Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2015

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. 001-15903

 

 

CARBO CERAMICS INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

DELAWARE   72-1100013

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

575 North Dairy Ashford

Suite 300

Houston, TX 77079

(Address of principal executive offices)

(281) 921-6400

(Registrant’s telephone number)

 

 

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 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes   x     No   ¨

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 Exchange Act).    Yes   ¨     No   x

As of July 24, 2015, 23,293,541 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, were outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

CARBO CERAMICS INC.

Index to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

 

         PAGE  

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements

     3   
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets - June 30, 2015 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2014

     3   
 

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - Three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014

     4   
 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Unaudited) - Three and six months ended June  30, 2015 and 2014

     5   
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - Six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014

     6   
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

     7-11   

Item 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     12-17   

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     17-18   

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

     18   

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

     18   

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

     18   

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     18   

Item 3.

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     18   

Item 4.

 

Mine Safety Disclosure

     19   

Item 5.

 

Other Information

     19   

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

     20   

Signatures

     21   

Exhibit Index

     22   

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CARBO CERAMICS INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

($ in thousands, except per share data)

 

     June 30,     December 31,  
     2015     2014  
     (Unaudited)     (Note 1)  

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 106,584      $ 24,298   

Trade accounts and other receivables, net

     69,047        132,573   

Inventories:

    

Finished goods

     89,893        106,941   

Raw materials and supplies

     26,430        37,502   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total inventories

     116,323        144,443   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     6,164        5,241   

Prepaid income taxes

     2,067        19,708   

Deferred income taxes

     37,012        11,348   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     337,197        337,611   

Property, plant and equipment:

    

Land and land improvements

     42,748        40,921   

Land-use and mineral rights

     19,877        19,877   

Buildings

     76,725        74,911   

Machinery and equipment

     634,101        627,517   

Construction in progress

     129,135        109,378   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     902,586        872,604   

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     328,120        303,888   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net property, plant and equipment

     574,466        568,716   

Goodwill

     12,164        12,164   

Intangible and other assets, net

     20,872        15,735   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 944,699      $ 934,226   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Current liabilities:

    

Bank borrowings

   $ 95,000      $ 25,000   

Accounts payable

     13,334        22,922   

Accrued payroll and benefits

     5,045        12,466   

Accrued freight

     2,310        5,925   

Accrued utilities

     1,602        3,714   

Derivative instruments

     5,941        —     

Other accrued expenses

     10,269        7,388   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     133,501        77,415   

Deferred income taxes

     82,905        80,754   

Derivative instruments

     5,017        —     

Shareholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, 5,000 shares authorized, none outstanding

     —          —     

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 80,000,000 shares authorized; 23,293,541 and 23,092,674 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively

     233        231   

Additional paid-in capital

     62,116        59,297   

Retained earnings

     683,333        739,498   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (22,406     (22,969
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     723,276        776,057   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 944,699      $ 934,226   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

 

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CARBO CERAMICS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

($ in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended      Six months ended  
     June 30,      June 30,  
     2015     2014      2015     2014  

Revenues

   $ 73,252      $ 176,561       $ 146,999      $ 325,125   

Cost of sales

     83,554        122,913         183,299        227,113   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross (loss) profit

     (10,302     53,648         (36,300     98,012   

Selling, general and administrative and other operating expenses

     14,615        18,728         31,129        35,681   

Start-up costs

     —          811         —          811   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating (loss) profit

     (24,917     34,109         (67,429     61,520   

Other (expense) income, net

     (4     200         (136     292   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) income before income taxes

     (24,921     34,309         (67,565     61,812   

Income tax (benefit) expense

     (7,917     11,292         (21,959     20,368   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

   $ (17,004   $ 23,017       $ (45,606   $ 41,444   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) earnings per share:

         

Basic

   $ (0.74   $ 1.00       $ (1.98   $ 1.79   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

   $ (0.74   $ 1.00       $ (1.98   $ 1.79   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other information:

         

Dividends declared per common share (See Note 4)

   $  —        $  —         $ 0.43      $ 0.60   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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CARBO CERAMICS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

($ in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended     Six months ended  
     June 30,     June 30,  
     2015     2014     2015     2014  

Net (loss) income

   $ (17,004   $ 23,017      $ (45,606   $ 41,444   

Other comprehensive income (loss):

        

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     965        2,432        563        (2,016

Deferred income tax (expense) benefit

     —          (664     —          706   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

     965        1,768        563        (1,310
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive (loss) income

   $ (16,039   $ 24,785      $ (45,043   $ 40,134   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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CARBO CERAMICS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

($ in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Six months ended  
     June 30,  
     2015     2014  

Operating activities

    

Net (loss) income

   $ (45,606   $ 41,444   

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     27,006        23,706   

Provision for doubtful accounts

     201        246   

Deferred income taxes

     (23,512     2,485   

Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation

     —          (372

Lower of cost or market and other inventory adjustments

     4,372        —     

Gain on disposal of assets

     (163     (191

Foreign currency transaction loss (gain), net

     49        (26

Stock compensation expense

     4,457        4,454   

Loss on derivative instruments

     10,958        —     

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Trade accounts and other receivables

     63,418        (6,726

Inventories

     17,647        (2,074

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (866     (3,316

Long-term other assets

     801        500   

Accounts payable

     (5,072     4,348   

Accrued expenses

     (10,304     (4,875

Accrued income taxes, net

     16,064        (2,099
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     59,450        57,504   

Investing activities

    

Capital expenditures

     (36,660     (85,487
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (36,660     (85,487

Financing activities

    

Proceeds from bank borrowings

     70,000        —     

Dividends paid

     (10,009     (13,876

Purchase of common stock

     (549     (5,779

Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation

     —          372   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     59,442        (19,283

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     54        (605
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     82,286        (47,871

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     24,298        94,250   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 106,584      $ 46,379   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information

    

Interest paid

   $ 674      $ 3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income taxes paid

   $  —        $ 17,153   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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CARBO CERAMICS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

($ in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of CARBO Ceramics Inc. have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of the interim periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or the full year. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2014 included in the annual report on Form 10-K of CARBO Ceramics Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CARBO Ceramics Inc. and its operating subsidiaries (the “Company”). All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

In late 2014 and early 2015, a severe decline in oil prices led to a significant decline in oil and natural gas industry drilling activities and capital spending. During the three month period ended March 31, 2015, the Company implemented a number of initiatives to preserve cash and lower costs, including: reducing workforce across the organization, lowering production output levels in order to align with lower demand, limiting capital expenditures and reducing dividends. As a result of these measures, the Company temporarily idled production and furloughed employees at the Toomsboro and Millen, Georgia manufacturing plants and mothballed the manufacturing plants in McIntyre, Georgia and Luoyang, China. Temporarily idled facilities are expected to remain closed for a short period of time, generally less than one year. Mothballed facilities are expected to remain closed for one year or longer. The accounting treatment is the same for both temporarily idled and mothballed facilities, except that mothballed assets are evaluated for possible impairment while temporarily idled assets are not necessarily assessed for impairment. The Company continues to depreciate both temporarily idled and mothballed assets.

Prior to June 30, 2015, production resumed at both of the temporarily idled facilities. The facility in Toomsboro, Georgia is the Company’s largest manufacturing facility. Currently, one of its four manufacturing lines is producing products and, as such, production levels are running at approximately 25% of the stated capacity of this facility. Production levels at the Millen, Georgia and Eufaula, Alabama facilities are currently running near stated capacities of those facilities. Mothballed plants remained closed.

Lower of Cost or Market and Other Inventory Adjustments

During the three-month period ended March 31, 2015, the Company reviewed the carrying values of all inventories and concluded that certain inventories in China had been impacted by changes in market conditions. Current market prices had fallen below carrying costs for certain inventories. Consequently, the Company recognized a $3,887 loss in cost of sales, to adjust finished goods and raw materials carrying values to the lower market prices on inventories inside China. The adjustments were based on current market prices for these or similar products, as determined by actual sales, bids, and/or quotes from third parties. The Company again reviewed the carrying values of all inventories as of June 30, 2015 and concluded that no further adjustments were warranted as of that time. In addition, during the three month period ended March 31, 2015, the Company recognized a $485 loss in cost of sales as a result of other inventory adjustments unrelated to lower of cost or market issues.

Production Levels Below Normal Capacity

As a result of the Company substantially reducing manufacturing production levels, including by idling and mothballing certain facilities, the component of the Company’s accounting policy for inventory relating to operating at production levels below normal capacity was triggered and resulted in certain production costs being expensed instead of being capitalized into inventory. The Company expenses fixed production overhead

 

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amounts in excess of amounts that would have been allocated to each unit of production at normal production levels. The Company expensed $19,629 in production costs during the six month period ended June 30, 2015. There were no such costs in the prior year period.

Long-lived assets impairment considerations

At the time the manufacturing facility in McIntyre, Georgia was mothballed, the Company conducted an interim impairment analysis of the related long-lived assets. Pursuant to that analysis, the Company determined that the projected gross cash flows attributable to the facility substantially exceed the carrying value of the assets; therefore, the Company concluded that there was no impairment and further that impairment would not be reasonably possible in the near term. At the time the manufacturing facility was mothballed in Luoyang, China, the Company did not conduct an interim impairment analysis because an impairment charge was recorded in 2014 that reduced the value of the related long-lived assets to net salvage value. The Company does not necessarily assess temporarily idled assets for impairment unless events or circumstances indicate their carrying amounts might not be recoverable.

The Company tests goodwill on an annual basis as of December 31 of each year. The 2014 impairment analysis considered industry conditions that were developing into early 2015 as a result of the severe decline in oil prices. The Company concluded that there was no impairment to goodwill as of December 31, 2014. The Company will also test goodwill for impairment in interim periods in which events occur or circumstances arise that could indicate that the carrying amounts of goodwill may not be recoverable. During 2015, no new events or circumstances were noted that would suggest the need to retest goodwill for impairment.

 

2. (Loss) Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share under the two-class method:

 

     Three months ended
June 30,
     Six months ended
June 30,
 
     2015      2014      2015      2014  

Numerator for basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share:

           

Net (loss) income

   $ (17,004    $ 23,017       $ (45,606    $ 41,444   

Effect of reallocating undistributed earnings of participating securities

     —           (154      —           (290
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net (loss) income available under the two-class method

   $ (17,004    $ 22,863       $ (45,606    $ 41,154   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Denominator:

           

Denominator for basic (loss) earnings per share—weighted-average shares

     22,999,157         22,947,957         22,987,086         22,948,032   

Effect of dilutive potential common shares

     —           —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Denominator for diluted (loss) earnings per share—adjusted weighted-average shares

     22,999,157         22,947,957         22,987,086         22,948,032   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic (loss) earnings per share

   $ (0.74    $ 1.00       $ (1.98    $ 1.79   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted (loss) earnings per share

   $ (0.74    $ 1.00       $ (1.98    $ 1.79   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

3. Common Stock Repurchase Program

On January 28, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to two million shares of the Company’s common stock. Shares are effectively retired at the time of purchase. As of June 30, 2015, the Company had not yet repurchased any shares under the plan.

 

4. Dividends Paid

On March 17, 2015, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.10 per common share payable to shareholders of record on May 1, 2015. The dividend was paid on May 15, 2015. On July 21, 2015, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.10 per common share payable to shareholders of record on August 3, 2015. This dividend is payable on August 17, 2015.

 

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5. Natural Gas Derivative Instruments

Natural gas is used to fire the kilns at the Company’s domestic manufacturing plants. In an effort to mitigate potential volatility in the cost of natural gas purchases and reduce exposure to short-term spikes in the price of this commodity, from time to time, the Company enters into contracts to purchase a portion of the anticipated monthly natural gas requirements at specified prices. Contracts are geographic by plant location. Historically, the Company has taken delivery of all natural gas quantities under contract, which exempted the Company from accounting for the contracts as derivative instruments. However, due to the severe decline in industry activity in early 2015, the Company significantly reduced production levels and consequently did not take delivery of all of the contracted natural gas quantities. As a result, the Company began to account for relevant contracts as derivative instruments.

Derivative accounting requires the natural gas contracts to be recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value with an offsetting entry in earnings. The Company uses the income approach in determining the fair value of these derivative instruments. The model used considers the difference, as of each balance sheet date, between the contracted prices and the New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”) forward strip price for each contracted period. The estimated cash flows from these contracts are discounted using a discount rate of 5.5%, which reflects the nature of the contracts as well as the timing and risk of estimated cash flows associated with the contracts. The discount rate had an immaterial impact on the fair value of the contracts for the six months ended June 30, 2015. The last natural gas contract will expire in December 2018. As a result, during the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company recognized a loss on derivative instruments of $12,605 in cost of sales. The cumulative present value of the losses on these natural gas derivative contracts as of June 30, 2015 are presented as current and long-term liabilities, as applicable, in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

At June 30, 2015, the Company has contracted for delivery a total of 10,080,000 MMBtu of natural gas at an average price of $4.57 per MMBtu through December 31, 2018. Contracts covering 8,520,000 MMBtu are subject to accounting as derivative instruments. Future decreases in the NYMEX forward strip prices will result in additional derivative losses while future increases in the NYMEX forward strip prices will result in derivative gains. Future gains or losses will approximate the change in NYMEX natural gas prices relative to the total quantity of natural gas under contracts now subject to accounting as derivatives. The historical average NYMEX natural gas contract settlement prices for the quarters ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were $2.64 MMBtu and $4.67 MMBtu, respectively.

 

6. Fair Value Measurements

The Company’s derivative instruments are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. U.S. GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine the fair value. These levels include: Level 1, defined as inputs such as unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for use when little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

The Company’s natural gas derivative instruments are included within the Level 2 fair value hierarchy. The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company’s assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value:

 

     Fair value as of June 30, 2015  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Assets

   $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —     

Liabilities:

           

Derivative instruments

     —           (10,958      —           (10,958
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fair value

   $ —         $ (10,958    $ —         $ (10,958
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

7. Stock Based Compensation

The 2014 CARBO Ceramics Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan”) provides for granting of cash-based awards, stock options (both non-qualified and incentive) and other equity-based awards (including stock appreciation rights, phantom stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance

 

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shares, deferred share units or share-denominated performance units) to employees and non-employee directors. As of June 30, 2015, 518,320 shares were available for issuance under the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan. Although the 2009 CARBO Ceramics Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan”) has expired, nonvested restricted shares granted under that plan remain outstanding in accordance with its terms.

A summary of restricted stock activity and related information for the six months ended June 30, 2015 is presented below:

 

     Shares      Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 

Nonvested at January 1, 2015

     147,489       $ 99.51   

Granted

     225,487       $ 34.62   

Vested

     (62,594    $ 101.23   

Forfeited

     (25,514    $ 51.50   
  

 

 

    

Nonvested at June 30, 2015

     284,868       $ 52.07   
  

 

 

    

As of June 30, 2015, there was $11,263 of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to restricted shares granted under both the expired 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan and the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $6,336.

The Company made performance-based cash awards to certain executives of the Company pursuant to the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan with a total Target Award of $753, as of June 30, 2015. The amount of awards that will ultimately vest can range from 0% to 200% based on the Company’s Relative Total Shareholder Return calculated over a three year period beginning January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017.

The Company also made phantom stock awards to key international employees pursuant to the expired 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan prior to its expiration and the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The units subject to a phantom stock award vest and cease to be forfeitable in equal annual installments over a three-year period. Participants awarded units of phantom stock are entitled to a lump sum cash payment equal to the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the vesting date. In no event will Common Stock of the Company be issued with regard to outstanding phantom stock awards. As of June 30, 2015, there were 18,180 units of phantom stock granted under the expired 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan, of which 12,569 have vested and 2,590 have been forfeited. As of June 30, 2015, there were 5,020 units of phantom stock granted under the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, of which none have vested and none have been forfeited. As of June 30, 2015, nonvested units of phantom stock under the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan and the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan have a total value of $335, a portion of which is accrued as a liability within Accrued Payroll and Benefits.

 

8. Bank Borrowings

The Company has an unsecured revolving credit agreement with a bank. On July 27, 2015, the Company entered into a fourth amendment to this credit facility that, among other items, (i) reduced the size of the revolving credit facility from $100,000 to $90,000; (ii) secures borrowings with a blanket lien on substantially all of the Company’s accounts receivable and inventories; (iii) prohibits the Company from granting security interests in the Company’s fixed assets and real property; (iv) sets interest at LIBOR plus 4.00%; (v) sets the maturity date as December 31, 2018; and (vi) waives compliance with the maximum leverage ratio and fixed charge ratio covenants through December 31, 2016. Additionally, the fourth amendment added covenants which (i) requires a minimum assets coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.0 calculated on a monthly basis and (ii) limits capital expenditures to $65,000 annually through December 31, 2016, subject to maintaining proforma liquidity of $15,000. The terms of the credit agreement provide for certain affirmative and negative covenants and require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios. As of June 30, 2015, the Company’s outstanding debt under the credit agreement was $95,000 and the weighted average interest rate was 2.75% based on LIBOR-based rate borrowings. In July 2015, the Company repaid $7,000 of borrowings under this facility. As of July 30, 2015, the Company’s outstanding debt under the credit agreement was $88,000.

 

9. Foreign Currencies

As of June 30, 2015, the Company’s net investment that is subject to foreign currency fluctuations totaled $34,285, and the Company has recorded a cumulative foreign currency translation loss of $22,406. This

 

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cumulative translation loss is included in, and is the only component of, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. There were no amounts reclassified to net income during the six-months ended June 30, 2015. During 2014 and continuing into 2015, the value of the Russian Ruble significantly declined relative to the U.S. dollar. The financial impact of this decline on the Company’s net assets in Russia is included in Other Comprehensive Income and the cumulative foreign currency translation loss noted above. No income tax benefits have been recorded on these losses as a result of the uncertainty about recoverability of the related deferred income tax benefits.

 

10. New Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330),” (“ASU 2015-11”) which amends and simplifies the measurement of inventory. The main provisions of the standard require that inventory be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Prior to the issuance of the standard, inventory was measured at the lower of cost or market (where market was defined as replacement cost, with a ceiling of net realizable value and floor of net realizable value less a normal profit margin). ASU 2015-11 will be effective for the interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of adopting this new guidance on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30),” (“ASU 2015-03”) which amends and simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs. The main provisions of the standard require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, and amortization of the debt issuance costs must be reported as interest expense. ASU 2015-03 will be effective for the interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted. The new standard must be applied on a retroactive basis, and the Company will be required to comply with the applicable disclosures for a change in accounting principle. The adoption of ASU 2015-03 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity,” (“ASU 2014-08”) which amends the reporting requirements of discontinued operations. The main provisions of the guidance require that a disposal of a component of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2015. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

11. Legal Proceedings

The Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these matters is currently not determinable, management does not expect that the ultimate costs to resolve these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

12. Subsequent Events

In July 2015, the Company amended its credit agreement as described in Note 8 and repaid $7,000 of borrowings. As of July 30, 2015, the balance outstanding on the Company’s revolving credit facility was $88,000.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

CARBO Ceramics Inc. (“we,” “us,” “our” or our “Company”) is an oilfield services technology company that generates revenue primarily through the sale of production enhancement products and services to the oil and natural gas industry. Our principal business consists of manufacturing and selling proppant products for use primarily in the hydraulic fracturing of oil and natural gas wells. These proppant products include ceramic, resin-coated sand and raw sand. We also provide the industry’s most widely used hydraulic fracture simulation software, FracPro®, as well as hydraulic fracture design and consulting services. In addition, we provide a broad range of technologies for spill prevention, containment and countermeasures.

Our products and services help oil and gas producers increase production and recovery rates from their wells, thereby lowering overall finding and development costs. As a result, our business is dependent to a large extent on the level of drilling and hydraulic fracturing activity in the oil and gas industry worldwide. Gross margin for our ceramic proppant business is principally impacted by sales volume, product mix, sales price, distribution costs, manufacturing costs, including natural gas, and our production levels as a percentage of our capacity.

In 2012, we expanded our resin coating operations and also began processing raw sand for use in resin coating operations. In 2013, we began selling raw frac sand. Resin coated sand and raw frac sand products sell at much lower prices and with lower gross margins than our ceramic proppant. While gross (loss) profit is generally not materially impacted by the sale of these products, given the current level of sales volumes of raw frac sand and resin coated sand compared to ceramic proppant, our overall gross margin as a percent of revenues and the overall selling price for our proppants can be impacted. In 2014, our gross margin was also impacted by spending on the development of our new KRYPTOSPHERE TM proppant technology and preparations for its commercialization.

In June 2014, we completed the first proppant production line at our new Millen, Georgia facility. In addition, during 2014, we began construction of a second production line in Millen, Georgia. Due to current market conditions, completion of the second line at the manufacturing facility in Millen, Georgia has been temporarily suspended. As of June 30, 2015, the value of the temporarily suspended assets relating to the second production line at Millen totaled approximately 50% of the Company’s total construction in progress and we estimate that the second line is approximately 90% complete. Subject to changes in market conditions, we currently expect to complete construction of the second production line and commence production prior to the end of 2016. The retrofit of the first phase of an existing plant to produce KRYPTOSPHERE is scheduled for completion during the third quarter of 2015.

Industry Conditions

In late 2014 and early 2015, a severe decline in oil prices led to a significant decline in oil and natural gas industry drilling activities and capital spending. We expect that these low oil prices will continue for the foreseeable future and will continue to negatively impact both pricing and demand for ceramic and sand-based proppants. During the second quarter of 2015, the average price of WTI crude oil fell 44% to $57.84 per barrel compared to $103.35 per barrel in the second quarter of 2014. The average United States rig count fell 51% in the second quarter of 2015 to 909 rigs compared to 1,852 rigs in the second quarter of 2014. In addition, exploration and production (“E&P”) operators used more raw frac sand in place of ceramic proppant when compared to the first half of 2014. These events, along with an oversupplied ceramic proppant market and low oil and natural gas prices, drove lower average prices for our proppants during the second quarter of 2015, when compared both with the first quarter and with the second quarter of 2014.

Beginning in the first quarter of 2015, we implemented a number of initiatives to preserve cash and lower costs, including: reducing workforce across our organization, lowering our production output levels in order to align with lower demand, limiting capital expenditures and reducing dividends. As a result of these measures, in the United States, we idled production (including furloughing employees) at the Toomsboro and Millen, Georgia manufacturing plants for approximately 90 days and mothballed our manufacturing plant in McIntyre, Georgia. During the second quarter of 2015, production resumed at both of the temporarily idled facilities. However, only one of the four manufacturing lines at the Toomsboro, Georgia plant was producing products as of June 30, 2015, and, as such, production levels are running at approximately 25% of the stated capacity of this facility.

 

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Production levels at the Millen, Georgia and Eufaula, Alabama facilities are running within the normal capacity ranges of those facilities. In the event that the market demand for proppants further decreases, we may further reduce operations at our active manufacturing plants.

Furthermore, conditions in the North American oil and natural gas market also negatively impacted the proppant market inside China. Proppant manufacturers in China experienced excess production capacity due to market conditions in North America. As a result, we recognized an impairment charge on our long-lived assets in China and wrote down the value of certain inventories in China down to lower market prices during the second half of 2014, and further wrote down the value of certain of our finished goods and raw materials in China down to lower market prices during the first quarter of 2015. As of June 30, 2015, the value of our inventories inside China totaled $5.1 million. We mothballed our plant in China during the first quarter of 2015 and do not expect to resume operations at this facility in the foreseeable future. We are actively working to sell remaining inventories in China. While production activities ceased and production related employees have been terminated, we continue to retain sales, logistics, and administrative staff in China. Upon substantial liquidation of our China entity, we will recognize a non-cash gain from realizing our China-related cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment (“CTA”). We are still evaluating alternatives for the possible disposition of these China assets, and we intend to hold these assets until this evaluation is complete. As of June 30, 2015, the China-related CTA had an unrealized gain of $9.4 million.

Although most direct manufacturing costs have been relatively stable or predictable over time, the cost of natural gas, which is used in production by our domestic manufacturing facilities, is subject to volatility. In an effort to mitigate potential volatility in the cost of natural gas purchases and reduce exposure to short-term spikes in the price of this commodity, from time to time, we enter into natural gas contracts to purchase a portion of the anticipated monthly natural gas requirements at specified prices. Due to the severe decline in industry activity early in 2015, we reduced our level of proppant production and did not take delivery of all of the contracted natural gas quantities. As a result, we began to account for relevant contracts as derivative instruments and have recorded a loss on these contracts of $12.6 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2015.

Critical Accounting Policies

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, which require us to make estimates and assumptions (see Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014). We believe that some of our accounting policies involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity than others. As of December 31, 2014, our critical accounting policies included revenue recognition, estimating the recoverability of accounts receivable, inventory valuation, accounting for income taxes and accounting for long-lived assets. These critical accounting policies are discussed more fully in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Long-lived assets to be held and used and intangible assets that are subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate their carrying amounts might not be recoverable. During early 2015, we temporarily idled production and furloughed employees at our Toomsboro and Millen, Georgia manufacturing plants (both for approximately 90 days) and mothballed our manufacturing plants in McIntyre, Georgia and Luoyang, China. Temporarily idled facilities are expected to remain closed for a short period of time, generally less than one year. Mothballed facilities are expected to remain closed for one year or longer. The accounting treatment is the same for both temporarily idled and mothballed facilities, except that mothballed assets are evaluated for possible impairment while temporarily idled assets are not necessarily assessed for impairment. In the instances of idling both the Toomsboro and Millen, Georgia plants in early 2015 for approximately 90 days each, we did not assess the temporarily idled assets for impairment because such short-term stoppages of production were designed to temporarily reduce inventory levels and as such did not significantly impact the long-term expected cash flows of the plants. We continue to depreciate both temporarily idled and mothballed assets.

At the time the manufacturing facility in McIntyre, Georgia was mothballed, we conducted an interim impairment analysis of the related long-lived assets. Key assumptions used in the analysis included: 1) the plant would remain closed for two years; 2) in year 3 production would start-up at 50% of capacity and thereafter return to production levels within normal capacity; and 3) market pricing would be similar to lower 2015 levels, thus conservatively reducing expected gross profit and thus cash flows. Pursuant to that analysis, we determined that the projected gross cash flows attributable to the facility substantially exceed the carrying value of the assets; therefore, we concluded that there was no impairment and further that impairment would not be reasonably possible in the near term. At the time the manufacturing facility was mothballed in Luoyang, China, we did not conduct an interim impairment analysis because an impairment charge was recorded in 2014 that reduced the value of the related long-lived assets to net salvage value.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, we identified an existing accounting policy as critical related to the accounting for derivative instruments as a result of not taking delivery of all of our contracted natural gas quantities. We began accounting for relevant natural gas contracts as derivative instruments, which requires us to recognize the gas contracts as either assets or liabilities at fair value with an offsetting entry in earnings. We use the income approach in determining the fair value of our derivative instruments. The model used considers the difference, as of each balance sheet date, between the contracted prices and the New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”) forward strip price for each contracted period. The estimated cash flows from these contracts are discounted using a discount rate of 5.5%, which reflects the nature of the contracts as well as the timing and risk of estimated cash flows associated with the contracts. The discount rate had an immaterial impact on the fair value of the contracts for the six months ended June 30, 2015. The last natural gas contract will expire in December 2018. During the six month period ended June 30, 2015, we recognized a loss on derivative instruments of $12.6 million in cost of sales. Future decreases in the NYMEX forward strip prices will result in additional derivative losses while future increases in the NYMEX forward strip prices will result in derivative gains. Future gains or losses will approximate the change in NYMEX natural gas prices relative to the total quantity of natural gas under contracts subject to accounting as derivatives. As of June 30, 2015, gas contracts covering 8,520,000 MMBtu are subject to accounting as derivative instruments.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, low production levels triggered the component of our inventory accounting policy relating to operating at production levels below normal capacity. Accordingly, we added disclosure of this component of our inventory accounting policy to the critical accounting policies disclosures

 

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set forth in our Form 10-Q for that quarter. We expense fixed production overhead amounts in excess of amounts that would have been allocated to each unit of production at normal production levels. As a result of low production levels and idled and mothballed facilities, we expensed $19.6 million of production costs during the six month period ended June 30, 2015.

There have been no other changes during the six months ended June 30, 2015 in our evaluation of our critical accounting policies since December 31, 2014.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended June 30, 2015

Revenues. Revenues of $73.3 million for the second quarter of 2015 decreased 59% compared to $176.6 million for the same period in 2014. The decrease was mainly attributable to a decrease in ceramic proppant and resin coated sand sales volumes in conjunction with market-driven reductions in the average selling prices. The decline in ceramic sales volume was largely attributable to a depressed commodity price for oil and the resulting negative impact on industry activity levels, combined with an increased number of E&P operators using raw frac sand, which sells at a much lower price and has a lower profit margin than ceramic proppant and is having a negative impact on demand for ceramic proppant. Our worldwide proppant sales volumes and average selling price per pound in the second quarter of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 were as follows:

 

Proppant Sales    Three months ended
June 30,
 

(Volumes in million lbs)

   2015      2014  
     Volumes      Average
Price / lb
     Volumes      Average
Price / lb
 

Ceramic

     190       $ 0.30         454       $ 0.33   

Resin Coated Sand

     10         0.15         43         0.21   

Northern White Sand

     258         0.03         271         0.03   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Total

     458       $ 0.14         768       $ 0.21   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

North American (defined as Canada and U.S.) proppant sales volume decreased 38% in the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014, due in large part to the effect of the declining industry conditions on sales of ceramic proppant and resin coated sand. North American ceramic proppant sales volume decreased 60%. International (excluding Canada) ceramic proppant sales volumes decreased 46%.

Primarily due to the change in product mix and a 9% decline in the average selling price of ceramic proppant, the average selling price per pound of all proppant was $0.14 during the second quarter of 2015 compared to $0.21 for the same period in 2014. In addition to product mix, average selling prices can be impacted by sales prices, geographic areas of sale, customer requirements and delivery methods.

Gross (Loss) Profit. Gross loss for the second quarter of 2015 was $10.3 million, or 14% of revenues, compared to gross profit of $53.6 million, or 30% of revenues, for the same period in 2014. The decrease in gross (loss) profit was primarily the result of lower ceramic proppant sales volumes and a decrease in the average selling price of ceramic proppant. In addition, we expensed $11.2 million in production costs as a result of low production levels and idled and mothballed facilities. We expect to incur these types of expenses in the future until our production levels return to normal capacity.

Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) and Other Operating Expenses, and Start-Up Costs. SG&A and other operating expenses totaled $14.6 million for the second quarter of 2015 compared to $18.7 million for the same period in 2014. The decrease in SG&A expense is largely attributable to cost cutting measures implemented in early 2015. As a percentage of revenues, SG&A and other operating expenses increased to 20.0% in the second quarter of 2015 compared to 10.6% for the same period in 2014, primarily due to the decrease in revenues. Start-up costs of $0.8 million in the second quarter of 2014 related to the start-up of the first production line at the new manufacturing facility in Millen, Georgia.

 

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Income Tax (Benefit) Expense . Income tax benefit was $7.9 million, or 31.8% of pretax loss, for the second quarter of 2015 compared to income tax expense of $11.3 million, or 32.9% of pretax income, for the same period last year.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2015

Revenues. Revenues of $147.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 decreased 55% compared to $325.1 million for the same period in 2014. The decrease was mainly attributable to a decrease in ceramic proppant and resin coated sand sales volumes, in conjunction with market-driven reductions in the average selling prices, partially offset by an increase in Northern White Sand sales volumes. The decline in ceramic sales volume was largely attributable to a depressed commodity price for oil and the resulting negative impact on industry activity levels, combined with an increased number of E&P operators using raw frac sand, which sells at a much lower price and has a lower profit margin than ceramic proppant and is having a negative impact on demand for ceramic proppant. Our worldwide proppant sales volumes and average selling price per pound for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 were as follows:

 

Proppant Sales    Six months ended
June 30,
 

(Volumes in million lbs)

   2015      2014  
     Volumes      Average
Price / lb
     Volumes      Average
Price / lb
 

Ceramic

     367       $ 0.30         827       $ 0.33   

Resin Coated Sand

     19         0.18         91         0.21   

Northern White Sand

     601         0.03         429         0.03   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Total

     987       $ 0.13         1,347       $ 0.22   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

North American (defined as Canada and U.S.) proppant sales volume decreased 24% in the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014, due in large part to the effect of the declining industry conditions on sales of ceramic proppant and resin coated sand, partially offset by higher sales of Northern White Sand. North American ceramic proppant sales volume decreased 60%. International (excluding Canada) ceramic proppant sales volumes decreased 28%.

Primarily due to the change in product mix and a 9% decline in the average selling price of ceramic proppant, the average selling price per pound of all proppant was $0.13 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $0.22 for the same period in 2014. In addition to product mix, average selling prices can be impacted by sales prices, geographic areas of sale, customer requirements and delivery methods.

Gross (Loss) Profit. Gross loss for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $36.3 million, or 25% of revenues, compared to gross profit of $98.0 million, or 30% of revenues, for the same period in 2014. The decrease in gross (loss) profit was primarily the result of lower ceramic proppant sales volumes and a decrease in the average selling price of ceramic proppant. In addition, we recorded a $12.6 million loss on natural gas derivative instruments, and expensed $19.6 million in production costs as a result of low production levels and idled and mothballed facilities. We expect to incur these types of expenses in the future until our production levels return to normal capacity. Gross (loss) profit was further reduced by $4.8 million in severance costs incurred as a result of the reductions in workforce and $4.4 million of adjustments in cost of sales, primarily to reduce the value of certain inventories down to lower market prices on inventories in China.

Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) and Other Operating Expenses, and Start-up Costs. SG&A and other operating expenses totaled $31.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $35.7 million for the same period in 2014. As a percentage of revenues, SG&A and other operating expenses increased to 21.2% in the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to 11.0% for the same period in 2014, primarily due to the decrease in revenues. While we took actions early in 2015 to reduce our cost base, the cost savings from these actions were partially offset by $1.5 million in SG&A related severance costs. Start-up costs of $0.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2014 related to the start-up of the first production line at the new manufacturing facility in Millen, Georgia.

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense . Income tax benefit was $22.0 million, or 32.5% of pretax loss, for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to income tax expense of $20.4 million, or 33.0% of pretax income, for the same period last year.

 

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Outlook

During the first quarter of 2015, we took significant steps to reduce future costs and align production levels with lower customer demands resulting from the severe decline in the oil and natural gas industry. The timing and magnitude of an industry recovery is uncertain. The typical cost-cutting reaction by E&P operators was significant, as evidenced by the sharp reduction in industry activity. The impact on the entire ceramic proppant industry has been severe, leading other domestic proppant suppliers to make similar decisions to mothball and idle ceramic proppant manufacturing capacity. While U.S. imports of ceramic proppant have declined significantly compared to the fourth quarter of 2014, we believe that inventory levels of low quality imported ceramic proppant in the U.S. may still be at levels that keep pressure on pricing.

With the industry focus primarily on cost reduction, near term visibility for ceramic proppant demand is limited. However, as it appears the rig count may be stabilizing, and with E&P operators having seen large well cost reductions, we are cautiously optimistic on the opportunities for increases in our new technology sales. Base ceramic proppant sales volumes may remain stable in the third quarter of 2015. We will continue to manage through this down-cycle with a focus on cash and cost reduction to preserve financial flexibility. This strategy includes continued idling and/or lowering of production output to maintain reduced inventory levels and alignment with market demand, and thus we expect further under-absorption and idling costs to impact our financials in the remainder of 2015.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At June 30, 2015, we had cash and cash equivalents of $106.6 million compared to cash and cash equivalents of $24.3 million at December 31, 2014. During the six months ended June 30, 2015, we generated $59.5 million of cash from operating activities and borrowed $70.0 million on our line of credit. Uses of cash included $36.7 million for capital expenditures, $10.0 million for the payment of cash dividends, and $0.5 million for purchases of our common stock.

Subject to our financial condition, the amount of funds generated from operations, compliance with the covenants under our credit facility and the level of capital expenditures, our current intention is to continue to pay quarterly dividends to holders of our common stock. On July 21, 2015, our Board of Directors approved the payment of a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share to common shareholders as of August 3, 2015. The dividend is payable on August 17, 2015. We estimate that our total capital expenditures for the remainder of 2015 will be between $15.0 million and $25.0 million, which primarily include costs associated with retrofitting an existing plant with the new KRYPTOSPHERE proppant technology.

We maintain a line of credit with a bank. As of June 30, 2015, our outstanding debt under the credit agreement was $95.0 million. As of July 30, 2015, our outstanding debt under the credit agreement was $88.0 million. We anticipate that our cash on hand and cash provided by operating activities will be sufficient to meet planned operating expenses, capital expenditures and other cash needs for the next 12 months. We could also seek to acquire additional debt financing, if needed, although there can be no assurance that we would be able to attain such financing on favorable terms, or at all. Our line of credit is subject to compliance with the covenants in the underlying amended credit agreement, some of which depend on our future operating performance and cash flow. These factors are in turn subject to prevailing oil and gas prices, economic conditions and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Specifically, the financial covenants in the credit agreement require us to maintain:

 

    a minimum tangible net worth of $370.0 million, plus (1) 50% of consolidated net income from each quarter ending on or after March 31, 2010 and (ii) 100% of any equity issuance proceeds after the effective date of the agreement;

 

    a maximum leverage ratio of 2.50 to 1.0; and

 

    a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.50 to 1.0.

On July 27, 2015, we entered into a fourth amendment to this credit facility that, among other items, (i) reduced the revolving credit facility from $100.0 million to $90.0 million; (ii) secures borrowings with a blanket lien on substantially all of our accounts receivable and inventories; (iii) prohibits us from granting security interests in our fixed assets and real property; (iv) sets interest at LIBOR plus 4.00%; (v) sets the maturity date as December 31, 2018; and (vi) waives compliance with the maximum leverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratio covenants through December 31, 2016. Additionally, the fourth amendment added the following covenants:

 

    a minimum asset coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.0 calculated on a monthly basis; and

 

    a limitation on capital expenditures of $65.0 million annually through December 31, 2016, subject to maintaining proforma liquidity of $15.0 million.

 

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Additional information as to the applicable definitions and requirements of these covenants is contained in the credit agreement. We were in compliance with the financial covenants under our credit facility for the quarter ended June 30, 2015 and also were in compliance with the new minimum asset coverage ratio covenant for the month ended June 30, 2015. However, there can be no assurance that we will remain in compliance in future quarters and months.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company had no off-balance sheet arrangements as of June 30, 2015.

Forward-Looking Information

The statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not historical statements, including statements regarding our future financial and operating performance and liquidity and capital resources, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and estimates, which involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Among these factors are:

 

    changes in overall economic conditions;

 

    changes in the demand for, or price of, oil and natural gas;

 

    changes in the cost of raw materials and natural gas used in manufacturing our products;

 

    risks related to our ability to access needed cash and capital;

 

    our ability to meet our current and future debt service obligations, including our ability to maintain compliance with our debt covenants;

 

    our ability to manage distribution costs effectively;

 

    changes in demand and prices charged for our products;

 

    risks of increased competition;

 

    technological, manufacturing and product development risks;

 

    our dependence on and loss of key customers and end users;

 

    changes in foreign and domestic government regulations, including environmental restrictions on operations and regulation of hydraulic fracturing;

 

    changes in foreign and domestic political and legislative risks;

 

    risks of war and international and domestic terrorism;

 

    risks associated with foreign operations and foreign currency exchange rates and controls; and

 

    weather-related risks and other risks and uncertainties.

