sales and royalties received from Grupo Sanborns, S.A. de C.V. and gift card breakage.

Net sales during fiscal 2011 were $1,396.5 million, an increase of $105.6 million or 8.2%, from $1,290.9 million for the prior fiscal year. The increase in sales for the fiscal year was comprised of the following components (in thousands):

 

     Net Sales  

Net sales for fiscal 2010

   $ 1,290,852   

Incremental sales growth (decline) from:

  

New stores

     2,969   

Comparable stores

     136,420   

Closed stores and other

     (33,771
        

Net sales for fiscal 2011

   $     1,396,470   
        

The total sales growth for fiscal 2011 was primarily the result of an increase in traffic, conversion rate, and average ticket compared to prior year. As of February 26, 2011, the Company operated 1,046 stores in the United States and Canada, compared to 1,054 stores at the end of fiscal 2010. The Company’s net sales from Canadian stores were subject to fluctuation in currency conversion rates. These fluctuations contributed to a 70 basis points increase in both the net sales and comparable store calculations in fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010.

 

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A summary reconciliation of the Company’s stores open at the beginning of fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 to the number open at the end of each period follows (openings and closings include relocated stores):

 

    United States              Canada                Total  

Open at March 1, 2008

    1,034             83           1,117   

Openings

    1             -           1   

Closings

    (24          (2        (26
                               

Open at February 28, 2009

    1,011             81           1,092   

Openings

    -             -           -   

Closings

    (38          -           (38
                               

Open at February 27, 2010 (1)

    973             81           1,054   

Openings

    3             -           3   

Closings

    (9          (2        (11
                               

Open at February 26, 2011 (2)

    967             79           1,046   
                               

 

  (1)  

During the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the company ended its relationship with Sears Roebuck de Puerto Rico, Inc. and closed all seven “store within a store” locations in Puerto Rico. These locations are excluded from the table above.

 

  (2)  

The Company supplies merchandise and licenses the Pier 1 Imports name to Grupo Sanborns, S.A. de C.V. which sells Pier 1 Imports merchandise primarily in a “store within a store” format. At the end of fiscal 2011, there were 38 of these locations in Mexico and one in El Salvador. These locations are excluded from the table above.

Gross Profit

Gross profit, which is calculated by deducting store occupancy costs from merchandise margin dollars, was 39.8% expressed as a percentage of sales in fiscal 2011, compared to 34.1% a year ago. Merchandise margins were 58.6% as a percentage of sales, an increase of 380 basis points over 54.8% in fiscal 2010. Improvements in merchandise margin over last year were primarily the result of significantly lower markdowns resulting from strong input margins and well-managed inventory levels throughout the year.

Store occupancy costs during fiscal 2011 were $262.4 million or 18.8% of sales, a decrease of $4.7 million and 190 basis points from store occupancy costs of $267.1 million, or 20.7% of sales during fiscal 2010. The decrease was primarily the result of favorable rental negotiations on a large number of stores in the prior year and fewer open stores, coupled with decreases in property taxes and property insurance, partially offset by an increase in maintenance and utility costs.

 

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Operating Expenses, Depreciation and Income Taxes

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $431.9 million, or 30.9% of sales in fiscal 2011, compared to $421.2 million, or 32.6% of sales in fiscal 2010, an increase of $10.7 million, and a decrease of 170 basis points as a percentage of sales. Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal years 2011 and 2010 included charges summarized in the table below (in thousands):

 

    February 26, 2011           February 27, 2010           Increase /  
    Expense           % Sales           Expense            % Sales           (Decrease)  

Store payroll

  $ 218,924          15.7     $ 209,815           16.3     $ 9,109   

Marketing

    65,840          4.7       60,945           4.7       4,895   

Store supplies, services and other

    24,669          1.8       28,661           2.2       (3,992
                                                

Variable costs

    309,433          22.2       299,421           23.2       10,012   

Administrative payroll

    84,900          6.1       74,734           5.8       10,166   

Other relatively fixed expenses

    35,768          2.6       34,449           2.7       1,319   
                                                

Relatively fixed costs

    120,668          8.6       109,183           8.5       11,485   

Lease termination costs and other

    1,799          0.1       12,575           1.0       (10,776
                                                
  $     431,900          30.9     $     421,179           32.6     $     10,721   
                                                

Expenses that tend to fluctuate proportionately with sales and number of stores, such as store payroll, marketing, store supplies, and equipment rental, increased $10.0 million, but decreased 100 basis points as a percentage of sales from last year. Store payroll, including bonus, increased $9.1 million and decreased 60 basis points as a percentage of sales. Marketing expense increased $4.9 million and remained flat as a percentage of sales as a result of an increase in television, radio, and internet advertising, partially offset by a reduction of retail event mailers and catalogs and advertising in newspapers. Other variable expenses, primarily store supplies, store services and equipment rental, decreased $4.0 million, or 40 basis points as a percentage of sales.

Relatively fixed selling, general and administrative expenses increased $11.5 million to 8.6% of sales, or 10 basis points, from 8.5% of sales during fiscal 2010, primarily as result of increases in accrued management bonuses and in salaries and benefits. In addition, general insurance costs and foreign currency revaluation increased as a result of favorable trends in the prior year.

Lease termination and other costs decreased $10.8 million compared to the same period a year ago. Lease termination costs decreased by $9.1 million, or 80 basis points as a percentage of sales, which was primarily the result of decreased activity with lease terminations and buyout agreements along with the closing of fewer stores this year compared to the same period last year. In addition, the Company had a gain of $1.6 million on the sale of its distribution center near Chicago during the first quarter of fiscal 2011.

Depreciation and amortization for fiscal 2011 was $19.7 million, representing a decrease of approximately $2.8 million from last year’s depreciation and amortization expense of $22.5 million. This decrease was primarily the result of certain assets becoming fully depreciated and store closures.

In fiscal 2011, the Company recorded operating income of $103.7 million compared to an operating loss of $3.3 million for fiscal 2010.

 

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Nonoperating Income and Expense

Nonoperating expense for fiscal 2011 was $0.2 million, compared to income of $35.3 million in fiscal 2010. The decrease in income was primarily attributable to a $49.7 million gain related to the repurchase and exchange of the Company’s convertible debt and the recovery of $10.0 million as a result of a foreign litigation settlement in the prior year. These gains were partially offset by $18.3 million in charges taken during the prior year related to the debt transactions. The remaining variance resulted from an increase in deferred gain recognition related to the renegotiation of the Company’s proprietary credit card agreement with Chase Bank USA, N.A. (“Chase”) during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, partially offset by lower interest expense during the current year.

Income Taxes

The Company recorded an income tax provision of $3.4 million, compared to a benefit of $54.8 million in the prior year. The Company continues to provide a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets. As a result, minimal federal tax benefit was recorded on the results of fiscal 2011 and only minimal state and foreign tax provisions were made during the year. The prior year benefit was the result of the Company recording a federal income tax refund of $55.9 million resulting from the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009. As of February 26, 2011, the Company had utilized all federal tax loss carryforwards.

Net Income

Net income in fiscal 2011 was $100.1 million, or $0.85 per share, compared to $86.8 million, or $0.86 per share for fiscal 2010.

FISCAL YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 27, 2010 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009

Net Sales

Net sales consisted primarily of sales to retail customers, net of discounts and returns, but also included delivery revenues and wholesale sales and royalties. Sales by retail concept during fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 were as follows (in thousands):

 

    2010            2009            2008  

Stores

  $     1,279,742         $     1,308,331         $     1,486,147   

Direct to consumer

    -           -           8,366   

Other (1)

    11,110           12,346           17,319   
                             

Net sales

  $ 1,290,852         $ 1,320,677         $ 1,511,832   
                             

 

  (1)  

Other sales consisted primarily of wholesale sales and royalties received from franchise stores, Grupo Sanborns, S.A. de C.V., other third parties and gift card breakage.

Net sales during fiscal 2010 were $1,290.9 million, a decrease of $29.8 million or 2.3%, from $1,320.7 million for the prior fiscal year. The decrease in sales for the fiscal year was comprised of the following components (in thousands):

 

    2010  

Comparable stores

  $ 19,044   

Closed stores and other

    (48,869
       

Net decrease in sales

  $     (29,825
       

 

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The total sales decline for fiscal 2010 was primarily the result of a net decrease of 38 stores compared to the same period in the prior year. As of February 27, 2010, the Company operated 1,054 stores in the United States and Canada, compared to 1,092 stores at the end of fiscal 2009. The Company’s net sales from Canadian stores were subject to fluctuation in currency conversion rates. However, these fluctuations had no net impact on either the net sales or comparable store calculations in fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009.

A summary reconciliation of the Company’s stores open at the beginning of fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 to the number open at the end of each period follows (openings and closings include relocated stores):

 

     United States             Canada                 Total      

Open at March 3, 2007

     1,112            84            1,196   

Openings

     4            -            4   

Closings

     (82         (1         (83
                                

Open at March 1, 2008

     1,034            83            1,117   

Openings

     1            -            1   

Closings

     (24         (2         (26
                                

Open at February 28, 2009

     1,011            81            1,092   

Openings

     -            -            -   

Closings

     (38         -            (38
                                

Open at February 27, 2010 (1)

     973            81            1,054   
                                

 

  (1)  

The Company supplies merchandise and licenses the Pier 1 Imports name to Grupo Sanborns, S.A. de C.V. which sells Pier 1 Imports merchandise primarily in a “store within a store” format. At the end of fiscal 2010, there were 35 of these locations in Mexico. During the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the company ended its relationship with Sears Roebuck de Puerto Rico, Inc. and closed all seven “store within a store” locations in Puerto Rico. These locations are excluded from the table above.

Gross Profit

Gross profit, which is calculated by deducting store occupancy costs from merchandise margin dollars, was 34.1% expressed as a percentage of sales in fiscal 2010 compared to 27.5% in fiscal 2009. Merchandise margins were 54.8% as a percentage of sales, an increase of 580 basis points over 49.0% in fiscal 2009. Improvements in merchandise margin over the previous year were primarily the result of significantly lower markdowns resulting from well managed inventory levels along with better buying strategies throughout fiscal 2010.

Store occupancy costs during fiscal 2010 were $267.1 million, or 20.7% of sales, a decrease of $17.0 million and 80 basis points from store occupancy costs of $284.1 million, or 21.5% of sales during fiscal 2009. The decrease of $17.0 million was primarily the result of negotiated rental reductions and a decrease in the total number of stores.

 

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Operating Expenses, Depreciation and Income Taxes

Selling, general and administrative expenses, including marketing, were $421.2 million, or 32.6% of sales in fiscal 2010, a decrease of $32.3 million and 170 basis points from fiscal 2009’s $453.5 million or 34.3% of sales. Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal years 2010 and 2009 included charges summarized in the table below (in thousands):

 

    February 27, 2010     February 28, 2009           Increase /  
    Expense            % Sales           Expense            % Sales           (Decrease)  

Store payroll

  $     209,815           16.3     $     217,774           16.5     $     (7,959

Marketing

    60,945           4.7       58,989           4.5       1,956   

Store supplies, services and other

    28,661           2.2       32,473           2.5       (3,812
                                                 

Variable costs

    299,421           23.2       309,236           23.4       (9,815

Administrative payroll (excluding severance)

    74,734           5.8       70,118           5.3       4,616   

Other relatively fixed expenses

    34,449           2.7       51,188           3.9       (16,739
                                                 

Relatively fixed costs

    109,183           8.5       121,306           9.2       (12,123
                                                 

Subtotal

    408,604           31.7       430,542           32.6       (21,938

Lease termination costs and impairments

    11,246           0.9       15,727           1.2       (4,481

Acquisition costs

    -           0.0       1,660           0.1       (1,660

Severance and other

    1,329           0.1       5,542           0.4       (4,213
                                                 

Special charges

    12,575           1.0       22,929           1.7       (10,354
  $ 421,179           32.6     $ 453,471           34.3     $ (32,292
                                                 

Expenses that tend to fluctuate proportionately with sales and number of stores, such as store payroll, marketing, store supplies, and equipment rental, decreased $9.8 million and 20 basis points as a percentage of sales from the previous year. Store payroll, including bonus, decreased $8.0 million primarily as a result of a decrease in total number of stores as well as planned efficiencies in store staffing compared to fiscal 2009. Marketing expense increased $2.0 million and 20 basis points as a percentage of sales as a result of an increase in the number of newspaper inserts, radio advertising and internet media in fiscal 2010, partially offset by a decrease in cable television advertising. Other variable expenses such as store supplies and equipment rental decreased $3.8 million or 30 basis points as a percentage of sales.

Other selling, general and administrative expenses that do not typically vary with sales decreased $12.1 million to 8.5% of sales, or 70 basis points from 9.2% of sales during fiscal 2009, primarily as a result of the Company’s continued initiative to manage and control expenses. During fiscal 2010, general insurance costs and foreign currency revaluation also contributed to this improvement. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in administrative payroll resulting primarily from an increase in home office management bonuses stemming from the improved performance.

Lease termination costs and impairments decreased $4.5 million, primarily as a result of no impairment charges taken in fiscal 2010, compared to $9.7 million in fiscal 2009. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in lease termination costs of $5.2 million related to the closure of stores where favorable rent reductions were not reached with landlords. Severance, outplacement and other costs decreased $4.2 million primarily as a result of expenses incurred in the prior year related to a reduction in the Company’s work force. Acquisition costs decreased $1.7 million as a result of expenses related to the Company’s withdrawn proposal to acquire all of the outstanding common stock shares of Cost Plus, Inc. in fiscal 2009, with no similar expenditure in fiscal 2010.

 

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Depreciation and amortization for fiscal 2010 was $22.5 million, a decrease of approximately $8.1 million when compared to $30.6 million in fiscal 2009. This decrease was primarily the result of the impairment of store-level long-lived assets during the second half of fiscal 2009, certain assets becoming fully depreciated, reduced capital spending and store closures.

In fiscal 2010, the Company recorded an operating loss of $3.3 million compared to an operating loss of $120.6 million for fiscal 2009.

Nonoperating Income and Expense

Nonoperating income for fiscal 2010 was $35.3 million compared to expense of $8.1 million in fiscal 2009. During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, a foreign subsidiary of the Company purchased $78.9 million of the Company’s outstanding 6.375% convertible senior notes due 2036 (the “6.375% Notes”) in privately negotiated transactions at a purchase price of $27.4 million, including accrued interest. The Company recognized a gain of $47.8 million in connection with this transaction. In August 2009, the Company retired $64.5 million of the remaining 6.375% Notes through separate privately negotiated exchange agreements. Under these agreements, holders received $61.3 million in aggregate principal of the Company’s new 9% convertible senior notes due 2036 (the “9% Notes”). In addition to this exchange, the Company also purchased $5.0 million of the outstanding 6.375% Notes for $4.8 million in cash. The Company recognized a net gain of $1.8 million related to these transactions in the second quarter of fiscal 2010. During the third quarter of fiscal 2010, all $61.3 million of the Company’s 9% Notes voluntarily converted into shares of the Company’s common stock. In connection with this exchange in the third quarter, the Company incurred additional interest expense to record the remaining amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discounts of $13.6 million.

The Company settled a lawsuit and received $10.0 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2010, and recorded a gain in other nonoperating income as a result of the settlement. This income was partially offset by a $4.7 million charge during the third quarter to adjust the fair value of the derivative liability for the make-whole interest provision related to the Company’s 9% Notes. See Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the fair value of the derivative liability.

Income Taxes

The Company recorded and received an income tax benefit of $55.9 million during fiscal 2010 primarily as a result of the Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009. This law allows businesses with net operating losses incurred in either 2008 or 2009 to elect to carry back such losses up to five years. This benefit resulted from the reversal of $55.9 million of the Company’s valuation allowance on its deferred tax asset for its net operating loss carryforwards that were carried back under this law. As a result of the Company’s valuation allowance against all deferred tax assets, the Company did not record federal tax benefit or expense and only minimal state and foreign tax provisions were recorded on the results for fiscal 2010. The Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $92.0 million as of February 27, 2010. These loss carryforwards had expirations beginning in fiscal 2027.

Net Income and Loss

Net income in fiscal 2010 was $86.8 million, or $0.86 per share, compared to a net loss of $129.3 million, or $1.45 per share for fiscal 2009.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $301.5 million at the end of fiscal 2011, an increase of $113.6 million from the fiscal 2010 year-end balance of $187.9 million. The increase is a result of cash provided

 

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by operating activities of $148.4 million, partially offset by cash used in investing activities of $13.7 million and financing activities of $21.1 million.

Operating activities provided $148.4 million of cash, primarily as a result of $100.1 million of net income and the receipt of $28.3 million in proceeds received from an adjustment to the Company’s proprietary credit card agreement. During fiscal 2011, the Company entered into a new private-label credit card program agreement with Chase Bank USA, N.A. (“Chase”) effective January 1, 2011, with a term of eighteen months. In conjunction with this agreement, the Company and Chase terminated the original program agreement in consideration of payment to the Company from Chase of $28.3 million plus all remaining sums due to the Company by Chase.

Inventory levels at the end of fiscal 2011 were $311.8 million, a decrease of $1.7 million, or 0.6%, from the end of fiscal 2010. Inventory per retail square foot at the end of fiscal 2011 was flat at $38 compared fiscal 2010 year end. The Company continues to focus on managing inventory levels and closely monitoring merchandise purchases to keep inventory in line with consumer demand. Inventory levels at the end of fiscal 2012 are expected to be approximately the same as the end of fiscal 2011.

During fiscal 2011, the Company’s investing activities used $13.7 million. Capital expenditures were $31.0 million in fiscal 2011, consisting primarily of $14.2 million for new and existing stores, $14.7 million for information systems enhancements, and $2.1 million related to the home office and distribution centers. Proceeds from the disposition of properties provided $11.1 million, primarily related to the sale of the Company’s distribution center near Chicago. Also, the Company collected $6.3 million of a note receivable from Chase.

Financing activities for fiscal 2011 used $21.1 million primarily as a result of the repayment of a portion of the Company’s long-term debt. The Company repaid $9.5 million of industrial revenue bonds related to the Chicago, Illinois distribution center with proceeds received from the sale of the facility. In addition, all remaining 6.375% Notes were surrendered in full during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, and the Company paid the holders $17.1 million, which included principal and accrued interest. These amounts were partially offset by the receipt of $5.0 million in proceeds from stock options exercised and the stock purchase plan.

During fiscal 2011, the Company’s bank facilities included a $300 million credit facility that would have expired in May 2012, which was secured by the Company’s eligible merchandise inventory and third-party credit card receivables. As of February 26, 2011, the Company had no outstanding borrowings and had approximately $56.4 million in letters of credit and bankers acceptances outstanding. The calculated borrowing base was $245.7 million, of which $189.3 million remained available for additional borrowings. At the end of fiscal 2011, the Company was in compliance with all required covenants stated in the agreement. On April 4, 2011, subsequent to year end, the Company amended and restated the $300 million secured credit facility. The amended and restated facility effectively refinances the Company’s existing facility, and has a five-year term, an initial line of $300 million and includes a $100 million accordion feature.

The Company does not currently anticipate paying cash dividends in fiscal 2012, and its dividend policy in the near term will depend upon the earnings, financial condition and capital needs of the Company and other factors deemed relevant by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company’s amended and restated secured credit facility may limit certain investments and, in some instances, limit payment of cash dividends and repurchases of the Company’s common stock. The Company will not be restricted from paying certain dividends unless credit extensions on the line result in availability over a specified period of time that is projected to be less than 20% of the lesser of either $300 million or the calculated borrowing base, subject to the Company meeting a fixed charge coverage requirement when availability over the same specified period of time is projected to be less than 50% of the lesser of either $300 million or the calculated borrowing base. See Note 5 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the Company’s secured credit facility.

 

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During fiscal 2011, the Company did not make any repurchases of shares of its outstanding common stock other than 117,078 shares acquired from employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations that arose upon vesting of restricted stock granted pursuant to approved plans.

Subsequent to year end, as part of the Company’s three-year growth plan, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an initial share repurchase program that authorizes the repurchase of up to $100 million of the Company’s common stock in open market or private transactions. The timing of the repurchases will depend on several factors including, but not limited to, prevailing market conditions and prices.

A summary of the Company’s contractual obligations and other commercial commitments as of February 26, 2011 is listed below (in thousands):

 

                  Amount of Commitment per Period  
     Total            Less Than
1 Year
           1 to 3
Years
           3 to 5
Years
           More Than
5 Years
 

Operating leases

   $ 728,015         $ 211,000         $ 327,174         $ 145,146         $ 44,695   

Assets retirement obligation

     2,803           278           1,196           978           351   

Purchase obligations (1)

     143,802           143,802           -           -           -   

Standby letters of credit (2)

     43,200           43,200           -           -           -   

Industrial revenue bonds (2)

     9,500           -           -           -           9,500   

Interest on industrial revenue bonds (3)

     434           28           55           55           296   

Interest and related fees on secured credit facility (4)

     10,304           2,086           4,013           4,013           192   

Other obligations (5) (6)

     37,041           1,016           2,301           12,334           21,390   

Total (7)

   $     975,099         $     401,410         $     334,739         $     162,526         $     76,424   
                                                    

Liabilities recorded on the balance sheet

  

     73,250             

Commitments not recorded on the balance sheet

  

     901,849             

Total

             $ 975,099             
                            

 

(1)  

As of February 26, 2011, the Company had approximately $143.8 million of outstanding purchase orders, which were primarily related to merchandise inventory, and included $3.5 million in merchandise letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances. Such orders are generally cancelable at the discretion of the Company until the order has been shipped. The table above excludes certain executory contracts for goods and services that tend to be recurring in nature and similar in amount year over year.

 

(2)  

The Company also has outstanding standby letters of credit totaling $9.7 million related to the Company’s industrial revenue bonds. This amount is excluded from the table above as it is not incremental to the Company’s total outstanding commitments.

 

(3)  

The interest rates on the Company’s industrial revenue bonds are variable and reset weekly. The estimated interest payments included in the table were calculated based upon the rate in effect at fiscal 2011 year end and exclude fees for the related standby letter of credit which are included elsewhere in this table.

 

(4)  

Represents estimated commitment fees for trade and standby letters of credit, and unused fees on the Company’s $300 million secured credit facility, which subsequent to fiscal year end was amended and restated on April 4, 2011, extending the expiration from May 2012 to April 2016. Fees are calculated based upon balances at fiscal 2011 year end and the applicable rates in effect under the terms of the Company’s $300 million secured credit facility.

 

(5)  

Other obligations include the Company’s liability under various unfunded retirement plans. See Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the Company’s employee benefit plans.

 

(6)  

Excluded from this table, but recorded on the Company’s balance sheet, is the noncurrent portion of reserves for uncertain tax positions of $13.7 million for which the Company is not reasonably able to estimate the timing of future cash flows.

 

(7)  

The above amounts do not include payments that may be due under employment agreement(s) with certain employee(s).

 

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The present value of the Company’s minimum future operating lease commitments discounted at 10% was $592.8 million at fiscal 2011 year end, compared to $635.1 million at fiscal 2010 year end. As part of the sale of the Company’s home office building and accompanying land during fiscal 2009, the Company entered into a lease agreement to rent office space in the building. The lease has a primary term of seven years beginning on June 9, 2008, with one three-year renewal option and provisions for terminating the lease at the end of the fifth lease year. The Company plans to fund its lease commitments from cash generated from the operations of the Company and, if needed, from borrowings on its secured credit facility.

The Company has an umbrella trust, currently consisting of five sub-trusts, which was established for the purpose of setting aside funds to be used to settle certain benefit plan obligations. Two of the sub-trusts are restricted to satisfy obligations to certain participants of the Company’s supplemental retirement plans. These trusts consisted of interest bearing investments of less than $0.1 million at both February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010, and were included in other noncurrent assets. The remaining three sub-trusts are restricted to meet the funding requirements of the Company’s non-qualified deferred compensation plans. These trusts’ assets consisted of investments totaling less than $0.1 million at February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010, and were included in other noncurrent assets. These trusts also own and are the beneficiaries of life insurance policies with cash surrender values of approximately $5.5 million at February 26, 2011 and death benefits of approximately $11.3 million. In addition, the Company owns and is the beneficiary of a number of insurance policies on the lives of current and former key executives that are unrestricted as to use. The cash surrender value of these unrestricted policies was approximately $17.2 million at February 26, 2011 and was included in other noncurrent assets. These policies had a death benefit of approximately $27.6 million at February 26, 2011. At the discretion of the Board of Directors, contributions of cash or unrestricted life insurance policies could be made to the trusts.

The Company’s sources of working capital for fiscal 2011 were primarily from operations and the sale of its distribution center near Chicago. The Company has a variety of sources for liquidity, which include available cash balances and available lines of credit. The Company’s current plans for fiscal 2012 include a capital expenditure budget of approximately $50 – $60 million and share repurchases of approximately $100 million as discussed above. The Company does not presently anticipate any other significant cash outflows in fiscal 2012 other than those discussed herein or those occurring in the normal course of business, which will include resuming payment of federal income taxes.

The liquidity of the Company continued to improve during fiscal 2011. The Company’s key drivers of cash flows are sales, management of inventory levels, vendor payment terms, management of expenses, and capital expenditures. The Company’s focus remains on making conservative inventory purchases, managing those inventories, continuing to evolve the Company’s merchandise offering, and improving the in-store experience. In addition, the Company’s ongoing mission is to maximize its revenues, while seeking out ways to make its cost base more efficient and effective and still preserve liquidity. If for some reason consumer spending begins to decline to levels seen during the recent recession, the Company could experience a material adverse effect on its financial condition and ability to generate cash flows from operations. As a result, the Company could become dependent on the availability of adequate capital to fund its operations. While there can be no assurance that the Company will sustain positive cash flows or profitability over the long-term, given the Company’s cash position and the various liquidity options available, the Company believes it has sufficient liquidity to fund its obligations, capital expenditure requirements and share repurchases through fiscal 2012.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

Other than the operating leases, letters of credit and purchase obligations discussed above, the Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires the use of estimates that affect the reported value of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These estimates are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for the Company’s conclusions. The Company continually evaluates the information used to make these estimates as the business and the economic environment changes. Historically, actual results have not varied materially from the Company’s estimates, with the exception of the impairment of long-lived assets, the early retirement of participants in its defined benefit plans, and income taxes as discussed below. The Company does not currently anticipate a significant change in its assumptions related to these estimates. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The Company’s significant accounting policies can be found in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . The policies and estimates discussed below include the financial statement elements that are either judgmental or involve the selection or application of alternative accounting policies and are material to the Company’s financial statements. Unless specifically addressed below, the Company does not believe that its critical accounting policies are subject to market risk exposure that would be considered material and as a result, has not provided a sensitivity analysis. The use of estimates is pervasive throughout the consolidated financial statements, but the accounting policies and estimates considered most critical are as follows:

Revenue recognition – The Company recognizes revenue from retail sales, net of sales tax and third-party credit card fees, upon customer receipt or delivery of merchandise. The Company records an allowance for estimated merchandise returns based upon historical experience and other known factors. Should actual returns differ from the Company’s estimates and current provision for merchandise returns, revisions to the estimated merchandise returns may be required.

Gift cards – Revenue associated with gift cards is recognized when merchandise is sold and a gift card is redeemed as payment. Gift card breakage is estimated and recorded as income based upon an analysis of the Company’s historical data and expected trends in redemption patterns and represents the remaining unused portion of the gift card liability for which the likelihood of redemption is remote. If actual redemption patterns vary from the Company’s estimates, actual gift card breakage may differ from the amounts recorded. For all periods presented, gift card breakage was recognized at 30 months from the original issuance and was $4.2 million, $4.6 million, and $4.1 million in fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Inventories – The Company’s inventory is comprised of finished merchandise and is stated at the lower of weighted average cost or market value. Cost is calculated based upon the actual landed cost of an item at the time it is received in the Company’s warehouse using vendor invoices, the cost of warehousing and transporting product to the stores and other direct costs associated with purchasing products. Carrying values of inventory are analyzed and to the extent that the cost of inventory exceeds the expected selling prices less reasonable costs to sell, provisions are made to reduce the carrying amount of the inventory. The Company reviews its inventory levels in order to identify slow-moving merchandise and uses merchandise markdowns to sell such merchandise. Markdowns are recorded to reduce the retail price of such slow-moving merchandise as needed. Since the determination of carrying values of inventory involves both estimation and judgment with regard to market values and reasonable costs to sell, differences in these estimates could result in ultimate valuations that differ from the recorded asset. The majority of inventory purchases and commitments are made in U.S. dollars in order to limit the Company’s exposure to foreign currency fluctuations.

The Company recognizes known inventory losses, shortages and damages when incurred and makes a provision for estimated shrinkage. The amount of the provision is estimated based on historical experience from the results of its physical inventories. Inventory is physically counted at substantially all locations at least once in each 12-month period, at which time actual results are reflected in the financial statements. Physical counts were

 

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taken at substantially all stores and distribution centers during each period presented in the financial statements. Although inventory shrinkage rates have not fluctuated significantly in recent years, should actual rates differ from the Company’s estimates, revisions to the inventory shrinkage expense may be required.

Impairment of long-lived assets – Long-lived assets such as buildings, equipment, furniture and fixtures, and leasehold improvements are reviewed for impairment at least annually and whenever an event or change in circumstances indicates that their carrying values may not be recoverable. If the carrying value exceeds the sum of the expected undiscounted cash flows, the assets are considered impaired. For store level long-lived assets, expected cash flows are estimated based on management’s estimate of future sales, merchandise margin rates, and expenses over the remaining expected terms of the leases. Impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Fair value is determined by discounting expected cash flows. Impairment, if any, is recorded in the period in which the impairment occurred. The Company recorded $0.5 million in impairment charges in fiscal 2011, $0 in impairment charges in fiscal 2010, and $9.4 million in impairment charges in fiscal 2009. As the projection of future cash flows requires the use of judgment and estimates, if actual results differ from the Company’s estimates, additional charges for asset impairments may be recorded in the future.

Insurance provision – The Company maintains insurance for workers’ compensation and general liability claims with deductibles from March 1, 2004 to March 1, 2010 of $1,000,000 and $750,000, respectively, per occurrence. Effective March 1, 2010, the deductible for general liability claims was increased to $1,000,000 per occurrence. The liability recorded for such claims is determined by estimating the total future claims cost for events that occurred prior to the balance sheet date. The estimates consider historical claims loss development factors as well as information obtained from and projections made by the Company’s insurance carrier and third party claims administrators. The recorded liabilities for workers’ compensation and general liability insurance, including those claims occurring in prior years but not yet settled and reserves for fees, at February 26, 2011 were $17.7 million and $5.8 million, respectively.

The assumptions made in determining the above estimates are reviewed monthly and the liability adjusted accordingly as new facts are developed. Changes in circumstances and conditions affecting the assumptions used in determining the liabilities could cause actual results to differ from the Company’s recorded amounts.

Costs associated with exit activities – As part of the ordinary course of business, the Company terminates leases prior to their expiration when certain stores or distribution center facilities are closed or relocated as deemed necessary. In connection with these lease terminations, the Company has recorded estimated liabilities to cover these termination costs. These estimated liabilities are recorded based upon the Company’s remaining lease obligations less estimated subtenant rental income. The Company must make assumptions regarding potential settlements of these obligations, the length of time required to sublease each location, and the amount of subtenant income that will be received in the future. When estimating future subtenant rental income, the Company considers factors such as the location and condition of the property, the underlying lease terms, historical experience, and relevant market and economic data related to each location. Additional lease termination expense may be incurred as a result of changes to the Company’s current assumptions.

Defined benefit plans – The Company maintains supplemental retirement plans (the “Plans”) for certain of its current and former executive officers. The Plans provide that upon death, disability, reaching retirement age or certain termination events, a participant will receive benefits based on highest compensation, years of service and years of plan participation. These benefit costs are dependent upon numerous factors, assumptions and estimates. Benefit costs may be significantly affected by changes in key actuarial assumptions such as the discount rate, compensation rates, or retirement dates used to determine the projected benefit obligation. Additionally, changes made to the provisions of the Plans may impact current and future benefit costs.

 

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Stock-based compensation – The fair value of stock options is amortized as compensation expense over the vesting periods of the options. The fair values for options granted by the Company are estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility and the average life of options. The Company uses expected volatilities and risk-free interest rates that correlate with the expected term of the option when estimating an option’s fair value. To determine the expected term of the option, the Company bases its estimates on historical exercise activity of grants with similar vesting periods. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the common stock of the Company for a period approximating the expected life. The risk free interest rate utilized is the United States Treasury rate that most closely matches the weighted average expected life at the time of the grant. The expected dividend yield is based on the annual dividend rate at the time of grant or estimates of future anticipated dividend rates. If the Company had used different assumptions, the value of stock options may have been different.

Income taxes – The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related assets or liabilities for financial reporting purposes. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not those assets will be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, all available evidence is considered including past operating results, estimates of future income, and tax planning strategies. The Company is subject to income tax in many jurisdictions, including the United States, various states and localities, and foreign countries. At any point in time, multiple tax years are subject to audit by various jurisdictions and the Company records reserves for estimates of the tax exposure for foreign and domestic tax audits. The timing of these audits and negotiations with taxing authorities may affect the ultimate settlement of these issues. If different assumptions had been used, the Company’s tax expense or benefit, assets and liabilities could have varied from recorded amounts. If actual results differ from estimated results or if the Company adjusts these assumptions in the future, the Company may need to adjust its deferred tax assets or liabilities, which could impact its effective tax rate.

IMPACT OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES

Inflation has not had a significant impact on the operations of the Company during the preceding three years. However, the Company’s management cannot be certain of the effect inflation may have on the Company’s operations in the future.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk .

Market risks relating to the Company’s operations result primarily from changes in foreign exchange rates and interest rates. The Company has only limited involvement with derivative financial instruments, does not use them for trading purposes and is not a party to any leveraged derivatives. Collectively, the Company’s exposure to market risk factors is not significant and has not materially changed from February 27, 2010.

Foreign Currency Risk

Though the majority of the Company’s inventory purchases are made in U.S. dollars in order to limit its exposure to foreign currency fluctuations, the Company, from time to time, enters into forward foreign currency exchange contracts. The Company uses such contracts to hedge exposures to changes in foreign currency exchange rates associated with purchases denominated in foreign currencies, primarily euros. The Company operates stores in Canada and is subject to fluctuations in currency conversion rates related to those operations. On occasion, the Company may consider utilizing contracts to hedge its exposure associated with repatriation of

 

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funds from its Canadian operations. Changes in the fair value of the derivatives are included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations as such contracts are not designated as hedges under the applicable accounting guidance. Forward contracts that hedge merchandise purchases generally have maturities not exceeding six months. Changes in the fair value and settlement of these forwards are included in cost of sales. At February 26, 2011, there were no material outstanding contracts to hedge exposure associated with the Company’s merchandise purchases denominated in foreign currencies or the repatriation of Canadian funds.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company manages its exposure to changes in interest rates by optimizing the use of variable and fixed rate debt. The interest rate exposure on the Company’s secured credit facility and industrial revenue bonds is based upon variable interest rates and therefore is affected by changes in market interest rates. As of February 26, 2011, the Company had $9.5 million in long-term debt outstanding related to its industrial revenue bonds and no cash borrowings outstanding on its secured credit facility. A hypothetical 10% adverse change in the interest rates applicable to either or both of these variable rate instruments would have a negligible impact on the Company’s earnings and cash flows.

 

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data .

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors of Pier 1 Imports, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Pier 1 Imports, Inc. as of February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended February 26, 2011. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Pier 1 Imports, Inc. at February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended February 26, 2011, 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), Pier 1 Imports, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of February 26, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated April 25, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Fort Worth, Texas

April 25, 2011

 

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Pier 1 Imports, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands except per share amounts)

 

    Year Ended  
    2011            2010            2009  

Net sales

  $     1,396,470         $     1,290,852         $     1,320,677   

Operating costs and expenses:

           

Cost of sales (including buying and store occupancy costs)

    841,083           850,438           957,213   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    431,900           421,179           453,471   

Depreciation and amortization

    19,739           22,488           30,556   
                             
    1,292,722           1,294,105           1,441,240   
                             

Operating income (loss)

    103,748           (3,253        (120,563

Nonoperating (income) and expenses:

           

Interest and investment income

    (1,506        (1,681        (4,250

Interest expense

    5,368           23,726           14,592   

Gain on retirement of debt

    -           (49,654        -   

Other income

    (3,658        (7,695        (2,276
                             
    204           (35,304        8,066   
                             

Income (loss) before income taxes

    103,544           32,051           (128,629

Income tax provision (benefit)

    3,419           (54,796        624   
                             

Net income (loss)

  $ 100,125         $ 86,847         $ (129,253
                             

Earnings (loss) per share:

           

Basic

  $ 0.86         $ 0.86         $ (1.45
                             

Diluted

  $ 0.85         $ 0.86         $ (1.45
                             

Average shares outstanding during period:

           

Basic

    116,466           100,715           88,912   
                             

Diluted

    117,484           100,715           88,912   
                             

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

 

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Pier 1 Imports, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands except share amounts)

 

    February 26,
2011
             February 27,
2010
 

ASSETS

  

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents, including temporary investments
of $261,274 and $176,503, respectively

  $ 301,471           $ 187,912   

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $688 and $2,516, respectively

    14,814             14,701   

Inventories

    311,770             313,496   

Income tax receivable

    1,043             561   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    22,871             37,157   
                    

Total current assets

    651,969             553,827   

Properties, net

    64,773             55,837   

Other noncurrent assets

    26,835             33,310   
                    
  $     743,577           $     642,974   
                    

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

  

Current liabilities:

        

Accounts payable

  $ 57,421           $ 65,344   

Current portion long-term debt

    -             16,435   

Gift cards and other deferred revenue

    71,963             44,356   

Accrued income taxes payable

    232             4,967   

Other accrued liabilities

    106,739             106,073   
                    

Total current liabilities

    236,355             237,175   

Long-term debt

    9,500             19,000   

Other noncurrent liabilities

    84,870             83,665   

Shareholders’ equity:

        

Common stock, $0.001 par, 500,000,000 shares authorized
125,232,000 issued

    125             125   

Paid-in capital

    243,051             264,477   

Retained earnings

    293,813             193,688   

Cumulative other comprehensive loss

    (784          (699

Less - 7,748,000 and 9,645,000 common shares in
treasury, at cost, respectively

    (123,353          (154,457
                    
    412,852             303,134   

Commitments and contingencies

    -             -   
                    
  $ 743,577           $ 642,974   
                    

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

 

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Pier 1 Imports, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

    Year Ended  
    2011           2010           2009  

Cash flow from operating activities:

         

Net income (loss)

  $     100,125        $     86,847        $     (129,253

Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

         

Depreciation and amortization

    33,806          33,335          45,156   

(Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets

    (1,619       246          41   

Loss on impairment of fixed assets and other long-lived assets

    503          -          9,653   

Stock-based compensation expense

    4,706          3,782          5,177   

Deferred compensation

    4,237          3,736          4,215   

Lease termination expense

    1,599          7,693          6,074   

Amortization of deferred gains

    (11,353       (7,777       (6,774

Gain on retirement of convertible bonds

    -          (49,654       -   

Charges related to the conversion of the 9% Convertible Notes

    -          18,308          -   

Other

    4,452          3,109          (2,201

Change in cash from:

         

Inventories

    1,726          2,835          95,378   

Accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets

    (8,019       8,294          (5,055

Income tax receivable

    (482       1,588          14,486   

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    (4,821       (26,537       (65,457

Income taxes payable

    (2,966       533          (1,620

Defined benefit plan liabilities

    (2,860       (1,784       (118

Make whole interest provision

    -          (13,782       -   

Proceeds from an adjustment to the proprietary credit card agreement

    28,326          -          -   

Other noncurrent assets

    551          (197       1,209   

Other noncurrent liabilities

    474          (20       (2,545
                           

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    148,385          70,555          (31,634
                           

Cash flow from investing activities:

         

Capital expenditures

    (31,049       (5,246       (13,378

Proceeds from disposition of properties

    11,146          730          102,478   

Proceeds from sale of restricted investments

    3,876          3,897          3,258   

Purchase of restricted investments

    (3,944       (3,654       (2,020

Collection of note receivable

    6,250          1,500          1,500   
                           

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

    (13,721       (2,773       91,838   
                           

Cash flow from financing activities:

         

Proceeds from stock options exercised, stock purchase plan and other, net

    4,972          333          2,161   

Repayment of long-term debt

    (26,077       -          -   

Retirement of convertible bonds

    -          (31,593       -   

Debt issuance costs

    -          (4,408       -   
                           

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

    (21,105       (35,668       2,161   
                           

Change in cash and cash equivalents

    113,559          32,114          62,365   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    187,912          155,798          93,433   
                           

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 301,471        $ 187,912        $ 155,798   
                           
   

Supplemental cash flow information:

         

Interest paid (1)

  $ 6,015        $ 20,557        $ 14,018   
                           

Income taxes paid

  $ 7,342        $ 1,962        $ 2,617   
                           

(1) Interest paid in fiscal 2010 includes $13,782 in make-whole interest related to the conversion of the Company’s 9% Senior Convertible Notes due 2036. See Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding this payment.

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

 

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Pier 1 Imports, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands)

 

    Shares           Amount           Capital           Earnings           Income (Loss)            Stock           Equity  

Balance March 1, 2008

    88,607        $     101        $     227,473        $     236,094        $     373         $     (196,297     $     267,744   

Comprehensive loss:

                          

Net loss

    -          -          -          (129,253       -           -          (129,253

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax as applicable:

                          

Pension adjustments

    -          -          -          -          2,016           -          2,016   

Currency translation adjustments

    -          -          -          -          (3,584        -          (3,584
                                

Comprehensive loss

                             (130,821
                                

Restricted stock compensation

    245          -          (2,298       -          -           3,947          1,649   

Stock option compensation expense

    -          -          3,528          -          -           -          3,528   

Exercise of stock options, stock purchase plan and other

    1,022          -          (14,699       -          -           16,860          2,161   
                                                                    

Balance February 28, 2009

    89,874          101          214,004          106,841          (1,195        (175,490     $ 144,261   
                                                                    

Comprehensive loss:

                          

Net income

    -          -          -          86,847          -           -          86,847   

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax as applicable:

                          

Pension adjustments

    -          -          -          -          509           -          509   

Currency translation adjustments

    -          -          -          -          (13        -          (13
                                

Comprehensive income

                             87,343   
                                

Restricted stock compensation

    300          -          (3,038       -          -           4,800          1,762   

Stock option compensation expense

    -          -          2,020          -          -           -          2,020   

Stock purchase plan, directors deferred, and other

    960          -          (15,900       -          -           16,233          333   

Reclassification of equity portion of convertible debt

    -          -          2,818          -          -           -          2,818   

Beneficial conversion feature of 9% convertible debt

    -          -          3,343          -          -           -          3,343   

Conversion of 9% notes

    24,453          24          61,230          -          -           -          61,254   
                                                                    

Balance February 27, 2010

    115,587          125          264,477          193,688          (699        (154,457     $ 303,134   
                                                                    

Comprehensive income:

                          

Net income

        -          -          100,125          -           -          100,125   

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax as applicable:

                          

Pension adjustments

    -          -          -          -          (1,926        -          (1,926

Currency translation adjustments

    -          -          -          -          1,841           -          1,841   
                                

Comprehensive income

                             100,040   
                                

Restricted stock compensation

    979          -          (11,874       -          -           15,676          3,802   

Stock option compensation expense

    -          -          904          -          -           -          904   

Exercise of stock options, directors deferred, stock purchase plan and other

    918          -          (10,456       -          -           15,428          4,972   
                                                                    

Balance February 26, 2011

    117,484          125          243,051          293,813          (784        (123,353     $ 412,852   
                                                                    

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

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 – DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization Pier 1 Imports, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the “Company”) is one of North America’s largest specialty retailers of imported decorative home furnishings and gifts, with retail stores located in the United States and Canada. Additionally, the Company has merchandise primarily in “store within a store” locations in Mexico and El Salvador that are operated by Sears Roebuck de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. and Corporacion de Tiendas Internationales, S.A. de C.V., respectively.

Basis of consolidation – The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of all subsidiary companies, and all intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Segment information – The Company is a specialty retailer that offers a broad range of products in its stores and conducts business as one operating segment. The Company’s domestic operations provided 90.5%, 90.9% and 90.9% of its net sales, with 8.8%, 8.6% and 8.5% provided by stores in Canada, and the remainder from royalties primarily received from Sears Roebuck de Mexico S.A. de C.V. during fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. As of February 26, 2011, February 27, 2010 and February 28, 2009, $1,709,000, $1,749,000 and $2,308,000, respectively, of the Company’s long-lived assets were located in Canada. There were no long-lived assets in Mexico or El Salvador during any period.

Use of estimates Preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fiscal periods The Company utilizes 5-4-4 (week) quarterly accounting periods with the fiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest the last day of February. Fiscal 2011 ended February 26, 2011, fiscal 2010 ended February 27, 2010, and fiscal 2009 ended February 28, 2009, all of which contained 52 weeks.

Cash and cash equivalents, including temporary investments – The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity date of three months or less to be cash equivalents, except for those investments that are restricted and have been set aside in a trust to satisfy retirement obligations. As of February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010, the Company’s short-term investments classified as cash equivalents included investments in money market mutual funds totaling $261,274,000 and $176,503,000, respectively. The effect of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on cash was not material.

Translation of foreign currencies – Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at fiscal year-end exchange rates. Income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments arising from differences in exchange rates from period to period are included as a separate component of shareholders’ equity and are included in other comprehensive income (loss). As of February 26, 2011, February 27, 2010, and February 28, 2009, the Company had cumulative other comprehensive income (loss) balances of $1,664,000, ($177,000) and ($164,000), respectively, related to cumulative translation adjustments. The adjustments for currency translation during fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 resulted in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, as applicable, of $1,841,000, ($13,000) and ($3,584,000), respectively. Taxes on the portion of its cumulative currency translation adjustment considered not to be permanently reinvested abroad were insignificant in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009.

Concentrations of risk – The Company has some degree of risk concentration with respect to sourcing the Company’s inventory purchases. However, the Company believes alternative merchandise sources could be

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

procured over a relatively short period of time. Pier 1 Imports sells merchandise imported from many countries, with approximately 56% of its sales derived from merchandise produced in China, approximately 12% derived from merchandise produced in India, and approximately 21% collectively derived from merchandise produced in Vietnam, Indonesia, and the United States. The remaining sales were from merchandise produced in various countries around the world.

Financial instruments – The fair value of financial instruments is determined by reference to various market data and other valuation techniques as appropriate. There were no assets or liabilities with a fair value significantly different from the recorded value as of February 26, 2011 or February 27, 2010.

Risk management instruments: The Company may utilize various financial instruments to manage interest rate and market risk associated with its on- and off-balance sheet commitments.

From time to time, the Company hedges certain commitments denominated in foreign currencies through the purchase of forward contracts. The forward contracts are purchased to cover a portion of commitments to buy merchandise for resale. The Company also, on occasion, uses contracts to hedge its exposure associated with the repatriation of funds from its Canadian operations. At February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010, there were no material outstanding contracts to hedge exposure associated with the Company’s merchandise purchases denominated in foreign currencies or the repatriation of Canadian funds. For financial accounting purposes, the Company does not designate such contracts as hedges. Thus, changes in the fair value of both types of forward contracts would be included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Both the changes in fair value and settlement of these contracts are included in cost of sales for forwards related to merchandise purchases and in selling, general and administrative expense for the contracts associated with the repatriation of Canadian funds.

When the Company enters into forward foreign currency exchange contracts, it enters into them with major financial institutions and monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, these counterparties to such financial instruments.

Accounts Receivable – The Company’s accounts receivable are stated at carrying value less an allowance for doubtful accounts. These receivables consist largely of third-party credit card receivables for which collection is reasonably assured. The remaining receivables are periodically evaluated for collectability, and an allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded as appropriate.

Inventories – The Company’s inventory is comprised of finished merchandise and is stated at the lower of weighted average cost or market value. Cost is calculated based upon the actual landed cost of an item at the time it is received in the Company’s warehouse using vendor invoices, the cost of warehousing and transporting merchandise to the stores and other direct costs associated with purchasing merchandise.

The Company recognizes known inventory losses, shortages and damages when incurred and maintains a reserve for estimated shrinkage since the last physical count, when actual shrinkage was recorded. The reserves for estimated shrinkage at the end of fiscal 2011 and 2010 were $6,446,000 and $5,388,000, respectively.

Properties, maintenance and repairs – Buildings, equipment, furniture and fixtures, and leasehold improvements are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over estimated remaining useful lives of the assets, generally thirty years for buildings and three to ten years for equipment, furniture and fixtures. Depreciation of improvements to leased properties is based upon the shorter of the remaining primary lease term or the estimated useful lives of such assets. Depreciation related to

 

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the Company’s distribution centers is included in cost of sales. All other depreciation costs are included in depreciation and amortization. Depreciation costs were $19,739,000, $22,488,000 and $30,556,000 in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and renewals that do not materially prolong the original useful lives of the assets are charged to expense as incurred. In the case of disposals, assets and the related depreciation are removed from the accounts and the net amount, less proceeds from disposal, is credited or charged to income.

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment at least annually and whenever an event or change in circumstances indicates that their carrying values may not be recoverable. If the carrying value exceeds the sum of the expected undiscounted cash flows, the assets are considered impaired. For store level long-lived assets, expected cash flows are estimated based on management’s estimate of future sales, merchandise margin rates, and expenses over the remaining expected terms of the leases. Impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Fair value is determined by discounting expected cash flows. Impairment, if any, is recorded in the period in which the impairment occurred. The Company recorded $0.5 million in impairment charges in fiscal 2011, $0 in impairment charges in fiscal 2010, and $9.4 million in impairment charges in fiscal 2009. Impairment charges were included in selling, general and administrative expenses. As the projection of future cash flows requires the use of judgment and estimates, if actual results differ from the Company’s estimates, additional charges for asset impairments may be recorded in the future.

Revenue recognition – Revenue is recognized upon customer receipt or delivery for retail sales. A reserve has been established for estimated merchandise returns based upon historical experience and other known factors. The reserves for estimated merchandise returns at the end of fiscal 2011 and 2010 were $2,340,000 and $1,690,000, respectively. The Company’s revenues are reported net of discounts and returns, net of sales tax and third-party credit card fees, and include wholesale sales and royalties received from Sears Roebuck de Mexico S.A. de C.V. and Corporacion de Tiendas Internationales, S.A. de C.V. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are included in net sales and the costs incurred by the Company for these items are recorded in cost of sales.

Gift cards – Revenue associated with gift cards is recognized when merchandise is sold and a gift card is redeemed as payment. Gift card breakage is estimated and recorded as income based upon an analysis of the Company’s historical data and expected trends in redemption patterns and represents the remaining unused portion of the gift card liability for which the likelihood of redemption is remote. If actual redemption patterns vary from the Company’s estimates, actual gift card breakage may differ from the amounts recorded. For all periods presented, gift card breakage was recognized at 30 months from the original issuance and was $4,169,000, $4,648,000 and $4,107,000 in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Leases – The Company leases certain property consisting principally of retail stores, warehouses, its home office and material handling and office equipment under operating leases expiring through fiscal 2022. Most retail store locations were leased for primary terms of ten years with varying renewal options and rent escalation clauses. Escalations occurring during the primary terms of the leases are included in the calculation of the minimum lease payments, and the rent expense related to these leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over this lease term, including free rent periods prior to the opening of its stores. The portion of rent expense applicable to a store before opening is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Once opened for business, rent expense is included in cost of sales. Certain leases provide for additional rental payments based on a percentage of sales in excess of a specified base. This additional rent is accrued when it appears that the sales will exceed the specified base. Construction allowances received from landlords are initially recorded as lease liabilities and amortized as a reduction of rental expense over the primary lease term.

 

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Advertising costs – Advertising production costs are expensed the first time the advertising takes place. Advertising costs were $55,723,000, $51,625,000 and $49,506,000 in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Prepaid advertising at the end of fiscal years 2011 and 2010 was $2,077,000 and $2,085,000, respectively.

Defined benefit plans – The Company maintains supplemental retirement plans (the “Plans”) for certain of its current and former executive officers. The Plans provide that upon death, disability, reaching retirement age or certain termination events, a participant will receive benefits based on highest compensation, years of service and years of plan participation. These benefit costs are dependent upon numerous factors, assumptions and estimates. Benefit costs may be significantly affected by changes in key actuarial assumptions such as the discount rate, compensation increase rates, or retirement dates used to determine the projected benefit obligation. Additionally, changes made to the provisions of the Plans may impact current and future benefit costs. In accordance with accounting rules, changes in benefit obligations associated with these factors may not be immediately recognized as costs in the statement of operations, but recognized in future years over the remaining average service period of plan participants. See Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

Income taxes – The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related assets or liabilities for financial reporting purposes. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not those assets will be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, all available evidence is considered including past operating results, estimates of future income, and tax planning strategies. At any point in time, multiple tax years are subject to audit by various jurisdictions and the Company records reserves for estimates of tax exposures for foreign and domestic tax audits. However, negotiations with taxing authorities may yield results different from those currently estimated. See Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

Earnings per share – Basic earnings per share amounts were determined by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share amounts were similarly computed, and have included the effect, if dilutive, of the Company’s weighted average number of stock options outstanding and shares of unvested restricted stock.

 

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Earnings per share amounts were calculated as follows (in thousands except per share amounts):

 

    2011           2010           2009  

Net Income (loss), basic and diluted

  $     100,125        $     86,847        $     (129,253)   
                           

Average shares outstanding:

         

Basic

    116,466          100,715          88,912   

Effect of dilutive stock options

    454          -            -     

Effect of dilutive restricted stock

    564          -            -     
                           

Diluted

    117,484          100,715          88,912   
                           

Earnings (loss) per share:

         

Basic

  $ 0.86        $ 0.86        $ (1.45)   
                           

Diluted

  $ 0.85        $ 0.86        $ (1.45)   
                           

A total of 3,903,875, 10,424,035 and 12,302,323 outstanding stock options and shares of unvested restricted stock were excluded from the computation of the fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, income (loss) per share as the effect would be antidilutive. In addition, incremental net shares for the conversion feature of the Company’s 6.375% senior convertible notes due 2036 were not included in the Company’s diluted earnings per share calculations for those periods as the average common stock price did not exceed the initial conversion price of $15.19 per share.

Stock-based compensation – The Company’s stock-based compensation relates to stock options, restricted stock awards and director deferred stock units. Accounting guidance requires all companies to measure and recognize compensation expense at an amount equal to the fair value of share-based payments granted. Compensation expense is recognized for any unvested stock option awards and restricted stock awards on a straight-line basis or ratably over the requisite service period. Stock option exercise prices equal the fair market value of the shares on the date of the grant. The fair value of stock options is calculated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company records compensation expense for stock-based awards with a performance condition when it is probable that the condition will be achieved. The compensation expense ultimately recognized, if any, related to these awards will equal the grant date fair value for the number of shares for which the performance condition has been satisfied.

The Company estimates forfeitures based on its historical forfeiture experience, and adjusts forfeiture estimates based on actual forfeiture experience for all awards with service conditions. The effect of any forfeiture adjustments was insignificant.

 

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NOTE 2 – PROPERTIES

Properties are summarized as follows at February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010 (in thousands):

 

    2011           2010  

Land

  $ 4,776        $ 4,776   

Buildings

    12,994          12,994   

Equipment, furniture and fixtures

    250,797          237,178   

Leasehold improvements

    167,776          163,786   

Computer software

    76,764          76,152   

Projects in progress

    4,179          613   
                 
    517,286          495,499   

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

    452,513          439,662   
                 

Properties, net

  $       64,773        $       55,837   
                 

NOTE 3 – OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES AND NONCURRENT LIABILITIES

The following is a summary of other accrued liabilities and noncurrent liabilities at February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010 (in thousands):

 

    2011           2010  

Accrued payroll and other employee-related liabilities

  $ 55,540        $ 48,440   

Accrued taxes, other than income

    20,414          22,845   

Rent-related liabilities

    11,100          11,511   

Other

    19,685          23,277   
                 

Other accrued liabilities

  $     106,739        $     106,073   
                 

Rent-related liabilities

  $ 23,401        $ 25,698   

Deferred gains

    18,204          24,095   

Retirement benefits

    25,098          19,834   

Other

    18,167          14,038   
                 

Other noncurrent liabilities

  $ 84,870        $ 83,665   
                 

 

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NOTE 4 – COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH EXIT ACTIVITIES

As part of the ordinary course of business, the Company terminates leases prior to their expiration when certain stores or distribution center facilities are closed or relocated as deemed necessary by the evaluation of its real estate portfolio. These decisions are based on store profitability, lease renewal obligations, relocation space availability, local market conditions and prospects for future profitability. In connection with these lease terminations, the Company has recorded estimated liabilities to cover the termination costs. At the time of closure, neither the write-off of fixed assets nor the write-down of inventory related to such stores was material. Additionally, employee severance costs associated with these closures were not significant. The estimated liabilities were recorded based upon the Company’s remaining lease obligations less estimated subtenant rental income. Revisions during the periods presented relate to changes in estimated buyout terms or subtenant receipts expected on closed facilities. Expenses related to lease termination obligations are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The write-off of fixed assets and associated intangible assets related to Pier 1 Imports store closures was approximately $111,000, $177,000 and $56,000 in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The following table represents a rollforward of the liability balances for the three fiscal years ended February 26, 2011 (in thousands):

 

    Lease
Termination
Obligations
 

Balance at March 1, 2008

  $ 5,628   

Original charges

    5,591   

Revisions

    483   

Cash payments

    (6,704
       

Balance at February 28, 2009

    4,998   

Original charges

    4,942   

Revisions

    2,751   

Cash payments

    (7,790
       

Balance at February 27, 2010

    4,901   

Original charges

    154   

Revisions

    1,445   

Cash payments

    (2,769
       

Balance at February 26, 2011

  $       3,731   
       

Included in the table above are lease termination costs related to the closure of all of the Company’s clearance and Pier 1 Kids stores. These concepts were closed during fiscal 2008 since their aggregate performance was not in line with the Company’s profitability targets. Lease termination costs associated with these closures were $260,000, or less than $0.01 per share, during fiscal 2011 and $1,636,000, or $0.02 per share, during fiscal 2010 and $258,000, or less than $0.01 per share, during fiscal 2009. Cash outflows related to these lease terminations were $822,000, $1,187,000 and $2,889,000 during fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The net write-off of fixed assets, write-down of inventory and employee severance costs associated with these closures was not material.

 

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NOTE 5 – LONG-TERM DEBT AND AVAILABLE CREDIT

Long-term debt is summarized as follows at February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010 (in thousands):

 

    2011            2010  

6.375% convertible senior notes due 2036

  $ -         $ 16,577   

Less - debt discount

    -           (142
                  
    -           16,435   

Industrial revenue bonds

    9,500           19,000   
                  
    9,500           35,435   

Less - current portion

    -           (16,435
                  

Long-term debt

  $     9,500         $     19,000   
                  

The Company has $9,500,000 in industrial revenue bond loan agreements, which have been outstanding since 1987. Proceeds were used to construct warehouse/distribution facilities. The loan agreements and related tax-exempt bonds mature in the year 2026. During fiscal 2011, the Company repaid $9,500,000 of industrial revenue bonds related to the distribution center near Chicago, Illinois with proceeds received from the sale of that facility earlier in the year. The Company’s interest rates on the loans are based on the bond interest rates, which are market driven, reset weekly and are similar to other tax-exempt municipal debt issues. The Company’s weighted average effective interest rate, including standby letter of credit fees, was 3.8%, 3.2% and 3.5% for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

As of February 26, 2011, the Company had no outstanding convertible debt. A summary of the Company’s debt transactions during the past two fiscal years is described below.

In February 2006, the Company issued $165,000,000 of 6.375% convertible senior notes due 2036 (the “6.375% Notes”) in a private placement, and subsequently registered the 6.375% Notes with the Securities and Exchange Commission in June 2006. The 6.375% Notes were governed by an Indenture dated February 14, 2006. The 6.375% Notes paid interest at a rate of 6.375% per year until February 15, 2011. Interest was payable semiannually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year, and commenced August 15, 2006. The 6.375% Notes were convertible into cash and, if applicable, shares of the Company’s common stock based on an initial conversion rate, subject to adjustments, of 65.8328 shares per $1,000 principal amount of 6.375% Notes (which represented an initial conversion price of approximately $15.19 per share representing a 40% conversion premium at issuance).

During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, a foreign subsidiary of the Company purchased $78,941,000 of the Company’s outstanding 6.375% Notes in privately negotiated transactions at a purchase price of $27,399,000, including accrued interest. The Company recognized a gain of $47,811,000 in connection with this transaction. During August 2009, the $78,941,000 in 6.375% Notes were retired by the Company.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company entered into separate privately negotiated exchange agreements for $64,482,000 of the Company’s outstanding 6.375% Notes retiring these notes. Under the exchange agreements, the exchanging holders received $61,255,000 in aggregate principal of the Company’s new 9% convertible senior notes due 2036 (the “9% Notes”). In addition to this exchange, the Company also purchased $5,000,000 of the outstanding 6.375% Notes for $4,750,000 in cash. The Company recognized a net gain of $1,843,000 related to these transactions during the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

During the third quarter of fiscal 2010, all $61,255,000 of the Company’s 9% Notes voluntarily converted into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion rate of 399.2016 shares for each $1,000 principal amount, representing a conversion price of $2.5050 per share. The Company issued 24,453,065 shares of common stock as a result of the conversion of the 9% Notes. Interest on the outstanding balance of the 9% Notes was payable at a rate of 9% per year and all accrued interest was paid to the holders at the time of conversion. The Company incurred non-operating charges of $18,308,000 during fiscal 2010 to record amortization of the remaining debt issuance costs and debt discounts of $13,616,000, and a $4,692,000 derivative fair value adjustment, as discussed in more detail below.

The 9% Notes contained make-whole interest provisions. During the third quarter of fiscal 2010, upon voluntary conversion of the 9% Notes into common stock and pursuant to the indenture, the holders received additional make-whole interest equal to 2.5 years of interest. The cash payment of make-whole interest totaled $13,782,000. The Company separately accounted for the additional interest payment feature of the 9% Notes as an embedded derivative instrument. For the purpose of accounting for the 9% Notes, the fair value of this embedded derivative upon issuance reduced the carrying value of the debt and was reflected as a debt discount. This potential interest payout was initially recorded at its estimated fair value as both a $9,090,000 derivative liability and a $9,090,000 discount to the 9% Notes based on the probability of when holders of the 9% Notes would convert their notes into shares of the Company’s common stock and assumptions regarding the Company’s common stock price. Upon conversion, the fair value of this derivative for the make-whole interest provision was adjusted to its settlement value of $13,782,000, which resulted in a $4,692,000 charge to other nonoperating expense during the third quarter.

The 9% Notes also included a beneficial conversion feature because the price of the Company’s common stock on the issuance date of the notes exceeded the effective conversion price. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the Company recorded a $3,343,000 discount to the 9% Notes and a $3,343,000 addition to paid-in-capital representing the intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature.

The two underlying features described above resulted in a total debt discount of $12,433,000 and an initial carrying amount of the 9% Notes on the Company’s balance sheet of $48,822,000 compared to a face amount of $61,255,000. When the notes were converted into common stock during the third quarter, the remaining unamortized debt discount and debt issuance costs of $13,616,000 were charged to interest expense at that time.

On February 15, 2011, the remaining $16,577,000 of the 6.375% Notes were surrendered in full and the Company paid the holders $17,100,000 which included principal and accrued interest.

The Company’s remaining long-term debt matures as follows (in thousands):

 

Fiscal Year

  Debt      

2012

    -   

2013

    -   

2014

    -   

2015

    -   

Thereafter

    9,500   
       

Total debt

  $     9,500   
       

 

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As of February 26, 2011, the Company had a $300,000,000 secured credit facility which would have matured in May 2012 and was secured by the Company’s eligible merchandise inventory and third-party credit card receivables. During fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company had no cash borrowings under this facility. As of February 26, 2011, the Company’s borrowing base, as defined by the agreement, was $245,654,000. This borrowing base calculation was subject to advance rates and commercially reasonable availability reserves. After excluding the $56,381,000 in utilized letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances from the borrowing base, $189,274,000 remained available for cash borrowings. Interest on the facility was calculated at LIBOR plus 3.0% for cash borrowings. The Company paid a fee ranging from 3.0% to 3.5% for standby letters of credit depending on the average daily availability as defined by the agreement, 1.50% to 1.75% for trade letters of credit and a commitment fee of 0.50% for any unused amounts. As of February 26, 2011, the fee for standby letters of credit was 3.00% and 1.50% for trade letters of credit. As of February 26, 2011, the Company utilized approximately $56,381,000 in letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances against the secured credit facility. Of the outstanding balance, approximately $3,466,000 related to trade letters of credit and bankers acceptances for merchandise purchases, $36,950,000 related to standby letters of credit for the Company’s workers’ compensation and general liability insurance policies, $9,715,000 related to standby letters of credit related to the Company’s industrial revenue bonds, and $6,250,000 related to other miscellaneous standby letters of credit. If advances under the facility had resulted in availability of less than $30,000,000, the Company would have been required to comply with a fixed charge coverage ratio as stated in the agreement. The Company was in compliance with all required covenants at fiscal 2011 year end. This facility could have limited certain investments and, in some instances, limited payment of cash dividends and repurchases of the Company’s common stock. Under this credit facility, the Company was not restricted from paying certain dividends unless fundings on the line resulted in availability over a specified period of time that was projected to be less than 35% of the lesser of either $300,000,000 or the calculated borrowing base.

On April 4, 2011, subsequent to year end, the Company amended and restated the $300,000,000 secured credit facility. The amended and restated facility has a five-year term, an initial line of $300,000,000 and includes a $100,000,000 accordion feature. It effectively refinances the Company’s existing facility, which would have expired in May 2012. At the Company’s option, borrowings will bear interest, payable quarterly or, if earlier, at the end of each interest period, at either (a) the LIBOR plus a spread varying from 175 to 225 basis points per year, depending on the amount then borrowed under the facility (initially 200 basis points), or (b) the prime rate plus a spread varying from 75 to 125 basis points per year, depending on the amount then borrowed under the facility (initially 100 basis points). The facility includes a requirement that the Company maintain minimum availability equal to the greater of 10% of the line cap, as defined by the facility, or $20,000,000. Provided that there is no default and no default would occur as a result thereof, the Company may request that the facility be increased to an amount not to exceed $400,000,000. Under the terms of the facility, the Company agrees to pay a fee on the unused portion of the facility payable monthly in arrears at a rate of 37.5 basis points per year. In addition, the Company will pay, when applicable, letter of credit fronting fees and fees on the amount of letters of credit outstanding.

The Company’s amended and restated credit facility may limit certain investments and, in some instances, limit payment of cash dividends and repurchases of the Company’s common stock. The Company will not be restricted from paying certain dividends unless credit extensions on the line result in availability over a specified period of time that is projected to be less than 20% of the lesser of either $300,000,000 or the calculated borrowing base, subject to the Company meeting a fixed charge coverage requirement when availability over the same specified period of time is projected to be less than 50% of the lesser of either $300,000,000 or the calculated borrowing base.

NOTE 6 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company offers a qualified defined contribution employee retirement plan to all its full- and part-time personnel who are at least 18 years old and have been employed for a minimum of six months. During fiscal

 

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2011, 2010 and 2009, employees contributing 1% to 5% of their compensation received a matching Company contribution of up to 3%. Company contributions to the plan were $2,286,000, $1,823,000 and $2,082,000 fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

In addition, the Company offers non-qualified deferred compensation plans for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for certain employees whose benefits under the qualified plan may be limited under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company’s expense for these non-qualified plans was $576,000, $508,000 and $690,000 for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company has trusts established for the purpose of setting aside funds to be used to settle certain obligations of these non-qualified deferred compensation plans and contributed $1,172,000 and used $1,104,000 to satisfy a portion of retirement obligations during fiscal 2011. The Company also contributed $1,965,000 and used $2,208,000 to satisfy a portion of retirement obligations during fiscal 2010. As of February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010, the trusts’ assets consisted of investments with an aggregate value of $74,000 and $6,000 and life insurance policies with cash surrender values of $5,523,000 and $5,043,000 and death benefits of $11,262,000 and $11,683,000, respectively. The trust assets are restricted and may only be used to satisfy obligations to plan participants. The Company owns and is the beneficiary of a number of insurance policies on the lives of current and former key executives that are unrestricted as to use. At the discretion of the Board of Directors such policies could be contributed to these trusts or to the trusts established for the purpose of setting aside funds to be used to satisfy obligations arising from supplemental retirement plans described below. The cash surrender value of these unrestricted policies was $17,240,000 at February 26, 2011, and the death benefit was $27,585,000. These cash surrender values are carried in the Company’s consolidated financial statements in other non-current assets.

The Company maintains supplemental retirement plans (the “Plans”) for certain of its executive officers. The Plans provide that upon death, disability, reaching retirement age or certain termination events, a participant will receive benefits based on highest compensation, years of service and years of plan participation. The Company recorded expenses related to the Plans of $2,458,000, $2,484,000 and $3,210,000 in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The Plans are not funded and thus have no plan assets. However, a trust has been established for the purpose of setting aside funds to be used to settle the defined benefit plan obligations upon retirement or death of certain participants. The trust assets are consolidated in the Company’s financial statements and consist of interest bearing investments in the amount of $17,000 included in other noncurrent assets at both February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010. These investments are restricted and may only be used to satisfy retirement obligations to certain participants. The Company has accounted for these restricted investments as available-for-sale securities. Cash contributions of $2,772,000 and $1,689,000 were made to the trust in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. Any future contributions will be made at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Restricted investments from the trust were sold to fund retirement benefits of $2,772,000 and $1,689,000 in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. Funds from the trust will be used to fund or partially fund benefit payments. The Company expects to pay $118,000 during fiscal 2012, $1,783,000 during fiscal 2013, $129,000 during fiscal 2014, $11,864,000 during fiscal 2015, $129,000 during fiscal 2016 and $9,435,000 during fiscal years 2017 through 2021.

 

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Measurement of obligations for the Plans is calculated as of each fiscal year end. The following provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations and funded status of the Plans as of February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010 (in thousands):

 

     2011            2010  

Change in projected benefit obligation:

       

Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year

   $ 17,091         $ 17,622   

Service cost

     1,121           897   

Interest cost

     674           764   

Actuarial loss

     2,351           201   

Benefits paid (including settlements)

     (2,860        (1,784

Curtailment

     -           (609
                   

Projected benefit obligation, end of year

   $ 18,377         $ 17,091   
                   

Reconciliation of funded status:

       

Projected benefit obligation

   $ 18,377         $ 17,091   

Plan assets

     -           -   
                   

Funded status

   $     (18,377      $     (17,091
                   

Accumulated benefit obligation

   $ (18,377      $ (17,091
                   

Amounts recognized in the balance sheets:

       

Current liability

   $ (118      $ (3,090

Noncurrent liability

     (18,259        (14,001

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, pre-tax

     4,688           3,000   
                   

Net amount recognized

   $ (13,689      $ (14,091
                   

Cumulative other comprehensive loss, net of taxes of $3,291 in fiscal 2011 and 2010

   $ 1,397         $ (291
                   

Weighted average assumptions used to determine:

       

Benefit obligation, end of year:

       

Discount rate

     4.25        4.75

Lump-sum conversion discount rate

     5.00        5.00

Rate of compensation increase (1)

     0.00        0.00

Net periodic benefit cost for years ended:

       

Discount rate

     4.75        5.00

Lump-sum conversion discount rate

     5.00        5.00

Rate of compensation increase (1)

     0.00        0.00

 

  (1)  

The rate of compensation increase shown above reflects no increase anticipated for fiscal 2012. An increase of 3.0% was assumed for fiscal years 2013 and thereafter.

 

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Net periodic benefit cost included the following actuarially determined components during fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):

 

     2011            2010            2009  

Service cost

   $ 1,121         $ 897         $ 923   

Interest cost

     674           764           923   

Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost

     410           410           551   

Amortization of net actuarial loss

     108           20           445   

Settlement charges

     145           40           -   

Curtailment charge

     -           353           368   
                              

Net periodic benefit cost

   $     2,458         $     2,484         $     3,210   
                              

As of February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010, accumulated other comprehensive loss included amounts that had not been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost related to prior service cost of $1,965,000 and $2,375,000, and net actuarial loss of $2,723,000 and $625,000, respectively. During fiscal 2011, $2,351,000 was recognized in other comprehensive income related to net actuarial loss for the period. The estimated prior service cost and net actuarial loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic cost in fiscal 2012 are $410,000 and $453,000, respectively.

NOTE 7 – MATTERS CONCERNING SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

On March 23, 2006, the Board of Directors approved the adoption of the Pier 1 Imports, Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”). The 2006 Plan was approved by the shareholders on June 22, 2006. The aggregate number of shares available for issuance under the 2006 Plan included a new authorization of 1,500,000 shares, plus shares (not to exceed 560,794 shares) that remained available for grant under the Pier 1 Imports, Inc. 1999 Stock Plan (the “1999 Stock Plan”) and the Pier 1 Imports, Inc. Management Restricted Stock Plan, increased by the number of shares (not to exceed 11,186,150 shares) subject to outstanding awards on March 23, 2006, under these prior plans that cease to be subject to such awards. As of February 26, 2011, there were a total of 4,395,127 shares available for grant under the 2006 Plan.

Stock option grants On January 27, 2007, the Board of Directors approved an employment agreement effective February 19, 2007 for the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”). Under the employment agreement, the CEO received stock option grants. As of February 26, 2011, outstanding options covering 2,000,000 shares were exercisable. The options were granted as an employment inducement award, and not under any stock option or other equity incentive plan adopted by the Company.

During fiscal 2011, the Board of Directors approved stock options grants under the 2006 Plan of 6,000 shares. As of February 26, 2011, and February 27, 2010, outstanding options covering 1,181,325 and 1,261,025 shares were exercisable under the 2006 Plan, respectively. Options were granted at exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. Employee options issued under the 2006 Plan vest over a period of four years and have a term of ten years from the grant date. The employee options are fully vested upon death, disability or retirement of the employee. The 2006 Plan’s administrative committee also has the discretion to take certain actions with respect to stock options, such as accelerating the vesting, upon certain corporate changes (as defined in the 2006 Plan). Non-employee director options are fully vested on the date of grant, and are exercisable for a period of ten years.

The 1999 Stock Plan provided for the granting of options to directors and employees with an exercise price not less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. The 1999 Stock Plan

 

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provided that a maximum of 14,500,000 shares of common stock could be issued under the 1999 Stock Plan, of which not more than 250,000 shares could be issued under the Director Deferred Stock Program. The options issued to employees vest equally over a period of four years, while non-employee directors’ options were fully vested at the date of issuance. Both options have a term of ten years from the grant date. The employee options are fully vested upon death, disability, or retirement of an employee, or under certain conditions, such as a change in control of the Company, unless the Board of Directors determines otherwise prior to a change of control event. As of February 26, 2011, there were no shares available for grant under the 1999 Stock Plan. All future stock option grants will be made from shares available under the 2006 Plan. Additionally, outstanding options covering 3,452,125 and 4,885,250 shares were exercisable under the 1999 Stock Plan at fiscal years ended 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Under the 1989 Employee Stock Option Plan, options vest over a period of four to five years and all have a term of ten years from the grant date. As of February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010, outstanding options covering 264,000 and 294,000 shares were exercisable, respectively. As a result of the expiration of the plan during fiscal 2005, no shares are available for future grant. The plan was subject to adjustments for stock dividends and certain other changes to the Company’s capitalization.

A summary of stock option transactions related to the Company’s stock option grants during the three fiscal years ended February 26, 2011 is as follows:

 

    Shares           Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
          Weighted
Average

Fair  Value at
Date
of Grant
          Exercisable Shares  
              Number of
Shares
           Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 

Outstanding at March 1, 2008

    12,577,475          13.53              10,983,225           14.18   

Options granted

    617,300          7.29          3.42            

Options exercised

    (2,875       6.79                

Options cancelled or expired

    (1,481,975       14.43                
                        

Outstanding at February 28, 2009

    11,709,925          13.09              10,385,625           13.72   

Options granted

    1,000,000          6.69          0.33            

Options exercised

    -          -                

Options cancelled or expired

    (3,523,700       13.17                
                        

Outstanding at February 27, 2010

    9,186,225          12.36              7,440,275           13.62   

Options granted

    6,000          8.64          7.16            

Options exercised

    (588,000       7.77                

Options cancelled or expired

    (1,394,075       15.43                
                        

Outstanding at February 26, 2011

    7,210,150          12.14              6,897,450           12.36   
                        

 

For shares outstanding at February 26, 2011                                 Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (in years)
                       Weighted
Average
Exercise  Price-
Exercisable
Shares
 
   

Ranges of Exercise Prices

        Total
Shares
          Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
                  Shares
Currently
Exercisable
          
 

$4.24 - $6.69

      2,060,000        $     6.65          6.02          2,037,500         $       6.67   
 

$7.42 - $11.27

      1,884,900          7.75          4.53          1,594,700           7.79   
 

$11.50 - $17.25

      1,522,000          16.15          3.15          1,522,000           16.15   
 

$18.49 - $21.00

      1,743,250          19.87          1.82          1,743,250           19.87   

As of February 26, 2011, the weighted average remaining contractual term for outstanding and exercisable options was 4.01 years and 3.87 years, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value for outstanding and exercisable options was $10,282,000 and $9,530,000, respectively at fiscal 2011 year end. The total intrinsic

 

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value of options exercised for the fiscal years ended 2011, 2010, and 2009 was approximately $1,185,000, $0 and $2,000, respectively. The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option.

The fair value of the stock options is amortized on a straight-line basis as compensation expense over the vesting periods of the options. The fair value of options granted during the respective period was estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

     2011             2010             2009  

Weighted average fair value of options granted

     $7.16            $0.33            $3.42   

Risk-free interest rates

     2.65%            1.70%            2.60%   

Expected stock price volatility

     118.88%            112.05%            51.29%   

Expected dividend yields

     0.00%            0.00%            0.00%   

Weighted average expected lives

     5 years            4 years            5 years   

Option valuation models are used in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility and the average life of options. The Company uses expected volatilities and risk-free interest rates that correlate with the expected term of the option when estimating an option’s fair value. To determine the expected term of the option, the Company bases its estimates on historical exercise activity of grants with similar vesting periods. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the common stock of the Company for a period approximating the expected life. The risk free interest rate utilized is the United States Treasury rate that most closely matches the weighted average expected life at the time of the grant. The expected dividend yield is based on the annual dividend rate at the time of grant or estimates of future anticipated dividend rates.

At February 26, 2011, there was approximately $606,000 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock option awards. This expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.1 years. The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense related to stock options of approximately $904,000, or $0.01 per share, $2,020,000, or $0.02 per share, and $3,528,000, or $0.04 per share, in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company recognized no net tax benefit related to stock based compensation during fiscal 2011, 2010 or fiscal 2009 as a result of the Company’s valuation allowance on all deferred tax assets. See Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of income taxes.

A summary of the Company’s nonvested options as of February 26, 2011 is as follows:

 

     Options            Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair
Value
 

Nonvested at February 27, 2010

     1,745,950         $       1.64   

Granted

     6,000           7.16   

Vested

     (1,428,850        1.23   

Cancelled

     (10,400        7.56   
                   

Nonvested at February 26, 2011

     312,700         $ 3.43   
                   

 

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Restricted stock grants On December 15, 2009, the Board of Directors approved a renewal and extension of the CEO’s initial employment agreement dated February 19, 2007. The employment agreement set forth that a total of 1,500,000 shares of restricted stock will be awarded over a period of more than three years. On December 18, 2009, the Company granted 375,000 service-based restricted shares that vest equally over a three-year period on the anniversary date of the grant. On the first day of the 2011 fiscal year the Company granted, and on the first day of each of the two following fiscal years the Company will grant, the CEO 187,500 service-based awards that vest equally over a three-year period on the last day of each respective fiscal year. In accordance with the accounting guidance on equity compensation, all 937,500 shares of the time-based restricted stock included in the renewed and extended employment agreement were granted for accounting purposes as of the date of the agreement, or December 15, 2009. As of February 26, 2011, only 562,500 of these shares have been legally granted to the CEO; however, the Company is obligated to grant the remaining 375,000 shares in the future in accordance with his employment agreement.

On the first day of the 2011 fiscal year the Company granted, and on the first day of each of the two following fiscal years the Company will grant, the CEO 187,500 performance-based awards that vest equally over a period of three fiscal years if the Company achieves certain fiscal year performance targets as defined by the renewed and extended agreement. Shares that do not vest because performance targets are not met during one fiscal year may vest in future fiscal years if certain levels of performance targets are achieved. The vesting of performance-based shares will occur on the date the Company’s Form 10-K is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for each respective fiscal year. In accordance with accounting guidelines, only the first one-third of these performance-based shares had a grant date in fiscal 2011 because the performance targets for future fiscal years had not been established. The CEO must be employed by the Company on the last day of each respective fiscal year in order for both the time-based and performance-based shares to vest. These shares could also vest under certain termination events.

During fiscal 2011, the Company granted long-term incentive awards under the 2006 Plan to employees. The fiscal 2011 long-term incentive awards were comprised of restricted stock grants that were generally equally divided between time-based and performance-based shares. The time-based awards vest 33%, 33% and 34% each year over a three-year period beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date provided that the participant is employed on the vesting date. The performance-based shares vest 33% upon the Company satisfying certain performance targets in fiscal 2011 and will vest 33% and 34% for each of the following two fiscal years, respectively, upon the Company satisfying certain performance targets for the respective fiscal year, provided that vesting for each fiscal year is conditioned upon the participant being employed on the date of filing of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K with the SEC for the applicable fiscal year. Over each three-year performance (vesting) period, if the performance targets are not satisfied in any fiscal year, those shares that do not vest may still vest if the sum of consecutive years’ performance target equals or exceeds the sum of the individual consecutive fiscal year performance targets.

As of February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010, the Company had 1,657,984 and 1,237,810 unvested shares of restricted stock awards outstanding, respectively. During fiscal 2011, 836,000 shares of restricted stock were granted, 371,612 shares of restricted stock vested, and 44,214 shares of restricted stock were cancelled. During fiscal 2010, 937,500 shares of restricted stock were granted, 217,517 shares of restricted stock vested, and 74,571 shares of restricted stock were cancelled. The weighted average fair market value at the date of grant of the restricted stock shares granted during fiscal 2011 was $8.38 and is being expensed over the requisite service period (this amount does not include restricted shares that the Company will begin expensing in future fiscal years when performance targets are set).

Compensation expense for restricted stock was $3,802,000 or $0.03 per share, $1,762,000, or $0.02 per share, and $1,649,000, or $ 0.02 per share, in fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. As of February 26, 2011,

 

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there was $5,436,000 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock that will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.88 years. The total fair value of restricted stock awards vested was $2,454,000, $1,648,000 and $1,076,000 in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Director deferred stock units – The 2006 Plan and the 1999 Stock Plan also authorize director deferred stock unit awards to non-employee directors. During fiscal 2011, each director deferred a portion of their director’s cash fees into a deferred stock unit account. The annual retainer fees deferred (other than committee chairman and chairman annual retainers) received a 25% matching contribution from the Company in the form of director deferred stock units. As of February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010, there were 747,262 shares and 1,002,287 shares deferred, but not delivered, under the 2006 Plan and the 1999 Stock Plan. All future deferred stock unit awards will be from shares available for grant under the 2006 Plan. During fiscal 2011, approximately 117,537 director deferred stock units were granted, 339,513 were delivered, and 33,049 were cancelled. Compensation expense for the director deferred stock awards was $579,000, $149,000 and $1,015,000 in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Stock purchase plan – Substantially all Company employees and all non-employee directors are eligible to participate in the Pier 1 Imports, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan under which the Company’s common stock is purchased on behalf of participants at market prices through regular payroll deductions. Each employee may contribute up to 20% of the eligible portions of compensation. The Company contributes 25% of the employee’s contributions. Prior to June 20, 2008, a participant could contribute up to 10% of eligible compensation, and the Company contributed from 10% to 100% of the participant’s contribution, depending on length of participation and date of entry into the plan. Company contributions to the plan were $179,000, $16,000 and $263,000 in fiscal years 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The Company’s stock purchase plan was suspended during portions of fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009.

Preferred Stock – On July 1, 2009, the shareholders of the Company approved an amendment to increase the authorized number of Pier 1 Imports’ shares of preferred stock from 5,000,000 shares to 20,000,000 shares; to shorten the description of the authority of the Board of Directors to issue such shares; and to eliminate the terms and provisions of the Formula Rate Preferred Stock from the Certificate of Incorporation. As of February 26, 2011, all 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock were available for future issuance.

Shares reserved for future issuances – As of February 26, 2011, the Company had approximately 12,353,000 shares reserved for future issuances under the stock plans. This amount includes stock options outstanding, director deferred units and shares available for future grant.

Share repurchase plan – Subsequent to year end, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an initial share repurchase program that authorizes the repurchase of up to $100,000,000 of the Company’s common stock in open market or private transactions. The timing of the repurchases will depend on several factors including, but not limited to, prevailing market conditions and prices.

NOTE 8 – PROPRIETARY CREDIT CARD INFORMATION

During fiscal 2007, the Company sold its proprietary credit card operations to Chase Bank USA, N.A. (“Chase”). The sale was comprised of the Company’s proprietary credit card receivables, certain charged-off accounts, and the common stock of Pier 1 National Bank. The Company received cash proceeds for the majority of the sales price and was entitled to receive additional proceeds of $10,750,000, plus any accrued interest, over the life of a long-term program agreement. In fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company received payments related to this agreement of $6,250,000, $1,500,000 and $1,500,000, respectively. In addition, the Company and Chase entered into a private-label credit card program agreement with an original term of ten years. Under this

 

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agreement, the Company continued to support the card through marketing programs and receive additional payments over the life of the agreement for transaction level incentives, marketing support and other program terms.

On December 30, 2010, the Company entered into a new program agreement with Chase, effective January 1, 2011, with a term of eighteen months. In conjunction with this agreement, the Company and Chase terminated the original program agreement between the Company and Chase in consideration of payment to the Company from Chase of $28,326,000 plus all remaining sums due to the Company by Chase. The Company did not incur any penalties in connection with the termination of the agreement. The Company will be entitled to future payments over the term of the new program agreement based on revolving credit card sales, and certain other credit and account related matters. In addition, the Company received total payments of $4,489,000, $8,738,000 and $7,500,000 related to these program agreements during fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The net deferred gain associated with the original program agreement will continue to be recognized in nonoperating income over the term of the new program agreement. The Company recognized $3,535,000, $2,052,000 and $2,164,000 related to this deferred gain in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The $28,326,000 in consideration received from Chase was also deferred and is being recognized over the new term of the agreement as a component of revenue consistent with the treatment of amounts received under the original program agreement. The Company recognized approximately $2,905,000 of this amount in fiscal 2011.

NOTE 9 – INCOME TAXES

The provision (benefit) for income taxes for each of the last three fiscal years consists of (in thousands):

 

    2011            2010            2009  

Federal:

           

Current

  $     (446)         $     (56,263)         $     296   

Deferred

    -           -           -   

State:

           

Current

    1,898           1,200           236   

Deferred

    -           -           -   

Foreign:

           

Current

    1,967           267           92   

Deferred

    -           -           -   
                             

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

    3,419           (54,796        624   
                             

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes

  $ 3,419         $ (54,796      $ 624   
                             

The Company files a U.S. federal income tax return and income tax returns in various states and foreign jurisdictions. The Company recorded and received a federal income tax benefit and refund of $55,856,000 during fiscal 2010, primarily as a result of the Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009. This law allowed businesses with net operating losses incurred in either 2008 or 2009 to elect to carry back such losses up to five years. The Company elected to carry back net operating losses from fiscal 2008 to fiscal years 2003 and 2004. This benefit resulted from the reversal of $55,856,000 of the Company’s valuation allowance on its deferred tax asset for its net operating loss carryforwards that were carried back under the new law.

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) completed its examination of fiscal years 2003 through 2007 during the first quarter of fiscal 2010. However, as a result of the federal income tax benefit and refund discussed

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

above, fiscal years 2003 and 2004 were reopened for examination by the IRS. During fiscal 2011, the IRS completed its examination of fiscal years 2003, 2004 and 2008. As a result of the completion of these audits, the Company received a refund of $387,000, plus interest, during the first quarter of fiscal 2012. There were no adjustments from this examination which resulted in significant permanent differences that had not already been reserved.

As of February 26, 2011, the Company had utilized all federal net operating loss carryforwards.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities at February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010 were comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

     2011             2010  

Deferred tax assets:

        

Deferred compensation

   $ 20,386          $ 18,943   

Net operating loss carryforward

     9,443            44,218   

Accrued average rent

     11,546            12,336   

Properties, net

     26,899            33,582   

Self insurance reserves

     9,385            9,619   

Deferred gain on sale of credit card operations

     14,596            5,841   

Cumulative foreign currency translation

     3,343            2,034   

Deferred revenue and revenue reserves

     6,882            6,973   

Other

     1,628            5,210   
                    

Total deferred tax assets

     104,108            138,756   
                    

Deferred tax liabilities:

        

Inventory

     (20,456         (18,403

Deferred gain on debt repurchase

     (19,636         (19,636

Other

     (287         (361
                    

Total deferred tax liabilities

     (40,379         (38,400
                    

Valuation allowance

     (63,729         (100,356
                    

Net deferred tax assets

   $ -          $ -   
                    

During fiscal 2007, the Company recorded a valuation allowance against all deferred tax assets. In addition, net deferred tax assets arising from losses during fiscal 2009 in excess of the amount expected to be carried back to offset taxable income in a prior year were fully reserved through a valuation allowance. As these deferred tax assets were established and fully reserved during fiscal 2009, there was no net impact to the provision of income taxes. Taxes arising from the earnings in fiscal 2011 and 2010 were offset by utilization of the Company’s federal net operating loss carryforwards, which combined with the $55,856,000 refund in 2010 as discussed above, resulted in a decrease of the valuation allowance of $81,600,000 in fiscal 2010 and $38,687,000 in fiscal 2011.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The difference between income taxes at the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% in fiscal 2011, 2010 and, 2009, and income tax reported in the consolidated statements of operations is as follows (in thousands):

 

    2011           2010           2009  

Tax provision (benefit) at statutory federal income
tax rate

  $   36,240        $ 11,218        $   (45,020

State income taxes, net of federal provision (benefit)

    3,893          2,475          (12,350

Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance

    (38,687       (81,599       56,637   

Foreign income taxes, net of foreign tax credits

    1,967          267          92   

Permanent difference on consolidation of foreign subsidiary for tax filings (1)

    -          6,381          -   

Non-deductible make-whole interest payment (2)

    -          5,375          -   

Other, net

    6          1,087          1,265   
                           

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

  $ 3,419        $   (54,796     $ 624   
                           

 

  (1)  

The Company chose to change the tax filing status of a foreign subsidiary, and included this subsidiary in its consolidated tax return in fiscal 2010. For federal tax purposes, this effectively resulted in the repatriation of the foreign subsidiary’s accumulated earnings which had not been previously taxed in the United States. This created a permanent difference between reported net income and taxable income.

 

  (2)  

During fiscal 2010, the Company paid make-whole interest in connection with the voluntary conversion of its 9% Notes. This interest is not deductible for federal tax purposes and resulted in a permanent difference between reported net income and taxable income.

The accounting guidance on uncertainty in income taxes prescribes the minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. It also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. On a quarterly and annual basis, the Company accrues for the effects of open uncertain tax positions. A summary of amounts recorded for unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of fiscal 2011 and 2010 are presented below, in thousands:

 

Unrecognized Tax Benefits - February 28, 2009

   $ 11,177   

Gross increases - tax positions in prior period

     661   

Gross decreases - tax positions in prior period

     -   

Settlements

     (806

Expiration of statute of limitations

     -   
        

Unrecognized Tax Benefits - February 27, 2010

   $ 11,032   
        

Gross increases - tax positions in prior period

     270   

Gross decreases - tax positions in prior period

     -   

Settlements

     (2,491

Expiration of statute of limitations

     -   
        

Unrecognized Tax Benefits - February 26, 2011

   $ 8,811   
        

If the Company were to prevail on all unrecognized tax benefits recorded, this entire reserve for uncertain tax positions would have a favorable impact on the effective tax rate. The Company does not believe it is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized tax benefit with respect to certain of the Company’s unrecognized tax positions will increase or decrease during the next 12 months as a result of audit settlements.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Accordingly, the Company has classified $13,692,000 of the reserve for uncertain tax positions and the related accrued interest as a non-current liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The Company does not expect the resolution of these issues to have a significant effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

Interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in nonoperating (income) and expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively. The Company recorded expenses of $424,000, $1,245,000 and $1,059,000 related to penalties and interest in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company had accrued penalties and interest of $5,062,000 and $7,148,000 at February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010, respectively.

NOTE 10 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Leases – At February 26, 2011, the Company had the following minimum lease commitments and future subtenant receipts in the years indicated (in thousands):

 

Fiscal Year

         Operating
Leases
           Subtenant
Income
 

2012

     $ 211,712         $ 713   

2013

       183,433           459   

2014

       144,538           339   

2015

       94,992           138   

2016

       50,293                -   

Thereafter

       44,695                -   
                     

Total lease commitments

     $     729,663         $     1,649   
                     

Rental expense incurred was $217,988,000, $232,098,000 and $244,776,000, including contingent rentals of $205,000, $90,000 and $43,000, based upon a percentage of sales, and net of sublease incomes totaling $272,000, $292,000 and $281,000 in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

During fiscal 2009, the Company sold its corporate headquarters building and accompanying land to Chesapeake Plaza, L.L.C., an affiliate of Chesapeake Energy Corporation. The Company also entered into a lease agreement to rent office space in the building. The lease has a primary term of seven years which began on June 9, 2008, with one three-year renewal option and provisions for terminating the lease at the end of the fifth lease year. The related gain on the sale of the property was approximately $23,300,000. As of February 26, 2011, the Company’s remaining deferred gain was $10,843,000, the majority of which is included in other noncurrent liabilities, and will be recognized over the expected lease term.

Legal matters – There were no significant legal matters in fiscal 2011. During fiscal 2010 , the Company received a $10,000,000 payment as a result of a foreign litigation settlement and recorded a gain in other income as a result of the settlement. There were no significant legal matters in fiscal 2009.

There are various claims, lawsuits, investigations and pending actions against the Company and its subsidiaries incident to the operations of its business. The Company considers them to be ordinary and routine in nature. The Company maintains liability insurance against most of these claims. It is the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, that the ultimate resolution of such litigation will not have a material adverse effect, either individually or in aggregate, on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

NOTE 11 – SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

Summarized quarterly financial data for the years ended February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010 are set forth below (in thousands except per share amounts):

 

          Three Months Ended  

Fiscal 2011

        5/29/2010           8/28/2010           11/27/2010            2/26/2011  

Net sales

    $     306,259        $     309,869        $     353,759         $     426,583   

Gross profit

      114,397          114,451          144,069           182,470   

Operating income

      8,266          15,202          21,879           58,401   

Net income

      7,670          14,384          21,004           57,067   

Average shares outstanding - basic

      116,197          116,414          116,479           116,773   

Average shares outstanding - diluted

      116,921          116,923          117,680           118,756   

Basic earnings per share

      .07          .12          .18           .49   

Diluted earnings per share

      .07          .12          .18           .48   
          Three Months Ended  

Fiscal 2010

        5/30/2009           8/29/2009           11/28/2009            2/27/2010  

Net sales

    $ 281,130        $ 286,674        $ 327,075         $ 395,973   

Gross profit

      84,814          81,589          119,860           154,151   

Operating income (loss)

      (26,704       (15,304       2,771           35,984   

Net income (loss)

      29,314          (15,780       38,813           34,500   

Average shares outstanding - basic

      91,113          91,450          104,384           115,913   

Average shares outstanding - diluted

      91,113          91,450          104,384           116,232   

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share

      .32          (.17       .37           .30   

 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure .

None.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures .

EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in its reports filed or furnished under the Exchange Act is (a) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is (b) accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosure.

As required by Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act, an evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and

 

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Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of February 26, 2011. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded, with reasonable assurance, that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date.

REPORT OF MANAGEMENT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal control over financial reporting designed to provide reasonable assurance that transactions are executed in accordance with management authorization and that such transactions are properly recorded and reported in the financial statements, and that records are maintained so as to permit preparation of the financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting utilizing the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control – Integrated Framework. Management concluded that based on its assessment, Pier 1 Imports, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of February 26, 2011. Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of February 26, 2011, as stated in their report which is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

/s/ Alexander W. Smith        

Alexander W. Smith

President and

Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Charles H. Turner        

Charles H. Turner

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 that would have materially affected, or would have been reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors of Pier 1 Imports, Inc.

We have audited Pier 1 Imports, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of February 26, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Pier 1 Imports, Inc.’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 Report of Management 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 conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether 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.

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.

In our opinion, Pier 1 Imports, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of February 26, 2011, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Pier 1 Imports, Inc. as of February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended February 26, 2011 of Pier 1 Imports, Inc. and our report dated April 25, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Fort Worth, Texas

April 25, 2011

 

Item 9B. Other Information .

None.

 

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PART III

 

It em 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance .

Information regarding executive officers of the Company required by this item is contained in Part I of this report under the caption “Executive Officers of the Company”. Information regarding directors of the Company required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Proposal No. 1 – Election of Directors” set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

The information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Information regarding the Company’s audit committee financial experts and code of ethics and business conduct required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Matters Relating to Corporate Governance, Board Structure, Director Compensation and Stock Ownership” set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

No director or nominee for director of the Company has any family relationship with any other director or nominee or with any executive officer of the Company.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation .

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Executive Compensation”, the section entitled “Matters Relating to Corporate Governance, Board Structure, Director Compensation and Stock Ownership – Non-Employee Director Compensation for the Fiscal Year Ended February 26, 2011”, the section entitled “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation; Certain Related Person Transactions”, and the section entitled “Executive Compensation-Compensation Committee Report”, set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters .

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Matters Relating to Corporate Governance, Board Structure, Director Compensation and Stock Ownership – Security Ownership of Management”, “Matters Relating to Corporate Governance, Board Structure, Director Compensation and Stock Ownership – Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners”, the table entitled “Executive Compensation – Outstanding Equity Awards Table for the Fiscal Year Ended February 26, 2011”, and the table entitled “Equity Compensation Plan Information” set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence .

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation; Certain Related Person Transactions” and “Matters Relating to Corporate Governance, Board Structure, Director Compensation and Stock Ownership – Director Independence” set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

Information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees” and “Pre-approval of Nonaudit Fees” set forth in Proposal No. 5 of the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules .

 

(a) List of consolidated financial statements, schedules and exhibits filed as part of this report.

 

  1. Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended February 26, 2011, February 27,

2010 and February 28, 2009

Consolidated Balance Sheets at February 26, 2011 and February 27, 2010

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended February 26, 2011, February 27,

2010 and February 28, 2009

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended February 26, 2011,

February 27, 2010 and February 28, 2009

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

  2. Financial Statement Schedules

 

     Schedules have been omitted because they are not required or are not applicable or because the information required to be set forth therein either is not material or is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.

 

  3. Exhibits

See Exhibit Index.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  PIER 1 IMPORTS, INC.

Date:  April 25, 2011

  By:  

/s/ Alexander W. Smith

    Alexander W. Smith, President
    and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

    

Title

 

Date

/s/ Dr. Michael R. Ferrari

Dr. Michael R. Ferrari

    

Director, Chairman of the Board

  April 25, 2011

/s/ Alexander W. Smith

Alexander W. Smith

    

Director, President and

Chief Executive Officer

  April 25, 2011

/s/ Charles H. Turner

Charles H. Turner

    

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

  April 25, 2011

/s/ Darla D. Ramirez

Darla D. Ramirez

    

Principal Accounting Officer

  April 25, 2011

/s/ Claire H. Babrowski

Claire H. Babrowski

    

Director

  April 25, 2011

/s/ John H. Burgoyne

John H. Burgoyne

    

Director

  April 25, 2011

/s/ Hamish A. Dodds

Hamish A. Dodds

    

Director

  April 25, 2011

/s/ Brendan L. Hoffman

Brendan L. Hoffman

    

Director

  April 25, 2011

/s/ Terry E. London

Terry E. London

    

Director

  April 25, 2011

/s/ Cece Smith

Cece Smith

    

Director

  April 25, 2011

 

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

3(i)   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Pier 1 Imports, Inc. as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on October 12, 2009, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 28, 2009.
3(ii)   Amended and Restated Bylaws of Pier 1 Imports, Inc. (as amended through October 9, 2009), incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 16, 2009.
4.1   Indenture dated February 14, 2006 and Form of 6.375% Convertible Senior Notes due 2036, among Pier 1 Imports, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors parties thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed February 16, 2006.
4.1.2   Registration Rights Agreement dated February 14, 2006, among Pier 1 Imports, Inc., the Guarantors parties thereto and the Initial Purchaser named therein, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed February 16, 2006.
10.1*   Form of Indemnity Agreement between the Company and the directors and executive officers of the Company dated January 18, 2011.
10.2*   The Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, Restated as of January 1, 2009, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 29, 2008.
10.3*   The Company’s Supplemental Retirement Plan, Restated as of January 1, 2009, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 29, 2009.
10.3.1*   Participation Agreement dated November 9, 2007, by and between Alexander W. Smith and Pier 1 Imports, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed November 15, 2007.
10.3.2*   Participation Agreement Amendment dated April 20, 2008 by and between Charles H. Turner and Pier 1 Imports, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 24, 2008.
10.3.3*   Participation Agreement Amendment dated April 20, 2008 by and between Gregory S. Humenesky and Pier 1 Imports, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3.6 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended March 1, 2008.
10.4*   The Company’s 1989 Employee Stock Option Plan, amended and restated as of June 27, 1996, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended February 26, 2005.
10.4.1*   Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s 1989 Employee Stock Option Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6.2 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended February 26, 2005.
10.5*   The Company’s 1999 Stock Plan, as amended and restated December 31, 2004, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s 8-K filed October 12, 2006.
10.5.1*   First Amendment to the Pier 1 Imports, Inc. 1999 Stock Plan, as amended and restated December 31, 2004, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 1, 2007.
10.6*   Forms of Director and Employee Stock Option Agreements, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 28, 1999.


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10.7*    Pier 1 Imports, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan, restated as amended June 20, 2008, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2008.
10.7.1*    Amendment to the Pier 1 Imports, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2009.
10.7.2*    Second Amendment dated July 14, 2009 to Pier 1 Imports, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 29, 2009.
10.7.3*    Third Amendment dated June 29, 2010 to Pier 1 Imports, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 29, 2010.
10.8    Secured Credit Agreement, dated November 22, 2005, among the Company, certain of its subsidiaries, Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC, Wachovia Bank, National Association, HSBC Bank USA, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and others, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed November 23, 2005.
10.8.1    First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of July 28, 2006, by and among Pier 1 Imports (U.S.), Inc., Bank of America, N.A., the facility guarantors party thereto and the lenders party thereto, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed July 28, 2006.
10.8.2    Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of May 31, 2007 by and among Pier 1 Imports (U.S.), Inc., Bank of America, N.A., the facility guarantors party thereto and the lenders party thereto, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed June 5, 2007.
10.8.3    Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2009, among Pier 1 Imports (U.S.), Inc., as Borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative and collateral agent, the facility guarantors party thereto and the lenders party thereto, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed July 31, 2009.
10.8.4    Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated April 4, 2011, among Pier 1 Imports (U.S.), Inc., Bank of America, N.A., as administrative and collateral agent, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC as joint lead arrangers and joint lead bookrunners, various other agents and the lenders party thereto, and the facility guarantors party thereto.
10.9    Pier 1 Umbrella Trust, dated December 21, 2005, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed December 21, 2005.
10.9.1    Pier 1 Umbrella Trust Amendment No. 1, effective January 1, 2009, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 29, 2008.
10.9.2    Pier 1 Umbrella Trust Amendment No. 2, effective January 1, 2011, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 27, 2010.
10.10*    Pier 1 Imports, Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (Omnibus Plan), Restated as Amended through March 25, 2011.
10.10.1*    Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement – Non-Employee Director, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed June 23, 2006.
10.10.2*    Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement – Employee Participant, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed June 23, 2006.
10.10.3*    Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Time Vesting), incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed June 23, 2006.


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10.10.4*    Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Performance Vesting), incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed June 23, 2006.
10.10.5*    Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement – April 9, 2010 Performance-Based Award, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 14, 2010.
10.10.6*    Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement – April 9, 2010 Time-Based Award, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 14, 2010.
10.10.7*    Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement – April 8, 2011 Performance-Based Award, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 14, 2011.
10.10.8*    Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement – April 8, 2011 Time-Based Award, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 14, 2011.
10.11*    Pier 1 Imports Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 26, 2006.
10.11.1*    Pier 1 Imports Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan, as amended March 4, 2007, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended March 3, 2007.
10.11.2*    Pier 1 Imports Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan, as amended March 25, 2008, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16.2 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended March 1, 2008.
10.11.3*    Pier 1 Imports Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan, as amended December 15, 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 29, 2008.
10.11.4*    Pier 1 Imports Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan, as amended through October 9, 2009, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 28, 2009.
10.11.5*    Pier 1 Imports Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan, as amended through October 8, 2010, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 27, 2010.
10.12*    Pier 1 Imports Benefit Restoration Plan I, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2005, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed October 12, 2006.
10.13*    Pier 1 Imports Benefit Restoration Plan II, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 29, 2008.
10.13.1*    Amendment No. 1, effective January 1, 2011, to Pier 1 Benefit Restoration Plan II, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 27, 2010.
10.14*    Employment Agreement by and between Alexander W. Smith and Pier 1 Imports, Inc. dated February 19, 2007, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed January 30, 2007.
10.14.1*    Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement between Alexander W. Smith and Pier 1 Imports, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed January 30, 2007.
10.14.2*    Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement between Alexander W. Smith and Pier 1 Imports, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed January 30, 2007.


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10.14.3*    First Amendment to Employment Agreement by and between Alexander W. Smith and Pier 1 Imports, Inc., dated October 6, 2008, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19.3 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 30, 2008.
10.14.4*    First Amendment to Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement between Alexander W. Smith and Pier 1 Imports, Inc. dated October 6, 2008, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19.4 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 30, 2008.
10.14.5*    Employment Agreement dated as of December 15, 2009 by and between Alexander W. Smith and Pier 1 Imports, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 17, 2009.
10.14.6*    Restricted Stock Award Agreement dated December 18, 2009 by and between Alexander W. Smith and Pier 1 Imports, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 22, 2009.
10.14.7*    Restricted Stock Award Agreement dated February 28, 2010 by and between Alexander W. Smith and Pier 1 Imports, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed March 4, 2010.
10.14.8*    Restricted Stock Award Agreement dated February 28, 2010 by and between Alexander W. Smith and Pier 1 Imports, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed March 4, 2010.
10.14.9*    Restricted Stock Award Agreement dated February 27, 2011 by and between Alexander W. Smith and Pier 1 Imports, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 3, 2011.
10.14.10*    Amendment to Restricted Stock Award Agreement dated April 8, 2011 by and between Alexander W. Smith and Pier 1 Imports, Inc.
10.14.11*    Restricted Stock Award Agreement dated February 27, 2011 by and between Alexander W. Smith and Pier 1 Imports, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 3, 2011.
10.14.12*    Amendment to Restricted Stock Award Agreement dated April 8, 2011 by and between Alexander W. Smith and Pier 1 Imports, Inc.
10.15    Credit Card Program Agreement by and among Pier 1 Imports (U.S.), Inc. and Chase Bank USA, N.A., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 2, 2007.
10.15.1    Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Card Program Agreement by and among Pier 1 Imports (U.S.), Inc. and Chase Bank USA, N.A., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 1, 2007.
10.15.2    Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Card Program Agreement by and among Pier 1 Imports (U.S.), Inc. and Chase Bank USA, N.A., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 1, 2007.
10.15.3    Amendment No. 3 to the Credit Card Program Agreement by and among Pier 1 Imports (U.S.), Inc. and Chase Bank USA, N.A., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 28, 2009.
10.16    Office Lease between Chesapeake Plaza, L.L.C and Pier 1 Services Company, dated June 9, 2008, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2008.
10.16.1    First Amendment to Office Lease, dated June 20, 2008, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2008.


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10.17*    Summary Plan Description of Pier 1 Imports Limited Severance Plan, Restated as of January 1, 2009, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 29, 2008.
10.19    Form of Note Purchase Agreement for 6.375% Convertible Senior Notes due 2036, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 30, 2009.
10.20    Form of Exchange Agreement, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed July 31, 2009.
10.21*    Pier 1 Imports, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 2011, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 27, 2010.
10.22    Credit Card Program Agreement by and between Pier 1 Imports (U.S.), Inc. and Chase Bank USA, N.A., dated December 30, 2010, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 30, 2010.
21    Subsidiaries of the Company.
23    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).
31.2    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
99.1    Pier 1 Imports, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan Audit Report

*Management Contracts and Compensatory Plans

E XHIBIT 10.1

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

This Indemnification Agreement (this Agreement ) is dated                               , 20          , and is between Pier 1 Imports, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company ), and                      ( Indemnitee ).

It is essential to the Company to retain and attract as its directors and officers the most capable persons available. Indemnitee is a director or an officer, or both a director and an officer, of the Company. Both the Company and Indemnitee recognize the increased risk of litigation and other claims currently being asserted against directors and officers of corporations.

The Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (the Certificate of Incorporation ) and Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (the Bylaws ) require the Company to indemnify and advance expenses to its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law, and the Indemnitee has been serving and continues to serve as a director or as an officer, or as both a director and officer, of the Company in part in reliance on these indemnification and advancement rights in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.

In recognition of Indemnitee’s need for (i) protection against personal liability based on Indemnitee’s reliance on the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, (ii) contractual assurance that the protection promised by the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws will be available to Indemnitee (regardless of, among other things, any amendment to or revocation of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws or any change in the composition of the Company’s Board of Directors or change in control of the Company), and (iii) an inducement to provide effective services to the Company as a director or officer, or both, the Company wishes to provide in this Agreement for the indemnification of and the advancing of expenses to Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law and as set forth in this Agreement, and to provide for the continued coverage of Indemnitee under the Company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies.

The Company and the Indemnitee therefore agree as follows:

 

  1.

Certain Definitions.

(a)         Affiliate means any corporation or other person or entity that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the person specified.

(b)         Board means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(c)        A Change in Control means:

(i)        the acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act )) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 20% or more of either (x) the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the Outstanding Company Common Stock ) or (y) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of


directors (the Outstanding Company Voting Securities ). Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this clause (i), the following acquisitions will not constitute a Change in Control: (A) any acquisition directly from the Company or any acquisition from other stockholders where such acquisition was approved in advance by the Board, (B) any acquisition by the Company, or (C) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company; or

(ii)        individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the Incumbent Board ) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board will be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a person other than the Board; or

(iii)        consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a Business Combination ), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (B) no person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 20% or more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board, providing for such Business Combination; or

(iv)        approval by the stockholders of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

(d)         Expense Advance is defined in Section 2(c).

 

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(e)         Expenses means any reasonable expense or cost of any type or description paid or incurred in connection with investigating, defending, being a witness in, or participating in (including on appeal) any Proceeding relating to any Indemnifiable Event, and in connection with preparing to investigate, defend, be a witness in, or participate in (including on appeal) any Proceeding relating to any Indemnifiable Event, including, without limitation, all attorneys’ fees and retainers and all other expenses, costs, disbursements, and obligations of any type or description reasonably paid or incurred in connection with investigating, defending, being a witness in, or participating in (including on appeal), and in connection with preparing to investigate, defend, be a witness in, or participate in (including on appeal), any Proceeding relating to any Indemnifiable Event.

(f)         Indemnifiable Amounts means any and all Expenses, liabilities, losses, damages, judgments, fines (including excise taxes and penalties assessed with respect to any employee benefit plan), and amounts paid in settlement arising out of or resulting from any Proceeding relating to any Indemnifiable Event, any and all interest, assessments, or other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of any such Expenses, liabilities, losses, damages, judgments, fines, excise taxes, penalties, or amounts paid in settlement, and any and all federal, state, local, or foreign taxes imposed as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement.

(g)         Indemnifiable Event means any event or occurrence that takes place either prior to, on or after the execution of this Agreement, related to the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, or while a director or officer is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, trustee, agent, or fiduciary of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, employee benefit plan, trust, or other enterprise, or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of a foreign or domestic corporation that was a predecessor corporation of the Company, or was serving as a director, officer, employee, trustee, agent, or fiduciary of another enterprise at the request of such predecessor corporation, or related to anything done or not done by Indemnitee in any such capacity, whether or not the basis of the Proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee, trustee, agent, or fiduciary or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee, trustee, agent, or fiduciary as described above.

(h)         Independent Counsel means an attorney or firm of attorneys, selected in accordance with the provisions of Section 3, (i) who or which is experienced in matters of the corporate law of the State of Delaware, (ii) who or which has not otherwise performed services within five years preceding the date of engagement as Independent Counsel (other than with respect to matters concerning the rights of Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnity agreements) for the Company, Indemnitee, or, following a Change in Control, for any Parent (as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act) of the Company, and (iii) who or which, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would not have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.

(i)         Proceeding means any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding or any alternative dispute resolution mechanism (including an action by or in the right of the Company), or any claim, inquiry, hearing, or investigation, whether conducted by the Company or any other party, that Indemnitee in good faith believes might lead to the institution of any such action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative, or other.

 

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(j)         Reviewing Party means the person or body appointed in accordance with Section 3.

 

  2.

Agreement to Indemnify.

(a)         General Agreement . In the event Indemnitee was, is, or becomes a party to or witness or other participant in, or is threatened to be made a party to or witness or other participant in, a Proceeding by reason of (or arising in part out of) an Indemnifiable Event, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee from and against any and all Indemnifiable Amounts to the fullest extent permitted by law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended or interpreted. The parties hereto intend that this Agreement shall provide for indemnification to the fullest extent permitted by law, including in excess of indemnification expressly permitted by statute. This includes, without limitation, any indemnification provided by the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, its Bylaws, vote of its stockholders or disinterested directors, or applicable law.

(b)         Initiation of Proceeding . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Indemnitee shall not be entitled to indemnification or Expense Advances pursuant to this Agreement in connection with any Proceeding initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or any director or officer of the Company unless (i) the Company has joined in, or the Board has consented in writing to, the initiation of such Proceeding; (ii) the Proceeding is one to enforce indemnification or advancement rights under Section 5; or (iii) the Proceeding is instituted after a Change in Control (other than a Change in Control approved by a majority of the directors on the Board who were directors immediately prior to such Change in Control) and Independent Counsel has approved its initiation.

(c)         Expense Advances . Expenses incurred by an Indemnitee shall be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of a Proceeding (an Expense Advance ). Indemnitee undertakes to repay the amount of each Expense Advance if it shall ultimately be determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. No further confirmation of this undertaking to repay the amount of each Expense Advance or other agreement to repay the amount of each Expense Advance shall be required from Indemnitee unless the Reviewing Party has provided a written determination to the Indemnitee that such a further undertaking or agreement is required by law. Indemnitee’s undertaking to repay the amount of each Expense Advance shall be unsecured and no interest shall be charged thereon. The Company shall pay to Indemnitee the amount of each requested Expense Advance within 20 days following receipt from Indemnitee of a written request for an Expense Advance. Indemnitee shall have the right to enforce Indemnitee’s rights for Expense Advances as provided in Section 4(b). If Indemnitee has commenced or commences legal proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction to secure a determination that Indemnitee should be indemnified under applicable law, as provided in Section 4(b), any determination made by the Reviewing Party that Indemnitee would not be permitted to be indemnified under applicable law shall not be binding, and Indemnitee shall not be required to reimburse the Company for any Expense Advance until a final judicial determination (as to which all rights of appeal therefrom have been exhausted or have lapsed) is made with respect thereto. This Section 2(c) shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnification is excluded pursuant to Section 2(b) or 2(f).

 

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(d)         Mandatory Indemnification . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any Proceeding relating in whole or in part to an Indemnifiable Event, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee from and against any and all Indemnifiable Amounts incurred in connection therewith.

(e)         Partial Indemnification . If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for only a portion of Indemnifiable Amounts, and not for the total amount thereof, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which Indemnitee is entitled.

(f)         Prohibited Indemnification . No indemnification pursuant to this Agreement shall be paid by the Company on account of any Proceeding in which judgment is rendered against Indemnitee for an accounting of profits made from the purchase or sale by Indemnitee of securities of the Company pursuant to the provisions of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or similar provisions of any state or local laws.

3.      Reviewing Party . Prior to any Change in Control, the Reviewing Party shall be any appropriate person or body consisting of a member or members of the Board or, to the extent permitted by law, any other person or body appointed by the Board who is not a party to the particular Proceeding with respect to which Indemnitee is seeking indemnification. After a Change in Control, Independent Counsel shall be the Reviewing Party. With respect to all matters arising after a Change in Control (other than a Change in Control approved by a majority of the directors on the Board who were directors immediately prior to such Change in Control) concerning the rights of Indemnitee to indemnity payments and Expense Advances under this Agreement or any other agreement or under applicable law or under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws now or hereafter in effect relating to indemnification for Indemnifiable Events, the Company shall seek legal advice only from Independent Counsel selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). The Independent Counsel, among other things, shall provide a written opinion to the Company and Indemnitee as to whether and to what extent the Indemnitee should be permitted to be indemnified under applicable law. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees of the Independent Counsel and to indemnify fully the Independent Counsel against any and all expenses (including attorneys’ fees), claims, liabilities, loss, and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the engagement of Independent Counsel pursuant hereto.

4.      Indemnification and Expense Advance Process and Appeal.

(a)         Indemnification and Expense Advance Payments . Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification of Indemnifiable Amounts, and shall receive payment thereof, from the Company in accordance with this Agreement as soon as practicable after Indemnitee has made written demand on the Company for indemnification, unless the Reviewing Party has made a written determination that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under applicable law. Indemnitee shall be entitled to Expense Advances, and shall receive payment thereof, from the Company in accordance with Section 2(c).

 

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(b)         Suit to Enforce Rights . Regardless of any action by the Reviewing Party, if Indemnitee has not received payment in full within 45 days after making a written demand for indemnification of Indemnifiable Amounts in accordance with Section 4(a), or within 20 days after making a written request for an Expense Advance in accordance with Section 2(c), Indemnitee shall have the right to enforce Indemnitee’s indemnification rights under this Agreement by commencing litigation in any court in the State of Texas or the State of Delaware having subject matter jurisdiction thereof seeking an initial determination by the court or challenging any determination by the Reviewing Party or any aspect thereof. The Company hereby consents to service of process and to appear in any such proceeding. Any determination by the Reviewing Party not challenged by the Indemnitee shall be binding on the Company and Indemnitee. The remedy provided for in this Section 4 shall be in addition to any other remedies available to Indemnitee at law or in equity.

(c)         Defense to Indemnification and Burden of Proof . It shall be a defense to any action brought by Indemnitee against the Company to enforce this Agreement (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for an Expense Advance) that it is not permissible under applicable law for the Company to indemnify Indemnitee for the amount claimed. In connection with any such action or any determination by the Reviewing Party or otherwise as to whether Indemnitee is entitled to be indemnified hereunder, the burden of proving such a defense or determination shall be on the Company. Neither the failure of the Reviewing Party or the Company (including its Board, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action by Indemnitee that indemnification of the claimant is proper under the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the standard of conduct set forth in applicable law, nor an actual determination by the Reviewing Party or Company (including its Board, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the Indemnitee had not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that the Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

(d)         Presumptions . For purposes of this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company if Indemnitee’s actions or omissions to act are taken in good faith reliance upon the records of the Company, including its financial statements, or upon information, opinions, reports or statements furnished to Indemnitee by officers or employees of the Company in the course of their duties, or by committees of the Board, or by any other person (including legal counsel, accountants, consultants and financial advisors) as to matters Indemnitee reasonably believed were within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who were selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Company. In addition, the knowledge or actions, or failures to act, of any director, officer, agent or employee of the Company shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right of Indemnitee to indemnity hereunder. For purposes of this Agreement, the termination of any claim, action, suit, or proceeding, by judgment, order, settlement (whether with or without court approval), conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere, or its equivalent, shall not create a presumption that Indemnitee did not meet any particular standard of conduct or have any particular belief or that a court has determined that indemnification is not permitted by applicable law.

 

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5.        Indemnification for Expenses Incurred in Enforcing Rights . The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against any and all Expenses that are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or an Expense Advance under this Agreement or any other agreement or under applicable law or under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws now or hereafter in effect relating to indemnification for Indemnifiable Events, and for recovery under directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, but only in the event that Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, Expense Advance, or insurance recovery, as the case may be. The Company shall advance the foregoing Expenses to Indemnitee, subject to and in accordance with Section 2(c).

6.        Notification and Defense of Proceeding.

  (a)         Notice . Promptly after receipt by Indemnitee of notice of the commencement of any Proceeding, Indemnitee shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the Company under this Agreement, notify the Company of the commencement thereof; but the omission so to notify the Company will not relieve the Company from any liability that it may have to Indemnitee, except as provided in Section 6(c).

  (b)         Defense . With respect to any Proceeding as to which Indemnitee notifies the Company of the commencement thereof, the Company may participate in the Proceeding at the Company’s own expense. The Company may also, if the Company so elects, assume the defense of any such Proceeding with counsel reasonably satisfactory to Indemnitee except

  (i)        a Proceeding brought by or on behalf of the Company,

  (ii)       a Proceeding in which Indemnitee has reasonably determined that there may be a conflict of interest between Indemnitee and the Company in the defense of the Proceeding,

  (iii)      a Proceeding continuing or commenced after a Change in Control (other than a Change in Control approved by a majority of the directors on the Board who were directors immediately prior to such Change in Control) in which Independent Counsel approves Indemnitee’s providing Indemnitee’s own defense with counsel selected by Indemnitee, or

  (iv)      a Proceeding in which the Company shall not in fact have employed counsel to assume the defense of such Proceeding.

A Proceeding, the defense of which is properly assumed by the Company pursuant to this Section 6(b), is referred to as an Authorized Assumed Proceeding, and any Proceeding, the defense of which cannot be assumed or continued by the Company because it is a Proceeding described in clauses (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of the preceding sentence, is referred to as a Non-Authorized Proceeding. All Expenses of an Authorized Assumed Proceeding shall be borne by the Company. After notice from the Company to Indemnitee of the Company’s election to assume the defense of an Authorized Assumed Proceeding, the Company shall not be liable to

 

-7-


Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise for any Expenses subsequently paid or incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the defense of such Authorized Assumed Proceeding other than reasonable costs of transition and investigation. Indemnitee shall have the right to employ legal counsel in an Authorized Assumed Proceeding, but all Expenses related thereto incurred after notice from the Company of the Company’s assumption of the defense of an Authorized Assumed Proceeding shall be at Indemnitee’s expense. Indemnitee shall be entitled to receive Expense Advances and to be indemnified for all Expenses paid or incurred by Indemnitee related to or arising out of a Non-Authorized Proceeding as provided in this Agreement.

  (c)         Settlement of Claims . The Company shall not be liable to indemnify Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise for any amounts paid in settlement of any Proceeding effected without the Company’s written consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided, however, that if a Change in Control has occurred (other than a Change in Control approved by a majority of the directors on the Board who were directors immediately prior to such Change in Control), the Company shall be liable for indemnification of Indemnitee for amounts paid in settlement to the fullest extent permitted by law if the Independent Counsel has approved the settlement. The Company shall not settle any Proceeding in any manner that would impose any penalty or limitation on Indemnitee without Indemnitee’s written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

7.        Establishment of Trust . If a Change in Control occurs (other than a Change in Control approved by a majority of the directors on the Board who were directors immediately prior to such Change in Control), the Company shall, upon written request by Indemnitee, create a Trust for the benefit of the Indemnitee and, from time to time upon written request of Indemnitee, shall fund the Trust in an amount sufficient to satisfy any and all Indemnifiable Amounts reasonably anticipated at the time of each such request to be incurred in connection with investigating, preparing for, participating in, and defending any Proceeding relating to an Indemnifiable Event. The amount or amounts to be deposited in the Trust pursuant to the foregoing funding obligation shall be determined by the Independent Counsel. The terms of the Trust shall provide that (i) the Trust shall not be revoked or the principal thereof invaded without the written consent of the Indemnitee, (ii) the Trustee shall advance, within ten business days of a request by the Indemnitee, any and all Expenses to the Indemnitee (and the Indemnitee hereby agrees to reimburse the Trust under the same circumstances for which the Indemnitee would be required to reimburse the Company under Section 2(c) of this Agreement), (iii) the Trust shall continue to be funded by the Company in accordance with the funding obligation set forth above, (iv) the Trustee shall promptly pay to the Indemnitee all amounts for which the Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, and (v) all unexpended funds in the Trust shall revert to the Company upon a final determination by the Independent Counsel or a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, as the case may be, that the Indemnitee has been fully indemnified under the terms of this Agreement. The Trustee shall be chosen by the Indemnitee. Nothing in this Section 7 shall relieve the Company of any of its obligations under this Agreement. All income earned on the assets held in the Trust shall be reported as income by the Company for federal, state, local, and foreign tax purposes. The Company shall pay all costs of establishing and maintaining the Trust and shall indemnify the Trustee against any and all expenses (including attorneys’ fees), claims, liabilities, loss, and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the establishment and maintenance of the Trust.

 

-8-


8.        Non-Exclusivity . The rights of Indemnitee hereunder shall be in addition to any other rights Indemnitee may have under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, applicable law, or otherwise. To the extent that a change in applicable law (whether by statute or judicial decision) permits greater indemnification than would be afforded currently under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, applicable law, or this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties that Indemnitee enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change.

9.        Liability Insurance. The Company shall purchase and maintain in effect for the benefit of the Indemnitee one or more valid, binding and enforceable policies providing director and officer liability insurance (“D&O Insurance”). Such insurance shall provide the same coverage as the D&O Insurance coverage available for any director or officer of the Company.

10.        Amendment of this Agreement . No supplement, modification, or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by both of the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding unless in the form of a writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of the waiver is sought, and no such waiver shall operate as a waiver of any other provisions hereof (whether or not similar), nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver. Except as specifically provided herein, no failure to exercise or any delay in exercising any right or remedy hereunder shall constitute a waiver thereof.

11.        Subrogation . In the event of any payment by the Company to Indemnitee under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and shall do everything that may be necessary to secure such rights, including the execution of such documents necessary to enable the Company effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights.

12.        No Duplication of Payments . The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any indemnification payment or Expense Advance to Indemnitee in connection with any Indemnifiable Event to the extent Indemnitee has otherwise received payment (under the Certificate of Incorporation, or under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, insurance policy, or otherwise) of the amounts otherwise indemnifiable or payable hereunder.

13.        Duration of Agreement . This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the last to occur of the following dates: (i) ten years following the date on which Indemnitee ceased to be a director of the Company; (ii) ten years following the date on which Indemnitee ceased to be an officer of the Company; (iii) one year after the final disposition of any Proceeding (as to which all rights of appeal therefrom have been exhausted or have lapsed) in respect of which Indemnitee is granted indemnification or advancement of Expenses hereunder, or (iv) one year after the final disposition of any Proceeding (as to which all rights of appeal therefrom have been exhausted or have lapsed) commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 4(b) of this Agreement relating to any Proceeding in respect of which Indemnitee is granted indemnification or advancement of Expenses hereunder.

 

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14.        Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company), assigns, spouses, heirs, and personal and legal representatives. The indemnification provided under this Agreement shall continue as to Indemnitee for any action taken or not taken while serving in an indemnified capacity pertaining to an Indemnifiable Event even though Indemnitee may have ceased to serve in such capacity at the time of any Proceeding.

15.        Severability . If any provision (or portion thereof) of this Agreement shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void, or otherwise unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law. Furthermore, to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of this Agreement containing any provision held to be invalid, void, or otherwise unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, void, or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, void, or unenforceable.

16.        Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and to be performed in such State without giving effect to its principles of conflicts of laws.

17.        Notices . All notices, demands, and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by hand, against receipt, or mailed, postage prepaid, certified mail, return receipt requested, and addressed to the Company at:

Pier 1 Imports, Inc.

100 Pier 1 Place

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Attention: General Counsel

and to Indemnitee at the address set forth below Indemnitee’s signature hereto.

Notice of change of address shall be effective only when given in accordance with this Section. All notices complying with this Section shall be deemed to have been received on the date of hand delivery or on the third business day after mailing.

18.        Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

19.        Prior Indemnity Agreement Superseded . This Agreement supersedes that certain Indemnity Agreement dated                               ,              , between the Company and Indemnitee.

[ Remainder of page intentionally left blank. ]

 

-10-


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed and delivered this Agreement as of the day specified above.