Additional factors that could affect our future results or events are described from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Please see the discussion set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 and similar disclosures in subsequently filed reports with the SEC. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk through foreign currency fluctuations that could impact our investments in China and Russia. As of June 30, 2015, our net investments subject to foreign currency fluctuations totaled $34.3 million and we have recorded cumulative foreign currency translation loss of $22.4 million. This cumulative translation loss is included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. From time to time, we may enter into forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. There were no such foreign exchange contracts outstanding at June 30, 2015. During 2014 and continuing into 2015, the value of the Russian Ruble significantly declined relative to the U.S. dollar. The financial impact of this decline on our net assets in Russia is included in Other Comprehensive Income and the cumulative foreign currency translation loss noted above. No income tax benefits have been recorded on these losses as a result of the uncertainty about recoverability of the related deferred income tax benefits.

 

17


Table of Contents

We are also exposed to market risk in the price of natural gas, which is used in production by our domestic manufacturing facilities and is subject to volatility. In an effort to mitigate potential volatility in the cost of natural gas purchases and reduce exposure to short-term spikes in the price of the commodity, from time to time, we enter into contracts to purchase a portion of our anticipated monthly natural gas requirements at specified prices. At June 30, 2015, we have contracted for delivery a total of 10,080,000 MMBtu of natural gas at an average price of $4.57 per MMBtu through December 31, 2018.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As of June 30, 2015, management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurances of achieving their control objectives. Based upon and as of the date of that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

( b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2015 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are subject to legal proceedings, claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these matters is currently not determinable, we do not expect that the ultimate costs to resolve these matters will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the risk factors discussed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not applicable

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable

 

18


Table of Contents
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Our U.S. manufacturing facilities process mined minerals, and therefore are viewed as mine operations subject to regulation by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the recently proposed Item 106 of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.106) is included in Exhibit 95 to this quarterly report.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

On July 27, 2015, we entered into a fourth amendment (“Amendment No. 4”) to our Credit Agreement, dated January 29, 2010 (as so amended, the “Credit Agreement”), with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), as administrative agent, issuing lender and swing line lender, and the financial institutions party thereto. We also entered into a Security Agreement, dated July 27, 2015, with Wells Fargo in connection with the execution of Amendment No. 4 (the “Security Agreement”).

Amendment No. 4 amends and restates the Credit Agreement in its entirety. The primary amendments contained in Amendment No. 4 and the Security Agreement include:

 

    a reduction in the credit facility size from $100.0 million to $90.0 million;

 

    setting the maturity date of the credit facility at December 31, 2018;

 

    the grant of a security interest on substantially all our current and future accounts receivable and inventories and related contract rights;

 

    a waiver of compliance with the maximum leverage ratio and minimum fixed charge coverage ratio requirements for future quarters through December 31, 2016;

 

    a new minimum asset coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1, which is measured on a monthly basis;

 

    the establishment of a $65.0 million annual limitation on capital expenditures through December 31, 2016, subject to maintaining proforma liquidity of $15.0 million;

 

    the establishment of a $20.0 million annual limitation on dividends and other restricted payments through the date of delivery of financial statements for the quarter ending March 31, 2017;

 

    adjustments to the covenants relating to additional indebtedness, permitted acquisitions, permitted investments and permitted asset sales through the date of delivery of financial statements for the quarter ending March 31, 2017; and

 

    an increase from the existing interest rate margin for LIBOR loans to 4% (3% for Base Rate loans) through the date of delivery of financial statements for the quarter ending March 31, 2017.

The foregoing description of Amendment No. 4 and the Security Agreement are summaries and are qualified in their entirety by reference to Amendment No. 4 and the Security Agreement, copies of which are filed as exhibits to this report.

 

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Table of Contents
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:

 

  10.1    Summary of Initial Compensation Terms for John R. Bakht.
  10.2    Amendment No. 4 to Credit Agreement, dated July 27, 2015, among CARBO Ceramics Inc., as borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, issuing lender and swing line lender, and the lenders named therein.
  10.3    Security Agreement, dated July 27, 2015, among CARBO Ceramics Inc., as borrower, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent.
  31.1    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Gary A. Kolstad.
  31.2    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Ernesto Bautista III.
  32    Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  95    Mine Safety Disclosure.
101    The following financial information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

20


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

CARBO CERAMICS INC.

/s/ Gary A. Kolstad

Gary A. Kolstad
President and Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Ernesto Bautista III

Ernesto Bautista III
Chief Financial Officer

Date: July 30, 2015

 

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Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

EXHIBIT

  

DESCRIPTION

  10.1    Summary of Initial Compensation Terms for John R. Bakht.
  10.2    Amendment No. 4 to Credit Agreement, dated July 27, 2015, among CARBO Ceramics Inc., as borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, issuing lender and swing line lender, and the lenders named therein.
  10.3    Security Agreement, dated July 27, 2015, among CARBO Ceramics Inc., as borrower, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent.
  31.1    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Gary A. Kolstad.
  31.2    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Ernesto Bautista III.
  32    Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  95    Mine Safety Disclosure.
101    The following financial information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

22

Exhibit 10.1

Summary of Initial Compensation Terms

For John R. Bakht

 

1. Base Salary. $300,000 per year.

 

2. Sign-on Bonus. $100,000 payable on or before February 29, 2016.

 

3. Annual Incentive Percentage.

 

    EBIT percentage of %.1935 under the Company’s Annual Incentive Arrangement (the “AIA”), applied to the earnings before interest income and expense and taxes (“EBIT”) for the Company during the period beginning June 1, 2015 and concluding on December 31, 2015.

 

    Pursuant to Section 3 of the AIA, the 2015 Performance Period for Mr. Bakht shall begin on his first date of employment with the Company.

 

    The cap under the AIA for Mr. Bakht’s 2015 award shall be $399,093.75.

 

4. Restricted Stock Awards.

 

    $900,000 restricted stock grant under the Company’s Omnibus Incentive Plan, to vest in equal installments on each anniversary date of the grant for a period of three years.

 

    Grants to be made on the first date of Mr. Bakht’s employment, and converted to shares of common stock by dividing the grant amount by the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the grant date.

 

    Awards to be made using form of award agreement for Company officers, substantially as previously approved by the Committee

 

5. Change in Control Agreement. Execution of Change in Control Agreement with Mr. Bakht, substantially in the form approved for the officers of the Company (other than Mr. Kolstad) by the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors in March 2012.

Exhibit 10.2

Execution Version

AGREEMENT AND AMENDMENT NO. 4

This AGREEMENT AND AMENDMENT NO. 4 (the “ Agreement ”) dated as of July 27, 2015 (the “ Effective Date ”) is among CARBO Ceramics Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the Lenders (as defined below) and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”), as swing line lender (the “ Swing Line Lender ”), and as issuing lender (in such capacity, the “ Issuing Lender ”) for such Lenders.

RECITALS

A. The Borrower is party to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of January 29, 2010, among the Borrower, the lenders party thereto from time to time (the “ Lenders ”), the Administrative Agent, the Swing Line Lender, and the Issuing Lender (as may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”).

B. The Borrower has requested that the Lenders, the Administrative Agent, the Swing Line Lender, and the Issuing Lender make certain amendments to the Credit Agreement, as provided herein and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

THEREFORE, the Borrower, the Lenders, the Administrative Agent, the Swing Line Lender, and the Issuing Lender hereby agree as follows:

Section 1. Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, each of the terms defined in the opening paragraph and the Recitals above shall have the meanings assigned to such terms therein. Each term defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein without definition shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Credit Agreement, unless expressly provided to the contrary.

Section 2. Other Definitional Provisions . Article, Section, Schedule, and Exhibit references are to Articles and Sections of and Schedules and Exhibits to this Agreement, unless otherwise specified. All references to instruments, documents, contracts, and agreements are references to such instruments, documents, contracts, and agreements as the same may be amended, supplemented, and otherwise modified from time to time, unless otherwise specified. The words “hereof,” “herein,” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. The term “including” means “including, without limitation.” Paragraph headings have been inserted in this Agreement as a matter of convenience for reference only and it is agreed that such paragraph headings are not a part of this Agreement and shall not be used in the interpretation of any provision of this Agreement.

Section 3. Amendments to Credit Agreement .

 

  (a) The Credit Agreement is hereby amended as reflected in Annex A attached hereto.


  (b) The Credit Agreement is hereby further amended by inserting the Exhibit G attached hereto in the appropriate alphabetical order in the Credit Agreement as Exhibit G .

 

  (c) The Credit Agreement is hereby further amended by replacing Schedule II with the Schedule II attached hereto.

Section 4. Decrease in Commitments . The parties hereby agree and acknowledge that (a) the aggregate Revolving Commitments shall be reduced to $90,000,000.00 and (b) the Lenders’ respective Revolving Commitments shall be the amount set forth next to the respective names under the caption “Revolving Commitment” on Schedule II attached hereto.

Section 5. Borrower Representations and Warranties . The Borrower represents and warrants that: (a) the representations and warranties contained in the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, and the representations and warranties contained in the other Credit Documents, are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Effective Date as if made on as and as of such date except to the extent that any such representation or warranty expressly relates solely to an earlier date, in which case such representation or warranty is true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date; (b) no Default has occurred and is continuing; (c) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement are within the corporate power and authority of the Borrower and have been duly authorized by appropriate corporate and governing action and proceedings; (d) this Agreement constitutes the legal, valid, and binding obligation of the Borrower enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and general principles of equity; (e) as of the Effective Date, (i) there are no Material Domestic Subsidiaries and (ii) no Non-Material Domestic Subsidiary is required to be a Guarantor pursuant to Section 5.6 of the Credit Agreement and (f) there are no governmental or other third party consents, licenses and approvals required in connection with the execution, delivery, performance, validity and enforceability of this Agreement.

Section 6. Conditions to Effectiveness . This Agreement shall become effective on the Effective Date and enforceable against the parties hereto upon the occurrence of the following conditions precedent:

(a) The Administrative Agent shall have received multiple original counterparts, as requested by the Administrative Agent, of:

(1) This Agreement duly and validly executed and delivered by duly authorized officers of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Swing Line Lender, the Issuing Lender, and the Lenders;

(2) the Security Agreement executed by each Credit Party existing on the Effective Date, together with appropriate UCC-1 financing statements, if any, necessary or desirable for filing with the appropriate authorities and any other documents, agreements, or instruments necessary to create, perfect or maintain an Acceptable Security Interest in the Collateral described in the Security Agreement; and

(3) a secretary’s certificate from the Borrower certifying the Borrower’s officers’ incumbency, authorizing resolutions and organizational documents.

 

2


(b) No Default shall have occurred and be continuing as of the Effective Date.

(c) The representations and warranties in this Agreement shall be true and correct.

(d) The Borrower shall have paid (i) the amendment fee as set forth in Section 7(f) below and (ii) all other costs and expenses which have been invoiced and are payable pursuant to Section 10.1 of the Credit Agreement.

(e) The Borrower shall have prepaid the Advances pursuant to Section 2.5(b) of the Credit Agreement, such that, after giving effect to such prepayment, the Outstandings (as defined in Annex A) do not exceed $90,000,000.00.

Section 7. Acknowledgments and Agreements .

(a) The Borrower acknowledges that on the date hereof all Secured Obligations (as defined in Annex A) are payable without defense, offset, counterclaim or recoupment.

(b) The Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereby expressly reserve all of their rights, remedies, and claims under the Credit Documents. Nothing in this Agreement shall constitute a waiver or relinquishment of (i) any Default or Event of Default under any of the Credit Documents (other than the Subject Waivers as expressly provided herein), (ii) any of the agreements, terms or conditions contained in any of the Credit Documents, (iii) any rights or remedies of the Administrative Agent or any Lender with respect to the Credit Documents or (iv) the rights of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to collect the full amounts owing to them under the Credit Documents.

(c) Each of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Swing Line Lender, the Issuing Lender and the Lenders does hereby adopt, ratify, and confirm the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, and acknowledges and agrees that the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, is and remains in full force and effect, and the Borrower acknowledges and agrees that its liabilities and obligations under the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, are not impaired in any respect by this Agreement.

(d) From and after the Effective Date, all references to the Credit Agreement and the Credit Documents shall mean such Credit Agreement and such Credit Documents as amended by this Agreement.

(e) This Agreement is a Credit Document for the purposes of the provisions of the other Credit Documents. Without limiting the foregoing, any breach of representations, warranties, and covenants under this Agreement shall be a Default or Event of Default, as applicable, under the Credit Agreement.

(f) In consideration of the agreements of the Lenders set forth in this Agreement, the Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of each Lender, an amendment fee in an amount equal to 0.15% of such Lender’s Commitment (after giving effect to the prepayment of Advances required under Section 6(e) above). Each such amendment fee as to such Lender (i) is payable in U.S. dollars in immediately available funds, free and clear of, and without deduction for, any and all present or future applicable taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholdings and all liabilities with respect thereto (with appropriate gross-up for withholding taxes), (ii) is not refundable under any circumstances, (iii) will not be subject to counterclaim, defense, setoff or otherwise affected, and (iv) is deemed fully earned by such Lender once its signature page is delivered as provided above and the Effective Date has occurred.

 

3


Section 8. Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which, taken together, constitute a single instrument. This Agreement may be executed by facsimile signature and all such signatures shall be effective as originals.

Section 9. Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted pursuant to the Credit Agreement.

Section 10. Invalidity . In the event that any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall for any reason be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement.

Section 11. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be deemed to be a contract made under and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.

Section 12. USA PATRIOT Act . Each Lender that is subject to the PATRIOT Act and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies each Credit Party that pursuant to the requirements of the PATRIOT Act it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies such Credit Party, which information includes the name and address of such Credit Party and other information that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify such Credit Party in accordance with the PATRIOT Act.

Section 13. Entire Agreement . THIS AGREEMENT, THE CREDIT AGREEMENT AS AMENDED BY THIS AGREEMENT, THE NOTES, AND THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS CONSTITUTE THE ENTIRE UNDERSTANDING AMONG THE PARTIES HERETO WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF AND SUPERSEDE ANY PRIOR AGREEMENTS, WRITTEN OR ORAL, WITH RESPECT THERETO.

THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS AMONG THE PARTIES.

[ signature pages follow ]

 

4


EXECUTED effective as of the date first above written.

 

BORROWER :
CARBO CERAMICS INC.
By:  

/s/ Ernesto Bautista III

  Ernesto Bautista III
  Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

Signature Page to Agreement and Amendment No. 4


ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT:
WELLS FARGO BANK,
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and Issuing Lender
By:  

/s/ Kristen Brockman

Name:  

Kristen Brockman

Title:  

Director

LENDERS:
WELLS FARGO BANK,
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Kristen Brockman

Name:  

Kristen Brockman

Title:  

Director

 

Signature Page to Agreement and Amendment No. 4


SCHEDULE II

Commitments, Contact Information

 

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association    Address :   

1700 Lincoln St., 5 th Floor

Denver, CO 80209

      MAC C7300-059
   Attn :    Wholesale Loan Servicing
   Telephone :    (303) 863-5378
   Facsimile :    (303) 863-2729
   with a copy to :
   Address :    1000 Louisiana, 9 th Floor
      MAC T5002-090
      Houston, Texas 77002
   Attn :    Kristen Brockman, Director
   Telephone :    (713) 319-1954
   Facsimile :    (713) 739-1087
CREDIT PARTIES
Borrower/Guarantors    Address for Notices :
   Energy Center II
   575 N. Dairy Ashford Rd., Ste 300
   Houston, TX 77079
   Attn:    Ernesto Bautista III
      Chief Financial Officer
   Telephone :    (281) 931-8884
   Facsimile:    (281) 931-8302
   with a copy to:
   Address :    Energy Center II
      575 N. Dairy Ashford Rd., Ste 300
      Houston, Texas 77079
   Attn :    John Bakht, General Counsel
   Telephone :    (281) 921-6450
   email :    john.bakht@carboceramics.com


LENDERS
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association    Address for Notices:
      1700 Lincoln St., 5 th Floor
      Denver, CO 80209
      MAC C7300-059
Revolving Commitment:    Attn :    Wholesale Loan Servicing
$90,000,000    Telephone :    (303) 863-5378
   Facsimile :    (303) 863-2729
   with a copy to:
   Address :    1000 Louisiana, 9 th Floor
      MAC T5002-090
      Houston, Texas 77002
   Attn :    Kristen Brockman, Director
   Telephone :    (713) 319-1954
   Facsimile :    (713) 739-1087


ANNEX A TO AGREEMENT AND AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

 

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

dated as of January 29, 2010

Among

CARBO CERAMICS INC.

as Borrower,

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

as Administrative Agent, Issuing Lender and Swing Line Lender,

and

THE LENDERS NAMED HEREIN

as Lenders

$90,000,000

 

 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

As Sole Lead Arranger


ARTICLE 1

 

DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

     1   

Section 1.1

 

Certain Defined Terms

     1   

Section 1.2

 

Computation of Time Periods

     20   

Section 1.3

 

Accounting Terms; Changes in GAAP

     20   

Section 1.4

 

Classes and Types of Advances

     20   

Section 1.5

 

Miscellaneous

     20   

ARTICLE 2

 

CREDIT FACILITIES

     21   

Section 2.1

 

Revolving Commitments

     21   

Section 2.2

 

Letters of Credit

     22   

Section 2.3

 

Swing Line Advances

     27   

Section 2.4

 

Advances

     29   

Section 2.5

 

Prepayments

     32   

Section 2.6

 

Repayment

     32   

Section 2.7

 

Fees

     32   

Section 2.8

 

Interest

     33   

Section 2.9

 

Illegality

     34   

Section 2.10

 

Breakage Costs

     34   

Section 2.11

 

Increased Costs

     35   

Section 2.12

 

Payments and Computations

     36   

Section 2.13

 

Taxes

     37   

Section 2.14

 

Replacement of Lenders

     39   

Section 2.15

 

Defaulting Lender Cure

     40   

ARTICLE 3

 

CONDITIONS OF EFFECTIVENESS

     41   

Section 3.1

 

Conditions to Effectiveness

     41   

Section 3.2

 

Conditions Precedent to Each Borrowing and to Each Issuance, Extension or Renewal of a Letter of Credit

     42   

Section 3.3

 

Determinations Under Sections 3.1 and 3.2

     43   

ARTICLE 4

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     43   

Section 4.1

 

Organization

     43   

Section 4.2

 

Authorization

     43   

Section 4.3

 

Enforceability

     44   

Section 4.4

 

Financial Condition

     44   

Section 4.5

 

Ownership and Liens; Real Property

     44   

Section 4.6

 

True and Complete Disclosure

     44   

Section 4.7

 

Litigation

     45   


Section 4.8

 

Compliance with Agreements

     45   

Section 4.9

 

Pension Plans

     45   

Section 4.10

 

Environmental Condition

     46   

Section 4.11

 

Subsidiaries

     46   

Section 4.12

 

Investment Company Act

     46   

Section 4.13

 

Taxes

     46   

Section 4.14

 

Permits, Licenses, etc.

     47   

Section 4.15

 

Use of Proceeds

     47   

Section 4.16

 

Condition of Property; Casualties

     47   

Section 4.17

 

Insurance

     47   

Section 4.18

 

Compliance with Laws

     47   

Section 4.19

 

Security Interest

     47   

Section 4.20

 

FCPA; Sanctions

     48   

ARTICLE 5

 

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

     48   

Section 5.1

 

Organization

     48   

Section 5.2

 

Reporting

     48   

Section 5.3

 

Insurance

     51   

Section 5.4

 

Compliance with Laws

     52   

Section 5.5

 

Taxes

     52   

Section 5.6

 

Material Domestic Subsidiaries

     52   

Section 5.7

 

Records; Inspection

     53   

Section 5.8

 

Maintenance of Property

     53   

Section 5.9

 

Security

     53   

Section 5.10

 

Further Assurances; Cure of Title Defects

     53   

Section 5.11

 

FCPA; Sanctions

     54   

ARTICLE 6

 

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

     54   

Section 6.1

 

Debt

     54   

Section 6.2

 

Liens

     55   

Section 6.3

 

Investments

     56   

Section 6.4

 

Acquisitions

     57   

Section 6.5

 

Agreements Restricting Liens

     57   

Section 6.6

 

Use of Proceeds; Use of Letters of Credit

     57   

Section 6.7

 

Corporate Actions

     58   

Section 6.8

 

Sale of Assets

     58   

Section 6.9

 

Restricted Payments

     58   

Section 6.10

 

Affiliate Transactions

     59   

 

-2-


Section 6.11

 

Line of Business

     59   

Section 6.12

 

Hazardous Materials

     59   

Section 6.13

 

Compliance with ERISA

     59   

Section 6.14

 

Limitation on Hedging

     60   

Section 6.15

 

Minimum Tangible Net Worth

     60   

Section 6.16

 

Leverage Ratio

     60   

Section 6.17

 

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio

     60   

Section 6.18

 

Asset Coverage Ratio

     60   

Section 6.19

 

Capital Expenditures

     60   

ARTICLE 7

 

DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

     60   

Section 7.1

 

Events of Default

     60   

Section 7.2

 

Optional Acceleration of Maturity

     62   

Section 7.3

 

Automatic Acceleration of Maturity

     63   

Section 7.4

 

Set-off

     63   

Section 7.5

 

Remedies Cumulative, No Waiver

     63   

Section 7.6

 

Application of Payments

     63   

Section 7.7

 

Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim

     65   

Section 7.8

 

Credit Bidding

     65   

ARTICLE 8

 

THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

     65   

Section 8.1

 

Appointment, Powers, and Immunities

     65   

Section 8.2

 

Reliance by Administrative Agent

     66   

Section 8.3

 

Defaults

     66   

Section 8.4

 

Rights as Lender

     66   

Section 8.5

 

Indemnification

     67   

Section 8.6

 

Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders

     68   

Section 8.7

 

Resignation of Administrative Agent and Issuing Lender

     68   

Section 8.8

 

Collateral and Guaranty Matters

     69   

ARTICLE 9

 

MISCELLANEOUS

     70   

Section 9.1

 

Costs and Expenses

     70   

Section 9.2

 

Indemnification; Waiver of Damages

     70   

Section 9.3

 

Waivers and Amendments

     72   

Section 9.4

 

Severability

     72   

Section 9.5

 

Survival of Representations and Obligations

     72   

Section 9.6

 

Binding Effect

     73   

Section 9.7

 

Lender Assignments and Participations

     73   

Section 9.8

 

Confidentiality

     74   

 

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Section 9.9

 

Notices, Etc.

     74   

Section 9.10

 

Business Loans

     75   

Section 9.11

 

Usury Not Intended

     75   

Section 9.12

 

Usury Recapture

     75   

Section 9.13

 

Governing Law

     76   

Section 9.14

 

Submission to Jurisdiction

     76   

Section 9.15

 

Execution in Counterparts

     76   

Section 9.16

 

Waiver of Jury

     76   

Section 9.17

 

USA Patriot Act

     77   

 

EXHIBITS:   
Exhibit A    – Form of Assignment and Acceptance
Exhibit B    – Form of Compliance Certificate
Exhibit C    – Form of Guaranty
Exhibit D    – Form of Notice of Borrowing
Exhibit E    – Form of Notice of Continuation or Conversion
Exhibit F-1    – Form of Revolving Note
Exhibit F-2    – Form of Swing Line Note
Exhibit G    – Form of Asset Coverage Ratio Certificate
SCHEDULES:   
Schedule I    – Pricing Schedule
Schedule II    – Commitments, Contact Information
Schedule 4.1    – Organizational Information
Schedule 4.7    – Litigation
Schedule 4.10    – Environmental Conditions
Schedule 4.11    – Subsidiaries
Schedule 6.1    – Existing Debt

 

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CREDIT AGREEMENT

This CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of January 29, 2010 (the “Agreement”) is among (a) CARBO Ceramics Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), (b) the Lenders (as defined below), and (c) Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Swing Line Lender (as defined below), Issuing Lender (as defined below), and as Administrative Agent (as defined below) for the Lenders.

In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

Section 1.1 Certain Defined Terms . The following terms shall have the following meanings (unless otherwise indicated, such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined):

Acceptable Security Interest ” means a security interest which (a) exists in favor of the Administrative Agent for its benefit and the ratable benefit of the Issuing Lender, the Swingline Lender and the Lenders, (b) is superior to all other security interests (other than the Permitted Liens), (c) secures the Obligations, and (d) is perfected and enforceable against the Credit Party which created such security interest.

Account Debtor ” shall mean an account debtor as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code, as in effect in the State of Texas.

Acquisition ” means the purchase by any Credit Party of any business, including the purchase of associated assets or operations or the Equity Interests of a Person.

Adjusted Base Rate ” means, for any day, the fluctuating rate per annum of interest equal to the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the Federal Funds Rate in effect on such day plus 1.50%, and (c) a rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the Daily One-Month LIBOR plus 1.50%. Any change in the Adjusted Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, Daily One-Month LIBOR or the Federal Funds Rate shall be effective on the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate, Daily One-Month LIBOR or the Federal Funds Rate.

Administrative Agent ” means Wells Fargo in its capacity as agent for the Lenders pursuant to Article 8 and any successor agent pursuant to Section 8.7.

Administrative Questionnaire ” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.

Advance ” means any advance by a Lender or the Swing Line Lender to the Borrower as a part of a Borrowing.

Affiliate ” means, as to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person. The term “control” (including the terms “controlled by” or “under common control with”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership, by contract, or otherwise.


Agreement ” is defined in the introductory paragraph hereof.

Alternative Covenant Period ” means the period commencing on July 1, 2015 and ending on the Business Day immediately following the date on which the financial statements and reports required under Section 5.2(b) and corresponding Compliance Certificate for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2017 is delivered by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent.

Amendment No. 2 Effective Date ” means July 25, 2013

Amendment No. 3 Effective Date ” means October 31, 2014.

Amendment No. 4 Effective Date ” means July 27, 2015.

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

Applicable Margin ” means, at any time with respect to each Type of Advance, the Letters of Credit and the Commitment Fee, the percentage rate per annum which is applicable at such time with respect to such Advance, Letter of Credit or Commitment Fee as set forth in Schedule I and subject to further adjustments as set forth in Section 2.8(c).

Approved Fund ” means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.

Asset Coverage Ratio ” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Net Total Assets to (b) outstanding consolidated Debt of the Borrower on such date.

Asset Coverage Ratio Certificate ” means a certificate executed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower or such other Person as required by this Agreement in substantially the same form as Exhibit G .

Asset Sale ” means (a) any sale, transfer, or other disposition of any Property by any Credit Party and (b) any issuance or sale of any Equity Interests of any Subsidiary of the Borrower, in each case, to any Person other than a Credit Party; provided that, any sale, transfer or other disposition of Property from one Credit Party to another Credit Party as permitted under Section 6.8(a) and the sale of inventory in the ordinary course as permitted under Section 6.8(b) shall not constitute an “Asset Sale” for purposes of this Agreement.

Assignment and Acceptance ” means an assignment and acceptance executed by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the same form as Exhibit A .

AutoBorrow Agreement ” means any agreement providing for automatic borrowing services between the Borrower and the Swing Line Lender.

Availability ” means, as of a date of determination, an amount equal to (a) the aggregate Revolving Commitments in effect at such time minus (b) the Outstandings at such time.

Banking Services ” means each and any of the following bank services provided to any Credit Party by any Banking Services Provider: (a) commercial credit cards, (b) stored value cards and (c) any

 

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other Treasury Management Arrangement (including, without limitation, controlled disbursement, purchase card arrangements, automated clearinghouse transactions, return items, overdrafts and interstate depository network services).

Banking Services Obligations ” means any and all obligations of the Borrower or any other Credit Party, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor) in connection with Banking Services.

Banking Services Provider ” means any Lender or Affiliate of a Lender that provides Banking Services to the Borrower or any Credit Party.

Base Rate Advance ” means an Advance which bears interest based upon the Adjusted Base Rate.

Borrower ” means CARBO Ceramics Inc., a Delaware corporation.

Borrowing ” means a Revolving Borrowing or a Swing Line Borrowing.

Bilateral Obligations ” means all principal, interest (including post-petition interest), fees, reimbursements, indemnifications, and other amounts now or hereafter owed by any of the Credit Parties to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (other than the Obligations) under any letter of credit agreement, indenture, loan or credit agreement or any other agreement evidencing or related to Debt (including letters of credit), and any increases, extensions, and rearrangements of those obligations under any amendments, supplements, and other modifications of the documents and agreements creating those obligations, and whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired.

Business Day ” means a day (a) other than a Saturday, Sunday, or other day on which the Administrative Agent is authorized to close under the laws of, or is in fact closed in, Houston, Texas, and (b) if the applicable Business Day relates to any LIBOR Advances, on which dealings are carried on by commercial banks in the London interbank market.

Capital Expenditures ” for any Person and period of its determination means, without duplication, the aggregate of all expenditures and costs (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities during that period and including that portion of payments under Capital Leases that are capitalized on the balance sheet of such Person) of such Person during such period that, in conformity with GAAP, are required to be included in or reflected by the property, plant, or equipment or similar fixed asset accounts reflected in the balance sheet of such Person.

Capital Leases ” means, for any Person, any lease of any Property by such Person as lessee which would, in accordance with GAAP, be required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease on the balance sheet of such Person.

Cash Collateral Account ” means a special cash collateral account pledged to the Administrative Agent, for its benefit and the ratable benefit of the Issuing Lender, the Swing Line Lender and the Lenders, containing cash deposited pursuant to the terms hereof to be maintained with Wells Fargo, as depository, in accordance with Section 2.2(h).

 

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CERCLA ” means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, state and local analogs, and all rules and regulations and requirements thereunder in each case as now or hereafter in effect.

Change in Control ” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

(a) the Borrower ceases to own, either directly or indirectly, 100% of the Equity Interest in any Guarantor other than as a result of transaction permitted under Section 6.7 or Section 6.8;

(b) any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person or its subsidiaries, any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan), becomes a “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that a person or group shall be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all securities that such person or group has the right to acquire (such right, an “option right”), whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of 50% or more of the Equity Interests of the Borrower entitled to vote for members of the board of directors or equivalent governing body of the Borrower on a fully-diluted basis (and taking into account all such securities that such person or group has the right to acquire pursuant to any option right); and

(c) during any period of 12 consecutive months, a majority of the members of the board of directors or other equivalent governing body of the Borrower cease to be composed of individuals (i) who were members of that board or equivalent governing body on the first day of such period, (ii) whose election or nomination to that board or equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clause (i) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body or (iii) whose election or nomination to that board or other equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body.

Change in Law ” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority.

Class ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.4.

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and published interpretations thereof.

Collateral ” means all property of the Credit Parties which is “Collateral” (as defined in the Security Agreement).

Commitment Fee ” means the fees set forth on Schedule I, which are payable in accordance with Section 2.7(a).

Commitments ” means, as to any Lender, its Revolving Commitment.

Compliance Certificate ” means a compliance certificate executed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower or such other Person as required by this Agreement in substantially the same form as Exhibit B .

 

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Controlled Group ” means all members of a controlled group of corporations and all businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control which, together with the Borrower or any Subsidiary, are treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

Convert ,” “ Conversion ,” and “ Converted ” each refers to a conversion of Advances of one Type into Advances of another Type pursuant to Section 2.4(b).

Credit Documents ” means this Agreement, the Notes, the Letters of Credit, the Letter of Credit Applications, the Guaranties, the Security Documents, the Notices of Borrowing, the Notices of Conversion, any Autoborrow Agreement, the Fee Letter, and each other agreement, instrument, or document executed at any time in connection with this Agreement.

Credit Parties ” means the Borrower and the Guarantors.

Daily One-Month LIBOR ” means, for any day, the rate of interest equal to the LIBO Rate then in effect for delivery for a one (1) month period.

Debt ” means, for any Person, without duplication: (a) indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money, including the face amount of any letters of credit supporting the repayment of indebtedness for borrowed money issued for the account of such Person; (b) to the extent not covered under clause (a) above, obligations under letters of credit and agreements relating to the issuance of letters of credit or acceptance financing, including Letters of Credit; (c) obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, or upon which interest payments are customarily made; (d) obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to any Properties purchased by such Person (other than customary reservations or retentions of title under agreements with suppliers entered into in the ordinary course of business); (e) obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property, services, or Acquisitions (including, without limitation, any earn-out obligations, contingent obligations, or other similar obligations associated with such purchase, and including obligations that are non-recourse to the credit of such Person but are secured by the assets of such Person); (f) obligations of such Person as lessee under Capital Leases and obligations of such Person in respect of synthetic leases (except that the Jenkins Capital Lease Obligations and the Wilkinson Capital Lease Obligations shall not constitute Debt for purposes of the calculations for compliance under Sections 6.16 and 6.17); (g) obligations of such Person under any Hedging Arrangement (except that such obligations shall not constitute Debt for purposes of the calculations for compliance under Sections 6.16 and 6.17); (h) obligations of such Person owing in respect of redeemable preferred stock or other preferred Equity Interest of such Person; (i) the Debt of any partnership or unincorporated joint venture in which such Person is a general partner or a joint venturer, but only to the extent to which there is recourse to such Person for the payment of such Debt; (j) obligations of such Person under direct or indirect guaranties in respect of, and obligations (contingent or otherwise) of such Person to purchase or otherwise acquire, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss in respect of, indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds referred to in clauses (a) through (i) above; (k) indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds referred to in clauses (a) through (j) secured by any Lien on or in respect of any Property of such Person, and (l) all liabilities of such Person in respect of unfunded vested benefits under any Plan.

Debtor Relief Laws ” means (a) the Bankruptcy Code of the United States of America, and (b) all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect.

 

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Default ” means (a) an Event of Default or (b) any event or condition which with notice or lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

Defaulting Lender ” means any Lender (a) that has failed to fund any portion of the Advances or participations in Letter of Credit Obligations or Swing Line Advances required to be funded by it hereunder within one Business Day of the date required to be funded by it hereunder unless, with the consent of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (which consent may be withheld at the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower), such failure has been cured, (b) that has indicated to the Administrative Agent that such Lender will not fund any portion of the Advances or participations in Letter of Credit Obligations or Swing Line Advances required to be funded by it hereunder, unless, with the consent of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (which consent may be withheld at the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower), such Lender actually funds such Advances or participations, (c) that has otherwise failed to pay over to the Administrative Agent or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within one Business Day of the date when due, unless the subject of a good faith dispute, or unless, with the consent of the Administrative Agent (which consent may be withheld at the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent), such failure has been cured, (d) that the Administrative Agent believes, in good faith, has become a “defaulting lender” under any other credit facility to which such Lender is a party and has received notice of such belief from the Administrative Agent unless, with the consent of the Administrative Agent (which consent may be withheld at the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent), the consequences resulting in such “defaulting lender” status is no longer in effect, or (e) as to which a Lender Insolvency Event has occurred and is continuing with respect to such Lender. Any determination that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender will be made by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion acting in good faith.

Dollars ” and “ $ ” means lawful money of the United States of America.

Domestic Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary other than a Foreign Subsidiary.

EBITDA ” means, without duplication, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as a consolidated basis, and for any period, the sum of (a) the Borrower’s consolidated Net Income for such period plus (b) to the extent deducted in determining Borrower’s consolidated Net Income, Interest Expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and such other add-backs reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent; provided that such EBITDA shall be subject to pro forma adjustments for Acquisitions and Nonordinary Course Asset Sales assuming that such transactions had occurred on the first day of the determination period, which adjustments shall be made in accordance with the guidelines for pro forma presentations set forth by the SEC or in a manner otherwise reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.

Effective Date ” means the date of this Agreement.

Eligible Assignee ” means (a) a Lender, (b) any Affiliate of a Lender approved by the Administrative Agent, (c) any Approved Fund approved by the Administrative Agent, or (d) any other Person (other than a natural Person) approved by the Administrative Agent and, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time any assignment is effected in accordance with Section 9.7, the Borrower, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed by the Borrower; provided , however, that (i) any financial institution employing any member of the board of directors (or comparable board) of any Credit Party shall not qualify as an Eligible Assignee, (ii) neither the Borrower nor any Affiliate of the Borrower shall qualify as an Eligible Assignee, and (iii) approval by the Administrative Agent of an Eligible Assignee shall not be unreasonably withheld, provided however, any disapproval by the Administrative Agent of a Person that fails to meet any of the following criteria shall not be considered unreasonable: (A) any commercial bank, savings and loan association or savings bank

 

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organized under the laws of the United States of America, or any state thereof, or any other Person, that has a combined capital and surplus of less than $100,000,000, (B) any commercial bank or Person organized under the laws of any other country, or a political subdivision of any such country, which is not a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, or (C) any commercial bank or Person organized under the laws of any other country, or a political subdivision of any such country, which is a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and has a combined capital and surplus of less than $100,000,000.

Environment ” or “ Environmental ” shall have the meanings set forth in 42 U.S.C. 9601(8) (1988).

Environmental Claim ” means any third party (including governmental agencies and employees) action, lawsuit, claim, demand, regulatory action or proceeding, order, decree, consent agreement or notice of potential or actual responsibility or violation (including claims or proceedings under the Occupational Safety and Health Acts or similar laws or requirements relating to health or safety of employees) which seeks to impose liability under any Environmental Law.

Environmental Law ” means all federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, orders, decisions, agreements, and other requirements, including common law theories, now or hereafter in effect and relating to, or in connection with the Environment, health, or safety, including without limitation CERCLA, relating to (a) pollution, contamination, injury, destruction, loss, protection, cleanup, reclamation or restoration of the air, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata, or other natural resources; (b) solid, gaseous or liquid waste generation, treatment, processing, recycling, reclamation, cleanup, storage, disposal or transportation; (c) exposure to pollutants, contaminants, hazardous, medical infections, or toxic substances, materials or wastes; (d) the safety or health of employees; or (e) the manufacture, processing, handling, transportation, distribution in commerce, use, storage or disposal of hazardous, medical infections, or toxic substances, materials or wastes.

Environmental Permit ” means any permit, license, order, approval, registration or other authorization under Environmental Law.

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.

Equity Interest ” means with respect to any Person, any shares, interests, participation, or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock, membership interests or partnership interests (or any other ownership interests) of such Person.

Eurocurrency Liabilities ” has the meaning assigned to that term in Regulation D of the Federal Reserve Board as in effect from time to time.

Event of Default ” has the meaning specified in Section 7.1.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Excluded Swap Obligation ” means, with respect to any Guarantor, any Hedge Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the guaranty of such Guarantor of, or the grant by such Guarantor of a

 

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security interest to secure, such Hedge Obligation (or any guaranty thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) by virtue of such Guarantor’s failure for any reason to constitute an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder at the time the guaranty of such Guarantor or the grant of such security interest becomes effective with respect to such Hedge Obligation. If a Hedge Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Hedge Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such guaranty or security interest is or becomes illegal.

Existing Debt ” means Debt incurred by the Borrower in connection with that certain Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 31, 2000, between the Borrower and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., as lender.

Fair Market Value ” means, with respect to any asset (including any Equity Interests of any Person), the price at which a willing buyer, not an Affiliate of the seller, and a willing seller who does not have to sell, would agree to purchase and sell such asset, as determined in good faith by the board of directors or, pursuant to a specific delegation of authority by such board of directors or a designated senior executive officer, of the Borrower, or the Subsidiary of the Borrower selling such asset.

FCPA ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.20(a).

Federal Funds Rate ” means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided that (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day and (b) if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate charged to the Administrative Agent (in its individual capacity) on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent.

Federal Reserve Board ” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or any of its successors.

Fee Letter ” means that certain fee letter dated as of January 29, 2010 between the Borrower and Wells Fargo.

Fixed Charges ” means, with respect to any period and with respect to any Person and without duplication, the sum of (a) Interest Expense for such period plus (b) as of the end of such period, the current portion of long term Debt, including the current portion of Capital Leases but excluding the scheduled principal payment of the Revolving Loan due on the Maturity Date plus (c) all Restricted Payments paid (whether in cash or other property, other than Equity Interests that are permitted to be issued by the Borrower under this Agreement) during such period.

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” means, as of each fiscal quarter end, the ratio of (a) the amount equal to (i) Borrower’s consolidated EBITDA for the four-fiscal quarter period then ended minus (ii) all federal, state, and local taxes paid in cash or required to be paid in cash during the four-fiscal quarter period then ended minus (iii) Maintenance Capital Expenditures paid or required to be paid during for the four-fiscal quarter period then ended to (b) Fixed Charges for the four-fiscal quarter period then ended.

 

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Foreign Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of Borrower that is a “controlled foreign corporation” as defined in Section 957 of the Code.

Fund ” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is (or will be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its activities.

GAAP ” means United States of America generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time, applied on a basis consistent with the requirements of Section 1.3.

Governmental Authority ” means, with respect to any Person, any foreign governmental authority, the United States of America, any state of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, and any subdivision of any of the foregoing, and any agency, department, commission, board, authority or instrumentality, bureau or court having jurisdiction over such Person.

Guarantors ” means any Person that now or hereafter executes a Guaranty, including (a) the Borrower, (b) the Subsidiaries of the Borrower listed on Schedule 4.11; and (c) each Material Domestic Subsidiary or other Subsidiary that becomes a guarantor of all or a portion of the Secured Obligations and which has entered into either a joinder agreement substantially in the form attached to the Guaranty or a new Guaranty.

Guaranty ” means the Guaranty Agreement executed in substantially the same form as Exhibit C .

Hazardous Substance ” means any substance or material identified as such pursuant to CERCLA and those regulated under any other Environmental Law, including without limitation pollutants, contaminants, petroleum, petroleum products, radionuclides, and radioactive materials.

Hazardous Waste ” means any substance or material regulated or designated as such pursuant to any Environmental Law, including without limitation, pollutants, contaminants, flammable substances and materials, explosives, radioactive materials, oil, petroleum and petroleum products, chemical liquids and solids, polychlorinated biphenyls, asbestos, toxic substances, and similar substances and materials.

Hedge Obligation ” means, with respect to any Guarantor, any obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

Hedging Arrangement ” means a hedge, call, swap, collar, floor, cap, option, forward sale or purchase or other contract or similar arrangement (including any obligations to purchase or sell any commodity or security at a future date for a specific price) which is entered into to reduce or eliminate or otherwise protect against the risk of fluctuations in prices or rates, including interest rates, foreign exchange rates, commodity prices and securities prices.

Interest Expense ” means, for any period and with respect to any Person, total cash interest expense, letter of credit fees and other fees and expenses incurred by such Person in connection with any Debt (including but not limited to Debt under this Agreement) for such period (excluding the arrangement fees and the upfront fees due pursuant to the Fee Letter to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders on or prior to the Effective Date), whether paid or accrued (including that attributable to obligations which have been or should be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as Capital Leases), including, without limitation, all commissions, discounts, and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptance financing, fees owed with respect to the Secured Obligations, and net costs under Hedging Arrangements entered into addressing interest rates, all as determined in conformity with GAAP.

 

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Interest Period ” means for each LIBOR Advance comprising part of the same Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such LIBOR Advance is made or deemed made and ending on the last day of the period selected by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions below and Section 2.4, and thereafter, each subsequent period commencing on the day following the last day of the immediately preceding Interest Period and ending on the last day of the period selected by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions below and Section 2.4. The duration of each such Interest Period shall be one, three, or six months, in each case as the Borrower may select, provided that:

(a) Interest Periods commencing on the same date for Advances comprising part of the same Borrowing shall be of the same duration;

(b) whenever the last day of any Interest Period would otherwise occur on a day other than a Business Day, the last day of such Interest Period shall be extended to occur on the next succeeding Business Day, provided that if such extension would cause the last day of such Interest Period to occur in the next following calendar month, the last day of such Interest Period shall occur on the next preceding Business Day;

(c) any Interest Period which begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month in which it would have ended if there were a numerically corresponding day in such calendar month; and

(d) the Borrower may not select any Interest Period for any Advance which ends after the Maturity Date.

Inventory ” of any Person means all Property of such Person which would, in accordance with GAAP, be required to be classified and accounted for as inventory on the balance sheet of such Person.

Issuing Lender ” means Wells Fargo, in its capacity as the Lender that issues Letters of Credit for the account of any Credit Party pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

Jenkins Bonds ” means the Taxable Industrial Development Revenue Bond (CARBO Ceramics Inc. Project), Series 2012, having a maximum principal amount not to exceed $255,000,000, issued by the Development Authority of Jenkins County.

Jenkins Capital Lease Obligations ” means the Debt under the Capital Lease described in Schedule 6.1.

Legal Requirement ” means any law, statute, ordinance, decree, requirement, order, judgment, rule, regulation (or official interpretation of any of the foregoing) of, and the terms of any license or permit issued by, any Governmental Authority, including, but not limited to, Regulations T, U and X.

Lender Insolvency Event ” means that (a) a Lender or its Parent Company is insolvent, or is generally unable to pay its debts as they become due, or admits in writing its inability to pay its debts as they become due, or makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or (b) such Lender or its Parent Company is the subject of a bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, liquidation or similar proceeding, or a receiver, trustee, conservator, intervenor or sequestrator or the like has been appointed for such Lender or its Parent Company, or such Lender or its Parent Company has taken any action in furtherance of or indicating its consent to or acquiescence in any such proceeding or appointment.

 

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Lenders ” means the Persons listed on the signature pages hereto as Lenders, any other Person that shall have become a Lender hereto pursuant to Section 2.14, and any other Person that shall have become a Lender hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption, but in any event, excluding any such Person that ceases to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “Lenders” includes the Swing Line Lender.

Lending Office ” means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lender’s Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

Letter of Credit ” means any standby or commercial letter of credit issued by the Issuing Lender for the account of a Credit Party pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, in such form as may be agreed by the Borrower and the Issuing Lender.

Letter of Credit Application ” means the Issuing Lender standard form letter of credit application for standby or commercial letters of credit which has been executed by the Borrower and accepted by the Issuing Lender in connection with the issuance of a Letter of Credit.

Letter of Credit Documents ” means all Letters of Credit, Letter of Credit Applications and amendments thereof, and agreements, documents, and instruments entered into in connection therewith or relating thereto.

Letter of Credit Exposure ” means, at the date of its determination by the Administrative Agent, the aggregate outstanding undrawn amount of Letters of Credit plus the aggregate unpaid amount of all of the Borrower’s payment obligations under drawn Letters of Credit.

Letter of Credit Maximum Amount ” means $5,000,000; provided that, on and after the Maturity Date, the Letter of Credit Maximum Amount shall be zero.

Letter of Credit Obligations ” means any obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement in connection with the Letters of Credit.

Leverage Ratio ” means, as of the end of each fiscal quarter, the ratio of (a) all consolidated Debt of the Borrower as of the last day of such fiscal quarter to (b) the Borrower’s consolidated EBITDA for the four-fiscal quarter period then ended.

LIBOR Advance ” means an Advance that bears interest based upon the LIBO Rate (other than Advances that bear interest based upon the Daily One Month LIBOR).

LIBO Base Rate ” means (a) in determining LIBO Rate for purposes of the “Daily One Month LIBOR”, the rate per annum for Dollar deposits quoted by the Administrative Agent for the purpose of calculating effective rates of interest for loans making reference to the “Daily One-Month LIBOR”, as the inter-bank offered rate in effect from time to time for delivery of funds for one (1) month in amounts approximately equal to the principal amount of the applicable Advances; provided that, the Administrative Agent may base its quotation of the inter-bank offered rate upon such offers or other market indicators of the inter-bank market as the Administrative Agent in its discretion deems appropriate including, but not limited to, the rate determined under the following clause (b), and (b) in determining LIBO Rate for all other purposes, the rate per annum (rounded upward to the nearest whole multiple of 1/8th of 1%) equal to the interest rate per annum set forth on the Reuters Reference LIBOR1 page as the London Interbank Offered Rate, for deposits in Dollars at 11:00 a.m. (London, England time) two Business Days before the first day of the applicable Interest Period and for a period equal to such Interest

 

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Period; provided that, if such quotation is not available for any reason, then for purposes of this clause (b), LIBO Base Rate shall then be the rate 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 immediately available funds in the approximate amount of the Advances being made, continued or converted by the Lenders and with a term equivalent to such Interest Period would be offered by the Administrative Agent’s London Branch (or other branch or Affiliate of the Administrative Agent) to major banks in the London or other offshore inter-bank market for Dollars at their request at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; provided further that , if the rate determined under the preceding clause (a) or clause (b) is less than zero, than “LIBO Base Rate” shall be deemed to be zero for such determination.

LIBO Rate ” means a rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent pursuant to the following formula:

 

LIBO Rate =   

LIBO Base Rate

  
           1.00 – LIBO Reserve Percentage           

Where,

LIBO Reserve Percentage ” means, as of any day, the reserve percentage (expressed as a decimal, carried out to five decimal places) in effect on such day, whether or not applicable to any Lender, under regulations issued from time to time by the Federal Reserve Board for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including any emergency, supplemental or other marginal reserve requirement) with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency Liabilities. The LIBO Rate for each outstanding Advance shall be adjusted automatically as of the effective date of any change in the LIBO Reserve Percentage.

Lien ” means any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, deed of trust, security interest, or encumbrance to secure or provide for the payment of any obligation of any Person, whether arising by contract, operation of law, or otherwise (including the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, Capital Lease, or other title retention agreement).

Liquid Investments ” means (a) readily marketable direct full faith and credit obligations of the United States of America or obligations unconditionally guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America; (b) commercial paper issued by (i) any Lender or any Affiliate of any Lender or (ii) any commercial banking institutions or corporations rated at least P-1 by Moody’s or A-1 by S&P; (c) certificates of deposit, time deposits, and bankers’ acceptances issued by (i) any of the Lenders or (ii) any other commercial banking institution which is a member of the Federal Reserve System and has a combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $250,000,000 and rated Aa by Moody’s or AA by S&P; (d) repurchase agreements which are entered into with any of the Lenders or any major money center banks included in the commercial banking institutions described in clause (c) and which are secured by readily marketable direct full faith and credit obligations of the government of the United States of America or any agency thereof; (e) investments in any money market fund which holds investments substantially of the type described in the foregoing clauses (a) through (d); and (f) other investments made through the Administrative Agent or its Affiliates and approved by the Administrative Agent. All the Liquid Investments described in clauses (a) through (d) above shall have maturities of not more than 365 days from the date of issue.

Liquidity ” means, as of any date of determination, the sum of (a) an amount equal to (i) the aggregate Commitments in effect at such time, minus (ii) the Outstandings, plus (b) Unrestricted Cash.

 

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Maintenance Capital Expenditure ” means Capital Expenditures made by any Credit Party to maintain the operations of any Credit Party at current levels; provided however, the parties acknowledge that Capital Expenditures made to replace equipment or to extend the life of fixed assets shall constitute Maintenance Capital Expenditures.

Majority Lenders ” means (a) other than as provided in clause (b) below, two or more Lenders (other than Lenders that are at such time Defaulting Lenders) holding at least 51% of the sum of (i) the aggregate unfunded Revolving Commitments (excluding the Revolving Commitments of Lenders that are at such time Defaulting Lenders) at such time plus (ii) the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Revolving Notes (with the aggregate amount of each Lender’s risk participation and funded participation in the Letter of Credit Exposure and Swing Line Advances being deemed as unpaid principal under such Lender’s Revolving Note but excluding the pro rata shares thereof for any Lender that is at such time a Defaulting Lender) and (b) at any time when there is only one Lender or there is only one Lender that is not then a Defaulting Lender, such Lender.

Material Adverse Change ” means a material adverse change (a) in the business, financial condition, properties or results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; (b) on the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents; or (c) on any Credit Party’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement, any Note, the Guaranties or any other Credit Document.

Material Domestic Subsidiary ” means, as of any fiscal quarter end, any Domestic Subsidiary that (a) has operating income equal to or greater than 10% of the Borrower’s consolidated operating income, in each case, for the four-fiscal quarter period then ended, or (b) has book value of total assets equal to or greater than 10% of the Borrower’s consolidated book value of total assets, in each case under clauses (a) and (b) above, as established in accordance with GAAP and as reflected in the financial statements covering such fiscal quarter and delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant hereto.

Maturity Date ” means the earlier of (a) December 31, 2018 and (b) the earlier termination in whole of the Revolving Commitments pursuant to Section 2.1(b)(i) or Article 7.

Maximum Exposure Amount ” means, at any time for each Lender, the sum of (a) the unfunded Revolving Commitment held by such Lender at such time; plus (b) the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Revolving Note held by such Lender at such time, (with the aggregate amount of such Lender’s risk participation and funded participation in the Letter of Credit Exposure and Swing Line Advances being deemed as unpaid principal under such Lender’s Revolving Note).

Maximum Rate ” means the maximum nonusurious interest rate under applicable law.

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto which is a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

Multiemployer Plan ” means a “multiemployer plan” as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group is making or accruing an obligation to make contributions.

Net Income ” means, for any period and with respect to any Person, the net income for such period for such Person after taxes as determined in accordance with GAAP, excluding, however, (a) extraordinary items, including (i) any net non-cash gain or loss during such period arising from the sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition of capital assets (such term to include all fixed assets and all securities) other than in the ordinary course of business, and (ii) any write-up or write-down of assets

 

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and (b) the cumulative effect of any change in GAAP; provided that, for purposes of this Agreement, “Net Income” shall not include any net income generated from either the Jenkins Bonds or the Wilkinson Bonds.

Net Total Assets ” means, as of any date of determination and without duplication (a) 70% of Receivables of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries (as reflected on the most recent balance sheet furnished to the Lenders hereunder), plus (b) 40% of the value of Inventory of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries (as reflected on the most recent balance sheet furnished to the Lenders hereunder), plus (c) 100% of Unrestricted Cash minus (d) consolidated current liabilities of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (other than (i) Secured Obligations hereunder and (ii) unrealized net losses in the fair market value of any arrangements under Hedging Arrangements, but including any losses attributable to the early extinguishment or conversion of arrangements under Hedging Arrangements or other derivative instruments, in each case, which constitute current liabilities).

Net Worth ” means, with respect to any Person as of any date of determination, the excess of the assets of such Person over the sum of the liabilities of such Person and the minority interests of such Person, as determined in accordance with GAAP.

Non-Material Domestic Subsidiary ” means any Domestic Subsidiary other than a Material Domestic Subsidiary.

Nonordinary Course Asset Sales ” means any sales, conveyances, or other transfers of Property made by any Credit Party (a) of any division of any Credit Party, (b) of the Equity Interest in any direct or indirect Subsidiary or (c) outside the ordinary course of business of such Credit Party, whether in a transaction or related series of transactions.

Notes ” means the Revolving Notes and the Swing Line Note.

Notice of Borrowing ” means a notice of borrowing signed by the Borrower in substantially the same form as Exhibit D .

Notice of Continuation or Conversion ” means a notice of continuation or conversion signed by the Borrower in substantially the same form as Exhibit E .

Obligations ” means all principal, interest (including post-petition interest), fees, reimbursements, indemnifications, and other amounts now or hereafter owed by any of the Credit Parties to the Lenders, the Swing Line Lender, the Issuing Lender, or the Administrative Agent under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, including, the Letter of Credit Obligations, and any increases, extensions, and rearrangements of those obligations under any amendments, supplements, and other modifications of the documents and agreements creating those obligations.

OFAC ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.20(b).

Other Taxes ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.13(b).

Outstandings ” means the sum of (a) the outstanding amount of all Revolving Advances plus (b) the outstanding amount of all Swing Line Advances plus (c) the Letter of Credit Exposure.

Parent Company ” means, with respect to a Lender, the bank holding company (as defined in Federal Reserve Board Regulation Y), if any, of such Lender, and/or any Person owning, beneficially or of record, directly or indirectly, a majority of the shares of such Lender.

 

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Patriot Act ” means the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)).

PBGC ” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any entity succeeding to any or all of its functions under ERISA.

Permitted Debt ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.

Permitted Investments ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.

Permitted Liens ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2.

Person ” means an individual, partnership, corporation (including a business trust), joint stock company, trust, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, unincorporated association, joint venture, or other entity, or a government or any political subdivision or agency thereof, or any trustee, receiver, custodian, or similar official.

Plan ” means an employee benefit plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) maintained for employees of the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group and covered by Title IV of ERISA or subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Code.

Prime Rate ” means the per annum rate of interest established from time to time by the Administrative Agent at its principal office in San Francisco as its prime rate, which rate may not be the lowest rate of interest charged by such Lender to its customers.

Potential Defaulting Lender ” means, at any time, a Lender (a) as to which the Administrative Agent has notified the Borrower that an event of the kind referred to in the definition of “Lender Insolvency Event” has occurred and is continuing in respect of any Subsidiary of such Lender, (b) as to which the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Lender has in good faith determined and notified the Borrower (and in the case of the Issuing Lender the Administrative Agent) that such Lender or its Parent Company or a Subsidiary thereof has notified the Administrative Agent, or has stated publicly, that it will not comply with its funding obligations under any other loan agreement or credit agreement or other financing agreement or (c) that has, or whose Parent Company has, a non-investment grade rating from Moody’s or S&P or another nationally recognized rating agency. Any determination that a Lender is a Potential Defaulting Lender will be made by the Administrative Agent or, in the case of clause (b), the Issuing Lender, as the case may be, in its sole discretion acting in good faith. The Administrative Agent will promptly send to all parties hereto a copy of any notice to the Borrower provided for in this definition.

Property ” of any Person means any property or assets (whether real, personal, or mixed, tangible or intangible) of such Person.

Qualified ECP Guarantor ” means, in respect of any Hedge Obligation, each Guarantor that has total assets exceeding $10,000,000 at the time the relevant guaranty or grant of the relevant security interest becomes effective with respect to such Hedge Obligation or such other person as constitutes an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and can cause another person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” at such time by entering into a keepwell under Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

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Receivables ” of any Person means, at any date of determination thereof, all Property of such Person which would, in accordance with GAAP, be required to be classified and accounted for as accounts receivable on the balance sheet of such Person.

Register ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.7(b).

Regulations T, U, and X ” means Regulations T, U, and X of the Federal Reserve Board, as each is from time to time in effect, and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

Release ” shall have the meaning set forth in CERCLA or under any other Environmental Law.

Response ” shall have the meaning set forth in CERCLA or under any other Environmental Law.

Reportable Event ” means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA (other than any such event not subject to the provision for 30-day notice to the PBGC under the regulations issued under such section).

Responsible Officer ” means (a) with respect to any Person that is a corporation, such Person’s chief financial officer, treasurer or controller, (b) with respect to any Person that is a limited liability company, if such Person has officers, then such Person’s chief financial officer, treasurer or controller, and if such Person is managed by members, then a chief financial officer, treasurer or controller of such Person’s managing member, and if such Person is managed by managers, then a manager (if such manager is an individual) or a Responsible Officer of such manager (if such manager is an entity), and (c) with respect to any Person that is a general partnership, limited partnership or a limited liability partnership, the Responsible Officer of such Person’s general partner or partners.

Restricted Payment ” means, with respect to any Person, (a) any direct or indirect dividend or distribution (whether in cash, securities or other Property) or any direct or indirect payment of any kind or character (whether in cash, securities or other Property) in consideration for or otherwise in connection with any Equity Interest of such Person, including in connection with any retirement, purchase, redemption or other acquisition of such Equity Interest, or any options, warrants or rights to purchase or acquire any such Equity Interest or (b) principal or interest payments (in cash, Property or otherwise) on, or redemption of, subordinated debt of such Person; provided that the term “Restricted Payment” shall not include any dividend, distribution, repurchase or redemption payable solely in common Equity Interests or from the proceeds of the contemporaneous issuance of additional common Equity Interests of such Person or warrants, options or other rights to purchase such common Equity Interests.

Revolving Advance ” means any advance by a Lender to the Borrower as part of a Revolving Borrowing.

Revolving Borrowing ” means a Borrowing consisting of simultaneous Revolving Advances of the same Type made by the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.1(a) or Converted by each Lender to Revolving Advances of a different Type pursuant to Section 2.4(b).

Revolving Commitment ” means, for each Lender, the obligation of each Lender to advance to Borrower the amount set opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule II as its Revolving Commitment, or if such Lender has entered into any Assignment and Acceptance, set forth for such Lender as its Revolving Commitment in the Register, as such amount may be reduced pursuant to Section 2.1(b)(i); provided that, after the Maturity Date, the Revolving Commitment for each Lender shall be zero. The initial aggregate Revolving Commitment on the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date is $90,000,000.

 

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Revolving Loan ” means the aggregate principal from a Lender which represents such Lender’s ratable share of a Revolving Borrowing.

Revolving Note ” means a promissory note of the Borrower payable to the order of a Lender in the amount of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment, in substantially the same form as Exhibit F -1 , evidencing indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from Revolving Advances owing to such Lender.

Revolving Pro Rata Share ” means, at any time with respect to any Lender, (a) the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment at such time to the aggregate Revolving Commitments at such time, or (b) if all of the Revolving Commitments have been terminated, the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of such Lender’s aggregate outstanding Revolving Advances at such time to the total aggregate outstanding Revolving Advances at such time.

Sanctions ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.20(b).

SEC ” means, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Secured Obligations ” means (a) the Obligations, (b) the Banking Services Obligations, (c) the Secured Swap Obligations, and (d) Bilateral Obligations, but in any event, excluding Excluded Swap Obligations.

Secured Swap Obligations ” means any and all obligations owing by any Credit Party (whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising) to any Secured Swap Provider under any Hedging Arrangement between any Credit Party and such Secured Swap Provider, in each case, after giving effect to all netting arrangements relating to such Hedging Arrangement; provided that if such Secured Swap Provider ceases to be a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender hereunder, Secured Swap Obligations shall only include such obligations to the extent arising from transactions and confirmations entered into under Hedging Arrangements at any time such Secured Swap Provider was a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender hereunder (including transactions and confirmations entered into under Hedging Arrangements in effect on the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date), without giving effect to any extension, increases, or modifications thereof which are made after such Secured Swap Provider ceases to be a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender hereunder.

Secured Swap Provider ” means any Person that is a party to a Hedging Arrangement with any Credit Party if (a) at the time such Hedging Arrangement was entered into or assumed, such Person was a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender hereunder, even if such Person subsequently ceases to be a Lender (or an Affiliate thereof) for any reason or (b) such Hedging Arrangement was in effect on the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date and such Person or an Affiliate of such Person was a Lender on the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date, even if such Person subsequently ceases to be a Lender (or an Affiliate thereof) for any reason.

Secured Parties ” means the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lender, the Lenders, the Secured Swap Providers and Banking Services Providers.

Security Agreement ” means the Pledge and Security Agreement among the Credit Parties and the Administrative Agent in such form acceptable to the Administrative Agent.

 

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Security Documents ” means, collectively, the Security Agreement, and any and all other instruments, documents or agreements, now or hereafter executed by any Credit Party or any other Person to secure the Secured Obligations.

S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s Rating Agency Group, a division of McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or any successor thereof which is a national credit rating organization.

Solvent ” means, as to any Person, on the date of any determination (a) the fair value of the Property of such Person is greater than the total amount of debts and other liabilities (including without limitation, contingent liabilities) of such Person, (b) the present fair salable value of the assets of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts and other liabilities (including, without limitation, contingent liabilities) as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person is able to realize upon its assets and pay its debts and other liabilities (including, without limitation, contingent liabilities) 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 or liabilities (including, without limitation, contingent liabilities) beyond such Person’s ability to pay as such debts and liabilities mature, (e) such Person is not engaged in, and is not about to engage in, business or a transaction for which such Person’s Property would constitute unreasonably small capital, and (f) such Person has not transferred, concealed or removed any Property with intent to hinder, delay or defraud any creditor of such Person.

Subject Lender ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person (the “ holder ”) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the holder in the holder’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 majority of whose outstanding Voting Securities shall at any time be owned by the holder or one more Subsidiaries of the holder. Unless expressly provided otherwise, all references herein and in any other Credit Document to any “Subsidiary” or “Subsidiaries” means a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Borrower.

Swing Line Advance ” means an advance by the Swing Line Lender to the Borrower as part of a Swing Line Borrowing.

Swing Line Borrowing ” means the Borrowing consisting of a Swing Line Advance made by the Swing Line Lender pursuant to Section 2.3 or, if an AutoBorrow Agreement is in effect, any transfer of funds pursuant to such AutoBorrow Agreement.

Swing Line Sublimit Amount ” means $5,000,000; provided that, on and after the Maturity Date, the Swing Line Sublimit Amount shall be zero.

Swing Line Lender ” means Wells Fargo.

Swing Line Note ” means the promissory note made by the Borrower payable to the order of the Swing Line Lender evidencing the indebtedness of the Borrower to the Swing Line Lender resulting from Swing Line Advances in substantially the same form as Exhibit F-2 .

Swing Line Payment Date ” means (a) if an AutoBorrow Agreement is in effect, the earliest to occur of (i) the date required by such AutoBorrow Agreement, (ii) demand is made by the Swing Line Lender and (iii) the Maturity Date, or (b) if an AutoBorrow Agreement is not in effect, the earlier to occur of (i) three (3) Business Days after demand is made by the Swing Line Lender if no Default exists, and otherwise upon demand by the Swing Line Lender and (ii) the Maturity Date.

 

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Tangible Net Worth ” means, as to the Borrower, (i) the consolidated shareholder’s (or other type of equity holder’s) equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (determined in accordance with GAAP), less (ii) the amount of consolidated intangible assets (as defined under GAAP) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

Taxes ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.13(a).

Termination Event ” means (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Plan, (b) the withdrawal of the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group from a Plan during a plan year in which it was a “substantial employer” as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA, (c) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate a Plan or the treatment of a Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041(c) of ERISA, (d) the institution of proceedings to terminate a Plan by the PBGC, or (e) any other event or condition which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Plan.

Treasury Management Arrangement ” means any agreement or other arrangement governing the provision of treasury or cash management services, including deposit accounts, overdraft, credit or debit card, funds transfer, automated clearinghouse, zero balance accounts, returned check concentration, controlled disbursement, lockbox, account reconciliation and reporting and trade finance services and other cash management services

Type ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.4.

Unrestricted Cash ” means, as of any date of determination, the readily and immediately available cash that would not appear as “restricted” on the balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and held in deposit accounts of any Credit Party (other than the Cash Collateral Account) on such date; provided that, such deposit accounts and the funds therein shall be unencumbered and free and clear of all Liens and other third party rights other than (a) a Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent pursuant to Security Documents and (b) a Lien in favor of the depositary institution holding such deposit accounts arising solely by virtue of such depositary institution’s standard account documentation or any statutory or common law provision relating to banker’s liens, rights of set-off or similar rights and remedies and burdening only such deposit accounts.

Voting Securities ” means (a) with respect to any corporation, capital stock of the corporation having general voting power under ordinary circumstances to elect directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether at the time stock of any other class or classes shall have or might have special voting power or rights by reason of the happening of any contingency), (b) with respect to any partnership, any partnership interest or other ownership interest having general voting power to elect the general partner or other management of the partnership or other Person, and (c) with respect to any limited liability company, membership certificates or interests having general voting power under ordinary circumstances to elect managers of such limited liability company.

Wells Fargo ” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

Wilkinson Bonds ” means the Taxable Industrial Development Revenue Bond (Carbo Ceramics Inc. Project), Series 2008, having a maximum principal amount not to exceed $410,000,000, issued by the Development Authority of Wilkinson County.

 

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Wilkinson Capital Lease Obligations ” means the Debt under the Capital Lease described in Schedule 6.1.

Section 1.2 Computation of Time Periods . In this Agreement in the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including” and the words “to” and “until” each means “to but excluding”.

Section 1.3 Accounting Terms; Changes in GAAP .

(a) All accounting terms not specifically defined in this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis with those applied in the preparation of the financial statements delivered to the Administrative Agent for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008 as required under Section 5.2.

(b) Unless otherwise indicated, all financial statements of the Borrower, all calculations for compliance with covenants in this Agreement, all determinations of the Applicable Margin, and all calculations of any amounts to be calculated under the definitions in Section 1.1 shall be based upon the consolidated accounts of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP and consistent with the principles of consolidation applied in preparing the Borrower’s financial statements referred to in Section 4.4.

(c) If at any time any change in GAAP would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Credit Document, and either the Borrower or the Majority Lenders shall so request, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP (subject to the approval of the Majority Lenders); provided that , until so amended, (i) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein and (ii) the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP.

Section 1.4 Classes and Types of Advances . Advances are distinguished by “Class” and “Type”. The “Class” of an Advance refers to the determination of whether such Advance is a Revolving Advance or a Swing Line Advance. The “Type” of an Advance refers to the determination of whether such Advance is a Base Rate Advance or a LIBOR Advance.

Section 1.5 Miscellaneous . Article, Section, Schedule, and Exhibit references are to this Agreement, unless otherwise specified. All references to instruments, documents, contracts, and agreements (including this Agreement) are references to such instruments, documents, contracts, and agreements as the same may be amended, supplemented, and otherwise modified from time to time, unless otherwise specified and shall include all schedules and exhibits thereto unless otherwise specified. Any reference herein to any law shall be construed as referring to such law as amended, modified, codified or reenacted, in whole or in part, and in effect from time to time. Any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns (subject to the restrictions contained herein). The words “hereof”, “herein”, and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. The term “including” means “including, without limitation,”. Paragraph headings have been inserted in this Agreement as a matter of convenience for reference only and it is agreed that such paragraph headings are not a part of this Agreement and shall not be used in the interpretation of any provision of this Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE 2

CREDIT FACILITIES

Section 2.1 Revolving Commitments .

(a) Revolving Commitment . Each Lender severally agrees, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, to make Revolving Advances to the Borrower from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the Effective Date until the Maturity Date; provided that after giving effect to such Revolving Advances, the Outstandings shall not exceed the aggregate Revolving Commitments in effect at such time. Each Revolving Borrowing shall (A) if comprised of Base Rate Advances be in an aggregate amount not less than $100,000 and in integral multiples of $100,000 in excess thereof, (B) if comprised of LIBOR Advances be in an aggregate amount not less than $200,000 and in integral multiples of $100,000 in excess thereof, and (C) consist of Revolving Advances of the same Type made on the same day by the Lenders ratably according to their respective Revolving Commitments. Within the limits of each Lender’s Revolving Commitment, the Borrower may from time to time borrow, prepay pursuant to Section 2.5, and reborrow under this Section 2.1(a).

(b) Reduction of the Commitments .

(i) Revolving Commitments . The Borrower shall have the right, upon at least three Business Days’ irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent, to terminate in whole or reduce in part the unused portion of the Revolving Commitments; provided that each partial reduction shall be in a minimum amount of $200,000 and in integral multiples of $100,000 in excess thereof. Other than as provided in Section 2.1(b)(ii) below, any reduction or termination of the Commitments pursuant to this Section 2.1(a)(i) shall be applied ratably to each Lender’s Revolving Commitment and shall be permanent, with no obligation of the Lenders to reinstate such Revolving Commitments, and the Commitment Fees shall thereafter be computed on the basis of the aggregate Revolving Commitments, as so reduced. If there are no outstanding Revolving Commitments, Letters of Credit, expenses, fees or any other amounts owing pursuant to any Credit Document, the Borrower shall have the right, upon at least one Business Day’s notice to the Administrative Agent, to terminate this Agreement except the terms hereof which expressly state that such terms survive the termination of this Agreement or the termination of the Revolving Commitments.

(ii) Defaulting Lender . At any time when a Lender is then a Defaulting Lender, the Borrower, at the Borrower’s election, may terminate such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment hereunder; provided that (A) such termination must be of the Defaulting Lender’s entire Revolving Commitment, (B) the Borrower shall pay all amounts owed by the Borrower to such Defaulting Lender in such Lender’s capacity as a Lender under this Agreement and under the other Credit Documents (including principal of and interest on the Revolving Advances owed to such Defaulting Lender, accrued commitment fees (subject to Section 2.7(a)), and letter of credit fees but specifically excluding any amounts owing under Section 2.10 as result of such payment of Revolving Advances) and shall deposit with the Administrative Agent into the Cash Collateral Account cash collateral in the amount equal to such Defaulting Lender’s ratable share of the Letter of Credit Exposure, (C) a Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment may be terminated by the Borrower under this Section 2.1(b)(ii) if and only if at such time, the Borrower has elected, or is then electing, to terminate the Revolving Commitments of all then existing Defaulting Lenders. Upon written notice to the Defaulting Lender and Administrative Agent of the Borrower’s election to terminate a Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment pursuant to this clause (ii) and the payment and deposit of amounts required to be made by the Borrower

 

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under clause (B) above, (1) such Defaulting Lender shall cease to be a “Lender” hereunder for all purposes except that such Lender’s rights as a Lender under Sections 2.11, 2.13, 8.5 and 9.2 shall continue with respect to events and occurrences occurring before or concurrently with its ceasing to be a “Lender” hereunder, (2) such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment shall be deemed terminated, and (3) such Defaulting Lender shall be relieved of its obligations hereunder as a “Lender”.

(c) Notes . The indebtedness of the Borrower to each Lender resulting (i) from Revolving Advances owing to such Lender shall be evidenced by a Revolving Note and (ii) from Swing Line Advances owing to the Swing Line Lender, as set forth in Section 2.3 below, shall be evidenced by a Swing Line Note.

Section 2.2 Letters of Credit

(a) Commitment for Letters of Credit . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Issuing Lender agrees, in reliance upon the agreements of the other Lenders set forth in this Section 2.2, from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the Effective Date until the date that is 10 days prior to the Maturity Date, to issue, increase or extend the expiration date of, Letters of Credit for the account of any Credit Party, provided that no Letter of Credit will be issued, increased, or extended:

(i) if such issuance, increase, or extension would cause the Letter of Credit Exposure to exceed the lesser of (A) the Letter of Credit Maximum Amount and (B) an amount equal to (1) the aggregate Revolving Commitments in effect at such time minus (2) the sum of the aggregate outstanding amount of all Revolving Advances plus the aggregate outstanding amount of all Swing Line Advances;

(ii) unless such Letter of Credit has an expiration date not later than 10 days prior to the Maturity Date; provided that, if Revolving Commitments are terminated in whole pursuant to Section 2.1(b)(i), the Borrower shall, at its election, either (A) deposit into the Cash Collateral Account cash in an amount equal to 105% of the Letter of Credit Exposure for the Letters of Credit which have an expiry date beyond the Maturity Date or (B) provide a replacement letter of credit (or other security) reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Lender in an amount equal to 105% of the Letter of Credit Exposure;

(iii) unless such Letter of Credit is (A) a standby letter of credit not supporting the repayment of indebtedness for borrowed money of any Person, or (B) with the consent of the Issuing Lender (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) and so long as the Borrower as agreed to such additional reasonable fees which may apply, a commercial letter of credit;

(iv) unless such Letter of Credit is in form and substance acceptable to the Issuing Lender in its sole discretion;

(v) unless the Borrower has delivered to the Issuing Lender a completed and executed Letter of Credit Application; provided that, if the terms of any Letter of Credit Application conflicts with the terms of this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall control;

(vi) unless such Letter of Credit is governed by (A) the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (2007 Revision), International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 600, or (B) the International Standby Practices (ISP98), International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 590, in either case, including any subsequent revisions thereof approved by a Congress of the International Chamber of Commerce and adhered to by the Issuing Lender;

 

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(vii) if any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain the Issuing Lender from issuing, increasing or extending such Letter of Credit, or any Legal Requirement applicable to the Issuing Lender or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over the Issuing Lender shall prohibit, or request that the Issuing Lender refrain from, the issuance, increase or extension of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon the Issuing Lender with respect to such Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which the Issuing Lender is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Effective Date, or shall impose upon the Issuing Lender any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Effective Date and which the Issuing Lender in good faith deems material to it;

(viii) if the issuance, increase or extension of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of the Issuing Lender applicable to letters of credit generally;

(ix) if Letter of Credit is to be denominated in a currency other than Dollars; or

(x) any Lender is at such time a Defaulting Lender or a Potential Defaulting Lender hereunder, unless the Issuing Lender has entered into satisfactory arrangements with the Borrower or such Lender to eliminate the Issuing Lender’s risk with respect to such Lender.

Furthermore, anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Issuing Lender may, but shall not be obligated to, issue or cause the issuance of a Letter of Credit that supports the obligations of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries in respect of (1) a lease of real property, or (2) an employment contract.

(b) Requesting Letters of Credit . Each Letter of Credit shall be issued pursuant to a Letter of Credit Application given by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Issuing Lender by facsimile or other writing not later than 11:00 a.m. (Houston, Texas, time) on the third Business Day before the proposed date of issuance for the Letter of Credit. Each Letter of Credit Application shall be fully completed and shall specify the information required therein. Each Letter of Credit Application shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Issuing Lender shall before 2:00 p.m. (Houston, Texas, time) on the date of such Letter of Credit issue such Letter of Credit to the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit.

(c) Reimbursements for Letters of Credit; Funding of Participations .

(i) With respect to any Letter of Credit, in accordance with the related Letter of Credit Application, the Borrower agrees to pay on demand to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Issuing Lender an amount equal to any amount paid by the Issuing Lender under such Letter of Credit. Upon the Issuing Lender’s demand for payment under the terms of a Letter of Credit Application, the Borrower may, with a written notice, request that the Borrower’s obligations to the Issuing Lender thereunder be satisfied with the proceeds of a Revolving Advance in the same amount (notwithstanding any minimum size or increment limitations on individual Revolving Advances). If the Borrower does not make such request and does not otherwise make the payments demanded by the Issuing Lender as required under this Agreement or the Letter of Credit Application, then the Borrower shall be deemed for all purposes of this Agreement to have requested such a Revolving Advance in the same amount and the transfer of the proceeds thereof to satisfy the Borrower’s obligations to the Issuing Lender, and the Borrower

 

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hereby unconditionally and irrevocably authorizes, empowers, and directs the Lenders to make such Revolving Advance, to transfer the proceeds thereof to the Issuing Lender in satisfaction of such obligations, and to record and otherwise treat such payments as a Revolving Advance to the Borrower. The Administrative Agent and each Lender may record and otherwise treat the making of such Revolving Borrowings as the making of a Revolving Borrowing to the Borrower under this Agreement as if requested by the Borrower. Nothing herein is intended to release any of the Borrower’s obligations under any Letter of Credit Application, but only to provide an additional method of payment therefor. The making of any Borrowing under this Section 2.2(c) shall not constitute a cure or waiver of any Default, other than the payment Default which is satisfied by the application of the amounts deemed advanced hereunder, caused by the Borrower’s failure to comply with the provisions of this Agreement or the Letter of Credit Application.