 

PIER 1 IMPORTS, INC.
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

INDEMNITEE

 

Name:
Address:

 

 

 

 

 

-11-

Exhibit 10.8.4

AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

dated as of

April 4, 2011

 

 

PIER 1 IMPORTS (U.S.), INC.

as Borrower

THE FACILITY GUARANTORS NAMED HEREIN

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent

THE LENDERS NAMED HEREIN

WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC

as Syndication Agent

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

SUNTRUST BANK

REGIONS BANK

as Co-Documentation Agents

and

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED

WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC

as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Lead Bookrunners


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I Amount and Terms of Credit      1   

SECTION 1.01

     Definitions      1   

SECTION 1.02

     Terms Generally      46   

SECTION 1.03

     Accounting Terms; GAAP      47   

SECTION 1.04

     Rounding      47   

SECTION 1.05

     Times of Day      47   

SECTION 1.06

     Letter of Credit Amounts      47   

SECTION 1.07

     Timing of Performance      48   
ARTICLE II Amount and Terms of Credit      48   

SECTION 2.01

     Commitment of the Lenders      48   

SECTION 2.02

     Increase in Total Commitments      49   

SECTION 2.03

     Reserves; Changes to Reserves      50   

SECTION 2.04

     Making of Loans      51   

SECTION 2.05

     Overadvances      52   

SECTION 2.06

     Swingline Loans      53   

SECTION 2.07

     Notes      53   

SECTION 2.08

     Interest on Loans      54   

SECTION 2.09

     Conversion and Continuation of Revolving Credit Loans      54   

SECTION 2.10

     Alternate Rate of Interest for Revolving Credit Loans      55   

SECTION 2.11

     Change in Legality      56   

SECTION 2.12

     Default Interest      56   

SECTION 2.13

     Letters of Credit      56   

SECTION 2.14

     Increased Costs      61   

SECTION 2.15

     Optional Termination or Reduction of Commitments      62   

SECTION 2.16

     Optional Prepayment of Loans; Reimbursement of Lenders      62   

SECTION 2.17

     Mandatory Prepayment; Commitment Termination; Cash Collateral      64   

SECTION 2.18

     Cash Management      66   

SECTION 2.19

     Fees      69   

SECTION 2.20

     Maintenance of Loan Account; Statements of Account      71   

SECTION 2.21

     Payments      71   

SECTION 2.22

     Settlement Amongst Lenders      72   

SECTION 2.23

     Taxes      73   

SECTION 2.24

     Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders      76   

SECTION 2.25

     Security Interests in Collateral      77   
ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties      77   

SECTION 3.01

     Organization; Powers      77   

SECTION 3.02

     Authorization; Enforceability      77   

SECTION 3.03

     Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts      78   

SECTION 3.04

     Financial Condition      78   

SECTION 3.05

     Properties      78   

SECTION 3.06

     Litigation and Environmental Matters      79   

 

i


SECTION 3.07

     Compliance with Laws and Agreements      79   

SECTION 3.08

     Investment Company Status      79   

SECTION 3.09

     Taxes      79   

SECTION 3.10

     ERISA      80   

SECTION 3.11

     Disclosure      80   

SECTION 3.12

     Subsidiaries      80   

SECTION 3.13

     Insurance      80   

SECTION 3.14

     Labor Matters      81   

SECTION 3.15

     Security Documents      81   

SECTION 3.16

     Federal Reserve Regulations      82   

SECTION 3.17

     Solvency      82   

SECTION 3.18

     DDAs; Credit Card Arrangements      82   

SECTION 3.19

     Licenses; Permits      82   

SECTION 3.20

     Material Contracts      82   
ARTICLE IV Conditions      83   

SECTION 4.01

     Effective Date      83   

SECTION 4.02

     Conditions Precedent to Each Loan and Each Letter of Credit      85   
ARTICLE V Affirmative Covenants      86   

SECTION 5.01

     Financial Statements and Other Information      86   

SECTION 5.02

     Notices of Material Events      88   

SECTION 5.03

     Information Regarding Collateral      89   

SECTION 5.04

     Existence; Conduct of Business      90   

SECTION 5.05

     Payment of Obligations      90   

SECTION 5.06

     Maintenance of Properties      90   

SECTION 5.07

     Insurance      90   

SECTION 5.08

     Books and Records; Inspection and Audit Rights; Appraisals; Accountants      91   

SECTION 5.09

     Physical Inventories      92   

SECTION 5.10

     Compliance with Laws      93   

SECTION 5.11

     Use of Proceeds and Letters of Credit      93   

SECTION 5.12

     Additional Subsidiaries      93   

SECTION 5.13

     Compliance with Terms of Leaseholds      93   

SECTION 5.14

     Material Contracts      93   

SECTION 5.15

     Further Assurances      94   
ARTICLE VI Negative Covenants      94   

SECTION 6.01

     Indebtedness and Other Obligations      94   

SECTION 6.02

     Liens      94   

SECTION 6.03

     Fundamental Changes      94   

SECTION 6.04

     Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions      95   

SECTION 6.05

     Asset Sales      95   

SECTION 6.06

     Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness      95   

SECTION 6.07

     Transactions with Affiliates      96   

SECTION 6.08

     Restrictive Agreements      96   

SECTION 6.09

     Amendment of Material Documents      97   

 

ii


SECTION 6.10

     Minimum Availability      97   

SECTION 6.11

     Fiscal Year      97   

SECTION 6.12

     ERISA      97   

SECTION 6.13

     Environmental Laws      98   

SECTION 6.14

     Additional Subsidiaries      98   
ARTICLE VII Events of Default      99   

SECTION 7.01

     Events of Default      99   

SECTION 7.02

     Remedies on Default      102   

SECTION 7.03

     Application of Proceeds      103   
ARTICLE VIII The Agents      104   

SECTION 8.01

     Appointment and Administration by Administrative Agent      104   

SECTION 8.02

     Appointment of Collateral Agent      104   

SECTION 8.03

     Sharing of Excess Payments      105   

SECTION 8.04

     Agreement of Applicable Lenders      106   

SECTION 8.05

     Liability of Agents      106   

SECTION 8.06

     Notice of Default      107   

SECTION 8.07

     Credit Decisions      107   

SECTION 8.08

     Reimbursement and Indemnification      108   

SECTION 8.09

     Rights of Agents      108   

SECTION 8.10

     Notice of Transfer      109   

SECTION 8.11

     Successor Agents      109   

SECTION 8.12

     Relation Among the Lenders      109   

SECTION 8.13

     Reports and Financial Statements      109   

SECTION 8.14

     Agency for Perfection      110   

SECTION 8.15

     Collateral and Guaranty Matters      110   

SECTION 8.16

     Delinquent Lender      111   

SECTION 8.17

     Syndication Agent, Co-Documentation Agents, and Arrangers      112   
ARTICLE IX Miscellaneous      113   

SECTION 9.01

     Notices      113   

SECTION 9.02

     Waivers; Amendments      113   

SECTION 9.03

     Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver      116   

SECTION 9.04

     Successors and Assigns      117   

SECTION 9.05

     Survival      120   

SECTION 9.06

     Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness      121   

SECTION 9.07

     Severability      121   

SECTION 9.08

     Right of Setoff      121   

SECTION 9.09

     Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Service of Process      122   

SECTION 9.10

     WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL      122   

SECTION 9.11

     Press Releases and Related Matters      123   

SECTION 9.12

     Headings      123   

SECTION 9.13

     Interest Rate Limitation      123   

SECTION 9.14

     Additional Waivers      123   

SECTION 9.15

     Confidentiality      125   

SECTION 9.16

     Patriot Act      126   

 

iii


SECTION 9.17

     Foreign Asset Control Regulations      127   

SECTION 9.18

     Judgment Currency      127   

SECTION 9.19

     No Strict Construction      127   

SECTION 9.20

     Payments Set Aside      128   

SECTION 9.21

     No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility      128   

SECTION 9.22

     Existing Credit Agreement Amended and Restated      129   

 

iv


EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A:    Form of Assignment and Acceptance
Exhibit B:    Form of Customs Broker Agreement
Exhibit C:    Form of Notice of Borrowing
Exhibit D:    Form of Revolving Credit Note
Exhibit E:    Form of Swingline Note
Exhibit F:    Form of Credit Card Notification
Exhibit G:    Form of Compliance Certificate
Exhibit H:    Form of Borrowing Base Certificate

 

v


SCHEDULES

 

Schedule 1.1:

   Lenders and Commitments

Schedule 1.2:

   Facility Guarantors

Schedule 1.3:

   Fiscal Months, Fiscal Quarters, Fiscal Years

Schedule 1.4:

   Non-Material Subsidiaries

Schedule 5.01(f):

   Reporting Requirements

 

vi


AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

This Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of April 4, 2011 is entered into among

PIER 1 IMPORTS (U.S.), INC. , a Delaware corporation with its principal executive offices at 100 Pier 1 Place, Fort Worth, Texas 76102 (the “ Borrower ”);

THE FACILITY GUARANTORS identified on Schedule 1.2 hereof;

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. , a national banking association with offices at 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”) and as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “ Collateral Agent ”) for its own benefit and the benefit of the other Credit Parties; and

The LENDERS party hereto;

WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC , as Syndication Agent; and

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., SUNTRUST BANK, AND REGIONS BANK , as Co-Documentation Agents.

W I T N E S S E T H :

WHEREAS, the Borrower has entered into that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of November 22, 2005 (as amended and in effect, the “ Existing Credit Agreement ”), by, among others, (i) the Borrower, (ii) the “Lenders” as defined therein, and (iii) Bank of America, N.A. as “Administrative Agent” and “Collateral Agent”; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 9.02 of the Existing Credit Agreement, the Borrower, the Lenders, and the Administrative Agent desire to amend and restate the Existing Credit Agreement as provided herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements set forth in this Agreement (as defined herein), and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned hereby agree that the Existing Credit Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows (it being agreed that this Agreement shall not be deemed to evidence or result in a novation or repayment and reborrowing of the Obligations under and as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement):

ARTICLE I

Amount and Terms of Credit

SECTION 1.01         Definitions.

As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

ACH ” means automated clearing house transfers.

 

1


Accommodation Payment ” has the meaning provided in SECTION 9.14.

Account(s) ” means “accounts” as defined in the UCC, and the PPSA, as applicable, but limited to a right to payment of a monetary obligation, whether or not earned by performance, (i) for Inventory that has been or is to be sold, leased, licensed, assigned, or otherwise disposed of, (ii) for services rendered or to be rendered in connection with the sale, lease, license, assignment or other disposition of Inventory, or (iii) arising out of the use of a credit or charge card or information contained on or for use with the card in connection with the sale, lease, license, assignment or other disposition of Inventory. The term “Account” does not include (i) rights to payment evidenced by chattel paper or an instrument, (ii) commercial tort claims, (iii) deposit accounts, (iv) investment property, (v) letter-of-credit rights or letters of credit, or (vi) rights to payment for money or funds advanced or sold, other than rights arising out of the use of a credit or charge card or information contained on or for use with the card.

Acquisition ” means, with respect to a specified Person, (a) an Investment in, or a purchase of, a fifty percent (50%) or greater interest in the Capital Stock of any other Person, (b) a purchase or acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets or any line or division of any other Person, or (c) any merger, amalgamation or consolidation of such Person with any other Person, in each case in any transaction or group of transactions which are part of a common plan.

Additional Commitment Lender ” shall have the meaning provided therefor in SECTION 2.02(a).

Adjusted LIBO Rate ” means, with respect to any LIBO Borrowing for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of one percent) equal to (a) the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate.

Administrative Agent ” has the meaning provided in the preamble to this Agreement.

Affiliate ” means, with respect to a specified Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries Controls, is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.

Agents ” means collectively, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent.

Aggregate Store Closing Percentage ” means, as of any date of determination, a percentage calculated by dividing (i) the difference, if a positive number, between the aggregate number of the Borrower’s stores closed since the Effective Date and the number of stores opened by the Borrower since the Effective Date, by (ii) the number of the Borrower’s stores in operation as of the Effective Date.

Agreement ” means this Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, as modified, amended, amended and restated, supplemented or restated, and in effect from time to time.

 

2


Agreement Value ” means, for each Financial Hedge, on any date of determination, an amount determined by the applicable Person described below equal to:

(a)        In the case of a Financial Hedge documented pursuant to an ISDA master agreement, the net amount, if any, that would be payable by any Loan Party to its counterparty to such Financial Hedge, as if (i) such Financial Hedge was being terminated early on such date of determination, (ii) such Loan Party was the sole “Affected Party” (as therein defined) and (iii) such Person providing such Financial Hedge was the sole party determining such payment amount (with such Person making such determination pursuant to the provisions of the form of ISDA master agreement);

(b)        In the case of a Financial Hedge traded on an exchange, the mark-to-market value of such Financial Hedge, which will be the net unrealized loss on such Financial Hedge to the Loan Party which is party to such Financial Hedge, determined by the Administrative Agent based on the settlement price of such Financial Hedge on such date of determination; or

(c)        In all other cases, the mark-to-market value of such Financial Hedge, which will be the unrealized loss on such Financial Hedge to the Loan Party that is party to such Financial Hedge determined by the Administrative Agent as the amount, if any, by which (i) the present value of the future cash flows to be paid by such Loan Party exceeds (ii) the present value of the future cash flows to be received by such Loan Party, in each case pursuant to such Financial Hedge.

Annual Increase Amount ” means, commencing with the Fiscal Year ending February 25, 2012 and each Fiscal Year end thereafter, an amount equal to the difference (but in no event less than zero) between (a) Consolidated EBITDA for the most recently ended Fiscal Year of the Parent, minus (b) the sum of (i) Capital Expenditures (other than in respect of any Investment of the type described in clauses (p) and (q) of the definition of “Permitted Investments”) made during such Fiscal Year, (ii) Taxes (other than sales Taxes) paid in cash during such Fiscal Year, (iii) Consolidated Interest Expense paid or required to be paid in cash during such Fiscal Year, (iv) principal payments made or required to be made during such Fiscal Year on account of Indebtedness (other than revolving Indebtedness for which an accompanying permanent reduction of the facility is not made) and (v) Restricted Payments made with cash on hand during such Fiscal Year. The Annual Increase Amount shall become effective only after delivery to the Administrative Agent of the Parent’s Annual Report on SEC Form 10-K for the applicable Fiscal Year, together with a calculation of the Annual Increase Amount certified by a Responsible Officer as being true and correct.

Annual Store Closing Percentage ” means, as of any date of determination for any Fiscal Year, a percentage calculated by dividing (i) the difference, if a positive number, between the number of the Borrower’s stores closed in such Fiscal Year and the number of stores opened by the Borrower in such Fiscal Year, by (ii) the number of the Borrower’s stores in operation as of the beginning of such Fiscal Year.

Applicable Law ” means as to any Person: (a) all laws, statutes, rules, regulations, orders, codes, ordinances or other requirements having the force of law; and (b) all court orders, decrees, judgments, injunctions, notices, binding agreements and/or rulings, in each case of or by any Governmental Authority which has jurisdiction over such Person, or any property of such Person.

 

3


Applicable Lenders ” means the Required Lenders or all Lenders, as applicable.

Applicable Margin ” means:

(a)        From and after the Effective Date until the first Adjustment Date following the third full Fiscal Month after the Effective Date, the percentages set forth in Level II of the Pricing Grid below; and

(b)        On the first day of each January, April, July and October of each year (each, an “ Adjustment Date ”), commencing October 1, 2011, the Applicable Margin shall be determined from such Pricing Grid based upon Average Daily Availability for the most recently ended three month period immediately preceding such Adjustment Date; provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Applicable Margin shall in no event be the percentages set forth in Level III of the Pricing Grid below, even if the Average Daily Availability requirements for such level have been met, until the first Adjustment Date following the twelfth full Fiscal Month after the Effective Date, and upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may, and at the direction of the Required Lenders shall, immediately increase the Applicable Margin to that set forth in Level I (even if the Average Daily Availability requirements for Level II have been met, without limiting the right of the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders to charge interest at the Default Rate as provided in SECTION 2.12); provided further if the Borrowing Base Certificates are at any time restated or otherwise revised (including as a result of an audit) or if the information set forth in any Borrowing Base Certificates otherwise proves to be false or incorrect such that the Applicable Margin would have been higher than was otherwise in effect during any period, without constituting a waiver of any Default or Event of Default arising as a result thereof, interest due under this Agreement shall be immediately recalculated at such higher rate for any applicable periods and shall be due and payable on demand.

 

   Level   

 

 

Average Daily Availability         

 

  LIBO Applicable          
Margin         
  Prime Rate
Applicable  Margin

I

  Less than 33% of the Line Cap   2.25%   1.25%

II

  Greater than or equal to 33% of the Line Cap; but less than 66% of the Line Cap   2.00%   1.00%

III

  Greater than or equal to 66% of the Line Cap   1.75%   0.75%

Appraised Inventory Value ” means the net appraised liquidation value (which is expressed as a percentage of Cost) of the Borrower’s Eligible Inventory as set forth in the Borrower’s inventory stock ledger as determined from time to time by an independent appraiser reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

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Appraisal Percentage ” means ninety percent (90%).

Arrangers ” means Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC. “ Arranger ” means either one of the foregoing.

Assignment and Acceptance ” means an assignment and acceptance entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by SECTION 9.04), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in the form of Exhibit A or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

Availability ” means the lesser of (a) or (b), where:

 

  (a) is the result of:

 

  (i) The Revolving Credit Ceiling,

 

    Minus

 

  (ii) The Total Outstandings;

 

  (b) is the result of:

 

  (i) The Borrowing Base,

 

    Minus

 

  (ii) The Total Outstandings.

In calculating Availability at any time and for any purpose under this Agreement, the Borrower shall certify to the Administrative Agent that no accounts payable are being intentionally paid after their due date other than any such accounts payable (x) the validity or amount of which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, and (y) for which the Borrower has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP.

Availability Reserves ” means, without duplication of any other Reserves or items that are otherwise addressed or excluded through eligibility criteria, such reserves as the Administrative Agent, from time to time determines in its reasonable commercial discretion exercised in good faith as being appropriate (a) to reflect the impediments to the Agents’ ability to realize upon the Collateral, (b) to reflect costs, expenses and other amounts that the Agents may incur or be required to pay to realize upon the Collateral, including, without limitation, on account of rent, Permitted Encumbrances, and customs and duties, and other costs to release Inventory which is being imported into the United States or Canada, (c) to reflect criteria, events, conditions, contingencies or risks which adversely affect any component of the Borrowing Base, (d) to reflect that an Event of Default then exists and (e) on account of Cash Management Services and Bank Products. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Availability

 

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Reserves may include (but are not limited to) reserves based on: (a) outstanding taxes and other governmental charges, including, without limitation, ad valorem, personal property, sales, goods and services, harmonized, and other taxes which might have priority over the interests of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral; (b) amounts deducted or withheld, or may be subject to withholding, and not paid and remitted when due under the Income Tax Act (Canada); (c) Wage Earner Protection Act Reserve; (d) salaries, wages and benefits due to employees of any Loan Party, including, without limitation, reserves for amounts due and not paid for vacation pay, for amounts due and not paid under any legislation relating to workers’ compensation or employment insurance, and for all amounts past due and not contributed, remitted or paid to any Plan, or any similar legislation, (e) Customer Credit Liabilities, (f) warehousemen’s or bailees’ charges which might have priority over the interests of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral, (g) amounts due to vendors on account of consigned goods, (h) reserves for reasonably anticipated changes in the Appraised Inventory Value between appraisals and (i) the Debt Maturity Reserve.

Average Daily Availability ” shall mean, for any date of calculation, the average daily Availability, determined as of the close of business each day, for the subject period.

Bank of America ” means, Bank of America, N.A., a national banking association, and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates.

Bank of America Concentration Account ” means a DDA established by the Borrower with Bank of America and with respect to which the Collateral Agent has control (as defined in the UCC) pursuant to a Blocked Account Agreement.

Bank Products ” means any services (other than Cash Management Services) or facilities provided to any Loan Party by any Person to the extent such Person was a Lender or an Affiliate thereof at the time such services or facilities were so provided, such services or facilities including, without limitation, on account of (a) credit or debit cards, (b) Financial Hedges, (c) purchase cards, and (d) supply chain finance services (including, without limitation, trade payable services, e-payables services and supplier accounts receivable purchases).

Banker’s Acceptance ” means a time draft or bill of exchange (in each case, payable not more than ninety (90) days duration from acceptance) relating to a Commercial Letter of Credit which has been accepted by an Issuing Bank.

Bankruptcy Code ” means Title 11, U.S.C., as now or hereafter in effect, or any successor thereto.

BIA ” means The Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), and any regulations promulgated thereunder, if any, as amended from time to time.

Blocked Account ” has the meaning provided in SECTION 2.18(a)(ii).

Blocked Account Agreement ” means with respect to an account established by a Loan Party, an agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, establishing control (as defined in the UCC) of such account by the Collateral Agent and whereby the bank maintaining such account agrees, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of a Cash Dominion Event and to the extent that any Obligations (other than any contingent indemnification Obligations for which no claim has then been asserted) are then outstanding, to comply only with the instructions originated by the Collateral Agent without the further consent of any Loan Party.

 

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Blocked Account Banks ” means the banks with whom deposit accounts are maintained in which material amounts (as reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent) of funds of any of the Loan Parties from one or more DDAs are concentrated (including, without limitation, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, or any other Lender), and with whom a Blocked Account Agreement has been, or is required to be, executed in accordance with the terms hereof.

Board ” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America.

Borrower ” means Pier 1 Imports (U.S.), Inc.

Borrowing ” means (a) the incurrence of Revolving Credit Loans of a single Type, on a single date and having, in the case of LIBO Loans, a single Interest Period, or (b) a Swingline Loan.

Borrowing Base ” means, at any time of calculation, an amount equal to:

(a)        the face amount of Eligible Credit Card Receivables multiplied by the Credit Card Advance Rate;

plus

(b)        the Appraised Inventory Value of Eligible Inventory, net of Inventory Reserves, multiplied by the Cost of Eligible Inventory multiplied by the Appraisal Percentage;

minus

(c)        the then amount of all Availability Reserves.

Borrowing Base Certificate ” has the meaning provided in SECTION 5.01(d).

Borrowing Request ” means a request by the Borrower for a Borrowing in accordance with SECTION 2.04.

Breakage Costs ” has the meaning provided in SECTION 2.16(b).

Business Day ” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in Boston, Massachusetts or Charlotte, North Carolina are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided , however , that when used in connection with a LIBO Loan, the term “Business Day” shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for dealings in dollar deposits in the London interbank market.

Canadian Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of any of the Loan Parties organized under the laws of Canada or any province thereof.

 

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Capital Expenditures ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, (a) the additions to property, plant and equipment and other capital expenditures of the Loan Parties that are (or would be) set forth in a Consolidated statement of cash flows of the Loan Parties for such period prepared in accordance with GAAP and (b) any assets acquired by a Capital Lease Obligation during such period; provided that the term “Capital Expenditures” shall not include the following (to the extent that the following would otherwise be included and without duplication): (i) the purchase price for Permitted Acquisitions, (ii) any such expenditures to the extent any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries has received reimbursement in cash from a third party during such period other than from any other Loan Party or any Subsidiary of a Loan Party, in an amount not exceeding such reimbursement to the extent not required to be repaid, directly or indirectly, to such third party, (iii) the purchase price of equipment or Real Estate used in the business of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries in the ordinary course and purchased during such period to the extent the consideration therefor consists of any combination of (A) used or surplus equipment used in the business in the ordinary course and traded in at the time of such purchase, and (B) the proceeds of a concurrent sale of used or surplus equipment used in the business in the ordinary course, in each case, traded or sold in the ordinary course of business, (iv) capitalized interest of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, (v) any expenditure financed with the proceeds of Indebtedness specifically designated for such purpose and which are so utilized within ninety (90) days after the receipt of such proceeds, (vi) any expenditure financed with the proceeds of Capital Stock specifically designated for such purpose and which are so utilized within one hundred eighty (180) days after the receipt of such proceeds, (vii) any expenditure to repair or replace any property which is financed with the proceeds from any casualty insurance or condemnation or eminent domain, to the extent that the proceeds therefrom are so utilized within one hundred eighty (180) days of the receipt of such proceeds, and (viii) any Capital Expenditures to the extent financed as Capital Lease Obligations.

Capital Lease Obligations ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as capital leases on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP; provided that the adoption or issuance of any accounting standards after the Effective Date will not cause any lease (or any extensions or renewals of the same) that was not or would not have been classified or accounted for as a capital lease on a balance sheet of such Person prior to the adoption or issuance to be deemed a capital lease.

Capital Stock ” means, as to any Person that is a corporation, the authorized shares of such Person’s capital stock, including all classes of common, preferred, voting and nonvoting capital stock, and, as to any Person that is not a corporation or an individual, the membership or other ownership interests in such Person, including, without limitation, the right to share in profits and losses, the right to receive distributions of cash and other property, and the right to receive allocations of items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit and similar items from such Person, whether or not such interests include voting or similar rights entitling the holder thereof to exercise control over such Person, collectively with, in any such case, all warrants, options and other rights to purchase or otherwise acquire, and all other instruments convertible into or exchangeable for, any of the foregoing; provided that in no event shall any Indebtedness (or instrument representing any Indebtedness) that is convertible into or exchangeable for any of the foregoing constitute “Capital Stock” (unless and until so converted or exchanged) or otherwise be considered a right to acquire “Capital Stock” for any purpose of this Agreement.

 

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Capped Amount ” means that the sum of all Restricted Payments, Permitted Acquisitions, voluntary prepayments of Indebtedness and Investments to which such term applies shall not exceed $300,000,000 in the aggregate, plus the cumulative Annual Increase Amount, if any.

Cash Collateral Account ” means an interest bearing account established by the Loan Parties with the Collateral Agent, for its own benefit and the ratable benefit of the other Credit Parties, under the sole and exclusive dominion and control of the Collateral Agent, in the name of the Collateral Agent or as the Collateral Agent shall otherwise direct, in which deposits are required to be made in accordance with SECTION 2.13(k).

Cash Dominion Event ” means either (i) the occurrence and continuance of any Specified Default, or (ii) Availability is less than the greater of (A) fifteen percent (15%) of the Line Cap, or (B) $25,000,000. For purposes of this Agreement, the occurrence of a Cash Dominion Event shall be deemed continuing, notwithstanding whether the circumstance which gave rise to such event is no longer continuing (a) so long as such Specified Default has not been waived, and/or (b) if the Cash Dominion Event arises as a result of the Borrower’s Availability being less than the required amount set forth in clause (ii) above, until Availability has exceeded the greater of (A) fifteen percent (15%) of the Line Cap, or (B) $25,000,000, for sixty (60) consecutive days, in which case a Cash Dominion Event shall no longer be deemed to be continuing for purposes of this Agreement, provided , that a Cash Dominion Event may not be so cured (even if a Specified Default is no longer continuing and/or Availability exceeds the required amount for sixty (60) consecutive days) on more than three (3) occasions in any period of 365 consecutive days. The termination of a Cash Dominion Event as provided herein shall in no way limit, waive or delay the occurrence of a subsequent Cash Dominion Event in the event that the conditions set forth in this definition again arise.

Cash Management Services ” means any cash management services provided to any Loan Party by any Person to the extent such Person was a Lender or an Affiliate thereof at the time such services or facilities were so provided, such cash management services including, without limitation, (a) ACH transactions, (b) controlled disbursement services, treasury, depository, overdraft, and electronic funds transfer services, and (c) credit card processing services.

Cash Receipts ” has the meaning provided therefor in SECTION 2.18(b).

CCAA ” means The Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada), and any regulations promulgated thereunder, if any, as amended from time to time.

CERCLA ” means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq.

 

9


Change in Control ” means, at any time:

(a)        any “change in/of control” or similar event as defined in any document governing Material Indebtedness of any Loan Party the occurrence of which would permit the holder of such Material Indebtedness or any trustee or agent on its behalf to cause such Indebtedness to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance of such Indebtedness, prior to its scheduled maturity; or

(b)        occupation of a majority of the seats for more than thirty (30) days (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors (or other body exercising similar management authority) of the Parent by Persons who were neither (i) nominated by the board of directors of the Parent nor (ii) appointed by directors so nominated; or

(c)        any person or “group” (within the meaning of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), is or becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 or 13d-5 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) directly or indirectly of thirty-five percent (35%) or more (on a fully diluted basis) of the total then outstanding voting Capital Stock of the Parent, whether as a result of the issuance of securities of the Parent, a merger, amalgamation, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution of the Parent, a direct or indirect transfers of securities or otherwise; or

(d)        other than as a result of a transaction expressly permitted pursuant to SECTION 6.04 or SECTION 6.05, the Parent fails at any time to own, directly or indirectly, one hundred percent (100%) of the Capital Stock of each Loan Party free and clear of all Liens (other than the Liens in favor of the Collateral Agent for its own benefit and the ratable benefit of the other Credit Parties).

Change in Law ” means (a) the adoption of any law, rule or regulation after the Effective Date, (b) any change in any law, rule or regulation or in the interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority after the Effective Date or (c) compliance by any Credit Party (or, for purposes of SECTION 2.13, by any lending office of such Credit Party or by such Credit Party’s holding company, if any) with any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the Effective Date; provided however , for purposes of this Agreement, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, guidelines or directives in connection therewith are deemed to have gone into effect and been adopted after the Effective Date.

Charges ” has the meaning provided therefor in SECTION 9.13.

Charter Document ” means as to any Person, its partnership agreement, certificate or articles of incorporation, or amalgamation or amendment, operating agreement, membership agreement or similar constitutive document or agreement or its by-laws.

Closing Date ” means November 22, 2005.

Co-Documentation Agent ” has the meaning provided in the preamble to this Agreement.

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, as amended from time to time.

 

10


Collateral ” means any and all “Collateral” or words of similar intent as defined in any applicable Security Document.

Collateral Access Agreement ” means an agreement reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Agents and executed by (a) a bailee or other Person in possession of Collateral, and (b) any landlord of Real Estate leased by any Loan Party, pursuant to which such Person (i) acknowledges the Collateral Agent’s Lien on the Collateral, (ii) releases or subordinates such Person’s Liens in the Collateral held by such Person or located on such Real Estate, (iii) provides the Collateral Agent with access to the Collateral held by such bailee or other Person or located in or on such Real Estate, (iv) as to any landlord, provides the Collateral Agent with a reasonable time to sell and dispose of the Collateral from such Real Estate, and (v) makes such other agreements with the Agents as the Agents may reasonably require.

Collateral Agent ” has the meaning provided in the preamble to this Agreement.

Commercial Letter of Credit ” means any Letter of Credit issued for the purpose of providing the primary payment mechanism in connection with the purchase of any materials, goods or services by the Borrower in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower.

Commitment ” means, with respect to each Lender, the aggregate commitment(s) of such Lender hereunder in the amount set forth opposite its name on Schedule 1.1 hereto or as may subsequently be set forth in the Register from time to time, as the same may be increased or reduced from time to time pursuant to this Agreement.

Commitment Increase ” shall have the meaning provided therefor in SECTION 2.02(a).

Commitment Increase Date ” shall have the meaning provided therefor in SECTION 2.02(c).

Commitment Percentage ” means, with respect to each Lender, that percentage of the Commitments of all Lenders hereunder, in the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 1.1 hereto or as may subsequently be set forth in the Register from time to time, as the same may be increased or reduced from time to time pursuant to this Agreement.

Compliance Certificate ” has the meaning provided in SECTION 5.01(c).

Consolidated ” means, when used to modify a financial term, test, statement, or report of a Person, the application or preparation of such term, test, statement or report (as applicable) based upon the consolidation, in accordance with GAAP, of the financial condition or operating results of such Person.

Consolidated EBITDA ” means, with respect to any Person for a twelve (12) Fiscal Month period, the sum (without duplication) of:

(a)        Consolidated Net Income for such period; plus

(b)        the sum (without duplication) of:

 

11


(i)        depreciation and amortization for such period; plus

(ii)        provisions for Taxes that were deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period; plus

(iii)        Consolidated Interest Expense that was deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period; plus

(iv)        any other non-cash charges, including any write offs or write downs, reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period ( provided that any such non-cash charges shall be treated as cash charges in any future period in which the cash disbursement attributable thereto are made and such cash disbursement in such future period shall be subtracted from Consolidated EBITDA in such future period, and excluding amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period to the extent such cash item was deducted in calculating Consolidated EBITDA in period when paid); plus

(v)        impairment of goodwill for such period; plus

(vi)        non-cash compensation expense, or other non-cash expenses or charges, arising from the granting of stock options, stock awards or similar arrangements (including profits interests), the granting of stock appreciation rights and similar arrangements (including any repricing, amendment, modification, substitution or change of any such stock option, stock appreciation rights, profits interests or similar arrangements), in each case for such period; plus

(vii)      cash fees and expenses in connection with the transactions contemplated to occur on the Effective Date incurred on or prior to the date that is three (3) months following the date hereof, in each case for such period; plus

(viii)    any financial advisory fees, accounting fees, legal fees and other similar advisory and consulting fees and related out-of-pocket expenses of such Person and its Subsidiaries related to any offering of Capital Stock, Investment or acquisition permitted under this Agreement for such period; provided that in the case of any such offering of Capital Stock, such fees and related out-of-pocket expenses are paid with proceeds of any such offering of Capital Stock; provided further that the amounts described in this clause (viii) shall not exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate if such offering is not successful or such Investment or acquisition is not consummated, as applicable; plus

(ix)      the amount of any expenses with respect to liability or casualty events, business interruption or product recalls, to the extent covered by insurance proceeds actually received in cash during such period (it being understood that if the amount received in cash under any such agreement in any period exceeds the amount of expense paid during such period such excess amounts received may be carried forward and applied against expenses in future periods); minus

(c)        extraordinary gains for such period.

 

12


Mark-to-market non-cash gains or losses in respect of obligations under the Financial Hedges as determined in accordance with GAAP shall be disregarded for the purpose of calculating Consolidated EBITDA.

Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” means, with respect to any Person for a twelve (12) Fiscal Month period, the ratio of (a) (i) Consolidated EBITDA for such period, plus (ii) Consolidated Rent Expense during such period, minus (iii) Capital Expenditures made during such period, minus (iv) cash Taxes that were deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income or other Taxes of the same type that were otherwise paid during such period (but in no event less than zero), to (b) (i) Debt Service Charges during such period, plus (ii) Restricted Payments made during such period, all as determined on a Consolidated basis.

Consolidated Interest Expense ” means, with respect to any Person for a twelve (12) Fiscal Month period, total interest expense (including that attributable to Capital Lease Obligations in accordance with GAAP) of such Person on a Consolidated basis with respect to all outstanding Indebtedness of such Person, including, without limitation, the Obligations and all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect thereto, all as determined on a Consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Net Income ” means, with respect to any Person for a twelve (12) Fiscal Month period, the net income (or loss) of such Person on a Consolidated basis for such period taken as a single accounting period determined in accordance with GAAP; provided , however , that there shall be excluded (i) the income (or loss) of such Person (other than any Loan Party) in which any other Person has a joint interest, except to the extent of the amount of dividends or other distributions actually paid to such Person during such period, (ii) the income (or loss) of such Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary of a Person or any of such Person’s Subsidiaries or is merged into or consolidated with a Person or any of its Subsidiaries or that Person’s assets are acquired by such Person or any of its Subsidiaries, and (iii) the income of any direct or indirect Subsidiary of a Person (other than any Loan Party) to the extent that and for the portion of the period during which the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Subsidiary of that income is not at the time permitted by operation of the terms of its Charter Documents or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Subsidiary.

Consolidated Rent Expense ” means, with respect to any Person for a twelve (12) Fiscal Month period, all obligations of such Person in respect of base, percentage and other rent expensed during such period under any rental agreements that cannot be cancelled upon thirty (30) days or less notice or leases of real property with third parties (other than Capital Lease Obligations), all as determined on a Consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

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. The terms “ Controlling ” and “ Controlled ” have meanings correlative thereto.

Cost ” means the cost of purchases, as reported on the Borrower’s stock ledger based upon the Borrower’s accounting practices, in effect on the Effective Date.

 

13


Covenant Conditions ” means with respect to a Restricted Payment, a Permitted Acquisition, a voluntary prepayment of Indebtedness or an Investment as to which such term applies, that (i) no Default or Event of Default has occurred or shall occur after giving effect to such specified event, (ii) such specified event is funded from cash on hand and not from proceeds of any Credit Extensions, (iii) for the ninety (90) days before such specified event, no Loans were outstanding, (iv) after giving pro forma effect to such specified event (assuming such specified event occurred ninety (90) days before the actual date of the specified event), for each of the ninety (90) days before the specified event, the Borrower shall have had cash on hand sufficient to make such specified payments without the necessity of obtaining proceeds of Loans for the operations of its business or for the purpose of making such specified payments, and (v) after giving effect to such specified event, no Loans are outstanding.

Credit Card Advance Rate ” means ninety percent (90%).

Credit Card Notification ” has the meaning provided in SECTION 2.18(a)(i).

Credit Extensions ” means each of the following: (a) a Borrowing and (b) an L/C Credit Extension.

Credit Party ” means (a) the Lenders, (b) the Agents and their Affiliates, (c) the Issuing Banks, (d) the Arrangers, (e) the beneficiaries of each indemnification obligation undertaken by any Loan Party under any Loan Document, (f) the Persons providing Cash Management Services or Bank Products to any Loan Party, (g) the Persons to whom Obligations are owing, and (h) the successors and permitted assigns of each of the foregoing.

Credit Party Expenses ” means, without limitation, to the extent incurred in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents: (i) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Agents and their Affiliates, including the reasonable and documented fees and out-of-pocket charges and disbursements of counsel for the Agents and outside consultants for the Agents (including, without limitation, inventory appraisers and commercial finance examiners but limited, in the case of legal fees, to the reasonable and documented fees, disbursements and other charges of one domestic counsel and one Canadian counsel to the Agents and their Affiliates, and of other local counsel in each relevant jurisdiction retained by the Agents or their Affiliates (to the extent such retention is deemed necessary by the Agents or their Affiliates)), in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation and administration of the Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions thereof (whether or not any such amendments, modification or waivers shall be consummated), (ii) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Issuing Banks 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 each of the Agents, including the reasonable and documented fees and out-of-pocket charges and disbursements of counsel and outside consultants for each of the Agents (including, without limitation, inventory and commercial finance examiners but limited, in the case of legal fees, to the reasonable and documented fees, disbursements and other charges of one domestic counsel and one Canadian counsel to the Agents and their Affiliates, and of other local counsel in each relevant jurisdiction retained by the Agents or their Affiliates (to the extent such retention is deemed necessary by the

 

14


Agents or their Affiliates), in connection with the enforcement or protection of their rights in connection with the Loan Documents, or in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit, and (iv) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by any Lender, including the reasonable and documented fees and out-of-pocket charges and disbursements of counsel and outside consultants for the Lenders in connection with the enforcement or protection of their rights in connection with the Obligations and the Loan Documents after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or related negotiations in respect of such Obligations; provided that the Lenders who are not the Agents shall be entitled to reimbursement for no more than one counsel representing all such Lenders (absent a conflict of interest in which case the Lenders may engage and be reimbursed for one additional counsel to the affected Lenders similarly situated, taken as a whole); provided that Credit Party Expenses shall not include the allocation of any overhead expenses of any Credit Party.

Customer Credit Liabilities ” means at any time, the aggregate remaining balance at such time of (a) outstanding gift certificates and gift cards for use at the Borrower entitling the holder thereof to use all or a portion of the certificate or gift card to pay all or a portion of the purchase price for any Inventory, and (b) outstanding merchandise credits and customer deposits of the Borrower.

Customs Broker Agreement ” means an agreement in substantially the form attached as Exhibit B annexed hereto, among the Borrower, a customs broker, freight forwarder, consolidator or other carrier, and the Collateral Agent, in which the customs broker, freight forwarder, consolidator or other carrier acknowledges that it has control over and holds the documents evidencing ownership of the subject Inventory for the benefit of the Collateral Agent and agrees, upon notice from the Collateral Agent, to hold and dispose of the subject Inventory and other property solely as directed by the Collateral Agent.

DDAs ” means any checking or other demand deposit account maintained by the Loan Parties.

Debt Maturity Reserve ” means during any Debt Reserve Period, an amount equal to the then outstanding principal balance of any Indebtedness of the type described in clause (t) of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness” outstanding on the date which is ninety (90) days prior to the maturity date of such Indebtedness, which Debt Maturity Reserve shall remain in place (but shall be reduced to give effect to any payments of Indebtedness made during such Debt Reserve Period to the extent such payments are permitted hereunder) until the earlier of the repayment of such Indebtedness (including as a result of refinancing of such Indebtedness so long as the term of such refinancing Indebtedness (any such refinancing Indebtedness, the “ Refinancing Debt ”) is at least one hundred eighty (180) days) or the extension of the maturity date of such Indebtedness to a date which is at least one hundred eighty (180) days after the then maturity date of such Indebtedness.

 

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Debt Reserve Period ” means the period beginning on the 90 th day prior to the maturity date of any Indebtedness of the type described in clause (t) of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness” and in each case ending on the date of the repayment in full of such Indebtedness. If and to the extent that such Indebtedness is repaid by virtue of any Refinancing Debt, a subsequent Debt Maturity Reserve shall be imposed in an amount equal to the outstanding principal balance of such Refinancing Debt from and after the date that is ninety (90) days prior to the maturity date of such Refinancing Debt.

Debt Service Charges ” means for any period, the sum of (i) Consolidated Interest Expense paid or required to be paid in cash for such period, plus (ii) Consolidated Rent Expense for such period, plus (iii) scheduled and mandatory principal payments made or required to be made on account of Indebtedness (excluding (a) inter-company Indebtedness, (b) any payments made to a holder of a Lien on any asset that is sold or that is the subject of any condemnation, casualty or eminent domain proceeding, in each case to the extent the proceeds therefrom are used to pay the Indebtedness so secured, and (c) Loan payments to the extent such payments were not made in connection with a permanent reduction of the Total Commitments) (including, without limitation, on account of Capitalized Lease Obligations) for such period, in each case determined in accordance with GAAP. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, prepayments of principal of the Convertible Notes (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) made prior to the Effective Date, to the extent such prepayments were permitted pursuant to the Existing Credit Agreement, shall be excluded in the determination of Debt Service Charges.

Deeds of Hypothec ” means Deeds of Movable Hypothec (governed by Québec law), each dated April 4, 2011, entered into among each Loan Party (with Collateral located in Québec) and the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Credit Parties thereunder, as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time.

Default ” means any event or condition described in SECTION 7.01 that constitutes an Event of Default or that upon notice, lapse of any cure period set forth in SECTION 7.01 or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

Default Rate ” has the meaning provided in SECTION 2.12.

Delinquent Lender ” has the meaning therefor provided in SECTION 8.16(a).

Deteriorating Lender ” means any Delinquent Lender or any Lender as to which (a) any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender has a good faith belief that such Lender has defaulted in fulfilling its obligations under one or more other syndicated credit facilities, or (b) a Person that Controls such Lender has been deemed insolvent or become the subject of a bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding.

Disbursement Accounts ” shall have the meaning set forth in SECTION 2.18(f).

Disclosed Matters ” means the actions, suits and proceedings and the environmental matters disclosed in the Information Certificate and in the litigation report as provided to the Administrative Agent prior to the Effective Date.

dollars ” or “ $ ” refers to lawful money of the United States of America.

 

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Domestic Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of any of the Loan Parties organized under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof.

Effective Date ” means the date upon which all the conditions precedent in SECTION 4.01 are satisfied or waived in accordance with the provisions hereof.

Eligible Assignee ” means a bank, insurance company, or company engaged in the business of making commercial loans having a combined capital and surplus in excess of $300,000,000, or any Affiliate of any Credit Party, or a Related Fund of any Credit Party, or any Person to whom a Credit Party assigns its rights and obligations under this Agreement as part of an assignment and transfer of such Credit Party’s rights in and to a material portion of such Credit Party’s portfolio of asset based credit facilities. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Related Fund” shall mean, with respect to any Credit Party which is a fund that invests in loans, any other such fund managed by the same investment advisor as such Credit Party or by an Affiliate of such Credit Party or such advisor.

Eligible Credit Card Receivables ” means, as of any date of determination, Accounts due to the Borrower from major credit card processors, including, VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, Discover and private label credit card processors or purchasers, in each case acceptable to the Administrative Agent, in its reasonable discretion, as arise in the ordinary course of business, which have been earned by performance. None of the following shall be deemed to be Eligible Credit Card Receivables:

(a)        Accounts due from major credit card processors that have been outstanding for more than five (5) Business Days from the date of transmission, or for such longer period(s) as may be approved by the Agents;

(b)        Accounts due from major credit card processors with respect to which the Borrower does not have good, valid and marketable title thereto, free and clear of any Lien (other than (i) Liens granted to the Collateral Agent for its own benefit and the ratable benefit of the other Credit Parties pursuant to the Security Documents, and (ii) Permitted Encumbrances);

(c)        Accounts due from major credit card processors that are not subject to a perfected first priority security interest or hypothec in favor of the Collateral Agent, for its own benefit and the ratable benefit of the other Credit Parties;

(d)        Accounts due from major credit card processors which are disputed or with respect to which a claim, counterclaim, offset or chargeback has been asserted by the related credit card processor (but only to the extent of such dispute, counterclaim, offset or chargeback) (it being the intent that chargebacks in the ordinary course by the credit card processors shall not be deemed violative of this clause);

(e)        Accounts acquired in a Permitted Acquisition, unless (i) the Agents shall have received or conducted (A) a commercial finance examination satisfactory to the Agents with respect to such Accounts to be acquired in such Acquisition and (B) such other due diligence as the Agents may reasonably require, all of the results of the foregoing to be reasonably satisfactory to the Agents, and (ii) the Administrative Agent shall have determined an advance rate with respect to such Accounts, provided that such advance rate is equal to or less than the Credit Card Advance Rate;

 

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(f)        Except as otherwise approved by the Agents, Accounts due from major credit card processors as to which the credit card processor has the right under certain circumstances to require the Borrower to repurchase the Accounts from such credit card processor; or

(g)        Accounts due from a credit card processor which the Administrative Agent, in its reasonable discretion, determines to be unlikely to be collected due to any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding of such credit card processor.

Eligible In-Transit Inventory ” means, as of the date of determination thereof (without duplication of other Eligible Inventory), Inventory:

(a)        Which has been shipped, or is waiting to be shipped and is not under the control of the seller of such Inventory and otherwise satisfies each of the requirements of this definition, from a foreign location for receipt by the Borrower within forty-five (45) days of the date of determination, but which has not yet been delivered to the Borrower;

(b)        For which title has passed to the Borrower;

(c)        For which the document of title reflects the Borrower as the consignee and the shipper, or any other circumstance as to which the Collateral Agent has control over the documents of title which evidence ownership of the subject Inventory (such as by the delivery of a Customs Broker Agreement);

(d)        Which is insured for not less than replacement cost; and

(e)        Which otherwise would constitute Eligible Inventory;

provided that the Administrative Agent may, in its reasonable discretion, exclude any particular Inventory from the definition of “Eligible In-Transit Inventory” in the event the Administrative Agent determines that such Inventory is subject to any Person’s right of reclamation, repudiation, stoppage in transit or any event has occurred or is reasonably anticipated by the Administrative Agent to arise which may otherwise adversely impact the ability of the Agents to realize upon such Inventory.

Eligible Inventory ” means, as of the date of determination thereof, without duplication, (i) Eligible Letter of Credit Inventory, (ii) Eligible In-Transit Inventory, and (iii) items of Inventory of the Borrower that are finished goods, merchantable and readily saleable to the public in the ordinary course that are not excluded as ineligible by virtue of the one or more of the criteria set forth below. None of the following shall be deemed to be Eligible Inventory:

(a)        Inventory that is not solely owned by the Borrower, or is leased by or is on consignment to the Borrower, or the Borrower does not have good and valid title thereto;

 

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(b)        Inventory (other than any Eligible Letter of Credit Inventory and/or Eligible In-Transit Inventory) that is (i) not located in the United States of America or Canada, or (ii) not located at a location that is owned or leased by the Borrower (other than with respect to Inventory in transit between the Borrower’s stores and distribution centers within the United States or Canada), except, with respect to such locations described in this clause (ii) (other than public warehouses, as to which clause (i) below shall apply), to the extent that the Borrower has furnished the Collateral Agent with (A) any UCC financing statements, PPSA filings, Civil Code of Québec filings or publishings or other registrations that the Collateral Agent may reasonably determine to be necessary to perfect its security interest in such Inventory at such location, and (B) a Collateral Access Agreement executed by the Person owning any such location on terms reasonably acceptable to the Agents;

(c)        Except as otherwise agreed by the Agents, Inventory that represents goods which (i) are damaged, defective, “seconds,” or otherwise unmerchantable, (ii) are to be returned to the vendor, (iii) are obsolete items or custom items for the end user of Inventory, work in process, raw materials, or that constitute spare parts or supplies used or consumed in the Borrower’s business or (iv) are bill and hold goods;

(d)        Inventory that represents goods that do not conform in all material respects to the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or any of the Security Documents;

(e)        Inventory that is not subject to a perfected first priority security interest in favor of the Collateral Agent, for its own benefit and the ratable benefit of the other Credit Parties (subject, with respect to priority only, to Permitted Encumbrances entitled to priority by operation of Applicable Law);

(f)        Inventory which consists of samples, labels, bags, packaging or shipping materials, and other similar non-merchandise categories;

(g)        Inventory as to which insurance in compliance with the provisions of SECTION 5.07 hereof is not in effect;

(h)        Inventory acquired in a Permitted Acquisition, unless (i) the Agents shall have received or conducted (A) appraisals, from appraisers reasonably satisfactory to the Agents and Borrower, of such Inventory to be acquired in such Acquisition and (B) such other due diligence, including, without limitation, commercial finance examinations, as the Agents may reasonably require, all of the results of the foregoing to be reasonably satisfactory to the Agents, and (ii) the Administrative Agent shall have determined an advance rate with respect to such Inventory, provided that such advance rate is equal to or less than the Appraisal Percentage;

(i)        Inventory located at any distribution centers or public warehouses (solely to the extent that any such public warehouse is utilized by the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective agents for the storage of property for more than ten (10) consecutive Business Days) unless the Collateral Agent has received a Collateral

 

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Access Agreement, or if no such Collateral Access Agreement is obtained, an Availability Reserve shall be established with respect to such location in an amount equal to two (2) months’ rent; or

(j)        Inventory located at any stores which are closed, other than in the ordinary course of business.

Eligible Letter of Credit Inventory ” means, as of the date of determination thereof (without duplication of other Eligible Inventory), Inventory:

(a)        Not yet delivered to the Borrower;

(b)        The purchase of which is supported by a Commercial Letter of Credit having a then remaining expiry of not more than seventy-five (75) days;

(c)        For which, if requested by the Collateral Agent, the Collateral Agent has control over the documents of title which evidence ownership of the subject Inventory (such as by the delivery of a Customs Broker Agreement); and

(d)        Which otherwise would constitute Eligible In-Transit Inventory;

provided that the Administrative Agent may, in its reasonable discretion, exclude any particular Inventory from the definition of “Eligible Letter of Credit Inventory” in the event the Administrative Agent determines that such Inventory is subject to any Person’s right of reclamation, repudiation, stoppage in transit or any event has occurred or is reasonably anticipated by any Agent to arise which may otherwise adversely impact the ability of the Agents to realize upon such Inventory.

Environmental Laws ” means all Applicable Laws issued, promulgated or entered into by or with any Governmental Authority, relating in any way to the protection of human health or the environment, to the preservation or reclamation of natural resources, to the handling, treatment, storage, disposal of Hazardous Materials or to the assessment or remediation of any Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Material or to the environment.

Environmental Liability ” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including, without limitation, any liability for damages, natural resource damage, costs of environmental remediation, administrative oversight costs, fines, penalties or indemnities), of any Loan Party 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 in violation of Environmental Laws, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials in violation of Environmental Laws, (d) the Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment in violation of Environmental Laws, (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing, or (f) the existence of Hazardous Material on, from, under or about any owned or formerly owned or occupied Real Estate of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries in violation of Environmental Laws.

 

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ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time and the regulations promulgated and rulings issued thereunder.

ERISA Affiliate ” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with the Parent, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code (and Sections 414(m) and (o) for purposes of the provisions relating to Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code).

ERISA Event ” means (a) any “reportable event”, as defined in Section 4043(c) of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder with respect to a Plan (other than an event for which the 30-day notice period is waived); (b) the existence with respect to any Plan of a failure to make the “minimum required contribution” (as defined in Section 430 of the Code or Section 303 of ERISA) or with respect to a Multiemployer Plan of an “accumulated funding deficiency” (as defined in Section 431 of the Code or Section 304 of ERISA), in excess of $20,000,000, whether or not waived; (c) the filing pursuant to Section 412(c) of the Code or Section 302(c) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan; (d) the incurrence by the Parent or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Plan; (e) the receipt by the Parent or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a Plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan; (f) the incurrence by the Parent or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability in excess of $20,000,000 with respect to (i) the withdrawal from a Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a “substantial employer” (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or (ii) the cessation of operations by the Parent or any ERISA Affiliate which is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; or (g) the incurrence by the Parent or any ERISA Affiliate of any Withdrawal Liability in excess of $20,000,000 or receipt by the Parent or any ERISA Affiliate of notification that a Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization.

Event of Default ” has the meaning assigned to such term in SECTION 7.01. An “Event of Default” shall be deemed to have occurred and to be continuing unless and until that Event of Default has been duly waived in writing in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

Excluded DDA ” means (i) a DDA which solely contains funds not constituting proceeds of the Collateral (it being understood that if such DDA contains any proceeds of Collateral, it shall not constitute an Excluded DDA), (ii) a Trust Funds DDA, and (iii) a Disbursement Account.

Excluded Taxes ” means, with respect to the Agents, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder, (a) taxes imposed on or measured by its overall net income (however denominated), and franchise taxes imposed on it (in lieu of net income taxes) by the United States of America, or by the jurisdiction under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of any Lender, in which its applicable lending office is located, (b) any branch profits taxes imposed by the United States of America or any similar tax imposed by any other jurisdiction in which the Borrower is located, (c) in the case of a Foreign Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by the Borrower under SECTION 2.24(b)), any withholding tax that is imposed on amounts payable to such Foreign Lender at the

 

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time such Foreign Lender becomes a party to this Agreement (or designates a new lending office) or is attributable to such Foreign Lender’s failure or inability (other than as a result of a Change in Law) to comply with SECTION 2.23(e), except to the extent that such Foreign Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new lending office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts from the Borrower with respect to such withholding tax pursuant to SECTION 2.23(a), (d) any U.S. federal, state or local backup withholding tax, and (e) any U.S. federal withholding tax imposed under FATCA.

Existing Letters of Credit ” means each of the Letters of Credit issued by a Lender and outstanding on the Effective Date, as set forth in the Information Certificate.

Existing Obligations ” has the meaning provided in SECTION 9.22.

Facility Guarantee ” means any Guarantee of the Obligations executed by the Facility Guarantors in favor of the Agents and the other Credit Parties.

Facility Guarantors ” means the Parent and each of the Material Domestic Subsidiaries of the Borrower, as listed on Schedule 1.2 , and each of the wholly-owned Material Subsidiaries of the Borrower hereafter created or acquired.

Facility Guarantors’ Collateral Documents ” means all security agreements, pledge agreements, deeds of trust, deeds of hypothec, and other instruments, documents or agreements executed and delivered by the Facility Guarantors to secure the Facility Guarantee and the Obligations.

FATCA ” means current Section 1471 through 1474 of the Code or any amended version or successor provision that is substantively similar and, in each case, any regulations promulgated thereunder and any interpretation and other guidance issued in connection therewith.

Federal Funds Effective Rate ” means, for any day, the weighted average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of one percent (0.0001%)) of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day that is a Business Day, the average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of one percent (0.0001%)) of the quotations for such day for such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three (3) Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

Fee Letter ” means the Fee Letter dated as of February 25, 2011 by and among the Borrower, Bank of America, N.A. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.

Financial Hedge ” means, for any Loan Party, any present or future, whether master or single, agreement, document, or instrument providing for, or constituting an agreement to enter into, (a) any commodity hedge, (b) any arrangement for foreign-currency-exchange protection, and (c) any interest-rate swap, cap, collar, or similar arrangement, including, without limitation, any “ swap agreement ” (as defined in 11 U.S.C.§101, as in effect from time to time, or any successor statute).

 

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Financial Officer ” means, with respect to any Loan Party, the chief financial officer, treasurer, controller or vice president of accounting and reporting of such Loan Party.

Fiscal Month ” means any fiscal month of any Fiscal Year, which month shall generally end as described on attached Schedule 1.3 .

Fiscal Quarter ” means any fiscal quarter of any Fiscal Year, which quarters shall generally end as described on attached Schedule 1.3 .

Fiscal Year ” means any period of twelve consecutive months ending as described on attached Schedule 1.3 .

Foreign Lender ” means any Lender that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States of America or any State thereof or the District of Columbia.

Foreign Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States of America or any State thereof or the District of Columbia.

GAAP ” means accounting principles which are generally accepted in the United States in effect and applicable to that accounting period in respect of which reference to GAAP is being made, and consistently applied for all periods reported, subject to SECTION 1.03.

General Security Agreements ” means General Security Agreements (governed by Ontario law) dated as of the Closing Date, entered into among each Loan Party (with Collateral in Canada) and the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Credit Parties thereunder, as amended and in effect from time to time.

Governmental Authority ” means the government of the United States of America, Canada, or any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state, provincial or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, tribunal, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.

Government Securities ” means (to the extent they mature within one (1) year from the date in question) readily marketable (a) direct full faith and credit obligations of the United States of America or obligations guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America, and (b) obligations of an agency or instrumentality of, or corporation owned, controlled, or sponsored by, the United States of America that are generally considered in the securities industry to be implicit obligations of the United States of America.

Guarantee ” of or by any Person (the “ guarantor ”) means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person (the “ primary obligor ”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment thereof, (b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services

 

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for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof, (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation or (d) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty issued to support such Indebtedness or obligation, provided that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.

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, mold, fungi or similar bacteria, and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law because of their dangerous or deleterious properties, including any material listed as a hazardous substance under Section 101(14) of CERCLA.

Indebtedness ” of any Person means, without duplication:

(a)     All obligations of such Person for borrowed money (including any obligations which are without recourse to the credit of such Person);

(b)     All obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments;

(c)     All obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property acquired by such Person;

(d)     All obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding current accounts payable and accrued liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business);

(e)     All Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed;

(f)     All Guarantees by such Person of Indebtedness of others;

(g)     All Capital Lease Obligations of such Person;

(h)     All obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit and letters of guaranty;

(i)     All obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of bankers’ acceptances;

(j)     All Financial Hedges; and

 

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(k)     The principal and interest portions of all rental obligations of such Person under any Synthetic Lease, tax retention operating lease, off-balance sheet loan or similar off-balance sheet financing where such transaction is considered borrowed money indebtedness for tax purposes but is classified as an operating lease in accordance with GAAP as in effect on the Effective Date.

The Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any other entity (including any partnership in which such Person is a general partner) to the extent such Person is liable therefor as a result of such Person’s ownership interest in or other relationship with such entity, except to the extent the terms of such Indebtedness provide that such Person is not liable therefor.

Indemnified Taxes ” means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.

Indemnitee ” has the meaning provided therefor in SECTION 9.03(b).

Information ” has the meaning provided therefor in SECTION 9.15.

Information Certificate ” means the Information Certificate dated as of the Effective Date delivered by the Loan Parties to the Administrative Agent.

Interest Payment Date ” means (a) with respect to any Prime Rate Loan (including a Swingline Loan), the last day of each calendar month and (b) with respect to any LIBO Loan, on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such LIBO Loan is a part, and, in addition, if such LIBO Loan has an Interest Period of greater than ninety (90) days, the last day of every third month of such Interest Period.

Interest Period ” means, with respect to any LIBO Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one (1), two (2), three (3), six (6) or twelve (12) months thereafter, as the Borrower may elect by notice to the Administrative Agent in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement; provided , however , that (a) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day, (b) any Interest Period that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month during which such Interest Period ends) shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month of such Interest Period, (c) any Interest Period that would otherwise end after the Termination Date shall end on the Termination Date, and (d) notwithstanding the provisions of clause (c), no Interest Period shall have a duration of less than one (1) month, and if any Interest Period applicable to a LIBO Borrowing would be for a shorter period, such Interest Period shall not be available hereunder. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.

In-Transit Inventory ” means Inventory of the Borrower which is in the possession of a common carrier and is in transit from a location outside of the United States to a location of the Borrower that is within the United States or Canada in which the Borrower has a store location or a distribution center.

 

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Inventory ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement or the General Security Agreements and, as regards inventory located in Canada, includes all “inventory” as defined in the PPSA.

Inventory Reserves ” means such reserves as may be established from time to time by the Administrative Agent and without duplication of Availability Reserves, in the Administrative Agent’s reasonable commercial discretion exercised in good faith with respect to changes in the determination of the saleability, at retail, of the Eligible Inventory, which reflect such other factors as negatively affect the market value of the Eligible Inventory or which reflect claims and liabilities that the Administrative Agent determines in its reasonable discretion will need to be satisfied in connection with the realization upon the Inventory.

Investment ” means with respect to any Person:

(a)     The acquisition by such Person of any Capital Stock, evidence of Indebtedness or other security of another Person, including any option, warrant or right to acquire the same;

(b)     Any loan, advance, contribution to capital, Guarantee of any obligation of another Person, extension of credit (except for current trade and customer accounts receivable for inventory sold or services rendered in the ordinary course of business and payable in accordance with customary trade terms) to another Person;

(c)     Any Acquisition; and

(d)     Any other investment or interest in any Person that is required by GAAP to be classified on the balance sheet (excluding the footnotes) of the Borrower 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,

in all cases whether now existing or hereafter made. The amount of any Investment outstanding at any time shall be the original cost of such Investment, reduced by any dividend, distribution, interest payment, return on capital, repayment or other amount received in cash by the Borrower or a Subsidiary in respect of such Investment.

Issuing Banks ” means, individually and collectively, in its capacity as an issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, any Lender (or any Person who was a Lender (or an Affiliate of such Lender at such time) at the time of issuance of the Letter of Credit). Any Lender, as Issuing Bank, may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued by Affiliates of such Issuing Bank, in which case the term “Issuing Bank” shall include any such Affiliate with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Affiliate.

Joinder Agreement ” shall mean an agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, pursuant to which, among other things, a Person becomes a party to, and bound by the terms of, this Agreement and/or the other Loan Documents in the same capacity and to the same extent as either a Borrower or a Facility Guarantor, as the Administrative Agent and the Borrower may agree.

 

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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.

Lease ” means any written agreement, no matter how styled or structured, pursuant to which a Loan Party is entitled to the use or occupancy of any space in a structure, land, improvements or premises for any period of time.

Lenders ” means the Persons identified on Schedule 1.1 hereto and each assignee that becomes a party to this Agreement as set forth in SECTION 9.04(b) and each Additional Commitment Lender that becomes a party to this Agreement as set forth in SECTION 2.02.

Letter of Credit ” means a letter of credit that is issued by an Issuing Bank pursuant to this Agreement for the account of the Borrower, constituting either a Standby Letter of Credit or Commercial Letter of Credit, issued in connection with the purchase of Inventory by the Borrower and for other purposes for which the Borrower has historically obtained letters of credit, in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or for any other purpose that is reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, and in form reasonably satisfactory to the Issuing Bank, provided that any Letter of Credit issued by a Person who was a Lender (or an Affiliate of such Lender at such time) at the time of issuance of a Letter of Credit, but is no longer a Lender, shall be deemed a Letter of Credit hereunder (other than for purposes of SECTIONS 2.19(c) and (d)) only until (i) such Letter of Credit has expired without being drawn, been returned undrawn, or has been otherwise terminated, or (ii) the amounts available thereunder have been drawn and such Person has received reimbursement for such drawing. Letters of Credit may permit payment by presentation of either a sight draft or a time draft (not to exceed ninety (90) days) as selected by the Borrower. Without limiting the foregoing, all Banker’s Acceptances and all Existing Letters of Credit shall for all purposes be deemed to be, and shall be subject to all provisions relating to, “Letters of Credit” hereunder.

Letter of Credit Disbursement ” means a payment made by an Issuing Bank to the beneficiary of, and pursuant to, a Letter of Credit.

Letter of Credit Fees ” means the fees payable in respect of Letters of Credit pursuant to SECTION 2.19(c).