(ii) Each Lender (including the Lender acting as Issuing Lender) shall, upon notice from the Administrative Agent that the Borrower has requested or is deemed to have requested a Revolving Advance pursuant to Section 2.4 and regardless of whether (A) the conditions in Section 3.2 have been met, (B) such notice complies with Section 2.4, or (C) a Default exists, make funds available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Issuing Lender in an amount equal to such Lender’s Revolving Pro Rata Share of the amount of such Revolving Advance not later than 1:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in such notice by the Administrative Agent, whereupon each Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Revolving Advance to the Borrower in such amount. The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the Issuing Lender.

(iii) If any such Lender shall not have so made its Revolving Advance available to the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 2.2, such Lender agrees to pay interest thereon for each day from such date until the date such amount is paid at the lesser of (A) the Federal Funds Rate for such day for the first three days and thereafter the interest rate applicable to the Revolving Advance and (B) the Maximum Rate. Whenever, at any time after the Administrative Agent has received from any Lender such Lender’s Revolving Advance, the Administrative Agent receives any payment on account thereof, the Administrative Agent will pay to such Lender its participating interest in such amount (appropriately adjusted, in the case of interest payments, to reflect the period of time during which such Lender’s Revolving Advance was outstanding and funded), which payment shall be subject to repayment by such Lender if such payment received by the Administrative Agent is required to be returned. Each Lender’s obligation to make the Revolving Advance pursuant to this Section 2.2 shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (1) any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender or any other Person may have against the Issuing Lender, the Administrative Agent or any other Person for any reason whatsoever; (2) the occurrence or continuance of a Default or the termination of the Revolving Commitments; (3) any breach of this Agreement by any Credit Party or any other Lender; or (4) any other circumstance, happening or event whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing.

(d) Participations . Upon the date of the issuance or increase of a Letter of Credit under Section 2.2(a), the Issuing Lender shall be deemed to have sold to each other Lender and each other Lender shall have been deemed to have purchased from the Issuing Lender a participation in the related Letter of Credit Obligations equal to such Lender’s Revolving Pro Rata Share at such date and such sale and purchase shall otherwise be in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The Issuing Lender shall promptly notify each such participant Lender by telex, telephone, or telecopy of each Letter of Credit issued or increased and the actual dollar amount of such Lender’s participation in such Letter of Credit.

 

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(e) Obligations Unconditional . The obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement in respect of each Letter of Credit shall be unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances, notwithstanding the following circumstances:

(i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit Documents;

(ii) any amendment or waiver of or any consent to departure from any Letter of Credit Documents;

(iii) the existence of any claim, set-off, defense or other right which any Credit Party may have at any time against any beneficiary or transferee of such Letter of Credit (or any Persons for whom any such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), the Issuing Lender, any Lender or any other person or entity, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated in this Agreement or in any Letter of Credit Documents or any unrelated transaction;

(iv) any statement or any other document presented under such Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect to the extent the Issuing Lender would not be liable therefor pursuant to the following paragraph (g);

(v) payment by the Issuing Lender under such Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or certificate which does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; or

(vi) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing;

provided , however, that nothing contained in this paragraph (e) shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of any remedies of the Borrower in connection with the Letters of Credit.

(f) Prepayments of Letters of Credit . In the event that any Letter of Credit shall be outstanding or shall be drawn and not reimbursed on or prior to the 5 th Business Day prior to the Maturity Date, the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to 105% of the Letter of Credit Exposure allocable to such Letter of Credit, such amount to be due and payable on the 5 th Business Day prior to the Maturity Date, and to be held in the Cash Collateral Account and applied in accordance with paragraph (h) below.

(g) Liability of Issuing Lender . The Borrower assumes all risks of the acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee of any Letter of Credit with respect to its use of such Letter of Credit. Neither the Issuing Lender nor any of its officers or directors shall be liable or responsible for:

(i) the use which may be made of any Letter of Credit or any acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee in connection therewith;

(ii) the validity, sufficiency or genuineness of documents, or of any endorsement thereon, even if such documents should prove to be in any or all respects invalid, insufficient, fraudulent or forged;

 

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(iii) payment by the Issuing Lender against presentation of documents which do not comply with the terms of a Letter of Credit, including failure of any documents to bear any reference or adequate reference to the relevant Letter of Credit; or

(iv) any other circumstances whatsoever in making or failing to make payment under any Letter of Credit ( INCLUDING THE ISSUING LENDER’S OWN NEGLIGENCE ),

except that the Borrower shall have a claim against the Issuing Lender, and the Issuing Lender shall be liable to, and shall promptly pay to, the Borrower, to the extent of any direct, as opposed to consequential, damages suffered by the Borrower which the Borrower proves were caused by (A) the Issuing Lender’s willful misconduct or gross negligence in determining whether documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit or (B) the Issuing Lender’s willful failure to make lawful payment under any Letter of Credit after the presentation to it of a draft and certificate strictly complying with the terms and conditions of such Letter of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, the Issuing Lender may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order, without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary.

(h) Cash Collateral Account .

(i) If the Borrower is required to deposit funds in the Cash Collateral Account pursuant to Sections 2.2(f), 2.2(i), 2.5(c), 7.2(b) or 7.3(b), then the Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall establish the Cash Collateral Account and the Borrower shall execute any documents and agreements, including the Administrative Agent’s standard form assignment of deposit accounts, that the Administrative Agent reasonably requests in connection therewith to establish the Cash Collateral Account and grant the Administrative Agent an Acceptable Security Interest in such account and the funds therein. The Borrower hereby pledges to the Administrative Agent and grants the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in the Cash Collateral Account, whenever established, all funds held in the Cash Collateral Account from time to time, and all proceeds thereof as security for the payment of the Secured Obligations.

(ii) Funds held in the Cash Collateral Account shall be held as cash collateral for obligations with respect to Letters of Credit and promptly applied by the Administrative Agent at the request of the Issuing Lender to any reimbursement or other obligations under Letters of Credit that exist or occur. To the extent that any surplus funds are held in the Cash Collateral Account above the Letter of Credit Exposure during the existence of an Event of Default the Administrative Agent may (A) hold such surplus funds in the Cash Collateral Account as cash collateral for the Secured Obligations or (B) apply such surplus funds to any Secured Obligations in any manner directed by the Majority Lenders. If no Default exists, the Administrative Agent shall release any surplus funds held in the Cash Collateral Account above the Letter of Credit Exposure to the Borrower promptly following the Borrower’s written request. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Borrower has complied with the terms of Section 2.2(i) and no Default exists, or would result therefrom, the Administrative Agent shall release the funds deposited by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.2(i) to the Borrower promptly following the Borrower’s written request.

(iii) Funds held in the Cash Collateral Account may be invested (for the benefit of the Borrower) in Liquid Investments maintained with, and under the sole dominion and control of, the Administrative Agent or in another investment if mutually agreed upon by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, but the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to make any investment of the funds therein. The Administrative Agent shall exercise reasonable care in the

 

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custody and preservation of any funds held in the Cash Collateral Account and shall be deemed to have exercised such care if such funds are accorded treatment substantially equivalent to that which the Administrative Agent accords its own property, it being understood that the Administrative Agent shall not have any responsibility for taking any necessary steps to preserve rights against any parties with respect to any such funds.

(i) Defaulting Lender . If, at any time, a Defaulting Lender or a Potential Defaulting Lender exists hereunder, then, at the request of the Issuing Lender, the Borrower shall deposit funds with Administrative Agent into the Cash Collateral Account an amount equal to such Defaulting Lender’s or Potential Defaulting Lender’s pro rata share of the Letter of Credit Exposure.

(j) Letters of Credit Issued for Guarantors or any Subsidiary . Notwithstanding that a Letter of Credit issued or outstanding hereunder is in support of any obligations of, or is for the account of, a Guarantor or any Subsidiary, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the Issuing Lender hereunder for any and all drawings under such Letter of Credit issued hereunder by the Issuing Lender. The Borrower hereby acknowledges that the issuance of Letters of Credit for the account of any Guarantor, the Borrower or any Subsidiary inures to the benefit of the Borrower, and that the Borrower’s business (indirectly or directly) derives substantial benefits from the businesses of such other Persons.

Section 2.3 Swing Line Advances .

(a) Facility . On the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and if an AutoBorrow Agreement is in effect, subject to the terms and conditions of such AutoBorrow Agreement, the Swing Line Lender may, in its sole discretion, from time-to-time on any Business Day during the period from the date of this Agreement until the last Business Day occurring before the Maturity Date, make Swing Line Advances under the Swing Line Note to the Borrower which shall be due and payable on the Swing Line Payment Date (except that no Swing Line Advance may mature after the Maturity Date), bearing interest at the Adjusted Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin for Base Rate Advances, and in an aggregate outstanding principal amount not to exceed the Swing Line Sublimit Amount at any time; provided that (i) after giving effect to such Swing Line Advance, the Outstandings shall not exceed the aggregate Revolving Commitments in effect at such time; (ii) no Swing Line Advance shall be made by the Swing Line Lender if the conditions set forth in Section 3.2 have not been met as of the date of such Swing Line Advance, it being agreed by the Borrower that the giving of the applicable Notice of Borrowing and the acceptance by the Borrower of the proceeds of such Swing Line Advance shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that on the date of such Swing Line Advance such conditions have been met; and (iii) if an AutoBorrow Agreement is in effect, such additional terms and conditions of such AutoBorrow Agreement shall have been satisfied, and in the event that any of the terms of this Section 2.3(a) conflict with such AutoBorrow Agreement, the terms of the AutoBorrow Agreement shall govern and control. The indebtedness of the Borrower to the Swing Line Lender resulting from Swing Line Advances shall be evidenced by the Swing Line Note. No Lender shall have any rights or obligations under any AutoBorrow Agreement, but each Lender shall have the obligation to purchase and fund risk participations in the Swing Line Advances and to refinance Swing Line Advances as provided below.

(b) Prepayment . Within the limits expressed in this Agreement, amounts advanced pursuant to Section 2.3(a) may from time to time be borrowed, prepaid without penalty, and reborrowed. If the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Swing Line Advances ever exceeds the Swing Line Sublimit Amount, the Borrower shall, upon receipt of written notice of such condition from the Swing Line Lender and to the extent of such excess, prepay to the Swing Line Lender outstanding principal of the Swing Line Advances such that such excess is eliminated. If an AutoBorrow Agreement is in effect, each prepayment of a Swing Line Borrowing shall be made as provided in such AutoBorrow Agreement.

 

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(c) Reimbursements for Swing Line Obligations .

(i) With respect to the Swing Line Advances and the interest, premium, fees, and other amounts owed by the Borrower to the Swing Line Lender in connection with the Swing Line Advances, the Borrower agrees to pay to the Swing Line Lender such amounts when due and payable to the Swing Line Lender under the terms of this Agreement and, if an AutoBorrow Agreement is in effect, in accordance with the terms of such AutoBorrow Agreement. If the Borrower does not pay to the Swing Line Lender any such amounts when due and payable to the Swing Line Lender, the Swing Line Lender may upon notice to the Administrative Agent request the satisfaction of such obligation by the making of a Revolving Borrowing in the amount of any such amounts not paid when due and payable. Upon such request, the Borrower shall be deemed to have requested the making of a Revolving Borrowing in the amount of such obligation and the transfer of the proceeds thereof to the Swing Line Lender. Such Revolving Borrowing shall bear interest based upon the Adjusted Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin for Base Rate Advances. The Administrative Agent shall promptly forward notice of such Revolving Borrowing to the Borrower and the Lenders, and each Lender shall, regardless of whether (A) the conditions in Section 3.2 have been met, (B) such notice complies with Section 2.4, or (C) a Default exists, make available such Lender’s ratable share of such Revolving Borrowing to the Administrative Agent, and the Administrative Agent shall promptly deliver the proceeds thereof to the Swing Line Lender for application to such amounts owed to the Swing Line Lender. The Borrower hereby unconditionally and irrevocably authorizes, empowers, and directs the Swing Line Lender to make such requests for Revolving Borrowings on behalf of the Borrower, and the Lenders to make Revolving Advances to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Swing Line Lender in satisfaction of such obligations. The Administrative Agent and each Lender may record and otherwise treat the making of such Revolving Borrowings as the making of a Revolving Borrowing to the Borrower under this Agreement as if requested by the Borrower. Nothing herein is intended to release the Borrower’s obligations under the Swing Line Note, but only to provide an additional method of payment therefor. The making of any Borrowing under this Section 2.3(c) shall not constitute a cure or waiver of any Default or Event of Default, other than the payment Default or Event of Default which is satisfied by the application of the amounts deemed advanced hereunder, caused by the Borrower’s failure to comply with the provisions of this Agreement or the Swing Line Note.

(ii) If at any time, the Revolving Commitments shall have expired or be terminated while any Swing Line Advance is outstanding, each Lender, at the sole option of the Swing Line Lender, shall either (A) notwithstanding the expiration or termination of the Revolving Commitments, make a Revolving Advance as a Base Rate Advance, or (B) be deemed, without further action by any Person, to have purchased from the Swing Line Lender a participation in such Swing Line Advance, in either case in an amount equal to the product of such Lender’s Revolving Pro Rata Share times the outstanding aggregate principal balance of the Swing Line Advances. The Administrative Agent shall notify each such Lender of the amount of such Revolving Advance or participation, and such Lender will transfer to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swing Line Lender on the next Business Day following such notice, in immediately available funds, the amount of such Revolving Advance or participation.

(iii) If any such Lender shall not have so made its Revolving Advance or its percentage participation available to the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 2.3, such Lender agrees to pay interest thereon for each day from such date until the date such amount is paid at the lesser of (A) the Federal Funds Rate for such day for the first three days and thereafter the interest rate applicable to the Revolving Advance and (B) the Maximum Rate. Whenever, at any time after the Administrative Agent has received from any Lender such Lender’s Revolving

 

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Advance or participating interest in a Swing Line Advance, the Administrative Agent receives any payment on account thereof, the Administrative Agent will pay to such Lender its participating interest in such amount (appropriately adjusted, in the case of interest payments, to reflect the period of time during which such Lender’s Revolving Advance or participating interest was outstanding and funded), which payment shall be subject to repayment by such Lender if such payment received by the Administrative Agent is required to be returned. Each Lender’s obligation to make the Revolving Advance or purchase such participating interests pursuant to this Section 2.3 shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (1) any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender or any other Person may have against the Swing Line Lender, the Administrative Agent or any other Person for any reason whatsoever; (2) the occurrence or continuance of a Default or the termination of the Revolving Commitments; (3) any breach of this Agreement by the Borrower or any other Lender; or (4) any other circumstance, happening or event whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing. Each Swing Line Advance, once so participated by any Lender, shall cease to be a Swing Line Advance with respect to that amount for purposes of this Agreement, but shall continue to be a Revolving Loan.

(d) Method of Borrowing . If an AutoBorrow Agreement is in effect, each Swing Line Borrowing shall be made as provided in such AutoBorrow Agreement. Otherwise, and except as provided in the clause (c) above, each request for a Swing Line Advance shall be made pursuant to telephone notice to the Swing Line Lender given no later than 1:00 p.m. (Houston, Texas time) on the date of the proposed Swing Line Advance, promptly confirmed by a completed and executed Notice of Borrowing telecopied or facsimiled to the Administrative Agent and the Swing Line Lender. The Swing Line Lender will promptly make the Swing Line Advance available to the Borrower at the Borrower’s account with the Administrative Agent.

(e) Interest for Account of Swing Line Lender . Swing Line Lender shall be responsible for invoicing the Borrower for interest on the Swing Line Advances ( provided that any failure of the Swing Line Lender to provide such invoice shall not release the Borrower from its obligation to pay such interest). Until each Lender funds its Revolving Advance or risk participation pursuant to clause (c) above, interest in respect of Lender’s Revolving Pro Rata Share of the Swing Line Advances shall be solely for the account of the Swing Line Lender.

(f) Payments Directly to Swing Line Lenders . The Borrower shall make all payments of principal and interest in respect of the Swing Line Advances directly to the Swing Line Lender.

(g) Discretionary Nature of the Swing Line Facility . Notwithstanding any terms to the contrary contained herein or in any AutoBorrow Agreement, the Swing Line facility provided herein or in any AutoBorrow Agreement (i) is an uncommitted facility and the Swing Line Lender may, but shall not be obligated to, make Swing Line Advances, and (ii) may be terminated at any time by the Swing Line Lender upon written notice to the Borrower.

Section 2.4 Advances .

(a) Notice . Each Revolving Borrowing, shall be made pursuant to a Notice of Borrowing given not later than (i) 11:00 a.m. (Houston, Texas time) on the third Business Day before the date of the proposed Borrowing, in the case of a LIBOR Advance or (ii) 11:00 a.m. (Houston, Texas time) on the Business Day before the date of the proposed Borrowing, in the case of a Base Rate Advance, by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, which shall give to each Lender prompt notice of such proposed Borrowing by facsimile or telex. Each Notice of Borrowing shall be by facsimile or telex, confirmed promptly by the Borrower with a hard copy (other than with respect to notice sent by facsimile),

 

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specifying the requested (i) date of such Borrowing, (ii) Type and Class of Advances comprising such Borrowing, (iii) aggregate amount of such Borrowing, and (iv) if such Borrowing is to be comprised of LIBOR Advances, Interest Period for each such Advance. In the case of a proposed Borrowing comprised of LIBOR Advances, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the applicable interest rate under Section 2.8(b). Each Lender shall, before 12:00 noon (Houston, Texas time) on the date of such Borrowing, make available for the account of its applicable Lending Office to the Administrative Agent at its address referred to in Section 9.9, or such other location as the Administrative Agent may specify by notice to the Lenders, in same day funds, such Lender’s Revolving Pro Rata Share of such Borrowing. After the Administrative Agent’s receipt of such funds and upon fulfillment of the applicable conditions set forth in Article 3, the Administrative Agent will make such funds available to the Borrower at its account with the Administrative Agent or as otherwise directed by the Borrower with written notice to the Administrative Agent.

(b) Conversions and Continuations . In order to elect to Convert or continue a Revolving Advance under this paragraph, the Borrower shall deliver an irrevocable Notice of Continuation or Conversion to the Administrative Agent at the Administrative Agent’s office no later than 11:00 a.m. (Houston, Texas time) (i) on the Business Day before the date of the proposed conversion date in the case of a Conversion to a Base Rate Advance and (ii) at least three Business Days in advance of the proposed Conversion or continuation date in the case of a Conversion to, or a continuation of, a LIBOR Advance. Each such Notice of Conversion or Continuation shall be in writing or by telex or facsimile confirmed promptly by the Borrower with a hard copy (other than with respect to notice sent by facsimile), specifying (i) the requested Conversion or continuation date (which shall be a Business Day), (ii) the amount, Type, and Class of the Advance to be Converted or continued, (iii) whether a Conversion or continuation is requested and, if a Conversion, into what Type of Advance, and (iv) in the case of a Conversion to, or a continuation of, a LIBOR Advance, the requested Interest Period. Promptly after receipt of a Notice of Conversion or Continuation under this paragraph, the Administrative Agent shall provide each Lender with a copy thereof and, in the case of a Conversion to or a Continuation of a LIBOR Advance, notify each Lender of the applicable interest rate under Section 2.8(b). The portion of Advances comprising part of the same Borrowing that are converted to Advances of another Type shall constitute a new Borrowing.

(c) Certain Limitations . Notwithstanding anything in paragraphs (a) and (b) above:

(i) at no time shall there be more than five Interest Periods applicable to outstanding LIBOR Advances;

(ii) the Borrower may not select LIBOR Advances for any Borrowing at any time when a Default has occurred and is continuing;

(iii) if any Lender shall, at least one Business Day before the date of any requested Borrowing, notify the Administrative Agent that the introduction of or any change in or in the interpretation of any law or regulation makes it unlawful, or that any central bank or other governmental authority asserts that it is unlawful, for such Lender or its applicable Lending Office to perform its obligations under this Agreement to make LIBOR Advances or to fund or maintain LIBOR Advances, (A) the obligation of such Lender to make such LIBOR Advance as part of the requested Borrowing or for any subsequent Borrowing shall be suspended until such Lender shall notify the Borrower that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist and such Lender’s portion of such requested Borrowing or any subsequent Borrowing of LIBOR Advances shall be made in the form of a Base Rate Advance, and (B) such Lender agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts (consistent with its internal policies and legal and regulatory restrictions) to designate a different Lending Office if the making of such designation would avoid the effect of this paragraph and would not, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Lender;

 

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(iv) if the Administrative Agent is unable to determine the LIBO Rate for LIBOR Advances comprising any requested Borrowing, the right of the Borrower to select LIBOR Advances for such Borrowing or for any subsequent Borrowing shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist, and each Advance comprising such Borrowing shall be a Base Rate Advance;

(v) if the Majority Lenders shall, at least one Business Day before the date of any requested Borrowing, notify the Administrative Agent that the LIBO Rate for LIBOR Advances comprising such Borrowing will not adequately reflect the cost to such Lenders of making or funding their respective LIBOR Advances, as the case may be, for such Borrowing, the right of the Borrower to select LIBOR Advances for such Borrowing or for any subsequent Borrowing shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist, and each Advance comprising such Borrowing shall be a Base Rate Advance; and

(vi) if the Borrower shall fail to select the duration or continuation of any Interest Period for any LIBOR Advances in accordance with the provisions contained in the definition of Interest Period in Section 1.1 and paragraph (b) above, the Administrative Agent will forthwith so notify the Borrower and the Lenders and such Advances will be made available to the Borrower on the date of such Borrowing as Base Rate Advances or, if an existing Advance, Convert into Base Rate Advances.

(d) Notices Irrevocable . Each Notice of Borrowing and Notice of Continuation or Conversion delivered by the Borrower hereunder, including its deemed request for borrowing made under Section 2.2(c), shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower.

(e) Administrative Agent Reliance . Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender before the date of any Revolving Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s applicable pro rata share of any Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made its applicable pro rata share of such Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent on the date of such Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.4(a), and the Administrative Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower on such date a corresponding amount. If and to the extent that such Lender shall not have so made its applicable pro rata share of such Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, such Lender and the Borrower severally agree to immediately repay to the Administrative Agent on demand such corresponding amount, together with interest on such amount, for each day from the date such amount is made available to the Borrower until the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable on such day to Advances comprising such Borrowing and (ii) in the case of such Lender, the lesser of (A) the Federal Funds Rate for such day and (B) the Maximum Rate. If such Lender shall repay to the Administrative Agent such corresponding amount and interest as provided above, such corresponding amount so repaid shall constitute such Lender’s Advance as part of such Borrowing for purposes of this Agreement even though not made on the same day as the other Advances comprising such Borrowing.

 

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Section 2.5 Prepayments .

(a) Right to Prepay . The Borrower shall have no right to prepay any principal amount of any Advance except as provided in this Section 2.5.

(b) Optional . The Borrower may elect to prepay any of the Advances without penalty or premium except as set forth in Section 2.10 and after giving by 11:00 a.m. (Houston, Texas time) (i) in the case of LIBOR Advances, at least three Business Days’ or (ii) in case of Base Rate Advances, one Business Day’s prior written notice to the Administrative Agent stating the proposed date and aggregate principal amount of such prepayment. If any such notice is given, the Borrower shall prepay Advances comprising part of the same Borrowing in whole or ratably in part in an aggregate principal amount equal to the amount specified in such notice, together with accrued interest to the date of such prepayment on the principal amount prepaid and amounts, if any, required to be paid pursuant to Section 2.10 as a result of such prepayment being made on such date; provided that (A) each optional prepayment of LIBOR Advances shall be in a minimum amount not less than $200,000 and in multiple integrals of $100,000 in excess thereof, (B) each optional prepayment of Base Rate Advances shall be in a minimum amount not less than $100,000 and in multiple integrals of $100,000 in excess thereof and (C) each optional prepayment of Swing Line Advances shall have no minimum requirement. If an AutoBorrow Agreement is in effect, each prepayment of Swing Line Advances shall be made as provided in such AutoBorrow Agreement.

(c) Interest; Costs . Each prepayment pursuant to this Section 2.5 shall be accompanied by accrued interest on the amount prepaid to the date of such prepayment and amounts, if any, required to be paid pursuant to Section 2.10 as a result of such prepayment being made on such date.

Section 2.6 Repayment .

(a) Revolving Advances . The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of each Lender the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Advances on the Maturity Date.

(b) Swing Line Advances . Each Swing Line Advance shall be paid in full on the Swing Line Payment Date.

Section 2.7 Fees .

(a) Commitment Fees . The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a Commitment Fee on the average daily amount by which (i) such Lender’s Revolving Commitment exceeds (ii) the sum of such Lender’s outstanding Revolving Advances plus such Lender’s Revolving Pro Rata Share of the Letter of Credit Exposure, at the rate equal to the Applicable Margin for Commitment Fees for such period; provided that, no Commitment Fee shall accrue on the Revolving Commitment of a Defaulting Lender during the period such Lender remains a Defaulting Lender. The Commitment Fee is due quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year commencing on March 31, 2010, and on the Maturity Date. For purposes of this Section 2.7(a) only, amounts advanced under the Swing Line Note shall not reduce the amount of the unused Revolving Commitment.

 

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(b) Fees for Letters of Credit . The Borrower agrees to pay the following:

(i) To the Administrative Agent for the pro rata benefit of the Lenders a per annum letter of credit fee for each Letter of Credit issued hereunder, for the period such Letter of Credit is to be outstanding, in an amount equal to the greater of (A) the Applicable Margin for LIBOR Advances per annum on the face amount of such Letter of Credit, and (B) $600 per Letter of Credit. Such fee shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year, and on the Maturity Date.

(ii) To the Issuing Lender, a fronting fee for each Letter of Credit equal to the greater of (A) 0.250% per annum on the face amount of such Letter of Credit and (B) $600. Such fee shall be due and payable in advance on the date of the issuance of the Letter of Credit, and, in the case of an increase or extension only, on the date of such increase or such extension.

(iii) To the Administrative Agent for the pro rata benefit of the Lenders such additional per annum letter of credit fee for each commercial Letter of Credit issued hereunder, for the period such Letter of Credit is to be outstanding, in an amount agreed to between the Borrower and the Issuing Lender in writing. Such fee shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year, and on the Maturity Date.

(iv) To the Issuing Lender, an additional fronting fee for each commercial Letter of Credit equal an amount agreed to between the Borrower and the Issuing Lender. Such fee shall be due and payable in advance on the date of the issuance of the Letter of Credit in writing, and, in the case of an increase or extension only, on the date of such increase or such extension.

(v) To the Issuing Lender such other usual and customary fees associated with any transfers, amendments, drawings, negotiations or reissuances of any Letters of Credit. Such fees shall be due and payable as requested by the Issuing Lender in accordance with the Issuing Lender’s then current fee policy.

The Borrower shall have no right to any refund of letter of credit fees previously paid by the Borrower, including any refund claimed because any Letter of Credit is canceled prior to its expiration date.

(c) Other Fee . The Borrower agrees to pay the fees to the Administrative Agent as set forth in the Fee Letter.

Section 2.8 Interest .

(a) Base Rate Advances . Each Base Rate Advance shall bear interest at the Adjusted Base Rate in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin for Base Rate Advances for such period, provided that while an Event of Default is continuing the Base Rate Advances shall bear interest at the Adjusted Base Rate in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin plus 2%. The Borrower shall pay to Administrative Agent for the ratable account of each Lender all accrued but unpaid interest on such Lender’s Base Rate Advances on each March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 commencing on March 31, 2010, and on the Maturity Date. The Swing Line Advances shall bear interest only at the Adjusted Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin for Base Rate Advances or such other per annum rate to be agreed to between the Borrower and the Swing Line Lender; provided that while an Event of Default is continuing the Swing Line Advances shall bear interest at the Adjusted Base Rate in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin for Base Rate Advances plus 2%.

(b) LIBOR Advances . Each LIBOR Advance shall bear interest during its Interest Period equal to at all times the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Margin for LIBOR

 

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Advances for such period; provided that while an Event of Default is continuing, each LIBOR Advance shall bear interest at the LIBO Rate in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin plus 2%. The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the ratable account of each Lender all accrued but unpaid interest on each of such Lender’s LIBOR Advances on the last day of the Interest Period therefor (provided that for LIBOR Advances with six month Interest Periods, accrued but unpaid interest shall also be due on the day three months from the first day of such Interest Period), on the date any LIBOR Advance is repaid, and on the Maturity Date.

(c) Retroactive Adjustments of Applicable Margin . In the event that any financial statement or Compliance Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 5.2 is shown to be inaccurate (regardless of whether this Agreement or the Revolving Commitments are in effect when such inaccuracy is discovered), and such inaccuracy, if corrected, would have led to the application of a higher Applicable Margin for any period (an “ Applicable Period ”) than the Applicable Margin applied for such Applicable Period, then (i) the Borrower shall immediately deliver to the Administrative Agent a corrected Compliance Certificate for such Applicable Period, (ii) the Applicable Margin shall be determined as if the higher Applicable Margin that would have applied were applicable for such Applicable Period (and in any event at Level III if the inaccuracy was the result of dishonesty, fraud or willful misconduct), and (iii) the Borrower shall immediately, without further action by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Issuing Lender, pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the applicable Lenders, the accrued additional interest owing as a result of such increased Applicable Margin for such Applicable Period. This Section 2.8(c) shall not limit the rights of the Administrative Agent and Lenders with respect to the default rate of interest as set forth in Section 2.8(a) and Section 2.8(b) and Article 7. The Borrower’s obligations under this Section 2.8(c) shall survive the termination of the Revolving Commitments and the repayment of all other Obligations hereunder.

Section 2.9 Illegality . If any Lender shall notify the Borrower that the introduction of or any change in or in the interpretation of any law or regulation makes it unlawful, or that any central bank or other governmental authority asserts that it is unlawful, for such Lender or its applicable Lending Office to perform its obligations under this Agreement to make, maintain, or fund any LIBOR Advances of such Lender then outstanding hereunder, (a) the Borrower shall, no later than 11:00 a.m. (Houston, Texas, time) (i) if not prohibited by law, on the last day of the Interest Period for each outstanding LIBOR Advance or (ii) if required by such notice, on the second Business Day following its receipt of such notice, prepay all of the LIBOR Advances of such Lender then outstanding, together with accrued interest on the principal amount prepaid to the date of such prepayment and amounts, if any, required to be paid pursuant to Section 2.10 as a result of such prepayment being made on such date, (b) such Lender shall simultaneously make a Base Rate Advance to the Borrower on such date in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the LIBOR Advances prepaid to such Lender, and (c) the right of the Borrower to select LIBOR Advances from such Lender for any subsequent Borrowing shall be suspended until such Lender shall notify the Borrower that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist. Each Lender agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts (consistent with its internal policies and legal and regulatory restrictions) to designate a different Lending Office if the making of such designation would avoid the effect of this paragraph and would not, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Lender.

Section 2.10 Breakage Costs . Upon demand of any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) from time to time, the Borrower shall promptly compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense incurred by it as a result of:

(a) any continuation, conversion, payment or prepayment (including any deemed payment or repayment and any reallocated repayment to non-defaulting Lenders provided for in Section 2.12(a)) of any Advance other than a Base Rate Advance on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Advance (whether voluntary, mandatory, automatic, by reason of acceleration, or otherwise);

 

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(b) any failure by the Borrower (for a reason other than the failure of such Lender to make an Advance) to prepay, borrow, continue or convert any Advance other than a Base Rate Advance on the date or in the amount notified by the Borrower; or

(c) any assignment of an LIBO Rate Advance on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period therefor as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.14;

including any loss of anticipated profits, any foreign exchange losses and any loss or expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Advance, from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained or from the performance of any foreign exchange contract. The Borrower shall also pay any customary administrative fees charged by such Lender in connection with the foregoing. For purposes of calculating amounts payable by the Borrower to the Lenders under this Section 2.10, the requesting Lender shall be deemed to have funded the LIBO Rate Advances made by it at the LIBO Base Rate used in determining the LIBO Rate for such Advance by a matching deposit or other borrowing in the offshore interbank market for Dollars for a comparable amount and for a comparable period, whether or not such LIBO Rate Advance was in fact so funded.

Section 2.11 Increased Costs .

(a) LIBOR Advances . If any Change in Law shall:

(i) impose, modify, or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, assessment, or similar requirement (other than by way of imposition or increase of reserve requirements included in the LIBO Rate Reserve Percentage) relating to any extensions of credit or other assets of, or any deposits with or other liabilities or commitments of, financial institutions generally, including such Lender (or its applicable Lending Office), including the Revolving Commitments of such Lender hereunder; or

(ii) impose on financial institutions generally, including such Lender (or its applicable Lending Office), or on the London interbank market any other condition affecting this Agreement or its Notes or any of such extensions of credit or liabilities or commitments;

and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to such Lender (or its applicable Lending Office) of making, Converting into, continuing, or maintaining any LIBOR Advances or to reduce any sum received or receivable by such Lender (or its applicable Lending Office) under this Agreement or its Notes with respect to any LIBOR Advances, then the Borrower shall pay to such Lender within three Business Days after written demand made by such Lender such amount or amounts as such Lender determines in good faith to be necessary to compensate such Lender for such increased cost or reduction.

(b) Capital Adequacy . If, after the Effective Date, any Lender or the Issuing Lender shall have determined that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or Issuing Lender or any lending office of such Lender or such Lender’s or Issuing Lender’s holding company, if any, regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on the capital of financial institutions generally, including such Lender or the Issuing Lender or any corporation controlling such Lender or the Issuing Lender, as a consequence of such Lender’s or the Issuing Lender’s obligations hereunder to a level below that which such Lender or the Issuing Lender or such corporation could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration its policies with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time within three Business Days after written demand by such Lender or the

 

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Issuing Lender, as the case may be, the Borrower shall pay to such Lender or the Issuing Lender such additional amount or amounts as such Lender determines in good faith to be necessary to compensate such Lender or the Issuing Lender for such reduction.

(c) Mitigation . Each Lender shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent of any event of which it has knowledge, occurring after the Effective Date, which will entitle such Lender to compensation pursuant to this Section 2.11 and will designate a different Lending Office if such designation will avoid the need for, or reduce the amount of, such compensation and will not, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, be otherwise disadvantageous to it. Any Lender claiming compensation under this Section 2.11 shall furnish to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent a statement setting forth the additional amount or amounts to be paid to it hereunder which shall be determined by such Lender in good faith and which shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. In determining such amount, such Lender may use any reasonable averaging and attribution methods.

(d) Delay in Requests . Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or Issuing Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 2.11 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or such Issuing Lender’s right to demand such compensation, provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or Issuing Lender pursuant to this Section 2.11 for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than one year prior to the date that such Lender or Issuing Lender, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower and the Administrative Agent of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or Issuing Lender’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the one-year period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).

Section 2.12 Payments and Computations .

(a) Payments . All payments of principal, interest, and other amounts to be made by the Borrower under this Agreement and other Credit Documents shall be made to the Administrative Agent in Dollars and in immediately available funds, without setoff, deduction, or counterclaim; provided that, the Borrower may setoff amounts owing to any Lender that is at such time a Defaulting Lender against Advances that such Defaulting Lender failed to the fund to the Borrower under this Agreement (the “ Unfunded Advances ”) so long as (i) the Borrower shall have delivered prior written notice of such setoff to the Administrative Agent and such Defaulting Lender, (ii) the Advances made by the non-defaulting Lenders as part of the original Borrowing to which the Unfunded Advances applied shall still be outstanding, (iii) if such Defaulting Lender failed to fund Advances under more than one Borrowing, such setoff shall be applied in a manner satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, and (iv) upon the application of such setoff, the Unfunded Advances shall be deemed to have been made by such Defaulting Lender on the effective date of such setoff.

(b) Payment Procedures . The Borrower shall make each payment under this Agreement and under the Notes not later than 11:00 a.m. (Houston, Texas time) on the day when due in Dollars to the Administrative Agent at the location referred to in the Notes (or such other location as the Administrative Agent shall designate in writing to the Borrower) in same day funds. The Administrative Agent will promptly thereafter, and in any event prior to the close of business on the day any timely payment is made, cause to be distributed like funds relating to the payment of principal, interest or fees ratably (other than amounts payable solely to the Administrative Agent or a specific Lender pursuant to Sections 2.9, 2.10, 2.11, 2.13, 2.14, and 9.2 but after taking into account payments effected pursuant to Section 9.1) in accordance with each Lender’s applicable pro rata share to the Lenders for the account of their respective applicable Lending Offices, and like funds relating to the payment of any other amount payable to any Lender to such Lender for the account of its applicable Lending Office, in each case to be applied in

 

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accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Upon receipt of other amounts due solely to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lender, the Swing Line Lender, or a specific Lender, the Administrative Agent shall distribute such amounts to the appropriate party to be applied in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(c) Non-Business Day Payments . Whenever any payment shall be stated to be due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and such extension of time shall in such case be included in the computation of payment of interest or fees, as the case may be; provided that if such extension would cause payment of interest on or principal of LIBOR Advances to be made in the next following calendar month, such payment shall be made on the next preceding Business Day.

(d) Computations . All computations of interest for Base Rate Advances shall be made by the Administrative Agent on the basis of a year of 365/366 days (other than based on the Daily One-Month LIBOR) and all computations of all other interest and fees shall be made by the Administrative agent on the basis of a year of 360 days, in each case for the actual number of days (including the first day, but excluding the last day) occurring in the period for which such interest or fees are payable. Each determination by the Administrative Agent of an amount of interest or fees shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

(e) Sharing of Payments, Etc . If any Lender shall obtain any payment (whether voluntary, involuntary, through the exercise of any right of set-off, or otherwise) on account of the Advances made by it in excess of its ratable share of payments on account of the Advances or Letter of Credit Obligations obtained by the Lenders (other than as a result of a termination of a Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment under Section 2.1(b)(ii), the setoff right of the Borrower under clause (a) above, or the non-pro rata application of payments provided in the last sentence of this clause (e)), such Lender shall notify the other Lenders and forthwith purchase from the other Lenders such participations in the Advances made by it or the Letter of Credit Obligations held by it as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Lender to share the excess payment ratably with the other Lenders; provided that if all or any portion of such excess payment is thereafter recovered from such purchasing Lender, such purchase from the other Lenders shall be rescinded and each such Lender shall repay to the purchasing Lender the purchase price to the extent of such Lender’s ratable share, but without interest. The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation from another Lender pursuant to this Section 2.12(e) may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, exercise all its rights of payment (including the right of set-off) with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were the direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation. If a Lender fails to fund a Revolving Advance with respect to a Borrowing as and when required hereunder and the Borrower subsequently makes a repayment of any Revolving Advances, then, after taking into account any setoffs made pursuant to Section 2.12(a) above, such payment shall be applied among the non-defaulting Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Revolving Commitment percentages until each Lender (including any Lender that is at such time a Defaulting Lender) has its percentage of all of the outstanding Revolving Advances and the balance of such repayment shall be applied among the Lenders in accordance with their Revolving Pro Rata Share.

Section 2.13 Taxes .

(a) No Deduction for Certain Taxes . Any and all payments by any Credit Party under any of the Credit Documents to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lender, or a Lender shall be made, in accordance with Section 2.12, free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges, or withholdings, and all liabilities with respect thereto, excluding, in the case of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lender, or a Lender, (i) taxes imposed on its income and franchise (or margin) taxes imposed on it by the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision

 

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thereof) under (A) the laws of which (or under the laws of a political subdivision of which) the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lender, or such Lender is organized or in which its principal executive office is located, (B) in the case of each Lender, the laws of which (or under the laws of a political subdivision of which) such Lender’s applicable Lending Office is located, and (C) the laws of the State of Texas; and (ii) any taxes imposed by the United States of America by means of withholding at the source, if and to the extent such United States withholding taxes are in effect on the date a Lender becomes a Lender hereunder (all such nonexcluded taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges, withholdings, and liabilities being hereinafter referred to as “ Taxes ”). Except as provided in Section 2.13(f), if the Borrower shall be required by law to deduct any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lender, or any Lender, (i) the sum payable shall be increased as may be necessary so that, after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.13), such Lender receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made; (ii) the Borrower shall make such deductions; and (iii) the Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority or other authority in accordance with applicable law.