Letter of Credit Outstandings ” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the Stated Amount of all Letters of Credit outstanding at such time, plus (b) all amounts theretofore drawn or paid under Letters of Credit for which the Issuing Bank has not then been reimbursed.

LIBO Borrowing ” means a Borrowing comprised of LIBO Loans.

LIBO Loan ” shall mean any Loan bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate in accordance with the provisions of Article II.

 

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LIBO Rate ” means for any Interest Period with respect to a LIBO Rate Loan, the rate per annum equal to the British Bankers Association LIBOR Rate (“BBA LIBOR”), as published by Reuters (or other commercially available source providing quotations of BBA LIBOR as designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two (2) Business 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. If such rate is not available at such time for any reason, then the “LIBO Rate” for such Interest Period shall be the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent to be the rate at which deposits in dollars for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period in same day funds in the approximate amount of the LIBO Rate Loan being made, continued or converted by Bank of America and with a term equivalent to such Interest Period would be offered by Bank of America’s London Branch to major banks in the London interbank eurodollar market at their request at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two (2) Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period.

Lien ” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance (choate or inchoate), charge or security interest in, on or of such asset, and, with respect to the Collateral located in Canada, also includes any prior claim or deemed trust in, on or of such asset, and (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset.

Line Cap ” means, at any time of determination, the lesser of (a) the Total Commitments or (b) the Borrowing Base.

Loan Account ” has the meaning assigned to such term in SECTION 2.20.

Loan Documents ” means this Agreement, the Notes, the Letters of Credit, the Fee Letter, all Borrowing Base Certificates, the Blocked Account Agreements, the Collateral Access Agreements, the Customs Broker Agreements, the Credit Card Notifications, the Security Documents, the Facility Guarantee, the Facility Guarantors’ Collateral Documents, and any other instrument or agreement now or hereafter executed and delivered in connection herewith.

Loan Party ” or “ Loan Parties ” means the Borrower and the Facility Guarantors.

Loans ” means all Revolving Credit Loans and other advances to or for account of the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.

Margin Stock ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Regulation U.

Material Adverse Effect ” means any event, fact, or circumstance, which, after the Effective Date, has a material adverse effect on, (a) the business, assets, financial condition or income of the Loan Parties taken as a whole, or (b) the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, in any material respect, or any of the material rights or remedies of the Credit Parties hereunder or thereunder.

Material Canadian Subsidiary ” means as to any Person, a Canadian Subsidiary of such Person that, as of the end of the most recent Fiscal Quarter for which financial statements are available owns assets consisting of Inventory and Accounts of more than $10,000,000, individually. The designation of a Subsidiary as a “Material Canadian Subsidiary” shall be permanent notwithstanding any subsequent reduction in such Subsidiary’s assets, unless otherwise consented to by the Administrative Agent. As of the Effective Date, there are no Material Canadian Subsidiaries.

 

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Material Contract ” means, with respect to any Loan Party, each contract to which such Loan Party is a party and which has been filed or is required to be filed as an exhibit to any report filed by any Loan Party with the SEC.

Material Domestic Subsidiary ” means as to any Person, a Domestic Subsidiary of such Person that, as of the end of the most recent Fiscal Quarter for which financial statements are available owns assets consisting of Inventory and Accounts of more than $10,000,000, individually. The designation of a Subsidiary as a “Material Domestic Subsidiary” shall be permanent notwithstanding any subsequent reduction in such Subsidiary’s assets, unless otherwise consented to by the Administrative Agent. As of the Effective Date, the Subsidiaries listed on Schedule 1.4 are not Material Domestic Subsidiaries.

Material Indebtedness ” means Indebtedness (other than the Obligations and inter-company Indebtedness) of the Loan Parties in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $15,000,000. For purposes of determining the amount of Material Indebtedness at any time, the amount of the obligations in respect of any Financial Hedge at such time shall be calculated at the Agreement Value thereof.

Material Subsidiary ” means a Material Canadian Subsidiary or a Material Domestic Subsidiary, as the case may be.

Maturity Date ” means April 4, 2016.

Maximum Rate ” has the meaning provided therefor in SECTION 9.13.

Minority Lenders ” has the meaning provided therefor in SECTION 9.02(c).

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

Multiemployer Plan ” means a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which the Parent or any ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions.

Net Proceeds ” means, with respect to any event, (a) the cash proceeds received in respect of such event, including (i) any cash received in respect of any non-cash proceeds, but only as and when received, (ii) in the case of a casualty, insurance proceeds, and (iii) in the case of a condemnation or similar event, condemnation awards and similar payments, in each case net of (b) the sum of (i) all reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses (including appraisals, and brokerage, legal, title and recording tax expenses and commissions) paid by any Loan Party or a Subsidiary to third parties (other than Affiliates) in connection with such event, (ii) in the case of a sale or other disposition of an asset (including pursuant to a casualty or condemnation), the amount of all payments required to be made by any Loan Party as a result of such event to repay (or to establish an escrow for the repayment of) any Indebtedness (other than the Obligations and any other obligations secured by the Security Documents) secured by such asset or otherwise subject to mandatory prepayment as a result of such event, or a Permitted Encumbrance that is

 

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senior to the Lien of the Collateral Agent, and (iii) cash Taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be actually payable in cash in connection therewith (it being understood and agreed that (x) until actually paid, the amount of such Taxes shall be maintained in a segregated DDA of the Borrower and not used for any other purpose, and (y) upon payment of any such Taxes, “Net Proceeds” shall be deemed to include an amount equal to any amounts in excess of the Taxes actually paid and shall be promptly paid to the Administrative Agent).

Notes ” means, collectively, (i) Revolving Credit Notes and (ii) the Swingline Note, each as may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.

Obligations ” means (a) the due and punctual payment of (i) the principal of, and interest (including all interest that accrues after the commencement of any case or proceeding by or against any Loan Party under the Bankruptcy Code, the BIA, the WURA or the CCAA or any state, federal or provincial bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law, whether or not allowed in such case or proceeding) on the Loans, as and when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, upon one or more dates set for prepayment or otherwise, (ii) each payment required to be made by the Loan Parties under this Agreement or any other Loan Document in respect of any Letter of Credit, when and as due, including payments in respect of reimbursement of disbursements, interest thereon and obligations to provide cash collateral and (iii) all other monetary obligations, including fees, costs, expenses and indemnities, whether primary, secondary, direct, contingent, fixed or otherwise, of the Loan Parties to the Credit Parties under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including, without limitation, for all such items that accrue after the commencement of any case or proceeding by or against any Loan Party under the Bankruptcy Code, the BIA, the WURA or the CCAA or any state, federal or provincial bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law, whether or not allowed in such case or proceeding, (b) the due and punctual payment and performance of all the covenants, agreements, obligations and liabilities of each Loan Party under or pursuant to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and (c) Other Liabilities.

Other Liabilities ” means any transaction with any Agent, any Lender or any of their respective Affiliates, which arises out of any Bank Product or Cash Management Service provided by any such Person, as each may be amended from time to time.

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

Overadvance ” means a loan, advance, or providing of credit support (such as the issuance of a Letter of Credit) to the extent that, immediately after its having been made, Availability is less than zero.

Participant ” shall have the meaning provided therefor in SECTION 9.04(e).

Parent ” means Pier 1 Imports, Inc.

Participation Register ” has the meaning provided therefor in SECTION 9.04(e).

 

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Payment Conditions ” means, with respect to any transaction or payment, (i) no Default or Event of Default has occurred or shall occur after giving effect to such transaction or payment, (ii) Availability will be equal to or greater than seventeen and one-half percent (17.5%) of the Line Cap after giving pro forma effect to such transaction or payment and as projected on a pro forma basis for the six (6) months following such transaction or payment, (iii) after giving pro forma effect to such transaction or payment, the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the twelve months preceding such transaction or payment shall be equal to or greater than 1.00:1.00, and (iv) the Borrower shall have provided projections to the Administrative Agent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, evidencing the satisfaction of the conditions described in clauses (ii) and (iii) above.

Paid in Full ” means the date on which (i) the Commitments shall have expired or been terminated, the Lenders have no further obligation to make any Loans and the Issuing Banks shall have no further obligation to issue Letters of Credit hereunder, (ii) the principal of and interest on all Loans and all fees, expenses and indemnities and other Obligations (other than any contingent indemnification Obligations for which no claim has then been asserted) shall have been indefeasibly paid in full in cash, (iii) all Letters of Credit shall have expired or terminated or been cash collateralized to the extent provided herein (or, alternatively, the applicable Issuing Bank(s) shall have received, in form and substance and from an issuing bank reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and such Issuing Bank, a backstop letter of credit in an amount equal to 103% of the Letter of Credit Outstandings with respect to such Letters of Credit) and (iv) all Letter of Credit Disbursements shall have been reimbursed. “ Payment in Full ” shall have a correlative meaning.

PBGC ” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA and any successor entity performing similar functions.

Permitted Acquisition ” means an Acquisition in which each of the following conditions are satisfied:

(a)        No Default or Event of Default then exists or would arise from the consummation of such Acquisition;

(b)        If any proceeds of the Loan are to be used for such Acquisition, such Acquisition shall have been approved by the Board of Directors of the Person (or similar governing body if such Person is not a corporation) which is the subject of such Acquisition and such Person shall not have announced that it will oppose such Acquisition or shall not have commenced any action which alleges that such Acquisition will violate Applicable Law;

(c)        If the Acquisition is an Acquisition of Capital Stock, a Loan Party shall own directly or indirectly a majority of the Capital Stock in the Person being acquired and shall Control a majority of any voting interests, and/or shall otherwise Control the governance of the Person being acquired;

(d)        Any material assets acquired shall be utilized in, and if the Acquisition involves a merger, amalgamation, consolidation or stock acquisition, the Person which is the subject of such Acquisition shall be engaged in, a business otherwise permitted to be engaged in by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries under this Agreement;

 

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(e)        If the Person which is the subject of such Acquisition will be maintained as a Material Domestic Subsidiary of a Loan Party, or if the assets acquired in an acquisition will be transferred to a Material Domestic Subsidiary which is not a Loan Party, such Subsidiary shall have been joined as a “Loan Party” hereunder, and the Collateral Agent shall have received a first priority security and/or mortgage interest in such Subsidiary’s Inventory and Accounts and other property of the same nature as constitutes collateral under the Security Documents in order to secure the Obligations; and

(f)        (i) the Payment Conditions shall have been satisfied, or (ii)(A) after giving pro forma effect to such Acquisition, Availability will be (and is projected on a pro forma basis for the twelve (12) months following such transaction or payment, to be) equal to or greater than thirty-five percent (35%) of the Line Cap, and (B) the Borrower shall have provided projections to the Administrative Agent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, evidencing the satisfaction of the conditions described in clause (ii)(A) above, or (iii) the Covenant Conditions shall have been satisfied and the aggregate purchase price paid in cash for all such Acquisitions incurred under this clause (f)(iii) (together with all Restricted Payments, voluntary prepayments of Indebtedness and Investments previously made as to which the Capped Amount applies) shall not exceed the Capped Amount.

Permitted Disposition ” means any of the following:

(a)        licensed departments of a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(b)        bulk sales or other dispositions of the Inventory of the Borrower not in the ordinary course of business in connection with store closings, at arm’s length, provided , that (i) the Annual Store Closing Percentage shall not exceed ten percent (10%) in any Fiscal Year, and (ii) the Aggregate Store Closing Percentage shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) at any time,  provided , further that all sales of Inventory in connection with store closings which occur within any twelve (12) month period which are in the aggregate in excess of ten percent (10%) of the number of the Borrower’s stores in operation as of the Effective Date shall be in accordance with liquidation agreements and with professional liquidators reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent;

(c)        Dispositions of equipment in the ordinary course of business that is substantially worn, damaged, obsolete or, in the judgment of a Loan Party, no longer used or useful in its business or that of any Subsidiary;

(d)        Sales, transfers and dispositions among the Loan Parties;

(e)        Any sale or sale-leaseback transaction of Real Estate owned by any of the Loan Parties, provided that, in the case of any such sale-leaseback, upon request by the Administrative Agent, the Loan Parties shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a Collateral Access Agreement duly executed by the purchaser of such Real Estate on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

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(f)        Disposition of any assets or capital stock of any Subsidiary or Person which is not a Loan Party; and

(g)        The transfer of company-owned life insurance policies, participant contributions, and/or employer matching funds to one or more of the sub-trusts established under the Pier 1 Umbrella Trust, as amended, for the sole purpose of setting aside funds to be used to settle obligations under one or more non-qualified deferred compensation plans maintained by the Parent and its employing Subsidiaries.

Permitted Dividends ” means:

(a)        Dividends with respect to Capital Stock payable solely in additional shares of or warrants to purchase common stock;

(b)        Stock splits (traditional and reverse) or reclassifications of stock into additional or other shares of common stock;

(c)        The declaration and payment of a dividend by any Subsidiary of a Loan Party to a Loan Party;

(d)        Restricted Payments in an amount not to exceed $20,000,000 in the aggregate per year, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred or shall occur after giving effect to such Restricted Payments;

(e)        So long as the Covenant Conditions shall have been satisfied, Restricted Payments in an amount, which, when aggregated with all other Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (e), Permitted Acquisitions, voluntary prepayments of Indebtedness and Investments previously made to which the Capped Amount applies, do not exceed the Capped Amount;

(f)        Restricted Payments other than those described in clauses (d) and (e) above so long as (i) no Default or Event of Default has occurred or shall occur after giving effect to such Restricted Payment, and (ii) after giving pro forma effect to such Restricted Payment, Availability will be (and is projected on a pro forma basis for the twelve (12) months following such transaction or payment, to be) equal to or greater than fifty percent (50%) of the Line Cap, and (iii) the Borrower shall have provided projections to the Administrative Agent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, evidencing the satisfaction of the conditions described in clause (ii) above; and

(g)        Other Restricted Payments so long as the Payment Conditions shall have been satisfied, provided that for purposes of this clause (g), the percentage set forth in clause (ii) of the definition of “Payment Conditions” shall be twenty percent (20%), and the ratio set forth in clause (iii) of the definition of “Payment Conditions” shall be 1.10:1.0.

 

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Permitted Encumbrances ” means:

(a)        Liens imposed by law for Taxes that are not yet due or are being contested in compliance with SECTION 5.05;

(b)        Carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s and other like Liens imposed by Applicable Law, arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not overdue by more than thirty (30) days or are being contested in compliance with SECTION 5.05;

(c)        Pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations;

(d)        Deposits to secure or relating to the performance of bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds (and Liens arising in accordance with Applicable Law in connection therewith), and other obligations of a like nature, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

(e)        Judgment Liens in respect of judgments that do not constitute an Event of Default under SECTION 7.01(l);

(f)        Easements, covenants, conditions, restrictions, building code laws, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way, mineral leases or similar agreements and similar encumbrances on real property imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business that do not secure any monetary obligations and do not materially detract from the value of the affected property or materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of a Loan Party;

(g)        Any Lien on any property or asset of any Loan Party set forth in the Information Certificate, provided that, if such Lien secures Indebtedness, such Lien shall secure only the Indebtedness set forth in the Information Certificate as of the Effective Date (and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof permitted under SECTION 6.01);

(h)        Liens on fixed or capital assets acquired by any Loan Party which are permitted under SECTION 6.01 so long as (i) such Liens and the Indebtedness secured thereby are incurred prior to or within ninety (90) days after such acquisition or the completion of the construction or improvement thereof (other than refinancings thereof permitted hereunder), (ii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the cost of acquisition or improvement of such fixed or capital assets, together with any “soft costs” related thereto, and (iii) such Liens shall not extend to any other property or assets of the Loan Parties; provided that any Indebtedness provided by any lender secured by any Lien permitted under this clause (h) may also be secured by other fixed or capital assets which secure other Indebtedness provided by the same lender or its Affiliates permitted hereunder and which is secured by any Lien permitted under this clause (h);

 

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(i)        Liens in favor of the Collateral Agent for its own benefit and the benefit of the other Credit Parties;

(j)        Landlords’ and lessors’ Liens in respect of rent not in default for more than thirty (30) days or the existence of which, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(k)        Possessory Liens in favor of brokers and dealers arising in connection with the acquisition or disposition of Investments owned as of the Effective Date and Permitted Investments, provided that such liens (a) attach only to such Investments and (b) secure only obligations incurred in the ordinary course and arising in connection with the acquisition or disposition of such Investments and not any obligation in connection with margin financing;

(l)        Liens arising solely by virtue of any statutory or common law provisions relating to banker’s liens, liens in favor of securities intermediaries, rights of setoff or similar rights and remedies as to deposit accounts or securities accounts or other funds maintained with depository institutions or securities intermediaries;

(m)        Liens on Real Estate or on the Capital Stock of the Persons owning such Real Estate to finance or refinance Indebtedness permitted by clause (i) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness; provided that such Liens shall not apply to any property or assets of the Loan Parties other than the Real Estate or Capital Stock so financed or refinanced;

(n)        Liens attaching solely to cash earnest money deposits in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement in connection with a Permitted Acquisition or a Permitted Investment of the type described in clauses (p) and/or (q) of the definition of “Permitted Investment”;

(o)        Liens arising from precautionary UCC filings regarding “true” operating leases or the consignment of goods to a Party;

(p)        Voluntary Liens on assets in existence at the time such assets are acquired pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition or on assets of a Subsidiary of the Borrower in existence at the time such Subsidiary is acquired pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition; provided that such Liens are not incurred in connection with or in anticipation of such Permitted Acquisition or such Permitted Investment and do not attach to any other assets of any Loan Party and provided further that in no event shall such assets be included as eligible for borrowing under the Borrowing Base;

(q)        Liens in favor of customs and revenues authorities imposed by Applicable Law arising in the ordinary course of business in connection with the importation of goods and securing obligations (i) that are not overdue by more than thirty (30) days, (ii)(A) that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (B) the applicable Loan Party or Subsidiary has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP and (C) such contest effectively suspends collection of the contested obligation and enforcement of any Lien securing such obligation, or (iii) the existence of which would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

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(r)        Liens placed on any of the assets or equity interests of a Foreign Subsidiary;

(s)        Any interest or title of a licensor, sublicensor, lessor or sublessor under any license or operating or true lease agreement;

(t)        Licenses, sublicenses, leases or subleases granted to third Persons in the ordinary course of business;

(u)        The replacement, extension or renewal of any Permitted Encumbrance; provided , that such Lien shall at no time be extended to cover any assets or property other than such assets or property subject thereto on the Effective Date or the date such Lien was incurred, as applicable;

(v)        Liens arising by operation of law under Article 4 of the UCC (or any similar law in Canada) in connection with collection of items provided for therein;

(w)        Liens arising by operation of law under Article 2 of the UCC (or any similar laws in Canada) in favor of a reclaiming seller of goods or buyer of goods;

(x)        Liens on operating accounts subject to overdraft protection or securities accounts in connection with overdraft protection, netting and other similar services;

(y)        Security given to a public or private utility or any Governmental Authority as required in the ordinary course of business;

(z)        Liens on assets to secure Indebtedness permitted to be secured under clause (r) of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness”;

(aa)        Liens consisting of deposits in the ordinary course of business in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,000,000 at any time outstanding; and

(bb)        Liens in favor of a financial institution encumbering deposits (including the right of setoff) held by such financial institution in the ordinary course of business in respect of Indebtedness permitted hereunder and which are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry.

Permitted Indebtedness ” means each of the following:

(a)        The Obligations;

(b)        Indebtedness set forth in the Information Certificate and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness, so long as after giving effect thereto (i) the principal amount of the Indebtedness outstanding at such time is not increased (except by the amount of any accrued interest, reasonable closing costs, expenses, fees, and premium paid in

 

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connection with such extension, renewal or replacement), (ii) if the final maturity date of such Indebtedness set forth in the Information Certificate is prior to the Maturity Date, the result of such extension, renewal or replacement shall not be an earlier maturity date or decreased weighted average life and (iii) if the final maturity date of such Indebtedness set forth in the Information Certificate is after the Maturity Date, the result of such extension, renewal or replacement shall not be a maturity date earlier than the earlier of (A) a date that is at least six (6) months after the Maturity Date, or (B) the maturity date of the Indebtedness being refinanced;

(c)        Indebtedness of any Loan Party to any other Loan Party or to any of their Affiliates;

(d)        Guarantees by any Loan Party of Indebtedness or other obligations of (i) any other Loan Party, and (ii) any other Subsidiary of the Borrower so long as, in the case of this clause (ii), such Guarantees (together with any Investments made pursuant to clauses (i)(ii) and (p) of the definition of “Permitted Investments”) shall not exceed an aggregate principal amount of $50,000,000 at any time outstanding;

(e)        Purchase money Indebtedness of any Loan Party to finance the acquisition or improvement of any fixed or capital assets, including Capital Lease Obligations (excluding therein any Indebtedness incurred in connection with sale or sale-leaseback transactions permitted under clause (j) of this definition), and any Indebtedness assumed in connection with the acquisition of any such assets or secured by a Lien on any such assets prior to the acquisition thereof (and not incurred in contemplation of such acquisition), and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof or result in an earlier maturity date or decreased weighted average life thereof; provided , however, that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (e) shall not exceed $50,000,000 at any time outstanding;

(f)        Indebtedness under Financial Hedges, other than for speculative purposes, entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(g)        Contingent liabilities under surety bonds or similar instruments incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with the construction or improvement of retail stores;

(h)        Indebtedness incurred for the construction or acquisition of, or to finance or to refinance, any Real Estate owned by any Loan Party;

(i)        Indebtedness with respect to the deferred purchase price for any Permitted Acquisition or any Permitted Investment of the type described in clauses (p) and/or (q) of the definition of “Permitted Investment”, provided that no such Indebtedness shall be secured by any of the Collateral;

(j)        Indebtedness incurred in connection with sale and sale-leaseback transactions permitted hereunder;

(k)        Subordinated Indebtedness;

 

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(l)        Indebtedness incurred by any Foreign Subsidiary for working capital or general corporate purposes which is not guaranteed by or secured by any assets of any Loan Party (other than the capital stock of such Foreign Subsidiary);

(m)        Indebtedness constituting the obligation to make purchase price adjustments and indemnities in connection with Permitted Acquisitions or Permitted Investments of the type described in clauses (p) and/or (q) of the definition of “Permitted Investment”;

(n)        Guarantees and letters of credit and surety bonds issued in connection with Permitted Acquisitions, Permitted Dispositions and Permitted Investments of the type described in clauses (p) and/or (q) of the definition of “Permitted Investment”;

(o)        Indebtedness of any Loan Party acquired pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition (or Indebtedness assumed at the time and as a result of a Permitted Acquisition); provided , that in each case such Indebtedness was not incurred in connection with, or in anticipation or contemplation of, such Permitted Acquisition;

(p)        Indebtedness relating to surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(q)        without duplication of any other Indebtedness, non-cash accruals of interest, accretion or amortization of original issue discount and/or pay-in-kind interest;

(r)        other Indebtedness; provided that any such Indebtedness shall (i) have a maturity date of not less than six (6) months following the Maturity Date, (ii) not require any amortization of principal until Payment in Full, (iii) except to the extent such Indebtedness does not exceed the aggregate principal amount of $250,000,000, be unsecured; provided further that any secured Indebtedness permitted pursuant to this clause (r) shall (A) not encumber any Collateral and (B) if requested by the Administrative Agent, be subject to an intercreditor agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and duly executed by the holder of such Indebtedness;

(s)        Indebtedness relating to existing letters of credit obtained from Canadian financial institutions, as set forth in the Information Certificate; and

(t)        other unsecured Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $100,000,000 at any time outstanding.

Permitted Investments ” means each of the following:

(a)        Government Securities;

(b)        Collective investment funds created pursuant to Regulation 9 of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency of the United States, rated AAA by S&P or Aaa by Moody’s and in compliance with SEC Rule 2(a)7, that are invested solely in one (1) or more securities of the United States government, securities issued by one (1) or more agencies of the United States government, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, and individual corporate securities rated AAA by S&P or Aaa by Moody’s;

 

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(c)        Certificates of deposit, Eurodollar certificates of deposit, demand and time deposits, and prime bankers acceptances issued by any financial institution organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America or any of its states and having on the date of the investment an S&P rating of at least A- or A-1 or a Moody’s rating of at least A-3 or P-1, in each case due within one (1) year after the date of the making of the investment;

(d)        Fully collateralized repurchase agreements with a financial institution described in clause (c) above having a defined termination date, fully secured by obligations of the United States government, or its agencies, and due within one (1) year after the date of the making of the investment;

(e)        Tax-exempt mutual funds that invest in municipal securities rated A1 or higher or AA or higher by S&P or P1 or higher or Aa or higher by Moody’s and in compliance with SEC Rule 2(a)7;

(f)        Variable-rate tax-exempt demand notes issued by municipalities and rated AA or higher by S&P or Aa or higher by Moody’s and due within one (1) year after the date of the making of the investment;

(g)        Commercial paper issued by corporations and rated A2 or higher by S&P or P2 or higher by Moody’s and corporate debt obligations rated BBB or higher by S&P or Baa2 or higher by Moody’s. So long as the instrument is rated A1 or higher or A- or higher by S&P or P1 or higher or A3 or higher by Moody’s it must be due within one (1) year after the date of the making of the investment, otherwise it shall be due within ninety (90) days after the date of the making of the investment;

(h)        Loan participations through a financial institution described in clause (c) above, provided the underlying corporate credit is rated A2 or higher by S&P and P2 or higher by Moody’s and provided such loan participations are limited in duration to overnight investments;

(i)        Investments by any one or more Loan Parties (i) in other Loan Parties, and (ii) so long as no Default or Event of Default exists or arises as a result thereof, in any other Subsidiary of the Borrower so long as, in the case of this clause (ii) such Investments (together with any Guarantees made pursuant to clause (d)(ii) of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness” and any Investments made pursuant to clause (p) of this definition of “Permitted Investments”) shall not exceed an aggregate principal amount of $50,000,000 at any time outstanding;

(j)        Loans or advances to directors, officers, and employees of the Loan Parties that never exceed a total of $10,000,000 outstanding for all of the Loan Parties and to the extent not prohibited by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002;

(k)        Indebtedness of customers created in any Loan Party’s ordinary course of business in a manner consistent with its present practices;

(l)        Financial Hedges not for speculative purposes;

 

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(m)        Callable agency securities issued by government-sponsored entities and rated AAA by S&P or Aaa by Moody’s;

(n)        Agency bullet securities issued by government-sponsored entities and rated AAA by S&P or Aaa by Moody’s;

(o)        Permitted Acquisitions;

(p)        Other Investments (including the purchase of less than fifty percent (50%) of the Capital Stock of another Person), so long as such Investments (together with any Guarantees made pursuant to clause (d)(ii) of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness” and any Investments made pursuant to clause (i)(ii) of this definition of “Permitted Investments”) shall not exceed an aggregate principal amount of $50,000,000 at any time outstanding; and;

(q)        Other Investments (including the purchase of less than fifty percent (50%) of the Capital Stock of another Person), so long as either (i) the Payment Conditions shall have been satisfied, or (ii)(A) no Default or Event of Default has occurred or shall occur after giving effect to such Investment, and (B) after giving pro forma effect to such Investment, Availability will be (and is projected on a pro forma basis for the twelve (12) months following such transaction or payment, to be) equal to or greater than thirty-five percent (35%) of the Line Cap, and (C) the Borrower shall have provided projections to the Administrative Agent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, evidencing the satisfaction of the conditions described in clause (ii)(B) above, or (iii) the Covenant Conditions shall have been satisfied and the aggregate amount of all Investments incurred under this clause (q)(iii) (together with all Restricted Payments, prepayments of Indebtedness and Permitted Acquisitions previously made to which the Capped Amount applies) shall not exceed the Capped Amount.

Permitted Overadvance ” means an Overadvance made by the Administrative Agent, in its reasonable discretion, which:

(a)        Is made to maintain, protect or preserve the Collateral and/or the Credit Parties’ rights under the Loan Documents or which is otherwise for the benefit of the Credit Parties; and

(b)        Together with all other Permitted Overadvances then outstanding, (i) shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the Borrowing Base, in the aggregate outstanding at any time or (ii) unless a liquidation of the Collateral is then occurring, remain outstanding for more than forty-five (45) consecutive Business Days, unless in each case the Required Lenders otherwise agree;

provided however , that the foregoing shall not (i) modify or abrogate any of the provisions of SECTION 2.13(h) regarding any Lender’s obligations with respect to Letter of Credit Disbursements, or (ii) result in any claim or liability against the Administrative Agent (regardless of the amount of any Overadvance) for “inadvertent Overadvances” (i.e. where an Overadvance results from changed circumstances beyond the control of the Administrative Agent (such as a reduction in the collateral value)), and such inadvertent Overadvances shall not reduce the amount of Permitted Overadvances allowed hereunder; and further provided that in no event shall the Administrative Agent make an Overadvance, if after giving effect thereto, the principal amount of the Credit Extensions would exceed the Total Commitments (as in effect prior to any termination of the Total Commitments pursuant to SECTION 7.01).

 

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Person ” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, unlimited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, limited partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.

Plan ” means any defined benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(25) of ERISA) (other than a Multiemployer Plan) subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, and in respect of which the Parent or any ERISA Affiliate is (or, if such plan were terminated, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an “employer” (as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA) sponsoring or maintaining such plan.

PPSA ” means the Personal Property Security Act of Ontario (or any successor statute) or similar legislation of any other Canadian jurisdiction, including, without limitation, the Civil Code of Québec , the laws of which are required by such legislation to be applied in connection with the issue, perfection, enforcement, opposability, validity or effect of security interests.

Prepayment Event ” means any of the following events:

(a)        Any sale, transfer or other disposition (including pursuant to a sale and leaseback transaction) of any Collateral, other than the sale of Inventory in the ordinary course of business;

(b)        Any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any Collateral, unless the proceeds therefrom are required to be paid to the holder of a Lien on such property or asset having priority over the Lien of the Collateral Agent; or

(c)        The incurrence by a Loan Party of any Indebtedness other than Permitted Indebtedness.

Prime Rate ” means, for any day, the highest of: (a) the variable annual rate of interest then most recently announced by Bank of America at its head office in Charlotte, North Carolina as its “Prime Rate”; (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus  1 / 2 of 1% (0.50%) per annum; and (c) the Adjusted LIBO Rate for an Interest Period of one month, plus 1% per annum. The Prime Rate is a reference rate and does not necessarily represent the lowest or best rate being charged to any customer. If for any reason the Administrative Agent shall have determined (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that it is unable to ascertain the Federal Funds Effective Rate for any reason, including the inability or failure of the Administrative Agent to obtain sufficient quotations thereof in accordance with the terms hereof, the Prime Rate shall be determined without regard to clause (b) of the first sentence of this definition, until the circumstances giving rise to such inability no longer exist. If for any reason the Administrative Agent, in accordance with SECTION 2.10, shall have determined (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted LIBO Rate for an Interest Period of one month, the Prime Rate shall be determined without regard to clause (c) of the first sentence of this definition, until the circumstances giving rise to such inability no longer exist. Any change in

 

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the Prime Rate due to a change in Bank of America’s Prime Rate, the Adjusted LIBO Rate (after the expiration of the Interest Period previously used in determining the Prime Rate) or the Federal Funds Effective Rate shall be effective on the effective date of such change in Bank of America’s Prime Rate, the Adjusted LIBO Rate (after the expiration of the Interest Period previously used in determining the Prime Rate) or the Federal Funds Effective Rate, respectively.

Prime Rate Loan ” means any Revolving Credit Loan bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Prime Rate, in accordance with the provisions of Article II.

pro forma basis ” means, in respect of a Specified Transaction, that such Specified Transaction shall be deemed to have occurred as of the first day of the applicable period of measurement in connection with the determination of the Consolidated Fixed Charge Ratio or Availability, as applicable.

Proceeds of Crime Act ” means the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (Canada), and any regulations promulgated thereunder, if any, as the same may be amended from time to time.

Real Estate ” means all Leases and all land, together with the buildings, structures, parking areas, and other improvements thereon, now or hereafter owned by any Loan Party, including all easements, rights-of-way, and similar rights relating thereto and all leases, tenancies, and occupancies thereof.

Register ” has the meaning provided in SECTION 9.04(c).

Regulation U ” means Regulation U of the Board as from time to time in effect and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

Regulation X ” means Regulation X of the Board as from time to time in effect and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

Release ” has the meaning provided in Section 101(22) of CERCLA.

Reports ” has the meaning provided in SECTION 8.13.

Required Lenders ” means, at any time, Lenders (other than Delinquent Lenders and Deteriorating Lenders, respectively) having Commitments aggregating more than fifty percent (50%) of the Total Commitments, or if the Commitments have been terminated, Lenders (other than Delinquent Lenders and Deteriorating Lenders, respectively) whose percentage of the outstanding Credit Extensions (calculated assuming settlement and repayment of all Swingline Loans by the Lenders) aggregate not less than fifty percent (50%) of all such Credit Extensions.

Reserves ” means all (if any) Inventory Reserves and Availability Reserves.

Responsible Officer ” of any Person shall mean any executive officer or financial officer of such Person and any other officer or similar official thereof with responsibility for the administration of the obligations of such Person in respect of this Agreement.

 

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Restricted Payment ” means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any class of Capital Stock of a Person, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any Capital Stock of a Person or any option, warrant or other right to acquire any Capital Stock of a Person; provided that “Restricted Payments” shall not include any dividends payable solely in Capital Stock of a Loan Party.

Revolving Credit Ceiling ” means $300,000,000, as such amount may be increased or reduced in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

Revolving Credit Loans ” means all loans at any time made by any Lender pursuant to Article II and, to the extent applicable, shall include Swingline Loans made by the Swingline Lender pursuant to SECTION 2.06.

Revolving Credit Notes ” means the promissory notes of the Borrower substantially in the form of Exhibit D , each payable to the order of a Lender, evidencing the Revolving Credit Loans made to the Borrower.

S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and any successor thereto.

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Security Agreement ” means the Security Agreement dated as of the Closing Date among the Loan Parties and the Collateral Agent for its benefit and for the benefit of the other Credit Parties, as amended and in effect from time to time.

Security Documents ” means the Security Agreement, the General Security Agreements, the Deeds of Hypothec, the Facility Guarantee, the Facility Guarantors’ Collateral Documents, and each other security agreement or other instrument or document executed and delivered pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document to secure any of the Obligations.

Settlement Date ” has the meaning provided in SECTION 2.22(b).

Solvent ” means, with respect to any Person on a particular date, that on such date (i) (a) at fair valuations, all of the properties and assets of such Person are greater than the sum of the debts, including contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the present fair saleable value of the properties and assets of such Person is not less than the amount that would be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person is able to realize upon its properties and assets and pay its debts and other liabilities, contingent obligations and other commitments as they mature in the normal course of business, (d) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts beyond such Person’s ability to pay as such debts mature, and (e) such Person is not engaged in a business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in a business or transaction, for which such Person’s properties and assets would constitute unreasonably small capital after giving due consideration to the prevailing practices in the industry in which such Person is engaged, and (ii) as to any Person incorporated or organized under the laws of Canada or any province or territory thereof, such Person is not an “insolvent person” as defined in the BIA.

 

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Specified Default ” means the occurrence of any Event of Default specified in SECTIONS 7.01(a), 7.01(b), 7.01(c), 7.01(d) (with respect to Article VI, SECTIONS 5.01(d), 5.08(b) or 5.11 only), 7.01(f) (but only to the extent such Material Indebtedness has been accelerated), 7.01(g), 7.01(h), 7.01(i), 7.01(j), 7.01(k), 7.01(n), 7.01(o), 7.01(p), 7.01(s), or SECTION 7.01(t).

Specified Transaction ” means any Permitted Acquisition, any Investment made pursuant to clause (q) of the definition of “Permitted Investment”, prepayment of Indebtedness pursuant to Section 6.06(b)(ii), and any Restricted Payment or other event that by the terms of this Agreement requires such test to be calculated on a “pro forma basis” or after giving “pro forma effect.”

Standby Letter of Credit ” means any Letter of Credit other than a Commercial Letter of Credit.

Stated Amount ” means at any time the maximum amount for which a Letter of Credit may be honored.

Statutory Reserve Rate ” means a fraction (expressed as a decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve percentages (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves) expressed as a decimal established by the Board to which the Administrative Agent is subject with respect to the Adjusted LIBO Rate, for eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency Liabilities” in Regulation D of the Board). Such reserve percentages shall include those imposed pursuant to such Regulation D. LIBO Loans shall be deemed to constitute eurocurrency funding and to be subject to such reserve requirements without benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available from time to time to any Lender under such Regulation D or any comparable regulation. The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in any reserve percentage.

Subordinated Indebtedness ” means Indebtedness which is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of the Obligations and which is in form and on terms approved in writing by the Agents.

Subsidiary ” means with respect to any Person (the “ parent ”) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the parent in the parent’s Consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP as of such date, as well as any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity (a) of which Capital Stock representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the equity or more than fifty percent (50%) of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than fifty percent (50%) of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, Controlled or held, or (b) except with respect to any financial statements or calculations in accordance with GAAP, that is, as of such date, otherwise Controlled, by the parent or one or more subsidiaries of the parent or by the parent and one or more subsidiaries of the parent.

 

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Swingline Lender ” means Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as lender of Swingline Loans hereunder.

Swingline Loan ” means a Loan made by the Swingline Lender to the Borrower, pursuant to SECTION 2.06 hereof.

Swingline Loan Ceiling ” means, at any time, ten percent (10%) of the Total Commitments. As of the Effective Date, the Swingline Loan Ceiling is $30,000,000.

Swingline Note ” means the promissory note of the Borrower substantially in the form of Exhibit E , payable to the order of the applicable Swingline Lender, evidencing the Swingline Loans made by the Swingline Lender to the Borrower.

Syndication Agent ” has the meaning provided in the preamble to this Agreement.

Synthetic Lease ” means any lease or other agreement for the use or possession of property creating obligations which do not appear as Indebtedness on the balance sheet of the lessee thereunder but which, upon the insolvency or bankruptcy of such Person, may be characterized as Indebtedness of such lessee without regard to the accounting treatment.

Taxes ” means any and all current or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, charges or withholdings imposed by any Governmental Authority.

Termination Date ” means the earliest to occur of (i) the Maturity Date, (ii) the date on which the maturity of the Obligations is accelerated and the Total Commitments are irrevocably terminated, (iii) the date of the occurrence of any Event of Default pursuant to SECTION 7.01(h) or 7.01(i), or (iv) the termination of the Total Commitments in accordance with the provisions of SECTION 2.15.

Total Commitments ” means, at any time, the sum of the Commitments at such time. As of the Effective Date, the Total Commitments aggregate $300,000,000.

Total Outstandings ” means the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all Loans and all Letter of Credit Outstandings.

Trust Funds ” means any cash comprised of (i) funds specifically and exclusively used for payroll Taxes, payroll and other employee benefit payments to or for the benefit of any Loan Party’s or its Subsidiaries’ employees, (ii) all Taxes required to be collected, remitted or withheld (including, without limitation, federal and state withholding taxes (including the employer’s share thereof) and (iii) any other funds (A) which any Loan Party holds on behalf of another Person and (B) which such Loan Party holds as an escrow or fiduciary for such Person.

Trust Funds DDA ” has the meaning provided in SECTION 2.18(h).

 

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Type ”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate, or the Prime Rate, as applicable.

UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New York.

Unanimous Consent ” means the consent of Lenders (other than Delinquent Lenders and Deteriorating Lenders, respectively) holding one hundred percent (100%) of the Commitments (other than Commitments held by a Delinquent Lender or a Deteriorating Lender, respectively).

Unused Commitment ” shall mean, on any day, (a) the then Total Commitments minus (b) the sum of (i) the principal amount of Loans (other than Swingline Loans) then outstanding, and (ii) the then Letter of Credit Outstandings.

Unused Fee ” has the meaning provided in SECTION 2.19(b).

Wage Earner Protection Act Reserve ” means, on any date of determination, an Availability Reserve established from time to time by the Administrative Agent in its commercially reasonable discretion from the perspective of an asset-based lender exercised in good faith in such amount as the Administrative Agent determines reflects the amounts which would give rise to a Lien under the Wage Earner Protection Program Act (Canada) with respect to the employees of any Loan Party employed in Canada with priority under Applicable Law over the Lien of the Collateral Agent.

WURA ” means the Winding-Up and Restructuring Act (Canada), and any regulations promulgated thereunder, if any, as amended from time to time.

Withdrawal Liability ” means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal by the Parent or an ERISA Affiliate from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.

SECTION 1.02         Terms Generally.

The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”. Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented, replaced, refinanced or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, restatements, amendments and restatements, supplements, replacements, refinancings or modifications set forth herein), (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s permitted successors and assigns, (c) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (d) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer

 

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to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement, unless the context shall otherwise require, (e) the term “security interest” shall include a hypothec and the term hypothecation, (f) the term “solidary” as used herein shall be read and interpreted in accordance with the Civil Code of Québec , (g) any reference to “registration” or “filing” in respect of security, security interest or hypothecation shall also mean “publishing”, (h) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible, moveable and immoveable, and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights and (i) all financial statements and other financial information provided by the Borrower to the Agents or any Lender shall be provided with reference to dollars, and (j) all references to “$” or “dollars” or to amounts of money shall be deemed to be references to the lawful currency of the United States of America.

SECTION 1.03         Accounting Terms; GAAP.

Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect on the Effective Date; provided , however , that if the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent that the Borrower requests an amendment to any provision hereof to reflect the effect of any change occurring after the date hereof in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of such provision (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to enter into an amendment to this Agreement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP and such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such provision shall have been amended in accordance herewith; provided , further , that any change in GAAP after the Effective Date will not cause any lease that was not or would not have been a capital lease prior to such change to be deemed a capital lease.

SECTION 1.04         Rounding.

Any financial ratios required to be maintained by the Loan Parties pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding-up if there is no nearest number.

SECTION 1.05         Times of Day.

Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable).

SECTION 1.06         Letter of Credit Amounts.

Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to 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; provided , however, that with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms of any Issuer Documents related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the Stated Amount

 

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thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the maximum Stated Amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum Stated Amount is in effect at such time.

SECTION 1.07         Timing of Performance.

Except as otherwise provided in SECTION 2.21(a), if the performance of any covenant, duty or obligation under any Loan Document shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for such performance shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day.

ARTICLE II

Amount and Terms of Credit

SECTION 2.01         Commitment of the Lenders.

(a)        Each Lender, severally and not jointly with any other Lender, agrees, upon the terms and subject to the conditions herein set forth, to make Credit Extensions to or for the benefit of the Borrower, on a revolving basis, subject in each case to the following limitations:

    (i)        The Total Outstandings shall not at any time either (A) exceed $300,000,000 or any greater or lesser amount to which the Total Commitments have then been increased or reduced by the Borrower pursuant to SECTION 2.02 or SECTION 2.15, or (B) cause Availability to be less than zero;

    (ii)        Letters of Credit shall be available from the Issuing Banks to the Borrower, subject to the ratable participation of the Lenders, as set forth in SECTION 2.13. The Borrower shall not permit the aggregate Letter of Credit Outstandings at any time to exceed $200,000,000;

    (iii)        No Lender shall be obligated to make any Credit Extension to the Borrower in excess of such Lender’s Commitment; and

    (iv)        Subject to all of the other provisions of this Agreement, Revolving Credit Loans to the Borrower that are repaid may be reborrowed prior to the Termination Date. No new Credit Extensions (other than Permitted Overadvances) shall be made to the Borrower after the Termination Date.

(b)        Except as provided in SECTION 2.01(a)(iii), each Borrowing of Revolving Credit Loans (other than Swingline Loans) shall be made by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with their respective Commitments. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan to the Borrower shall neither relieve any other Lender of its obligation to fund its Loan to the Borrower in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement nor, except in accordance with SECTION 8.16(b), increase the obligation of any such other Lender.

 

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SECTION 2.02         Increase in Total Commitments

(a)        So long as no Default or Event of Default exists or would arise therefrom, the Borrower shall have the right at any time, and from time to time, to request an increase of the Total Commitments to an amount not to exceed $400,000,000. Any such requested increase shall be first made to all existing Lenders on a pro rata basis. To the extent that the existing Lenders decline to increase their Commitments, or decline to increase their Commitments to the amount requested by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Borrower, will use commercially reasonable efforts to arrange for other Persons (which Persons may be suggested by the Borrower but subject in any event to the approval of the Administrative Agent in accordance with the terms of this clause (a)) to become a Lender hereunder and to issue commitments in an amount equal to the amount of the increase in the Total Commitments requested by the Borrower and not accepted by the existing Lenders (each such increase by either means, a “ Commitment Increase ,” and each Person issuing, or Lender increasing, its Commitment, an “ Additional Commitment Lender ”), provided , however , that (i) no Lender shall be obligated to provide a Commitment Increase as a result of any such request by the Borrower, and (ii) any Additional Commitment Lender which is not an existing Lender shall qualify as an Eligible Assignee and shall be subject to the approval of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Borrower (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld). Each Commitment Increase shall be in such minimum amounts as the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion shall determine.

(b)        Any Commitment Increase shall not become effective unless and until each of the following conditions have been satisfied:

    (i)        The Borrower, the Administrative Agent, and any Additional Commitment Lender shall have executed and delivered a joinder to the Loan Documents in such form as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably require;

    (ii)        The Borrower shall have paid such fees and other compensation, if any, to the Additional Commitment Lenders as the Borrower and such Additional Commitment Lenders shall agree in writing;

    (iii)        The Borrower shall have paid such arrangement fees to the Administrative Agent as the Borrower and the Administrative Agent may agree in writing;

    (iv)        Upon the Administrative Agent’s request, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Credit Parties, an opinion or opinions, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, from counsel to the Borrower reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and dated such date;

    (v)        Upon the request of any Lender (including, without limitation, any Additional Commitment Lender), a Revolving Credit Note will be issued at the Borrower’s expense, to such Lender, to be in conformity with requirements of SECTION 2.07 (with appropriate modification) to the extent necessary to reflect the new Commitment of such Lender; and

 

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    (vi)        The Borrower and each Additional Commitment Lender shall have delivered such other instruments, documents and agreements as the Administrative Agent may reasonably have requested.

(c)        The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender as to the effectiveness of each Commitment Increase (with each date of such effectiveness being referred to herein as a “ Commitment Increase Date ”), and at such time (i) the Total Commitments under, and for all purposes of, this Agreement shall be increased by the aggregate amount of such Commitment Increases, (ii)  Schedule 1.1 shall be deemed modified, without further action, to reflect the revised Commitments and Commitment Percentages of the Lenders, and (iii) this Agreement shall be deemed amended, without further action, to the extent necessary to reflect such increased Commitments.

(d)        In connection with Commitment Increases hereunder, the Lenders and the Borrower agree that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, (i) the Borrower shall, in coordination with the Administrative Agent, (x) repay outstanding Revolving Credit Loans of certain Lenders, and obtain Revolving Credit Loans from certain other Lenders (including the Additional Commitment Lenders), or (y) take such other actions as reasonably may be required by the Administrative Agent, in each case to the extent necessary so that all of the Lenders effectively participate in each of the outstanding Revolving Credit Loans pro rata on the basis of their Commitment Percentages (determined after giving effect to any increase in the Total Commitments pursuant to this SECTION 2.02), and (ii) the Borrower shall pay to the Lenders any costs of the type referred to in SECTION 2.16(c) in connection with any repayment and/or Revolving Credit Loans required pursuant to preceding clause (i). Without limiting the obligations of the Borrower provided for in this SECTION 2.02, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders agree that they will use their best efforts to attempt to minimize the costs of the type referred to in SECTION 2.16(c) which the Borrower would otherwise occur in connection with the implementation of an increase in the Total Commitments.

SECTION 2.03         Reserves; Changes to Reserves.

(a)        The initial Inventory Reserves and Availability Reserves as of the Effective Date are as set forth on the initial Borrowing Base Certificate furnished to the Administrative Agent as of the Effective Date.

(b)        The Administrative Agent may hereafter establish additional Reserves or change any of the foregoing Reserves, in the exercise of its commercially reasonable business judgment acting in accordance with industry standards for asset based lending in the retail industry, provided that such Reserves shall not be established or changed except upon not less than three (3) Business Days’ notice to the Borrower (during which period the Administrative Agent shall be available to discuss any such proposed Reserve with the Borrower), provided further that no such prior notice shall be required for (1) changes to any Reserves resulting solely by virtue of mathematical calculations of the amount of the Reserve in accordance with the methodology of calculation previously utilized, or (2) changes to Reserves or establishment of additional Reserves if a Material Adverse Effect has occurred or it would be reasonably likely that a Material Adverse Effect would occur were such Reserve not changed or established, or (3) if a Cash Dominion Event or an Event of Default has occurred and is then continuing. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary herein, the Administrative Agent shall impose the Debt Maturity Reserve.

 

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SECTION 2.04         Making of Loans.

(a)        Except as set forth in SECTION 2.10, SECTION 2.11 and SECTION 2.12, Revolving Credit Loans (other than Swingline Loans) shall be either Prime Rate Loans or LIBO Loans as the Borrower may request (which request shall be made in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C ), subject to and in accordance with this SECTION 2.04. All Swingline Loans shall be only Prime Rate Loans. All Revolving Credit Loans made pursuant to the same Borrowing shall, unless otherwise specifically provided herein, be Revolving Credit Loans of the same Type. Each Lender may fulfill its Commitment with respect to any Revolving Credit Loan by causing any lending office of such Lender to make such Revolving Credit Loan; provided , however , that any such use of a lending office shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such Revolving Credit Loan in accordance with the terms of the applicable Revolving Credit Note. Each Lender shall, subject to its overall policy considerations, use reasonable efforts (but shall not be obligated) to select a lending office which will not result in the payment of increased costs by the Borrower pursuant to SECTION 2.14. Subject to the other provisions of this SECTION 2.04 and the provisions of SECTION 2.12, Borrowings of Revolving Credit Loans of more than one Type may be incurred at the same time, but in any event no more than seven (7) Borrowings of LIBO Loans may be outstanding at any time.

(b)        The Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent three (3) Business Days’ prior telephonic notice (thereafter confirmed in writing) of each Borrowing of LIBO Loans and notice of each Borrowing of Prime Rate Loans on the proposed day of each Borrowing. Any such notice, to be effective, must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. on the third Business Day in the case of LIBO Loans prior to the date on which such Borrowing is to be made and, and no later than 1:00 p.m. on the same Business Day in the case of Prime Rate Loans on which such Borrowing is to be made. Such notice shall be irrevocable, shall contain disbursement instructions and shall specify: (i) whether the Borrowing then being requested is to be a Borrowing of Prime Rate Loans or LIBO Loans and, if LIBO Loans, the Interest Period with respect thereto; (ii) the amount of the proposed Borrowing (which shall be in an integral multiple of $1,000,000); and (iii) the date of the proposed Borrowing (which shall be a Business Day). If no election of Interest Period is specified in any such notice for a Borrowing of LIBO Loans, such notice shall be deemed a request for an Interest Period of one (1) month. If no election is made as to the Type of Revolving Credit Loan, such notice shall be deemed a request for Borrowing of Prime Rate Loans. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of its proportionate share of such Borrowing, the date of such Borrowing, the Type of Borrowing being requested and the Interest Period or Interest Periods applicable thereto, as appropriate. On the borrowing date specified in such notice, each Lender shall make its share of the Borrowing available at the office of the Administrative Agent at 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, no later than 3:00 p.m. in immediately available funds. Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to 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 this SECTION 2.04 and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount.

 

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In the event a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount, with interest thereon for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation or (ii) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to Prime Rate Loans. If such Lender pays such amount to the Administrative Agent then such amount shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing. Upon receipt of the funds made available by the Lenders to fund any borrowing hereunder, the Administrative Agent shall disburse such funds in the manner specified in the notice of borrowing delivered by the Borrower and shall use reasonable efforts to make the funds so received from the Lenders available to the Borrower no later than 4:00 p.m..

(c)        The Administrative Agent, without the request of the Borrower may advance any interest, fee, service charge, or other payment to which any Credit Party is entitled from the Loan Parties pursuant hereto or any other Loan Document and may charge the same to the Loan Account as and when the same become due and payable hereunder, after giving effect to any applicable grace periods, notwithstanding that an Overadvance may result thereby, provided that no advances which create an Overadvance shall be made for any Cash Management Services or Bank Products. The Administrative Agent shall advise the Borrower of any such advance or charge promptly after the making thereof. Such action on the part of the Administrative Agent shall not constitute a waiver of the Administrative Agent’s rights and the Borrower’s obligations under SECTIONS 2.17(a), 2.17(b) and 2.17(c). Any amount which is added to the principal balance of the Loan Account as provided in this SECTION 2.04(c) shall bear interest at the interest rate then and thereafter applicable to Prime Rate Loans.

SECTION 2.05         Overadvances.

(a)        The Agents and the Lenders shall have no obligation to make any Revolving Credit Loan (including, without limitation, any Swingline Loan) or to provide any Letter of Credit if an Overadvance would result.

(b)        The Administrative Agent may, in its discretion, make Permitted Overadvances to the Borrower without the consent of the Lenders and each Lender shall be bound thereby. Any Permitted Overadvances may constitute Swingline Loans, but in any event shall constitute Prime Rate Loans. The making of a Permitted Overadvance is for the benefit of the Borrower and shall constitute a Revolving Credit Loan and an Obligation. The making of any such Permitted Overadvance on any one occasion shall not obligate any Agent or any Lender to make or permit any Permitted Overadvance on any other occasion or to permit such Permitted Overadvances to remain outstanding.

(c)        The making by the Administrative Agent of a Permitted Overadvance shall not modify or abrogate any of the provisions of SECTION 2.13(g) regarding the Lenders’ obligations to purchase participations with respect to Letter of Credit Disbursements or the provisions of SECTION 2.22(a) regarding the Lenders’ obligations to participate in Swingline Loans.

 

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SECTION 2.06         Swingline Loans

(a)        The Swingline Lender is authorized by the Lenders but is not obligated, to make Swingline Loans at any time (subject to SECTION 2.06(b)) to the Borrower (which shall be in an integral multiple of $100,000, but not less than $1,000,000), up to the amount of the sum of the Swingline Loan Ceiling, plus any Permitted Overadvances, in each case upon a notice of Borrowing from Borrower received by the Administrative Agent and the Swingline Lender (which notice, at the Swingline Lender’s discretion, may be submitted prior to 1:00 p.m. on the Business Day on which such Swingline Loan is requested). In no event shall the Swingline Lender be obligated to make any Swingline Loan at any time when any Lender is at such time a Delinquent Lender or Deteriorating Lender hereunder, unless the Swingline Lender has entered into satisfactory arrangements with the Borrower or such Lender to eliminate the Swingline Lender’s risk with respect to such Lender. Swingline Loans shall be Prime Rate Loans and shall be subject to periodic settlement with the Lenders under SECTION 2.22.

(b)        Swingline Loans may be made by the Swingline Lender only (i) for Permitted Overadvances or (ii) for administrative convenience, at the Borrower’s request therefor which shall be deemed a representation that the applicable conditions for borrowing under SECTION 4.02 are satisfied. If the Borrower has so requested a Swingline Loan but the conditions for borrowing under SECTION 4.02 cannot in fact be fulfilled, (x) the Borrower shall give immediate notice (a “ Noncompliance Notice ”) thereof to the Administrative Agent and the Swingline Lender, and the Administrative Agent shall promptly provide each Lender with a copy of the Noncompliance Notice, and (y) the Required Lenders may direct the Swingline Lender to, and the Swingline Lender thereupon shall, cease making Swingline Loans (other than Permitted Overadvances) until such conditions can be satisfied or are waived in accordance with SECTION 9.02. Unless the Required Lenders so direct the Swingline Lender, the Swingline Lender may, but is not obligated to, continue to make Swingline Loans commencing one (1) Business Day after the Non-Compliance Notice is furnished to the Lenders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Swingline Loans (other than Permitted Overadvances) shall be made pursuant to this SECTION 2.06(b) if the aggregate outstanding amount of the Credit Extensions and Swingline Loans would exceed the amounts set forth in SECTION 2.01 hereof.

SECTION 2.07         Notes.

(a)        Upon each Lender’s request, the Revolving Credit Loans made by such Lender shall be evidenced by a Revolving Credit Note, duly executed on behalf of the Borrower, dated the Effective Date, payable to the order of such Lender in an aggregate principal amount equal to such Lender’s Commitment.

(b)        Upon the Swingline Lender’s request, the Revolving Credit Loans made by the Swingline Lender with respect to Swingline Loans shall be evidenced by a Swingline Note, duly executed on behalf of the Borrower, dated the Effective Date, payable to the order of the Swingline Lender, in an aggregate principal amount equal to the Swingline Loan Ceiling.

(c)        Each Lender is hereby authorized by the Borrower to endorse on a schedule attached to each Note delivered to such Lender (or on a continuation of such schedule attached to such Note and made a part thereof), or otherwise to record in such Lender’s internal

 

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records, an appropriate notation evidencing the date and amount of each Loan from such Lender, each payment and prepayment of principal of any such Loan, each payment of interest on any such Loan and the other information provided for on such schedule; provided , however , that the failure of any Lender to make such a notation or any error therein shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay the Loans made by such Lender in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the applicable Notes.

(d)        Upon receipt of an affidavit and indemnity of a Lender as to the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of such Lender’s Note and upon cancellation of such Note, the Borrower will issue, in lieu thereof, a replacement Note in favor of such Lender, in the same principal amount thereof and otherwise of like tenor at no expense to the Borrower.

SECTION 2.08         Interest on Loans.

(a)        Subject to SECTION 2.12, each Prime Rate Loan shall bear interest (computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 365 or 366 days, as applicable) at a rate per annum that shall be equal to the then Prime Rate plus the Applicable Margin for Prime Rate Loans.

(b)        Subject to SECTION 2.09 through 2.12, each LIBO Loan shall bear interest (computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 360 days) at a rate per annum equal, during each Interest Period applicable thereto, to the Adjusted LIBO Rate for such Interest Period, plus the Applicable Margin for LIBO Loans.

(c)        Accrued interest on all Loans shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto, at maturity (whether by acceleration or otherwise), after such maturity on demand and upon any repayment or prepayment thereof (on the amount prepaid).

SECTION 2.09         Conversion and Continuation of Revolving Credit Loans.

(a)        The Borrower shall have the right at any time, on three (3) Business Days’ prior irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent (which notice, to be effective, must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. on the third Business Day preceding the date of any conversion), (i) to convert any outstanding Borrowings of Prime Rate Loans to Borrowings of LIBO Loans, or (ii) to continue an outstanding Borrowing of LIBO Loans for an additional Interest Period, or (iii) to convert any outstanding Borrowings of LIBO Loans to a Borrowing of Prime Rate Loans, subject in each case to the following:

    (i)        No Borrowing of Revolving Credit Loans may be converted into, or continued as, LIBO Loans at any time when an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

    (ii)        If less than a full Borrowing of Revolving Credit Loans is converted, such conversion shall be made pro rata among the Lenders based upon their Commitment Percentages, in accordance with the respective principal amounts of the Revolving Credit Loans comprising such Borrowing held by such Lenders immediately prior to such conversion;

 

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    (iii)        The aggregate principal amount of Prime Rate Loans being converted into or continued as LIBO Loans shall be in an integral of $1,000,000;

    (iv)        Each Lender shall effect each conversion by applying the proceeds of its new LIBO Loan or Prime Rate Loan, as the case may be, to its Revolving Credit Loan being so converted;

    (v)        The Interest Period with respect to a Borrowing of LIBO Loans effected by a conversion or in respect to the Borrowing of LIBO Loans being continued as LIBO Loans, shall commence on the date of conversion or the expiration of the current Interest Period applicable to such continuing Borrowing, as the case may be;

    (vi)        A Borrowing of LIBO Loans may be converted only on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto except to the extent that any applicable Breakage Costs incurred in connection with conversion on any other day are paid by the Borrower pursuant to SECTION 2.16; and

    (vii)        Each request for a conversion or continuation of a Borrowing of LIBO Loans which fails to state an applicable Interest Period shall be deemed to be a request for an Interest Period of one (1) month.

(b)        If the Borrower does not give notice to convert any Borrowing of LIBO Loans, or does not give notice to continue, or does not have the right to continue, any Borrowing as LIBO Loans, in each case as provided in SECTION 2.09(a), such Borrowing shall automatically be converted to, or continued as, a Borrowing of Prime Rate Loans, at the expiration of the then-current Interest Period. The Administrative Agent shall, after it receives notice from the Borrower, promptly give each Lender, notice of any conversion, in whole or part, of any Revolving Credit Loan made by such Lender.

SECTION 2.10         Alternate Rate of Interest for Revolving Credit Loans.

If prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a LIBO Borrowing, the Administrative Agent:

(a)        Reasonably determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted LIBO Rate for such Interest Period; or

(b)        Is advised by the Required Lenders that the Adjusted LIBO Rate for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Required Lenders of making or maintaining their Revolving Credit Loans included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period;

then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Borrower and the Lenders by telephone or telecopy as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower and the applicable Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (i) any Borrowing Request that requests the conversion of any Borrowing to, or continuation of any Borrowing as, a LIBO Borrowing shall be ineffective and (ii) if any Borrowing Request requests a LIBO Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be made as a Borrowing of Prime Rate Loans.

 

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SECTION 2.11          Change in Legality.

(a)        Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained elsewhere in this Agreement, if (i) any Change in Law shall make it unlawful for a Lender to make or maintain a LIBO Loan or to give effect to its obligations as contemplated hereby with respect to a LIBO Loan or (ii) at any time the Required Lenders reasonably determine that the making or continuance of any LIBO Loans has become impracticable as a result of a contingency occurring after the date hereof which adversely affects the London interbank market or the position of such Required Lenders in the London interbank market, then, by written notice to the Borrower, such Required Lenders may (x) declare that LIBO Loans will not thereafter be made by such Lenders hereunder, whereupon any request by the Borrower for a LIBO Borrowing shall, unless withdrawn, as to such Lenders only, be deemed a request for a Prime Rate Loan unless such declaration shall be subsequently withdrawn; and (y) require that all outstanding LIBO Loans made by such Lenders be converted to Prime Rate Loans, in which event all such LIBO Loans shall be automatically converted to Prime Rate Loans as of the effective date of such notice as provided in SECTION 2.09(b). In the event any Lender shall exercise its rights under clause (i) or the Required Lenders shall exercise their rights under clause (ii) of this SECTION 2.11(a), all payments and prepayments of principal which would otherwise have been applied to repay the LIBO Loans that would have been made by such Lenders or the converted LIBO Loans of such Lenders, shall instead be applied to repay the Prime Rate Loans made by such Lenders in lieu of, or resulting from the conversion of, such LIBO Loans.

(b)        For purposes of this SECTION 2.11, a notice to the Borrower pursuant to SECTION 2.11(a) shall be effective, if lawful, and if any LIBO Loans shall then be outstanding, on the last day of the then-current Interest Period; and otherwise such notice shall be effective on the date of receipt by the Borrower.

SECTION 2.12         Default Interest.

Effective upon written notice from the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders after the occurrence of any Specified Default and at all times thereafter while such Specified Default is continuing, interest shall accrue on all outstanding Loans (including Swingline Loans) (after as well as before judgment, as and to the extent permitted by law) at a rate per annum (computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 365 or 366 days as applicable) (the “ Default Rate ”) equal to the rate (including the Applicable Margin for Revolving Credit Loans) in effect from time to time plus two percent (2%) per annum and such interest shall be payable on each Interest Payment Date (or any earlier maturity of the Loans).

SECTION 2.13         Letters of Credit.

(a)        Upon the terms and subject to the conditions herein set forth, at any time and from time to time after the date hereof and prior to the Termination Date, the Borrower may request an Issuing Bank to issue, and subject to the terms and conditions contained herein, such Issuing Bank shall issue, for the account of the Borrower, one or more Letters of Credit;

 

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provided , however , that no Letter of Credit shall be issued if after giving effect to such issuance (i) the aggregate Letter of Credit Outstandings shall exceed $200,000,000, (ii) the Total Outstandings would exceed the limitation set forth in SECTION 2.01(a), or (iii) the conditions for issuance of Letters of Credit under SECTION 4.02 are not then satisfied; and provided , further , that if Letters of Credit are issued by any Issuing Bank (other than Bank of America), such Issuing Bank (other than Bank of America) shall notify the Administrative Agent in a manner acceptable to the Administrative Agent on each Business Day of all Letters of Credit issued on the prior Business Day by such Issuing Bank. No Letter of Credit shall be issued if an Issuing Bank shall have received notice from the Administrative Agent that the conditions to such issuance have not been met.