(b) Other Taxes . In addition, except as provided in Section 2.13(f), the Borrower agrees to pay any present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges, or similar levies which arise from any payment made under any Credit Document or from the execution, delivery, or registration of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement, the Notes, or the other Credit Documents (hereinafter referred to as “Other Taxes”).

(c) Indemnification . EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 2.13(F), THE BORROWER INDEMNIFIES EACH LENDER, THE ISSUING LENDER, AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT FOR THE FULL AMOUNT OF TAXES OR OTHER TAXES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY TAXES OR OTHER TAXES IMPOSED ON AMOUNTS PAYABLE UNDER THIS SECTION 2.13) PAID BY SUCH LENDER, THE ISSUING LENDER, OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT (AS THE CASE MAY BE) AND ANY LIABILITY (INCLUDING INTEREST AND EXPENSES) ARISING THEREFROM OR WITH RESPECT THERETO, WHETHER OR NOT SUCH TAXES OR OTHER TAXES WERE CORRECTLY OR LEGALLY ASSERTED.

(d) Evidence of Tax Payments . As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes or Other Taxes by any Credit Party to a Governmental Authority, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of any receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment.

(e) Foreign Lender Withholding Exemption . Each Lender that is not incorporated under the laws of the United States of America or a state thereof and that is entitled to an exemption from United States withholding tax with respect to payments under this Agreement under applicable law or any treaty to which the United States is a party shall deliver to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at the time or times prescribed by applicable law, such properly completed and executed documentation (including Internal Revenue Service Forms W-8BEN or W-8ECI) prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower as will permit such payments to be made without withholding.

(f) Failure to Provide Forms . For any period with respect to which a Lender has failed to provide the Borrower or the Administrative Agent with the appropriate forms referred to in this Section 2.13 (unless such failure is due to a change in treaty, law or regulation occurring after the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender hereunder), such Lender shall not be entitled to indemnification or payment under Section 2.13(a), (b), or (c) with respect to Taxes imposed by the United States; provided that if a Lender, that is otherwise exempt from or subject to a reduced rate of withholding tax, becomes

 

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subject to Taxes because of its failure to deliver a form required hereunder, the Borrower shall take such steps as such Lender shall reasonably request, and at the expenses of such Lender, to assist such Lender to recover such Taxes.

(g) Mitigation . Each Lender shall use reasonable efforts (consistent with its internal policies and legal and regulatory restrictions) to select a jurisdiction for its applicable Lending Office or change the jurisdiction of its applicable Lending Office, as the case may be, so as to avoid the imposition of any Taxes or Other Taxes or to eliminate or reduce the payment of any additional sums under this Section 2.13; provided, that no such selection or change of jurisdiction for its applicable Lending Office shall be made if, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, such selection or change would be disadvantageous to such Lender.

(h) Tax Credits and Refunds . If the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Issuing Lender determines, in its sole discretion, that it has received a refund of any Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by the Borrower or with respect to which the Borrower has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section, it shall pay to the Borrower an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the Borrower under this Section with respect to the Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses of the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the Issuing Lender, as the case may be, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund), provided that the Borrower, upon the request of the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the Issuing Lender, agrees to repay the amount paid over to the Borrower (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the Issuing Lender in the event the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the Issuing Lender is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. This subsection shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Issuing Lender to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) to any Borrower or any other Person.

(i) Payment . If the Administrative Agent or any Lender becomes entitled to receive payment of Taxes, Other Taxes or additional sums pursuant to this Section 2.13, it shall give notice and demand thereof to the Borrower, and the Borrower (unless the Administrative Agent or Lender shall withdraw such notice and demand or the Borrower is not obligated to pay such amounts) shall pay such Taxes, Other Taxes or additional sums within 30 days after the Borrower’s receipt of such notice and demand.

Section 2.14 Replacement of Lenders . If (a) the Borrower is required pursuant to Section 2.11 or 2.13 to make any additional payment to any Lender, (b) any Lender’s obligation to make or continue, or to convert Base Rate Advances into, LIBOR Advances shall be suspended pursuant to 2.4(c)(iii) or 2.9, or (c) any Lender is a Defaulting Lender or a Potential Defaulting Lender (any such Lender described in any of the preceding clauses (a) – (c), being a “ Subject Lender ”), then (i) in the case of a Defaulting Lender or a Potential Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent may, upon notice to the Subject Lender and the Borrower, require such Subject Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 9.7), all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the related Credit Documents as a Lender to an Eligible Assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment) and (ii) in the case of any Subject Lender, including a Potential Defaulting Lender, the Borrower may, upon notice to the Subject Lender and the Administrative Agent and at the Borrower’s sole cost and expense, require such Subject Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 9.7), all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the related Credit Documents to an Eligible Assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment), provided that, in any event

 

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(A) as to assignments requested by the Borrower, the Borrower shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee specified in Section 9.7;

(B) such Subject Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its applicable Advances and participations in outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Credit Documents (including any amounts under Section 2.10) 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);

(C) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.13, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter; and

(D) such assignment does not conflict with applicable Legal Requirements.

A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply. Solely for purposes of effecting any assignment involving a Defaulting Lender under this Section 2.14 and to the extent permitted under applicable Legal Requirements, each Lender hereby designates and appoints the Administrative Agent as true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact, with full power and authority, for and on behalf of and in the name of such Lender to execute, acknowledge and deliver the Assignment and Acceptance required hereunder if such Lender is a Defaulting Lender and such Lender shall be bound thereby as fully and effectively as if such Lender had personally executed, acknowledged and delivered the same . In lieu of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent replacing a Defaulting Lender as provided in this Section 2.14, the Borrower may terminate such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment as provided in Section 2.1(b)(ii).

Section 2.15 Defaulting Lender Cure . If the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, and the Issuing Lender agree in writing in their discretion that a Lender that is a Defaulting Lender or a Potential Defaulting Lender should no longer be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender or Potential Defaulting Lender, as the case may be, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein, such Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase such portion of outstanding Advances of the other Lenders and/or make such other adjustments as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Advances and Letter of Credit Exposure of the Lenders to be on a pro rata basis in accordance with their respective Revolving Commitments, whereupon such Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender or Potential Defaulting Lender (and the Advances and Letter of Credit Exposure of each Lender will automatically be adjusted on a prospective basis to reflect the foregoing); provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower while such Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided , further, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no cessation hereunder as being a Defaulting Lender or Potential Defaulting Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from such Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender or Potential Defaulting Lender.

 

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ARTICLE 3

CONDITIONS OF EFFECTIVENESS

Section 3.1 Conditions to Effectiveness . This Agreement shall become effective upon satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:

(a) Documentation . The Administrative Agent shall have received the following, duly executed by all the parties thereto, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders:

(i) this Agreement and all attached Exhibits and Schedules and a Note payable to the order of each Lender;

(ii) certificates of insurance in compliance with Section 5.3(b) of this Agreement;

(iii) a certificate from an authorized officer of the Borrower dated as of the Effective Date stating that as of such date (A) all representations and warranties of the Borrower set forth in this Agreement are true and correct and (B) no Default then exists;

(iv) a secretary’s certificate from each Credit Party certifying such Credit Party’s (A) officers’ incumbency, (B) authorizing resolutions, (C) organizational documents, and (D) governmental approvals, if any, with respect to the Credit Documents to which the Borrower is a party;

(v) certificates of good standing for each Credit Party in the state in which each such Person is incorporated or organized, which certificates shall be dated a date not earlier than 30 days prior to the Effective Date;

(vi) a legal opinion of Haynes and Boone, L.L.P. as outside counsel to the Credit Parties, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent; and

(vii) such other documents, governmental certificates, agreements, and lien searches as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request.

(b) Consents; Authorization; Conflicts . The Borrower shall have received any consents, licenses and approvals required in accordance with applicable law, or in accordance with any document, agreement, instrument or arrangement to which the Borrower, or any Subsidiary is a party, in connection with the execution, delivery, performance, validity and enforceability of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents. In addition, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries shall have all such material consents, licenses and approvals required in connection with the continued operation of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, and such approvals shall be in full force and effect, and all applicable waiting periods shall have expired without any action being taken or threatened by any competent authority which would restrain, prevent or otherwise impose adverse conditions on this Agreement and the actions contemplated hereby.

(c) Representations and Warranties . The representations and warranties contained in Article 4 and in each other Credit Document shall be true and correct on and as of the Effective Date before and after giving effect to the initial Borrowings or issuance (or deemed issuance) of Letters of Credit and to the application of the proceeds from such Borrowing, as though made on and as of such date.

 

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(d) Payment of Fees . The Borrower shall have paid the fees and expenses required to be paid as of the Effective Date pursuant to Sections 2.7(c) and 9.1 or any other provision of a Credit Document.

(e) Other Proceedings . No action, suit, investigation or other proceeding (including, without limitation, the enactment or promulgation of a statute or rule) by or before any arbitrator or any Governmental Authority shall be pending or, to the knowledge of Borrower, threatened and no preliminary or permanent injunction or order by a state or federal court shall have been entered (i) in connection with this Agreement, any other Credit Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby or (ii) which, in any case, in the judgment of the Administrative Agent, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

(f) Other Reports . The Administrative Agent shall have received, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to it, all environmental reports, and such other reports, audits or certifications as it may reasonably request, which reports the Administrative Agent acknowledges it has received as of the date of this Agreement.

(g) Material Adverse Change . No event or circumstance that could reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse change in the business, condition (financial or otherwise), prospects, or results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, shall have occurred since September 30, 2009.

(h) No Default . No Default then exists.

(i) Solvency . The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent from a senior financial officer of the Borrower and each Guarantor certifying that, before and after giving effect to the initial Borrowings made hereunder on the Effective Date, the Borrower and each such other Guarantor is Solvent (assuming with respect to each Guarantor, that the fraudulent conveyance savings language contained in the Guaranty applicable to such Guarantor will be given full effect).

(j) Delivery of Financial Statements . The Administrative Agent shall have received true and correct copies of (i) the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 and (ii) the unaudited financial statements for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2009.

(k) Due Diligence . The Administrative Agent shall have completed its business and legal due diligence and be satisfied with the results thereof.

(l) USA Patriot Act . The Borrower has delivered to each Lender that is subject to the Patriot Act such information requested by such Lender in order to comply with the Patriot Act.

Section 3.2 Conditions Precedent to Each Borrowing and to Each Issuance, Extension or Renewal of a Letter of Credit . The obligation of each Lender to make an Advance on the occasion of each Borrowing (including the initial Borrowing) and the obligation of the Issuing Lender to issue, increase, renew or extend a Letter of Credit (including the deemed issuance of Letters of Credit) shall be subject to the further conditions precedent that on the date of such Borrowing or such issuance, increase, renewal or extension:

(a) Representations and Warranties . As of the date of the making of any Advance or issuance, increase, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit, the representations and warranties made by any Credit Party or any officer of any Credit Party contained in the Credit Documents shall be true and

 

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correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) on such date, except that any representation and warranty which by its terms is made as of a specified date shall be required to be true and correct only as of such specified date and each request for the making of any Advance or issuance, increase, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit and the making of such Advance or the issuance, increase, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be a reaffirmation of such representations and warranties.

(b) Event of Default . As of the date of the making of any Advance or issuance, increase, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit, no Default or Event of Default shall exist, and the making of such Advance or issuance, increase, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit would not cause a Default or Event of Default.

(c) Payment in Full of Existing Debt . Prior to, or concurrently with, the making of the initial Advances hereunder, all outstanding obligations owing under the Existing Debt shall have been paid in full and the Administrative Agent shall have received a “pay-off” letter (or such other evidence) in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent with respect to all such Debt evidencing the termination of all commitments to lend under the respective loan documents; and the Administrative Agent shall have received from any Person holding any Lien securing any such Debt, such UCC (or equivalent) termination statements, mortgage releases, releases of assignments of leases and rents, and other instruments, in each case in proper form for recording or filing, as the Administrative Agent shall have reasonably requested to release and terminate of record the Liens securing such Debt.

Section 3.3 Determinations Under Sections 3.1 and 3.2 . For purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in Sections 3.1 and 3.2, each Lender shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to the Lenders unless an officer of the Administrative Agent responsible for the transactions contemplated by the Credit Documents shall have received written notice from such Lender prior to the Borrowings hereunder specifying its objection thereto and such Lender shall not have made available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s ratable portion of such Borrowings.

ARTICLE 4

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Each Credit Party hereto represents and warrants as follows:

Section 4.1 Organization . Each Credit Party is duly and validly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or formation and is authorized to do business and is in good standing in all jurisdictions in which such qualifications or authorizations are necessary except where the failure to be so qualified or authorized could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. As of the Effective Date, each Credit Party’s type of organization and jurisdiction of incorporation or formation are set forth on Schedule 4.1.

Section 4.2 Authorization . The execution, delivery, and performance by each Credit Party of each Credit Document to which such Credit Party is a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby (a) are within such Credit Party’s powers, (b) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate, limited liability company or partnership action, (c) do not contravene any articles or certificate of incorporation or bylaws, partnership or limited liability company agreement binding on or affecting such Credit Party, (d) do not contravene any law or any contractual restriction binding on or

 

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affecting such Credit Party, (e) do not result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien prohibited by this Agreement, and (f) do not require any authorization or approval or other action by, or any notice or filing with, any Governmental Authority. At the time of each Advance or the issuance, renewal, extension or increase of each Letter of Credit, such Advance and the use of the proceeds of such Advance or the issuance, renewal, extension or increase of such Letter of Credit are within the Borrower’s corporate power, have been duly authorized by all necessary action, do not contravene (i) the Borrower’s certificate or articles of incorporation or bylaws, or (ii) any Legal Requirement or any material contractual restriction binding on or affecting the Borrower, will not result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien prohibited by this Agreement, and do not require any authorization or approval or other action by, or any notice or filing with, any Governmental Authority.

Section 4.3 Enforceability . The Credit Documents have each been duly executed and delivered by each Credit Party that is a party thereto and each Credit Document constitutes the legal, valid, and binding obligation of each Credit Party that is a party thereto enforceable against such Credit Party in accordance with its terms, except as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws at the time in effect affecting the rights of creditors generally and by general principles of equity whether applied by a court of law or equity.

Section 4.4 Financial Condition .

(a) The Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent the unaudited financial statements for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries dated as of September 30, 2009 for the fiscal quarter ending thereon. The financial statements referred to in the preceding sentence have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and present fairly the consolidated financial condition of the aforementioned Persons as of the respective dates thereof. As of the date of the aforementioned financial statements, there were no material contingent obligations, liabilities for taxes, unusual forward or long-term commitments, or unrealized or anticipated losses of the applicable Persons, except as disclosed therein and adequate reserves for such items have been made in accordance with GAAP.

(b) Since the Effective Date, after giving pro forma effect to all Advances made hereunder on the Effective Date, no event or condition has occurred that could reasonably be expected to result in Material Adverse Change.

Section 4.5 Ownership and Liens; Real Property . Each Credit Party (a) has good and defensible title to, or a valid and subsisting leasehold interest in, all real property, and good title to all personal Property, used in its business, and (b) none of the Property owned or leased by the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Borrower is subject to any Lien except Permitted Liens.

Section 4.6 True and Complete Disclosure . All written factual information (whether delivered before or after the date of this Agreement) prepared by or on behalf of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and furnished to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders for purposes of or in connection with this Agreement, any other Credit Document or any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby does not contain any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. There is no fact known to any officer of any Credit Party on the date of this Agreement that has not been disclosed to the Administrative Agent that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. All projections, estimates, budgets, and pro forma financial information furnished by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (or on behalf of the Borrower or any such Subsidiary), were prepared on the basis of assumptions, data, information, tests, or conditions (including current and reasonably foreseeable business conditions) believed to be reasonable at the time such projections, estimates, and pro forma financial information were furnished.

 

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Section 4.7 Litigation . Except as set forth in Schedule 4.7, there are no actions, suits, or proceedings pending or, to any Credit Party’s knowledge, threatened against the Borrower or any Subsidiary, at law, in equity, or in admiralty, or by or before any Governmental Authority, which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. Additionally, except as disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, there is no pending or, to the knowledge of any Credit Party, threatened action or proceeding instituted against the Borrower or any Subsidiary which seeks to adjudicate the Borrower or any Subsidiary as bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking liquidation, winding up, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, protection, relief, or composition of it or its debts under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors, or seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a receiver, trustee or other similar official for it or for any substantial part of its Property.

Section 4.8 Compliance with Agreements .

(a) Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any indenture, loan or credit agreement or any lease or any other types of agreement or instrument or subject to any charter or corporate restriction or provision of applicable law or governmental regulation the performance of or compliance with which could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default under or with respect to any contract, agreement, lease or any other types of agreement or instrument to which the Borrower or such Subsidiary is a party and which could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change. To the best knowledge of the Credit Parties, neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default under, or has received a notice of default under, any contract, agreement, lease or any other document or instrument to which the Borrower or its Subsidiaries is a party which is continuing and which, if not cured, could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change.

(b) No Default has occurred and is continuing.

Section 4.9 Pension Plans . (a) Except for matters that could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, all Plans are in compliance with all applicable provisions of ERISA, (b) no Termination Event has occurred with respect to any Plan that would result in an Event of Default under Section 7.1(i), and, except for matters that could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, each Plan has complied with and been administered in accordance with applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code, (c) no “accumulated funding deficiency” (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA) has occurred, and for plan years after December 31, 2007, no unpaid minimum required contribution exists, and there has been no excise tax imposed under Section 4971 of the Code, (d) to the knowledge of Credit Parties, no Reportable Event has occurred with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, and each Multiemployer Plan has complied with and been administered in accordance with applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code in all material respects, (e) the present value of all benefits vested under each Plan (based on the assumptions used to fund such Plan) did not, as of the last annual valuation date applicable thereto, exceed the value of the assets of such Plan allocable to such vested benefits in an amount that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, (f) neither the Borrower nor any member of the Controlled Group has had a complete or partial withdrawal from any Multiemployer Plan for which there is any unsatisfied withdrawal liability that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change or an Event of Default under Section 7.1(i), and (g) except for matters that could not reasonably result in a Material Adverse Change, as of the most recent valuation date applicable thereto, neither the Borrower nor any member of the Controlled Group would become subject to any liability under ERISA if the Borrower or any Subsidiary has received notice that any Multiemployer Plan is insolvent or in reorganization. Based upon GAAP existing as of the date of this Agreement and current factual circumstances, no Credit Party has any reason to believe that the annual cost during the term of this Agreement to the Borrower or any Subsidiary for post-retirement

 

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benefits to be provided to the current and former employees of the Borrower or any Subsidiary under Plans that are welfare benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) could, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change.

Section 4.10 Environmental Condition .

(a) Permits, Etc . Except as set forth on Schedule 4.10 hereto, each Credit Party (i) has obtained all material Environmental Permits necessary for the ownership and operation of its Properties and the conduct of its businesses; (ii) is in material compliance with all terms and conditions of such Permits and with all other material requirements of applicable Environmental Laws; (iii) has not received written notice of any material violation or alleged material violation of any Environmental Law or Environmental Permit that has not been resolved; and (iv) is not subject to any actual or contingent Environmental Claim which could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change.

(b) Certain Liabilities . To the Credit Parties’ best knowledge, none of the present or previously owned or operated Property of any Credit Party or of any Subsidiary thereof, wherever located, (i) has been placed on or proposed to be placed on the National Priorities List, the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation Liability Information System list, or their state or local analogs, or have been otherwise investigated, designated, listed, or identified as a potential site for removal, remediation, cleanup, closure, restoration, reclamation, or other response activity under any Environmental Laws; (ii) is subject to a Lien, arising under or in connection with any Environmental Laws, that attaches to any revenues or to any Property owned or operated by any Credit Party, wherever located, which could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change; or (iii) has been the site of any Release of Hazardous Substances or Hazardous Wastes from present or past operations which has caused at the site or at any third-party site any condition that has resulted in or could reasonably be expected to result in the need for Response that could cause a Material Adverse Change.

(c) Certain Actions . Without limiting the foregoing, (i) all necessary material notices have been properly filed, and no further action is required under current applicable Environmental Law as to each Response undertaken by the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any of the Borrower’s or such Subsidiary’s former Subsidiaries on any of their presently or formerly owned or operated Property and (ii) to the Credit Parties’ knowledge, the present and future liability, if any, of the Borrower or of any Subsidiary which could reasonably be expected to arise in connection with requirements under Environmental Laws will not result in a Material Adverse Change.

Section 4.11 Subsidiaries . As of the Effective Date, the Borrower has no Subsidiaries other than those listed on Schedule 4.11. Each Material Domestic Subsidiary of the Borrower (including any such Material Domestic Subsidiary formed or acquired subsequent to the Effective Date) has complied with the requirements of Section 5.6.

Section 4.12 Investment Company Act . Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is subject to regulation under any Federal or state statute, regulation or other Legal Requirement which limits its ability to incur Debt.

Section 4.13 Taxes . To the extent that failure to do so could reasonably, either individually or in the aggregate, be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, proper and accurate (in all material respects), federal, state, local and foreign tax returns, reports and statements required to be filed (after giving effect to any extension granted in the time for filing) by the Borrower and each Subsidiary or any member of the Affiliated Group as determined under Section 1504 of the Code (hereafter collectively

 

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called the “ Tax Group ”) have been filed with the appropriate Governmental Authorities, and all taxes (which are material in amount) and other impositions due and payable have been timely paid prior to the date on which any fine, penalty, interest, late charge or loss may be added thereto for non-payment thereof except where contested in good faith and by appropriate proceeding. Neither the Borrower nor any member of the Tax Group has given, or been requested to give, a waiver of the statute of limitations relating to the payment of any federal, state, local or foreign taxes or other impositions. None of the Property owned by the Borrower or any other member of the Tax Group is Property which the Borrower or any member of the Tax Group is required to treat as being owned by any other Person pursuant to the provisions of Section 168(f)(8) of the Code. Proper and accurate amounts have been withheld by the Borrower and all other members of the Tax Group from their employees for all periods to comply in all material respects with the tax, social security and unemployment withholding provisions of applicable federal, state, local and foreign law.

Section 4.14 Permits, Licenses, etc . Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries possesses all permits, licenses, patents, patent rights or licenses, trademarks, trademark rights, trade names rights, and copyrights which are material to the conduct of its business. Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries manages and operates its business in accordance with all applicable Legal Requirements except where the failure to so manage or operate could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; provided that this Section 4.14 does not apply with respect to Environmental Permits or Legal Requirements of Environmental Law.

Section 4.15 Use of Proceeds . The proceeds of the Advances will be used by the Borrower for the purposes described in Section 6.6. No Credit Party is engaged in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U). No proceeds of any Advance will be used to purchase or carry any margin stock in violation of Regulation T, U or X.

Section 4.16 Condition of Property; Casualties . The material Properties used or to be used in the continuing operations of the Borrower and each Subsidiary, are in good working order and condition, normal wear and tear excepted. Neither the business nor the material Properties of the Borrower or any Subsidiary has been affected as a result of any fire, explosion, earthquake, flood, drought, windstorm, accident, strike or other labor disturbance, embargo, requisition or taking of Property or cancellation of contracts, permits or concessions by a Governmental Authority, riot, activities of armed forces or acts of God or of any public enemy, which effect could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change.

Section 4.17 Insurance . The Borrower and its Subsidiaries carry insurance (which may be carried by the Borrower on a consolidated basis) with reputable insurers in respect of such of their respective Properties, in such amounts and against such risks as is customarily maintained by other Persons of similar size engaged in similar businesses or, self-insure to the extent that is customary for Persons of similar size engaged in similar businesses.

Section 4.18 Compliance with Laws . The Borrower will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, comply with all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to them or their Property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; provided that, this Section 4.18 shall not apply with respect to any requirement under Environmental Laws.

Section 4.19 Security Interest . As of the Amendment No. 4 Effective Date, each Credit Party has authorized, or hereby authorizes, the filing of financing statements sufficient when filed to perfect the Lien created by the Security Documents. When such financing statements are filed in the offices noted therein, the Administrative Agent will have a valid and perfected security interest in all Collateral that is capable of being perfected by filing financing statements under Article 9 of the UCC.

 

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Section 4.20 FCPA; Sanctions .

(a) None of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of the Borrower, any director, officer, agent, employee or other person acting on behalf of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would result in a violation in any material respect by such persons of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the “ FCPA ”) or any other applicable Anti-Corruption Law; and the Credit Parties have instituted and maintain policies and procedures designed to promote and achieve continued compliance therewith.

(b) None of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any director, officer, employee, or, to the knowledge of Borrower, agent, or affiliate of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is an individual or entity that is, or is owned or controlled by Persons that are: (i) the target of any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“ OFAC ”), the U.S. Department of State, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, or Her Majesty’s Treasury (collectively, “ Sanctions ”), or (ii) located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is, or whose government is, the subject of Sanctions, including, without limitation currently, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria).

(c) No Revolving Advance or Letter of Credit, use of proceeds thereof or other transaction contemplated by this Agreement will violate any Anti-Corruption Law or applicable Sanctions.

ARTICLE 5

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

So long as any Obligation shall remain unpaid, any Lender shall have any Revolving Commitment hereunder, or there shall exist any Letter of Credit Exposure, each Credit Party agrees to comply with the following covenants.

Section 5.1 Organization . Each Credit Party shall, and shall cause each of its respective Subsidiaries to, preserve and maintain its partnership, limited liability company or corporate existence, rights, franchises and privileges in the jurisdiction of its organization, and qualify and remain qualified as a foreign business entity in each jurisdiction in which qualification is necessary or desirable in view of its business and operations or the ownership of its Properties and where failure to qualify could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change; provided , however, that nothing herein contained shall prevent any transaction permitted by Section 6.7 or Section 6.8.

Section 5.2 Reporting .

(a) Annual Financial Reports . The Borrower shall provide, or shall cause to be provided, to the Administrative Agent, as soon as available, but in any event within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower (commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009), a consolidated and consolidating balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (excluding, in the case of Foreign Subsidiaries, consolidating balance sheets) as at the end of such fiscal year, and the related consolidated and consolidating statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flow for such fiscal year (excluding (i) consolidating cash flow and (ii) in the case of Foreign Subsidiaries, consolidating statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flow), setting forth in each case in

 

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comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, such consolidated statements to be audited and accompanied by a report and opinion of an independent certified public accountant of nationally recognized standing reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit, and such consolidating statements to be certified by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, treasurer or controller of the Borrower to the effect that such statements are fairly stated in all material respects when considered in relation to the consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

(b) Quarterly Financials . The Borrower shall provide, or shall cause to be provided, to the Administrative Agent, as soon as available, but in any event within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower (commencing with the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2010), a consolidated and consolidating balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (excluding, in the case of Foreign Subsidiaries, consolidating balance sheets) as at the end of such fiscal quarter, and the related consolidated and consolidating statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flow for such fiscal quarter and for the portion of the Borrower’s fiscal year then ended (excluding (i) consolidating cash flow and (ii) in the case of Foreign Subsidiaries, consolidating statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flow), setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, such consolidated statements to be certified by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, treasurer or controller of the Borrower as fairly presenting the financial condition, results of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flow of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes and such consolidating statements to be certified by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, treasurer or controller of the Borrower to the effect that such statements are fairly stated in all material respects when considered in relation to the consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

(c) Compliance Certificate . Concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in Section 5.2(a) and (b) above, the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent a duly completed Compliance Certificate signed by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, treasurer or controller of the Borrower.

(d) Monthly Financials; Asset Coverage Certificate . As soon as available and in any event within 30 days after the end of each calendar month (commencing with the calendar month of July, 2015 and ending with, and including, the calendar month February 28, 2017), the Borrower shall provide, or shall cause to be provided, to the Administrative Agent, (i) a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such calendar month, , all in reasonable detail acceptable to the Administrative Agent and certified by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, treasurer or controller of the Borrower as fairly presenting the financial condition, and shareholders’ equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and that such statements are fairly stated in all material respects when considered in relation to the consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries provided in Section 5.2(b); and (ii) a duly completed Asset Coverage Ratio Certificate as of the end of such calendar month signed by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, treasurer or controller of the Borrower.

(e) Annual Budget . As soon as available and in any event within 30 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent an annual budget to include an income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement and capital spending forecast for the immediately following fiscal year and in reasonable detail.

 

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(f) Defaults . The Credit Parties shall provide to the Administrative Agent promptly, but in any event within five (5) Business Days after the occurrence thereof, a notice of each Default or Event of Default known to the Borrower or to any of its Subsidiaries, together with a statement of an officer of the Borrower setting forth the details of such Default or Event of Default and the actions which the Credit Parties have taken and proposes to take with respect thereto.

(g) Other Creditors . The Credit Parties shall provide to the Administrative Agent promptly after the giving or receipt thereof, copies of any default notices given or received by the Borrower or by any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of any indenture, loan agreement, credit agreement, or similar agreement.

(h) Litigation . The Credit Parties shall provide to the Administrative Agent promptly after the commencement thereof, notice of all actions, suits, and proceedings before any Governmental Authority, affecting the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

(i) Environmental Notices . Promptly upon, and in any event no later than 15 days after, the receipt thereof, or the acquisition of knowledge thereof, by any Credit Party, the Credit Parties shall provide the Administrative Agent with a copy of any form of request, claim, complaint, order, notice, summons or citation received from any Governmental Authority or any other Person, (i) concerning violations or alleged violations of Environmental Laws, which seeks to impose liability therefore in excess of $2,000,000, (ii) concerning any action or omission on the part of any of the Credit Parties or any of their former Subsidiaries in connection with Hazardous Waste or Hazardous Substances which could reasonably result in the imposition of liability in excess of $2,000,000 or requiring that action be taken to respond to or clean up a Release of Hazardous Substances or Hazardous Waste into the environment and such action or clean-up could reasonably be expected to exceed $2,000,000, including without limitation any information request related to, or notice of, potential responsibility under CERCLA, or (iii) concerning the filing of a Lien arising under Environmental Law upon, against or in connection with the Borrower, any Subsidiary, or any of their respective former Subsidiaries, or any of their leased or owned Property, wherever located.

(j) Material Changes . The Credit Parties shall provide to the Administrative Agent prompt written notice of any condition or event of which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries has knowledge, which condition or event has resulted or may reasonably be expected to result in (i) a Material Adverse Change or (ii) a breach of or noncompliance with any material term, condition, or covenant of any material contract to which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which their Properties may be bound which breach or noncompliance could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

(k) Termination Events . As soon as possible and in any event (i) within 30 days after the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group knows or has reason to know that any Termination Event described in clause (a) of the definition of Termination Event with respect to any Plan has occurred, and (ii) within 10 days after the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group knows or has reason to know that any other Termination Event with respect to any Plan has occurred, the Credit Parties shall provide to the Administrative Agent a statement of an authorized officer of the Borrower describing such Termination Event and the action, if any, which the Borrower or any Affiliate of the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto;

(l) Termination of Plans . Promptly and in any event within seven (7) Business Days after receipt thereof by the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group from the PBGC, the Credit Parties shall provide to the Administrative Agent copies of each notice received by the Borrower or any such member of the Controlled Group of the PBGC’s intention to terminate any Plan or to have a trustee appointed to administer any Plan;

 

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(m) Other ERISA Notices . Promptly and in any event within seven (7) Business Days after receipt thereof by the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group from a Multiemployer Plan sponsor, the Credit Parties shall provide to the Administrative Agent a copy of each notice received by the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group concerning the imposition or amount of withdrawal liability imposed on the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group pursuant to Section 4202 of ERISA;

(n) Other Governmental Notices . Promptly and in any event within five Business Days after receipt thereof by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, the Credit Parties shall provide to the Administrative Agent a copy of any notice, summons, citation, or proceeding seeking to modify in any material respect, revoke, or suspend any material contract, license, permit, or agreement with any Governmental Authority;

(o) Disputes; etc . The Credit Parties shall provide to the Administrative Agent prompt written notice of any claims, legal or arbitration proceedings, proceedings before any Governmental Authority, or disputes, or to the knowledge of any Credit Party, any such actions threatened, or affecting the Borrower or any Subsidiary, which, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change, or any material labor controversy of which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries has knowledge resulting in or reasonably considered to be likely to result in a strike against the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

(p) Securities Law Filings and other Public Information . Promptly after the same are available, the Credit Parties shall provide to the Administrative Agent copies of each annual report, proxy or financial statement or other report or communication sent to the stockholders of the Borrower, and copies of all annual, regular, periodic and special reports and registration statements which the Borrower may file or be required to file with the SEC under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or any other securities Governmental Authority, and not otherwise required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant hereto (provided that a notice and link posted to the Borrower’s main company website of any such document or information shall be deemed a satisfaction of the covenant in this clause (o).

(q) Other Information . Subject to the confidentiality provisions of Section 9.8, the Credit Parties shall provide to the Administrative Agent such other information respecting the business, operations, or Property of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, financial or otherwise, as any Lender through the Administrative Agent may reasonably request.

(r) Accounting Changes . No Credit Party shall make a change in the method of accounting employed in the preparation of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.4 or change the fiscal year end of the Borrower unless required to conform to GAAP or approved in writing by the Administrative Agent.

Section 5.3 Insurance .

(a) Each Credit Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, carry insurance in such amounts and against such risks as is customarily maintained by other Persons of similar size engaged in similar businesses and with sound and reputable insurers.

(b) Certificates of all insurance policies covering the property or business of the Credit Parties, and the renewals thereof, shall be delivered by Borrower to the Administrative Agent. All certificates of insurance shall set forth the coverage, the limits of liability, the name of the carrier, the

 

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policy number, and the period of coverage. All such policies shall contain a provision that notwithstanding any contrary agreements between the Borrower, its Subsidiaries, and the applicable insurance company, such policies will not be canceled or allowed to lapse without renewal without at least 30 days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent. All policies of property insurance with respect to the Collateral either shall have attached thereto a lender’s loss payable endorsement in favor of the Administrative Agent for its benefit and the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties or name the Administrative Agent as loss payee for its benefit and the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, in either case, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, and all policies of liability insurance shall name the Administrative Agent for its benefit and the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties as an additional insured and shall provide for a waiver of subrogation in favor of the Administrative Agent for its benefit and the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties. All such policies shall contain a provision that notwithstanding any contrary agreements between the Borrower, its Subsidiaries, and the applicable insurance company, such policies will not be canceled or allowed to lapse without renewal without at least 30 days’ (or 10 days’ with respect to cancellation due to any failure to pay premiums or other amounts due under such policies, or, in either case, such shorter period as may be accepted by the Administrative Agent) prior written notice to the Administrative Agent.

Section 5.4 Compliance with Laws . Each Credit Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations (including Environmental Laws) which are applicable to the operations and Property of any Credit Party and maintain all related permits necessary for the ownership and operation of each Credit Party’s Property and business, except in any case where the failure to so comply could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

Section 5.5 Taxes . Each Credit Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to pay and discharge all material taxes, assessments, and other charges and claims related thereto imposed on the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries prior to the date on which penalties attach other than any tax, assessment, charge, or claims which is being contested in good faith and for which adequate reserves have been established in compliance with GAAP.

Section 5.6 Material Domestic Subsidiaries . The Borrower shall cause each Material Domestic Subsidiary, whether existing on the Effective Date or created or acquired after the Effective Date, to, within 30 days of creation or acquisition (or such later date as the Administrative Agent shall agree), to execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a joinder to the Guaranty or otherwise deliver a Guaranty, in any event, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. Furthermore, if, as of any fiscal quarter end, the Non-Material Domestic Subsidiaries collectively (a) have operating income equal to or greater than 10% of the Borrower’s consolidated operating income for the four fiscal quarter period then ended, or (b) have a total book value of total assets equal to or greater than 10% of the Borrower’s consolidated book value of total assets, in either case under clause (a) or (b), as established in accordance with GAAP and as reflected in the financial statements covering such fiscal quarter and delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant hereto, then, within 30 days of delivery of such financial statements and the accompanying Compliance Certificate required under Section 5.2(c) above, the Borrower shall cause such Non-Material Domestic Subsidiaries to execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a joinder to the Guaranty or otherwise deliver a Guaranty, in any event, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, but only to the extent necessary in order to result in (i) operating income of all Non-Material Domestic Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors to be less than 10% of the Borrower’s consolidated operating income for the four fiscal quarter period then ended, and (ii) total book value of total assets of all Non-Material Domestic Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors to be less than 10% of the Borrower’s consolidated book value of total assets, in either case under clause (i) or (ii), as established in accordance with GAAP and as reflected in the financial statements covering such fiscal quarter and delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant hereto. Furthermore, concurrently with

 

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the delivery of each financial statement as required in Sections 5.2(a) and (b) and the accompanying Compliance Certificate required under Section 5.2(c), the Borrower may request that the Administrative Agent release, and within 30 days of such request, the Administrative Agent shall release, any Domestic Subsidiary from its Guaranty as requested by the Borrower, so long as no Default then exists and after giving effect to such release, the Borrower is in compliance with this Section 5.6. For the avoidance of doubt, no Foreign Subsidiary shall be required to become a Guarantor hereunder.

Section 5.7 Records; Inspection . Each Credit Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain proper, complete and consistent, in all material respects, books of record with respect to such Person’s operations, affairs, and financial condition. From time to time upon reasonable prior notice, each Credit Party shall permit any Lender and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to permit any Lender, at such reasonable times and intervals and to a reasonable extent and under the reasonable guidance of officers of or employees delegated by officers of such Credit Party or such Subsidiary, to, subject to any applicable confidentiality considerations, examine and copy the books and records of such Credit Party or such Subsidiary, to visit and inspect the Property of such Credit Party or such Subsidiary, and to discuss the business operations and Property of such Credit Party or such Subsidiary with the officers and directors thereof.

Section 5.8 Maintenance of Property . Each Credit Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, maintain its owned, leased, or operated Property in good condition and repair, normal wear and tear excepted; and shall abstain from, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to abstain from, knowingly or willfully permitting the commission of waste or other injury, destruction, or loss of natural resources, or the occurrence of pollution, contamination, or any other condition in, on or about the owned or operated Property involving the Environment that could reasonably be expected to result in Response activities and that could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change.

Section 5.9 Security .

(a) Subject to clause (b) below, each Credit Party agrees that at all times before the termination of this Agreement, payment in full of the Obligations, the termination and return of all Letters of Credit (other than Letters of Credit as to which arrangements satisfactory to the Issuing Lender in its sole discretion have been made) and termination in full of the Commitments, the Administrative Agent shall have an Acceptable Security Interest in the Collateral to secure the performance and payment of the Secured Obligations. Each Credit Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, promptly grant to the Administrative Agent a Lien in any Property of such Credit Party or such Subsidiary now owned or hereafter acquired (other than leased real property unless otherwise requested by the Administrative Agent) and to take such actions as may be required under the Security Documents to ensure that the Administrative Agent has an Acceptable Security Interest in such Collateral.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Leverage Ratio as of each fiscal quarter is less than 2.00 to 1.00 for four consecutive fiscal quarters, then so long as (i) the Borrower has delivered the required financial statements and accompanying Compliance Certificates for each of such fiscal quarters reflecting such Leverage Ratio, (ii) the Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent a written request to release the Collateral, (iii) no Default has occurred and is then continuing, and (iv) such release does not occur during the Alternative Covenant Period, the Administrative Agent shall, within 10 Business Days after receipt of the latest of the items required under clause (i) and (ii) above, release the Collateral (other than Cash Collateral Account and funds therein) from the Liens granted under the Security Documents.