(b)        Each Standby Letter of Credit shall expire no later than the date which is at or prior to the close of business on the earlier of the date which is (i) one (1) year after the date of the issuance of such Letter of Credit (or, in the case of any renewal or extension thereof, one (1) year after such renewal or extension) and (ii) five (5) Business Days prior to the Maturity Date; provided , however , that each Standby Letter of Credit may, upon the request of the Borrower include a provision whereby such Letter of Credit shall be renewed automatically for additional consecutive periods of twelve (12) months or less (but not beyond the date that is five (5) Business Days prior to the Maturity Date) unless the applicable Issuing Bank notifies the beneficiary thereof at least thirty (30) days prior to the then-applicable expiration date that such Letter of Credit will not be renewed.

(c)        Each Commercial Letter of Credit shall expire no later than the date which is at or prior to the close of business on the earlier of the date which is (i) 180 days after the date of the issuance, or extension, of such Commercial Letter of Credit (or such other period as may be acceptable to the Administrative Agent) and (ii) five (5) Business Days prior to the Maturity Date.

(d)        The Issuing Banks shall not issue any Letter of Credit, without the prior consent of the Administrative Agent, if:

(A)        any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator (pursuant to a binding arbitration) shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain the Issuing Bank from issuing such Letter of Credit, or any Applicable Law or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over the Issuing Bank shall prohibit, or request that the Issuing Bank refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular;

(B)        the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of the Issuing Bank applicable to letters of credit generally;

(C)        such Letter of Credit is to be denominated in a currency other than dollars;

(D)        such Letter of Credit contains any provisions for automatic reinstatement of the Stated Amount after any drawing thereunder; or

 

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(E)        any Lender is at such time a Delinquent Lender or Deteriorating Lender hereunder, unless the Issuing Bank has entered into satisfactory arrangements with the Borrower or such Lender to eliminate the Issuing Bank’s risk with respect to such Lender.

(e)        After the occurrence of a Cash Dominion Event drafts drawn under each Letter of Credit shall be reimbursed by the Borrower by paying to the Administrative Agent, an amount equal to such drawing not later than 1:00 p.m. on (i) the date that the Borrower shall have received notice of such drawing, if such notice is received prior to 10:00 a.m. on such date, or (ii) the Business Day immediately following the day that the Borrower receives such notice, if such notice is received after 10:00 a.m. on the day of drawing, provided that in the absence of written notice to the contrary from the Borrower, and subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, such payment shall be financed when due with a Prime Rate Loan or Swingline Loan in an equivalent amount and, to the extent so financed, the Borrower’s obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting Prime Rate Loan or Swingline Loan. The Issuing Banks shall, promptly following its receipt thereof, examine all documents purporting to represent a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit. The applicable Issuing Bank shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in a manner acceptable to the Administrative Agent of such demand for payment and whether the applicable Issuing Bank has made or will make payment thereunder; provided , however , that any failure to give or delay in giving such notice shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to reimburse the applicable Issuing Bank and the Lenders with respect to any such payment.

(f)        If an Issuing Bank shall make any Letter of Credit Disbursement, then, prior to the occurrence of a Cash Dominion Event, the Borrower shall reimburse such Issuing Bank directly for such Letter of Credit Disbursement within the timeframes set forth in SECTION 2.13(e), provided that if the Borrower does not reimburse the Issuing Bank, the unpaid amount thereof shall bear interest at the rate per annum then applicable to Prime Rate Loans for each day from and including the date such payment is made to, but excluding, the date that the Borrower reimburses such Issuing Bank therefor, provided , however , that, if the Borrower fails to reimburse such Issuing Bank when due pursuant to this SECTION 2.13(f), then SECTION 2.12 shall apply. Interest accrued pursuant to this paragraph shall be for the account of the applicable Issuing Bank, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any Lender pursuant to SECTION 2.13(h) to reimburse such Issuing Bank shall be for the account of such Lender to the extent of such payment.

(g)        Immediately upon the issuance of any Letter of Credit by an Issuing Bank (or the amendment of a Letter of Credit increasing the amount thereof), and without any further action on the part of such Issuing Bank, such Issuing Bank shall be deemed to have sold to each Lender and each such Lender shall be deemed unconditionally and irrevocably to have purchased from such Issuing Bank, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation, to the extent of such Lender’s Commitment Percentage in such Letter of Credit, each drawing thereunder and the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents with respect thereto. Upon any change in the Commitments pursuant to SECTION 2.02 or SECTION 9.04, it is hereby agreed that with respect to all Letter of Credit Outstandings, there shall be an automatic adjustment to the participations hereby created to reflect the new Commitment Percentages of the assigning and assignee Lenders. Any action taken or omitted by

 

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an Issuing Bank under or in connection with a Letter of Credit, if taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct, shall not create for such Issuing Bank any resulting liability to any Lender.

(h)        In the event that an Issuing Bank makes any Letter of Credit Disbursement and the Borrower shall not have reimbursed such amount in full to such Issuing Bank pursuant to this SECTION 2.13, such Issuing Bank shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent which shall promptly notify each Lender of such failure, and each Lender shall promptly and unconditionally pay in dollars and in same day funds to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Issuing Bank the amount of such Lender’s Commitment Percentage of such unreimbursed payment in dollars and in same day funds. If an Issuing Bank so notifies the Administrative Agent, and the Administrative Agent so notifies the Lenders prior to 2 p.m. on any Business Day, each such Lender shall make available to such Issuing Bank such Lender’s Commitment Percentage of the amount of such payment on such Business Day in same day funds (or if such notice is received by the Lenders after 2 p.m. on the day of receipt, payment shall be made on the immediately following Business Day). If and to the extent such Lender shall not have so made its Commitment Percentage of the amount of such payment available to the applicable Issuing Bank, such Lender agrees to pay to such Issuing Bank forthwith on demand such amount, together with interest thereon, for each day from such date until the date such amount is paid to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Issuing Bank at the Federal Funds Effective Rate. Each Lender agrees to fund its Commitment Percentage of such unreimbursed payment notwithstanding a failure to satisfy any applicable lending conditions or the provisions of SECTION 2.01 or SECTION 2.06, or the occurrence of the Termination Date. The failure of any Lender to make available to the applicable Issuing Bank its Commitment Percentage of any payment under any Letter of Credit shall neither relieve any Lender of its obligation hereunder to make available to such Issuing Bank its Commitment Percentage of any payment under any Letter of Credit on the date required, as specified above, nor increase the obligation of such other Lender. Whenever any Lender has made payments to an Issuing Bank in respect of any reimbursement obligation for any Letter of Credit, such Lender shall be entitled to share ratably, based on its Commitment Percentage, in all payments and collections thereafter received on account of such reimbursement obligation. All reimbursements to be made by the Loan Parties with respect to Letters of Credit shall be made in dollars.

(i)        Whenever the Borrower desires that an Issuing Bank issue a Letter of Credit (or the amendment, renewal or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit), the Borrower shall give to the applicable Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent at least two (2) Business Days’ prior written (including telegraphic, telex, facsimile, e-mail or cable communication) notice (or such shorter period as may be agreed upon in writing by the applicable Issuing Bank and the Borrower) specifying the date on which the proposed Letter of Credit is to be issued, amended, renewed or extended (which shall be a Business Day), the Stated Amount of the Letter of Credit so requested, the expiration date of such Letter of Credit, the name and address of the beneficiary thereof, and the provisions thereof. If requested by an Issuing Bank, the Borrower shall also submit a letter of credit application on such Issuing Bank’s standard form in connection with any request for the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit, provided that in the event of a conflict or inconsistency between the terms of such application and this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall supersede any contrary terms in such application and shall control.

 

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(j)        The obligations of the Borrower to reimburse the Issuing Banks for any Letter of Credit Disbursement shall be unconditional and irrevocable and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances, including, without limitation: (i) Any lack of validity or enforceability of a Letter of Credit; (ii) The existence of any claim, setoff, defense or other right which the Borrower may have at any time against a beneficiary of any Letter of Credit or against any Issuing Bank or any of the Lenders, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated herein or any unrelated transaction; (iii) Any draft, demand, certificate or other document presented under any Letter of Credit proving to be forged or fraudulent in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; (iv) Payment by an Issuing Bank of any Letter of Credit against presentation of a demand, draft or certificate or other document which does not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; (v) Any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that might, but for the provisions of this SECTION 2.13, constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, any Loan Party’s obligations hereunder; or (vi) The fact that any Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing. No Credit Party shall have any liability or responsibility by reason of or in connection with the issuance or transfer of any Letter of Credit or any payment or failure to make any payment thereunder (irrespective of any of the circumstances referred to in the preceding sentence), or any error, omission, interruption, loss or delay in transmission or delivery of any draft, notice or other communication under or relating to any Letter of Credit (including any document required to make a drawing thereunder), any error in interpretation of technical terms or any consequence arising from causes beyond the control of the Issuing Banks, provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse the Issuing Banks from liability to the Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to consequential damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by the Borrower to the extent permitted by Applicable Law) suffered by the Borrower that are caused by the applicable Issuing Bank’s gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof. In furtherance of the foregoing and without limiting the generality thereof, the parties agree that, with respect to documents presented that appear on their face to be in compliance with the terms of a Letter of Credit, an Issuing Bank may, in its reasonable discretion, either accept and make payment upon such documents without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, or refuse to accept and make payment upon such documents if such documents are not in strict compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit.

(k)        If any Specified Default shall occur and be continuing, on the Business Day that the Borrower receives notice from the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders demanding the deposit of cash collateral pursuant to this paragraph, the Loan Parties shall immediately deposit in the Cash Collateral Account an amount in cash equal to 103% of the Letter of Credit Outstandings as of such date, plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon. Each such deposit shall be held by the Collateral Agent for the payment and performance of the Obligations. The Collateral Agent shall have exclusive dominion and control, including the exclusive right of withdrawal, over such Cash Collateral Account. Other than any interest earned on the investment of such deposits, which investments shall be made at the option and in the sole discretion of the Collateral Agent (at the request of the Borrower and at the Borrower’s risk and expense); such deposits shall not bear interest. Interest or profits, if any, on such investments shall accumulate in such account. Moneys in such Cash Collateral Account shall be applied by

 

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the Administrative Agent to reimburse the Issuing Banks for payments on account of drawings under Letters of Credit for which the applicable Issuing Bank has not been reimbursed and, to the extent not so applied, shall be held for the satisfaction of the reimbursement obligations of the Borrower for the Letter of Credit Outstandings at such time or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated, shall be applied to satisfy other Obligations. If the Borrower is required to provide an amount of cash collateral hereunder as a result of the occurrence of a Specified Default, such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned promptly to the Borrower but in no event later than two (2) Business Days after all Specified Defaults have been waived.

SECTION 2.14         Increased Costs.

(a)        If any Change in Law shall:

   (i)        impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender or any holding company of any Lender (except any such reserve requirement reflected in the Adjusted LIBO Rate) or the Issuing Banks; or

   (ii)        impose on any Lender or any Issuing Bank or the London interbank market any other condition affecting this Agreement or LIBO 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 in any material amount in excess of those incurred by similarly situated lenders to such Lender of making or maintaining any LIBO Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Revolving Credit Loan) or to increase the cost in any material amount in excess of those incurred by similarly situated lenders to such Lender or such Issuing Bank of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit or to reduce the amount in any material respect of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or such Issuing Bank hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Borrower will pay to such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

(b)        If any Lender or any Issuing Bank determines that any Change in Law regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, to a level below that which such Lender or such Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s holding company would have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time the Borrower will pay to such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.

 

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(c)        A certificate of a Lender or an Issuing Bank setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or such Issuing Bank or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this SECTION 2.14 and setting forth in reasonable detail the manner in which such amount or amounts were determined shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) Business Days after receipt thereof.

(d)        Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or any Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this SECTION 2.14 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s right to demand such compensation, provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or an Issuing Bank pursuant to this SECTION 2.14 for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the date that such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s intention to claim compensation therefor, and provided further that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the one hundred twenty (120) day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.

SECTION 2.15         Optional Termination or Reduction of Commitments . Upon at least three (3) Business Days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent, the Borrower may, at any time, in whole permanently terminate, or from time to time in part permanently reduce, the Total Commitments. Each such reduction shall be in the principal amount of $20,000,000 or any integral multiple thereof. Each such reduction or termination shall (i) be applied ratably to the Commitments of each Lender and (ii) be irrevocable when given; provided , that a notice of termination of the Total Commitments delivered by the Borrower may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities, in which case such notice may be revoked by the Borrower (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. At the effective time of each such reduction or termination, the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for application as provided herein (i) all earned and unpaid fees under the Fee Letter and all other fees accrued on the amount of the Commitments so terminated or reduced through the date thereof, and (ii) any amount by which the Credit Extensions to the Borrower outstanding on such date exceed the amount to which the Commitments are to be reduced effective on such date, in each case pro rata based on the amount prepaid, including, as applicable, by terminating or cash collateralizing any Letters of Credit in accordance with the terms hereof.

SECTION 2.16         Optional Prepayment of Loans; Reimbursement of Lenders.

(a)        Subject to the provisions of SECTION 2.16(b), the Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay (without a commitment reduction) outstanding Revolving Credit Loans in whole or in part, (x) with respect to LIBO Loans, upon at least two (2) Business Days’ prior written, telex, e-mail or facsimile notice to the Administrative Agent prior to 1:00 p.m., and (y) with respect to Prime Rate Loans, on the same Business Day if written, telex, e-mail or facsimile notice is received by the Administrative Agent prior to 2:00 p.m., subject in each case to the following limitations:

 

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    (i)        Subject to SECTION 2.17, all prepayments shall be paid to the Administrative Agent for application, first, to the prepayment of outstanding Swingline Loans, second , to the prepayment of other outstanding Revolving Credit Loans ratably in accordance with each Lender’s Commitment Percentage;

    (ii)        Subject to the foregoing, outstanding Prime Rate Loans shall be prepaid before outstanding LIBO Loans are prepaid. Each partial prepayment of LIBO Loans shall be in an integral multiple of $1,000,000. No prepayment of LIBO Loans shall be permitted pursuant to this SECTION 2.16 other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto, unless the Borrower reimburses the Lenders for all Breakage Costs associated therewith within five (5) Business Days of receiving a written demand for such reimbursement which sets forth the calculation of such Breakage Costs in reasonable detail. No partial prepayment of a Borrowing of LIBO Loans shall result in the aggregate principal amount of the LIBO Loans remaining outstanding pursuant to such Borrowing being less than $5,000,000 (unless all such outstanding LIBO Loans are being prepaid in full); and

    (iii)        Each notice of prepayment shall specify the prepayment date, the principal amount and Type of the Loans to be prepaid and, in the case of LIBO Loans, the Borrowing or Borrowings pursuant to which such Revolving Credit Loans were made. Each notice of prepayment shall be revocable, provided that, within five (5) Business Days of receiving a written demand for such reimbursement which sets forth the calculation of such Breakage Costs in reasonable detail, the Borrower shall reimburse the Lenders for all Breakage Costs associated with the revocation of any notice of prepayment. The Administrative Agent shall, promptly after receiving notice from the Borrower hereunder, notify each Lender of the principal amount and Type of the Loans held by such Lender which are to be prepaid, the prepayment date and the manner of application of the prepayment.

(b)        The Borrower shall reimburse each Lender within five (5) Business Days of notice for any loss incurred or to be incurred by the Lenders in the reemployment of the funds (i) resulting from any prepayment (for any reason whatsoever, including, without limitation, conversion to Prime Rate Loans or acceleration by virtue of, and after, the occurrence of an Event of Default) of any LIBO Loan required or permitted under this Agreement, if such Revolving Credit Loan is prepaid other than on the last day of the Interest Period for such Revolving Credit Loan or (ii) in the event that after the Borrower delivers a notice of borrowing under SECTION 2.04 in respect of LIBO Loans, such Revolving Credit Loans are not made on the first day of the Interest Period specified in such notice of borrowing for any reason other than a breach by such Lender of its obligations hereunder or the delivery of any notice pursuant to SECTION 2.11. Such loss shall be the amount (herein, collectively, “ Breakage Costs ”) as reasonably determined by such Lender as the excess, if any, of (A) the amount of interest which would have accrued to such Lender on the amount so paid, not prepaid or not borrowed at a rate of interest equal to the Adjusted LIBO Rate for such Revolving Credit Loan (but specifically excluding any Applicable Margin), for the period from the date of such payment or failure to borrow or failure to prepay to the last day (x) in the case of a payment or refinancing of a LIBO Loan with Prime Rate Loans other than on the last day of the Interest Period for such Revolving Credit Loan or the failure to prepay a LIBO, of the then current Interest Period for such Revolving Credit Loan or (y) in the case of such failure to borrow, of the Interest Period for such LIBO Loan which would have commenced on the date of such failure to borrow, over (B) in the

 

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case of a LIBO Loan, the amount of interest which would have accrued to such Lender on such amount by placing such amount on deposit for a comparable period with leading banks in the London interbank market. Any Lender demanding reimbursement for such loss shall deliver to the Borrower from time to time one or more certificates setting forth the amount of such loss as determined by such Lender and setting forth in reasonable detail the manner in which such amount was determined and such amounts shall be due within five (5) Business Days after the receipt of such notice.

(c)        In the event the Borrower fails to prepay any Revolving Credit Loan on the date specified in any prepayment notice delivered pursuant to SECTION 2.16(a), the Borrower within five (5) Business Days after the receipt of the notice described below from any Lender, shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender any amounts required to compensate such Lender for any loss incurred by such Lender as a result of such failure to prepay, including, without limitation, any loss, cost or expenses (other than loss of profits) incurred by reason of the acquisition of deposits or other funds by such Lender to fulfill deposit obligations incurred in anticipation of such prepayment. Any Lender demanding such payment shall deliver to the Borrower from time to time one or more certificates setting forth the amount of such loss as determined by such Lender and setting forth in reasonable detail the manner in which such amount was determined and such amounts shall be due within five (5) Business Days after the receipt of such notice.

(d)        Whenever any partial prepayment of Revolving Credit Loans are to be applied to LIBO Loans, such LIBO Loans shall be prepaid in the chronological order of their Interest Payment Dates or as the Borrower may otherwise designate in writing.

SECTION 2.17         Mandatory Prepayment; Commitment Termination; Cash Collateral.

The outstanding Obligations shall be subject to prepayment as follows:

(a)        If at any time the amount of the Credit Extensions exceeds the Line Cap, the Borrower will (x) immediately upon notice from the Administrative Agent if such notice is received on or before 12:00 noon on a Business Day, or (y) if such notice is received after 12:00 noon on a Business Day, by 10:00 a.m. on the next succeeding Business Day, (1) prepay the Loans in an amount necessary to eliminate such excess, and (2) if, after giving effect to the prepayment in full of all outstanding Loans such excess has not been eliminated, deposit cash into the applicable Cash Collateral Account in an amount equal to 103% of the Letters of Credit Outstanding.

(b)        The Revolving Credit Loans shall be repaid daily in accordance with (and to the extent required under) the provisions of SECTION 2.18, to the extent then applicable.

(c)        The Borrower shall prepay the Loans in an amount equal to the Net Proceeds received by a Loan Party on account of a Prepayment Event, irrespective of whether a Cash Dominion Event then exists and is continuing.

 

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(d)    Any payments made pursuant to SECTIONS 2.17(b) and (c) above at any time when an Event of Default is not then continuing (it being understood and agreed that if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, SECTION 7.03 shall apply), shall be applied to the Obligations in the following order of priority:

(A)      FIRST, to pay interest and fees due and payable on the Credit Extensions to the Borrower;

(B)      SECOND, to pay outstanding Swingline Loans of the Borrower;

(C)      THIRD, to pay all outstanding reimbursement obligations for drawings made under Letters of Credit of the Borrower;

(D)      FOURTH, to pay principal outstanding under outstanding Loans to the Borrower that are Prime Rate Loans; and

(E)      FIFTH, to pay outstanding Loans of the Borrower that are LIBO Loans and all Breakage Costs due in respect of such repayment or, at the Borrower’s option, to fund a cash collateral deposit to the Cash Collateral Account pursuant to SECTION 2.17(e) sufficient to pay, and with direction to pay, all such outstanding LIBO Loans on the last day of the then pending Interest Period therefor;

(F)      SIXTH, in each case at the option of the Administrative Agent (or at the direction of the Required Lenders), in the following priority:

(1)      to pay outstanding Obligations with respect to Cash Management Services furnished to any Loan Party;

(2)      to pay Credit Party Expenses, indemnities and other similar amounts then due to the Agents in connection with Credit Extensions to the Borrower;

(3)      to pay Credit Party Expenses, indemnities and other similar amounts then due to the Lenders in connection with Credit Extensions to the Borrower; and

(4)      to pay all other outstanding Obligations of the Borrower.

(e)    Subject to the foregoing, outstanding Prime Rate Loans shall be prepaid before outstanding LIBO Loans are prepaid. Each partial prepayment of LIBO Loans shall be in an integral multiple of $1,000,000. No prepayment of LIBO Loans shall be permitted pursuant to this SECTION 2.17 other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto, unless the Borrower reimburses the Lenders for all Breakage Costs associated therewith within five (5) Business Days of receiving a written demand for such reimbursement which sets forth the calculation of such Breakage Costs in

 

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reasonable detail. In order to avoid such Breakage Costs, as long as no Specified Default has occurred and is continuing, at the request of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall hold all amounts required to be applied to LIBO Loans in the Cash Collateral Account and will apply such funds to the applicable LIBO Loans at the end of the then pending Interest Period therefor ( provided that the foregoing shall in no way limit or restrict the Agents’ rights upon the subsequent occurrence of an Event of Default). Except to the extent occurring as a result of a mandatory prepayment pursuant to this SECTION 2.17, no partial prepayment of a Borrowing of LIBO Loans shall result in the aggregate principal amount of the LIBO Loans remaining outstanding pursuant to such Borrowing being less than $5,000,000. A prepayment of the Revolving Credit Loans pursuant to this SECTION 2.17 shall not permanently reduce the Total Commitments.

(f)        All amounts required to be applied to all Revolving Credit Loans hereunder (other than Swingline Loans) shall be applied ratably in accordance with each Lender’s Commitment Percentage. All credits against the Obligations shall be conditioned upon final payment to the Administrative Agent of the items giving rise to such credits. If any item credited to the Loan Account is dishonored or returned unpaid for any reason, whether or not such return is rightful or timely, the Administrative Agent shall have the right to reverse such credit and charge the amount of such item to the Loan Account and the Borrower shall indemnify the Credit Parties against all claims and losses resulting from such dishonor or return.

(g)        Upon the Termination Date, the Borrower shall cause Payment in Full to occur.

SECTION 2.18         Cash Management.

(a)        Within ninety (90) days after the Effective Date (or such later date as the Administrative Agent may agree in its sole discretion), the Loan Parties shall, to the extent reasonably required by the Administrative Agent:

    (i)        deliver to the Collateral Agent notifications (each, a “ Credit Card Notification ”) substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F which have been executed on behalf of the Borrower and addressed to the Borrower’s credit card clearinghouses and processors listed in the Information Certificate; and

    (ii)        enter into a Blocked Account Agreement with each Blocked Account Bank with respect to each DDA (other than a DDA constituting an Excluded DDA) maintained with such Blocked Account Bank (such DDAs subject to Blocked Account Agreements, collectively, the “ Blocked Accounts ”). Such Blocked Account Agreement(s) may be entered into with Administrative Agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, any Lender, and/or another financial institution reasonably acceptable to the Agents. If any Loan Party is unable to obtain a Blocked Account Agreement as required herein, at the Collateral Agent’s option, such Loan Party shall be required to transfer to and maintain such account with the Collateral Agent or at another Blocked Account Bank.

 

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(b)        So long as no Cash Dominion Event has occurred and is continuing, the Loan Parties may direct the manner of disposition of funds in the DDAs and Blocked Accounts. Each Credit Card Notification shall require the ACH or wire transfer on each Business Day (and whether or not there is then an outstanding balance in the Loan Account or a Cash Dominion Event then is continuing) of all available cash receipts (the “ Cash Receipts ”) therein to a Blocked Account, and the Loan Parties shall cause the ACH or wire transfer of funds on deposit in DDAs (other than Excluded DDAs) to a Blocked Account ( provided , that so long as no Cash Dominion Event is then continuing, the Loan Parties may transfer such funds in accordance with its customary practices in the ordinary course of business, such customary practices to include, without limitation, the amount of funds to be retained in each DDA and not so transferred) (it being understood that, with respect to any transfers described in this sentence occurring during the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the date that is ninety (90) days following the Effective Date, the requirement shall be deemed to have been met if such transfers are made to any account that becomes a Blocked Account during such period in accordance with SECTION 2.18(a)(ii)). Any amounts held in the Bank of America Concentration Account (i) at any time when no Cash Dominion Event then exists and is continuing, or (ii) following Payment in Full, shall be remitted to a Blocked Account of the Borrower as specified by the Borrower.

(c)        Each Blocked Account Agreement (other than such agreement entered into with respect to the Bank of America Concentration Account) shall require, after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Cash Dominion Event (and delivery of notice thereof from the Administrative Agent), and to the extent that any Obligations (other than any contingent indemnification Obligations for which no claim has then been asserted) are then outstanding, the ACH or wire transfer on each Business Day (or such other frequency as the Administrative Agent may agree) (and whether or not there is then an outstanding balance in the Loan Account) of all available Cash Receipts to the Bank of America Concentration Account from:

(A)        the sale of Inventory;

(B)        all proceeds of collections of Accounts (including without limitation, proceeds of credit card charges);

(C)        all Net Proceeds on account of any Prepayment Event; and

(D)        the then contents of each Blocked Account (other than the Bank of America Concentration Account), provided that up to $3,500 may be maintained in overnight balances in any Blocked Account (other than the Bank of America Concentration Account).

(d)        After the occurrence and during the continuance of a Cash Dominion Event, the Loan Parties shall accurately report to the Administrative Agent all amounts deposited in the Blocked Accounts to ensure the proper transfer of funds as set forth above. If, at any time after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Cash Dominion Event, any cash or cash equivalents consisting of proceeds of Collateral (other than Trust Funds that have been deposited in a Trust Fund DDA in accordance with clause (h) below, except to the extent any excess proceeds are required to be deposited in the Bank of America Concentration Account pursuant to such clause (h)) owned by any Loan Party are deposited to any account, or held or invested in any manner, other than in a Blocked Account (or a DDA which is swept daily to a Blocked

 

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Account), the Collateral Agent may require the applicable Loan Party to close such account and have all funds therein transferred to a Blocked Account, and all future deposits made to a Blocked Account, provided that up to $500,000 in the aggregate as to all DDAs may be maintained in overnight balances in such DDAs.

(e)        The Loan Parties may close DDAs or Blocked Accounts and/or open new DDAs or Blocked Accounts, subject, in the case of a Blocked Account, to the execution and delivery to the Collateral Agent of appropriate Blocked Account Agreements (unless expressly waived by the Collateral Agent) consistent with the provisions of this SECTION 2.18 and otherwise reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent (it being understood and agreed that, with respect to any Blocked Account (x) acquired in connection with a Permitted Acquisition or an Investment permitted under clauses (p) and/or (q) of the definition of “Permitted Investment”, or (y) opened after the Effective Date, the Loan Parties shall deliver to the Collateral Agent of appropriate Blocked Account Agreements (unless expressly waived by the Collateral Agent), duly executed by the applicable Loan Parties and Blocked Account Banks, within sixty (60) days (or such later date as the Administrative Agent may agree in its sole discretion) following the date of such Permitted Acquisition, such Investment or opening of such Blocked Account, as applicable). No Loan Party shall enter into any agreements with credit card processors other than the ones expressly contemplated herein unless contemporaneously therewith, a Credit Card Notification is executed and delivered to the Collateral Agent.

(f)        The Borrower may also maintain one or more disbursement accounts (the “ Disbursement Accounts ”) to be used by the Borrower for disbursements and payments (including payroll) in the ordinary course of business or as otherwise permitted hereunder.

(g)        At all times after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Cash Dominion Event, the Bank of America Concentration Account shall be under the sole dominion and control of the Collateral Agent. Each Loan Party hereby acknowledges and agrees that, after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Cash Dominion Event, no Loan Party has any right of withdrawal from the Bank of America Concentration Account. The Blocked Account Agreement governing the Bank of America Concentration Account shall require, after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Cash Dominion Event and to the extent that any Obligations (other than any contingent indemnification Obligations for which no claim has then been asserted) are then outstanding, the transfer on each Business Day (and whether or not there is then an outstanding balance in the Loan Account) of all available amounts to the Administrative Agent for application to the Obligations as provided in this Agreement. All funds on deposit in the Bank of America Concentration Account shall at all times continue to be collateral security for all of the Obligations. In the event that, notwithstanding the provisions of this SECTION 2.18, any Loan Party receives or otherwise has dominion and control of any such proceeds or collections after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Cash Dominion Event, then except as otherwise provided under clause (d) above with respect to maintenance of up to $500,000 in the aggregate in overnight balances, such proceeds and collections shall be held in trust by such Loan Party for the Collateral Agent, shall not be commingled with any of such Loan Party’s other funds or deposited in any account of such Loan Party and shall, not later than the Business Day after receipt thereof, be deposited into the Bank of America Concentration Account or dealt with in such other fashion as such Loan Party may be instructed by the Collateral Agent.

 

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(h)        Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 2.18, the Borrower may establish segregated DDAs into which Trust Funds may be deposited in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with the Borrower’s past practices (each such DDA, a “ Trust Fund DDA ”). The Trust Funds so deposited shall not be swept to the Bank of America Concentration Account or applied to the Obligations but rather will be available for the specific purposes required for such Trust Funds. Any amounts in the DDAs shall continue to constitute Collateral and, after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Cash Dominion Event, such excess proceeds shall be deposited into the Bank of America Concentration Account or dealt with in such other fashion as such Loan Party may be instructed by the Collateral Agent.

(i)        The following shall apply to deposits and payments under and pursuant to this Agreement:

  (i)        Funds shall be deemed to have been deposited to the Bank of America Concentration Account on the Business Day on which deposited, provided that notice of such deposit is available to the Collateral Agent by 2:00 p.m. on that Business Day;

  (ii)        Funds paid to the Administrative Agent other than by deposit to the Bank of America Concentration Account, shall be deemed to have been received on the Business Day when they are good and collected funds, provided that notice of such payment is available to the Administrative Agent by 2:00 p.m. on that Business Day;

  (iii)        If notice of a deposit to the Bank of America Concentration Account or payment is not available to the Administrative Agent until after 2:00 p.m. on a Business Day, such deposit or payment shall be deemed to have been made at 9:00 a.m. on the then next Business Day;

  (iv)        On each Business Day, the Administrative Agent shall apply the then collected balance of the Bank of America Concentration Account (net of monthly fees charged, and of such impressed balances as may be required by Bank of America) in accordance with this SECTION 2.18; and

  (v)        If any item deposited to the Bank of America Concentration Account and credited to the Loan Account is dishonored or returned unpaid for any reason, whether or not such return is rightful or timely, the Administrative Agent shall have the right to reverse such credit and charge the amount of such item to the applicable Loan Account and the Loan Parties shall indemnify the Credit Parties against all claims and losses resulting from such dishonor or return.

SECTION 2.19         Fees.

(a)        The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Administrative Agent, the fees set forth in the Fee Letter as and when payment of such fees is due as therein set forth.

(b)        The Borrower shall pay the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Lenders, a fee (the “ Unused Fee ”) equal to 0.375% per annum (on the basis of actual days elapsed in a year of 365 or 366 days, as applicable) of the average daily balance of the Unused

 

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Commitment, during the calendar month just ended (or relevant period with respect to the payment being made for the first month ending after the Effective Date or on the Termination Date); provided , that any Unused Fee accrued with respect to the Unused Commitments of a Delinquent Lender or Deteriorating Lender during the period prior to the time such Lender became a Delinquent Lender or a Deteriorating Lender, as the case may be, and unpaid at such time shall not be payable by the Borrower so long as such Lender shall be a Delinquent Lender or Deteriorating Lender except to the extent that such Unused Fee shall otherwise have been due and payable by the Borrower prior to such time; provided , further , that no Unused Fee shall accrue on the Unused Commitments of a Delinquent Lender or a Deteriorating Lender so long as such Lender shall be a Delinquent Lender or a Deteriorating Lender. The Unused Fee shall be paid in arrears, on the first day of each month after the execution of this Agreement and on the Termination Date.

(c)        The Borrower shall pay the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Lenders on the second day of each January, April, July and October and on the Termination Date, in arrears, a fee calculated on the basis of a 365 or 366 day year, as applicable, and actual days elapsed (each, a “ Letter of Credit Fee ”), equal to the following per annum percentages of the average face amount of the following categories of Letters of Credit outstanding during the three (3) month period then ended:

   (i)        Standby Letters of Credit: At a per annum rate equal to the then Applicable Margin for LIBO Loans;

   (ii)        Commercial Letters of Credit: At a per annum rate equal to fifty percent (50%) of the then Applicable Margin for LIBO Loans; and

   (iii)        After the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, at any time that the Administrative Agent is not holding in the Cash Collateral Account an amount in cash equal to 103% of the Letter of Credit Outstandings as of such date, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, effective upon written notice from the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders, the Letter of Credit Fee shall be increased, at the option of the Administrative Agent by an amount equal to two percent (2%) per annum;

provided , that no Letter of Credit Fee shall accrue in favor of or be payable to any Delinquent Lender or any Deteriorating Lender so long as such Lender shall be a Delinquent Lender or a Deteriorating Lender.

(d)        The Borrower shall pay to (i) the applicable Issuing Bank, at any time prior to the occurrence of a Cash Dominion Event, or (ii) the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the applicable Issuing Bank, in addition to all Letter of Credit Fees otherwise provided for hereunder, a fronting fee in the amount of 0.125% of the face amount of each Letter of Credit or, if the Borrower and such Issuing Bank shall have separately agreed to a fronting fee for purposes hereof, then in the amount of such separately agreed fee (each, a “ Fronting Fee ”) and such other reasonable fees and charges in connection with the issuance, negotiation, settlement, amendment and processing of each Letter of Credit issued by the Issuing Bank as are customarily imposed by the Issuing Bank from time to time in connection with letter of credit transactions.

 

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(e)        All fees shall be paid on the dates due, in immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent for the respective accounts of the Administrative Agent and other Credit Parties as provided herein. Once due, all fees shall be fully earned and shall not be refundable under any circumstances.

SECTION 2.20         Maintenance of Loan Account; Statements of Account.

(a)        The Administrative Agent shall maintain an account on its books in the name of the Borrower (the “ Loan Account ”) which will reflect (i) all Loans and other advances made by the Lenders to the Borrower or for the Borrower’s account, (ii) all Letter of Credit Disbursements, fees and interest that have become payable as herein set forth, and (iii) any and all other monetary Obligations that have become payable.

(b)        The Loan Account will be credited with all amounts received by the Administrative Agent from the Borrower or from others for the Borrower’s account, including, after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Cash Dominion Event, all amounts received in the Bank of America Concentration Account from the other Blocked Account Banks, and the amounts so credited shall be applied as set forth in SECTIONS 2.17(d) or 7.03, as applicable. After the end of each month, the Administrative Agent shall send to the Borrower a statement accounting for the charges, loans, advances and other transactions occurring among and between the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower during that month. The monthly statements shall, absent manifest error, be deemed presumptively correct.

SECTION 2.21         Payments.

(a)        The Borrower shall make each payment required to be made hereunder or under any other Loan Document (whether of principal, interest, fees or reimbursement of drawings under Letters of Credit, of amounts payable under SECTIONS 2.14, 2.16(c) or 2.23, or otherwise) prior to 2:00 p.m. on the date when due, in immediately available funds, without setoff or counterclaim. Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. All such payments shall be made to the Administrative Agent at its offices at 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts, except payments to be made directly to an Issuing Bank or Swingline Lender as expressly provided herein and except that payments pursuant to SECTIONS 2.14, 2.16(c), 2.23 and 9.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto and payments pursuant to other Loan Documents shall be made to the Persons specified therein. The Administrative Agent shall distribute any such payments to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof. If any payment under any Loan Document shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, except with respect to LIBO Borrowings, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, if any payment due with respect to LIBO Borrowings shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, unless that succeeding Business Day is in the next calendar month, in which event, the date of such payment shall be on the last Business Day of subject calendar month, and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension. All payments under each Loan Document shall be made in dollars.

 

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(b)        All funds received by and available to the Administrative Agent to pay principal, unreimbursed drawings under Letters of Credit, interest and fees then due hereunder, shall be applied in accordance with the provisions of SECTIONS 2.17(d) or 7.03 ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal, unreimbursed drawings under Letters of Credit, interest, and fees then due to such respective parties. Any net principal reductions to the Revolving Credit Loans received by the Administrative Agent in accordance with the Loan Documents during such period shall not reduce such actual amount so contributed, for purposes of calculation of interest due to that Lender, until the Administrative Agent has distributed to that Lender its Commitment Percentage thereof.

(c)        Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or the Issuing Banks hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders or the Issuing Banks, as the case may be, the amount due. In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders or the Issuing Banks, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or Issuing Bank 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 Federal Funds Effective Rate.

(d)        If any Lender shall fail to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to this Agreement, then the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion (notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof), apply any amounts thereafter received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender to satisfy such Lender’s obligations under such Sections until all such unsatisfied obligations are fully paid.

SECTION 2.22         Settlement Amongst Lenders

(a)        Except as provided in SECTION 2.22(b), the Swingline Lender may (but shall not be obligated to), at any time, on behalf of the Borrower (which hereby authorizes the Swingline Lender to act on its behalf in that regard) request the Administrative Agent to cause the Lenders to make a Revolving Credit Loan (which shall be a Prime Rate Loan) in an amount equal to such Lender’s Commitment Percentage of the outstanding amount of Swingline Loans made in accordance with SECTION 2.06, which request may be made regardless of whether the conditions set forth in Article IV have been satisfied. Upon such request, each Lender shall make available to the Administrative Agent the proceeds of such Revolving Credit Loan for the account of the Swingline Lender. If the Swingline Lender requires a Revolving Credit Loan to be made by the Lenders and the request therefor is received prior to 12:00 Noon on a Business Day, such transfers shall be made in immediately available funds no later than 3:00 p.m. that day; and, if the request therefor is received after 12:00 Noon, then no later than 3:00 p.m. on the next Business Day. The obligation of each such Lender to transfer such funds is irrevocable, unconditional and without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent or the Swingline Lender. If and to the extent any Lender shall not have so made its transfer to the Administrative Agent, such Lender agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand, such amount, together with interest thereon, for each day from such date until the date such amount is paid to the Administrative Agent at the Federal Funds Effective Rate.

 

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(b)        The amount of each Lender’s Commitment Percentage of outstanding Revolving Credit Loans (including outstanding Swingline Loans), shall be computed weekly (or more frequently in the Administrative Agent’s discretion) and shall be adjusted upward or downward based on all Revolving Credit Loans (excluding Swingline Loans) and repayments of Revolving Credit Loans (excluding Swingline Loans) received by the Administrative Agent as of 3:00 p.m. on the first Business Day (such date, the “ Settlement Date ”) following the end of the period specified by the Administrative Agent.

(c)        The Administrative Agent shall deliver to each of the Lenders promptly after a Settlement Date a summary statement of the amount of outstanding Revolving Credit Loans (excluding Swingline Loans) for the period and the amount of repayments received for the period. As reflected on the summary statement, (i) the Administrative Agent shall transfer to each Lender its applicable Commitment Percentage of repayments, and (ii) each Lender shall transfer to the Administrative Agent or the Administrative Agent shall transfer to each Lender such amounts as are necessary to ensure that, after giving effect to all such transfers, the amount of Revolving Credit Loans made by each Lender (excluding Swingline Loans) shall be equal to such Lender’s applicable Commitment Percentage of Revolving Credit Loans (excluding Swingline Loans) outstanding as of such Settlement Date. If the summary statement requires transfers to be made to the Administrative Agent by the Lenders and is received prior to 12:00 Noon on a Business Day, such transfers shall be made in immediately available funds no later than 3:00 p.m. that day; and, if received after 12:00 Noon then no later than 3:00 p.m. on the next Business Day. The obligation of each Lender to transfer such funds is irrevocable, unconditional and without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent. If and to the extent any Lender shall not have so made its transfer to the Administrative Agent such Lender agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such amount, together with interest thereon, for each day from such date until the date such amount is paid to the Administrative Agent at the Federal Funds Effective Rate.

SECTION 2.23         Taxes.

(a)        Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of the Loan Parties hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes; provided , however , that if a Loan Party shall be required to deduct, or an Agent or a Lender shall be required to remit, any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes from such payments, then (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions or remittances for Taxes (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this SECTION 2.23) the applicable Credit Party receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, and no such remittances had been required, (ii) the Loan Party shall make such deductions and (iii) the Loan Party shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with Applicable Law.

(b)        In addition, the Loan Parties shall pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with Applicable Law.

 

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(c)        The Borrower shall indemnify each Credit Party within ten (10) days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes paid by such Credit Party on or with respect to any payment by or on account of any obligation of the Loan Parties hereunder or under any other Loan Document (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this SECTION 2.23) and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority; provided that if the Borrower reasonably believes that such Taxes were not correctly or legally asserted, each Lender will use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Borrower to obtain a refund of such taxes so long as such efforts would not, in the sole determination of such Lender result in any additional costs, expenses or risks or be otherwise disadvantageous to it. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Credit Party, or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of any other Credit Party, setting forth in reasonable detail the manner in which such amount was determined, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(d)        As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by a Loan Party to a Governmental Authority, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(e)        Each Foreign Lender shall be entitled to an exemption from withholding tax and shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent two (2) copies of either United States Internal Revenue Service Form W 8BEN or Form W 8ECI, or any subsequent versions thereof or successors thereto, or, in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming exemption from U.S. Federal withholding tax under Section 871(h) or 881(c) of the Code with respect to payments of “portfolio interest”, a (i) Form W 8BEN, or any subsequent versions thereof or successors thereto and (ii) if such Foreign Lender delivers a Form W-8BEN, a certificate representing that such Foreign Lender is not (A) a bank for purposes of Section 881(c) of the Code, (B) is not a ten percent (10%) shareholder (within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code) of any Loan Party and (C) is not a controlled foreign corporation related to the Loan Parties (within the meaning of Section 864(d)(4) of the Code)), properly completed and duly executed by such Foreign Lender claiming, as applicable, complete exemption from, U.S. Federal withholding tax on payments by the Loan Parties under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, or in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming exemption for “portfolio interest” certifying that it is not a foreign corporation, partnership, estate or trust. Such forms shall be delivered by each Foreign Lender on or before the date it becomes a party to this Agreement (or, in the case of a transferee that is a participation holder, on or before the date such participation holder becomes a transferee hereunder) and on or before the date, if any, such Foreign Lender changes its applicable lending office by designating a different lending office. In addition, each Foreign Lender shall deliver such forms promptly upon the obsolescence or invalidity of any form previously delivered by such Foreign Lender. Notwithstanding any other provision of this SECTION 2.23(e), a Foreign Lender shall not be required to deliver any form pursuant to this SECTION 2.23(e) that such Foreign Lender is not legally able to deliver.

 

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(f)        The Borrower shall not be required to indemnify any Foreign Lender or to pay any additional amounts to any Foreign Lender in respect of U.S. Federal withholding tax pursuant to paragraph (a) or (c) above to the extent that the obligation to pay such additional amounts would not have arisen but for a failure by such Foreign Lender to comply with the provisions of paragraph (e) above. Should a Lender become subject to Taxes because of its failure to deliver a form required hereunder, the Loan Parties shall, at such Lender’s expense, take such steps as such Lender shall reasonably request to assist such Lender to recover such Taxes.

(g)        If any Loan Party shall be required pursuant to this SECTION 2.23 to pay any additional amount to, or to indemnify, any Credit Party to the extent that such Credit Party becomes subject to Taxes subsequent to the Closing Date (or, if applicable, subsequent to the date such Person becomes a party to this Agreement) as a result of any change in the circumstances of such Credit Party (other than a change in Applicable Law), including without limitation a change in the residence, place of incorporation, principal place of business of such Credit Party or a change in the branch or lending office of such Credit Party, as the case may be, such Credit Party shall use reasonable efforts to avoid or minimize any amounts which might otherwise be payable pursuant to this SECTION 2.23(g); provided , however , that such efforts shall not include the taking of any actions by such Credit Party that would result in any tax, costs or other expense to such Credit Party (other than a tax, cost or other expense for which such Credit Party shall have been reimbursed or indemnified by the Loan Parties pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise) or any action which would or might in the reasonable opinion of such Credit Party have an adverse effect upon its business, operations or financial condition or otherwise be disadvantageous to such Credit Party.

(h)        If any Credit Party reasonably determines in its reasonable discretion that it has actually and finally realized, by reason of a refund, deduction or credit of any Taxes paid or reimbursed by the Loan Parties pursuant to subsection (a) or (c) above in respect of payments under the Loan Documents, a current monetary benefit that it would otherwise not have obtained and that would result in the total payments under this SECTION 2.23 exceeding the amount needed to make such Credit Party whole, such Credit Party shall pay to the Borrower, with reasonable promptness following the date upon which it actually realizes such benefit, an amount equal to the lesser of the amount of such benefit or the amount of such excess, in each case net of the pro rata share of all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in securing such refund, deduction or credit. This subsection shall not be construed as to require any Credit Party to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) to Borrower or any other Persons.

(i)        A Lender affected thereby shall notify the Borrower within a reasonable time after receipt of a notice of assessment or proposed assessment under which such Lender may be liable for additional Indemnified Taxes (and any interest or penalties that may be assessed with respect to such Indemnified Taxes) as a direct result of the Loan. Thereafter, such Lender shall at the Loan Parties’ sole cost and expense, unless to do so might reasonably result in either any increased liabilities or expenses which have not been fully secured by the Loan Parties or any other material adverse affect on such Lender, (a) provide reasonable assistance to the Loan Parties in contesting such proposed assessment or assessment, and (b) not settle or compromise the contest of such proposed assessment or assessment without the Borrower’s

 

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consent (not to be unreasonably withheld). In addition to the foregoing, provided that the same will not result in material costs and expenses which have not been fully secured for by the Loan Parties, and at the Loan Parties sole cost and expense, the Lenders will upon reasonable request of the Borrower apply for any refund of Taxes which might reasonably be available.

(j)        Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement contained herein, the agreements and obligations contained in this SECTION 2.23 shall survive the payment in full of principal, interest, fees and any other amounts payable hereunder and the termination of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, without any claim having been made prior to that date.

SECTION 2.24         Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.

(a)        If any Lender requests compensation under SECTION 2.14 or cannot make Loans under SECTION 2.11, or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to SECTION 2.23, then such Lender shall 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 2.14 or 2.23, as the case may be, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment; provided , however , that the Borrower shall not be liable for such costs and expenses of a Lender requesting compensation if (i) such Lender becomes a party to this Agreement on a date after the Effective Date and (ii) the relevant Change in Law occurs on a date prior to the date such Lender becomes a party hereto.

(b)        If any Lender requests compensation under SECTION 2.14 or cannot make Loans under SECTION 2.11, or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to SECTION 2.23, or if any Lender is a Delinquent Lender or Deteriorating Lender, then the Borrower may, at its expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate (and, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, such Lender shall be required to assign and delegate), without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in SECTION 9.04), all its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided , however , that (i) the Borrower shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and Swingline Lender (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), to the extent such consent is required pursuant to SECTION 9.04, (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and participations in unreimbursed drawings under Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts) and (iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under SECTION 2.14 or payments required to be made pursuant to SECTION 2.23, such

 

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assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.

SECTION 2.25         Security Interests in Collateral.

To secure their Obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, the Borrower and the Facility Guarantors shall grant to the Collateral Agent, for its benefit and the ratable benefit of the other Credit Parties, a first-priority security interest (subject to Permitted Encumbrances having priority by operation of Applicable Law) in, and hypothec of, all of the Collateral pursuant hereto and to the Security Documents.

ARTICLE III

Representations and Warranties

To induce the Credit Parties to make the Loans and to issue Letters of Credit, the Loan Parties executing this Agreement, jointly and severally, make the following representations and warranties to each Credit Party with respect to each Loan Party:

SECTION 3.01         Organization; Powers.

Each Loan Party is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all requisite power and authority to own its property and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted and, to execute and deliver and perform all its obligations under all Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party. Each Loan Party is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing (where such concept exists) in, every jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the ownership or leasing of its properties makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing individually or in the aggregate would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The Information Certificate sets forth, as of the Effective Date, each Loan Party’s name as it appears in official filings in its state or province of incorporation or organization, its state or province of incorporation or organization, organization type, organization number, if any, issued by its state or province of incorporation or organization, and its federal employer identification number.

SECTION 3.02         Authorization; Enforceability.

The transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents to be entered into by each Loan Party are within such Loan Party’s corporate powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate, membership, partnership or other necessary action. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party that is a party hereto or thereto and constitutes, and each other Loan Document to which any Loan Party is a party, when executed and delivered by such Loan Party will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

 

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SECTION 3.03         Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts.

The transactions to be entered into and contemplated by the Loan Documents (a) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, except for such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect and except filings and recordings necessary to perfect Liens created under the Loan Documents, (b) will not violate any Applicable Law or the Charter Documents of any Loan Party, (c) will not violate or result in a default under any Material Contract, any indenture or any other agreement, instrument or other evidence of Material Indebtedness or other material instrument binding upon any Loan Party or its assets, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by any Loan Party, except to the extent that such violation or default would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, and (d) will not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of any Loan Party, except Liens created under the Loan Documents.

SECTION 3.04         Financial Condition.

(a)        The Borrower has heretofore furnished to the Agents the Consolidated balance sheets, and Consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the Parent as of and for the Fiscal Year ending February 27, 2010 and as of and for the Fiscal Quarter ending November 27, 2010, certified by a Financial Officer of the Parent. Such Consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Parent as of such dates and for such periods in accordance with GAAP, subject to year end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes.

(b)        Since the date of the latest such financial statements, there has been no Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 3.05         Properties.

(a)        Except as disclosed in the Information Certificate, each Loan Party has title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all its real (immoveable) and personal (moveable) property material to its business, except for defects which would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b)        Each Loan Party owns or is licensed to use, all patents, trademarks, trade names, trade styles, brand names, service marks, logos, copyrights, and other intellectual property used in its business, except to the extent that the failure to so own or have the right to use would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and to the knowledge of its Responsible Officers the use thereof by the Loan Parties does not infringe upon the rights of any other Person, except for any such infringements that, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(c)        The Information Certificate sets forth the address (including county) of all Real Estate that is owned by the Loan Parties as of the Effective Date, together with a list of the

 

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holders of any mortgage thereon. The Information Certificate sets forth the address (including county) of all Real Estate that is leased by the Loan Parties as of the Effective Date, together with the name of the lessor with respect to each such Lease. Except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, to the knowledge of the Responsible Officers of the Loan Parties each of such Leases is in full force and effect and the Loan Parties are not in default of the terms thereof.

SECTION 3.06         Litigation and Environmental Matters.

(a)        Except for Disclosed Matters, there are no actions, suits or proceedings by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against or, to the knowledge of Responsible Officers of the Loan Parties, threatened in writing against or affecting any Loan Party (i) as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination which, if adversely determined, would reasonably be expected individually or in the aggregate to result in a Material Adverse Effect (other than Disclosed Matters) or (ii) that involve any of the Loan Documents.

(b)        Except for Disclosed Matters, to the knowledge of its Responsible Officers no Loan Party (i) has failed to comply with any Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any permit, license or other approval required under any Environmental Law, (ii) has become subject to any Environmental Liability, (iii) has received notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or (iv) knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability, which, in each case, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(c)        There has been no change in the status of the Disclosed Matters that, individually or in the aggregate, has resulted in, or would reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 3.07         Compliance with Laws and Agreements.

Each Loan Party is in compliance with all Applicable Law, including, without limitation, the Income Tax Act (Canada), all Material Contracts and all agreements relating to Material Indebtedness, and no default has occurred and is continuing thereunder, except in each case where the failure to comply or the existence of a default, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 3.08         Investment Company Status.

No Loan Party is or is required to be registered as an “investment company” as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

SECTION 3.09         Taxes.

As of the Effective Date, each Loan Party has timely filed or caused to be filed all tax returns and reports required to have been filed (including Canadian federal and provincial income tax returns) and has paid or caused to be paid all Taxes required to have been paid by it, except (a) Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, for which

 

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such Loan Party has set aside on its books adequate reserves, and as to which no Lien has arisen or (b) to the extent that the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Proper and accurate amounts have been withheld by each Loan Party from its respective employees for all periods in compliance with all applicable federal, state, provisional, local and foreign laws and such withholdings have been timely paid to the respective Governmental Authorities, except to the extent, in each case, that the failure to so comply would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 3.10         ERISA.

No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events for which liability is reasonably expected to occur, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 3.11         Disclosure.

To the knowledge of their Responsible Officers, the Loan Parties have disclosed to the Credit Parties all agreements, instruments and corporate or other restrictions to which any Loan Party is subject, and all other matters known to any of them that, if breached or defaulted, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. None of the written reports, financial statements, certificates or other written information (other than any projections, pro formas, budgets, and other forward-looking information and information of a general economic or industry-specific nature) concerning the Loan Parties furnished by or at the direction of any Loan Party to any Credit Party in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or delivered hereunder or thereunder (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished), when taken as a whole, contains, as of the date furnished, any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein not materially misleading in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made.

SECTION 3.12         Subsidiaries.

(a)        The Information Certificate sets forth the name of, and the ownership interest of each Loan Party in, each Subsidiary as of the Effective Date. There is no other Capital Stock of any class as to any such Subsidiary issued and outstanding as of the Effective Date, other than as set forth in the Information Certificate. All such shares of Capital Stock are validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable (as applicable).

(b)        Except as set forth in the Information Certificate, no Loan Party is party to any joint venture, general or limited partnership, or limited liability company agreements or any other business ventures or entities as of the Effective Date.

SECTION 3.13         Insurance.

The Information Certificate sets forth a description of all general liability, comprehensive, health, and casualty insurance maintained by or on behalf of the Loan Parties as of the Effective Date. Each insurance policy listed in the Information Certificate is in full force and effect and all premiums in respect thereof that are due and payable as of the Effective Date have been paid.

 

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SECTION 3.14         Labor Matters.

As of the Effective Date there are no strikes, lockouts or slowdowns against any Loan Party pending or, to the knowledge of any Responsible Officer of any Loan Party, threatened except to the extent that strikes, lockouts, or slowdowns would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The Loan Parties reasonably believe that the hours worked by and payments made to employees of the Loan Parties have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable federal, state, provincial, local or foreign law dealing with such matters to the extent that any such violation could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except for Disclosed Matters and to the extent that such liability would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, the Loan Parties reasonably believe that all payments due from any Loan Party, or for which any claim may be made against any Loan Party, on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits, have been paid or accrued in accordance with GAAP as a liability on the books of such Loan Party. Except as set forth in the Information Certificate or as disclosed in any filing by any Loan Party with the SEC, as of the Effective Date, no Loan Party is a party to or bound by any material collective bargaining agreement, management agreement, employment agreement, bonus, restricted stock, stock option, or stock appreciation plan or agreement or any similar plan, agreement or arrangement. There are no representation proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of any Responsible Officer of any Loan Party, threatened to be filed with the National Labor Relations Board or other Governmental Authority, and no labor organization or group of employees of any Loan Party has made a pending demand for recognition. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents will not give rise to any right of termination or right of renegotiation on the part of any union under any collective bargaining agreement to which any Loan Party is bound to the extent that such would be reasonably expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 3.15         Security Documents.

The Security Documents create in favor of the Collateral Agent, for its own benefit and for the ratable benefit of the other Credit Parties, a legal, valid and enforceable security or mortgage interest in the Collateral (subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), and the Security Documents constitute, or will upon the filing of financing statements or other requisite registrations and/or the obtaining of “control”, in each case with respect to the relevant Collateral as required under the applicable Uniform Commercial Code or similar legislation of any jurisdiction, including, without limitation, the PPSA and the Civil Code of Québec , to the extent security interests in such Collateral can be perfected by such filings or control, the creation of a fully perfected and opposable first priority Lien on, and security interest in, and hypothecation of, all right, title and interest of the Loan Parties thereunder in such Collateral (to the extent required under the Security Documents), in each case prior and superior in right to any other Person, except for Permitted Encumbrances having priority over the Lien of the Collateral Agent under Applicable Law.

 

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SECTION 3.16         Federal Reserve Regulations.

(a)        No Loan Party is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of buying or carrying Margin Stock.

(b)        No part of the proceeds of any Loan or any Letter of Credit will be used, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, (i) to buy or carry Margin Stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of buying or carrying Margin Stock or to refund indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose in violation of Regulation U or X or (ii) for any purpose that entails a violation of, or that is inconsistent with, the provisions of the Regulations of the Board, including Regulation U or Regulation X.

SECTION 3.17         Solvency.

The Loan Parties, taken as a whole, are Solvent. No transfer of property is being made by any Loan Party and no obligation is being incurred by any Loan Party in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud either present or future creditors of any Loan Party.

SECTION 3.18         DDAs; Credit Card Arrangements.

(a)        The Information Certificate contains a list of all DDAs maintained by the Loan Parties as of the Effective Date, which list includes, with respect to each DDA, (i) the name and address of the depository; (ii) the account number(s) maintained with such depository; and (iii) a contact person at such depository.

(b)        The Information Certificate contains a list describing all agreements as of the Effective Date to which any Loan Party is a party with respect to the processing and/or payment to such Loan Party of the proceeds of any credit card charges and debit card charges for sales made by such Loan Party.

SECTION 3.19         Licenses; Permits.

(a)        Each Loan Party has obtained all permits, licenses and other authorizations which are required with respect to the ownership and operations of its business except where the failure to obtain such permits, licenses or other authorizations, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each Loan Party is in material compliance with all terms and conditions of all such permits, licenses, orders and authorizations, and is also in compliance with all Applicable Laws, except where the failure to comply with such terms, conditions or Applicable Laws, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 3.20         Material Contracts.

The Loan Parties are not in breach or in default of or under any Material Contract and have not received any notice of the intention of any other party thereto to terminate any Material Contract, except to the extent that such breach, default or termination, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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ARTICLE IV

Conditions

SECTION 4.01         Effective Date.

This Agreement shall not become effective unless and until the following conditions precedent are satisfied or waived:

(a)        The Agents (or their counsel) shall have received from each party either (i) a counterpart of this Agreement and all other Loan Documents described in the Information Certificate signed on behalf of such party or (ii) written evidence satisfactory to the Agents (which may include telecopy or pdf transmission of a signed signature page of this Agreement) that such party has signed a counterpart of this Agreement and such other Loan Documents.

(b)        The Agents shall have received a favorable written opinion (addressed to each Agent and the Lenders and dated the Effective Date) of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, Enterprise Business Law Group, LLC and Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, counsel for the Loan Parties, covering such matters relating to the Loan Parties, the Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated thereby as the Required Lenders shall reasonably request. The Loan Parties hereby request such counsel to deliver such opinions.

(c)        The Agents shall have received Charter Documents and such other documents and certificates as the Agents or their counsel may reasonably request relating to the organization, existence and good standing of each Loan Party, the authorization of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents and any other legal matters relating to the Loan Parties, the Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated thereby, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agents and their counsel.

(d)        After giving effect to (i) any Loans to be made on the Effective Date, (ii) any charges to the Loan Account made in connection with the credit facility contemplated hereby and (iii) all Letters of Credit (including Existing Letters of Credit) to be issued at, or immediately subsequent to, the Effective Date, Availability shall be not less than $100,000,000. The Administrative Agent shall have received a Borrowing Base Certificate dated the Effective Date, relating to the month ended on February 26, 2011, and executed by a Financial Officer of the Borrower.

(e)        The Agents shall have received a certificate, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Agents, (i) with respect to the Solvency of the Loan Parties as of the Effective Date and (ii) certifying that (x) all representations and warranties contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or otherwise made in writing in connection herewith or therewith are true and correct in all material respects as of the Effective Date with the same effect as if made on and as of such date, except to the extent that (A) such representations and warranties are qualified as to “materiality”, “Material Adverse Effect” or similar language, in which case they are true and correct in all

 

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respects (as so qualified by “materiality”, “Material Adverse Effect” or similar language) on and as of such date, and (B) such representations and warranties relate to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct in all material respects on and as of such earlier date, and (y) as of the Effective Date, no Default or Event of Default exists.

(f)        To the extent not previously delivered, the Agents shall have received the Security Documents (including, without limitation, any amendments thereto).

(g)        All necessary consents and approvals to the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained and shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Agents other than those which, individually or in the aggregate, would not and would not reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect.

(h)        The Agents shall have received a written report regarding the results of a commercial finance examination of the Loan Parties, which shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Agents.

(i)        Consolidated financial statements delivered to the Agents shall fairly present in all material respects the business and financial condition of the Parent and that, as of the Effective Date, there shall have been no Material Adverse Effect since February 27, 2010.

(j)        After giving effect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents on the Effective Date (including any Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder), no Default or Event of Default shall exist.

(k)        The Agents shall have received results of searches or other evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Agents (in each case dated as of a date reasonably satisfactory to the Agents) indicating the absence of Liens on the assets of the Loan Parties, except for Permitted Encumbrances.

(l)        To the extent not previously delivered, the Agents shall have received all documents and instruments, including Uniform Commercial Code and PPSA financing statements and certified statements issued by the Québec Register of Personal and Moveable Property Rights and any amendments in respect of any of the foregoing, required by law or reasonably requested by the Agents to be filed, registered, published or recorded to create or perfect the first priority Liens intended to be created under the Loan Documents and all such documents and instruments shall have been so filed, registered, published or recorded to the satisfaction of the Agents.

(m)        The Agents shall have received, and be reasonably satisfied with, evidence of the Loan Parties’ insurance, together with such endorsements as are required by the Loan Documents.

(n)        All fees due as of the Effective Date and all Credit Party Expenses incurred in connection with the establishment of the credit facility contemplated hereby (including the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to the Agents), shall have been paid in full.

 

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(o)        There shall have been delivered to the Agents the additional instruments and documents described in the Information Certificate.

The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding on the Loan Parties.

SECTION 4.02         Conditions Precedent to Each Loan and Each Letter of Credit.

The obligations of the Lenders to make each Revolving Credit Loan, and of the Issuing Banks to issue each Letter of Credit, are subject to the following conditions precedent:

(a)        The Administrative Agent shall have received a notice with respect to such Borrowing or issuance, as the case may be, as required by Article II.

(b)        (i) No Default or Event of Default is then occurring, (ii) the representations and warranties contained in SECTION 3.04(b) shall be true and correct in all respects, and (iii) all other representations and warranties contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or otherwise made in writing in connection herewith or therewith shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of each Borrowing or the issuance of each Letter of Credit hereunder with the same effect as if made on and as of such date, except to the extent that (A) such representations and warranties are qualified as to “materiality”, “Material Adverse Effect” or similar language, in which case they shall be true and correct in all respects (as so qualified by “materiality”, “Material Adverse Effect” or similar language) on and as of such date, and (B) such representations and warranties relate to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of such earlier date.

(c)        On the date of each Borrowing hereunder and the issuance of each Letter of Credit and after giving effect thereto, the Loan Parties shall be in compliance with all of the terms and provisions set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents to be observed or performed and no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

(d)        The Administrative Agent shall have received timely delivery of the most recently required Borrowing Base Certificate, with each such Borrowing Base Certificate including schedules as reasonably required by the Administrative Agent.

The request by the Borrower for, and the acceptance by the Borrower of, each extension of credit hereunder shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Loan Parties that the conditions specified in this SECTION 4.02 have been satisfied at that time and that after giving effect to such extension of credit the Borrower shall continue to be in compliance with the Borrowing Base. The conditions set forth in this SECTION 4.02 are for the sole benefit of the Administrative Agent and each other Credit Party and may be waived by the Administrative Agent, in whole or in part, without prejudice to the Administrative Agent or any other Credit Party.

 

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ARTICLE V

Affirmative Covenants

Until Payment in Full, each Loan Party covenants and agrees with the Credit Parties that:

SECTION 5.01         Financial Statements and Other Information.

The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent for distribution to the Lenders in accordance with the provisions of SECTION 8.13(c):

(a)        Within ninety (90) days after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Parent, the Consolidated balance sheets, Consolidated statements of operations, and Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such year for the Parent, setting forth in each case in comparative form the Consolidated figures for the previous Fiscal Year, all audited and reported on by independent registered public accounting firm of recognized national standing (without a “going concern” or like qualification or exception and without a qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit) to the effect that such Consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Parent on a Consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and on an annual basis a consolidating balance sheet to be delivered in a timely fashion, when prepared;

(b)        (i) Within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three (3) Fiscal Quarters of the Parent, the Consolidated balance sheets, Consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of the Parent, as of the end of and for such Fiscal Quarter and the elapsed portion of the Fiscal Year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the Consolidated figures for the previous Fiscal Year, all certified by one of the Parent’s Financial Officers as presenting in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Parent on a Consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes; and (ii) at any time following the occurrence of a Cash Dominion Event, within thirty (30) days after the end of each Fiscal Month of the Parent, the Consolidated balance sheets, Consolidated statements of operations and stockholders’ equity of the Parent, as of the end of and for such Fiscal Month and the elapsed portion of the Fiscal Year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the Consolidated figures for the previous Fiscal Year, all certified by one of the Parent’s Financial Officers as presenting in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Parent on a Consolidated basis in a manner consistent with past practices and reflecting the same information as reported to the Parent’s board of directors, subject to normal year end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

(c)        Concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) or (b) above, a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Borrower in the form of Exhibit G hereto (a “ Compliance Certificate ”) (i) certifying as to whether a Default or Event of Default has occurred and, if a Default or Event of Default has occurred, specifying the details thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto, and (ii) setting forth reasonably detailed calculations with respect to Availability and the Average Daily Availability;

 

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(d)        On the tenth (10 th ) Business Day of each Fiscal Month, a certificate in the form of Exhibit H (a “ Borrowing Base Certificate ”) showing the Borrowing Base as of the close of business on last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Month, provided that if (i) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, or (ii) if Availability (as calculated under clause (b) of the definition thereof) is at any time less than the greater of (A) fifteen percent (15%) of the Line Cap, or (B) $25,000,000, then in either case such Borrowing Base Certificate shall be furnished on Wednesday of each week (or, if Wednesday is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day), and provided further that if any request for a Loan will result in Credit Extensions exceeding $150,000,000, a Borrowing Base Certificate shall accompany such request; each Borrowing Base Certificate to be certified as complete and correct on behalf of the Borrower by a Financial Officer of the Borrower;

(e)        Promptly after the same become publicly available (except to the extent otherwise required to be delivered hereunder), copies of all material periodic and other reports, proxy statements and other materials filed by any Loan Party with the SEC, or other foreign securities regulatory body, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of said Commission, or with any national securities exchange, as the case may be;

(f)        With respect to each month during which, at any time during such month, (i) Letter of Credit Outstandings exceed $100,000,000, or (ii) there are any Loans outstanding, in either case, the financial and collateral reports described on Schedule 5.01(f) hereto shall be delivered at the times set forth in such Schedule;

(g)        A detailed summary of the Net Proceeds received from any Prepayment Event within three (3) Business Days after receipt of such proceeds, including, without limitation, to the extent applicable, the manner of allocation of the Net Proceeds amongst the assets and properties of the Loan Parties which are the subject of the Prepayment Event;

(h)        (i) Notice of any intended sale or other disposition (other than as permitted under Section 6.05 ) of material assets of any Loan Party permitted hereunder, at least five (5) Business Days prior to the date of consummation of such sale or disposition, and (ii) notice of any incurrence of any Indebtedness for borrowed money in excess of $50,000,000 in favor of any non-Affiliated Person permitted hereunder, promptly (but in any event within five (5) Business Days) following the incurrence of such Indebtedness;

(i)        Promptly following any request therefor, such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of any Loan Party, or compliance with the terms of any Loan Document, as the Agents or any Lender may reasonably request;

 

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(j)        as soon as available, but in any event at least thirty (30) days after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Parent, forecasts prepared by management of the Parent, in form satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, of (i) the forecasted consolidated balance sheets of the Parent and its Subsidiaries, (ii) the forecasted consolidated statements of income or operations and consolidated cash forecasts prepared on a monthly basis, in form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, and (iii) Availability on a monthly basis, in the case of each of clauses (i) through (iii), for the immediately following Fiscal Year (including the Fiscal Year in which the Maturity Date occurs but only through the Maturity Date);

(k)        If reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, and concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements under clause (a) above, copies of the Borrower’s Canadian federal and provincial tax returns for the Fiscal Year to which such financial statements in clause (a) apply, if available.

(l)        Promptly after the Administrative Agent’s request therefor, copies of all Material Contracts and documents evidencing Material Indebtedness.

(m)        Any of the delivery requirements relating to written financial information set forth in this SECTION 5.01 may be satisfied by either (x) the Borrower’s posting such information in electronic format readable by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to a secure address on the world wide web (the “ Informational Website ”) which is accessible by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, (y) the Borrower’s delivering such financial information in electronic format to the Administrative Agent and the Administrative Agent’s posting such information to an Informational Website, or (z) the filing of such information on the website of the SEC at http://www.sec.gov . The accommodation provided by the foregoing sentence shall not impair the right of the Administrative Agent, or any Lender through the Administrative Agent, to request and receive from the Borrower physical delivery of specific financial information provided for in this SECTION 5.01. The Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent (and the Administrative Agent shall give each Lender) written or electronic notice each time any information is delivered by posting to the Informational Website or by filing electronically with the SEC. The Loan Parties shall be responsible for and shall bear all risk associated with establishing and maintaining the security and confidentiality of the Informational Website and the information posted thereto.

SECTION 5.02         Notices of Material Events.

The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent prompt written notice of the occurrence of any of the following after any Responsible Officer of the Borrower obtains knowledge thereof:

(a)        A Default or Event of Default, specifying the nature and extent thereof and the action (if any) which is proposed to be taken with respect thereto;

(b)        The filing or commencement of any action, suit or proceeding by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority against or affecting any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof that, as determined at the time of filing, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

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(c)        An ERISA Event that, alone or together with any other ERISA Events that have occurred, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

(d)        Any development that results in a Material Adverse Effect;

(e)        Any change in the Parent’s chief executive officer or chief financial officer;

(f)        The discharge by any Loan Party of its present independent accountants or any withdrawal or resignation by such independent accountants;

(g)        Any material collective bargaining agreement or other union labor contract to which a Loan Party becomes a party, or the application for the certification of a collective bargaining agent;

(h)        The filing of any Lien (other than inchoate Liens) for unpaid Taxes in excess of $1,000,000 against any Loan Party;

(i)        Any Person’s becoming a Material Canadian Subsidiary or a Material Domestic Subsidiary, as applicable; and

(j)        Any casualty or other insured damage to any material portion of the Collateral or the commencement of any action or proceeding for the taking of any interest in a material portion of the Collateral or any part thereof or interest therein under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding.

Each notice delivered under this SECTION 5.02 shall be accompanied by a statement of a Financial Officer or other executive officer of the Borrower setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and, if applicable, any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.

SECTION 5.03         Information Regarding Collateral.

Except in connection with a transaction permitted by SECTION 6.03 in which a Loan Party is the surviving Person, the Borrower will furnish to the Agents at least thirty (30) days’ (or such shorter period as to which the Administrative Agent may agree in its sole discretion) prior written notice of any change in: (a) any Loan Party’s legal name or in any trade name used to identify it in the conduct of its business or in the ownership of its properties; (b) the location of any Loan Party’s chief executive office, its principal place of business, any office in which it maintains books or records relating to Collateral owned by it or any office or facility at which Collateral owned by it is located (including the establishment of any such new office or facility); provided that any such notice with respect to the opening or closing of any retail store shall be provided to the Agents solely upon request of the Administrative Agent; (c) any Loan Party’s organizational structure or jurisdiction of incorporation or formation; or (d) any Loan Party’s Federal Taxpayer Identification Number or organizational identification number assigned to it by

 

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its state of organization. The Loan Parties agree not to effect or permit any change referred to in the preceding sentence unless all filings, publications and registrations, have been made under the Uniform Commercial Code, PPSA or other Applicable Law that are required in order for the Agents to continue at all times following such change to have a valid, legal and perfected first priority (subject only to Permitted Encumbrances having priority by operation of Applicable Law) security interest in all the Collateral for its own benefit and the benefit of the other Credit Parties.

SECTION 5.04         Existence; Conduct of Business.

Each Loan Party will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, do all things necessary to comply with its Charter Documents, and to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, licenses, permits, privileges, franchises, patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade names material to the conduct of its business, except to the extent that the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; provided , however, that the foregoing shall not prohibit any merger, amalgamation, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution permitted under SECTION 6.03.

SECTION 5.05         Payment of Obligations.

Each Loan Party will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to, pay its Tax liabilities and claims for labor, materials, or supplies, before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (a) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (b) such Loan Party or such Subsidiary has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP, (c) such contest effectively suspends collection of the contested obligation and no Lien is securing such obligation, or (d) the failure to make payment would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Without limitation of the foregoing, each Loan Party will pay all obligations within thirty (30) days of when due and owing to any third party landlords and warehousemen storing any of the Inventory of any Loan Party, except to the extent that the failure to do so, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.06         Maintenance of Properties.

Each Loan Party will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to, keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear, casualty loss, and condemnation excepted, except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect and except for store closings and asset dispositions permitted hereunder.

SECTION 5.07         Insurance.

(a)        Each Loan Party shall (i) maintain insurance with financially sound and reputable insurers (or, to the extent consistent with business practices of such Loan Party in effect on the Effective Date, a program of self-insurance) in at least such amounts and against at least such risks as is consistent with business practices in effect on the Effective Date or as otherwise determined by the Responsible Officers of the Loan Parties acting reasonably in their business judgment, including public liability insurance against claims for personal injury or

 

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death occurring upon, in or about or in connection with the use of any properties owned, occupied or controlled by it (including the insurance required pursuant to the Security Documents); (ii) maintain such other insurance as may be required by law; and (iii) furnish to the Administrative Agent, upon reasonable written request, full information as to the insurance carried.

(b)        Fire and extended coverage policies maintained with respect to any Collateral shall be endorsed or otherwise amended to include (i) a non-contributing lenders’ loss payable clause (regarding personal property), in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agents, which endorsements or amendments shall provide that the insurer shall pay all proceeds in excess of $10,000,000 prior to the occurrence and continuance of a Cash Dominion Event (but subject in any event to the provisions of SECTION 2.17(c)), and all proceeds during the continuance of a Cash Dominion Event, otherwise payable to the Loan Parties under the policies directly to the Collateral Agent, (ii) a provision to the effect that none of the Loan Parties, Credit Parties or any other Person shall be a co-insurer and (iii) such other provisions as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require from time to time to protect the interests of the Credit Parties. Commercial general liability policies shall be endorsed to name the Administrative Agent, as an additional insured. Each such policy referred to in this SECTION 5.07(b) shall also provide that it shall not be canceled, modified or not renewed (i) by reason of nonpayment of premium except upon not less than ten (10) days’ prior written notice thereof by the insurer to the Collateral Agent (giving such Agent the right to cure defaults in the payment of premiums) or (ii) for any other reason except upon not less than thirty (30) days’ prior written notice thereof by the insurer to the Collateral Agent. The Borrower shall deliver to the Collateral Agent, prior to the cancellation, modification or non-renewal of any such policy of insurance, evidence of renewal of a policy (including an insurance binder) together with evidence satisfactory to the Collateral Agent of payment of the premium therefor.

SECTION 5.08         Books and Records; Inspection and Audit Rights; Appraisals; Accountants.

(a)        Each Loan Party will, and will cause each of its Material Subsidiaries to, keep proper books of record and account in accordance with GAAP and in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities. Each Loan Party will, and will cause each of its Material Subsidiaries to, permit any representatives designated by any Agent, upon reasonable prior notice and during normal business hours prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default, to visit and inspect its properties, to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and internal accountants and to examine and make extracts from its books and records, all at such reasonable times and as often as reasonably requested; provided that, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, other than as set forth in SECTION 5.08(b), the Loan Parties shall only be required to reimburse an Agent (or any of its representatives so designated) for its costs and expenses for one (1) such visit and inspection in any calendar year.

(b)        Each Loan Party will, and will cause its Material Subsidiaries to, from time to time upon the request of any Agent, permit any Agent or professionals (including consultants, accountants, lawyers and appraisers) retained by the Agents, subject to reasonable prior notice and during normal business hours prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default, to

 

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conduct appraisals, commercial finance examinations and other evaluations, including, without limitation, of (i) the Borrower’s practices in the computation of the Borrowing Base, and (ii) the assets included in the Borrowing Base and related financial information such as, but not limited to, sales, gross margins, payables, accruals and reserves. Any Lender, at its own expense, may accompany any Agent or professionals retained by any Agent on such examination. The Loan Parties shall pay the reasonable out-of-pocket fees and expenses of the Agents or such professionals with respect to such evaluations and appraisals, provided that (x) the Agents may, collectively in their reasonable discretion, conduct no more than one (1) commercial finance examination and one (1) appraisal of the Borrower’s Inventory in any calendar year ( provided that (i) if at any time during such calendar year, Availability is less than fifty percent (50%) of the Line Cap, the Agents may, collectively in their reasonable discretion, conduct two (2) commercial finance examinations and two (2) Inventory appraisals during such calendar year, and provided further that if at any time during such calendar year, Availability is less than the greater of (A) fifteen percent (15%) of the Line Cap, or (B) $25,000,000, the Agents may, collectively in their reasonable discretion, conduct three (3) commercial finance examinations and three (3) Inventory appraisals during such calendar year, and (ii) if any Event of Default exists, the Agents, in their reasonable discretion, may cause such additional commercial finance examinations and Inventory appraisals to be taken as the Agents reasonably determine, in each case at the expense of the Loan Parties). The Agents may, collectively in their reasonable discretion, conduct such additional commercial finance examinations and such additional Inventory appraisals during any calendar year as it, in its discretion deems necessary or appropriate, at the Credit Parties’ expense. The Agents shall promptly deliver copies of such commercial finance examinations and Inventory appraisals to the Lenders pursuant to the provisions of SECTION 8.13(c).

(c)        The Loan Parties shall at all times retain Ernst & Young or another independent registered public accounting firm of recognized national standing.

SECTION 5.09         Physical Inventories.

(a)        The Loan Parties, at their own expense, shall cause not less than one (1) physical inventory to be undertaken at each location and in each twelve (12) month period conducted by RGIS or another inventory taker reasonably satisfactory to the Agents, and periodic cycle counts, in each case consistent with past practice, and following such methodology as is consistent with the methodology used in the immediately preceding inventory or as otherwise may be reasonably satisfactory to the Agents. The Agents, at the expense of the Loan Parties, may observe each scheduled physical count of Inventory which is undertaken on behalf of any Loan Party. The Borrower, within forty-five (45) calendar days following the completion of such inventory, shall provide the Agents with a reconciliation of the results of such inventory (as well as of any other physical inventory undertaken by a Loan Party) and shall post such results to the Loan Parties’ stock ledgers and general ledgers, as applicable.

(b)        The Agents, in their reasonable discretion, if any Default or Event of Default exists, may cause such inventories to be taken as the Agents reasonably determine (each, at the expense of the Loan Parties).

 

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SECTION 5.10         Compliance with Laws.

Each Loan Party will comply with all Applicable Laws and the orders of any Governmental Authority, as applicable, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.11         Use of Proceeds and Letters of Credit.

The proceeds of Loans made hereunder and of Letters of Credit issued hereunder will be used only (a) to finance the acquisition of working capital assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including the purchase of inventory and equipment, in each case in the ordinary course of business, (b) to finance Capital Expenditures of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (c) to finance Permitted Acquisitions, and (d) for general corporate purposes (including but not limited to the repayment or refinancing of Indebtedness and the making of Investments and Restricted Payments), in each case to the extent permitted in this Agreement. No part of the proceeds of any Loan or any Letter of Credit will be used, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the regulations of the Board, including Regulations U and X.

SECTION 5.12         Additional Subsidiaries.

If any Loan Party shall form or acquire a Material Subsidiary after the Effective Date, the Borrower will notify the Agents thereof and the Borrower will cause such Subsidiary to become a Loan Party hereunder by executing a Joinder Agreement and such other documents, instruments and agreements reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, and under each applicable Security Document in the manner provided therein, within thirty (30) calendar days (or such later date as the Administrative Agent may agree in its sole discretion) after such Material Subsidiary is formed or acquired and promptly take such actions to create and perfect Liens on such Material Subsidiary’s assets of the type included within the definition of Collateral, to secure the Obligations as the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders shall request.

SECTION 5.13         Compliance with Terms of Leaseholds.

Except as otherwise expressly permitted hereunder, each Loan Party will (a) make all payments and otherwise perform all obligations in respect of all Leases to which any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, keep such Leases in full force and effect, (b) not allow such Leases to lapse or be terminated or any rights to renew such Leases to be forfeited or cancelled except in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practices, (c) notify the Administrative Agent of any default by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to such Leases and cooperate with the Administrative Agent in all respects to cure any such default, and (d) cause each of its Subsidiaries to do the foregoing, except, in each case, where the failure to do so, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.14         Material Contracts.

Each Loan Party will (a) perform and observe all the terms and provisions of each Material Contract to be performed or observed by it, (b) maintain each such Material Contract in full force and effect except to the extent such Material Contract is no longer used or useful in the

 

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conduct of the business of the Loan Parties in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practices, and (c) cause each of its Subsidiaries to do the foregoing, except, in each case, where the failure to do so, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.15         Further Assurances.

Each Loan Party will execute any and all further documents, financing statements, agreements and instruments, and take all such further actions (including the filing and recording of financing statements and other documents), that may be required under any Applicable Law, or which the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders may reasonably request, to effectuate the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or to grant, preserve, protect or perfect the Liens created or intended to be created by the Security Documents or the validity or priority of any such Lien, all at the expense of the Loan Parties. The Loan Parties also agree to provide to the Administrative Agent, from time to time upon the reasonable request of Administrative Agent, evidence reasonably satisfactory to such Agent as to the perfection and priority of the Liens created or intended to be created by the Security Documents.

ARTICLE VI

Negative Covenants

Until Payment in Full, each Loan Party covenants and agrees with the Credit Parties that:

SECTION 6.01         Indebtedness and Other Obligations.

No Loan Party will create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness, except Permitted Indebtedness.

SECTION 6.02         Liens.

No Loan Party will create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it, or assign or sell any income or revenues (including Accounts) or rights in respect of any thereof, except Permitted Encumbrances.

SECTION 6.03         Fundamental Changes

(a)        The Borrower will not, and will not permit any other Loan Party to, merge, amalgamate into or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge, amalgamate into or consolidate with it, or liquidate or dissolve, except that, if at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would arise therefrom, (i) any Subsidiary may merge, consolidate or amalgamate into the Borrower in a transaction in which the Borrower is the surviving corporation, (ii) any Subsidiary that is not the Borrower may merge, consolidate or amalgamate into any Subsidiary that is not the Borrower, (iii) Permitted Acquisitions and asset dispositions permitted pursuant to SECTION 6.05 hereof and Permitted Investments of the type described in clauses (p) and/or (q) of the definition of “Permitted Investment” may be consummated in the form of a merger, consolidation or amalgamation, as long as, in the event of a Permitted

 

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Acquisition, the surviving Person is, or as and to the extent required by SECTION 5.12 becomes, a Loan Party, provided that any such merger, consolidation or amalgamation involving a Person that is not a wholly owned Subsidiary immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or amalgamation shall not be permitted unless also permitted by SECTION 6.04, (iv) any Facility Guarantor may consummate a dissolution or liquidation, the purpose of which is to effect an asset disposition permitted pursuant to SECTION 6.05, and (v) any Facility Guarantor may liquidate or dissolve if such liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of the Borrower and is not materially adverse to the Lenders. To the extent that any Facility Guarantor is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into any other Loan Party (or any Person in a transaction permitted under clause (iii) above) or liquidated or dissolved, in each case, as permitted under this clause (a), such Facility Guarantor shall be released from its obligations under any Facility Guarantee to which it is a party.

(b)        The Borrower will not, and will not permit any other Loan Party to, engage, to any material extent, in any business other than business of the type conducted by such Loan Party on the date of execution of this Agreement and businesses reasonably related or reasonably ancillary thereto.

SECTION 6.04         Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions.

No Loan Party will make or permit to exist any Investment, except Permitted Investments.

SECTION 6.05         Asset Sales.

No Loan Party will sell, transfer, lease (as lessor) or otherwise voluntarily dispose of any asset, including any Capital Stock of another Person, except (i) sales of Inventory and the use of cash in the ordinary course of business, (ii) transactions permitted by SECTION 6.03, SECTION 6.04 or SECTION 6.06, and (iii) Permitted Dispositions. The Collateral Agent’s Liens on any assets sold, transferred, leased (as lessor) or otherwise voluntarily disposed of, to the extent in connection with a transaction permitted by this SECTION 6.05, shall be released in accordance with Section 8.12 of the Security Agreement.

SECTION 6.06         Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness.

(a)        No Loan Party will declare or make, or agree to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment other than Permitted Dividends.

(b)        No Loan Party will make directly or indirectly, any payment or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) of or in respect of principal of or interest on any Indebtedness (other than the Obligations), or any payment or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any Indebtedness, except:

(i)        as long as no Event of Default then exists or would arise therefrom, mandatory payments and mandatory prepayments of interest and principal as and when due in respect of any Permitted Indebtedness;

 

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(ii)        prepayments, exchanges, purchases, redemptions, retirements, acquisitions, cancellations or terminations (collectively, “ Prepayments ”) of Indebtedness so long as (i) the Payment Conditions shall have been satisfied, or (ii)(A) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or shall occur after giving effect to such Prepayment, and (B) after giving pro forma effect to such Prepayment, Availability will be (and is projected on a pro forma basis for the twelve (12) months following such Prepayment, to be) equal to or greater than thirty-five percent (35%) of the Line Cap, and (C) the Borrower shall have provided projections to the Administrative Agent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, evidencing the satisfaction of the conditions described in clause (ii)(B) above, or (iii) the Covenant Conditions shall have been satisfied and the aggregate amount of all such Prepayments made under this clause (iii) (together with all Restricted Payments, Permitted Acquisitions and Investments to which the Capped Amount applies) shall not exceed the Capped Amount; and

(iii)        refinancings of Indebtedness to the extent the Indebtedness incurred in connection with such refinancing would otherwise be permitted under this Agreement.

SECTION 6.07         Transactions with Affiliates.

No Loan Party will sell, lease or otherwise transfer any property or assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, except (a) transactions in the ordinary course of business that are at prices and on terms and conditions, taken as a whole, not less favorable to such Loan Party than could be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated third parties, (b) transactions between or among the Loan Parties not otherwise prohibited hereunder, (c) transactions as set forth in the Information Certificate, (d) payment of indemnities and compensation to officers and employees for services actually rendered to any such Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, (e) payment of director’s fees, expenses, and indemnities, (f) stock option, stock award and compensation plans of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, (g) employment contracts with officers and management of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, (h) the repurchase of equity interests from officers, directors, and employees to the extent permitted under this Agreement and, as long as no Default or Event of Default then exists or would arise therefrom, pursuant to stock options, stock awards and stock incentive plans, (i) advances and loans to officers and employees of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries to the extent permitted under this Agreement and to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, (j) other transactions specifically permitted under this Agreement (including, without limitation, sale/leaseback transactions, Permitted Dispositions, Restricted Payments, Permitted Investments, and Indebtedness), or (k) any transactions approved by Administrative Agent.

SECTION 6.08         Restrictive Agreements.

No Loan Party will directly or indirectly enter into, incur or permit to exist any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon (a) the ability of such Loan Party to create, incur or permit to exist any Lien upon any of its property or assets in favor of the Collateral Agent or (b) the ability of any Subsidiary thereof to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any shares of its Capital Stock to such Loan Party or to make or

 

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repay loans or advances to a Loan Party or any other Subsidiary of a Loan Party or to guarantee Indebtedness of the Loan Parties or any other Subsidiary of the Loan Parties, provided that (i) the foregoing shall not apply to (1) restrictions and conditions imposed by Applicable Law or by any Loan Document, (2) any restriction or condition with respect to any asset of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries imposed pursuant to an agreement which has been entered into for the sale or disposition of such assets or all or substantially all of the Capital Stock or assets of such Loan Party or such Subsidiary, so long as such sale or disposition is permitted under this Agreement, (3) contractual obligations binding on a Subsidiary of the Borrower at the time such Person first becomes a Subsidiary, so long as such contractual obligations were not entered into in contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary, (4) customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements applicable to joint ventures permitted hereunder and applicable solely to such joint venture entered into in the ordinary course of business, and (ii) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to (1) restrictions or conditions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted by this Agreement if such restrictions or conditions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness, (2) customary provisions in leases or licenses restricting the assignment or subleasing thereof, (3) any negative pledges and restrictions on Liens in favor of any holder of Permitted Indebtedness of the type described in clauses (e), (h), (l) or (r) of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness” but solely to the extent any negative pledge relates to the property financed by or the subject of such Indebtedness, and (4) restrictions on cash, other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business.

SECTION 6.09         Amendment of Material Documents.

No Loan Party will amend, modify or waive any of its rights under (a) its Charter Documents or (b) any Material Contract or Material Indebtedness, in each case to the extent that such amendment, modification or waiver would be reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 6.10         Minimum Availability.

The Borrower shall at all times maintain Availability in an amount no less than the greater of (i) ten percent (10%) of the Line Cap, or (ii) $20,000,000.

SECTION 6.11         Fiscal Year.

No Loan Party will change its Fiscal Year without the approval of the Administrative Agent.

SECTION 6.12         ERISA.

The Parent shall not, nor shall cause or permit any of its ERISA Affiliates to:

(a)        cause or permit to occur an event that would reasonably be expected to result in the imposition of a Lien under Section 4068 of ERISA to the extent such Lien secures obligations in excess of $15,000,000; or

 

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(b)        cause or permit to occur an ERISA Event to the extent such ERISA Event would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; or

(c)        engage in any transaction in connection with which the Parent or any ERISA Affiliate could be reasonably expected to be subject to either a civil penalty assessed pursuant to the provisions of Section 502(i) of ERISA or a tax imposed under the provisions of Section 4975 of the Code which, in each case, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; or

(d)        adopt an amendment to any Plan requiring the provision of security under Section 401(a)(29) of the Code which would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; or

(e)        terminate any Plan under Section 4041(c) of ERISA without the prior consent of Administrative Agent which would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; or

(f)        fail in any material respect to make payment (including any “minimum required contribution” (as defined in Section 430 of the Code or Section 303 of ERISA) when due (including permissible extensions) of all amounts which, under the provisions of any Plan, it is required to pay as contributions thereto or as premiums to the PBGC, or, with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, permit to exist any material “accumulated funding deficiency” (within the meaning of Section 304 of ERISA and Section 431 of the Code) which would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; or

(g)        enter into a new agreement or agreements that would obligate the Parent or any ERISA Affiliate to (i) make contributions to a Multiemployer Plan subject to Subtitle (E) of Title IV of ERISA in excess of $10,000,000 per year, or (ii) to create, extend or increase an obligation to provide health or medical benefits for retirees of the Parent or an ERISA Affiliate that would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; or

(h)        enter into a plan in respect of Canadian employees of the Borrower or any of its Affiliates which is a “registered pension plan” as such term is defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada), and which is subject to the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the Pension Benefits Act (Ontario) or other similar applicable provincial or federal pension benefits legislation.

SECTION 6.13         Environmental Laws.

The Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, (a) fail to comply with any Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any permit, license or other approval required under any Environmental Law, or (b) become subject to any Environmental Liability, in each case which would be reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 6.14         Additional Subsidiaries.

The Loan Parties will not create any additional Subsidiary, unless such Subsidiary is a Loan Party or if the Investment with respect thereto is permitted pursuant to SECTION 5.12 or SECTION 6.04.

 

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ARTICLE VII

Events of Default

SECTION 7.01         Events of Default.

If any of the following events (“ Events of Default ”) shall occur:

(a)        Any Loan Party shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any Letter of Credit Disbursement when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or otherwise;

(b)        Any Loan Party shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in SECTION 7.01(a), or an amount payable for Other Liabilities) payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and such failure continues for three (3) Business Days after notice from Agents;

(c)        Any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Loan Party in, or in connection with, any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder (including, without limitation, in any Borrowing Base Certificate or any certificate of a Financial Officer accompanying any, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder), shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made;

(d)        Any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform when due any covenant, condition or agreement contained in (i) Article VI or (ii) in SECTION 5.01(d) (after a one (1) Business Day grace period), or (iii) in any of SECTION 2.18, SECTION 5.01(f), SECTION 5.07, SECTION 5.08, or SECTION 5.11 ( provided that, if (A) any such Default described in this clause (iii) is of a type that can be cured within five (5) Business Days and (B) such Default could not materially adversely impact the Lenders’ Liens on the Collateral, such default shall not constitute an Event of Default for five (5) Business Days after the occurrence of such Default so long as the Loan Parties are diligently pursuing the cure of such Default);

(e)        Any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform when due any covenant, condition or agreement contained in any Loan Document (other than those specified in SECTION 7.01(a), SECTION 7.01(b), SECTION 7.01(c), or SECTION 7.01(d)), and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days after notice thereof from the Administrative Agent to the Borrower;

(f)        Any Loan Party shall fail to make any payment (whether of principal or interest and regardless of amount) in respect of any Material Indebtedness when and as the same shall become due and payable (after giving effect to the expiration of any grace or cure period set forth therein) or any event or condition occurs that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or that enables or permits (with or without the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both) the holder or

 

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holders of any such Material Indebtedness or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause any such Material Indebtedness to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity and with respect to which all notice, grace, and cure periods have expired;

(g)        a Change in Control shall occur;

(h)        An involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of any Loan Party or its debts, or of a substantial part of its assets, under the Bankruptcy Code, the BIA, the WURA, the CCAA, or any federal, state, provincial or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, interim receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator, monitor, administrator, or similar official for any Loan Party or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for sixty (60) days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;

(i)        (i) Any Loan Party shall (A) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition or proposal (or intent to file a proposal) seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under the Bankruptcy Code, the BIA, the WURA, the CCAA, or any federal, state, provincial or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (B) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in SECTION 7.01(j), (C) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, interim receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator, monitor, administrator, or similar official for any Loan Party or for a substantial part of its assets, (D) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, or (E) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or (ii) the board of directors (or similar governing body) of the Parent, the Borrower or any other Loan Party (or any committee thereof) shall adopt any resolution or otherwise authorize any action referred to in clause (i) above;

(j)        Any Loan Party shall become unable, admit in writing its inability or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due;

(k)        Except as permitted under SECTION 6.05, the determination of the Loan Parties, whether by vote of the Loan Parties’ board of directors or otherwise to: suspend the operation of the Loan Parties’ business in the ordinary course, liquidate all or substantially all of the Borrower’s assets or store locations, or employ an agent or other third party to conduct any so-called store closing, store liquidation or “Going-Out-Of-Business” sales for all or substantially all of the store locations;

(l)        One or more final non-appealable judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $15,000,000 in excess of insurance coverage (or indemnities from indemnitors reasonably satisfactory to the Agents) shall be rendered against any Loan Party or any combination of Loan Parties and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of forty-five (45) days during which execution shall not be

 

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effectively stayed, satisfied, or bonded or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy (by writ or otherwise) upon any material assets of any Loan Party to enforce any such judgment;

(m)        An ERISA Event shall have occurred that when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, would reasonably be expected to result in liability to any Plan, Multiemployer Plan, or the PBGC (or any combination thereof) in excess of $15,000,000 (net of actual, or likely, recoveries, payments, or insurance proceeds), and reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days during which period any action shall not be legally taken to attach or levy upon any material assets of any Loan Party to enforce any such liability;

(n)        (i)Any challenge by or on behalf of any Loan Party to the validity or continuing effectiveness of any Loan Document or the applicability or enforceability of any Loan Document strictly in accordance with the subject Loan Document’s terms or which seeks to void, avoid, limit, or otherwise adversely affect any security interest created by or in any Loan Document or any payment made pursuant thereto, or (ii) except as expressly permitted hereunder or under any other Loan Document, (A) the receipt by the Administrative Agent of notice by any Facility Guarantor of the termination of any Facility Guarantee to which it is a party, or (B) any other termination of any Facility Guarantee;

(o)        Any challenge by or on behalf of any other Person to the validity of any Loan Document or the applicability or enforceability of any Loan Document strictly in accordance with the subject Loan Document’s terms or which seeks to void, avoid, limit, or otherwise adversely affect any security interest created by or in any Loan Document or any payment made pursuant thereto, in each case, as to which an order or judgment has been entered materially adverse to the Agents and the Lenders;

(p)        Any Lien purported to be created under any Security Document shall cease to be, or shall be asserted by any Loan Party not to be, a valid and perfected Lien on any Collateral, with the priority required by the applicable Security Document except as a result of the sale, release, or other disposition of the applicable Collateral in a transaction permitted under the Loan Documents or the failure of the Agents through their acts or omissions and through no fault of the Loan Parties, to maintain the perfection of their Liens in accordance with Applicable Law;

(q)        The indictment of any Loan Party under any Applicable Law where the crime alleged would constitute a felony under Applicable Law and such indictment remains unquashed or such legal process remains undismissed for a period of ninety (90) days or more, unless the Administrative Agent, in its reasonable discretion, determines that the indictment is not material;

(r)        Any Responsible Officer of any Loan Party is criminally indicted or convicted of a felony for fraud or dishonesty in connection with the Loan Parties’ business, unless such director or senior officer promptly (i) resigns, (ii) is promptly

 

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removed by the applicable Loan Party’s board of directors (or other governing body), or (iii) is replaced by the applicable Loan Party’s board of directors (or other governing body) and no longer constitutes a Responsible Officer for the purposes of this Agreement;

(s)        (i) The subordination provisions of the documents evidencing or governing any Subordinated Indebtedness that constitutes Material Indebtedness (the “ Subordination Provisions ”) shall, in whole or in part, terminate, cease to be effective or cease to be legally valid, binding and enforceable against any holder of the applicable Subordinated Indebtedness; or (ii) any Loan Party shall make or receive any payment, or take or fail to take any action, in each such case in contravention of the applicable Subordination Provisions of any Subordinated Indebtedness that constitutes Material Indebtedness; or

(t)        The imposition of any stay or other order, the effect of which restrains the conduct by the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, of their business in the ordinary course in a manner that has resulted in, or would reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect;

then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to any Loan Party described in SECTION 7.01(h) or (i)), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, by notice to the Borrower, take any or all of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the Commitments, and thereupon the Commitments shall irrevocably terminate immediately; (ii) declare the Obligations then outstanding to be due and payable in whole, and thereupon the principal of the Loans and all other Obligations so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Loan Parties accrued hereunder, shall become due and payable immediately, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Loan Parties; or (iii) require the Loan Parties to furnish cash collateral with respect to the Letter of Credit Outstandings (or, alternatively, a backstop letter of credit in an amount equal to 103% of such Letter of Credit Outstandings, which backstop letter of credit shall be in form and substance and from an issuing bank reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuing Bank(s)) to be held and applied in accordance with SECTION 2.17 and SECTION 7.03. In case of any event with respect to any Loan Party described in SECTION 7.01(h) or (i)), the Commitments shall automatically and irrevocably terminate and the principal of the Loans and other Obligations then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Loan Parties accrued hereunder, shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Loan Parties.

SECTION 7.02         Remedies on Default.

In case any one or more of the Events of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and whether or not the maturity of the Obligations shall have been accelerated pursuant hereto, the Agents may (and at the direction of the Required Lenders, shall) proceed to protect and enforce their rights and remedies (including the right to require the issuance of a Letter of Credit

 

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as set forth in SECTION 9.05) under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents by suit in equity, action at law or other appropriate proceeding, whether for the specific performance of any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any instrument pursuant to which the Obligations are evidenced, and, if such amount shall have become due, by declaration or otherwise, proceed to enforce the payment thereof or any other legal or equitable right of the Credit Parties. No remedy herein is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy and each and every remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute or any other provision of law.

SECTION 7.03         Application of Proceeds.

(a)        After the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, all proceeds realized from any Loan Party or on account of any Collateral or, without limiting the foregoing, on account of any Prepayment Event shall be applied in the following order:

(i)        FIRST, ratably to pay the Obligations in respect of any Credit Party Expenses, indemnities, fees and other amounts then due to the Agents until paid in full;

(ii)        SECOND, ratably to pay any Credit Party Expenses, indemnities and fees then due to the Lenders until paid in full;

(iii)        THIRD, ratably to pay interest accrued in respect of the Obligations until paid in full;

(iv)        FOURTH, to pay principal due in respect of the Swingline Loans until paid in full;

(v)        FIFTH, ratably to pay principal due in respect of the Revolving Credit Loans until paid in full;

(vi)        SIXTH, to the Administrative Agent, to be held by the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Issuing Banks and the Lenders as cash collateral in an amount up to 103% of the then extant Stated Amount of Letters of Credit until paid in full;

(vii)        SEVENTH, to pay outstanding Obligations with respect to Cash Management Services furnished to any Loan Party;

(viii)        EIGHTH, ratably to pay any other Obligations; and

(ix)        NINTH, to the Borrower or such other Person entitled thereto under Applicable Law.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

The Agents

SECTION 8.01         Appointment and Administration by Administrative Agent.

Each Lender and each Issuing Bank hereby irrevocably designate Bank of America as Administrative Agent under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. The general administration of the Loan Documents shall be by the Administrative Agent. The Lenders and each Issuing Bank each hereby (i) irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to enter into the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and at its discretion, to take or refrain from taking such actions as agent on its behalf and to exercise or refrain from exercising such powers under the Loan Documents as are delegated by the terms hereof or thereof, as appropriate, together with all powers reasonably incidental thereto, and (ii) agrees and consents to all of the provisions of the Security Documents. All Collateral shall be held or administered by the Administrative Agent (or its duly-appointed agent) for its own benefit and for the ratable benefit of the other Credit Parties. Any proceeds received by the Administrative Agent from the foreclosure, sale, lease or other disposition of any of the Collateral and any other proceeds received pursuant to the terms of the Security Documents or the other Loan Documents shall be paid over to the Administrative Agent for application as provided in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. The Administrative Agent shall have no duties or responsibilities except as set forth in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, nor shall it have any fiduciary relationship with any other Credit Party, and no implied covenants, responsibilities, duties, obligations, or liabilities shall be read into the Loan Documents or otherwise exist against the Administrative Agent.

SECTION 8.02         Appointment of Collateral Agent.

(a)        Each Lender and each Issuing Bank hereby irrevocably designate Bank of America as Collateral Agent under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. The Lenders and each Issuing Bank each hereby (i) irrevocably authorizes the Collateral Agent (x) to enter into the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and (y) at its discretion, to take or refrain from taking such actions as agent on its behalf and to exercise or refrain from exercising such powers under the Loan Documents as are delegated by the terms hereof or thereof, as appropriate, together with all powers reasonably incidental thereto, and (ii) agrees and consents to all of the provisions of the Security Documents. All Collateral shall be held or administered, subject to the direction of the Administrative Agent, by the Collateral Agent (or its duly-appointed agent) for its own benefit and for the ratable benefit of the other Credit Parties. Any proceeds received by the Collateral Agent from the foreclosure, sale, lease or other disposition of any of the Collateral and any other proceeds received pursuant to the terms of the Security Documents or the other Loan Documents shall be paid over to the Administrative Agent for application as provided in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. The Collateral Agent shall have no duties or responsibilities except as set forth in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, nor shall it have any fiduciary relationship with any other Credit Party, and no implied covenants, responsibilities, duties, obligations, or liabilities shall be read into the Loan Documents or otherwise exist against the Collateral Agent.

 

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(b)         Without limiting the generality of paragraph (a) above, for the purposes of creating a solidarité active in accordance with Article 1541 of the Civil Code of Québec , between each Lender, taken individually, on the one hand, and the Collateral Agent, on the other hand, each Loan Party, each such Lender and the Collateral Agent acknowledge and agree that such Lender and the Collateral Agent are hereby conferred the legal status of solidary creditors of each Loan Party in respect of all Obligations, present and future, owed by each Loan Party to each such Lender and the Collateral Agent (collectively, the “ Solidary Claim ”). Each Loan Party which is not a signatory of this Agreement but is or may become a signatory to any other Loan Documents shall be deemed to have accepted the provisions contained in this paragraph by its execution of such other Loan Documents. Accordingly, but subject (for the avoidance of doubt) to Article 1542 of the Civil Code of Québec , the Loan Parties are irrevocably bound towards the Collateral Agent and each Lender in respect of the entire Solidary Claim of the Collateral Agent and such Lender. As a result of the foregoing, the parties hereto acknowledge that the Collateral Agent and each Lender shall at all times have a valid and effective right of action for the entire Solidary Claim of the Collateral Agent and such Lender and the right to give full acquittance for it. Accordingly, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Collateral Agent, as solidary creditor with each Lender, shall at all times have a valid and effective right of action in respect of all Obligations, present and future, owned by each Loan Party to the Collateral Agent and Lenders or any of them and the right to give a full acquittance for same. The parties further agree and acknowledge that the Collateral Agent’s Liens on the Collateral shall be granted to the Collateral Agent, for its own benefit and for the benefit of the Lenders.

SECTION 8.03         Sharing of Excess Payments.

If, other than as expressly provided in SECTION 9.04, at any time or times any Credit Party shall receive (i) by payment, foreclosure, setoff, banker’s lien, counterclaim, or otherwise, or any payments with respect to the Obligations owing to such Credit Party arising under, or relating to, this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, except for any such proceeds or payments received by such Credit Party from the Borrower or the Administrative Agent pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, or (ii) payments from the Administrative Agent in excess of such Credit Party’s ratable portion of all such distributions by the Administrative Agent, such Credit Party shall promptly (1) turn the same over to the Administrative Agent in kind, and with such endorsements as may be required to negotiate the same to the Administrative Agent, or in same day funds, as applicable, for the account of all of the Credit Parties and for application to the Obligations in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Agreement, or (2) purchase, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation in the Obligations owed to the other Credit Parties so that such excess payment received shall be applied ratably as among the Credit Parties in accordance with their Commitment Percentages; provided , however , that if all or part of such excess payment received by the purchasing party is thereafter recovered from it, those purchases of participations shall be rescinded in whole or in part, as applicable, and the applicable portion of the purchase price paid therefor shall be returned to such purchasing party, but without interest except to the extent that such purchasing party is required to pay interest in connection with the recovery of the excess payment.

 

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SECTION 8.04         Agreement of Applicable Lenders.

Upon any occasion requiring or permitting an approval, consent, waiver, election or other action on the part of the Applicable Lenders, action shall be taken by the Administrative Agent for and on behalf or for the benefit of all Credit Parties upon the direction of the Applicable Lenders, and any such action shall be binding on all Credit Parties. No amendment, modification, consent, or waiver shall be effective except in accordance with the provisions of SECTION 9.02.

No Credit Party (other than the Agents) shall have any right individually to realize upon any of the Collateral or to enforce any Guarantee of the Obligations, it being understood and agreed that all powers, rights and remedies under the Loan Documents may be exercised solely by the Agents on behalf of the Credit Parties in accordance with the terms thereof. In the event of a foreclosure by the Agents on any of the Collateral pursuant to a public or private sale or other disposition, any Agent or any Lender may be the purchaser or licensor of any or all of such Collateral at any such sale or other disposition, and any Agent, as agent for and representative of the Credit Parties (but not any Lender or Lenders in its or their respective individual capacities unless the Required Lenders shall otherwise agree in writing) shall be entitled, for the purpose of bidding and making settlement or payment of the purchase price for all or any portion of the collateral sold at any such public sale, to use and apply any of the Obligations as a credit on account of the purchase price for any collateral payable by any Agent on behalf of the Credit Parties at such sale or other disposition. Each Credit Party, whether or not a party hereto, will be deemed, by its acceptance of the benefits of the Collateral and of the Guarantees of the Obligations provided under the Loan Documents, to have agreed to the foregoing provisions.

SECTION 8.05         Liability of Agents.

(a)        The Agents, when acting on behalf of the Credit Parties, may execute any of their respective duties under this Agreement by or through any of its officers, agents and employees, and no Agent nor its respective directors, officers, agents or employees shall be liable to any other Credit Party for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith, or be responsible to any other Credit Party for the consequences of any oversight or error of judgment, or for any loss, except to the extent of any liability imposed by law by reason of such Agent’s own gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct. No Agent or its respective directors, officers, agents and employees shall in any event be liable to any other Credit Party for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it pursuant to instructions received by it from the Applicable Lenders, or in reliance upon the advice of counsel selected by it. Without limiting the foregoing, no Agent or any of its respective directors, officers, employees, or agents shall be: (i) responsible to any other Credit Party for the due execution, validity, genuineness, effectiveness, sufficiency, or enforceability of, or for any recital, statement, warranty or representation in, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement, document or order; (ii) required to ascertain or to make any inquiry concerning the performance or observance by any Loan Party of any of the terms, conditions, covenants, or agreements of this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents; (iii) responsible to any other Credit Party for the state or condition of any properties of the Loan Parties or any other obligor hereunder constituting Collateral for the Obligations or any information contained in the books or records of the Loan Parties; (iv) responsible to any other Credit Party for the validity, enforceability, collectibility, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any other certificate, document or instrument furnished in connection therewith; or (v) responsible to any other Credit Party for the validity, priority or perfection of any Lien securing or purporting to secure the Obligations, or for the value or sufficiency of any of the Collateral.

 

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(b)        The Agents may execute any of their duties under this Agreement or any other Loan Document by or through its agents or attorneys-in-fact, and shall be entitled to the advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to its rights and duties hereunder or under the other Loan Documents. The Agents shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agents or attorneys-in-fact selected by it with reasonable care.

(c)        None of the Agents nor any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents shall have any responsibility to any Loan Party on account of the failure or delay in performance or breach by any other Credit Party (other than by each such Agent in its capacity as a Lender) of any of its respective obligations under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or in connection herewith or therewith.

(d)        The Agents shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, or other document or writing believed by them to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper person or persons, and upon the advice and statements of legal counsel (including, without, limitation, counsel to the Loan Parties), independent accountants and other experts selected by any Loan Party or any Credit Party. The Agents shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under this Agreement or any other Loan Document unless they shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Applicable Lenders as it deems appropriate or they shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the other Credit Parties against any and all liability and expense which may be incurred by them by reason of the taking or failing to take any such action.

SECTION 8.06         Notice of Default.

The Agents shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default unless such Agent has actual knowledge of the same or has received notice from a Credit Party or Loan Party referring to this Agreement, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default”. In the event that an Agent obtains such actual knowledge or receives such a notice, such Agent shall give prompt notice thereof to each of the other Credit Parties. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent shall (subject to the provisions of SECTION 9.02) take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall be reasonably directed by the Applicable Lenders. Unless and until the Administrative Agent shall have received such direction, 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 in the best interest of the Credit Parties. In no event shall the Administrative Agent be required to comply with any such directions to the extent that the Administrative Agent reasonably believes that its compliance with such directions would be unlawful.

SECTION 8.07         Credit Decisions.

Each Credit Party (other than the Agents) acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Agents or any other Credit Party, and based on the financial statements

 

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prepared by the Loan Parties and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and investigation into the business, assets, operations, property, and financial and other condition of the Loan Parties and has made its own decision to enter into this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Each Credit Party (other than the Agents) also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Agents or any other Credit Party, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in determining whether or not conditions precedent to closing any Loan hereunder have been satisfied and in taking or not taking any action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

SECTION 8.08         Reimbursement and Indemnification.

Each Credit Party (other than the Agents) agrees to (i) reimburse the Agents for such Credit Party’s Commitment Percentage of (x) any expenses and fees incurred by any Agent for the benefit of Credit Parties under this Agreement and any of the other Loan Documents, including, without limitation, counsel fees and compensation of agents and employees paid for services rendered on behalf of the Credit Parties, and any other expense incurred in connection with the operations or enforcement thereof not reimbursed by the Loan Parties and (y) any expenses of any Agent incurred for the benefit of the Credit Parties that the Loan Parties have agreed to reimburse pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document and have failed to so reimburse and (ii) indemnify and hold harmless each Agent and any of its directors, officers, employees, or agents, on demand, in the amount of such Credit Party’s Commitment Percentage, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses, or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against it or any Credit Party in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or any action taken or omitted by it or any of them under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents to the extent not reimbursed by the Loan Parties, including, without limitation, costs of any suit initiated by each Agent against any Credit Party (except such as shall have been determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and non-appealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Agent); provided , however , that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against such Credit Party in its capacity as such. The provisions of this SECTION 8.08 shall survive the Payment in Full.

SECTION 8.09         Rights of Agents.

It is understood and agreed that the Agents shall have the same rights and powers hereunder (including the right to give such instructions) as the other Lenders and may exercise such rights and powers, as well as their rights and powers under other agreements and instruments to which they are or may be party, and engage in other transactions with the Loan Parties, as though they were not the Agents. Each Agent and its affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, and generally engage in any kind of commercial or investment banking, trust, advisory or other business with the Loan Parties and their Affiliates as if it were not an Agent hereunder.

 

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SECTION 8.10         Notice of Transfer.

The Administrative Agent may deem and treat a Lender party to this Agreement as the owner of such Lender’s portion of the Obligations for all purposes, unless and until, and except to the extent, an Assignment and Acceptance shall have become effective as set forth in SECTION 9.04.

SECTION 8.11         Successor Agents.

Any Agent may resign at any time by giving thirty (30) Business Days’ written notice thereof to the other Credit Parties and the Borrower. Upon any such resignation of an Agent, the Required Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Agent, which, so long as there is no Event of Default under SECTION 7.01(h) or (i), shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower (whose consent in any event shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). If no successor Agent shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and/or none shall have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) Business Days after the retiring Agent’s giving of notice of resignation, the retiring Agent may, on behalf of the other Credit Parties, appoint a successor Agent which, (i) shall be a Person a commercial bank (or affiliate thereof) organized under the laws of the United States of America or of any State thereof and having a combined capital and surplus of a least $100,000,000, or (ii) capable of complying with all of the duties of such Agent hereunder (in the opinion of the retiring Agent and as certified to the other Credit Parties in writing by such successor Agent) which, so long as there is no Event of Default under SECTION 7.01(h) or (i), shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower (whose consent shall not in any event be unreasonably withheld or delayed). Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Agent by a successor Agent, such successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Agent and the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement. After any retiring Agent’s resignation hereunder as such Agent, the provisions of this Article VIII shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was such Agent under this Agreement.

SECTION 8.12         Relation Among the Lenders.

The Lenders are not partners or co-venturers, and no Lender shall be liable for the acts or omissions of, or (except as otherwise set forth herein in case of any Agent) authorized to act for, any other Lender.

SECTION 8.13         Reports and Financial Statements.

By signing this Agreement, each Lender:

(a)        agrees to furnish the Administrative Agent on the first day of each month (or more frequently at such Lender’s discretion) with a summary of all Other Liabilities due or to become due to such Lender (and the Agreement Value, if appropriate);

(b)        with respect to each Issuing Bank, agrees to furnish the Administrative Agent with a report of each Letter of Credit then outstanding issued by such Issuing Bank, as described in SECTION 2.13(a), which report shall be in such form as may be requested by the Administrative Agent;

 

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(c)        is deemed to have requested that the Administrative Agent furnish such Lender, promptly after they become available, copies of all financial statements required to be delivered by the Borrower hereunder and all commercial finance examinations and appraisals of the Collateral received by the Administrative Agent (collectively, the “ Reports ”);

(d)        expressly agrees and acknowledges that the Administrative Agent makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the Reports, and (ii) shall not be liable for any information contained in any Report;

(e)        expressly agrees and acknowledges that the Reports are not comprehensive audits or examinations, that the Administrative Agent or any other party performing any audit or examination will inspect only specific information regarding the Loan Parties and will rely significantly upon the Loan Parties’ books and records, as well as on representations of the Loan Parties’ personnel;

(f)        agrees to keep all Reports confidential and strictly for its internal use, and not to distribute except to its participants, or use any Report in any other manner; and

(g)        without limiting the generality of any other indemnification provision contained in this Agreement, agrees: (i) to hold the Administrative Agent and any such other Lender preparing a Report harmless from any action the indemnifying Lender may take or conclusion the indemnifying Lender may reach or draw from any Report in connection with any Credit Extensions that the indemnifying Lender has made or may make to the Borrower, or the indemnifying Lender’s participation in, or the indemnifying Lender’s purchase of, a Loan or Loans of the Borrower; and (ii) to pay and protect, and indemnify, defend, and hold the Administrative Agent and any such other Lender preparing a Report harmless from and against, the claims, actions, proceedings, damages, costs, expenses, and other amounts (including attorney costs) incurred by the Administrative Agent and any such other Lender preparing a Report as the direct or indirect result of any third parties who might obtain all or part of any Report through the indemnifying Lender.

SECTION 8.14         Agency for Perfection.

Each Lender hereby appoints each other Lender as agent for the purpose of perfecting Liens for the benefit of the Agents and the Lenders, in assets which, in accordance with Article 9 of the UCC or any other Applicable Law of the United States of America or Canada can be perfected only by possession. Should any Lender (other than an Agent) obtain possession of any such Collateral, such Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof, and, promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s request therefor shall deliver such Collateral to the Collateral Agent or otherwise deal with such Collateral in accordance with the Collateral Agent’s instructions.

SECTION 8.15         Collateral and Guaranty Matters.

The Credit Parties irrevocably authorize the Agents, at their option and in their discretion,

 

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(a)        to release any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Collateral Agent under any Loan Document (i) upon Payment in Full, (ii) that is sold or otherwise disposed or to be sold or otherwise disposed of as part of or in connection with any sale permitted hereunder or under any other Loan Document, or (iii) if approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the Applicable Lenders in accordance with SECTION 9.02;

(b)        to subordinate any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Collateral Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted by clause (h) of the definition of Permitted Encumbrances;

(c)        to release any Facility Guarantor from its obligations under any Facility Guarantee if such Person ceases to be a Subsidiary as a result of a transaction permitted hereunder;

(d)        to release each Loan Party from its obligations under the Loan Documents (other than those that expressly survive termination) upon Payment in Full; and

(e)        to enter into, on behalf of the Applicable Lenders, any intercreditor agreements and/or subordination agreements described herein, to the extent the same are in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agents.

Upon request by the Administrative Agent at any time, the Applicable Lenders will confirm in writing the Agents’ authority to release or subordinate its interest in particular types or items of property, to release any Facility Guarantor from its obligations under any Facility Guarantee, to release any Loan Party from its obligations under the Loan Documents, or to enter into any intercreditor agreement and/or subordination agreement, in each case pursuant to this SECTION 8.15. In each case as specified in this SECTION 8.15, the Agents will, at the Loan Parties’ expense, execute and deliver to the applicable Loan Party such documents as such Loan Party may reasonably request to evidence the release of such item of Collateral from the assignment and security interest granted under the Security Documents or to subordinate its interest in such item, or to release such Facility Guarantor from its obligations under the applicable Facility Guarantee, or to release each Loan Party from its obligations under the Loan Documents, or to enter into any intercreditor agreement and/or subordination agreement, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents and this SECTION 8.15.

SECTION 8.16         Delinquent Lender.

(a)        If for any reason any Lender (a) shall fail or refuse to abide by its obligations under this Agreement, including without limitation its obligation to make available to Administrative Agent its Commitment Percentage of any Revolving Credit Loans, expenses or setoff or purchase its Commitment Percentage of a participation interest in the Swingline Loans or Letters of Credit and such failure is not cured within ten (10) days of receipt from the Administrative Agent of written notice thereof, (b) has notified the Administrative Agent in writing that it does not intend to satisfy any such obligation, or (c) has been deemed insolvent or become the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding (any such Lender, a “ Delinquent Lender ”), then, in addition to the rights and remedies that may be available to the other Credit Parties, the Loan Parties or any other party at law or in equity, and not at limitation thereof, (i)

 

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such Delinquent Lender’s right to participate in the administration of, or decision-making rights related to, the Loans, this Agreement or the other Loan Documents shall be suspended during the pendency of such failure or refusal, (ii) a Delinquent Lender shall be deemed to have assigned any and all payments due to it from the Loan Parties, whether on account of outstanding Loans, interest, fees or otherwise, to the remaining non-Delinquent Lenders for application to, and reduction of, their proportionate shares of all outstanding Obligations until, as a result of application of such assigned payments the Lenders’ respective Commitment Percentages of all outstanding Obligations shall have returned to those in effect immediately prior to such delinquency and without giving effect to the nonpayment causing such delinquency, and (iii) at the option of the Administrative Agent, any amount payable to a Delinquent Lender hereunder (whether on account of principal, interest, fees or otherwise) shall, in lieu of being distributed to such Delinquent Lender, be retained by the Administrative Agent as cash collateral for future funding obligations of the Delinquent Lender in respect of any Loan or existing or future participating interest in any Swingline Loan or Letter of Credit. The Delinquent Lender’s decision-making and participation rights and rights to payments as set forth in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) hereinabove shall be restored only upon the payment by the Delinquent Lender of its Commitment Percentage of any Obligations, any participation obligation, or expenses as to which it is delinquent, together with interest thereon at the rate set forth in SECTION 2.12 from the date when originally due until the date upon which any such amounts are actually paid.

(b)        The non-Delinquent Lenders shall also have the right, but not the obligation, in their respective, sole and absolute discretion, to cause the termination and assignment without any further action by the Delinquent Lender for no cash consideration ( pro rata , based on the respective Commitments of those Lenders electing to exercise such right), the Delinquent Lender’s Commitment to fund future Revolving Credit Loans. Upon any such purchase of the Commitment Percentage of any Delinquent Lender, the Delinquent Lender’s share in future Revolving Credit Loans and its rights under the Loan Documents with respect thereto shall terminate on the date of purchase, and the Delinquent Lender shall promptly execute all documents reasonably requested to surrender and transfer such interest, including, if so requested, an Assignment and Acceptance.

(c)        Each Delinquent Lender shall indemnify the Administrative Agent and each non-Delinquent Lender from and against any and all loss, damage or expenses, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees and funds advanced by the Administrative Agent or by any non-Delinquent Lender, on account of a Delinquent Lender’s failure to timely fund its Commitment Percentage of a Revolving Credit Loan or to otherwise perform its obligations under the Loan Documents.

SECTION 8.17         Syndication Agent, Co-Documentation Agents, and Arrangers.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, the Syndication Agent, the Co-Documentation Agents and the Arrangers shall have no powers, rights, duties, responsibilities or liabilities with respect to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

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ARTICLE IX

Miscellaneous

SECTION 9.01         Notices.

Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone, 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 telecopy or e-mail, as follows:

(a)        if to any Loan Party, to it at 100 Pier 1 Place, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, Attention: Chief Financial Officer (Telecopy No. (817) 252-8801, E-Mail chturner@pier1.com ), with a copy to Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, 200 Crescent Court, Suite 300, Dallas, Texas 75201, Attention: Kelly M. Dybala, Esquire (Telecopy No. (214) 746-7777, E-Mail kelly.dybala@weil.com );

(b)        if to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or the Swingline Lender to Bank of America, N.A., 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, Attention: Stephen Garvin (Telecopy No. (617) 434-4312, E-Mail stephen.garvin@baml.com ), with a copy to Riemer & Braunstein LLP, Three Center Plaza, Boston, Massachusetts 02108, Attention: David S. Berman, Esquire (Telecopy No. (617) 880-3456, E-Mail dberman@riemerlaw.com ); and

(c)        if to any other Credit Party, to it at its address (or telecopy number or electronic mail address) set forth on the signature pages hereto or on any Assignment and Acceptance.

Any party hereto may change its address or telecopy number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. All notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given three (3) days after mailing or otherwise upon delivery.

SECTION 9.02         Waivers; Amendments.

(a)        No failure or delay by any Credit Party in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Credit Parties hereunder and under the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any other rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of any Loan Document or consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by SECTION 9.02(b), and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default or Event of Default, regardless of whether any Credit Party may have had notice or knowledge of such Default or Event of Default at the time.

 

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(b)        Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Section 9.02(b), neither this Agreement nor any other Loan Document nor any provision hereof or thereof may be waived, amended or modified except, in the case of this Agreement, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Loan Parties and the Required Lenders or, in the case of any other Loan Document, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent and the Loan Parties that are parties thereto, in each case with the consent of the Required Lenders; provided , however , that no such waiver, amendment, modification or other agreement shall:

    (i)        Increase the Commitment of any Lender without the prior written consent of such Lender;

    (ii)        Reduce the principal amount of any Obligation or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce any fees payable under the Loan Documents without the consent of the Lenders affected thereby, provided that the foregoing shall not limit the rights of the Administrative Agent and/or the Required Lenders to impose or waive the imposition of any Default Rate, increased fees pursuant to SECTION 2.19(c)(iii) or similar increase arising as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Default;

    (iii)       Without prior written Unanimous Consent of all Lenders:

                (A)         postpone the scheduled date of payment of the principal amount of any Obligation, or any interest thereon, or any fees payable under the Loan Documents, or reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone the expiration of the Commitments or postpone the Maturity Date;

                (B)         except for dispositions permitted by SECTION 6.05, release any material portion of the Collateral from the Liens of the Security Documents;

                (C)         except as provided in SECTION 2.02 (which SECTION may be amended with the consent of the Required Lenders), increase the Total Commitments;

                (D)         change the definition of the terms “Appraisal Percentage”, “Availability”, “Borrowing Base”, “Permitted Overadvance”, or any component definition thereof if, as a result thereof, the amounts available to be borrowed by the Borrower would be increased, provided that the foregoing shall not limit the discretion of the Administrative Agent to change, establish or eliminate any Reserves;

                (E)         except in accordance with SECTION 6.05 and SECTION 8.15, release any Loan Party from its obligations under any Loan Document, or limit its liability in respect of such Loan Document;

                (F)         change SECTION 2.17(d) or SECTION 7.03;

 

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                (G)         subordinate the Obligations hereunder or the Liens granted hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, to any other Indebtedness or Lien, as the case may be;

                (H)         change any of the provisions of this SECTION 9.02 or the definition of the terms “Required Lenders”, “Unanimous Consent”, or any other provision of any Loan Document specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to waive, amend or modify any rights thereunder or make any determination or grant any consent thereunder; or

                (I)        increase the Swingline Loan Ceiling; or

(iv)        Without prior written consent of the Agents or the Issuing Banks, as the case may be, affect the rights or duties of the Agents or the Issuing Banks.

(c)        Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this SECTION 9.02, in the event that the Borrower shall request that this Agreement or any other Loan Document be modified, amended or waived in a manner which would require the consent of the Lenders pursuant to SECTION 9.02(b) and such amendment is approved by the Required Lenders, but not by the requisite percentage of all the Lenders, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall be permitted to amend this Agreement without the consent of the Lender or Lenders which did not agree to the modification, amendment or waiver requested by the Borrower (such Lender or Lenders, collectively the “ Minority Lenders ”) subject to their providing for (i) the termination of the Commitment of each of the Minority Lenders, (ii) the addition to this Agreement of one or more other financial institutions which would qualify as an Eligible Assignee, subject to the reasonable approval of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Borrower, or an increase in the Commitment of one or more of the Required Lenders, so that the Total Commitments after giving effect to such amendment shall be in the same amount as the aggregate Commitments immediately before giving effect to such amendment, (iii) if any Loans are outstanding at the time of such amendment, the making of such additional Loans by such new or increasing Lender or Lenders, as the case may be, as may be necessary to repay in full the outstanding Loans (including principal, interest, and fees) of the Minority Lenders immediately before giving effect to such amendment and (iv) such other modifications to this Agreement or the Loan Documents as may be appropriate and incidental to the foregoing.

(d)        No notice to or demand on any Loan Party shall entitle any Loan Party to any other or further notice or demand in the same, similar or other circumstances. Each holder of a Note shall be bound by any amendment, modification, waiver or consent authorized as provided herein, whether or not a Note shall have been marked to indicate such amendment, modification, waiver or consent and any consent by a Lender, or any holder of a Note, shall bind any Person subsequently acquiring a Note, whether or not a Note is so marked. No amendment or modification to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be effective against the Borrower unless signed by the Borrower or other applicable Loan Party.

(e)        Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Deteriorating Lender or Delinquent Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder, except that the Commitment of such Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender.

 

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(f)        Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower may amend, modify or supplement this Agreement or any other Loan Document to cure any ambiguity, error, omission, defect or inconsistency without any further action or consent of any other party to any Loan Document, so long as such amendment, modification or supplement does not materially and adversely affect the rights of any Lender.

SECTION 9.03         Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.