Section 5.10 Further Assurances; Cure of Title Defects . Each Credit Party shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, cure promptly any defects in the execution and delivery of the Credit

 

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Documents. The Credit Parties hereby authorize the Administrative Agent to file any financing statements to the extent permitted by applicable Legal Requirements in order to perfect or maintain the perfection of any security interest granted under any of the Credit Documents. Each Credit Party at its expense will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, promptly execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent upon reasonable request by the Administrative Agent all such other documents, agreements and instruments to comply with or accomplish the covenants and agreements of any Credit Party or Subsidiary, as the case may be, in the Credit Documents, or to further evidence and more fully describe the collateral intended as security for the Secured Obligations, or to correct any omissions in the Security Documents, or to state more fully the security obligations set out herein or in any of the Security Documents, or to perfect, protect or preserve any Liens created pursuant to any of the Security Documents, or to make any recordings, to file any notices or obtain any consents, all as may be necessary or appropriate in connection therewith or to enable the Administrative Agent to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies with respect to any Collateral.

Section 5.11 FCPA; Sanctions . The Borrower will maintain in effect policies and procedures designed to promote compliance by the Borrower, its Subsidiaries, and their respective directors, officers, employees, and agents with the FCPA and any other applicable Anti-Corruption Laws and all applicable Sanctions.

ARTICLE 6

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

So long as any Obligation shall remain unpaid, any Lender shall have any Revolving Commitment hereunder, or there shall exist any Letter of Credit Exposure, the Borrower agrees to comply with the following covenants.

Section 6.1 Debt . No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, create, assume, incur, suffer to exist, or in any manner become liable, directly, indirectly, or contingently in respect of, any Debt other than the following (collectively, the “ Permitted Debt ”):

(a) the Obligations;

(b) intercompany Debt incurred in the ordinary course of business owed by any Credit Party to any other Credit Party; provided that, if applicable, such Debt as an investment is also permitted in Section 6.3;

(c) Debt in the form of accounts payable to trade creditors for goods or services and current operating liabilities (other than for borrowed money) which in each case are not more than 90 days past due, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business, as presently conducted, unless contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings;

(d) (i) purchase money indebtedness and Capital Leases in effect on the Effective Date and set forth in Schedule 6.1 and (ii) such other purchase money indebtedness or Capital Leases incurred after the Effective Date; provided that, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of such purchase money indebtedness and Capital Leases incurred after the Effective Date shall not exceed (A) during the Alternative Covenant Period, $5,000,000.00 and (B) at all other times, $25,000,000.00;

(e) Debt for borrowed money incurred after the Effective Date; provided that (i) such Debt is unsecured or the Secured Obligations hereunder are secured on a pari passu basis with such Debt on terms satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (ii) the covenants under instruments or agreements governing

 

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the credit facility for such Debt (including, without limitation, indentures) are not more restrictive than such covenants set forth in this Agreement as reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent, (iii) the scheduled maturity of such Debt is at least 90 days past the scheduled Maturity Date and no amortization payments, mandatory prepayments, mandatory redemptions or mandatory repurchases of such Debt are required thereunder other than at the scheduled maturity thereof (other than amortization payments, mandatory prepayments, mandatory redemptions or mandatory repurchases required in respect of such Debt in connection with the occurrence of an event of default under such Debt, a change of control of the issuer (including a disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, a liquidation or dissolution of the Borrower, or any event constituting a Change of Control (as defined herein) or an asset sale by the issuer or a Subsidiary thereof), (iv) the Borrower and its Subsidiaries are in pro forma compliance with the covenants set forth in this Agreement, both before and after giving effect to each incurrence of such Debt, and (v) the aggregate amount of Debt permitted under this clause (e) shall not exceed (A) during the Alternative Covenant Period, the lesser of (1) $20,000,000.00 and (2) 5% of the Borrower’s Tangible Net Worth as set forth in the financial statements most recently delivered under Section 5.2, and (B) at all other times, 20% of the Borrower’s Tangible Net Worth as set forth in the financial statements most recently delivered under Section 5.2 when incurred;

(f) Debt in respect of Hedging Arrangements;

(g) letters of credit issued by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association; and

(h) Debt incurred pursuant to one or more loan agreements between the Borrower and CARBO Ceramics (Eurasia) LLC, a company duly organized and existing under the laws of Russia; provided that (i) such Debt is unsecured, (ii) the aggregate principal amount of such Debt outstanding at any time shall not to exceed $6,000,000.00, and (iii) such Debt is subordinated to the Debt under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents on terms reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.

Section 6.2 Liens . No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, create, assume, incur, or suffer to exist any Lien on the Property of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or assign any right to receive any income, other than the following (collectively, the “Permitted Liens”):

(a) Liens securing the Secured Obligations pursuant to the Security Documents;

(b) Liens imposed by law, such as materialmen’s, mechanics’, carriers’, workmen’s, landlords’ and repairmen’s liens, and other similar liens arising in the ordinary course of business securing obligations which are not overdue for a period of more than 30 days or are being contested in good faith by appropriate procedures or proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been established;

(c) Liens arising in the ordinary course of business out of pledges or deposits under workers compensation laws, unemployment insurance, old age pensions, or other social security or retirement benefits, or similar legislation to secure public or statutory obligations;

(d) Liens for taxes, assessment, or other governmental charges which are not yet due and payable or which are being actively contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings;

(e) Liens securing purchase money debt or Capital Lease obligations permitted under Section 6.1(d); provided that each such Lien encumbers only the Property purchased in connection with the creation of any such purchase money debt or the subject of any such Capital Lease and the amount secured thereby is not increased;

 

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(f) Liens arising from precautionary UCC financing statements regarding operating leases to the extent such operating leases are permitted hereby;

(g) encumbrances consisting of minor easements, zoning restrictions, or other restrictions on the use of real property that do not (individually or in the aggregate) materially affect the value of the assets encumbered thereby or materially impair the ability of any Credit Party to use such assets in its business, and none of which is violated in any material aspect by existing or proposed structures or land use;

(h) Liens arising solely by virtue of any statutory or common law provision relating to banker’s liens, rights of set-off or similar rights and remedies and burdening only deposit accounts or other funds maintained with a depository institution;

(i) Liens on cash or securities pledged to secure performance of tenders, surety and appeal bonds, government contracts, performance and return of money bonds, bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, regulatory obligations and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(j) judgment and attachment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default, provided that (i) any appropriate legal proceedings which may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment shall not have been finally terminated or the period within which such proceeding may be initiated shall not have expired and (ii) no action to enforce such Lien has been commenced; and

(k) Liens to secure the Debt permitted under Section 6.1(e).

Section 6.3 Investments . No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, make or hold any direct or indirect investment in any Person, including capital contributions to the Person, investments in or the acquisition of the debt or equity securities of the Person, or any loans, guaranties, trade credit, or other extensions of credit to any Person, other than the following (collectively, the “ Permitted Investments ”):

(a) investments in the form of trade credit to customers of a Credit Party arising in the ordinary course of business and represented by accounts from such customers;

(b) Liquid Investments;

(c) loans, advances, or capital contributions to, or investments in, or purchases or commitments to purchase any stock or other securities or evidences of indebtedness of or interests in any Person (other than a Credit Party but including any Subsidiary that is domiciled in or outside the U.S. that is not a Guarantor), including any travel advances or travel loans to officers and employees; provided that (i) during the Alternative Covenant Period, the aggregate amount of such loans, advances, capital contributions, investments, purchases and commitments (other than appreciation) permitted under this clause (c) plus the aggregate amount of Acquisitions permitted under Section 6.4 shall not exceed the lesser of (A) $20,000,000.00 and (B) 5% of the Borrower’s Tangible Net Worth as set forth in the financial statements most recently delivered under Section 5.2, and (ii) at all other times, the aggregate amount of such loans, advances, capital contributions, investments, purchases and commitments (other than appreciation) permitted under this clause (c) shall not exceed 20% of the Borrower’s Tangible Net Worth;

(d) loans and advances by a Credit Party to any other Credit Party;

 

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(e) investments in the form of Acquisitions permitted by Section 6.4; provided that, if such Acquisition is of an equity interest or other securities in a Person (other than a Credit Party), such investments shall also be permitted under clause(c) above;

(f) creation of any additional Subsidiaries domiciled in the U.S. in compliance with Section 5.6;

(g) the Jenkins Bonds; and

(h) the Wilkinson Bonds.

Section 6.4 Acquisitions . No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, make an Acquisition in a transaction or related series of transactions, unless: (a) no Default or Event of Default exists both before and after giving effect to such Acquisition; (b) such Acquisition is substantially related to, or will support or further, the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and is not hostile; and (c) both before and after giving effect to such Acquisition, the Borrower is in pro forma compliance with the covenants and representations set forth herein (and, if requested by the Administrative Agent, a Responsible Officer of the Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent a Compliance Certificate reflecting such pro forma compliance with Sections 6.15, 6.16 and 6.17); provided however, that during the Alternative Covenant Period, the aggregate amount of Acquisitions permitted under this Section 6.4 together with loans, advances, capital contributions, investments, purchases and commitments (other than appreciation) permitted under Section 6.3(c) above, shall not exceed the lesser of (i) $20,000,000.00 and (ii) 5% of the Borrower’s Tangible Net Worth as set forth in the financial statements most recently delivered under Section 5.2.

Section 6.5 Agreements Restricting Liens . No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any contract, agreement or understanding (other than this Agreement, the Credit Documents and agreements governing Debt permitted by Sections 6.1(d) and (e) to the extent such restrictions govern only the asset financed pursuant to such Debt) which in any way prohibits or restricts the granting, conveying, creation or imposition of any Lien on any of its Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to secure the Obligations or restricts any Subsidiary from paying Restricted Payments to the Borrower, or which requires the consent of or notice to other Persons in connection therewith.

Section 6.6 Use of Proceeds; Use of Letters of Credit . No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to: (a) use the proceeds of the Revolving Advances for any purposes other than (i) to refinance the advances and other obligations outstanding under the Existing Debt, (ii) working capital purposes of any Credit Party, and (iii) other general corporate purposes of any Credit Party, including the payment of fees and expenses related to the entering into of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents; or (b) use the proceeds of the Swing Line Advances or the Letters of Credit for any purposes other than (i) working capital purposes of any Credit Party and (ii) other general corporate purposes of any Credit Party. No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, use any part of the proceeds of Advances or Letters of Credit for any purpose which violates, or is inconsistent with, Regulations T, U, or X. No part of the proceeds of the Advances will be used, directly or indirectly, in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any Person in violation of the FCPA or any other applicable anticorruption law. The Borrower will not, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of the Revolving Advances, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, or, to its knowledge, to any joint venture partner or other Person, (i) to fund any activities or business of or with any Person, or in any country or territory, that, at the time of such funding, is, or whose government is, the subject of Sanctions, or (ii) in any other manner that would result in a violation of Sanctions by the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lender, Swing Line Lender, any Lender or other party to the Credit Agreement.

 

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Section 6.7 Corporate Actions .

(a) No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, merge or consolidate with or into any other Person, except that the Borrower may merge with any of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries and any Credit Party may merge or be consolidated with or into any other Credit Party; provided that immediately after giving effect to any such proposed transaction no Default would exist and, in the case of any such merger to which the Borrower or the Borrower is a party, the Borrower or the Borrower is the surviving entity.

(b) No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, change its name, change its state of incorporation, formation or organization, change its organizational identification number or reorganize in another jurisdiction, create or suffer to exist any Subsidiary not existing on the date of this Agreement, sell or otherwise dispose of any of its ownership interest in any of its Subsidiaries, or in any manner rearrange its business structure as it exists on the date of this Agreement, provided that (i) the Borrower may create or acquire new Subsidiaries if such new Subsidiaries comply with Section 5.6 and such transactions otherwise comply with the terms of this Agreement, and (ii) a Credit Party may change its name, change its state of incorporation, formation or organization, and change its organizational number provided that such Credit Party has given the Administrative Agent at least ten (10) days’ prior notice of such change.

(c) The Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, modify or change its fiscal year or its method of accounting (other than as may be required to conform to GAAP).

Section 6.8 Sale of Assets . No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, sell, convey, or otherwise transfer any of its assets except that the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may (a) sell inventory in the ordinary course of business; (b) sell, convey, or otherwise transfer of equipment that is (i) obsolete, worn out, depleted or uneconomic and disposed of in the ordinary course of business, or (ii) contemporaneously replaced by equipment of at least comparable value and use; provided that no Event of Default shall exist or shall result from such sale, conveyance, or transfer; and (c) sell, convey or otherwise transfer assets outside the ordinary course of business; provided that, the aggregate net book value (or if greater, the Fair Market Value) of all assets sold, conveyed or transferred outside the ordinary course of business shall not exceed (i) during the Alternative Covenant Period, the lesser of (A) $20,000,000.00 and (B) 5% of the Borrower’s Tangible Net Worth as set forth in the financial statements most recently delivered under Section 5.2, and (ii) at all other times, 10% of the Borrower’s Tangible Net Worth as set forth in the financial statements most recently delivered under Section 5.2.

Section 6.9 Restricted Payments . No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to make any Restricted Payments except that (a) the Subsidiaries of the Borrower may make Restricted Payments to the Borrower or any other Credit Party, and (b) so long as no Default exists or would result from the making of such Restricted Payment, the Borrower may make Restricted Payments in the form of cash dividends to its equity holders and as cash consideration for redemption, repurchase or retirement of the Borrower’s Equity Interests in an aggregate amount, in any fiscal year, not to exceed 20% of the Borrower’s Tangible Net Worth for such fiscal year as shown in the audited financial statements for the prior fiscal year; provided , however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, during the Alternative Covenant Period (i) the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments permitted under this Section 6.9(b) during any fiscal year shall not exceed $20,000,000, and (ii) no Restricted Payment shall be permitted under this Section 6.9(b) if before or after giving effect to any such Restricted Payment, Liquidity is less than $15,000,000.

 

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Section 6.10 Affiliate Transactions . No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into or permit to exist any transaction or series of transactions (including, but not limited to, the purchase, sale, lease or exchange of Property, the making of any investment, the giving of any guaranty, the assumption of any obligation or the rendering of any service) with any of their Affiliates which are not Credit Parties unless such transaction or series of transactions is on terms no less favorable to the Borrower or any Subsidiary, as applicable, than those that could be obtained in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a Person that is not an affiliate.

Section 6.11 Line of Business . No Credit Party shall, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, change the character of the Borrower’s and its Subsidiaries collective business as conducted on the Effective Date, or engage in any type of business not reasonably related to the Borrower’s and its Subsidiaries collective business as of the Effective Date.

Section 6.12 Hazardous Materials . No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, (a) create, handle, transport, use, or dispose of any Hazardous Substance or Hazardous Waste, except in the ordinary course of its business and except in compliance with Environmental Law other than to the extent that such non-compliance could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change or in any liability on the Lenders or the Administrative Agent, and (b) Release any Hazardous Substance or Hazardous Waste into the environment or permit any Credit Party’s or any Subsidiary’s Property to be subjected to any Release of Hazardous Substance or Hazardous Waste, except in compliance with Environmental Law other than to the extent that such non-compliance could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change or in any liability on the Lenders or the Administrative Agent.

Section 6.13 Compliance with ERISA . Except for matters that individually or in the aggregate could not reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change, no Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly: (a) knowingly engage in any transaction in connection with which the Borrower or any Subsidiary could be subjected to either a civil penalty assessed pursuant to section 502(c), (i) or (l) of ERISA or a tax imposed by Chapter 43 of Subtitle D of the Code; (b) terminate, or permit any member of the Controlled Group to terminate, any Plan in a manner, or take any other action with respect to any Plan, which could result in any liability to the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any member of the Controlled Group to the PBGC; (c) fail to make, or permit any member of the Controlled Group to fail to make, full payment when due of all amounts which, under the provisions of any Plan, agreement relating thereto or applicable law, the Borrower, a Subsidiary or member of the Controlled Group is required to pay as contributions thereto; (d) permit to exist, or allow any Subsidiary or any member of the Controlled Group to permit to exist, any accumulated funding deficiency (or unpaid minimum required contribution for plan years after December 31, 2007) within the meaning of Section 302 of ERISA or section 412 of the Code, whether or not waived, with respect to any Plan; (e) permit, or allow any member of the Controlled Group to permit, the actuarial present value of the benefit liabilities (as “actuarial present value of the benefit liabilities” shall have the meaning specified in section 4041 of ERISA) under any Plan that is regulated under Title IV of ERISA to exceed the current value of the assets (computed on a plan termination basis in accordance with Title IV of ERISA) of such Plan allocable to such benefit liabilities; (f) contribute to or assume an obligation to contribute to, or permit any member of the Controlled Group to contribute to or assume an obligation to contribute to, any Multiemployer Plan; (g) acquire, or permit any member of the Controlled Group to acquire, an interest in any Person that causes such Person to become a member of the Controlled Group if such Person sponsors, maintains or contributes to, or at any time in the six-year period preceding such acquisition has sponsored, maintained, or contributed to, (1) any Multiemployer Plan, or (2) any other Plan that is subject to Title IV of ERISA under which the actuarial present value of the benefit liabilities under such Plan exceeds the current value of the assets (computed on a plan termination basis in accordance with Title IV of ERISA) of such Plan allocable to such benefit liabilities; (h) incur, or permit

 

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any member of the Controlled Group to incur, a liability to or on account of a Plan under sections 515, 4062, 4063, 4064, 4201 or 4204 of ERISA; (i) contribute to or assume an obligation to contribute to any employee welfare benefit plan, as defined in section 3(1) of ERISA, including, without limitation, any such plan maintained to provide benefits to former employees of Borrower or any Subsidiary, that may not be terminated by such entities in their sole discretion at any time without any liability; or (j) amend or permit any member of the Controlled Group to amend, a Plan resulting in a material increase in current liability such that the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any member of the Controlled Group is required to provide security to such Plan under section 401(a)(29) of the Code.

Section 6.14 Limitation on Hedging . No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, (a) purchase, assume, or hold a speculative position in any commodities market or futures market or enter into any Hedging Arrangement for speculative purposes; or (b) be party to or otherwise enter into any Hedging Arrangement which is entered into for reasons other than as a part of its normal business operations as a risk management strategy and/or hedge against changes resulting from market conditions related to the Borrower’s or its Subsidiaries’ operations.

Section 6.15 Minimum Tangible Net Worth . Borrower shall not permit its Tangible Net Worth as of the end of each fiscal quarter, commencing with the quarter ending December 31, 2009, to be less than an amount equal to (i) $370,000,000.00 plus (ii) an amount equal to 50% of the Borrower’s consolidated Net Income for each fiscal quarter ending on or after March 31, 2010 (if such consolidated Net Income in the applicable quarter is greater than $0) plus (iii) an amount equal to 100% of Equity Issuance Proceeds received by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary after the Effective Date.

Section 6.16 Leverage Ratio . Borrower shall not permit the Leverage Ratio as of each fiscal quarter end, commencing with the quarter ending March 31, 2017, to be more than 2.50 to 1.00.

Section 6.17 Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio . Borrower shall not permit the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio as of each fiscal quarter end, commencing with the quarter ending March 31, 2017, to be less than 1.50 to 1.00.

Section 6.18 Asset Coverage Ratio . Borrower shall not permit the Asset Coverage Ratio as of the end of each month occurring in the period commencing with the month of July, 2015 and ending with, and including, the month of February, 2017), to be less than 1.25 to 1.00.

Section 6.19 Capital Expenditures . No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, cause the Capital Expenditures expended by the Credit Parties and their respective Subsidiaries in each of the fiscal years ending December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016, to exceed $65,000,000 in the aggregate in such fiscal year; provided that, both before and after giving effect to any such Capital Expenditure, Liquidity is greater than or equal to $15,000,000.

ARTICLE 7

DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

Section 7.1 Events of Default . The occurrence of any of the following events shall constitute an “Event of Default” under this Agreement and any other Credit Document:

(a) Payment Failure . Any Credit Party (i) fails to pay any principal when due under this Agreement or (ii) fails to pay, within three Business Days of when due, any other amount due under this Agreement or any other Credit Document, including payments of interest, fees, reimbursements, and indemnifications;

 

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(b) False Representation or Warranties . Any representation or warranty made or deemed to be made by any Credit Party or any officer thereof in this Agreement, in any other Credit Document or in any certificate delivered in connection with this Agreement or any other Credit Document is incorrect, false or otherwise misleading in any material respect (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) at the time it was made or deemed made;

(c) Breach of Covenant . (i) Any breach by any Credit Party of any of the covenants in Section 5.2(d), Section 5.2(g), Section 5.3(a), Section 5.6 or Article 6 of this Agreement or the corresponding covenants in any Guaranty or (ii) any breach by any Credit Party of any other covenant contained in this Agreement or any other Credit Document and such breach shall remain unremedied for a period of thirty days after the earlier of (A) the date on which any Credit Party has actual knowledge of such breach and (B) the date written notice of such breach shall have been given to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent or any Lender (such grace period to be applicable only in the event such Default can be remedied by corrective action of a Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries);

(d) Guaranties . Any provisions in the Guaranties shall at any time (before its expiration according to its terms) and for any reason cease to be in full force and effect and valid and binding on the Guarantors party thereto or shall be contested by any party thereto; any Guarantor shall deny it has any liability or obligation under such Guaranties; or any Guarantor shall cease to exist other than as expressly permitted by the terms of this Agreement;

(e) Cross-Default . (i) The Borrower or any Guarantor shall fail to pay any principal of or premium or interest on its Debt which is outstanding in a principal amount of at least $2,000,000 individually or when aggregated with all such Debt of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries so in default (but excluding Debt evidenced by the Notes) when the same becomes due and payable (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise), and such failure shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in the agreement or instrument relating to such Debt; (ii) any other event shall occur or condition shall exist under any agreement or instrument relating to Debt which is outstanding in a principal amount of at least $2,000,000 individually or when aggregated with all such Debt of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries so in default (other than Debt evidenced by the Notes), and shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in such agreement or instrument, if the effect of such event or condition is to accelerate, or to permit the acceleration of, the maturity of such Debt prior to the stated maturity thereof; or (iii) any such Debt shall be declared to be due and payable, or required to be prepaid (other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment); provided that , for purposes of this paragraph (f), the “principal amount” of the obligations in respect of Hedging Arrangements at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that would be required to be paid if such Hedging Arrangements were terminated at such time;

(f) Bankruptcy and Insolvency . (i) Any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of the Borrower shall terminate its existence or dissolve or (ii) any Credit Party or any Subsidiary of the Borrower (A) admits in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due; makes an assignment for the benefit of its creditors; consents to or acquiesces in the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, fiscal agent, or trustee of itself or any of its Property; files a petition under bankruptcy or other laws for the relief of debtors; or consents to any reorganization, arrangement, workout, liquidation, dissolution, or similar relief or (B) shall have had, without its consent: any court enter an order appointing a receiver, liquidator, fiscal agent, or trustee of itself or any of its Property; any petition filed against it seeking reorganization, arrangement, workout, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief under bankruptcy or other laws for the relief of debtors and such petition shall not be dismissed, stayed, or set aside for an aggregate of 60 days, whether or not consecutive;

 

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(g) Adverse Judgment . The Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries suffers final judgments against any of them since the date of this Agreement in an aggregate amount, less any insurance proceeds covering such judgments which are received or as to which the insurance carriers admit liability, greater than $2,000,000 and either (i) enforcement proceedings shall have been commenced by any creditor upon such judgments or (ii) there shall be any period of 30 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgments, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be in effect;

(h) Termination Events . Any Termination Event with respect to a Plan shall have occurred, and, 30 days after notice thereof shall have been given to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent, such Termination Event shall not have been corrected and shall have created and caused to be continuing a material risk of Plan termination or liability for withdrawal from the Plan as a “substantial employer” (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA), which termination could reasonably be expect to result in a liability of, or liability for withdrawal could reasonably be expected to be, greater than $2,000,000;

(i) Plan Withdrawals . The Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group as employer under a Multiemployer Plan shall have made a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan and such withdrawing employer shall have incurred a withdrawal liability in an annual amount exceeding $2,000,000; or

(j) Change in Control . The occurrence of a Change in Control.

(k) Security Documents . The Security Agreement or any other material Security Document shall at any time and for any reason cease to create an Acceptable Security Interest in all material Property purported to be subject to such agreement in accordance with the terms of such agreement or any provisions thereof shall cease to be in full force and effect and valid and binding on the Credit Party that is a party thereto or any such Person shall so state in writing.

Section 7.2 Optional Acceleration of Maturity . If any Event of Default (other than an Event of Default pursuant to Section 7.1(f)) shall have occurred and be continuing, then, and in any such event,

(a) the Administrative Agent (i) shall at the request, or may with the consent, of the Majority Lenders, by notice to the Borrower, declare that the obligation of each Lender to make Advances and the obligation of the Issuing Lender to issue Letters of Credit shall be terminated, whereupon the same shall forthwith terminate, and (ii) shall at the request, or may with the consent, of the Majority Lenders, by notice to the Borrower, declare the Notes, all interest thereon, and all other amounts payable under this Agreement to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon the Notes, all such interest, and all such amounts shall become and be forthwith due and payable in full, without presentment, demand, protest or further notice of any kind (including, without limitation, any notice of intent to accelerate or notice of acceleration), all of which are hereby expressly waived by each of the Credit Parties,

(b) the Borrower shall, on demand of the Administrative Agent at the request or with the consent of the Majority Lenders, deposit with the Administrative Agent into the Cash Collateral Account an amount of cash equal to 105% of the outstanding Letter of Credit Exposure as security for the Secured Obligations to the extent the Letter of Credit Obligations are not otherwise paid or cash collateralized at such time, and

(c) the Administrative Agent shall at the request of, or may with the consent of, the Majority Lenders proceed to enforce its rights and remedies under the Guaranties or any other Credit Document for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties by appropriate proceedings.

 

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Section 7.3 Automatic Acceleration of Maturity . If any Event of Default pursuant to Section 7.1(f) shall occur,

(a) the obligation of each Lender to make Advances and the obligation of the Issuing Lender to issue Letters of Credit shall immediately and automatically be terminated and the Notes, all interest on the Notes, and all other amounts payable under this Agreement shall immediately and automatically become and be due and payable in full, without presentment, demand, protest or any notice of any kind (including, without limitation, any notice of intent to accelerate or notice of acceleration), all of which are hereby expressly waived by each of the Credit Parties,

(b) the Borrower shall, on demand of the Administrative Agent at the request or with the consent of the Majority Lenders, deposit with the Administrative Agent into the Cash Collateral Account an amount of cash equal to 105% of the outstanding Letter of Credit Exposure as security for the Secured Obligations to the extent the Letter of Credit Obligations are not otherwise paid or cash collateralized at such time, and

(c) the Administrative Agent shall at the request of, or may with the consent of, the Majority Lenders proceed to enforce its rights and remedies under the Guaranties or any other Credit Document for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties by appropriate proceedings.

Section 7.4 Set-off . Upon (a) the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default and (b) the making of the request or the granting of the consent, if any, specified by Section 7.2 to authorize the Administrative Agent to declare the Notes and any other amount payable hereunder due and payable pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.2 or the automatic acceleration of the Notes and all amounts payable under this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.3, the Administrative Agent and each Lender is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by the Administrative Agent or such Lender to or for the credit or the account of any Credit Party against any and all of the Secured Obligations of the Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement, the Notes held by the Administrative Agent or such Lender, and the other Credit Documents, irrespective of whether or not the Administrative Agent or such Lender shall have made any demand under this Agreement, such Note, or such other Credit Documents, and although such obligations may be unmatured. Each Lender agrees to promptly notify the Borrower after any such set-off and application made by such Lender, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such set-off and application. The rights of the Administrative Agent and each Lender under this Section 7.4 are in addition to any other rights and remedies (including, without limitation, other rights of set-off) which the Administrative Agent or such Lender may have.

Section 7.5 Remedies Cumulative, No Waiver . No right, power, or remedy conferred to any Lender in this Agreement or the Credit Documents, or now or hereafter existing at law, in equity, by statute, or otherwise shall be exclusive, and each such right, power, or remedy shall to the full extent permitted by law be cumulative and in addition to every other such right, power or remedy. No course of dealing and no delay in exercising any right, power, or remedy conferred to any Lender in this Agreement and the Credit Documents or now or hereafter existing at law, in equity, by statute, or otherwise shall operate as a waiver of or otherwise prejudice any such right, power, or remedy. Any Lender may cure any Event of Default without waiving the Event of Default. No notice to or demand upon the Borrower or any other Credit Party shall entitle the Borrower or any other Credit Party to similar notices or demands in the future.

Section 7.6 Application of Payments . Prior to an Event of Default, all payments made hereunder shall be applied by the Administrative Agent as directed by the Borrower, but subject to the

 

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terms of this Agreement, including the application of prepayments according to Section 2.5 and Section 2.12. During the existence of an Event of Default, all payments and collections received by the Administrative Agent shall be applied to the Secured Obligations in accordance with Section 2.12 and otherwise in such manner as determined by the Administrative Agent or as directed by the Majority Lenders. In the event that the Obligations have been accelerated pursuant to Section 7.2 or Section 7.3 or the Administrative Agent or any Lender has exercised any remedy set forth in this Agreement or any other Credit Document, all payments received on account of the Secured Obligations and all net proceeds from the enforcement of the Secured Obligations shall be applied by the Administrative Agent as follows:

First , to payment of that portion of the Secured Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts, including attorney fees, payable to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such, the Issuing Lender in its capacity as such and the Swing Line Lender in its capacity as such, ratably among the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lender and Swing Line Lender in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause First payable to them;

Second , to payment of that portion of the Secured Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal and interest) payable to the Lenders under the Credit Documents, including attorney fees, ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;

Third , to payment of that portion of the Secured Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest on the Advances and Letter of Credit Obligations, ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them;

Fourth , to payment of that portion of the Secured Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Advances, Letter of Credit Obligations and payment obligations constituting Secured Obligations (other than Obligations), ratably among the Secured Parties in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth payable to them;

Fifth , to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Issuing Lender, to cash collateralize any Letters of Credit then outstanding; and

Last , the balance, if any, after all of the Secured Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full, to the Borrower or as otherwise required by Legal Requirements.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) payments and collections received by the Administrative Agent from any Credit Party that is not a Qualified ECP Guarantor (and any proceeds received in respect of such Credit Party’s Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement)) shall not be applied to Excluded Swap Obligations with respect to any Credit Party, provided, however, that the Administrative Agent shall make such adjustments as it determines are appropriate with respect to payments and collections received from the other Credit Parties (or proceeds received in respect of such other Credit Parties’ Collateral) to preserve, as nearly as possible, the allocation to Secured Obligations otherwise set forth above in this Section 7.6 (assuming that, solely for purposes of such adjustments, Secured Obligations includes Excluded Swap Obligations), and (b) Banking Services Obligations, Secured Swap Obligations, and Bilateral Obligations may be excluded from the application described above if the Administrative Agent has not received written notice thereof, together with such supporting documentation as the Administrative Agent may request, from the applicable Secured Party as the case may be. Each Secured Party not a party to this Agreement that has given the notice contemplated by the preceding sentence shall, by such notice, be deemed to have acknowledged and accepted the appointment of the Administrative Agent pursuant to the terms of Article 8 for itself and its Affiliates as if a “Lender” party hereto.

 

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Section 7.7 Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim . In case of the pendency of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or any other judicial proceeding relative to any Credit Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Advance or Letter of Credit Obligation shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered (but not obligated) by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

(a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Advances, Letter of Credit Obligations and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the Issuing Lender and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders, the Issuing Lender and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders, the Issuing Lender and the Administrative Agent) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

(b) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender and the Issuing Lender to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders and the Issuing Lender, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent.

Section 7.8 Credit Bidding .

(a) The Administrative Agent, on behalf of itself and the Lenders, shall have the right to credit bid and purchase for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders all or any portion of Collateral at any sale thereof conducted by the Administrative Agent under the provisions of the UCC, including pursuant to Sections 9-610 or 9-620 of the UCC, at any sale thereof conducted under the provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code, including Section 363 thereof, or a sale under a plan of reorganization, or at any other sale or foreclosure conducted by the Administrative Agent (whether by judicial action or otherwise) in accordance with Legal Requirements.

(b) Each Lender hereby agrees that, except as otherwise provided in any Credit Documents or with the written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders, it will not take any enforcement action, accelerate obligations under any Credit Documents, or exercise any right that it might otherwise have under Legal Requirements to credit bid at foreclosure sales, UCC sales or other similar dispositions of Collateral.

ARTICLE 8

THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

Section 8.1 Appointment, Powers, and Immunities . Each Lender hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to act as its agent under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents with such powers and discretion as are specifically delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, together with such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The Administrative Agent (which term as used in this sentence and in

 

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Section 8.5 and the first sentence of Section 8.6 shall include its Affiliates and its own and its Affiliates’ officers, directors, employees, and agents): (a) shall not have any duties or responsibilities except those expressly set forth in this Agreement and shall not be a trustee or fiduciary for any Lender; (b) shall not be responsible to the Lenders for any recital, statement, representation, or warranty (whether written or oral) made in or in connection with any Credit Document or any certificate or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by any of them under, any Credit Document, or for the value, validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability, or sufficiency of any Credit Document, or any other document referred to or provided for therein or for any failure by any Credit Party or any other Person to perform any of its obligations thereunder; (c) shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain, inquire into, or verify the performance or observance of any covenants or agreements by any Credit Party or the satisfaction of any condition or to inspect the Property (including the books and records) of any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates; (d) shall not be required to initiate or conduct any litigation or collection proceedings under any Credit Document unless requested by the Majority Lenders in writing and it receives indemnification satisfactory to it from the Lenders; and (e) shall not be responsible for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it under or in connection with any Credit Document, except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Administrative Agent may employ agents and attorneys-in-fact and shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any such agents or attorneys-in-fact selected by the Administrative Agent with reasonable care.

Section 8.2 Reliance by Administrative Agent . The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon any certification, notice, instrument, writing, or other communication (including, without limitation, any thereof by telephone or telecopy) believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by or on behalf of the proper Person or Persons, and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including counsel for any Credit Party), independent accountants, and other experts selected by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent may deem and treat the payee of any Notes as the holder thereof for all purposes hereof unless and until the Administrative Agent receives and accepts an Assignment and Acceptance executed in accordance with Section 9.7. As to any matters not expressly provided for by this Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the instructions of the Majority Lenders, and such instructions shall be binding on all of the Lenders; provided , however, that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that exposes the Administrative Agent to personal liability or that is contrary to any Credit Document or applicable law or unless it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability and expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking any such action.

Section 8.3 Defaults . The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of a Default or Event of Default unless the Administrative Agent has received written notice from a Lender or the Borrower specifying such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default”. In the event that the Administrative Agent receives such a notice of the occurrence of a Default or Event of Default, the Administrative Agent shall give prompt notice thereof to the Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall (subject to Section 8.2) take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall reasonably be directed by the Majority Lenders, provided that , unless and until the Administrative Agent shall have received such directions, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Default or Event of Default as it shall deem advisable in the best interest of the Lenders.

Section 8.4 Rights as Lender . With respect to its Revolving Commitments and the Advances made by it, Wells Fargo (and any successor acting as Administrative Agent) in its capacity as a Lender hereunder shall have the same rights and powers hereunder as any other Lender and may exercise the

 

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same as though it were not acting as the Administrative Agent, and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless the context otherwise indicates, include the Administrative Agent in its individual capacity. Wells Fargo (and any successor acting as Administrative Agent) and its Affiliates may (without having to account therefor to any Lender) accept deposits from, lend money to, make investments in, provide services to, and generally engage in any kind of lending, trust, or other business with any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates as if it were not acting as Administrative Agent, and Wells Fargo (and any successor acting as Administrative Agent) and its Affiliates may accept fees and other consideration from any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates for services in connection with this Agreement or otherwise without having to account for the same to the Lenders.

Section 8.5 Indemnification .

(a) THE LENDERS SEVERALLY AGREE TO INDEMNIFY THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND EACH AFFILIATE THEREOF AND THEIR RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS (TO THE EXTENT NOT REIMBURSED BY THE BORROWER), RATABLY ACCORDING TO THE RESPECTIVE PRINCIPAL AMOUNTS OF THE ADVANCES THEN HELD BY EACH OF THEM (OR IF NO PRINCIPAL OF THE ADVANCES IS AT THE TIME OUTSTANDING, RATABLY ACCORDING TO THE RESPECTIVE REVOLVING COMMITMENTS HELD BY EACH OF THEM IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE TERMINATION, EXPIRATION OR FULL REDUCTION OF EACH SUCH REVOLVING COMMITMENT), 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 THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT IN ANY WAY RELATING TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY ACTION TAKEN OR OMITTED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENT ( INCLUDING THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT’S OWN NEGLIGENCE ), AND INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES, PROVIDED THAT NO LENDER SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY PORTION OF SUCH LIABILITIES, OBLIGATIONS, LOSSES, DAMAGES, PENALTIES, ACTIONS, JUDGMENTS, SUITS, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DISBURSEMENTS RESULTING FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT’S GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT. WITHOUT LIMITATION OF THE FOREGOING, EACH LENDER AGREES TO REIMBURSE THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT PROMPTLY UPON DEMAND FOR ITS RATABLE SHARE (DETERMINED AS SET FORTH ABOVE IN THIS PARAGRAPH) OF ANY OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES (INCLUDING COUNSEL FEES) INCURRED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE PREPARATION, EXECUTION, DELIVERY, ADMINISTRATION, MODIFICATION, AMENDMENT, OR ENFORCEMENT (WHETHER THROUGH NEGOTIATIONS, LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, OR OTHERWISE) OF, OR LEGAL ADVICE IN RESPECT OF RIGHTS OR RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER, THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENT, TO THE EXTENT THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT IS NOT REIMBURSED FOR SUCH BY THE BORROWER.

(b) THE LENDERS SEVERALLY AGREE TO INDEMNIFY THE ISSUING LENDER AND EACH AFFILIATE THEREOF AND THEIR RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS (TO THE EXTENT NOT REIMBURSED BY THE BORROWER), RATABLY ACCORDING TO THE RESPECTIVE PRINCIPAL AMOUNTS OF THE REVOLVING ADVANCES THEN HELD BY EACH OF THEM (OR IF NO PRINCIPAL OF THE REVOLVING ADVANCES IS AT THE TIME OUTSTANDING, RATABLY ACCORDING TO THE RESPECTIVE AMOUNTS OF THE REVOLVING COMMITMENTS THEN HELD BY EACH OF THEM, OR, IF NO SUCH PRINCIPAL AMOUNTS ARE THEN OUTSTANDING AND NO REVOLVING COMMITMENTS ARE THEN EXISTING, RATABLY ACCORDING TO THE REVOLVING

 

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COMMITMENTS HELD BY EACH OF THEM IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE TERMINATION OR EXPIRATION THEREOF), 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 THE ISSUING LENDER IN ANY WAY RELATING TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY ACTION TAKEN OR OMITTED BY THE ISSUING LENDER UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENT ( INCLUDING THE ISSUING LENDER’S OWN NEGLIGENCE ), AND INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES, PROVIDED THAT NO LENDER SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY PORTION OF SUCH LIABILITIES, OBLIGATIONS, LOSSES, DAMAGES, PENALTIES, ACTIONS, JUDGMENTS, SUITS, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DISBURSEMENTS RESULTING FROM THE ISSUING LENDER’S GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT. WITHOUT LIMITATION OF THE FOREGOING, EACH LENDER AGREES TO REIMBURSE THE ISSUING LENDER PROMPTLY UPON DEMAND FOR ITS RATABLE SHARE (DETERMINED AS SET FORTH ABOVE IN THIS PARAGRAPH) OF ANY OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES (INCLUDING COUNSEL FEES) INCURRED BY THE ISSUING LENDER IN CONNECTION WITH THE PREPARATION, EXECUTION, DELIVERY, ADMINISTRATION, MODIFICATION, AMENDMENT, OR ENFORCEMENT (WHETHER THROUGH NEGOTIATIONS, LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, OR OTHERWISE) OF, OR LEGAL ADVICE IN RESPECT OF RIGHTS OR RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER, THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENT, TO THE EXTENT THAT THE ISSUING LENDER IS NOT REIMBURSED FOR SUCH BY THE BORROWER.

Section 8.6 Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders . Each Lender agrees that it has, independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis of the Borrower and the other Credit Parties and decision to enter into this Agreement and that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own analysis and decisions in taking or not taking action under the Credit Documents. Except for notices, reports, and other documents and information expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by the Administrative Agent hereunder and for other information in the Administrative Agent’s possession which has been requested by a Lender and for which such Lender pays the Administrative Agent’s expenses in connection therewith, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the affairs, financial condition, or business of any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates that may come into the possession of the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates.

Section 8.7 Resignation of Administrative Agent and Issuing Lender . The Administrative Agent or the Issuing Lender may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Lenders and the Borrower. Upon receipt of notice of any such resignation, the Majority Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Administrative Agent or Issuing Lender with, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the consent of the Borrower, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. If no successor Administrative Agent or Issuing Lender shall have been so appointed by the Majority Lenders with the consent of the Borrower, and shall have accepted such appointment, within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent’s or Issuing Lender’s giving of notice of resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent or Issuing Lender may, on behalf of the Lenders and the Borrower, appoint a successor Administrative Agent or Issuing Lender, which shall be, in the case of a successor agent, a commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States of America or of any State thereof and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $250,000,000 and, in the case of the Issuing Lender, a Lender; provided that , if the Administrative Agent or Issuing Lender shall notify the Borrower and the

 

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Lenders that no qualifying Person has accepted such appointment, then such resignation shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice and (1) the retiring Administrative Agent or Issuing Lender shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Credit Documents (except that (A) in the case of any collateral security held by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders or the Issuing Lender under any of the Credit Documents, the retiring Administrative Agent shall continue to hold such collateral security until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed and (B) the retiring Issuing Lender shall remain the Issuing Lender with respect to any Letters of Credit outstanding on the effective date of its resignation or removal and the provisions affecting the Issuing Lender with respect to such Letters of Credit shall inure to the benefit of the retiring Issuing Lender until the termination of all such Letters of Credit) and (2) all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the retiring Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender and the Issuing Lender directly, until such time as the Required Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent or Issuing Lender, as applicable, as provided for above in this paragraph. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Administrative Agent or Issuing Lender by a successor Administrative Agent or Issuing Lender, such successor Administrative Agent or Issuing Lender shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges, and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent or Issuing Lender, and the retiring Administrative Agent or Issuing Lender shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, except that the retiring Issuing Lender shall remain the Issuing Lender with respect to any Letters of Credit outstanding on the effective date of its resignation or removal and the provisions affecting the Issuing Lender with respect to such Letters of Credit shall inure to the benefit of the retiring Issuing Lender until the termination of all such Letters of Credit. After any retiring Administrative Agent’s or Issuing Lender’s resignation as Administrative Agent or Issuing Lender, the provisions of this Article 8 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Administrative Agent or Issuing Lender under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents.

Section 8.8 Collateral and Guaranty Matters .

(a) The Administrative Agent is authorized on behalf of the Secured Parties, without the necessity of any notice to or further consent from such Secured Parties, from time to time, to take any actions with respect to any Collateral or Security Documents which may be necessary to perfect and maintain the Liens upon the Collateral granted pursuant to the Security Documents. The Administrative Agent is further authorized (but not obligated) on behalf of the Secured Parties, without the necessity of any notice to or further consent from the Secured Parties, from time to time, to take any action in exigent circumstances as may be reasonably necessary to preserve any rights or privileges of the Secured Parties under the Credit Documents or applicable Legal Requirements. By accepting the benefit of the Liens granted pursuant to the Security Documents, each Secured Party hereby agrees to the terms of this paragraph (a).

(b) The Lenders hereby, and any other Secured Party by accepting the benefit of the Liens granted pursuant to the Security Documents, irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent to (i) release any Lien granted to or held by the Administrative Agent upon any Collateral (a) as provided in Section 5.9(b) , (b) upon termination of this Agreement, repayment of all Secured Swap Obligations then due and owing (other than Secured Swap Obligations as to which arrangements satisfactory to the applicable counterparty in its sole discretion have been made), termination of all Letters of Credit (other than Letters of Credit as to which arrangements satisfactory to the Issuing Lender in its sole discretion have been made), and the payment in full of all outstanding Advances, Letter of Credit Obligations and all other Secured Obligations payable under this Agreement and under any other Credit Document; (c) constituting property sold or to be sold or Disposed of as part of or in connection with any Disposition permitted under this Agreement or any other Credit Document; (d) constituting property in which no Credit Party owned an interest at the time the Lien was granted or at any time thereafter (other than as result of a

 

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transaction that is not permitted under this Agreement); or (e) constituting property leased to any Credit Party under a lease which has expired or has been terminated in a transaction permitted under this Agreement or is about to expire and which has not been, and is not intended by such Credit Party to be, renewed or extended; and (ii) release a Guarantor from its obligations under a Guaranty and any other applicable Credit Document if such Person ceases to be a Subsidiary as a result of a transaction permitted under this Agreement. Upon the request of the Administrative Agent at any time, the Secured Parties will confirm in writing the Administrative Agent’s authority to release particular types or items of Collateral pursuant to this Section 8.8.

(c) Notwithstanding anything contained in any of the Credit Documents to the contrary, the Credit Parties, the Administrative Agent, and each Secured Party hereby agree that no Secured Party shall have any right individually to realize upon any of the Collateral or to enforce the Guaranties, it being understood and agreed that all powers, rights and remedies hereunder, under the Guaranties and under the Security Documents may be exercised solely by Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties in accordance with the terms hereof and the other Credit Documents. By accepting the benefit of the Liens granted pursuant to the Security Documents, each Secured Party not party hereto hereby agrees to the terms of this paragraph (c).

ARTICLE 9

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 9.1 Costs and Expenses . The Borrower agrees to pay on demand

(a) all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses of Administrative Agent (but not of other Lenders) in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, and amendment of this Agreement, the Notes, and the other Credit Documents including reasonable costs associated with field examinations, appraisals, and the reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses of outside counsel for Administrative Agent (but not of other Lenders), with respect to advising the Administrative Agent as to its rights and responsibilities under this Agreement, and

(b) all out-of-pocket costs and expenses, if any, of the Administrative Agent and each Lender (including outside counsel fees and expenses of each Lender) in connection with the enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings, or otherwise) of this Agreement, the Notes, and the other Credit Documents.

Section 9.2 Indemnification; Waiver of Damages .

(A) INDEMNIFICATION . EACH CREDIT PARTY HERETO AGREES TO, JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE ISSUING LENDER AND EACH LENDER AND EACH OF THEIR AFFILIATES AND THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AND ADVISORS (EACH, AN “ INDEMNITEE ”) FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DAMAGES, LOSSES, LIABILITIES, COSTS, AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES) THAT MAY BE INCURRED BY OR ASSERTED OR AWARDED AGAINST ANY INDEMNITEE, IN EACH CASE ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH OR BY REASON OF (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, IN CONNECTION WITH ANY INVESTIGATION, LITIGATION, OR PROCEEDING OR PREPARATION OF DEFENSE IN CONNECTION THEREWITH) THE CREDIT DOCUMENTS, ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS

 

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CONTEMPLATED HEREIN OR THE ACTUAL OR PROPOSED USE OF THE PROCEEDS OF THE ADVANCES , INCLUDING SUCH INDEMNITEE’S OWN NEGLIGENCE, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT SUCH CLAIM, DAMAGE, LOSS, LIABILITY, COST, OR EXPENSE IS FOUND IN A FINAL, NON-APPEALABLE JUDGMENT BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO HAVE RESULTED FROM SUCH INDEMNITEE’S GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT. IN THE CASE OF AN INVESTIGATION, LITIGATION OR OTHER PROCEEDING TO WHICH THE INDEMNITY IN THIS SECTION 9.2 APPLIES, SUCH INDEMNITY SHALL BE EFFECTIVE WHETHER OR NOT SUCH INVESTIGATION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING IS BROUGHT BY ANY CREDIT PARTY, ITS DIRECTORS, SHAREHOLDERS OR CREDITORS OR AN INDEMNITEE OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ANY INDEMNITEE IS OTHERWISE A PARTY THERETO AND WHETHER OR NOT THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY ARE CONSUMMATED. THE FOREGOING INDEMNITY AND HOLD HARMLESS SHALL NOT APPLY TO ANY CLAIMS, DAMAGES, LOSSES, LIABILITIES, COSTS OR EXPENSES THAT IS INCURRED BY OR ASSERTED OR AWARDED AGAINST ANY INDEMNITEE DIRECTLY FOR, OR AS A DIRECT CONSEQUENCE OF, SUCH INDEMNITEE BEING A DEFAULTING LENDER UNDER CLAUSE (A) OR (B) OF THE DEFINITION OF “DEFAULTING LENDER”, WHETHER ASSERTED BY ANY CREDIT PARTY, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE ISSUING LENDER OR THE SWING LINE LENDER.

(b) Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc.

(i) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, no Credit Party shall assert, agrees not to assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Credit Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Advance or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof. No Indemnitee referred to in subsection (a) above shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed to such unintended recipients by such Indemnitee through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Credit Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby other than for direct or actual damages resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee as determined by a final and nonappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.

(ii) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, no Indemnitee shall assert, agrees not to assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any Credit Party, 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 Credit Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Advance or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof other than for such claims provide for in this Agreement.

(c) Survival . Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement of the Credit Parties hereunder, the agreements and obligations of the Credit Parties contained in this Section 9.2 shall survive the termination of this Agreement, the termination of all Revolving Commitments, and the payment in full of the Advances and all other amounts payable under this Agreement.

 

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Section 9.3 Waivers and Amendments . No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement, the Notes, or any other Credit Document, nor consent to any departure by the Borrower or any Guarantor therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Majority Lenders and the Borrower, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided that:

(a) no amendment, waiver, or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by all the Lenders and the Borrower, do any of the following: (i) reduce the principal of, or interest on, the Revolving Notes, (ii) postpone or extend any date fixed for any payment of principal of, or interest on, the Revolving Notes, including, without limitation, the Maturity Date, (iii) change the number of Lenders which shall be required for the Lenders to take any action hereunder or under any other Credit Document, or (iv) amend Section 2.2(f)(ii) or waive or consent to any departure by the Borrower from the terms of thereof;

(b) no amendment, waiver, or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by all the Lenders and the Borrower, do any of the following: (i) waive any of the conditions specified in Article 3, (ii) reduce any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Credit Document (other than those specifically addressed above in this Section 9.3), (iii) increase the aggregate Revolving Commitments, (iv) postpone or extend any date fixed for any payment of any fees or other amounts payable hereunder (other than those otherwise specifically addressed in this Section 9.3), (v) amend Section 2.12(e), Section 7.6, this Section 9.3 or any other provision in any Credit Document which expressly requires the consent of, or action or waiver by, all of the Lenders, (vi) release any Guarantor from its obligation under any Guaranty or, except as specifically provided in the Credit Documents and as a result of transactions permitted by the terms of this Agreement, release all or a material portion of collateral, if any, securing the Secured Obligations; (vii) amend the definitions of “Majority Lenders”, or “Maximum Exposure Amount”; or (viii) amend the definitions of “Secured Parties”, “Secured Obligations” or “Collateral” in a manner materially adverse to any Secured Party;

(c) no Revolving Commitment of a Lender or any obligations of a Lender may be increased without such Lender’s written consent;

(d) no amendment, waiver, or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent in addition to the Lenders required above to take such action, affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other Credit Document;

(e) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Issuing Lender in addition to the Lenders required above to take such action, affect the rights or duties of the Issuing Lender under this Agreement or any other Credit Document; and

(f) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Swing Line Lender in addition to the Lenders required above to take such action, affect the rights or duties of the Swing Line Lender under this Agreement or any other Credit Document.

Section 9.4 Severability . In case one or more provisions of this Agreement or the other Credit Documents shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein or therein shall not be affected or impaired thereby.

Section 9.5 Survival of Representations and Obligations . All representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or made in writing by or on behalf of the Credit Parties in connection herewith shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, the making of the Advances or the issuance of any Letters of Credit and any investigation made by or on behalf of the Lenders, none of which investigations shall diminish any Lender’s right to rely on such representations and warranties. All obligations of the Borrower or any other Credit Party provided for in Sections 2.10, 2.11, 2.13(c), 9.1 and 9.2 and all of the obligations of the Lenders in Section 8.5 shall survive any termination of this Agreement and repayment in full of the Obligations.

 

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Section 9.6 Binding Effect . This Agreement shall become effective upon the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 3.1 above, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, and each Lender and their respective successors and assigns, except that neither the Borrower nor any other Credit Party shall have the right to assign its rights or delegate its duties under this Agreement or any interest in this Agreement without the prior written consent of each Lender.

Section 9.7 Lender Assignments and Participations .

(a) Each Lender may assign to one or more Eligible Assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Advances, its Notes, and its Revolving Commitments); provided , however, that (i) each such assignment shall be to an Eligible Assignee; (ii) except in the case of an assignment to another Lender or an assignment of all of a Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, any such partial assignment with respect to the Revolving Commitments shall be in an amount at least equal to $5,000,000; (iii) each assignment of a Lender’s rights and obligations with respect to Revolving Advances and its Revolving Commitment shall be of an constant, and not varying percentage of all of its rights and obligations under this Agreement as a Lender and the Revolving Notes (other than rights of reimbursement and indemnity arising before the effective date of such assignment) and shall be of an equal pro rata share of the Assignor’s interest in the Revolving Advances and Revolving Commitments; and (iv) the parties to such assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent for its acceptance an Assignment and Acceptance, together with any Notes subject to such assignment and the assignor or assignee Lender shall pay a processing fee of $3,500; provided that such processing fee shall not be required for the initial assignments made by Wells Fargo as a Lender in connection with the initial syndication of its Revolving Commitments hereunder. Upon execution, delivery, and acceptance of such Assignment and Acceptance and payment of the processing fee, the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of such assignment, have the obligations, rights, and benefits of a Lender hereunder and the assigning Lender shall, to the extent of such assignment, relinquish its rights and be released from its obligations under this Agreement. Upon the consummation of any assignment pursuant to this Section 9.7, the assignor, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall make appropriate arrangements so that, if required, new Notes are issued to the assignor and the assignee. If the assignee is not incorporated under the laws of the United States of America or a state thereof, it shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent certification as to exemption from deduction or withholding of Taxes in accordance with Section 2.13(e).

(b) The Administrative Agent shall maintain at its address referred to in Section 9.9 a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to and accepted by it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and the Revolving Commitments of, and principal amount of the Advances owing to, each Lender from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and the Credit Parties, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement.

(c) Upon its receipt of an Assignment and Acceptance executed by the parties thereto, together with any Notes subject to such assignment and payment of the processing fee, the Administrative Agent shall, if such Assignment and Acceptance has been completed, (i) accept such Assignment and Acceptance, (ii) record the information contained therein in the Register, and (iii) give prompt notice thereof to the parties thereto.

 

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(d) Each Lender may sell participations to one or more Persons in all or a portion of its rights, obligations or rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Revolving Commitments or its Advances) provided , however, that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations, (iii) the participant shall be entitled to the benefit of the yield protection provisions contained in Sections 2.10 and 2.11 and the right of set-off contained in Section 7.4, and (iv) the Borrower shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, and such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce the obligations of the Borrower relating to its Advances and its Notes and to approve any amendment, modification, or waiver of any provision of this Agreement (other than amendments, modifications, or waivers decreasing the amount of principal of or the rate at which interest is payable on such Advances or Notes, extending any scheduled principal payment date or date fixed for the payment of interest on such Advances or Notes, or extending its Revolving Commitment).

(e) Notwithstanding any other provision set forth in this Agreement, any Lender may at any time assign and pledge all or any portion of its Advances and its Notes to any Federal Reserve Bank as collateral security pursuant to Regulation A and any Operating Circular issued by such Federal Reserve Bank. No such assignment shall release the assigning Lender from its obligations hereunder.

(f) Any Lender may furnish any information concerning the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the possession of such Lender from time to time to assignees and participants (including prospective assignees and participants), subject, however, to the provisions of the following paragraph Section 9.8.

Section 9.8 Confidentiality . The Administrative Agent, the Swing Line Lender, the Issuing Lender, and each Lender (each a “ Lending Party ”) agree to keep confidential any information furnished or made available to it by any Credit Party pursuant to this Agreement and identified by such Credit Party as proprietary or confidential; provided that nothing herein shall prevent any Lending Party from disclosing such information (a) to any other Lending Party or any Affiliate of any Lending Party, or any officer, director, employee, agent, or advisor of any Lending Party or Affiliate of any Lending Party for purposes of administering, negotiating, considering, processing, implementing, syndicating, assigning, or evaluating the credit facilities provided herein and the transactions contemplated hereby, (b) to any other Person if directly incidental to the administration of the credit facilities provided herein, (c) as required by any Legal Requirement, (d) upon the order of any court or administrative agency, (e) upon the request or demand of any regulatory agency or authority, (f) that is or becomes available to the public or that is or becomes available to any Lending Party other than as a result of a disclosure by any other Lending Party prohibited by this Agreement, (g) in connection with any litigation relating to this Agreement or any other Credit Document to which such Lending Party or any of its Affiliates may be a party, (h) to the extent necessary in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy under this Agreement or any other Credit Document, and (i) to any actual or proposed participant or assignee, in each case, subject to provisions similar to those contained in this Section 9.8. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY CONTAINED HEREIN, nothing in this Agreement shall (a) restrict any Lending Party from providing information to any bank or other regulatory or governmental authorities, including the Federal Reserve Board and its supervisory staff; (b) require or permit any Lending Party to disclose to any Credit Party that any information will be or was provided to the Federal Reserve Board or any of its supervisory staff; or (c) require or permit any Lending Party to inform any Credit Party of a current or upcoming Federal Reserve Board examination or any nonpublic Federal Reserve Board supervisory initiative or action.

Section 9.9 Notices, Etc . All notices and other communications (other than Notices of Borrowing and Notices of Continuation or Conversion, which are governed by Article 2 of this

 

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Agreement) shall be in writing and hand delivered with written receipt, telecopied, sent by facsimile (with a hard copy sent as otherwise permitted in this Section 9.9), sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier, or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested as follows: if to a Credit Party, as specified on Schedule II and if to any Lender, the Swing Line Lender, or the Issuing Lender, at its credit contact specified under its name on Schedule II. Each party may change its notice address by written notification to the other parties. All such notices and communications shall be effective when delivered, except that notices and communications to any Lender, Swing Line Lender, or the Issuing Lender pursuant to Article 2 shall not be effective until received and, in the case of telecopy, such receipt is confirmed by such Lender, Swing Line Lender or Issuing Lender, as applicable, verbally or in writing.

Section 9.10 Business Loans . Each Credit Party warrants and represents that the Obligations evidenced by the Notes are and shall be for business, commercial, investment or other similar purposes and not primarily for personal, family, household or agricultural use, as such terms are used in Chapter One (“Chapter One”) of the Texas Credit Code. At all such times, if any, as Chapter One shall establish a Maximum Rate, the Maximum Rate shall be the “indicated rate ceiling” (as such term is defined in Chapter One) from time to time in effect.

Section 9.11 Usury Not Intended . It is the intent of each Credit Party and each Lender in the execution and performance of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents to contract in strict compliance with applicable usury laws, including conflicts of law concepts, governing the Advances of each Lender including such applicable laws of the State of Texas, if any, and the United States of America from time to time in effect. In furtherance thereof, the Lenders and the Credit Parties stipulate and agree that none of the terms and provisions contained in this Agreement or the other Credit Documents shall ever be construed to create a contract to pay, as consideration for the use, forbearance or detention of money, interest at a rate in excess of the Maximum Rate and that for purposes of this Agreement “interest” shall include the aggregate of all charges which constitute interest under such laws that are contracted for, charged or received under this Agreement; and in the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, under any circumstances the aggregate amounts taken, reserved, charged, received or paid on the Advances, include amounts which by applicable law are deemed interest which would exceed the Maximum Rate, then such excess shall be deemed to be a mistake and each Lender receiving same shall credit the same on the principal of its Notes (or if such Notes shall have been paid in full, refund said excess to the Borrower). In the event that the maturity of the Notes are accelerated by reason of any election of the holder thereof resulting from any Event of Default under this Agreement or otherwise, or in the event of any required or permitted prepayment, then such consideration that constitutes interest may never include more than the Maximum Rate, and excess interest, if any, provided for in this Agreement or otherwise shall be canceled automatically as of the date of such acceleration or prepayment and, if theretofore paid, shall be credited on the applicable Notes (or, if the applicable Notes shall have been paid in full, refunded to the Borrower of such interest). In determining whether or not the interest paid or payable under any specific contingencies exceeds the Maximum Rate, the Credit Parties and the Lenders shall to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law amortize, prorate, allocate and spread in equal parts during the period of the full stated term of the Notes all amounts considered to be interest under applicable law at any time contracted for, charged, received or reserved in connection with the Obligations. The provisions of this Section shall control over all other provisions of this Agreement or the other Credit Documents which may be in apparent conflict herewith.

Section 9.12 Usury Recapture . In the event the rate of interest chargeable under this Agreement at any time is greater than the Maximum Rate, the unpaid principal amount of the Advances shall bear interest at the Maximum Rate until the total amount of interest paid or accrued on the Advances equals the amount of interest which would have been paid or accrued on the Advances if the stated rates of interest set forth in this Agreement had at all times been in effect. In the event, upon payment in full of the Advances, the total amount of interest paid or accrued under the terms of this Agreement and the

 

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Advances is less than the total amount of interest which would have been paid or accrued if the rates of interest set forth in this Agreement had, at all times, been in effect, then the Borrower shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, pay the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders an amount equal to the difference between (i) the lesser of (A) the amount of interest which would have been charged on its Advances if the Maximum Rate had, at all times, been in effect and (B) the amount of interest which would have accrued on its Advances if the rates of interest set forth in this Agreement had at all times been in effect and (ii) the amount of interest actually paid under this Agreement on its Advances. In the event the Lenders ever receive, collect or apply as interest any sum in excess of the Maximum Rate, such excess amount shall, to the extent permitted by law, be applied to the reduction of the principal balance of the Advances, and if no such principal is then outstanding, such excess or part thereof remaining shall be paid to the Borrower.

Section 9.13 Governing Law . This Agreement, the Notes and the other Credit Documents (unless otherwise expressly provided therein) shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Texas. Without limiting the intent of the parties set forth above, (a) Chapter 346 of the Texas Finance Code, as amended (relating to revolving loans and revolving tri-party accounts (formerly Tex. Rev. Civ. Stat. Ann. Art. 5069, Ch. 15)), shall not apply to this Agreement, the Notes, or the transactions contemplated hereby and (b) to the extent that any Lender may be subject to Texas law limiting the amount of interest payable for its account, such Lender shall utilize the indicated (weekly) rate ceiling from time to time in effect. Each Letter of Credit shall be governed by either (i) the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (2007 Revision), International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 600, or (ii) the International Standby Practices (ISP98), International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 590, in either case, including any subsequent revisions thereof approved by a Congress of the International Chamber of Commerce and adhered to by the Issuing Lender.

Section 9.14 Submission to Jurisdiction . Each Credit Party hereby irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of any Texas state or federal court sitting in Houston, Texas in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the other Credit Documents, and each Credit Party hereby irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such court. Each Credit Party hereby unconditionally and irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, any right it may have to the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding. Each Credit Party hereby agrees that service of copies of the summons and complaint and any other process which may be served in any such action or proceeding may be made by mailing or delivering a copy of such process to such Credit Party at its address set forth in this Agreement. Each Credit Party hereby agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Section shall affect the rights of any Lender to serve legal process in any other manner permitted by the law or affect the right of any Lender to bring any action or proceeding against any Credit Party or its Property in the courts of any other jurisdiction.

Section 9.15 Execution in Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

Section 9.16 Waiver of Jury . EACH CREDIT PARTY, THE LENDERS, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE ISSUING LENDER, AND THE SWING LINE LENDER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENT, OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

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Section 9.17 USA Patriot Act . Each Lender that is subject to the Patriot Act and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies each Credit Party that pursuant to the requirements of the Patriot Act it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies such Credit Party, which information includes the name and address of such Credit Party and other information that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify such Credit Party in accordance with the Patriot Act.

PURSUANT TO SECTION 26.02 OF THE TEXAS BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE, A LOAN AGREEMENT IN WHICH THE AMOUNT INVOLVED IN THE LOAN AGREEMENT EXCEEDS $50,000 IN VALUE IS NOT ENFORCEABLE UNLESS THE LOAN AGREEMENT IS IN WRITING AND SIGNED BY THE PARTY TO BE BOUND OR THAT PARTY’S AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE.

THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES TO AN AGREEMENT SUBJECT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPH SHALL BE DETERMINED SOLELY FROM THE WRITTEN LOAN AGREEMENT, AND ANY PRIOR ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES ARE SUPERSEDED BY AND MERGED INTO THE LOAN AGREEMENT. THIS WRITTEN AGREEMENT AND THE CREDIT DOCUMENTS, AS DEFINED IN THIS AGREEMENT, REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT MATTERS SET FORTH HEREIN AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES.

THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank. Signature pages follow.]

 

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SCHEDULE I

Pricing Schedule

During the Alternative Covenant Period, the Applicable Margin with respect to Commitment Fee, Revolving Advances, and Swing Line Advances shall be determined in accordance with the following Table A:

TABLE A

 

LIBO

Advances

  Base Rate
Advances
    Commitment Fee  
4.00%     3.00     0.50

All other times, the Applicable Margin with respect to Commitment Fee, Revolving Advances, and Swing Line Advances shall be determined in accordance with the following Table B based on the Borrower’s Leverage Ratio as reflected in the Compliance Certificate delivered in connection with the financial statements most recently delivered pursuant to Section 5.2 (commencing with the financial statements and Compliance Certificate delivered for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2017). Adjustments, if any, to such Applicable Margin shall be effective on the date the Administrative Agent receives the applicable financial statements and corresponding Compliance Certificate as required by the terms of this Agreement. If the Borrower fails to deliver the financial statements and corresponding Compliance Certificate to the Administrative Agent at the time required pursuant to Section 5.2, then effective as of the date such financial statements and Compliance Certificate were required to the delivered pursuant to Section 5.2, the Applicable Margin with respect to Commitment Fee, Revolving Advances, and Swing Line Advances shall be determined at Level III and shall remain at such level until the date such financial statements and corresponding Compliance Certificate are so delivered by the Borrower. For the avoidance of doubt, the failure to deliver the financial statements and corresponding Compliance Certificate for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2017 shall result in the continuation of the Alternative Covenant Period (and therefore the application of Table A above and not the application of Table B, Level III below).

TABLE B

 

Applicable
Margin

  

Leverage Ratio

   LIBO
Advances
    Base Rate
Advances
    Commitment
Fee
 

Level I

  

Less than 1.50

     2.50     1.50     0.50

Level II

  

Equal to or greater than 1.50 but less than 2.00

     2.75     1.75     0.50

Level III

  

Equal to or greater than 2.00

     3.00     2.00     0.50

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the determination of the Applicable Margin for any period shall be subject to the provisions of Section 2.8(c) .


SCHEDULE II

Commitments, Contact Information

 

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association    Address :    1700 Lincoln St., 5 th Floor
      Denver, CO 80209
      MAC C7300-059
   Attn :    Wholesale Loan Servicing
   Telephone :    (303) 863-5378
   Facsimile :    (303) 863-2729
   with a copy to :   
   Address :    1000 Louisiana, 9 th Floor
      MAC T5002-090
      Houston, Texas 77002
   Attn :    Kristen Brockman, Director
   Telephone :    (713) 319-1954
   Facsimile :    (713) 739-1087
CREDIT PARTIES
Borrower/Guarantors    Address for Notices :
   Energy Center II
   575 N. Dairy Ashford Rd., Ste 300
   Houston, TX 77079
   Attn:    Ernesto Bautista III
      Chief Financial Officer
   Telephone :    (281) 931-8884
   Facsimile:    (281) 931-8302
LENDERS
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association    Address for Notices :
      1700 Lincoln St., 5 th Floor
      Denver, CO 80209
Revolving Commitment:       MAC C7300-059
$90,000,000    Attn :    Wholesale Loan Servicing
   Telephone :    (303) 863-5378
   Facsimile :    (303) 863-2729
   with a copy to:   
   Address :    1000 Louisiana, 9 th Floor
      MAC T5002-090
      Houston, Texas 77002
   Attn :    Kristen Brockman, Vice President
   Telephone :    (713) 319-1954
   Facsimile :    (713) 739-1087


EXHIBIT G

FORM OF ASSET COVERAGE RATIO CERTIFICATE

FOR THE MONTH OF             , 201    

This certificate dated as of             , 201     is prepared pursuant to the Credit Agreement dated as of January 29, 2010, among CARBO Ceramics Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the lenders party thereto from time to time (the “ Lenders ”), Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent for such Lenders (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”), and as issuing lender and as swing line lender (as may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”). Unless otherwise defined in this certificate, capitalized terms that are defined in the Credit Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them by the Credit Agreement.

The undersigned, on behalf of the Borrower, hereby certifies that:

(a) all of the representations and warranties made by any Credit Party or any officer of any Credit Party contained in the Credit Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) on this date, except that any representation and warranty which by its terms is made as of a specified date shall be required to be true and correct only as of such specified date;

[(b) no Default or Event of Default has occurred or is continuing as of the date hereof; and]

[(b) the following Default[s] or Event[s] of Default exist[s] as of the date hereof, if any, and the actions set forth below are being taken to remedy such circumstances:

                    ; and]

(c) that as of the date hereof for the periods set forth below the following statements, amounts, and calculations included herein, were true and correct in all material respects.

 

Exhibit G – Form of Asset Coverage Ratio Certificate


I. Section 6.18 Asset Coverage Ratio 1 :

 

(a)

 

70% of Receivables of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries (as reflected on the balance sheet delivered with this certificate)

   $                

(b)

 

40% of the value of Inventory of the Borrower andits consolidated Subsidiaries (as reflectedon the balance sheet delivered with this certificate)

   $                

(c)

 

100% of Unrestricted Cash 2

   $                

(d)

 

Consolidated current liabilities of the Borrower and itsSubsidiaries 3

   $                

(e)

 

Outstanding consolidated Debt of the Borrower

   $                
 

Asset Coverage Ratio Ratio =

  
 

[(a) + (b) + (c) – (d)] divided by (e) =

  
 

Minimum Asset Coverage Ratio:

     1.25 to 1.00   
 

Compliance

     Yes        No   

 

1   Calculated as of the end of each month, commencing with the month of July, 2015 and ending with, and including, the month of February, 2017.
2   Readily and immediately available cash that would not appear as “restricted” on the balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and held in deposit accounts of any Credit Party (other than the Cash Collateral Account) on such date; provided that, such deposit accounts and the funds therein shall be unencumbered and free and clear of all Liens and other third party rights other than (a) a Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent pursuant to Security Documents and (b) a Lien in favor of the depositary institution holding such deposit accounts arising solely by virtue of such depositary institution’s standard account documentation or any statutory or common law provision relating to banker’s liens, rights of set-off or similar rights and remedies and burdening only such deposit accounts.
3   Excludes (i) Secured Obligations under the Credit Agreement and (ii) unrealized net losses in the fair market value of any arrangements under Hedging Arrangements, but including any losses attributable to the early extinguishment or conversion of arrangements under Hedging Arrangements or other derivative instruments, in each case, which constitute current liabilities.

 

Exhibit G – Form of Asset Coverage Ratio Certificate


IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereto signed my name to this Asset Coverage Ratio Certificate as of                  ,         .

 

BORROWER :
CARBO CERAMICS INC.
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

Exhibit G – Form of Asset Coverage Ratio Certificate

Exhibit 10.3

Execution Version

SECURITY AGREEMENT

This SECURITY AGREEMENT, dated as of July 27, 2015 (as amended, supplemented, amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time, this “ Security Agreement ”), is by and among CARBO CERAMICS INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), each Material Domestic Subsidiary of the Borrower party hereto from time to time (collectively with the Borrower, the “ Grantors ” and individually, a “ Grantor ”), and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Administrative Agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”) for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties (as defined in the Credit Agreement referred to herein).

W I T N E S S E T H :

WHEREAS, this Security Agreement is entered into in connection with that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2010 (as heretofore and hereafter amended, supplemented, amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among the Borrower, the lenders party thereto from time to time (the “ Lenders ”), and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, as issuing lender (in such capacity, the “ Issuing Lender ”) and as swing line lender (in such capacity, the “ Swing Line Lender ”); and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, and in consideration of the credit extended by the Lenders to the Borrower and the letters of credit issued by the Issuing Lender for the account of the Borrower or any subsidiary of the Borrower, the Grantors are required to execute and deliver this Security Agreement; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of each Grantor to execute this Security Agreement inasmuch as each Grantor will derive substantial direct and indirect benefits from (i) the transactions contemplated by the Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents (as defined in the Credit Agreement), (ii) the Hedging Arrangements (as defined in the Credit Agreement) entered into by the Borrower or any other Credit Party (as defined in the Credit Agreement) with a Secured Swap Provider (as defined in the Credit Agreement), and (iii) the Banking Services (as defined in the Credit Agreement) provided by a Banking Services Provider, and each Grantor is willing to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Security Agreement to secure the Secured Obligations (as defined in the Credit Agreement).

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, each Grantor agrees, for the benefit of each Secured Party, as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1.1. Certain Terms . The following terms (whether or not underscored) when used in this Security Agreement, including its preamble and recitals, shall have the following meanings (such definitions to be equally applicable to the singular and plural forms thereof):

Administrative Agent ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble .

Borrower ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble .

Collateral ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a) .

 

Security Agreement

Page 1 of 24


Collateral Account ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(b) .

Credit Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the first recital .

Excluded Contract ” means any contract (and any contract rights arising thereunder) to which any of the Grantors is a party on the date hereof or which is entered into by any Grantor after the date hereof which complies with Section 6.5 of the Credit Agreement (and the provisions of which are not agreed to by a Grantor for the purposes of excluding such contract from the Lien granted hereunder), in any case to the extent (but only to the extent) that a Grantor is prohibited from granting a security interest in, pledge of, or charge, mortgage or lien upon any such Property by reason of (a) a negative pledge, anti-assignment provision or other contractual restriction in existence on the date hereof or, as to contracts entered into after the date hereof, in existence in compliance with Section 6.5 of the Credit Agreement (and the provisions of which are not agreed to by a Grantor for the purposes of excluding such contract from the Lien granted hereunder), or (b) applicable Legal Requirement to which such Grantor or such Property is subject; provided , however , to the extent that (i) either of the prohibitions discussed in clause (a) and (b) above is ineffective or subsequently rendered ineffective under Sections 9.406, 9.407, 9.408 or 9.409 of the UCC or under any other Legal Requirement or is otherwise no longer in effect or enforceable, or (ii) the applicable Grantor has obtained the consent of the other parties to such Excluded Contract to the creation of a lien and security interest in, such Excluded Contract, then such contract (and any contract rights arising thereunder) shall cease to be an “Excluded Contract” and shall automatically be subject to the lien and security interests granted hereby and to the terms and provisions of this Security Agreement as a “Collateral”; provided further , that any proceeds received by any Grantor from the sale, transfer or other disposition of Excluded Contracts shall constitute Collateral unless any Property constituting such proceeds are themselves subject to the exclusions set forth above.

General Intangibles ” means all “general intangibles” and all “payment intangibles”, each as defined in the UCC, and shall include all interest rate or currency protection or hedging arrangements, all tax refunds, all licenses, permits, concessions and authorizations (in each case, regardless of whether characterized as general intangibles under the UCC).

Grantor ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble .

Indemnified Parties ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(a) .

Inventory ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(i) .

Lenders ” has the meaning set forth in the first recital .

Receivables ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(ii) .

Related Contracts ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(ii) .

Secured Parties ” has the meaning set forth in the Credit Agreement.

Security Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble .

Termination Date ” means the date that (i) all Secured Obligations have been paid in full in cash (other than reimbursement and indemnity obligations for which no notice of a claim has been made), all Letters of Credit have been terminated or expired (or been cash collateralized to the reasonable satisfaction of the respective Issuing Lender), all Hedging Arrangements with Secured Swap Providers have been terminated or novated to a counterparty that is not a Secured Party (or separately collateralized

 

Security Agreement

Page 2 of 24


to the reasonable satisfaction of such Secured Swap Provider), and all Commitments shall have terminated or (ii) the Liens granted herein are otherwise terminated in full pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement.

UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code, as in effect in the State of Texas, as the same may be amended from time to time.

SECTION 1.2. Credit Agreement Definitions . Unless otherwise defined herein or the context otherwise requires, terms used in this Security Agreement, including its preamble and recitals, have the meanings provided in the Credit Agreement.

SECTION 1.3. UCC Definitions . Unless otherwise defined herein or the context otherwise requires, terms for which meanings are provided in the UCC are used in this Security Agreement, including its preamble and recitals, with such meanings.

SECTION 1.4. Miscellaneous . Article, Section, Schedule, and Exhibit references are to Articles and Sections of and Schedules and Exhibits to this Security Agreement, unless otherwise specified. All references to instruments, documents, contracts, and agreements (including this Security Agreement) are references to such instruments, documents, contracts, and agreements as the same may be amended, supplemented, and otherwise modified from time to time, unless otherwise specified and shall include all schedules and exhibits thereto unless otherwise specified. The words “hereof”, “herein”, and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Security Agreement shall refer to this Security Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Security Agreement. The term “including” means “including, without limitation,”. Paragraph headings have been inserted in this Security Agreement as a matter of convenience for reference only and it is agreed that such paragraph headings are not a part of this Security Agreement and shall not be used in the interpretation of any provision of this Security Agreement.

ARTICLE II

SECURITY INTEREST

SECTION 2.1. Grant of Security Interest .