(a)        The Loan Parties shall jointly and severally pay all Credit Party Expenses incurred as of the Effective Date on the Effective Date. Thereafter, the Loan Parties shall jointly and severally pay all Credit Party Expenses within fifteen (15) Business Days after receipt of an invoice therefor setting forth such expenses in reasonable detail; provided that in the event the Borrower has a bona fide dispute with any such expenses, payment of such disputed amounts shall not be required until the earlier of the date such dispute is resolved to the reasonable satisfaction of the Borrower or thirty (30) days after receipt of any such invoice (and any such disputed amount which is so paid shall be subject to a reservation of the Borrower’s rights with respect thereto).

(b)        The Loan Parties shall, jointly and severally, indemnify the Credit Parties and each of their Subsidiaries and Affiliates, and each of their respective stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, and advisors of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “ Indemnitee ”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all damages, actual out-of-pocket losses, claims, actions, causes of action, settlement payments, obligations, liabilities and related expenses, including the reasonable and documented fees, disbursements and other charges of one domestic counsel and one Canadian counsel to the Indemnitees (and, if necessary, of one local counsel in each relevant jurisdiction to the Indemnitees), taken as a whole, and, solely in the case of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel to all affected Indemnitees similarly situated and, if necessary, of one local counsel in each relevant jurisdiction to all such Indemnitees (in each case, as selected by the Indemnitees), incurred, suffered, sustained or required to be paid by, or asserted against, any Indemnitee arising out of, in any way connected with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of any Loan Document or any other agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the performance by the parties to the Loan Documents of their respective obligations thereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or any other transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) any Credit Extension or the use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by an Issuing Bank to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property currently or formerly owned or operated by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to or arising from any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto or (v) any Indemnified Taxes, Other Taxes, documentary taxes, assessments or similar charges made by any Governmental Authority by reason of the execution

 

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and delivery of this Agreement or any other Loan Document and making of and repayment of principal, interest and fees on the Credit Extensions hereunder; provided , however , that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (x) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence, bad faith, or willful misconduct or material breach of this Agreement of such Indemnitee or any Affiliate of such Indemnitee (or any officer, director, employee, advisor or agent of such Indemnitee or any such Indemnitee’s Affiliates), or (y) arise from a dispute solely among the Indemnitees.

(c)        Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Indemnitee shall be obligated to refund or return any and all amounts paid by any Loan Party under SECTION 9.03(b) to such Indemnitee for any such fees, expenses or damages to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction has entered a final, non-appealable judgment that any claim, damage, loss, liability or expense asserted by such Indemnitee resulted from such Indemnitee’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith or material breach of this Agreement by such Indemnitee.

(d)        No Loan Party shall assert and, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, each Loan Party hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, any Credit Extension or the use of the proceeds thereof.

(e)        The provisions of this SECTION 9.03 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of the termination of this Agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, Payment in Full, the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision of any Loan Document, or any investigation made by or on behalf of any Credit Party. All amounts due under this SECTION 9.03 (including, without limitation, any attorneys’ fees and expenses pursuant to SECTION 9.03(b)) shall be payable within fifteen (15) Business Days of written demand therefor, which written demand shall set forth such amounts in reasonable detail.

SECTION 9.04         Successors and Assigns.

(a)        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 (including any Affiliate of any Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), except that no Loan Party may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of Administrative Agent and the Lenders (and any such attempted assignment or transfer without such consent 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 (including any Affiliate of an Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, Indemnitees, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

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(b)        Any Lender may, with the consent of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), assign to one or more Eligible 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 , however , that no such consent shall be required in connection with any assignment to another Lender or to an Affiliate of a Lender, and provided further that , each assignment shall be subject to the following conditions: (i) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment or Loans, the amount of the Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender subject to an assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Acceptance with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than $10,000,000, or, if less, the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment or Loans or such lesser amount as the Administrative Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion; (ii) each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations; and (iii) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Acceptance, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500. Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to SECTION 9.04(d), from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Acceptance the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Acceptance, 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 Acceptance, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance 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 SECTION 9.03 and subject to the obligations of SECTION 9.15). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this SECTION 9.04(b) 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 SECTION 9.04(e). The Loan Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that any assignment made in compliance with this SECTION 9.04(b) shall give rise to a direct obligation of the Loan Parties to the assignee and that the assignee shall be considered to be a “Credit Party” for all purposes under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

(c)        The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as an agent of the Loan Parties, shall maintain at one of its offices in Boston, Massachusetts, a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to it and a register (the “ Register ”) for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitment of, and principal amount of the Loans and Letter of Credit Disbursements owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time. The entries in the Register made in compliance with SECTION 9.04(d) shall be conclusive and the Loan Parties and Credit Parties may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, the Issuing Banks and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

(d)        Upon its receipt of a duly completed Assignment and Acceptance executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee, the processing and recordation fee referred to in SECTION 9.04(b) and any written consent to such assignment required by SECTION 9.04(a), the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Acceptance and record the information contained therein in the Register. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this SECTION 9.04(d).

 

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(e)        Any Lender may, without the consent of the Loan Parties or any other Person, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities (a “ Participant ”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment, and the Loans owing to it), subject to the following:

(i)        such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall remain unchanged;

(ii)        such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations;

(iii)        the Loan Parties and other Credit Parties shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement;

(iv)        any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells a participation in the Commitments, the Loans and the Letter of Credit Outstandings shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce the Loan Documents and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of the Loan Documents; provided , however, that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the proviso to SECTION 9.02(b)(i) or (ii) that affects such Participant;

(v)        subject to clauses (viii) and (ix) of this SECTION 9.04(e), the Loan Parties agree that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of (and subject to the obligations set forth in) SECTION 2.14 and SECTION 2.23 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to SECTION 9.04(b);

(vi)        to the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of SECTION 9.08 as though it were a Lender so long as such Participant agrees to be subject to SECTION 2.21(c) as though it were a Lender;

(vii)        each Lender, acting for this purpose as an agent of the Loan Parties, shall maintain at its offices a record of each agreement or instrument effecting any participation and a register (each a “ Participation Register ”) meeting the requirements of 26 CFR §5f.103 1(c) for the recordation of the names and addresses of its Participants and their rights with respect to principal amounts and other Obligations from time to time. The entries in each Participation Register shall be conclusive and the Loan Parties and the Credit Parties may treat each Person whose name is recorded in a Participant Register as a Participant for all purposes of this Agreement (including, for the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of entitlement to benefits under SECTION 2.14, SECTION 2.23, and SECTION 9.08). The Participation Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and any Credit Party at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice;

 

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(viii)        a Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under SECTION 2.14 or SECTION 2.23 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrower’s prior written consent; and

(ix)        a Participant that would be a Foreign Lender if it were a Lender shall not be entitled to the benefits of SECTION 2.23 unless the Borrower is notified of the participation sold to such Participant and such Participant agrees, for the benefit of the Loan Parties, to comply with SECTION 2.23(e) as though it were a Lender and such Participant is eligible for exemption from the withholding Tax referred to therein, following compliance with SECTION 2.23(e).

(f)        Any Credit Party may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Credit Party, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to any of the twelve (12) Federal Reserve Banks organized under Section 4 of the Federal Reserve Act, 12 U.S.C. Section 341, and this SECTION 9.04 shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided , however , that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Credit Party from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Credit Party as a party hereto.

(g)        The Loan Parties authorize each Credit Party to disclose to any Participant or assignee and any prospective Participant or assignee, subject to the provisions of SECTION 9.15, any and all financial information in such Credit Party’s possession concerning the Loan Parties which has been delivered to such Credit Party by or on behalf of the Loan Parties pursuant to this Agreement or which has been delivered to such Credit Party by or on behalf of the Loan Parties in connection with such Credit Party’s credit evaluation of the Loan Parties prior to becoming a party to this Agreement.

SECTION 9.05         Survival.

All covenants, agreements, indemnities, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that any Credit Party may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or Event of Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other Obligation is outstanding and unpaid or any Letter of Credit is outstanding and so long as the Commitments have not expired or been irrevocably terminated. The provisions of SECTION 2.14, SECTION 2.23, SECTION 9.03, Article VIII and, with respect to any Lender, for a period of only eighteen (18) months after such Lender is no longer a Lender hereunder (including, without limitation, as a result of the Obligations having been Paid in Full), SECTION 9.15, shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Obligations, the expiration or

 

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termination of the Letters of Credit and the Commitments or the termination of this Agreement or any provision hereof. In connection with the termination of this Agreement and the release and termination of the security interests in the Collateral, the Agents may require such indemnities and collateral security as shall be reasonably necessary or appropriate under the then circumstances to protect the Credit Parties against (x) loss on account of checks or other amounts received prior to the date of Payment in Full that were previously applied to the Obligations that may subsequently be reversed, returned or revoked, (y) any obligations that may thereafter arise with respect to the Other Liabilities, and (z) any indemnification Obligation under Section 9.03 for which a claim has then been asserted.

SECTION 9.06         Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness.

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all contemporaneous or 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 applicable Credit Parties and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy or e-mail shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

SECTION 9.07         Severability.

Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof, and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

SECTION 9.08         Right of Setoff.

If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Credit Party, each Participant, and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to setoff and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and other obligations at any time owing by such Credit Party, Participant, or Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Loan Parties against any of and all the obligations of the Loan Parties now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or other Loan Document held by a Credit Party, irrespective of whether or not such Credit Party shall have made any demand under this Agreement or other Loan Document and although such obligations may be matured or unmatured or otherwise fully secured; provided that such Secured Party shall provide the Borrower with written notice promptly after its exercise of such right of setoff. The rights of each Credit Party under this SECTION 9.08 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that

 

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such Credit Party may have. No Credit Party will, or will permit its Participant to, exercise its rights under this SECTION 9.08 without the consent of the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders. ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO REQUIRE THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR THE COLLATERAL AGENT TO EXERCISE ITS RIGHTS OR REMEDIES WITH RESPECT TO ANY OTHER COLLATERAL WHICH SECURES ANY OF THE OBLIGATIONS PRIOR TO THE EXERCISE BY ANY CREDIT PARTY OF ITS RIGHT OF SETOFF UNDER THIS SECTION ARE HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVED.

SECTION 9.09         Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Service of Process.

(a)        THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF, BUT INCLUDING SECTION 5-1401 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW; PROVIDED , HOWEVER, THAT IF ANY LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN IN REGARD TO THE VALID PERFECTION OR EFFECT OF PERFECTION OF ANY LIEN OR IN REGARD TO PROCEDURAL MATTERS AFFECTING ENFORCEMENT OF ANY LIENS IN COLLATERAL, SUCH LAWS OF SUCH OTHER JURISDICTIONS SHALL CONTINUE TO APPLY TO THAT EXTENT.

(b)        Each party hereto agrees that any suit, action or proceeding for the enforcement of this Agreement or any other Loan Document may be brought in the courts of the State of New York sitting in the County of New York or in any federal court sitting in such County and consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts. Each party to this Agreement hereby waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding or any such court or that such suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum and agrees that a final judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit, action or proceeding on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

(c)        Each party hereto irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in SECTION 9.01. Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party hereto to serve process in any other manner permitted by Applicable Law.

SECTION 9.10         WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.

EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY); AND WAIVES DUE DILIGENCE, DEMAND, PRESENTMENT AND PROTEST AND ANY NOTICES THEREOF AS WELL AS NOTICE OF NONPAYMENT. EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD

 

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NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVERS, AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 9.10.

SECTION 9.11         Press Releases and Related Matters.

Each Credit Party executing this Agreement agrees that, except for usual tombstones and league table reporting, neither it nor its Affiliates will in the future issue any press releases or other public disclosure using the name of Administrative Agent or its Affiliates or referring to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents without at least two (2) Business Days’ prior notice to Administrative Agent and without the prior written consent of Administrative Agent unless (and only to the extent that) such Credit Party or Affiliate is required to do so under law and then, in any event, such Credit Party or Affiliate will consult with Administrative Agent before issuing such press release or other public disclosure. Subject to notice and approval by the Parent, each Borrower consents to the publication by Administrative Agent or any Lender of advertising material relating to the financing transactions contemplated by this Agreement using any Loan Party’s name, product photographs, logo or trademark. The Administrative Agent reserves the right to provide to industry trade organizations information necessary and customary for inclusion in league table measurements.

SECTION 9.12         Headings.

Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

SECTION 9.13         Interest Rate Limitation.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the interest rate applicable to any Revolving Credit Loan, together with all fees, charges and other amounts that are treated as interest on such Revolving Credit Loan under Applicable Law (collectively, the “ Charges ”), shall be found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final order to exceed the maximum lawful rate (the “ Maximum Rate ”) that may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by the Lender holding such Revolving Credit Loan in accordance with Applicable Law, the rate of interest payable in respect of such Revolving Credit Loan hereunder, together with all Charges payable in respect thereof, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate and, to the extent lawful, the interest and Charges that would have been payable in respect of such Revolving Credit Loan but were not payable as a result of the operation of this SECTION 9.13 shall be cumulated and the interest and Charges payable to such Lender in respect of other Revolving Credit Loans or periods shall be increased (but not above the Maximum Rate therefor) until such cumulated amount, together with interest thereon at the Federal Funds Effective Rate to the date of repayment, shall have been received by such Lender.

SECTION 9.14         Additional Waivers.

(a)        The Obligations are the joint and several obligation of each Loan Party. To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, the obligations of each Loan Party hereunder

 

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shall not be affected by (i) the failure of any Credit Party to assert any claim or demand or to enforce or exercise any right or remedy against any other Loan Party under the provisions of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or otherwise, (ii) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of, or any release of any other Loan Party from, any of the terms or provisions of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or (iii) the failure to perfect any security interest in, or the release of, any of the Collateral or other security held by or on behalf of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, or any other Credit Party.

(b)        The obligations of each Loan Party to pay the Obligations, in full hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason (other than Payment in Full), including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise of any of the Obligations, and shall not be subject to any defense or setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of any of the Obligations, or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the obligations of each Loan Party hereunder shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by the failure of the Administrative Agent or any other Credit Party to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any remedy under this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, by any waiver or modification of any provision of any thereof, any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of any of the Obligations, or by any other act or omission that may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any Loan Party or that would otherwise operate as a discharge of any Loan Party as a matter of law or equity (other than Payment in Full).

(c)        To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, each Loan Party waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of any other Loan Party or the unenforceability of the Obligations or any part thereof from any cause, or the cessation from any cause of the liability of any other Loan Party, other than Payment in Full. The Administrative Agent and the other Credit Parties may, at their election, foreclose on any security held by one or more of them by one or more judicial or nonjudicial sales, accept an assignment of any such security in lieu of foreclosure, compromise or adjust any part of the Obligations, make any other accommodation with any other Loan Party, or exercise any other right or remedy available to them against any other Loan Party, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of any Loan Party hereunder except to the extent that Payment in Full has occurred. Pursuant to Applicable Law, each Loan Party waives any defense arising out of any such election even though such election operates, pursuant to Applicable Law, to impair or to extinguish any right of reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy of such Loan Party against any other Loan Party, as the case may be, or any security.

(d)        Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, each Loan Party is obligated to repay the Obligations as joint and several obligors under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Upon payment by any Loan Party of any Obligations, all rights of such Loan Party against any other Loan Party arising as a result thereof by way of right of subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or otherwise shall in all respects be subordinate and junior in right of payment to the prior Payment in Full. In addition, after the occurrence of a Cash Dominion Event, any indebtedness of any Loan Party now or hereafter held by any other Loan Party is hereby subordinated in right of payment to the prior Payment in Full and no Loan Party will demand, sue for or otherwise attempt to collect any such indebtedness. If

 

124


any amount shall erroneously be paid to any Loan Party on account of (i) such subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or similar right or (ii) any such indebtedness of any Loan Party, such amount shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Credit Parties and shall forthwith be paid to the Administrative Agent to be credited against the payment of the Obligations, whether matured or unmatured, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Subject to the foregoing, to the extent that any Loan Party (other than the Borrower) shall, under this Agreement as a joint and several obligor, repay any of the Obligations constituting Revolving Credit Loans made to the Borrower hereunder or other Obligations (an “ Accommodation Payment ”), then the Loan Party making such Accommodation Payment shall be entitled to contribution and indemnification from, and be reimbursed by, each of the other Loan Parties in an amount, for each of such other Loan Party, equal to a fraction of such Accommodation Payment, the numerator of which fraction is such other Loan Party’s Allocable Amount and the denominator of which is the sum of the Allocable Amounts of all of the Loan Parties. As of any date of determination, the “ Allocable Amount ” of each Loan Party shall be equal to the maximum amount of liability for Accommodation Payments which could be asserted against the Borrower hereunder without (a) rendering such Loan Party “insolvent” within the meaning of Section 101 (31) of the Bankruptcy Code, Section 2 of the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act (“ UFTA ”) or Section 2 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act (“ UFCA ”) or an “insolvent person” within the meaning of the BIA, (b) leaving such Loan Party with unreasonably small capital or assets, within the meaning of Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code, Section 4 of the UFTA, or Section 5 of the UFCA, or (c) leaving such Loan Party unable to pay its debts as they become due within the meaning of Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code or Section 4 of the UFTA, or Section 5 of the UFCA.

(e)        Each Loan Party hereby agrees to keep each other Loan Party fully apprised at all times as to the status of its business, affairs, finances, and financial condition, and its ability to perform its Obligations, and in particular as to any adverse developments with respect thereto. Each Loan Party hereby agrees to undertake to keep itself apprised at all times as to the status of the business, affairs, finances, and financial condition of each other Loan Party, and of the ability of each other Loan Party to perform its Obligations, and in particular as to any adverse developments with respect to any thereof. Each Loan Party hereby agrees, in light of the foregoing mutual covenants to inform each other, and to keep themselves and each other informed as to such matters, that the Credit Parties shall have no duty to inform any Loan Party of any information pertaining to the business, affairs, finances, or financial condition of any other Loan Party, or pertaining to the ability of any other Loan Party to perform its Obligations, even if such information is adverse, and even if such information might influence the decision of one or more of the Loan Parties to continue to be jointly and severally liable for, or to provide Collateral for, Obligations of one or more of the other Loan Parties. To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, each Loan Party hereby expressly waives any duty of the Credit Parties to inform any Loan Party of any such information.

SECTION 9.15         Confidentiality.

Each of the Credit Parties agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to their and their Affiliates’ directors, officers, employees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby or by any of the other Loan Documents

 

125


(it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority, (c) to the extent required by Applicable Laws or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party to this Agreement, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this SECTION 9.15, to any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement and any actual or prospective counterparty or advisors to any swap or derivative transactions relating to the Loan Parties and the Obligations, (g) with the consent of the Loan Parties or (h) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this SECTION 9.15 or (ii) becomes available to any Credit Party on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Loan Parties. For the purposes of this SECTION 9.15, the term “ Information ” means all information received from or on behalf of the Loan Parties and relating to their business, other than any such information that is available to the Credit Parties on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Loan Parties. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this SECTION 9.15 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. The Administrative Agent hereby acknowledges that it is aware, and that it will advise each Person who receives the Information, that the United States securities laws generally prohibit any person who has material, non-public information concerning the matters which are the subject of this Agreement from purchasing or selling securities of the Parent (and options, warrants and rights relating thereto) from communicating such information to any other person under circumstances in which it is reasonably foreseeable that such person (including, without limitation, any of your representatives) is likely to purchase or sell such securities.

SECTION 9.16 Patriot Act.

Each Lender hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “ Patriot Act ”) and other domestic or foreign “know your customer” rules, regulations, laws (including, without limitation, the Proceeds of Crime Act) and policies, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Loan Party, which information includes the name and address of each Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender to identify each Loan Party in accordance with the Patriot Act and the Proceeds of Crime Act. Each Loan Party is in compliance, in all material respects, with the Patriot Act. No part of the proceeds of the Loans will be used, directly or indirectly, for any payments to any governmental official or employee, political party, official of a political party, candidate for political office, or anyone else acting in an official capacity, in order to obtain, retain or direct business or obtain any improper advantage, in violation of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.

 

126


SECTION 9.17         Foreign Asset Control Regulations.

Neither of the advance of the Revolving Credit Loans nor the use of the proceeds of any thereof will violate the Trading With the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. § 1 et seq., as amended) (the “ Trading With the Enemy Act ”) or any of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 CFR, Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended) (the “ Foreign Assets Control Regulations ”) or any enabling legislation or executive order relating thereto (which for the avoidance of doubt shall include, but shall not be limited to (a) Executive Order 13224 of September 21, 2001 Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism (66 Fed. Reg. 49079 (2001)) (the “ Executive Order ”) and (b) the Patriot Act. Furthermore, none of the Borrower or their Affiliates (a) is or will become a “blocked person” as described in the Executive Order, the Trading With the Enemy Act or the Foreign Assets Control Regulations or (b) engages or will engage in any dealings or transactions, or be otherwise associated, with any such “blocked person” or in any manner violative of any such order.

SECTION 9.18         Judgment Currency .

If for the purpose of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert an amount due hereunder in the currency in which it is due (the “ Original Currency ”) into any other currency (the “ Second Currency ”), the rate of exchange applied shall be that at which, in accordance with normal banking procedures, the Administrative Agent could purchase in the New York foreign exchange market, the Original Currency with the Second Currency on the date two (2) Business Days preceding that on which judgment is given. Each Loan Party agrees that its obligation in respect of any Original Currency due from it hereunder shall, notwithstanding any judgment or payment in such other currency, be discharged only to the extent that, on the Business Day following the date the Administrative Agent receives payment of any sum so adjudged to be due hereunder in the Second Currency, the Administrative Agent may, in accordance with normal banking procedures, purchase, in the New York foreign exchange market, the Original Currency with the amount of the Second Currency so paid; and if the amount of the Original Currency so purchased or could have been so purchased is less than the amount originally due in the Original Currency, each Loan Party agrees as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such payment or judgment to indemnify the Administrative Agent against such loss. The terms “rate of exchange” in this SECTION 9.18 means the spot rate at which the Administrative Agent, in accordance with normal practices, is able on the relevant date to purchase the Original Currency with the Second Currency, and includes any premium and costs of exchange payable in connection with such purchase.

SECTION 9.19         No Strict Construction .

The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provisions of this Agreement.

 

127


SECTION 9.20         Payments Set Aside .

To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of the Loan Parties is made to any Credit Party, or any Credit Party 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 such Credit Party in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver, interim receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code, the BIA or the CCAA or any state, federal or provincial bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar 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 each Issuing Bank severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent upon demand its Commitment Percentage (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 Issuing Banks under clause (b) of the preceding sentence shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

SECTION 9.21         No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility .

In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby, the Loan Parties each acknowledge and agree that: (i) the credit facility provided for hereunder and any related arranging or other services in connection therewith (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document) are an arm’s-length commercial transaction between the Loan Parties, on the one hand, and the Credit Parties, on the other hand, and each of the Loan Parties is capable of evaluating and understanding and understands and accepts the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or thereof); (ii) in connection with the process leading to such transaction, each Credit Party is and has been acting solely as a principal and is not the financial advisor, agent or fiduciary, for the Loan Parties or any of their respective Affiliates, stockholders, creditors or employees or any other Person; (iii) none of the Credit Parties has assumed or will assume an advisory, agency or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Loan Parties with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto, including with respect to any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document (irrespective of whether any of the Credit Parties has advised or is currently advising any Loan Party or any of its Affiliates on other matters) and none of the Credit Parties has any obligation to any Loan Party or any of its Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents; (iv) the Credit Parties and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Loan Parties and their respective Affiliates, and none of the Credit Parties has any obligation to disclose any of such interests by virtue of any advisory, agency or fiduciary relationship; and (v) the Credit Parties have not provided and will not provide any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document) and each of the Loan Parties has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate. Each of the Loan Parties hereby waives and releases, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims that it may have against each of the Credit Parties with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty in respect of any of the foregoing.

 

128


SECTION 9.22         Existing Credit Agreement Amended and Restated .

Upon satisfaction of the conditions precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement, (a) this Agreement shall amend and restate the Existing Credit Agreement in its entirety (except to the extent that definitions from the Existing Credit Agreement are incorporated herein by reference) and (b) the rights and obligations of the parties under the Existing Credit Agreement shall be subsumed within, and be governed by, this Agreement; provided , however, that the Borrower hereby agrees that (i) the Letter of Credit Outstandings under, and as defined in, the Existing Credit Agreement on the Effective Date shall be Letter of Credit Outstandings hereunder, and (ii) all Obligations of the Borrower under, and as defined in, the Existing Credit Agreement (the “ Existing Obligations ”) shall remain outstanding, shall constitute continuing Obligations secured by the Collateral, and this Agreement shall not be deemed to evidence or result in a novation or repayment and reborrowing of such Existing Obligations.

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

129


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as a sealed instrument as of the day and year first above written.

 

PIER 1 IMPORTS (U.S.), INC.,  as Borrower
By:  

 

Name: Charles H. Turner
Title: Executive Vice President and CFO
PIER 1 IMPORTS, INC. , as a Facility Guarantor
By:  

 

Name: Charles H. Turner
Title: Executive Vice President, CFO and Treasurer
PIER 1 ASSETS, INC. , as a Facility Guarantor
By:  

 

Name: Charles H. Turner
Title: Executive Vice President, CFO and Treasurer
PIER 1 LICENSING, INC. , as a Facility Guarantor
By:  

 

Name: Charles H. Turner
Title: Executive Vice President and CFO
PIER 1 HOLDINGS, INC. , as a Facility Guarantor
By:  

 

Name: Charles H. Turner
Title: Executive Vice President and CFO

 

 

 

 

Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


PIER 1 SERVICES COMPANY , as a Facility Guarantor
By: Pier 1 Holdings, Inc., Managing Trustee
By:  

 

Name: Charles H. Turner
Title: Executive Vice President and CFO
PIER 1 VALUE SERVICES, LLC , as a Facility Guarantor
By: Pier 1 Imports (U.S.), Inc., its sole member and manager
By:  

 

Name: Charles H. Turner
Title: Executive Vice President and CFO

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A .,  as Administrative

Agent, as Collateral Agent, as Swingline Lender,

and as Lender

By:                                                                      

Name: Stephen J. Garvin

Title: Managing Director

Address:

100 Federal Street, 9th Floor

Boston, Massachusetts 02110

Attn: Stephen J. Garvin

Telephone: (617) 434-9399

Telecopy: (617) 434-4312

 

Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as a Lender and Issuing Bank
By:                                                                      
Name:  
Title:  
Address:     1 Boston Place, 18 th Floor
    Boston, MA 02108
Telephone:  
Telecopy:  

 

Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. , as a Lender
By:                                                                       
Name:                                                                      
Title:                                                                       

Address:

Telephone:

Telecopy:

 

 

Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


SUNTRUST BANK , as a Lender
By:                                                                       
Name:                                                                       
Title:                                                                       

Address:

Telephone:

Telecopy:

 

 

Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


REGIONS BANK , as a Lender
By:                                                                  
Name:  
Title:  
Address:       1900 5 th Ave North
      Birmingham, AL 35203

Telephone:

Telecopy:

 

 

Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as a Lender
By:                                                                      
Name:  
Title:  
Address:   800 Nicollet Mall
  BC-MN-H04B
  Minneapolis, MN 55402
Telephone: Telecopy:  

Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION , as a Lender
By:                                                                      
Name:  
Title:  

Address:

Telephone:

Telecopy:

 

Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


COMPASS BANK , as a Lender
By:  

 

Name:   Michael Sheff
Title:   Senior Vice President
Address:   8080 North Central Expressway
  Suite 400
  Dallas, TX 75206
Telephone:   (214) 890-8627
Telecopy:   (214) 706-8059

Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


ROYAL BANK OF CANADA , as a Lender
By:                                                                                    
Name:  
Title:  
Address:   Royal Bank of Canada-New York Branch
          Three World Financial Center
          200 Vesey Street
          New York, New York 10281-8098

Telephone:

Telecopy:

 

Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


EXHIBIT A

ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

This Assignment and Acceptance (this “ Assignment and Acceptance ”) is dated as of                      , and is entered into by and [between][among] [the][each]1 Assignor identified in item 1 below ([the][each, an] “ Assignor ”) and [the][each]2 Assignee identified in item 2 below ([the][each, an] “ Assignee ”). [It is understood and agreed that the rights and obligations of [the Assignors][the Assignees]3 hereunder are several and not joint.]4 Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement identified below (the “ Credit Agreement ”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee. The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Acceptance as if set forth herein in full.

For an agreed consideration, [the][each] Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to [the Assignee][the respective Assignees], and [the][each] Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from [the Assignor][the respective Assignors], subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of [the Assignor’s][the respective Assignors’] rights and obligations in [its capacity as a Lender][their respective capacities as Lenders] under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of [the Assignor][the respective Assignors] under the respective facilities identified below (including, without limitation, participations in Letter of Credit Outstandings and Swingline Loans included in such facilities) and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable Law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of [the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender)][the respective Assignors (in their respective capacities as Lenders)] against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned by [the][any] Assignor to [the][any] Assignee pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as [the][an] “ Assigned Interest ”). Each such sale and assignment is without recourse to [the][any] Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Acceptance, without representation or warranty by [the][any] Assignor.

1.

  

Assignor[s] :

  

 

  
     

 

  

 

 

1 For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignor(s), if the assignment is from a single Assignor, choose the first bracketed language. If the assignment is from multiple Assignors, choose the second bracketed language.

2 For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignee(s), if the assignment is to a single Assignee, choose the first bracketed language. If the assignment is to multiple Assignees, choose the second bracketed language.

3 Select as appropriate.

4 Include bracketed language if there are either multiple Assignors or multiple Assignees.


2.   

Assignee[s] :

  

 

  
     

 

  

 

3. Borrower :          Pier 1 Imports (U.S.), Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

4.

Administrative Agent : Bank of America, N.A., as the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement.

 

5.

Credit Agreement : That certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 4, 2011 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time), by, among others, (i) the Borrower, (ii) the Facility Guarantors party thereto from time to time, (iii) the Lenders party thereto from time to time, and (iv) Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swingline Lender and Issuing Bank.

 

6. Assigned Interest[s] :

 

Assignor[s] 5   Assignee[s] 6  

Facility

Assigned 7

 

Amount of
Assignor’s

Commitment

/Loans 8

 

Amount of

Commitment/
Loans

Assigned9

 

Percentage

of Assignor’s

Commitment/
Loans

Assigned 10

 

Resulting
Commitment

/Loans

Amount for
Assignor

 

Resulting
Commitment

/Loans

Amount for
Assignee

 

 

            $                         $                                      %   $                $                      
            $                         $                                      %   $                $                      
            $                         $                                      %   $                $                      

 

[7. Trade Date :                                          ]11

Effective Date:                                      , 20      (the “Effective Date”) [TO BE INSERTED

BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF

RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR.]

The terms set forth in this Assignment and Acceptance are hereby agreed to:

 

 

5 List each Assignor, as appropriate.

6 List each Assignee, as appropriate.

7 Fill in appropriate terminology for each applicable type of facility under the Credit Agreement that is being assigned under this Assignment, i.e., Revolving Credit Loans.

8 Amounts in this column and in the column immediately to the right to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date.

9 Subject to minimum amount and proportionate amount requirements pursuant to Section 9.04(b) of the Credit Agreement.

10 Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitment/Loans of all Lenders thereunder.

11 To be completed if the Assignor and the Assignee intend that the minimum assignment amount is to be determined as of the Trade Date.


ASSIGNOR
[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
ASSIGNEE
[NAME OF ASSIGNEE]
By:  

 

Name:
Title:


[Consented to and]12 Accepted:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as
Administrative Agent
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
[Consented to:]13
PIER 1 IMPORTS (U.S.), INC., as Borrower
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

 

 

12 To the extent required under Section 9.04(b) of the Credit Agreement.

13 To the extent required under Section 9.04(b) of the Credit Agreement.


ANNEX 1 TO ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR

ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

1.          Representations and Warranties .

1.1.       Assignor . [The][Each] Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of [the][[the relevant] Assigned Interest, (ii) [the][such] Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Acceptance and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of the Loan Parties or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by the Loan Parties or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

1.2.       Assignee . [The][Each] Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Acceptance and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it meets all the requirements to be an Eligible Assignee under the Credit Agreement (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 9.04(b) of the Credit Agreement), (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of [the][the relevant] Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by [the][such] Assigned Interest and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire [the][such] Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (v) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, and has received or has been accorded the opportunity to receive copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it deems appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Acceptance and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, (vi) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Acceptance and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, and (vii) if it is a Foreign Lender, attached hereto is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by [the][such] Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, [the][any] Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

2.          Payments . From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of [the][each] Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to [the][the relevant] Assignor for amounts which have accrued up to but excluding the Effective Date and to [the][the relevant] Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.


3.         General Provisions . This Assignment and Acceptance shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. This Assignment and Acceptance may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Acceptance by telecopy or .pdf shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Acceptance. This Assignment and Acceptance shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof, but including Section 5-1401 of the New York General Obligations Law.

4.         Fees .        This Assignment and Acceptance shall be delivered to the Administrative Agent with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500.00.

5.         Administrative Questionnaire .    If [the][any] Assignee is not a Lender, annexed hereto as Exhibit A is a completed administrative questionnaire, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, providing such information (including, without limitation, credit contact information and wiring instructions) of [the][the relevant] Assignee as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require.


Exhibit A

Administrative Questionnaire

[see attached]


EXHIBIT B

[CUSTOMS BROKER/FREIGHT FORWARDER/CARRIER] AGENCY AGREEMENT

                      , 2011

Name and Address of [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]:

                                                             

                                                             

                                                             

Dear Sir/Madam:

[                               ], a [                      ][                       ] with its principal executive offices at                                                           (referred to herein as the “ Company ”) 14 , among others, has entered into a financing agreement with BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., a national banking association with offices at 100 Federal Street, 9 th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, as collateral agent (in such capacity, herein the “ Agent ”) for the ratable benefit of a syndicate of lenders and certain other secured parties (collectively, the “ Secured Parties ”), pursuant to which agreement, the Company, among others, has granted a security interest to the Agent in and to, certain assets of the Company, including, among other things, all of the Company’s inventory (“ Inventory ”) and such documents, bills of lading and other documents of title related to such Inventory (together with the Inventory, the “ Property ”).

The Agent has requested that [NAME OF CUSTOMS BROKER/FREIGHT FORWARDER/CARRIER] (together with any affiliates providing services to the Company, the “ [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] ”) act as its agent for the limited purpose of more fully perfecting and protecting the interest of the Agent in such bills of lading, documents and other documents of title and in the Inventory for which such bills of lading, documents, or other documents of title have been issued, and the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] has agreed to do so. This [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] Agency Agreement (this “Agreement”) shall set forth the terms of the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]’s engagement.

ARTICLE X Acknowledgment of Security Interest; Power of Attorney:     The [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] acknowledges, consents, and agrees that the Company has assigned to the Agent, all of the Company’s right, title, and interest in the Inventory and any contracts or agreements with carriers, customs brokers, and/or freight forwarders for shipment or delivery of such Inventory. The Company advises the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier], and the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] acknowledges, consents, and agrees, that the Company has irrevocably constituted and appointed the Agent as the Company’s true and lawful attorney, with full power of substitution to exercise all of such rights, title, and interest, which appointment has been coupled with an interest. The [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] further agrees that: (i) the Company holds title to all Title Documents (as defined below) and Inventory while in the custody or control of the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]; [(ii) the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder] shall not deliver any Inventory to a third party for shipment and delivery unless any related Title Documents reflect the

 

14 Insert name of applicable Loan Party.


Company as both “consignor/shipper” and “consignee” and such third party is advised of the Agent’s liens on the Title Documents and Inventory and rights with respect thereto] 1 5 ; and [(ii)][(iii)] if the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] receives notice from any seller of any Inventory of its intent to stop delivery of such Inventory to the Company, the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] shall promptly notify the Agent of same.

ARTICLE XI Appointment of [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] as Agent of the Agent: The [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] is hereby appointed as agent for the Agent to receive and retain possession of (i) all bills of lading, waybills, documents, and any other documents of title or carriage constituting, evidencing, or relating to the Inventory (collectively, the “Title Documents”) heretofore or at any time hereafter issued for any Inventory which is received by the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] for processing, and (ii) all Inventory, as applicable, such receipt and retention of possession being for the purpose of more fully perfecting and preserving the Agent’s security interests in the Title Documents and the Inventory. The [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] will maintain possession of the Title Documents and Inventory, as applicable, subject to the security interests of the Agent, and will note the security interests of the Agent on the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]’s books and records.

ARTICLE XII Delivery of Title Documents. Release of Goods: Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, unless and until the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] receives an Agent Instruction Notice (as defined in Section 4 below) to follow the Agent’s instructions with respect to such Title Documents and Inventory, the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] is authorized by the Agent to, and the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] may, deliver:

SECTION 12.01         the Title Documents to the [issuing carrier or to its agent (who shall act on the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder]’s behalf as the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder]’s sub-agent hereunder) for the purpose of permitting the Company, as consignee, to obtain possession or control of the Inventory subject to such Title Documents] 16 [Company or as otherwise directed by the Company] 17 ; and

SECTION 12.02         the Inventory, in each instance, as directed by the Company.

ARTICLE XIII Notice From Agent To Follow Agent’s Instructions: Upon the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]’s receipt of written notification from the Agent (such notice, an “Agent Instruction Notice”) and unless and until such notification is rescinded in writing (such notice, a “Notice to Rescind”) the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] shall thereafter (i) follow solely the instructions of the Agent concerning the disposition of the Title Documents and the Inventory, (ii) not follow any instructions of the Company or any other person concerning the same, and (iii) provide any information reasonably requested by the Agent concerning the Title Documents and the Inventory. The Company hereby directs the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] to comply with any such written notice, and releases the Customs Broker from any liability which might arise therefrom, except liability arising from the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]’s bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct. Notice shall be sent pursuant to Section 7(b) of this Agreement. Upon the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]’s receipt of a Notice to Rescind, the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] may again follow the Company’s instructions in accordance with Section 3 above.

 

 

15 NTD: Only applicable if used with a Freight Forwarder or Customs Broker.

16 NTD: To be inserted if used with a Customs Broker or Carrier.

17 NTD: To be inserted if used with a Carrier.


ARTICLE XIV Limited Authority:          The [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]’s sole authority as the agent of the Agent is to receive and maintain possession of the Title Documents and Inventory on behalf of the Agent and to follow the instructions of the Agent as provided herein. Except as may be specifically authorized and instructed in writing by the Agent, the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] shall have no authority as the agent of the Agent, to undertake any other action or to enter into any other commitments on behalf of the Agent, as applicable.

ARTICLE XV Expenses:          Neither the Agent nor any Secured Party shall be obligated to compensate the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] for serving as agent hereunder, nor shall the Agent be responsible for any fees, expenses, customs, duties, taxes, or other charges relating to the Title Documents or the Inventory. The [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] acknowledges that the Company is solely responsible for payment of any compensation and charges which are to the Company’s account. The Company is further responsible for paying any fees, expenses, customs duties, taxes, or other charges which are, or may, accrue, to the account of the Property. The Agent, at the Agent’s sole option, may authorize the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] to perform specified services on behalf of the Agent at mutually agreed rates of compensation, which shall be to the Agent’s account and payable to the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] by the Agent ( provided, however , such payment shall not affect any obligation of the Company to reimburse the Agent for any such compensation or other costs or expenses incurred by the Agent pursuant to the financing arrangement referred to above).

ARTICLE XVI Term:

SECTION 16.01         In the event that the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] desires to terminate this Agreement, the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] shall furnish the Agent with forty-five (45) days prior written notice of the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]’s intention to do so. During such forty-five (45) day period (which may be shortened by written notice to the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] by the Agent), the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] shall continue to serve as agent hereunder. The [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] shall also cooperate with the Agent and execute all such documentation and undertake all such action as may be reasonably required by the Agent in connection with such termination.

SECTION 16.02         All notices given under this Agreement shall be delivered to the following addresses (or to such other addresses as may be provided to the other parties hereto via written notice) and shall be delivered via overnight currier or registered mail:                 

If to Agent:

Bank of America, N.A., as Collateral Agent

100 Federal Street, 9 th Floor

Boston, Massachusetts 02110

Attn: Andrew Cerussi

Re: Pier 1 Imports (U.S.), Inc.

If to [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]

                                         

                                         

                                         


SECTION 16.03         Except as provided in Section SECTION 16.01, above, this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] receives written notification from the Agent of the termination of the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]’s responsibilities hereunder.

ARTICLE XVII [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]’s Lien: The [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] shall have a lien, to the extent provided by law, on any Property then in the possession of the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier], which lien shall be to the extent of any costs, fees, freight charges, storage charges, or other charges or expenses incurred or paid by the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] with respect to that Property then in the possession of the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier], for which the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] has not received payment, but not for any amount owed on account of any other Property, item, or matter. Upon receipt by the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] of payment in full of all outstanding amounts with respect to the Property then in the possession of the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier], including, but not limited to any costs, fees, freight charges, storage charges, or other charges or expenses incurred or paid by the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] with respect to such Property, the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] shall not assert against such Property any statutory, possessory, or other lien, including, without limitation, any right of levy or distraint.

ARTICLE XVIII Counterparts; Integration . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] and the Agent relating to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all contemporaneous or previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the parties and when the Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this agreement by telecopy or .pdf shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement

ARTICLE XIX Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles or choice of laws principles thereof, but including Section 5-1401 of the New York General Obligations Law.

[Signature Page Follows]


If the foregoing correctly sets forth our understanding, please indicate the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]’s assent below.

 

Very truly yours,
COMPANY:
[                      ]
    By:  

 

    Name:  

 

    Title:  

 

Agreed:

[CUSTOMS BROKER/FREIGHT FORWARDER/CARRIER]:

 

 

By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

AGENT:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

Signature Page to [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] Agency Agreement


Exhibit C

Notice of Borrowing

Date:                     

 

To: Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent

100 Federal Street, 9 th Floor

Boston, Massachusetts 02110

Attention: Mr. Stephen Garvin

Re:    Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of April 4, 2011 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) by, among others, (i) Pier 1 Imports (U.S.), Inc., as Borrower (in such capacity, the “ Borrower ”), (ii) the Facility Guarantors party thereto from time to time, (iii) Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swingline Lender and Issuing Bank, and (iv) the Lenders party thereto from time to time. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The Borrower refers to the above described Credit Agreement and hereby irrevocably notifies you of the     Borrowing requested below:

ARTICLE I The date of the proposed Borrowing is             , 201_ (which shall be a Business Day).

ARTICLE II The aggregate amount of the proposed Borrowing is $            (which shall be in an integral multiple of $1,000,000.00), which Borrowing consists of the following Types:

 

Type of Borrowing

(Prime Rate Loans or LIBO

Loans)18

 

  

Amount

 

  

Interest Period for LIBO

Loans19

 

     $                                  [1] [2] [3] [6] [12] months
     $                                  [1] [2] [3] [6] [12] months

 

 

18        If no election is made as to the Type of Revolving Credit Loan, such notice shall be deemed a request for Borrowing of Prime Rate Loans.

19        If no election of Interest Period is specified, such notice shall be deemed a request for an Interest Period of one (1) month.


    $                              [1] [2] [3] [6] [12] months
    $                              [1] [2] [3] [6] [12] months

ARTICLE III Proceeds of the proposed Borrowing are to be disbursed to the following account(s):

                                                  

                                                  

The Borrower hereby certifies that the following statements are true and correct on the date of the proposed Borrowing, before and after giving effect thereto and to the application of the proceeds therefrom:

SECTION 3.01         To the knowledge of the Responsible Officers, (i) the representations and warranties contained in Section 3.04(b) of the Credit Agreement are true and correct in all respects, and (ii) all other representations and warranties contained in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents or otherwise made in writing in connection herewith or therewith are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of the Borrowing proposed hereby with the same effect as if made on and as of such date, except to the extent that (A) such representations and warranties are qualified as to “materiality”, “Material Adverse Effect” or similar language, in which case they are true and correct in all respects on and as of such date, and (B) such representations and warranties relate to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct in all material respects on and as of such earlier date;

SECTION 3.02         On the date of the Borrowing proposed hereby and after giving effect thereto, the Loan Parties are in compliance with all of the terms and provisions set forth in the Credit Agreement and in the other Loan Documents to be observed or performed and no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; and

SECTION 3.03         After giving effect to the proposed Borrowing set forth in Section ARTICLE II above, there will be no more than seven (7) Borrowings of LIBO Loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement.

 

PIER 1 IMPORTS (U.S.), INC. ,
as Borrower
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 


Exhibit D

REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE

 

$                        April 4, 2011

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Pier 1 Imports (U.S.), Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), promises to pay to the order of                                                       (hereinafter, with any subsequent holders, the “ Lender ”), c/o Bank of America, N.A., 100 Federal Street, 9 th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, the principal sum of                                                       , or, if less, the aggregate unpaid principal balance of Revolving Credit Loans made by the Lender to or for the account of the Borrower pursuant to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of April 4, 2011 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) by, among others, (i) the Borrower, (ii) the Facility Guarantors party thereto from time to time, (iii) Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swingline Lender and Issuing Bank, and (iv) the Lenders party thereto from time to time, with interest at the rate and payable in the manner stated therein.

This is a “Revolving Credit Note” to which reference is made in the Credit Agreement and is subject to all terms and provisions thereof. The principal of, and interest on, this Revolving Credit Note shall be payable at the times, in the manner, and in the amounts as provided in the Credit Agreement and shall be subject to prepayment and acceleration as provided therein. Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement. [This Revolving Credit Note amends and restates in its entirety that certain Revolving Credit Note dated as of November 22, 2005, made payable by, among others, the Borrower in favor of the Lender in the aggregate principal amount of $                              .]

The Administrative Agent’s books and records concerning the Revolving Credit Loans, the accrual of interest thereon, and the repayment of such Revolving Credit Loans, shall be prima facie evidence of the indebtedness hereunder, absent manifest error.

No delay or omission by any Agent or the Lender in exercising or enforcing any of such Agent’s or the Lender’s powers, rights, privileges, remedies, or discretions hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof on that occasion nor on any other occasion. No waiver of any Event of Default shall operate as a waiver of any other Event of Default, nor as a continuing waiver.


The Borrower, and each endorser and guarantor of this Revolving Credit Note, waives presentment, demand, notice, and protest, and also waives any delay on the part of the holder hereof. The Borrower assents to any extension or other indulgence (including, without limitation, the release or substitution of Collateral) permitted by any Agent and/or the Lender with respect to this Revolving Credit Note and/or any Collateral or any extension or other indulgence with respect to any other liability or any collateral given to secure any other liability of the Borrower or any other Person obligated on account of this Revolving Credit Note.

This Revolving Credit Note shall be binding upon the Borrower, and each endorser and guarantor hereof, and upon their respective successors, assigns, and representatives, and shall inure to the benefit of the Lender and its successors, endorsees, and assigns.

The liabilities of the Borrower, and of any endorser or guarantor of this Revolving Credit Note, are joint and several, provided, however , the release by any Agent or the Lender of any one or more such Persons shall not release any other Person obligated on account of this Revolving Credit Note. Each reference in this Revolving Credit Note to the Borrower, any endorser, and any guarantor, is to such Person individually and also to all such Persons jointly. No Person obligated on account of this Revolving Credit Note may seek contribution from any other Person also obligated except in accordance with the terms of Section 9.14(d) of the Credit Agreement.

THIS REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF, BUT INCLUDING SECTION 5-1401 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW.

The Borrower agrees that any suit for the enforcement of this Revolving Credit Note or any other Loan Document may be brought in the courts of the State of New York sitting in the County of New York or in any federal court sitting in such County, and consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts. The Borrower hereby waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such suit or any such court or that such suit is brought in an inconvenient forum and agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

The Borrower makes the following waiver knowingly, voluntarily, and intentionally, and understands that the Agents and the Lender, in the establishment and maintenance of their respective relationship with the Borrower contemplated by this Revolving Credit Note, is relying thereon. THE BORROWER, EACH GUARANTOR, ENDORSER AND SURETY, AND THE LENDER, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, HEREBY 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 REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED


ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY); AND WAIVES DUE DILIGENCE, DEMAND, PRESENTMENT AND PROTEST AND ANY NOTICES THEREOF AS WELL AS NOTICE OF NONPAYMENT. EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVERS, AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THE CREDIT AGREEMENT AND THIS REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS HEREIN.

[ SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has caused this Revolving Credit Note to be duly executed as of the date set forth above.

 

BORROWER:     PIER 1 IMPORTS (U.S.), INC.
      By:  

 

      Name:  

 

      Title:  

 

Signature Page to Revolving Credit Note


Exhibit E

SWINGLINE NOTE

 

$30,000,000.00

     April 4, 2011   

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Pier 1 Imports (U.S.), Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), promises to pay to the order of BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. (hereinafter, with any subsequent holders, the “ Swingline Lender ”), 100 Federal Street, 9 th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, the principal sum of THIRTY MILLION DOLLARS ($30,000,000.00), or, if less, the aggregate unpaid principal balance of Swingline Loans made by the Swingline Lender to or for the account of the Borrower pursuant to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of April 4, 2011 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) by, among others, (i) the Borrower, (ii) the Facility Guarantors party thereto from time to time, (iii) Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swingline Lender and Issuing Bank, and (iv) the Lenders party thereto from time to time, with interest at the rate and payable in the manner stated therein.

This is a “Swingline Note” to which reference is made in the Credit Agreement and is subject to all terms and provisions thereof. The principal of, and interest on, this Swingline Note shall be payable at the times, in the manner, and in the amounts as provided in the Credit Agreement and shall be subject to prepayment and acceleration as provided therein. Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement. This Swingline Note amends and restates in its entirety that certain Swingline Note dated as of November 22, 2005, made payable by, among others, the Borrower in favor of the Swingline Lender in the aggregate principal amount of $30,000,000.00.

The Administrative Agent’s books and records concerning the Swingline Loans, the accrual of interest thereon, and the repayment of such Swingline Loans, shall be prima facie evidence of the indebtedness hereunder, absent manifest error.

No delay or omission by any Agent or the Swingline Lender in exercising or enforcing any of such Agent’s or the Swingline Lender’s powers, rights, privileges, remedies, or discretions hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof on that occasion nor on any other occasion. No waiver of any Event of Default shall operate as a waiver of any other Event of Default, nor as a continuing waiver.

The Borrower, and each endorser and guarantor of this Swingline Note, waives presentment, demand, notice, and protest, and also waives any delay on the part of the holder hereof. The Borrower assents to any extension or other indulgence (including, without limitation, the release or substitution of Collateral) permitted by any Agent and/or the Swingline


Lender with respect to this Swingline Note and/or any Collateral or any extension or other indulgence with respect to any other liability or any collateral given to secure any other liability of the Borrower or any other Person obligated on account of this Swingline Note.

This Swingline Note shall be binding upon the Borrower, and each endorser and guarantor hereof, and upon their respective successors, assigns, and representatives, and shall inure to the benefit of the Swingline Lender and its successors, endorsees, and assigns.

The liabilities of the Borrower, and of any endorser or guarantor of this Swingline Note, are joint and several, provided, however , the release by any Agent or the Swingline Lender of any one or more such Persons shall not release any other Person obligated on account of this Swingline Note. Each reference in this Swingline Note to the Borrower, any endorser, and any guarantor, is to such Person individually and also to all such Persons jointly. No Person obligated on account of this Swingline Note may seek contribution from any other Person also obligated except in accordance with the terms of Section 9.14(d) of the Credit Agreement.

THIS SWINGLINE NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF, BUT INCLUDING SECTION 5-1401 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW.

The Borrower agrees that any suit for the enforcement of this Swingline Note or any other Loan Document may be brought in the courts of the State of New York sitting in the County of New York or any federal court sitting in such County, and consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts. The Borrower hereby waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such suit or any such court or that such suit is brought in an inconvenient forum and agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

The Borrower makes the following waiver knowingly, voluntarily, and intentionally, and understands that the Agents and the Swingline Lender, in the establishment and maintenance of their respective relationship with the Borrower contemplated by this Swingline Note, is relying thereon. THE BORROWER, EACH GUARANTOR, ENDORSER AND SURETY, AND THE SWINGLINE LENDER, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, HEREBY 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 SWINGLINE NOTE, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY); AND WAIVES DUE DILIGENCE, DEMAND, PRESENTMENT AND PROTEST AND ANY NOTICES THEREOF AS WELL AS NOTICE OF NONPAYMENT. EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD


NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVERS, AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THE CREDIT AGREEMENT AND THIS SWINGLINE NOTE BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS HEREIN.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has caused this Swingline Note to be duly executed as of the date set forth above.

 

BORROWER:        PIER 1 IMPORTS (U.S.), INC.  
      

By:                                               

 
      

Name:                                         

 
      

Title:                                            

 

Signature Page to Swingline Note


Exhibit F

Form of Credit Card Notification

CREDIT CARD NOTIFICATION

PREPARE ON LOAN PARTY LETTERHEAD - ONE FOR EACH PROCESSOR

                          , 2011

 

To: [Name and Address of Credit Card Processor]

(the “ Processor ”)

 

  Re: [Insert Name of Company]

Merchant Account Number:                             

Dear Sir/Madam:

                          , a [corporation] [limited liability company] organized and existing under the laws of [Delaware][Virginia] (the “ Company ”), has entered into various financing agreements with Bank of America, N.A., a national banking association with offices at 100 Federal Street, 9 th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “ Collateral Agent ”) for its own benefit and the benefit of certain other credit parties (the “ Credit Parties ”), pursuant to which the Collateral Agent and the other Credit Parties may from time to time make loans or furnish certain other financial accommodations to the Company. The Company’s obligations on account of such loans and financial accommodations are secured by, among other things, all credit card charges submitted by the Company to the Processor for processing and the amounts which the Processor owes to the Company on account thereof (the “ Credit Card Proceeds ”).

Until the Processor receives a Dominion Period Notice that a Dominion Period has commenced (each as defined below) and after the Processor receives a Dominion Period Termination Notice (as defined below), the Processor may follow the Company’s instructions with respect to the Credit Card Proceeds and other amounts due from the Processor to the Company. During any Dominion Period, all amounts as may become due from time to time from the Processor to the Company (including, without limitation, Credit Card Proceeds, payments from any reserve account or the like, or other payments) shall be transferred only as follows:

SECTION 3.04         [By ACH, Depository Transfer Check, or Electronic Depository Transfer to:

 

 

 

 
  ABA #                                                                
  For Credit to                                                       
  Account No.                                                    ]  


or

SECTION 3.05         As the Processor may be otherwise instructed from time to time in writing by an officer of the Collateral Agent.

The “Dominion Period” means each period which commences upon receipt by the Processor of written notice (“Dominion Period Notice”) from the Collateral Agent in the form of Attachment I and which terminates upon receipt by the Processor of written notice (“Dominion Period Termination Notice”) from the Collateral Agent in the form of Attachment II.

Upon the written request of the Collateral Agent, a copy of each periodic statement issued by the Processor to the Company should be provided to the Collateral Agent at the following address (which address may be changed upon seven (7) days written notice given to the Processor by the Collateral Agent):

Bank of America, N.A.

100 Federal Street, 9 th Floor

Boston, Massachusetts 02110

Attention: Stephen Garvin

Re: Pier 1

During any Dominion Period, the Processor shall be fully protected in acting on any order or direction by the Collateral Agent respecting the Credit Card Proceeds and other amounts without making any inquiry whatsoever as to the Collateral Agent’s right or authority to give such order or direction or as to the application of any payment made pursuant thereto, provided that the Processor’s actions do not constitute gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct. Nothing contained herein is intended to, nor shall it be deemed to, modify the rights and obligations of the Company and the Collateral Agent under the terms of the loan arrangement and the loan documents executed in connection therewith between, among others, the Company and the Collateral Agent.

This letter may be amended only by the written agreement of the Processor, the Company and the Collateral Agent and may be terminated solely by written notice signed by an officer of the Collateral Agent. The Company shall not have any right to terminate this letter or, except as provided in this letter, amend it.

 

Very truly yours,

 

By:                                                                          
Name:                                                                    
Title:                                                                      

 

cc:      Bank of America, N.A., as Collateral Agent


Attachment I

 

To:  

 

 

   
 

 

   
 

 

   

Re:

 

 

   

Merchant Account Number                             

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reference is made to the Credit Card Notification dated as of                      (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, the “ Credit Card Notification ”) by                      to you regarding the above described merchant account. In accordance with the Credit Card Notification, we hereby give you notice that a Dominion Period is in effect and of our exercise of control of the Credit Card Proceeds and other payments due from you to                      . We hereby instruct you to transfer funds as provided in the Credit Card Notification or otherwise in accordance with our instructions. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Card Notification.

 

Very truly yours,
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
                                                                                
Name:                                                                    
Title:                                                                      


Attachment II

To:  

 

 

   
 

 

   
 

 

   

Re:

 

 

   

Merchant Account Number                             

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reference is made to (i) the Credit Card Notification dated as of                      (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, the “ Credit Card Notification ”) by                      to you regarding the above described merchant account, and (ii) the Dominion Period Notice, dated                      , we delivered to you. In accordance with the Credit Card Notification, we hereby give you notice that the Dominion Period we declared pursuant to such Dominion Period Notice is terminated and                      is entitled to exercise control of the Credit Card Proceeds and other payments due from you to                      . We hereby advise you that, until you receive a subsequent Dominion Period Notice, you are authorized to follow instructions from the Company with respect to the Credit Card Proceeds. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Card Notification.

 

Very truly yours,
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
                                                                                
Name:                                                                    
Title:                                                                      


Exhibit G

Form of Compliance Certificate

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

Date of Certificate:                     

 

To: Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent
     100 Federal Street, 9 th Floor
     Boston, Massachusetts 02110
     Attention: Mr. Stephen J. Garvin

Reference is made to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of April __, 2011 (as amended, amended and restated, modified, supplemented or restated and in effect from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), by and among (i) Pier 1 Imports (U.S.), Inc., as Borrower (the “ Borrower ”), (ii) the Facility Guarantors, (iv) the Administrative Agent, (v) the Collateral Agent, (vi) Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as “ Syndication Agent ”, (vii) the Lenders party thereto (the “ Lenders ”) and (viii) the other agents party thereto. This certificate is being delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(c) of the Credit Agreement. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

The undersigned, a duly authorized and acting Financial Officer of the Borrower, in such capacity and not individually, hereby certifies to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Borrower, to the best of his/her knowledge and understanding, as follows:

 

1.

No Default or Event of Default.        

 

  (a)

Since                      (the date of the last similar certification) [and except as set forth in Appendix I] , no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

  (b)

If a Default or Event of Default has occurred since                      (the date of the last similar certification), the Borrower has taken or proposes to take those actions as described on Appendix I with respect to such Default or Event of Default listed on said Appendix I .20

 

2.

Average Daily Availability/Availability. The reasonably detailed calculations with respect to the Average Daily Availability for the Fiscal Quarter ending                      and Availability for each Fiscal Month of such Fiscal Quarter are attached hereto as Appendix II.

The undersigned, a duly authorized and acting Financial Officer of the Parent, in such capacity and not individually, hereby certifies to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Parent, to the best of his/her knowledge and understanding, as follows:

 

 

20 If no Default or Event of Default has occurred, clause (b) shall be omitted.


3.

Financial Statements.21

 

  a)

The financial statements furnished to the Administrative Agent for the Fiscal Year ending                      were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and present in all material respects the Consolidated financial condition and results of operations and cash flows of the Parent on a Consolidated basis at the close of, and for the period covered.

 

  b)

The financial statements furnished to the Administrative Agent for the Fiscal Quarter ending                      were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and present in all material respects the Consolidated financial condition and results of operations and cash flows of the Parent on a Consolidated basis at the close of, and for the period covered, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes.

 

  c)

The financial statements furnished to the Administrative Agent for the Fiscal Month ending                      present in all material respects the Consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Parent on a Consolidated basis at the close of and for the period covered, in a manner consistent with past practices and reflect the same information as reported to the Parent’s board of directors, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes.

 

4.

Annual Increase Amount. The reasonably detailed calculations with respect to the calculation of the Annual Increase Amount for the Fiscal Year ending                      are attached hereto as Appendix III.22

 

5.

EBITDA Reconciliation. The reasonably detailed calculations with respect to the calculation of the Consolidated EBITDA for the [Fiscal Year/Fiscal Quarter] ending                      are attached hereto as Appendix IV (such calculation to use as a starting point the Consolidated Net Income of the Parent reported on its most recent SEC Form 10K or 10Q, as applicable).

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Financial Officers, in such capacity and not individually have duly executed this Compliance Certificate as of the first date written above.

 

PIER 1 IMPORTS (U.S.), INC.  
By:                                                                      
Name:                                                                
Title:                                                                  

 

 

21 Include only clause (a), (b) or (c), as then applicable.

22 To be included with certificate accompanying Fiscal Year end Compliance Certificate only starting with the Fiscal Year ended 2/25/12.


PIER 1 IMPORTS, INC.
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 


Appendix I to Compliance Certificate

Except as set forth below, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. [If a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the following describes the nature of the Default or Event of Default in reasonable detail and the steps, if any, being taken or contemplated by the Borrowers to be taken on account thereof.]


Appendix II to Compliance Certificate

The following is a calculation of Average Daily Availability for the Fiscal Quarter ending                      and of Availability for each Fiscal Month of such Fiscal Quarter:


Appendix III to Compliance Certificate

The following is a calculation of the Annual Increase Amount for the Fiscal Year ending                      :


Appendix IV to Compliance Certificate

The following is a reasonably detailed calculation of Consolidated EBITDA for the [Fiscal Year/Fiscal Quarter] ending                      (such calculation to use as a starting point the Consolidated Net Income of the Parent reported on its most recent SEC Form 10K or 10Q, as applicable).


Exhibit H

Form of Borrowing Base Certificates

 

Pier 1 Imports

                   1   

Borrowing Base Certificate - [FISCAL MONTH ENDED DATE]

          
   

Eligible Credit Card Receivables

   [FISCAL MONTH ENDED DATE]                     -     

Credit Card Advance Rate 90%

           90 %  

A/R Borrowing Base ( a )

                   -     

Beginning Inventory

   [FISCAL MONTH BEGINNING DATE]         -     

Add: Purchases

           -     

Less: Sales

           -     

Inventory Adjustments

           -     
                

Ending Inventory

   [FISCAL MONTH ENDED DATE]         -     

Less:

          

Closed Store Inventory

           -     

DC/Store Supplies

           -     

Claims and Damaged Goods

           -     

Shrink Reserve - (currently 0.65% of sales since prior physical)

           -     

Mexico

           -     
                

    Total Ineligibles

           -     
                
            

Eligible Inventory

                   -     

Advance Rate

           [   ]%  
                     -     

L/C Inventory

   [FISCAL MONTH ENDED DATE]         -     

     Less: Ineligibles

          

    Duplicative Inventory (orders which are landed prior to funding)

           -     
                

Eligible L/C Inventory

           -     
                

In-Transit Inventory

   -        

DC Receipt Exceptions (0.50% of in-transit)

           -     

Receipt greater than forty-five (45) days of the date of determination

           -     
                

In Transit Adjustments

           -     
                

    

                      

Eligible L/C & In-Transit Inventory

           -     

Advance Rate

           [   ]% 
             -     

Inventory Borrowing Base ( b )

                   -     

Less Availability Reserves

          

Landlord Liens (2 months)

           -     

Landed Costs (4% of L/C’s+ In-Transit Inventory included in BBC)

           -     

Gift Certificates and Merchandise Credit ( 50%)

           -     

Canadian Preference Reserves (taxes and rent)

           -     

Rent Preferences (PA, WA, VA)

           -     

Total Availability Reserves (c)

                   -     

Total Borrowing Base (sum of (a) plus (b) less (c) availability reserves)

           -     

Total Borrowing Base (not to exceed $300MM)

                   -     

Availability Calculation, as of

   [FISCAL MONTH ENDED DATE]        

Beginning Principal Balance

           -     

Add Prior day advance request

           -     

Less Prior day paydown

           -     
                

Ending Principal Loan Balance

           -     
                

Add Documentary LCs

           -     

Add Standby LCs

           -     
                

Total Loan Balance Prior to Advance Request

           -     
                

Net Availability Prior to Advance Request

           -     

Advance Request

           -     

Availability after Today’s Advance Request

                   -     

 

Pursuant to, and in accordance with, the terms and provisions of that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April      , 2011 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Pier 1 Imports (U.S.), Inc., as borrower (the “Company”), the Facility Guarantors party thereto from time to time, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent (the “Agent”), and the other Lenders and agents party thereto from time to time, the Company is executing and delivering to the Agent this Borrowing Base Certificate. The undersigned, a Financial Officer (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of the Company, hereby certifies to the Agent on behalf of the Company, in such capacity and not individually, that the information set forth above is complete and correct.

       

        

 

By:                                              

Name:                                          

Title                                             

 

  

  

  

        


Schedule 1.1

Lenders and Commitments

 

Lender    Commitment           Commitment  Percentage
     

Bank of America, N.A.

   $67,500,000.00         22.50%
     

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

   $60,000,000.00         20.00%
     

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

   $30,000,000.00         10.00%
     

SunTrust Bank

   $30,000,000.00         10.00%
     

Regions Bank

   $27,500,000.00         9.16%
     

U.S. Bank National Association

   $27,500,000.00         9.16%
     

General Electric Capital Corporation

   $22,500,000.00         7.50%
     

Compass Bank

   $20,000,000.00         6.67%
     

Royal Bank of Canada

   $15,000,000.00       5.00%
       

TOTAL

   $300,000,000.00         100%


Schedule 1.2

Facility Guarantors

Pier 1 Imports, Inc., a Delaware corporation

Pier 1 Assets, Inc., a Delaware corporation

Pier 1 Licensing, Inc., a Delaware corporation

Pier 1 Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation

Pier 1 Services Company, a Delaware statutory trust

Pier 1 Value Services, LLC, a Virginia limited liability company


Schedule 1.3

Fiscal Months, Fiscal Quarters, Fiscal Years

Fiscal Month-End Dates

 

       Fiscal Years   
Fiscal Month      2012         2013         2014         2015         2016         2017   
March      04/02/2011         03/31/2012         04/06/2013         04/05/2014         04/04/2015         04/02/2016   
April      04/30/2011         04/28/2012         05/04/2013         05/03/2014         05/02/2015         04/30/2016   
May (1)      05/28/2011         05/26/2012         06/01/2013         05/31/2014         05/30/2015         05/28/2016   
June      07/02/2011         06/30/2012         07/06/2013         07/05/2014         07/04/2015         07/02/2016   
July      07/30/2011         07/28/2012         08/03/2013         08/02/2014         08/01/2015         07/30/2016   
August (1)      08/27/2011         08/25/2012         08/31/2013         08/30/2014         08/29/2015         08/27/2016   
September      10/01/2011         09/29/2012         10/05/2013         10/04/2014         10/03/2015         10/01/2016   
October      10/29/2011         10/27/2012         11/02/2013         11/01/2014         10/31/2015         10/29/2016   
November (1)      11/26/2011         11/24/2012         11/30/2013         11/29/2014         11/28/2015         11/26/2016   
December      12/31/2011         12/29/2012         01/04/2014         01/03/2015         01/02/2016         12/31/2016   
January      01/28/2012         01/26/2013         02/01/2014         01/31/2015         01/30/2016         01/28/2017   
February (1,2)      02/25/2012         03/02/2013         03/01/2014         02/28/2015         02/27/2016         02/25/2017   

 

(1) Denotes Fiscal Quarter-end
(2) Denotes Fiscal Year-end


Schedule 1.4

Non-Material Subsidiaries

Pier 1 Funding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

Pier Lease, Inc., a Delaware corporation

Pier-SNG, Inc., a Delaware corporation

PIR Trading, Inc., a Delaware corporation

Pier Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation

Pier International Limited, a Hong Kong private limited company ( 1)

Pier Alliance Ltd., a Bermuda company

Pier 1 Beverages, LLC, a Texas limited liability company

 

(1) Pier International Limited is in the process of being dissolved


Schedule 5.01(f)

Reporting Requirements

REQUIRED REPORTING CHECKLIST

Pier 1 Imports (U.S.), Inc.

NAME OF REPORT

Monthly (Due upon delivery of Borrowing Base Certificate):

 

 

Inventory Stock Ledger (last page) for the Borrower and by location

 

Such other reports as the Administrative Agent may reasonably deem necessary as a result of the completion of any commercial finance exams

Monthly (within 30 days after month end):

 

 

Comp Store Sales by concept

 

Such other reports as the Administrative Agent may reasonably deem necessary as a result of the completion of any commercial finance exams

Exhibit 10.10

PIER 1 IMPORTS, INC.

2006 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

(Omnibus Plan)

Restated as Amended Through March 25, 2011

I.         PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

The purpose of the PIER 1 IMPORTS, INC. 2006 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN (the “Plan”) is to provide a means through which PIER 1 IMPORTS , INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and its Affiliates may attract able persons to serve as Directors or to enter the employ of the Company and its Affiliates and to provide a means whereby those individuals upon whom the responsibilities of the successful administration and management of the Company and its Affiliates rest, and whose present and potential contributions to the Company and its Affiliates are of importance, can acquire and maintain stock ownership, thereby strengthening their concern for the welfare of the Company and its Affiliates. A further purpose of the Plan is to provide such individuals with additional incentive and reward opportunities designed to enhance the profitable growth of the Company and its Affiliates. Accordingly, the Plan provides for granting Incentive Stock Options, options that do not constitute Incentive Stock Options, Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Unit Awards, Performance Awards, and Phantom Stock Awards, or any combination of the foregoing, as is best suited to the circumstances of the particular employee or Director as provided herein. The Plan also provides for granting Director Deferred Stock Units to Directors who are not employees of the Company.

II.         DEFINITIONS

The following definitions shall be applicable throughout the Plan:

(a)         “Affiliate” means any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or partnership, association, trust or other organization which, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company. For purposes of the preceding sentence, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any entity or organization, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power (i) to vote more than fifty percent (50%) of the securities having ordinary voting power for the election of directors of the controlled entity or organization, or (ii) to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the controlled entity or organization, whether through the ownership of voting securities or by contract or otherwise.

(b)         “Award” means, individually or collectively, any Option, Restricted Stock Award, Restricted Stock Unit Award, Performance Award, Phantom Stock Award or Director Deferred Stock Unit Award.

(c)         “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.


(d)         “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference in the Plan to any section of the Code shall be deemed to include any amendments or successor provisions to such section and any regulations under such section.

(e)         “Committee” means a committee of the Board that is selected by the Board as provided in Paragraph IV(a).

(f)         “Common Stock” means the common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company or any security into which such common stock may be changed by reason of any transaction or event of the type described in Paragraph XII.

(g)         “Company” means Pier 1 Imports, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

(h)         “Corporate Change” shall mean any of the following events: (i) a merger or consolidation to which the Company is a party if the stockholders of the Company who were stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the effective date of such merger or consolidation have beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of less than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power for election of directors of the surviving corporation or other entity following the effective date of such merger or consolidation; (ii) the acquisition or holding of direct or indirect beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities of the Company representing in the aggregate thirty percent (30%) or more of the total combined voting power of the Company’s then issued and outstanding voting securities by any person, entity or group of associated persons or entities acting in concert, other than any employee benefit plan of the Company or of any subsidiary of the Company or any entity holding such securities for or pursuant to the terms of any such plan; (iii) the election of members of the Board at a meeting of stockholders or by written consent, the majority of which were not nominated by the Board or a committee of the Board; (iv) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to any person or entity that is not a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company; or (v) the approval by the stockholders of the Company of any plan or proposal for the liquidation of the Company or of its subsidiaries (other than into the Company).

(i)         “Director” means an individual who is a member of the Board.

(j)         “Director Annual Retainer Payment” means the portion of a Director Compensation Payment that includes the Director’s base annual retainer payment, excluding any payments for meeting fees and/or retainer payments for any committee chair position or the chairman of the board position.

(k)         “Director Compensation Payment” means a payment to a Director of a Director’s retainer fee or a Director’s meeting fee.

(l)         “Director Deferred Stock Unit Award” means an Award of deferred stock units granted under Paragraph XI of the Plan.

(m)         “Effective Date” means March 23, 2006.

 

- 2 -


(n)        An “employee” means any person (including a Director) in an employment relationship with the Company or any Affiliate.

(o)         “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(p)         “Fair Market Value” of the Common Stock on any date means the closing sale price per share (or if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and the average ask prices) on that date as reported in the composite transactions table for the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed for trading. The Fair Market Value will be determined without reference to after-hours or extended market trading. If the Common Stock is not listed for trading on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange on the relevant date, then the “Fair Market Value” of the Common Stock will be the average of the bid and ask prices (or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and the average ask prices) for the Common Stock in the over-the-counter market on the relevant date as reported by Pink OTC Markets Inc. or similar organization. If the Common Stock is not so quoted, the “Fair Market Value” of the Common Stock will be such other amount as the Committee may ascertain reasonably to represent such “Fair Market Value.” All such determinations of “Fair Market Value” shall be in accordance with the requirements of Treasury Regulation section 1.409A-1(b)(5)(iv), or its successor.

(q)         “Incentive Stock Option” means an incentive stock option within the meaning of section 422 of the Code.

(r)         “Option” means an Award granted under Paragraph VII of the Plan and includes both Incentive Stock Options to purchase Common Stock and options that do not constitute Incentive Stock Options to purchase Common Stock.

(s)         “Option Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a Participant with respect to an Option.

(t)         “Participant” means an employee or Director who has been granted an award.

(u)         “Performance Award” means an Award granted under Paragraph IX of the Plan.

(v)         “Performance Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a Participant with respect to a Performance Award.

(w)         “Performance Measures” means performance measures established by the Committee that are based on one or more, either individually, alternatively or in any combination, of (1) the Fair Market Value of Common Stock, (2) the Company’s earnings per share, (3) the Company’s or an Affiliate’s market share, (4) the market share of a business unit of the Company designated by the Committee, (5) the Company’s or an Affiliate’s sales, (6) the sales of a business unit of the Company designated by the Committee, (7) the net income (before or after taxes) of the Company, an Affiliate or any business unit of the Company designated by the Committee, (8) the cash flow (including one or more of cash flows from operating, investing

 

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and financing activities) or return on investment of the Company, an Affiliate or any business unit of the Company designated by the Committee, (9) the earnings or income before or after interest, taxes, depreciation, and/or amortization of the Company, an Affiliate or any business unit of the Company designated by the Committee (including but not limited to earnings [including one or more of net profit after tax; gross profit; operating profit; earnings before interest; earnings before interest and taxes; earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; and net earnings], earnings per share, earnings per share from continuing operations, operating income, pre-tax income, operating income margin, net income and margins [including one or more of gross, operating and net income margins]), (10) economic value added (measured by factors such as sales, revenues, costs, expenses, returns (including one or more of return on actual or proforma assets, net assets, non-cash assets, equity, common equity, investment, capital, invested capital, and net capital employed), economic value added, cash generation, cost reductions, unit volume, working capital and strategic plan development and implementation), (11) the return on capital, assets or stockholders’ equity achieved by the Company or an Affiliate, or (12) the total stockholders’ return (including total stockholder return relative to an index or peer group) achieved by the Company. Performance Measures established for an Award may thereafter be subject to adjustment for specified significant unusual or non-recurring or recurring non-cash items or events, including but not limited to (a) asset write-downs; (b) litigation or claim judgments or settlements; (c) the effect of changes in tax laws, accounting principles or other laws or provisions affecting reported results; (d) any reorganization and restructuring programs; (e) extraordinary nonrecurring items as described in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30 (now codified as the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Codification Standards subtopic 225-20, Extraordinary and Unusual Items) and/or unusual or non-recurring items discussed in management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations appearing in the Company’s annual report to shareholders for the applicable year; (f) discontinued operations, acquisitions or divestitures; and (g) foreign exchange and/or currency translation gains and losses. To the extent any such adjustment is to be effected with respect to an Award, it shall be prescribed in a form that meets the requirements of section 162(m) of the Code for deductibility if the Committee, in its sole discretion, determines that loss of deductibility is a significant exposure for the Company. The Performance Measures may be absolute, relative to one or more other companies, or relative to one or more indexes, and may be contingent upon future performance of the Company or any Affiliate, division (including business units and lines of business), or department thereof.

(x)         “Phantom Stock Award” means an Award granted under Paragraph X of the Plan.

(y)         “Phantom Stock Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a Participant with respect to a Phantom Stock Award.

(z)         “Plan” means the Pier 1 Imports, Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.

(aa)         “Prior Plans” means the Pier 1 Imports, Inc. 1999 Stock Plan and the Pier 1 Imports, Inc. Management Restricted Stock Plan.

 

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(bb)         “Restricted Stock Award” means an Award of restricted stock granted under Paragraph VIII of the Plan.

(cc)         “Restricted Stock Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a Participant with respect to a Restricted Stock Award.

(dd)         “Restricted Stock Unit Award” means an Award of restricted stock units granted under Paragraph VIII of the Plan.

(ee)         “Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a Participant with respect to a Restricted Stock Unit Award.

(ff)         “Rule 16b-3” means SEC Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, as such may be amended from time to time, and any successor rule, regulation or statute fulfilling the same or a similar function.

(gg)         “Stock Appreciation Right” means a right to acquire, upon exercise of the right, Common Stock and/or, in the sole discretion of the Committee, cash having an aggregate value equal to the then excess of the Fair Market Value of the shares with respect to which the right is exercised over the exercise price therefor.

III.        EFFECTIVE DATE AND DURATION OF THE PLAN

The Plan became effective upon the date of its adoption by the Board (March 23, 2006) and was approved by the stockholders of the Company on June 22, 2006. No further Awards may be granted under the Plan after ten (10) years from the Effective Date. The Plan shall remain in effect until all Options granted under the Plan have been exercised or expired, all Restricted Stock Awards and all Restricted Stock Unit Awards granted under the Plan have vested or been forfeited, all Performance Awards and Phantom Stock Awards have been satisfied, expired, or forfeited and all Director Deferred Stock Unit Awards have been satisfied.

IV.        ADMINISTRATION

(a)         Composition of Committee.     The Plan shall be administered by a committee of, and appointed by, the Board or any duly appointed subcommittee of the Committee, that shall be comprised solely of two (2) or more outside Directors (within the meaning of the term “outside directors” as used in section 162(m) of the Code and applicable interpretive authority thereunder and within the meaning of the term “Non-Employee Director” as defined in Rule 16b-3).

(b)         Powers .    Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have authority, in its discretion, to determine which employees or Directors shall receive an Award, the time or times when such Award shall be made, the type of Award that shall be made, the number of shares to be subject to each Option, Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Unit Award, the number of shares subject to or the value of each Performance Award, and the value of each Phantom Stock Award. In making such determinations, the Committee shall take into account the nature of the services rendered by the respective employees or Directors, their present and potential contribution to the Company’s success and such other factors as the Committee in its sole discretion shall deem relevant.

 

 

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(c)         Additional Powers .    The Committee shall have such additional powers as are delegated to it by the other provisions of the Plan. Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, this shall include the power to construe the Plan and the respective agreements executed hereunder, to prescribe rules and regulations relating to the Plan, and to determine the terms, restrictions and provisions of the agreement relating to each Award, including such terms, restrictions and provisions as shall be requisite in the judgment of the Committee to cause designated Options to qualify as Incentive Stock Options, and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for administering the Plan. The Committee may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or in any agreement relating to an Award in the manner and to the extent it shall deem expedient to carry it into effect. The determinations of the Committee on the matters referred to in this Paragraph IV shall be conclusive.

(d)         Delegation of Powers . The Committee may from time to time and in its sole discretion delegate any and all of its powers to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company or to an officer or a group of officers of the Company; provided, however, that the Committee shall not delegate any powers or responsibilities if such delegation would result or potentially result in an Award which is intended to qualify as performance-based compensation for purposes of section 162(m) of the Code failing to qualify as such performance-based compensation. The powers of delegation pursuant to this paragraph include but are not limited to the Committee’s powers to administer the Plan, to interpret provisions of the Plan and to grant Awards under the Plan, insofar as such administration, interpretation and power to grant Awards relates to any person who is not subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any successor section to the same or similar effect). The Committee may revoke any delegation of its powers at any time and may put any conditions or restrictions on any powers which it has delegated as it determines in its sole discretion. In the event of any conflict in a determination or interpretation under the Plan as between the Committee and a person or group of persons to whom powers of determination or interpretation have been delegated by the Committee, the determination or interpretation, as applicable, of the Committee shall be conclusive.

V.        SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN; AWARD LIMITS;

GRANT OF AWARDS

(a)         Shares Subject to the Plan and Award Limits .    Subject to adjustment in the same manner as provided in Paragraph XII(b), the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan shall not exceed (i) 1,500,000 shares plus (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock (not to exceed 560,794) which remained available for grant under the Prior Plans as of the Effective Date increased by the number of shares of Common Stock (not to exceed 11,186,150 shares) subject to outstanding awards, as of the Effective Date, under the Prior Plans that on or after the Effective Date cease for any reason to be subject to such awards (other than by reason of exercise or settlement of the awards to the extent they are exercised for or settled in vested and nonforfeitable shares of Common Stock). The aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan through Incentive Stock Options shall not exceed 2,060,794 shares. Shares shall be deemed to have been issued under

 

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the Plan only to the extent actually granted pursuant to an Award; provided, however, that the Committee shall not grant any Award which potentially will result in the issuance of shares of Common Stock if such issuance would cause the Plan to exceed the limits described in the preceding two sentences if all Options then outstanding were exercised in full by participants. To the extent that an Award lapses or the rights of its holder terminate, any shares of Common Stock subject to such Award shall again be available for the grant of an Award under the Plan. In addition, shares issued under the Plan and forfeited back to the Plan, shares surrendered in payment of the exercise price or purchase price of an Award, and shares withheld for payment of applicable employment taxes and/or withholding obligations associated with an Award shall again be available for the grant of an Award under the Plan. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be subject to Awards denominated in shares of Common Stock granted to any one individual during any calendar year may not exceed 375,000 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment in the same manner as provided in Paragraph XII(b)) and the maximum amount of compensation that may be paid under all Performance Awards denominated in cash (including the Fair Market Value of any shares of Common Stock paid in satisfaction of such Performance Awards) granted to any one individual during any calendar year may not exceed $3 million. The limitations set forth in the preceding sentence shall be applied in a manner that will permit awards that are intended to provide “performance-based” compensation for purposes of section 162(m) of the Code to satisfy the requirements of such section, including, without limitation, counting against such maximum number of shares, to the extent required under section 162(m) of the Code and applicable interpretive authority thereunder, any shares subject to Options that are canceled or repriced.

(b)         Grant of Awards . The Committee may from time to time grant Awards to one or more employees or Directors determined by it to be eligible for participation in the Plan in accordance with the terms of the Plan.

(c)         Stock Offered . Subject to the limitations set forth in Paragraph V(a), the stock to be offered pursuant to the grant of an Award may be authorized but unissued Common Stock or Common Stock previously issued and outstanding and reacquired by the Company. Any of such shares which remain unissued and which are not subject to outstanding Awards at the termination of the Plan shall cease to be subject to the Plan but, until termination of the Plan, the Company shall at all times make available a sufficient number of shares to meet the requirements of the Plan.

VI.        ELIGIBILITY

Awards may be granted only to persons who, at the time of grant, are employees or Directors. An Award may be granted on more than one occasion to the same person, and, subject to the limitations and restrictions set forth in the Plan, such Award may include an Incentive Stock Option, an Option that is not an Incentive Stock Option, a Restricted Stock Award, a Restricted Stock Unit Award, a Performance Award, a Phantom Stock Award, a Director Deferred Stock Unit Award or any combination thereof.

 

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VII.        STOCK OPTIONS

(a)         Option Period . The term of each Option shall be as specified by the Committee at the date of grant, but in no event shall an Option be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date of grant.

(b)         Limitations on Exercise of Option . An Option shall be exercisable in whole or in such installments and at such times as determined by the Committee.

(c)         Special Limitations on Incentive Stock Options . An Incentive Stock Option may be granted only to an individual who is employed by the Company or any parent or subsidiary corporation (as defined in section 424 of the Code) at the time the Option is granted. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time the respective Incentive Stock Option is granted) of stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by an individual during any calendar year under all incentive stock option plans of the Company and its parent and subsidiary corporations exceeds $100,000, such Incentive Stock Options shall be treated as Options which do not constitute Incentive Stock Options. The Committee shall determine, in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code, Treasury Regulations and other administrative pronouncements, which of a Participant’s Incentive Stock Options will not constitute Incentive Stock Options because of such limitation and shall notify the Participant of such determination as soon as practicable after such determination. No Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to an individual if, at the time the Option is granted, such individual owns stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of its parent or subsidiary corporation, within the meaning of section 422(b)(6) of the Code, unless (i) at the time such Option is granted the option price is at least one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option and (ii) such Option by its terms is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date of grant. Except as otherwise provided in sections 421 or 422 of the Code, an Incentive Stock Option shall not be transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and shall be exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by such Participant or the Participant’s guardian or legal representative.

(d)         Option Agreement . Each Option shall be evidenced by an Option Agreement in such form and containing such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as the Committee from time to time shall approve, including, without limitation, provisions to qualify an Option as an Incentive Stock Option under section 422 of the Code. Each Option Agreement shall specify the effect of termination of employment or service as a Director (by retirement, disability, death or otherwise), as applicable, on the exercisability of the Option. An Option Agreement may provide for the payment of the option price, in whole or in part, by the delivery of a number of shares of Common Stock (plus cash if necessary) having a Fair Market Value equal to such option price. Moreover, an Option Agreement may provide for a “cashless exercise” or “net share exercise” of the Option by establishing procedures satisfactory to the Committee with respect thereto. The terms and conditions of Option Agreements need not be identical. Subject to the consent of the Participant, except where such consent is not required pursuant to Paragraph XII(c), the Committee may, in its sole discretion, amend an outstanding Option Agreement from time to time in any manner that is not inconsistent with the provisions of

 

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the Plan (including, without limitation, an amendment that accelerates the time at which the Option, or a portion thereof, may be exercisable).

(e)         Option Price and Payment . The price at which a share of Common Stock may be purchased upon exercise of an Option shall be determined by the Committee but, subject to adjustment as provided in Paragraph XII(b), such purchase price shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date such Option is granted. The Option or portion thereof may be exercised by delivery of an irrevocable notice of exercise to the Company, as specified by the Committee. The purchase price of the Option or portion thereof shall be paid in full in the manner prescribed by the Committee. Separate stock certificates shall be issued by the Company for those shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option and for those shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of any Option that does not constitute an Incentive Stock Option.

(f)         Restrictions on Repricing of Options . Except as provided in Paragraph XII, the Committee may not, without approval of the stockholders of the Company, amend any outstanding Option Agreement to lower the option price (or cancel and replace any outstanding Option Agreement with Option Agreements having a lower option price).

(g)         Stockholder Rights and Privileges . The Participant shall be entitled to all the privileges and rights of a stockholder only with respect to such shares of Common Stock as have been purchased upon exercise of the Option and for which certificates of stock have been registered in the Participant’s name.

(h)         Options and Rights in Substitution for Options Granted by Other Employers . Options and Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted under the Plan from time to time in substitution for options and such rights held by individuals providing services to corporations or other entities who become employees or Directors as a result of a merger or consolidation or other business transaction with the Company or any Affiliate.

VIII.        RESTRICTED STOCK AND RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARDS

(a)         Forfeiture Restrictions To Be Established by the Committee . Restricted Stock Unit Awards and shares of Common Stock that are the subject of a Restricted Stock Award shall be subject to restrictions on disposition by the Participant and an obligation of the Participant to forfeit the units or forfeit and surrender the shares to the Company under certain circumstances (the “Forfeiture Restrictions”). The Forfeiture Restrictions shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, and the Committee may provide that the Forfeiture Restrictions applicable to an Award shall lapse upon (i) the attainment of one or more Performance Measures, (ii) the Participant’s continued employment with the Company or continued service as a Director for a specified period of time, (iii) the occurrence of any event or the satisfaction of any other condition specified by the Committee in its sole discretion, or (iv) a combination of any of the foregoing. Each Restricted Stock Award and each Restricted Stock Unit Award may have different Forfeiture Restrictions, in the discretion of the Committee. In no event shall the Forfeiture Restrictions with respect to a Restricted Stock Award or a Restricted Stock Unit Award lapse in full prior to the expiration of (i) a one-year period following the date of grant of the Award in the case of Forfeiture Restrictions that lapse upon the attainment of one or more

 

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Performance Measures or (ii) a three-year period following the date of grant of the Award in the case of Forfeiture Restrictions that lapse other than upon the attainment of one or more Performance Measures. In the case of a Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Unit Award under which the Forfeiture Restrictions lapse upon the attainment of one or more Performance Measures, the Committee shall establish the Performance Measures applicable to such Award either (i) prior to the beginning of an Award’s performance period or (ii) within ninety (90) days after the beginning of an Award’s performance period if the outcome of the performance targets is substantially uncertain at the time such targets are established, but not later than the date that twenty-five percent (25%) of an Award’s performance period has elapsed.

(b)         Restricted Stock Award Terms and Conditions . Common Stock awarded pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award shall be represented by a stock certificate registered in the name of the Participant or designated for such Participant on the records of the transfer agent for Common Stock. Each stock certificate issued with respect to a Restricted Stock Award shall bear the following or a similar legend: “The transferability of this certificate and the shares of Common Stock represented hereby are subject to the terms, conditions and restrictions (including forfeiture) contained in the Pier 1 Imports, Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan and the Restricted Stock Award Agreement entered into between the registered owner and Pier 1 Imports, Inc. A copy of such plan and agreement is on file in the office of Pier 1 Imports, Inc., 100 Pier 1 Place, Fort Worth, Texas 76102.” Unless provided otherwise in a Restricted Stock Award Agreement, the Participant shall have the right to receive dividends with respect to Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award, to vote Common Stock subject thereto and to enjoy all other stockholder rights, except that (i) the Participant shall not be entitled to delivery of the stock certificate until the Forfeiture Restrictions have expired, (ii) the Company shall retain custody of the stock until the Forfeiture Restrictions have expired, (iii) the Participant may not sell, transfer, pledge, exchange, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of the stock until the Forfeiture Restrictions have expired, (iv) a breach of the terms and conditions established by the Committee pursuant to the Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall cause a forfeiture of the Restricted Stock Award, and (v) with respect to the payment of any dividend with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award directly to the Participant, each such dividend shall be paid at the same time as are paid dividends to stockholders of such class of shares. At the time of such Award, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, prescribe additional terms, conditions or restrictions relating to Restricted Stock Awards, including, but not limited to, rules pertaining to the termination of employment or service as a Director (by retirement, disability, death or otherwise) or Participant prior to expiration of the Forfeitures Restrictions. Such additional terms, conditions or restrictions shall be set forth in a Restricted Stock Award Agreement made in conjunction with the Award.

(c)         Payment for Restricted Stock . The Committee shall determine the amount and form of any payment for Common Stock received pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, provided that in the absence of such a determination, a Participant shall not be required to make any payment for Common Stock received pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, except to the extent otherwise required by law.

(d)         Restricted Stock Unit Award Terms and Conditions . A Restricted Stock Unit Award is a right to receive cash or shares of Common Stock based upon a bookkeeping entry

 

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referencing a value expressed by reference to shares of Common Stock and subject to forfeiture pursuant to Forfeiture Restrictions. A Participant shall have no right to receive dividends or any other right and privilege of a shareholder with respect to Common Stock which is the measure of a Restricted Stock Unit Award. At the time of grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the Committee may, in its sole discretion prescribe additional terms, conditions or restrictions relating to the Awards, including, but not limited to, rules pertaining to the termination of employment or service as a Director (by retirement, disability, death or otherwise) or Participant prior to expiration of the Forfeiture Restrictions. Such additional terms, conditions or restrictions shall be set forth in a Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement made in conjunction with the Award.

(e)         Committee’s Discretion to Accelerate Vesting of Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Unit Award s .    Except as it would cause Plan or Award failure under Section 409A of the Code, the Committee may, in its discretion and as of a date determined by the Committee, upon the occurrence of a Participant’s death, disability, retirement, or termination without cause or upon a Corporate Change, fully vest any or all Common Stock awarded to a Participant pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award or any or all Restricted Stock Unit Awards of a Participant which are then still subject to Forfeiture Restrictions, and, upon such vesting, all Forfeiture Restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock Awards or Restricted Stock Unit Awards shall terminate as of such date. Any action by the Committee pursuant to this subparagraph may vary among individual Participants and may vary among the Restricted Stock Awards or Restricted Stock Unit Awards held by any individual Participant. Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this subparagraph and except as permitted pursuant to paragraph (c) of Section XII regarding a Corporate Change, the Committee may not take any action described in this subparagraph with respect to a Restricted Stock Award or a Restricted Stock Unit Award that has been granted to a “covered employee” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation section 1.162-27(c)(2)) if such Award has been designed to meet the exception for performance-based compensation under section 162(m) of the Code or with respect to a Restricted Stock Award or a Restricted Stock Unit Award that would result in an adverse tax consequence to the Award holder under Section 409A of the Code.

(f)         Restricted Stock Award Agreements and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements .    At the time any Award is made under this Paragraph VIII, the Company and the Participant shall enter into a Restricted Stock Award Agreement or Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, as applicable, setting forth each of the matters contemplated hereby and such other matters as the Committee may determine to be appropriate. The terms and provisions of Restricted Stock Award Agreements or Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements, as applicable, need not be identical. Subject to the consent of the Participant and the restriction set forth in the last sentence of subparagraph (e) above, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, amend an outstanding Restricted Stock Award Agreement or Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement from time to time in any manner that is not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan.

IX.        PERFORMANCE AWARDS

(a)         Performance Period .    The Committee shall establish, with respect to and at the time of each Performance Award, whether the Award is to be an Award of shares of Common Stock or a cash Award, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to or the maximum cash

 

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value of the Performance Award, as applicable, and the performance period over which the performance applicable to the Performance Award shall be measured.

(b)         Performance Measures .    To comply with section 162(m) of the Code for any Performance Award granted to a “covered employee” [within the meaning of Treasury Regulation section 1.162 (c)(2)], the Committee shall establish the Performance Measures applicable to a Performance Award either (i) prior to the beginning of the performance period or (ii) within ninety (90) days after the beginning of the performance period if the outcome of the performance targets is substantially uncertain at the time such targets are established, but not later than the date that twenty-five percent (25%) of the performance period has elapsed. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may provide for an adjustable Performance Award value based upon the level of achievement of Performance Measures and/or which provides for a reduction in the value of a Performance Award during the performance period. In no event shall a Performance Award which is an Award of shares of Common Stock vest in full prior to the expiration of a one-year period following the grant of the Award.

(c)         Awards Criteria .    In determining the value of Performance Awards, the Committee shall take into account a Participant’s responsibility level, performance, potential, other Awards, and such other considerations as it deems appropriate.

(d)         Payment .  Following the end of the performance period for a Performance Award and in no event later than ten (10) years after the date of grant of such Performance Award, the holder of the Performance Award shall be entitled to receive payment of an amount not exceeding the number of shares of Common Stock subject to or the maximum cash value of the Performance Award, as applicable, based on the achievement of the Performance Measures for such performance period, as determined and certified in writing by the Committee. Payment of a Performance Award for a performance period shall be in full immediately following the end of such performance period but in no event later than the fifteenth day of the third calendar month after the later of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year within which the performance period ends or the taxable year of the Company immediately following the taxable year of the Company within which the performance period ends and may be made in cash, Common Stock, or a combination thereof, as determined by the Committee. If a Performance Award covering shares of Common Stock is to be paid in cash, such payment shall be based on the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the payment date or such other date as may be specified by the Committee in the Performance Award Agreement. If a Performance Award is to be paid in shares of Common Stock, the number of shares of such payment shall be determined based upon the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of payment or such other date as may be specified by the Committee in the Performance Award Agreement.

(e)         Termination of Award .    A Performance Award shall terminate if the Participant does not remain continuously in the employ of the Company and its Affiliates or does not continue to serve as a Director for the Company at all times during the applicable performance period, except as may be determined by the Committee.

(f)         Performance Award Agreements .    At the time any Award is made under this Paragraph IX, the Company and the Participant shall enter into a Performance Award Agreement

 

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setting forth each of the matters contemplated hereby, and such additional matters as the Committee may determine to be appropriate. The terms and provisions of the respective Performance Award Agreements need not be identical.

X.        PHANTOM STOCK AWARDS

(a)         Phantom Stock Awards .   Phantom Stock Awards are rights to receive shares of Common Stock (or the Fair Market Value thereof), or rights to receive an amount equal to any appreciation or increase in the Fair Market Value of Common Stock over a specified period of time, which vest over a period of time as established by the Committee, without satisfaction of any performance criteria or objectives. The Committee may, in its discretion, require payment or other conditions of the Participant respecting any Phantom Stock Award. A Phantom Stock Award may include, without limitation, a Stock Appreciation Right that is granted independently of an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right that is granted in tandem with an Option. Any Phantom Stock Award which is a Stock Appreciation Right shall have a maximum term of ten years and shall represent an Award that measures appreciation or increase in the Fair Market Value of Common Stock only with reference to appreciation over the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock which is the subject of the Award as of the date of grant thereof.

(b)         Award Period .   The Committee shall establish, with respect to and at the time of each Phantom Stock Award, a period over which the Award shall vest with respect to the Participant; provided, however, no Phantom Stock Award will vest in full prior to the expiration of a three year period from the date of its grant.

(c)         Awards Criteria .    In determining the value of Phantom Stock Awards, the Committee shall take into account a Participant’s responsibility level, performance, potential, other Awards, and such other considerations as it deems appropriate.

(d)         Payment .    Following the end of the vesting period for a Phantom Stock Award (or at such other time as the applicable Phantom Stock Award Agreement may provide) or upon an exercise by a Participant of a payment right and in no event later than ten (10) years after the date of grant of such Phantom Stock Award, the holder of the Phantom Stock Award shall be entitled to receive payment of an amount, not exceeding the maximum value of the Phantom Stock Award, based on the then vested or exercised value of the Award. Payment of a Phantom Stock Award may be made in cash, Common Stock, or a combination thereof as determined by the Committee. Payment shall be made in full as soon as practicable following vesting or exercise of the Award, but in no event later than the fifteenth day of the third calendar month after the later of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which such vesting occurred or the taxable year of the Company immediately following the taxable year of the Company or within which such vesting occurred. Any payment to be made in cash shall be based on the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the payment date or such other date as may be specified by the Committee in the Phantom Stock Award Agreement.

(e)         Termination of Award .    A Phantom Stock Award shall terminate if the Participant does not remain continuously in the employ of the Company and its Affiliates or does not continue to serve as a Director of the Company at all times during the applicable vesting period, except as may be otherwise determined by the Committee.

 

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(f)         Phantom Stock Award Agreements .   At the time any Award is made under this Paragraph X, the Company and the Participant shall enter into a Phantom Stock Award Agreement setting forth each of the matters contemplated hereby, and such additional matters as the Committee may determine to be appropriate. The terms and provisions of Phantom Stock Award Agreements need not be identical.

XI.        DIRECTOR DEFERRED STOCK UNIT AWARDS

(a)         Director Deferred Stock .    A Director Deferred Stock Unit Award provides deferral of part or all of a Director’s Director Compensation Payment into deferred stock units. Director Deferred Stock Unit Awards shall only be available to Directors who are not employees. A Director Deferred Stock Unit Award is a right to receive shares of Common Stock based upon a bookkeeping entry referencing a value expressed by reference to shares of Common Stock. Each Director who is not an employee may elect, in lieu of being paid any portion of a Director Compensation Payment in cash, to be awarded deferred stock units in an amount equal to the dollar amount of such Director Compensation Payment divided by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock determined as of the date that such deferred Director Compensation Payment amount would otherwise have been paid to the Director in cash. Any such election shall be made in whole percentages, on a form prescribed by the Company, at the same percentage for all components of the Director Compensation Payment (i.e., such percentage would apply equally to the Director Annual Retainer Payment and any other fees included in the Director Compensation Payment). Any such election must be made on or before the December 31 of the calendar year prior to the calendar year or fiscal year in which the services for the Director Compensation Payment which such Director is deferring into deferred stock units will be rendered, and any such election shall be irrevocable as of such December 31. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the election described in the preceding sentence by an individual who has first become elected as a Director may be made before or within the 30-day period immediately following his or her election as a Director provided that the deferral effected by such election will only apply with respect to compensation earned for services rendered as a Director after the date such election was made. Any deferral portion of such Director Compensation Payment credited to such Director in the form of deferred stock units, in lieu of being paid to such Director in cash, shall be awarded additional deferred stock units in an amount equal to .25 times the dollar amount of the deferred portion of the Director Annual Retainer Payment divided by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock determined as of the date that such deferred Director Compensation Payment amount would otherwise have been paid to the Director in cash.

(b)         Dividends .    Each time that a dividend is paid on Common Stock (other than a dividend of capital stock of the Company), a Director who is then credited with deferred stock units shall be credited with additional deferred stock units equal to the product of the dividend payment amount (or, if other than in cash, the Fair Market Value thereof) per share multiplied by the number of deferred stock units credited to such Director as of the record date for the dividend, divided by the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the dividend payment date.

(c)         Director Deferred Stock Unit Award Payouts .    At the time that a Director ceases to be a Director of the Company, the deferred stock units then credited to such Director

 

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(as adjusted [both as to deferred stock units and cash fees] for the period of service as a Director) shall be exchanged for shares of Common Stock which will be distributed to such Director. The transfer of shares of Common Stock to a Director in exchange for such Director’s deferred stock units shall be effected within five (5) business days after the date such Director ceases to be a Director of the Company. Deferred stock units shall be paid in cash within such five (5) business day period to the extent applicable Plan limitations at such time preclude Plan distributions of Common Stock.

XII.        RECAPITALIZATION OR REORGANIZATION

(a)         No Effect on Right or Power .   The existence of the Plan and the Awards granted hereunder shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Board or the stockholders of the Company to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Company’s or any Affiliate’s capital structure or its business, any merger or consolidation of the Company or any Affiliate, any issue of debt or equity securities ahead of or affecting Common Stock or the rights thereof, the dissolution or liquidation of the Company or any Affiliate or any sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of all or any part of its assets or business or any other corporate act or proceeding.

(b)         Subdivision or Consolidation of Shares; Stock Dividends; and Recapitalizations .    The shares with respect to which Awards may be granted are shares of Common Stock as presently constituted, but if, and whenever, prior to the expiration of an Award theretofore granted, the Company shall effect a subdivision or consolidation of shares of Common Stock or the payment of a stock dividend on Common Stock without receipt of consideration by the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by an Award (i) in the event of an increase in the number of outstanding shares shall be proportionately increased, and the purchase price per share shall be proportionately reduced, and (ii) in the event of a reduction in the number of outstanding shares shall be proportionately reduced, and the purchase price per share shall be proportionately increased. Any fractional share resulting from such adjustment shall be rounded up to the next whole share. If the Company recapitalizes, reclassifies its capital stock, or otherwise changes its capital structure (a “recapitalization”), the number and class of shares of Common Stock covered by an Award theretofore granted shall be adjusted so that such Award shall thereafter cover the number and class of shares of stock and securities to which the Participant would have been entitled pursuant to the terms of the recapitalization if, immediately prior to the recapitalization, the Participant had been the holder of record of the number of shares of Common Stock then covered by such Award.

(c)         Corporate Changes .    Before or no later than thirty (30) days after a Corporate Change, the Committee, acting in its sole discretion without the consent or approval of any Participant, shall effect one or more of the following alternatives, which alternatives may vary among individual Participants and which may vary among Options held by any individual Participant: (1) accelerate the time at which Options then outstanding may be exercised so that such Options may be exercised in full for a limited period of time on or before a specified date (before or after such Corporate Change) fixed by the Committee, after which specified date all unexercised Options and all rights of Participants thereunder shall terminate, (2) require the mandatory surrender to the Company by all or selected Participants of some or all of the outstanding Options held by such Participants (irrespective of whether such Options are then

 

- 15 -


exercisable under the provisions of the Plan) as of a date, before or after such Corporate Change, specified by the Committee, in which event the Committee shall thereupon cancel such Options and the Company shall pay (or cause to be paid) to each Participant an amount of cash per share equal to the excess, if any, of the amount calculated in Subparagraph (d) below (the “Change of Control Value”) of the shares subject to such Option over the exercise price(s) under such Options for such shares, or (3) make such adjustments to Options then outstanding as the Committee deems appropriate to reflect such Corporate Change (provided, however, that the Committee may determine in its sole discretion that no adjustment is necessary to Options then outstanding), including, without limitation, adjusting an Option to provide that the number and class of shares of Common Stock covered by such Option shall be adjusted so that such Option shall thereafter cover securities of the surviving or acquiring corporation or other property (including, without limitation, cash) as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. In exercising its powers to adjust Options as a result of a result of a corporate change pursuant to this subparagraph (c), the Committee shall exercise its best efforts to effect adjustments in a way that does not cause Options to become deferred compensation for purposes of the requirements imposed under section 409A of the Code. In the event of a Corporate Change, the Committee, acting at its sole discretion without the consent or approval of any Participant, may cause the Forfeiture Restrictions then remaining applicable with respect to all or selected Restricted Stock Awards or Restricted Stock Unit Awards to lapse as of a date before or after such Corporate Change as specified by the Committee. In the event of a Corporate Change, the Committee, acting in its sole discretion without the consent or approval of any Participant, may require the mandatory surrender to the Company by all or selected Participants of some or all of the outstanding Performance Awards or Phantom Stock Awards, as of a date before or after such Corporate Change specified by the Committee, in which event the Committee shall thereupon cancel such Performance Awards and Phantom Stock Awards and the Company shall pay (or cause to be paid) to each Participant an amount of cash equal to the maximum value (which maximum value may be determined, if applicable and in the discretion of the Committee, based on the then Fair Market Value of the Common Stock) of such Performance Award or Phantom Stock Award which, in the event the applicable performance or vesting period set forth in such Performance Award or Phantom Stock Award has not been completed, shall be multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the period beginning on the first day of the applicable performance or vesting period and ending on the date of the surrender, and the denominator of which is the aggregate number of days in the applicable performance or vesting period. Provisions of this Subparagraph (c) notwithstanding, the Committee may not and cannot take action pursuant to this Subparagraph (c) with respect to Awards which constitute deferred compensation that is subject to Section 409A of the Code unless (i) the Corporate Change in issue is a “change in control event” as such term is described in proposed or final Treasury Regulations promulgated pursuant to Section 409A of the Code and (ii) the action taken by the Committee constitutes an acceleration which is a permissible acceleration under proposed or final Treasury Regulations promulgated pursuant to Section 409A of the Code. Further, nothing in this Subparagraph (c) shall be interpreted to invalidate or otherwise adversely affect any provision in an individual Award agreement regarding the effect of a Corporate Change upon the Award evidenced by such agreement and the Committee can exercise powers conferred upon the Committee pursuant to this Subparagraph (c) with respect to such Award only in a way which is consistent with and complementary to any specific Corporate Change provisions of such Award Agreement.

 

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(d)         Change of Control Value .   For the purposes of clause (2) in Subparagraph (c) above, the “Change of Control Value” shall equal the amount determined in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) below, whichever is applicable, as follows: (i) the per share price offered to stockholders of the Company in any such merger, consolidation, sale of assets or dissolution transaction, (ii) the price per share offered to stockholders of the Company in any tender offer or exchange offer whereby a Corporate Change takes place, or (iii) if such Corporate Change occurs other than pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) above, the Fair Market Value per share of the shares into which such Options being surrendered are exercisable, as determined by the Committee as of the date determined by the Committee to be the date of cancellation and surrender of such Options. In the event that the consideration offered to stockholders of the Company in any transaction described in this Subparagraph (d) or Subparagraph (c) above consists of anything other than cash, the Committee shall determine the fair cash equivalent of the portion of the consideration offered which is other than cash.

(e)         Other Changes in the Common Stock .    In the event of changes in the outstanding Common Stock by reason of recapitalizations, reorganizations, mergers, consolidations, combinations, split-ups, split-offs, spin-offs, exchanges or other relevant changes in capitalization or distributions to the holders of Common Stock occurring after the date of the grant of any Award and not otherwise provided for by this Paragraph XII, such Award and any agreement evidencing such Award shall be subject to adjustment by the Committee at its sole discretion as to the number and price of shares of Common Stock or other consideration subject to such Award. In the event of any such change in the outstanding Common Stock or distribution to the holders of Common Stock, or upon the occurrence of any other event described in this Paragraph XII, the aggregate number of shares available under the Plan, the aggregate number of shares that may be issued under the Plan through Incentive Stock Options, and the maximum number of shares that may be subject to Awards granted to any one individual may be appropriately adjusted to the extent, if any, determined by the Committee, whose determination shall be conclusive.

(f)         Stockholder Action .    Any adjustment provided for in the above Subparagraphs shall be subject to any required stockholder action.

(g)         No Adjustments Unless Otherwise Provided .    Except as hereinbefore expressly provided, the issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, for cash, property, labor or services, upon direct sale, upon the exercise of rights or warrants to subscribe therefor, or upon conversion of shares or obligations of the Company convertible into such shares or other securities, and in any case whether or not for fair value, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to Awards theretofore granted or the purchase price per share, if applicable.

XIII.        AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

The Board in its discretion may terminate the Plan at any time with respect to any shares of Common Stock for which Awards have not theretofore been granted. The Board shall have the right to alter or amend the Plan or any part thereof from time to time; provided that no

 

- 17 -


change in the Plan may be made that would impair the rights of a Participant with respect to an Award theretofore granted without the consent of the Participant, and provided, further, that the Board may not, without approval of the stockholders of the Company, (a) amend the Plan to increase the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued under the Plan, increase the maximum number of shares that may be issued under the Plan through Incentive Stock Options or change the class of individuals eligible to receive Awards under the Plan, or (b) amend or delete Paragraph VII(f).

XIV.    MISCELLANEOUS

(a)         No Right To An Award .   Neither the adoption of the Plan nor any action of the Board or of the Committee shall be deemed to give any individual any right to be granted an Option, a right to a Restricted Stock Award, a right to a Restricted Stock Unit, a right to a Performance Award, a right to a Phantom Stock Award, or any other rights hereunder except as may be evidenced by an Award agreement duly executed on behalf of the Company, and then only to the extent and on the terms and conditions expressly set forth therein. The Plan shall be unfunded. The Company shall not be required to establish any special or separate fund or to make any other segregation of funds or assets to assure the performance of its obligations under any Award.

(b)         No Employment/Membership Rights Conferred .    Nothing contained in the Plan shall (i) confer upon any employee any right with respect to continuation of employment or of a consulting or advisory relationship with the Company or any Affiliate or (ii) interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any Affiliate to terminate his or her employment or consulting or advisory relationship at any time. Nothing contained in the Plan shall confer upon any Director any right with respect to continuation of membership on the Board.

(c)         Other Laws; Withholding .    The Company shall not be obligated to issue any Common Stock pursuant to any Award granted under the Plan at any time when the shares covered by such Award have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such other state and federal laws, rules and regulations as the Company or the Committee deems applicable and, in the opinion of legal counsel for the Company, there is no exemption from the registration requirements of such laws, rules and regulations available for the issuance and sale of such shares. The Company may at its option deliver fractional shares of Common Stock and/or pay cash in lieu of fractional shares. The Company shall have the right to deduct in connection with all Awards any taxes required by law to be withheld and to require any payments required to enable it to satisfy its withholding obligations.

(d)         Section 409A Acceleration.     The Committee may at any time cause the acceleration and payment of an amount under an Award at any time such Award fails to meet the requirements of Section 409A of the Code; provided, however, that the accelerated payment shall not exceed the amount required to be included in income of the Award holder as a result of such failure to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

(e)         No Restriction on Corporate Action .    Nothing contained in the Plan shall be construed to prevent the Company or any Affiliate from taking any action which is deemed by the Company or such Affiliate to be appropriate or in its best interest, whether or not such action

 

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would have an adverse effect on the Plan or any Award made under the Plan. No Participant, beneficiary or other person shall have any claim against the Company or any Affiliate as a result of any such action.

(f)         Restrictions on Transfer .   An Award (other than an Incentive Stock Option, which shall be subject to the transfer restrictions set forth in Paragraph VII(c)) shall not be transferable otherwise than (i) by will or the laws of descent and distribution, (ii) pursuant to a domestic relations order as defined by the Code or Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or the rules thereunder, or (iii) with the consent of the Committee, but in no event can any Award granted hereunder be transferred for value.

(g)         Governing Law .   The Plan shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.

 

PIER 1 IMPORTS, INC.
By:  

 

 

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Exhibit 10.14.10

FIRST AMENDMENT TO

RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT

FEBRUARY 27, 2011 AWARD

THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT (“ Amendment ”) is made effective and entered into as of April 8, 2011, by and between PIER 1 IMPORTS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and ALEXANDER W. SMITH (the “ Grantee ”).

WHEREAS, on February 27, 2011 the Company and Grantee entered into a Restricted Stock Award Agreement (“Agreement”) for a time-based Restricted Stock Award under the Pier 1 Imports, Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, as restated and amended (the “Plan”); and

WHEREAS, the Company and the Grantee desire to amend the Restricted Stock Award Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Section 4 of the Agreement is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following language:

4.         Voting and Dividend Rights . With respect to the Common Stock covered by this Award for which the restrictions have not lapsed, the Grantee shall have the right to vote such shares, but shall not receive any cash dividends paid with respect to such shares. Any dividend or distribution payable with respect to restricted shares of Common Stock covered by this Award that shall be paid in shares of Common Stock shall be subject to the same restrictions provided for herein. Any other form of dividend or distribution payable on shares of the restricted shares of Common Stock covered by this Award, and any consideration receivable for or in conversion of or exchange for the restricted shares of Common Stock covered by this Award, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Restricted Stock Award Agreement or with such modifications thereof as the Committee may provide in its absolute discretion.

2.        Except as amended by this Amendment, the Agreement is ratified and remains unchanged. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meanings set forth for such terms in the Plan. If there is a conflict between the provisions of this Amendment and the provisions of the Agreement this Amendment controls.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Grantee has executed this Amendment, and the Company has caused its duly authorized corporate officer to execute this Amendment to be effective April 8, 2011.

 

COMPANY:     GRANTEE:  
Pier 1 Imports, Inc.      
By:  

 

   

 

 
  Michael A. Carter     Alexander W. Smith  
  Senior V.P. and General Counsel,      
  Secretary      

 

-1-

Exhibit 10.14.12

FIRST AMENDMENT TO

RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT

FEBRUARY 27, 2011 AWARD

THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT (“ Amendment ”) is made effective and entered into as of April 8, 2011, by and between PIER 1 IMPORTS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and ALEXANDER W. SMITH (the “ Grantee ”).

WHEREAS, on February 27, 2011 the Company and Grantee entered into a Restricted Stock Award Agreement (“Agreement”) for a performance-based Restricted Stock Award under the Pier 1 Imports, Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, as restated and amended (the “Plan”); and

WHEREAS, the Company and the Grantee desire to amend the Restricted Stock Award Agreement:

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows.

1. Section 4 of the Agreement is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following language:

4.         Voting and Dividend Rights . With respect to the Common Stock covered by this Award for which the restrictions have not lapsed, the Grantee shall have the right to vote such shares, but shall not receive any cash dividends paid with respect to such shares. Any dividend or distribution payable with respect to restricted shares of Common Stock covered by this Award that shall be paid in shares of Common Stock shall be subject to the same restrictions provided for herein. Any other form of dividend or distribution payable on shares of the restricted shares of Common Stock covered by this Award, and any consideration receivable for or in conversion of or exchange for the restricted shares of Common Stock covered by this Award, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Restricted Stock Award Agreement or with such modifications thereof as the Committee may provide in its absolute discretion.

2.        Except as amended by this Amendment, the Agreement is ratified and remains unchanged. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meanings set forth for such terms in the Plan. If there is a conflict between the provisions of this Amendment and the provisions of the Agreement this Amendment controls.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Grantee has executed this Amendment, and the Company has caused its duly authorized corporate officer to execute this Amendment to be effective April 8, 2011.

 

COMPANY:       GRANTEE:
Pier 1 Imports, Inc.      
By:  

 

     

 

  Michael A. Carter       Alexander W. Smith
  Senior V.P. and General Counsel,      
  Secretary      

Exhibit 21

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY AS OF FEBRUARY 26, 2011

Pier 1 Assets, Inc., a Delaware corporation

Pier 1 Licensing, Inc., a Delaware corporation

Pier 1 Imports (U.S.), Inc., a Delaware corporation

Pier 1 Funding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

Pier 1 Value Services, LLC, a Virginia limited liability company

Pier Lease, Inc., a Delaware corporation

Pier-SNG, Inc., a Delaware corporation

Pier Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation

PIR Trading, Inc., a Delaware corporation

Pier International Limited, a Hong Kong private limited company

Pier 1 Beverages, LLC, a Texas limited liability company

Pier Alliance Ltd., a Bermuda company

Pier 1 Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation

Pier 1 Services Company, a Delaware statutory trust

Exhibit 23

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. 333-140860) pertaining to the Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (Time Based) and the Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (Performance Based) of Pier 1 Imports, Inc.,

 

(2) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-135241) pertaining to the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan of Pier 1 Imports, Inc.,

 

(3) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-118395) pertaining to the 1999 Stock Plan of Pier 1 Imports, Inc.,

 

(4) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-167961) pertaining to the Stock Purchase Plan of Pier 1 Imports, Inc.,

 

(5) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-13491) pertaining to the 1989 Employee Stock Option Plan of Pier 1 Imports, Inc., and

 

(6) Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-155680) of Pier 1 Imports, Inc.,

of our reports dated April 25, 2011, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Pier 1 Imports, Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Pier 1 Imports, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended February 26, 2011.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Fort Worth, Texas

April 25, 2011

Exhibit 31.1

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

I, Alexander W. Smith, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Pier 1 Imports, Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date:       April 25, 2011         By:  

 /s/ Alexander W. Smith

          Alexander W. Smith, President
          and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 31.2

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

I, Charles H. Turner, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Pier 1 Imports, Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date:       April 25, 2011         By:  

 /s/ Charles H. Turner

          Charles H. Turner, Executive Vice President and
          Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer 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 officers of Pier 1 Imports, Inc., hereby certifies that:

 

  1. The annual report of Pier 1 Imports, Inc. for the period ended February 26, 2011 fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  2. The information contained in the above-mentioned report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Pier 1 Imports, Inc. for the period covered by the report.

 

Date:  

    April 25, 2011    

    By:  

 /s/ Alexander W. Smith

 
          Alexander W. Smith, President  
          and Chief Executive Officer  
Date:  

    April 25, 2011    

    By:  

 /s/ Charles H. Turner

 
          Charles H. Turner, Executive Vice President and  
          Chief Financial Officer  

A signed original of this written statement has been provided to Pier 1 Imports, Inc. and will be retained by Pier 1 Imports, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission, or its staff, upon request.

Exhibit 99.1

Pier 1 Imports, Inc.

Stock Purchase Plan

Financial statements as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 and

for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010

CONTENTS

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm      2   
Statements of Financial Condition      3   
Statements of Income (Loss) and Changes in Plan Equity      4   
Notes to Financial Statements      5   
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm      8   

 


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Audit Committee of Pier 1 Imports, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying statements of financial condition of the Pier 1 Imports, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 and the related statements of income (loss) and changes in plan equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Plan’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Plan’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial condition of the Plan as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the income (loss) and changes in plan equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

                                                                                              /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Fort Worth, Texas

April 25, 2011

 

 

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Pier 1 Imports, Inc.

Stock Purchase Plan

STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

     December 31,  
     2010          2009      

ASSETS

  

Pier 1 Imports common stock, at fair value

     

(cost of $0)

   $ -         $ -     

Receivables:

     

Participants’ contributions

     177,254         -     

Company contributions

     44,017         -     
                 
     221,271         -     
                 

Total Assets

   $ 221,271       $ -     
                 

LIABILITIES AND PLAN EQUITY

  

Participant withdrawals payable

   $ 813       $ -     

Plan Equity

     220,458         -     
                 

Total Liabilities and Plan Equity

   $ 221,271       $ -     
                 

                      See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

 

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Pier 1 Imports, Inc.

Stock Purchase Plan

STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) AND CHANGES IN PLAN EQUITY

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  

Contributions:

      

Participants

   $ 604,863        $ 274,923        $ 1,058,924     

Company

     150,901          69,210          355,868     
                        

Total Contributions

     755,764          344,133          1,414,792     

Participant withdrawals

     (706,610     (2,747,335     (1,321,338

Investment Gain (Loss):

      

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  in fair value of Pier 1 Imports common stock

     -          555,375          (470,483

Net realized gain (loss) on distribution of

  Pier 1 Imports common stock

     171,304          1,606,362          (486,761
                        

Net Change in Plan Equity

     220,458          (241,465     (863,790

Plan Equity:

      

Beginning of year

     -          241,465          1,105,255     
                        

End of year

   $ 220,458        $ -        $ 241,465     
                        

        See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

 

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Pier 1 Imports, Inc.

Stock Purchase Plan

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PLAN DESCRIPTION

General

The following description of the Pier 1 Imports, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) adopted by Pier 1 Imports, Inc. (the “Company”) provides only general information. Participants should refer to the Plan document for a more complete description of the Plan’s provisions.

The Company established the Plan to provide eligible employees and non-employee directors an opportunity to acquire an ownership interest in Pier 1 Imports and, as a result, provide participants with a more direct concern about the Company’s welfare and a common interest with the Company’s other shareholders. The Plan provides a voluntary method of acquiring shares of Pier 1 Imports common stock in convenient installments by payroll and other compensation deductions, supplemented by contributions from the Company.

The Plan is administered by the compensation committee and has been in effect since 1980. On March 28, 2009, the Plan was suspended because a limited number of shares remained in the aggregate amount authorized for issuance under the Plan. Pier 1 Imports’ board of directors approved an amendment of the Plan on March 26, 2010, which was subsequently approved by the shareholders on June 29, 2010, authorizing, among other things, adding an additional 3,500,000 shares to the Plan and extending the term of the Plan for five years. The suspension period ended as soon as administratively practicable after the shareholders’ approval of the amendment. The Plan amendment was applied prospectively.

The Plan is not subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, (“ERISA”) and is not qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Eligibility

Employees who have attained the age of majority in their state or province of residence and have completed 60 days of continuous employment with the Company, or one of the designated subsidiaries which has adopted the Plan, are eligible to participate in the Plan. Non-employee members of the board of directors of Pier 1 Imports, Inc. are also eligible to participate in the Plan.

Contributions

A participant must specify the amount to be withheld through payroll deductions, with a minimum of $2.50 per week and a maximum of 20% of compensation. The Plan provides that directors who are not employees may contribute to the Plan all or a portion of cash director fees earned. Subject to the Plan’s limitations, compensation deductions may be increased or decreased at any time by the participant. The Company contributes to the Plan for each participant an amount equal to 25% of such participant’s compensation deduction.

Participant Accounts

The Company maintains a Plan account in the name of each participant. Funds deducted monthly from each participant’s pay as elected and authorized by the participant are credited to each participant’s Plan account plus the Company’s contribution on the participant’s behalf as described above. The Plan allows the Company to administer the Plan and to use the contributed funds to purchase shares of Pier 1 Imports common stock either on the open market through a broker, or directly from the Company. No open market purchase may be made at a price which is greater than the fair market value for Pier 1 Imports common stock on the date of purchase. The Company’s compensation committee has determined that purchases of shares from the Company’s treasury will be based on an average of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) closing prices for Pier 1 Imports common stock on each Friday during the month. Shares purchased are allocated to the accounts of participants in proportion to the funds received from each respective account.

Each participant acquires full and immediate ownership of all shares and fractional shares allocated to his Plan account. All shares are registered in the name of the Plan and remain registered in the Plan’s name until delivery of the shares to the participant pursuant to the Plan. Shares of common stock held by the Plan in a participant’s Plan account may not be sold, assigned, pledged or otherwise dealt with by the participant, but the participant may request that all of his shares be delivered to him at any time. Any such action, however, will result in the automatic withdrawal of the participant from the Plan. All shares in a participant’s Plan account will be automatically

 

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distributed to the participant pursuant to the Plan at least once each calendar year without affecting the participant’s participation in the Plan. Upon termination of employment, the participant’s participation in the Plan will end and his shares will be distributed upon request or automatically at the same time shares are distributed annually to all participants. Shares are distributed to a book-entry account for each participant at the transfer agent.

A participant’s Plan account is credited with all dividends, if any, paid on full and fractional shares held in his Plan account. Cash dividends are reinvested under the Plan in Pier 1 Imports common stock. The Company did not pay dividends in 2010, 2009, or 2008.

Vesting

Participants immediately vest in all contributions to their Plan accounts. Excluding the right to sell, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber their Plan accounts, participants have full rights of ownership of Pier 1 Imports common stock held in their Plan accounts, including voting and dividend rights.

Amendment or Termination of the Plan

The Company’s board of directors may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. An amendment, suspension or termination will not result in the forfeiture of any funds contributed by a participant or the Company, any shares or fractional shares purchased for a participant, or any dividends or other distributions with respect to such shares that were effective before the effective date of the amendment, suspension or termination. Certain material amendments to the Plan must be submitted to the shareholders for approval.

Administration and Expenses

The Company holds and manages the Plan’s assets. The Company pays all administrative expenses related to the purchase, custody and record keeping of Pier 1 Imports common stock held as part of the Plan. These expenses may include brokers’ commissions, transfer fees, administrative costs and other similar expenses. Expenses related to the disposition or transfer of shares after they have been distributed to the participant from his Plan account are borne by the participant.

Income Tax Status

Participants’ contributions are deducted from after-tax earnings and the Company’s contributions are taxable income to the participant in the month accrued; consequently, the Plan is not subject to income tax under the Internal Revenue Code.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Accounting

The financial statements of the Plan are presented on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Concentration of Investment – Risks and Uncertainties

All contributions to the Plan are invested in Pier 1 Imports common stock. Accordingly, the underlying value of the Plan assets is dependent upon the performance of the Company and the market’s evaluation of such performance. Changes in the fair value of Pier 1 Imports common stock could materially affect a participant’s account balance and the amounts reported in the Statements of Income (Loss) and Changes in Plan Equity.

Contributions

Participant and Company contributions are accrued in the period in which participants’ contributions are deducted from their pay.

Pier 1 Imports Common Stock Valuation

Pier 1 Imports common stock held by the Plan in participants’ accounts is stated at fair value using closing prices as quoted by the NYSE. The cost of participant shares distributed or withdrawn is assessed on a first-in-first-out basis to compute realized gains and losses. The Company’s compensation committee has determined that purchases of shares from the Company’s treasury will be based on an average of the NYSE closing prices for Pier 1 Imports common stock on each Friday during the respective month.

 

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Fair Value Measurements

All investments held by the Plan are Level 1 Inputs, which are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Net Appreciation (Depreciation)

In the Statements of Income (Loss) and Changes in Plan Equity, the net appreciation (depreciation) in the fair value of Pier 1 Imports common stock is presented, which consists of realized gains (losses) calculated as the difference between cost and the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of transfer, and the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on those investments not yet distributed to Plan participants if any.

Withdrawals

Participant withdrawals of Pier 1 Imports common stock are recorded at fair value on the date of withdrawal. The majority of withdrawals occurred in July, April, and December, in conjunction with the annual distributions, for the plan years ending December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.

Investments in Pier 1 Imports Common Stock

The following is a summary of the Pier 1 Imports common stock activity for the years ended December 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

 

     Shares     Cost     Fair Value  

Balances at December 31, 2007

   $ 175,176      $ 1,001,064      $ 916,172   

Purchases

     476,445        1,480,072        1,480,072   

Withdrawals

     (331,961     (1,807,487     (1,320,726

Changes in fair value:

      

Net unrealized gains

     ——          ——          (470,483

Net realized gains

     ——          ——          (486,761

Balances at December 31, 2008

     319,660        673,649        118,274   

Purchases

     1,337,086        470,634        470,634   

Withdrawals

     (1,656,746     (1,144,283     (2,750,645

Changes in fair value:

      

Net unrealized losses

     ——          ——          555,375   

Net realized losses

     ——          ——          1,606,362   

Balances at December 31, 2009

     -          -          -     

Purchases

     67,485        534,493        534,493   

Withdrawals

     (67,485     (534,493     (705,797

Changes in fair value:

      

Net unrealized gains

     ——          ——          -   

Net realized gains

     ——          ——          171,304   

Balances at December 31, 2010

   $ -        $ -        $ -     

Available Common Stock

The Company had 4,314,437 and 881,923 shares of registered common stock issuable under the Plan as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The NYSE closing price of Pier 1 Imports common stock was $10.50 and $5.09 as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. No shares were held by the Plan in participants’ accounts at December 31, 2010 and 2009.

 

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CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-167961) pertaining to the Pier 1 Imports, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan of our report dated April 25, 2011, with respect to the financial statements of the Pier 1 Imports, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan included in this Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2010 and included as Exhibit 99.1 in the fiscal 2011 Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Pier 1 Imports, Inc.

 

                                                                                      /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Fort Worth, Texas

April 25, 2011

 

 

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