(a) Each Grantor hereby pledges, hypothecates, assigns, charges, mortgages, delivers, and transfers to the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of each Secured Party, and hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of each Secured Party, a continuing security interest in all of such Grantor’s right, title and interest in, to and under, all of the following, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by such Grantor, and wherever located and whether now owned or hereafter existing or arising (collectively, the “ Collateral ”):

(i) all inventory in all of its forms of such Grantor, wherever located, including (A) all raw materials and work in process therefore, finished goods thereof, and materials used or consumed in the manufacture or production thereof, (B) all documents of title covering any inventory, including work in process, materials used or consumed in any Grantor’s business, now owned or hereafter acquired or manufactured by any Grantor and held for sale in the ordinary course of its business (C) all goods in which such Grantor has an interest in mass or a joint or other interest or right of any kind (including goods in which such Grantor has an interest or right as consignee), (D) all goods which are returned to or repossessed by such Grantor, and all accessions thereto, products thereof and documents therefore, and (E) any other item constituting “inventory” under the UCC (any and all such inventory, materials, goods, accessions, products and documents being the “ Inventory ”);

 

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(ii) all accounts, payment intangibles, contracts, contract rights, all rights constituting a right to the payment of money, chattel paper, documents, documents of title, instruments, and General Intangibles of such Grantor, and arising out of or in connection with the sale or lease of goods or the rendering of services, including all rights of such Grantor now or hereafter existing in and to all security agreements, guaranties, leases, agreements and other contracts securing or otherwise relating to any such accounts, payment intangibles, contracts, contract rights, rights to the payment of money, chattel paper, documents, documents of title, instruments, and General Intangibles (any and all such accounts, payment intangibles, contracts, contract rights, rights to the payment of money, chattel paper, documents, documents of title, instruments, and General Intangibles being the “ Receivables ”, and any and all such security agreements, guaranties, leases, agreements and other contracts being the “ Related Contracts ”);

(iii) all books, correspondence, credit files, records, invoices, tapes, cards, computer runs, writings, data bases, information in all forms, paper and documents and other property relating to, used or useful in connection with, evidencing, embodying, incorporating or referring to, any of the foregoing in this Section 2.1(a) ;

(iv) all accessions, substitutions, replacements, products, offspring, rents, issues, profits, returns, income and proceeds of and from any and all of the foregoing Collateral (including proceeds which constitute property of the types described in sub-clauses (i) , (ii) and (iii) and proceeds deposited from time to time in any lock boxes of such Grantor, and, to the extent not otherwise included, all payments and proceeds under insurance (whether or not the Administrative Agent is the loss payee thereof), or any condemnation award, indemnity, warranty or guaranty, payable by reason of loss or damage to or otherwise with respect to any of the Collateral);

(v) any and all Liens and security interests (together with the documents evidencing such security interests) granted to such Grantor by an obligor to secure such obligor’s obligations owing under any Instrument, Chattel Paper, or contract relating to, or giving rise to, Inventory, Receivables or Related Contracts that is pledged hereunder or with respect to which a security interest in such Grantor’s rights in such Instrument, Chattel Paper, or contract relating to, or giving rise to, Inventory, Receivables or Related Contracts is granted hereunder;

(vi) any and all guaranties given by any Person for the benefit of such Grantor which guarantees the obligations of an obligor under any Instrument, Chattel Paper, or contract relating to the Inventory, the Receivables or the Related Contracts, which are pledged hereunder; and

(vii) all of such Grantor’s other property and rights of every kind and description and interests therein relating to, or giving rise to, Inventory, Receivables or Related Contracts, including all other “ Accounts ”, “ Chattel Paper ”, “ Commodity Contracts ”, “ Documents ”, “ General Intangibles ”, “ Goods ”, “ Instruments ”, “ Inventory ”, “ Money ”, “ Payment Intangibles ”, and “ Proceeds ” as each such terms are defined in the UCC, in each case relating to or giving rise to any Inventory, Receivables or Related Contracts;

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 2(a) and other than to the extent set forth in this Section 2(b), Excluded Contracts shall be excluded from the lien and security interest granted hereunder; provided , however , that (x) the exclusion from the Lien and security interest granted by any Grantor hereunder of any Excluded Contracts shall not limit, restrict or impair the grant by such Grantor of the Lien and security interest in any accounts or Receivables arising under any such Excluded Contracts or any payments due or to become due thereunder unless the conditions in effect

 

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which qualify such Property as Excluded Contracts applies with respect to such accounts and Receivables and (y) any proceeds received by any Grantor from the sale, transfer or other disposition of Excluded Contracts shall constitute Collateral unless the conditions in effect which qualify such Property as an Excluded Contract applies with respect to such proceeds.

SECTION 2.2. Security for Obligations .

(a) This Security Agreement, and the Collateral in which the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties is granted a security interest hereunder by each Grantor, secures the prompt and payment in full in cash and performance of all Secured Obligations.

(b) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, it is the intention of each Grantor, the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties that the amount of the Secured Obligations secured by each Grantor’s interests in any of its Property shall be in, but not in excess of, the maximum amount permitted by fraudulent conveyance, fraudulent transfer and other similar law, rule or regulation of any Governmental Authority applicable to such Grantor. Accordingly, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Security Agreement or in any other agreement or instrument executed in connection with the payment of any of the Secured Obligations, the amount of the Secured Obligations secured by each Grantor’s interests in any of its Property pursuant to this Security Agreement shall be limited to an aggregate amount equal to the largest amount that would not render such Grantor’s obligations hereunder or the Liens and security interest granted to the Administrative Agent hereunder subject to avoidance under Section 548 of the United States Bankruptcy Code or any comparable provision of any other applicable law.

SECTION 2.3. Continuing Security Interest; Transfer of Advances; Reinstatement . This Security Agreement shall create continuing security interests in the Collateral and shall (a) except as otherwise provided in the Credit Agreement, remain in full force and effect until the Termination Date, (b) be binding upon each Grantor and its successors, transferees and assigns, and (c) inure, together with the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent hereunder, to the benefit of the Administrative Agent and each other Secured Party and its respective permitted successors, transferees and assigns, subject to the limitations as set forth in the Credit Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing clause (c) , any Lender may assign or otherwise transfer (in whole or in part) any Advance held by it as provided in Section 9.7 of the Credit Agreement, and any successor or assignee thereof shall thereupon become vested with all the rights and benefits in respect thereof granted to such Secured Party under any Credit Document (including this Security Agreement), or otherwise, subject, however, to any contrary provisions in such assignment or transfer, and as applicable to the provisions of Section 9.7 and Article 8 of the Credit Agreement. If at any time all or any part of any payment theretofore applied by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to any of the Secured Obligations is or must be rescinded or returned by the Administrative Agent or any such Secured Party for any reason whatsoever (including the insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization or other similar proceeding of any Grantor or any other Person), such Secured Obligations shall, for purposes of this Security Agreement, to the extent that such payment is or must be rescinded or returned, be deemed to have continued to be in existence, notwithstanding any application by the Administrative Agent or such Secured Party or any termination agreement or release provided to any Grantor, and this Security Agreement shall continue to be effective or reinstated, as the case may be, as to such Secured Obligations, all as though such application by the Administrative Agent or such Secured Party had not been made .

SECTION 2.4. Grantors Remain Liable . Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, (a) each Grantor shall remain liable under the contracts and agreements included in the Collateral to the extent set forth therein, and will perform all of its duties and obligations under such contracts and

 

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agreements to the same extent as if this Security Agreement had not been executed, (b) the exercise by the Administrative Agent of any of its rights hereunder shall not release any Grantor from any of its duties or obligations under any such contracts or agreements included in the Collateral, and (c) neither the Administrative Agent nor any other Secured Party shall have any obligation or liability under any contracts or agreements included in the Collateral by reason of this Security Agreement, nor shall the Administrative Agent nor any Secured Party be obligated to perform any of the obligations or duties of any Grantor thereunder or to take any action to collect or enforce any claim for payment assigned hereunder.

SECTION 2.5. Security Interest Absolute, etc . This Security Agreement shall in all respects be a continuing, absolute, unconditional and irrevocable grant of security interest, and shall remain in full force and effect until the Termination Date. All rights of the Secured Parties and the security interests granted to the Administrative Agent (for its benefit and the ratable benefit of each other Secured Party) hereunder, and all obligations of each Grantor hereunder, shall, in each case, be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable irrespective of (a) any lack of validity, legality or enforceability of any Credit Document, (b) the failure of any Secured Party (i) to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against any Grantor or any other Person under the provisions of any Credit Document or otherwise, or (ii) to exercise any right or remedy against any other guarantor of, or collateral securing, any Secured Obligations, (c) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any part of the Secured Obligations, or any other extension, compromise or renewal of any Secured Obligations, (d) any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination of any Secured Obligations (except in the case of the occurrence of the Termination Date) for any reason, including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not be subject to (and each Grantor hereby waives any right to or claim of) any defense or setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality, nongenuineness, irregularity, compromise, unenforceability of, or any other event or occurrence affecting, any Secured Obligations or otherwise, (e) any amendment to, rescission, waiver, or other modification of, or any consent to or departure from, any of the terms of any Credit Document, (f) any addition, exchange or release of any Collateral of the Secured Obligations, or any surrender or non-perfection of any collateral, or any amendment to or waiver or release or addition to, or consent to or departure from, any other guaranty held by any Secured Party securing any of the Secured Obligations, or (g) any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a legal or equitable discharge of, any Grantor or any other Credit Party, any surety or any guarantor.

SECTION 2.6. Waiver of Subrogation . Until 91 days after the Termination Date, each Grantor hereby irrevocably waives any claim or other rights which it may now or hereafter acquire against any Credit Party that arise from the existence, payment, performance or enforcement of such Grantor’s obligations under this Security Agreement or any other Credit Document, including any right of subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration or indemnification, any right to participate in any claim or remedy of any Secured Party against any Credit Party or any collateral which any Secured Party now has or hereafter acquires, whether or not such claim, remedy or right arises in equity, or under contract, statute or common law, including the right to take or receive from any Credit Party, directly or indirectly, in cash or other property or by set-off or in any manner, payment or security on account of such claim or other rights. If any amount shall be paid to any Grantor in violation of the preceding sentence and the Termination Date shall not have occurred, then such amount shall be deemed to have been paid to such Grantor for the benefit of, and held in trust for, the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties), and shall forthwith be paid to the Administrative Agent to be credited and applied upon the Secured Obligations, whether matured or unmatured. Each Grantor acknowledges that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the financing arrangements contemplated by the Credit Agreement and that the waiver set forth in this Section 2.6 is knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits.

 

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SECTION 2.7. Election of Remedies . Except as otherwise provided in the Credit Agreement, if any Secured Party may, under applicable law, proceed to realize its benefits under any of this Security Agreement or the other Credit Documents giving any Secured Party a Lien upon any Collateral, either by judicial foreclosure or by non-judicial sale or enforcement, such Secured Party may, at its sole option, determine which of its remedies or rights it may pursue without affecting any of its rights and remedies under this Security Agreement. If, in the exercise of any of its rights and remedies, any Secured Party shall forfeit any of its rights or remedies, including its right to enter a deficiency judgment against any Credit Party or any other Person, whether because of any applicable laws pertaining to “election of remedies” or the like, each Grantor hereby consents to such action by such Secured Party and waives any claim based upon such action, even if such action by such Secured Party shall result in a full or partial loss of any rights of subrogation that such Grantor might otherwise have had but for such action by such Secured Party.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

In order to induce the Secured Parties to enter into the Credit Agreement and make Advances thereunder and for the Issuing Lenders to issue Letters of Credit thereunder, and to induce the Secured Parties to enter into Hedging Arrangements and Banking Services, each Grantor represents and warrants unto each Secured Party as set forth in this Article.

SECTION 3.1. Ownership, No Liens, etc . Such Grantor is the legal and beneficial owner of, and has good title to (and has full right and authority to pledge, grant and assign) the Collateral, free and clear of all Liens, except for any Lien that is a Permitted Lien. No effective UCC financing statement or other filing similar in effect covering all or any part of the Collateral is on file in any recording office, except those filed in favor of the Administrative Agent relating to this Security Agreement, Permitted Liens or as to which a duly authorized termination statement relating to such UCC financing statement or other instrument has been delivered to the Administrative Agent on date hereof. This Security Agreement creates a valid security interest in the Collateral, securing the payment of the Secured Obligations, and, except for the proper filing of the applicable financing statements with the filing offices listed on Item A-1 of Schedule I attached hereto, and all filings and other actions necessary to perfect and protect such security interest in the Collateral have been duly taken and, subject to Permitted Liens, such security interest shall be a first priority security interest.

SECTION 3.2. Grantor’s Name, Location, etc .

(a) Other than as otherwise permitted pursuant to any Credit Document, (i) the jurisdiction in which such Grantor is located for purposes of Sections 9.301 and 9.307 of the UCC is set forth in Item A-1 of Schedule I hereto, (ii) as of the date hereof or such later date on which such Grantor joins this Security Agreement, the place of business of such Grantor or, if such Grantor has more than one place of business, the chief executive office of such Grantor and the office where such Grantor keeps its records concerning the Receivables, is set forth in Item A-2 of Schedule I hereto, and (iii) such Grantor’s federal taxpayer identification number is set forth in Item A-3 of Schedule I hereto.

(b) Within the past five years, such Grantor has not been known by any legal name different from the one set forth on the signature page hereto, nor has such Grantor been the subject of any merger or other corporate reorganization, except as set forth in Item B of Schedule I hereto.

(c) None of the Receivables in excess of $10,000,000 is evidenced by a promissory note or other instrument other than a promissory note or instrument that has been delivered to the Administrative Agent (with appropriate endorsements).

(d) As of the date hereof or such later date on which such Grantor joins this Security Agreement, the name set forth on the signature page attached hereto (or, if applicable, the signature page to the supplement document pursuant to which such Grantor joins this Security Agreement) is the true and correct legal name (as defined in the UCC) of such Grantor.

 

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SECTION 3.3. Possession of Inventory; Control . Such Grantor has exclusive possession and control, subject to Permitted Liens, of the Inventory, except as otherwise required, necessary or customary in the ordinary course of its business. Such Grantor has not consented to, and is otherwise unaware of, any Person (other than, if applicable, the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 4.1(b) hereof) having control (within the meaning of Section 9.104 or Section 8.106 of the UCC) over any Collateral, or any other interest in any of such Grantor’s rights in respect thereof.

SECTION 3.4. Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper . Such Grantor has, contemporaneously herewith or as otherwise permitted herein, delivered (or will deliver as required herein) to the Administrative Agent possession of all originals of all certificates or instruments representing or evidencing any Collateral consisting of Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper relating to, or giving rise to, Inventory, Receivables or Related Contracts that individually, or collectively, evidence amounts payable in excess of $10,000,000, owned or held by such Grantor (duly endorsed, in blank, if requested by the Administrative Agent).

SECTION 3.5. Authorization, Approval, etc . Except as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect, no Governmental Approval, authorization, approval or other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other third party is required either (a) for the grant by such Grantor of the security interest granted hereby or (b) for the perfection or maintenance of the security interests hereunder including the first priority (subject to Permitted Liens) nature of such security interest or the exercise by the Administrative Agent of its rights and remedies hereunder.

SECTION 3.6. Best Interests . It is in the best interests of each Grantor to execute this Security Agreement in as much as such Grantor will, as a result of being the Borrower, or a Material Domestic Subsidiary of the Borrower, derive substantial direct and indirect benefits from (a) the Advances and other extensions of credit (including Letters of Credit) made from time to time to the Borrower or any other Grantor by the Lenders and the Issuing Lender pursuant to the Credit Agreement, (b) the Hedging Arrangements entered into with the Secured Swap Providers, and (c) the Banking Services provided by the Lenders or their Affiliates, and each Grantor agrees that the Secured Parties are relying on this representation in agreeing to make such Advances and other extensions of credit pursuant to the Credit Agreement to the Borrower. Furthermore, such extensions of credit, Hedging Arrangements and Banking Services are (i) in furtherance of each Grantor’s corporate purposes, and (ii) necessary or convenient to the conduct, promotion or attainment of each Grantor’s business.

ARTICLE IV

COVENANTS

Each Grantor covenants and agrees that, until the Termination Date, it will perform, comply with and be bound by the obligations set forth below.

SECTION 4.1. As to Accounts .

(a) Each Grantor shall have the right to collect all Accounts so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

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(b) Upon (i) the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default and (ii) the delivery of notice by the Administrative Agent to each Grantor, all Proceeds of Collateral received by any Grantor shall be delivered in kind to the Administrative Agent for deposit in a Deposit Account of such Grantor (A) maintained with the Administrative Agent or (B) maintained at a depositary bank other than the Administrative Agent to which such Grantor, the Administrative Agent and the depositary bank have entered into a Control Agreement in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion providing that the depositary bank will comply with the instructions originated by the Administrative Agent directing disposition of the funds in the account without further consent by such Grantor (any such Deposit Accounts, together with any other Deposit Accounts pursuant to which any portion of the Collateral is deposited with the Administrative Agent, a “ Collateral Account ,” and collectively, the “ Collateral Accounts ”), and such Grantor shall not commingle any such Proceeds, and shall hold separate and apart from all other property, all such Proceeds in express trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent until delivery thereof is made to the Administrative Agent.

(c) Following the delivery of notice pursuant to clause (b)(ii) during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent shall have the right to apply any amount in the Collateral Account to the payment of any Secured Obligations which are due and payable or in accordance with Section 7.6 of the Credit Agreement.

(d) With respect to each of the Collateral Accounts, it is hereby confirmed and agreed that (i) deposits in such Collateral Account are subject to a security interest as contemplated hereby, (ii) such Collateral Account shall be under the control of the Administrative Agent after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default (unless otherwise agreed to by the Borrower and the Majority Lenders), and (iii) the Administrative Agent shall have the sole right of withdrawal over such Collateral Account; provided that such withdrawals shall only be made during the existence of an Event of Default.

(e) No Grantor shall adjust, settle, or compromise the amount or payment of any Receivable, nor release wholly or partly any account debtor or obligor thereof, nor allow any credit or discount thereon; provided that, a Grantor may make such adjustments, settlements or compromises and release wholly or partly any account debtor or obligor thereof and allow any credit or discounts thereon so long as (i) such action is taken in the ordinary course of business, and (ii) such action is, in such Grantor’s good faith business judgment, advisable.

SECTION 4.2. As to Grantor’s Use of Collateral .

(a) Subject to clause (b) , each Grantor (i) may in the ordinary course of its business, at its own expense, sell, lease or furnish under the contracts of service any of the Inventory held by such Grantor for such purpose, and use and consume any raw materials, work in process or materials held by such Grantor for such purpose, (ii) following the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, shall, at its own expense, endeavor to collect, as and when due, all amounts due with respect to any of the Collateral, including the taking of such action with respect to such collection as the Administrative Agent may request or, in the absence of such request, as such Grantor may deem advisable, and (iii) may grant, in the ordinary course of business, to any party obligated on any of the Collateral, any rebate, refund or allowance to which such party may be lawfully entitled, and may accept, in connection therewith, the return of Goods, the sale or lease of which shall have given rise to such Collateral.

(b) At any time following the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, whether before or after the maturity of any of the Secured Obligations, the Administrative Agent may (i) revoke any or all of the rights of any Grantor set forth in clause (a) , (ii) notify any parties

 

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obligated on any of the Collateral to make payment to the Administrative Agent of any amounts due or to become due thereunder, and (iii) enforce collection of any of the Collateral by suit or otherwise and surrender, release, or exchange all or any part thereof, or compromise or extend or renew for any period (whether or not longer than the original period) any indebtedness thereunder or evidenced thereby.

(c) Upon request of the Administrative Agent following the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, each Grantor will, at its own expense, notify any parties obligated on any of the Collateral to make payment to the Administrative Agent of any amounts due or to become due thereunder.

(d) At any time following the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may endorse, in the name of the applicable Grantor, any item, howsoever received by the Administrative Agent, representing any payment on or other Proceeds of any of the Collateral.

SECTION 4.3. As to Inventory and Goods . Following the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, each Grantor agrees to take such action as is reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to enable it to properly perfect and protect its Lien on Inventory and Goods that such Grantor has transferred from a jurisdiction within the United States of America or its offshore waters to a jurisdiction outside of the United States of America or its offshore waters.

SECTION 4.4. As to Electronic Chattel Paper and Transferable Records . If any Grantor at any time holds or acquires an interest in any electronic chattel paper or any “transferable record,” as that term is defined in Section 201 of the U.S. Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, or in Section 16 of the U.S. Uniform Electronic Transactions Act as in effect in any relevant jurisdiction which constitutes Collateral and with a value in excess of $10,000,000, such Grantor shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent thereof and, at the reasonable request of the Administrative Agent, shall take such action as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request to vest in the Administrative Agent control (for the ratable benefit of Secured Parties) under Section 9.105 of the UCC of such electronic chattel paper or control under Section 201 of the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act or, as the case may be, Section 16 of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, as so in effect in such jurisdiction, of such transferable record. The Administrative Agent agrees with each Grantor that the Administrative Agent will arrange, pursuant to procedures reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and so long as such procedures will not result in the Administrative Agent’s loss of control, for such Grantor to make alterations to the electronic chattel paper or transferable record permitted under Section 9.105 of the UCC or, as the case may be, Section 201 of the U.S. Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act or Section 16 of the U.S. Uniform Electronic Transactions Act for a party in control to allow without loss of control, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would occur after taking into account any action by such Grantor with respect to such electronic chattel paper or transferable record.

SECTION 4.5. Further Assurances, etc . Each Grantor shall warrant and defend the right and title herein granted unto the Administrative Agent in and to the Collateral (and all right, title and interest represented by the Collateral) against the claims and demands of all Persons whomsoever. Each Grantor agrees that, from time to time at its own expense, it will promptly execute and deliver all further instruments and documents, and take all further action, that may be necessary or that the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, in order to perfect, preserve and protect any security interest granted or purported to be granted hereby or to enable the Administrative Agent to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies hereunder with respect to any Collateral subject to the terms hereof. Each Grantor agrees that, upon the acquisition after the date hereof by such Grantor of any Collateral, with respect to which the security interest granted hereunder is not perfected automatically upon such acquisition, to take such actions with respect to such Collateral or any part thereof as required by the Credit Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Grantor will:

(a) from time to time upon the request of the Administrative Agent, promptly deliver to the Administrative Agent such stock powers, instruments and similar documents, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative Agent, with respect to such Collateral representing an amount payable in excess of $10,000,000 as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request and will, from time to time upon the request of the Administrative Agent, after the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, if any Collateral shall be evidenced by an Instrument, negotiable Document, promissory note or tangible Chattel Paper, deliver and pledge to the Administrative Agent hereunder such Instrument, negotiable Document, promissory note, or tangible Chattel Paper duly endorsed and accompanied by duly executed instruments of transfer or assignment, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

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(b) file (and hereby authorize the Administrative Agent to file) such financing statements or continuation statements, or amendments thereto, and such other instruments or notices (including, after the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, any assignment of claim form under or pursuant to the federal assignment of claims statute, 31 U.S.C. § 3726, any successor or amended version thereof or any regulation promulgated under or pursuant to any version thereof), as may be necessary or that the Administrative Agent may reasonably request in order to perfect and preserve the security interests in accordance with the UCC and other applicable Texas law and other rights granted or purported to be granted to the Administrative Agent hereby; and

(c) furnish to the Administrative Agent, from time to time at the Administrative Agent’s reasonable request, statements and schedules further identifying and describing the Collateral and such other reports in connection with the Collateral as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, all in reasonable detail.

The authorization contained in Section 4.5(b) above shall be irrevocable and continuing until the Termination Date. Each Grantor agrees that a carbon, photographic or other reproduction of this Security Agreement or any UCC financing statement covering the Collateral or any part thereof shall be sufficient as a UCC financing statement where permitted by law.

ARTICLE V

THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

SECTION 5.1. Administrative Agent Appointed Attorney-in-Fact . Each Grantor hereby irrevocably appoints the Administrative Agent its attorney-in-fact, with full authority in the place and stead of such Grantor and in the name of such Grantor or otherwise, from time to time in the Administrative Agent’s discretion, following the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, to take any action and to execute any instrument which the Administrative Agent may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Security Agreement, including (a) to ask, demand, collect, sue for, recover, compromise, receive and give acquittance and receipts for moneys due and to become due under or in respect of any of the Collateral, (b) to receive, endorse, and collect any drafts or other Instruments, Documents and Chattel Paper constituting Collateral, in connection with clause (a)  above, (c) to file any claims or take any action or institute any proceedings which the Administrative Agent may deem necessary or desirable for the collection of any of the Collateral or otherwise to enforce the rights of the Administrative Agent with respect to any of the Collateral, and (d) to perform the affirmative obligations of such Grantor hereunder. EACH GRANTOR HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES, CONSENTS AND AGREES THAT THE POWER OF ATTORNEY GRANTED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION 5.1 IS IRREVOCABLE AND COUPLED WITH AN INTEREST AND SHALL BE EFFECTIVE UNTIL THE TERMINATION DATE.

 

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SECTION 5.2. Administrative Agent May Perform . If any Grantor fails to perform any agreement contained herein, the Administrative Agent may, during the continuance of any Event of Default, itself perform, or cause performance of, such agreement, and the expenses of the Administrative Agent incurred in connection therewith shall be payable by such Grantor pursuant to Section 6.3 hereof and Section 9.1 of the Credit Agreement and the Administrative Agent may from time to time take any other action which the Administrative Agent reasonably deems necessary for the maintenance, preservation or protection of any of the Collateral or of its security interest therein.

SECTION 5.3. Administrative Agent Has No Duty . The powers conferred on the Administrative Agent hereunder are solely to protect its interest (on behalf of the Secured Parties) in the Collateral and shall not impose any duty on it to exercise any such powers. Except for reasonable care of any Collateral in its possession and the accounting for moneys actually received by it hereunder, the Administrative Agent shall have no duty as to any Collateral or responsibility for taking any necessary steps to preserve rights against prior parties or any other rights pertaining to any Collateral.

SECTION 5.4. Reasonable Care . The Administrative Agent is required to exercise reasonable care in the custody and preservation of any of the Collateral in its possession; provided , that the Administrative Agent shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the custody and preservation of any of the Collateral (a) if such Collateral is accorded treatment substantially equal to that which the Administrative Agent accords its own personal property, or (b) if the Administrative Agent takes such action for that purpose as any Grantor reasonably requests in writing at times other than upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default; provided , further , that failure of the Administrative Agent to comply with any such request at any time shall not in itself be deemed a failure to exercise reasonable care.

ARTICLE VI

REMEDIES

SECTION 6.1. Certain Remedies . If any Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing:

(a) The Administrative Agent may exercise in respect of the Collateral, in addition to other rights and remedies provided for herein or otherwise available to it, all the rights and remedies of a secured party on default under the UCC (whether or not the UCC applies to the affected Collateral) and also may (i) take possession of any Collateral not already in its possession without demand and without legal process, (ii) require any Grantor to, and each Grantor hereby agrees that it will, at its expense and upon request of the Administrative Agent forthwith, assemble all or part of the Collateral as directed by the Administrative Agent and make it available to the Administrative Agent at a place to be designated by the Administrative Agent that is reasonably convenient to both parties, (iii) subject to applicable law or agreements with landlords, bailees, or warehousemen, enter onto the property where any Collateral is located and take possession thereof without demand and without legal process, (iv) without notice except as specified below, lease, license, sell or otherwise dispose of the Collateral or any part thereof in one or more parcels at public or private sale, at any of the Administrative Agent’s offices or elsewhere, for cash, on credit or for future delivery, and upon such other terms as the Administrative Agent may deem commercially reasonable. Each Grantor agrees that, to the extent notice of sale shall be required by law, at least ten (10) days’ prior notice to the applicable Grantor of the time and place of any public sale or the time of any private sale is to be made shall constitute reasonable notification; provided , however , that

 

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with respect to Collateral that is (x) perishable or threatens to decline speedily in value, or (y) is of a type customarily sold on a recognized market (including Investment Property), no notice of sale or disposition need be given. For purposes of this Article VI , notice of any intended sale or disposition of any Collateral may be given by first-class mail, hand-delivery (through a delivery service or otherwise), facsimile or email, and shall be deemed to have been “sent” upon deposit in the U.S. Mails with adequate postage properly affixed, upon delivery to an express delivery service or upon electronic submission through telephonic or internet services, as applicable. The Administrative Agent shall not be obligated to make any sale of Collateral regardless of notice of sale having been given. The Administrative Agent may adjourn any public or private sale from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed therefor, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which it was so adjourned.

(b) Each Grantor that is or may become a fee estate owner of property where any Collateral is located (regardless of ownership thereof by any other Grantor) agrees and acknowledges that (i) Administrative Agent may remove the Collateral or any part thereof from such property in accordance with statutory law appertaining thereto without objection, delay, hindrance or interference by such Grantor and in such case such Grantor will make no claim or demand whatsoever against the Collateral, (ii) it will (x) cooperate with Administrative Agent in its efforts to assemble and/or remove all of the Collateral located on such property; (y) permit Administrative Agent and its agents to enter upon such property and occupy the property at any or all times to conduct an auction or sale, and/or to inspect, audit, examine, safeguard, assemble, appraise, display, remove, maintain, prepare for sale or lease, repair, lease, transfer, auction and/or sell the Collateral; and (z) not hinder Administrative Agent’s actions in enforcing its security interest in the Collateral.

(c) Each Grantor agrees and acknowledges that a commercially reasonable disposition of Inventory or Goods constituting Collateral may be by lease of, in addition to the sale of, such Collateral. Each Grantor further agrees and acknowledges that the following shall be deemed a reasonable commercial disposition: (i) a disposition made in the usual manner on any recognized market, (ii) a disposition at the price current in any recognized market at the time of disposition, and (iii) a disposition in conformity with reasonable commercial practices among dealers in the type of property subject to the disposition.

(d) All cash Proceeds received by the Administrative Agent in respect of any sale of, collection from, or other realization upon, all or any part of the Collateral shall be applied by the Administrative Agent against, all or any part of the Obligations as set forth in Section 7.6 of the Credit Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall not be obligated to apply or pay over for application noncash proceeds of collection or enforcement unless (i) the failure to do so would be commercially unreasonable, and (ii) the affected party has provided the Administrative Agent with a written demand to apply or pay over such noncash proceeds on such basis.

(e) The Administrative Agent may do any or all of the following: (i) transfer all or any part of the Collateral into the name of the Administrative Agent or its nominee, with or without disclosing that such Collateral is subject to the Lien hereunder, (ii) notify the parties obligated on any of the Collateral to make payment to the Administrative Agent of any amount due or to become due thereunder, (iii) withdraw, or cause or direct the withdrawal, of all funds with respect to the Collateral Account, (iv) enforce collection of any of the Collateral by suit or otherwise, and surrender, release or exchange all or any part thereof, or compromise or extend or renew for any period (whether or not longer than the original period) any obligations of any nature of any party with respect thereto, (v) endorse any checks, drafts, or other writings in the applicable Grantor’s name to allow collection of the Collateral, (vi) take control of any Proceeds of the Collateral, or (vii) execute (in the name, place and stead of the applicable Grantor) endorsements, assignments, stock powers and other instruments of conveyance or transfer with respect to all or any of the Collateral.

 

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SECTION 6.2. Compliance with Restrictions . Each Grantor agrees that in any sale of any of the Collateral whenever an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Administrative Agent is hereby authorized to comply with any limitation or restriction in connection with such sale as it may be advised by counsel is necessary in order to avoid any violation of applicable law (including compliance with such procedures as may restrict the number of prospective bidders and purchasers, require that such prospective bidders and purchasers have certain qualifications, and restrict such prospective bidders and purchasers to Persons who will represent and agree that they are purchasing for their own account for investment and not with a view to the distribution or resale of such Collateral), or in order to obtain any required approval of the sale or of the purchaser by any Governmental Authority or official, and each Grantor further agrees that such compliance shall not result in such sale being considered or deemed not to have been made in a commercially reasonable manner, nor shall the Administrative Agent be liable nor accountable to such Grantor for any discount allowed by the reason of the fact that such Collateral is sold in compliance with any such limitation or restriction.

SECTION 6.3. Indemnity and Expenses .

(a) W ITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE PROVISIONS OF S ECTION  9.2 OF THE C REDIT A GREEMENT , EACH G RANTOR HEREBY AGREES TO , JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY , INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE A DMINISTRATIVE A GENT , EACH S ECURED P ARTY AND EACH OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS , DIRECTORS , EMPLOYEES , AGENTS AND ADVISORS ( ANY OF THE FOREGOING BEING , AN I NDEMNITEE ”) FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DAMAGES, LOSSES, LIABILITIES, COSTS, AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES) THAT MAY BE INCURRED BY OR ASSERTED OR AWARDED AGAINST ANY INDEMNITEE, IN EACH CASE ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH OR BY REASON OF (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, IN CONNECTION WITH ANY INVESTIGATION, LITIGATION, OR PROCEEDING OR PREPARATION OF DEFENSE IN CONNECTION THEREWITH), THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT, THE CREDIT DOCUMENTS, ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN OR THE ACTUAL OR PROPOSED USE OF THE PROCEEDS OF THE ADVANCES, INCLUDING SUCH INDEMNITEE’S OWN NEGLIGENCE, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT SUCH CLAIM, DAMAGE, LOSS, LIABILITY, COST, OR EXPENSE IS FOUND IN A FINAL, NON-APPEALABLE JUDGMENT BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO HAVE RESULTED FROM SUCH INDEMNITEE’S GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT. IN THE CASE OF AN INVESTIGATION, LITIGATION OR OTHER PROCEEDING TO WHICH THE INDEMNITY IN THIS SECTION 6.3 APPLIES, SUCH INDEMNITY SHALL BE EFFECTIVE WHETHER OR NOT SUCH INVESTIGATION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING IS BROUGHT BY ANY CREDIT PARTY, ITS DIRECTORS, SHAREHOLDERS OR CREDITORS OR AN INDEMNITEE OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ANY INDEMNITEE IS OTHERWISE A PARTY THERETO AND WHETHER OR NOT THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY ARE CONSUMMATED. THE FOREGOING INDEMNITY AND HOLD HARMLESS SHALL NOT APPLY TO ANY CLAIMS, DAMAGES, LOSSES, LIABILITIES, COSTS OR EXPENSES THAT IS INCURRED BY OR ASSERTED OR AWARDED AGAINST ANY INDEMNITEE DIRECTLY FOR, OR AS A DIRECT CONSEQUENCE OF, SUCH INDEMNITEE BEING A DEFAULTING LENDER UNDER CLAUSE (A) OR (B) OF THE DEFINITION OF “DEFAULTING LENDER”, WHETHER ASSERTED BY ANY CREDIT PARTY, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE ISSUING LENDER OR THE SWING LINE LENDER .

(b) Other than as set forth in clause (c) below, each Grantor will upon demand pay to the Administrative Agent the amount of any and all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses, including the reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses of its counsel, which the Administrative Agent may incur in connection herewith, including in connection with the administration of this Security Agreement and the custody, preservation, use or operation of, any of the Collateral.

(c) Each Grantor will upon demand pay to the Administrative Agent the amount of any and all out-of-pocket costs expenses, including the fees and expense of its outside counsel and of outside counsel of each Lender, which the Administrative Agent may incur in connection (i) the sale of, collection from, or other realization upon, any of the Collateral, (ii) the exercise or enforcement of any of the rights of the Administrative Agent or any of the Secured Parties hereunder, or (iii) the failure by any Grantor to perform or observe any of the provisions hereof.

 

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SECTION 6.4. Warranties . The Administrative Agent may sell the Collateral without giving any warranties or representations as to the Collateral. The Administrative Agent may disclaim any warranties of title or the like. Each Grantor agrees that this procedure will not be considered to adversely affect the commercial reasonableness of any sale of the Collateral.

ARTICLE VII

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SECTION 7.1. Credit Document . This Security Agreement is a Credit Document executed pursuant to the Credit Agreement and shall (unless otherwise expressly indicated herein) be construed, administered and applied in accordance with the terms and provisions thereof, including Article 9 thereof.

SECTION 7.2. Binding on Successors, Transferees and Assigns; Assignment . This Security Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until the Termination Date has occurred, shall be binding upon each Grantor and its successors, transferees and assigns and, subject to the limitations set forth in the Credit Agreement, shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by each Secured Party and its successors, transferees and assigns; provided that, no Grantor shall assign any of its obligations hereunder (unless otherwise permitted under the terms of the Credit Agreement or this Security Agreement).

SECTION 7.3. Amendments, etc . No amendment to or waiver of any provision of this Security Agreement, nor consent to any departure by any Grantor from its obligations under this Security Agreement, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Lenders or the Majority Lenders, as the case may be, pursuant to Section 9.3 of the Credit Agreement) and such Grantor and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given.

SECTION 7.4. Notices . Except as otherwise provided in this Security Agreement, all notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing and hand delivered with written receipt, telecopied, sent by facsimile (with a hard copy sent as otherwise permitted pursuant to the Credit Agreement), sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier, or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested to the appropriate party at the address or facsimile number of such party specified in the Credit Agreement, on the signature pages of this Security Agreement or at such other address or facsimile number as may be designated by such party in a notice to the other party. Except as otherwise provided in this Security Agreement, all such notices and communications shall be effective when delivered.

SECTION 7.5. No Waiver; Remedies . In addition to, and not in limitation of Section 2.5 , no failure on the part of any Secured Party to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

 

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SECTION 7.6. Headings . Paragraph headings have been inserted in this Security Agreement as a matter of convenience for reference only and it is agreed that such paragraph headings are not a part of this Security Agreement and shall not be used in the interpretation of any provision of this Security Agreement.

SECTION 7.7. Severability . In case one or more provisions of this Security Agreement or the other Credit Documents shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein or therein shall not be affected or impaired thereby.

SECTION 7.8. Counterparts . This Security Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

SECTION 7.9. [Reserved] .

SECTION 7.10. Additional Grantors . Additional Material Domestic Subsidiaries of Borrower may from time to time enter into this Security Agreement as a Grantor. Upon execution and delivery after the date hereof by the Administrative Agent and such Material Domestic Subsidiary of an instrument in the form of Annex 1 , such Material Domestic Subsidiary shall become a Grantor hereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as a Grantor herein. The execution and delivery of any instrument adding an additional Grantor as a party to this Security Agreement shall not require the consent of any other Grantor hereunder. The rights and obligations of each Grantor hereunder shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Grantor as a party to this Security Agreement.

SECTION 7.11. [Reserved] .

SECTION 7.12. Conflicts with Credit Agreement . To the fullest extent possible, the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement shall be read together with the terms and provisions of this Security Agreement so that the terms and provisions of this Security Agreement do not conflict with the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement; provided, however, notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any of the terms or provisions of this Security Agreement conflict with any terms or provisions of the Credit Agreement, the terms or provisions of the Credit Agreement shall govern and control for all purposes; provided that the inclusion in this Security Agreement of terms and provisions, supplemental rights or remedies in favor of the Administrative Agent not addressed in the Credit Agreement shall not be deemed to be in conflict with the Credit Agreement and all such additional terms, provisions, supplemental rights or remedies contained herein shall be given full force and effect.

SECTION 7.13. Governing Law . This Security Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Texas.

SECTION 7.14. Submission to Jurisdiction . E ACH GRANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF ANY T EXAS STATE OR FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN H OUSTON , T EXAS IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS S ECURITY A GREEMENT OR THE OTHER C REDIT D OCUMENTS , AND EACH G RANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH COURT . E ACH C REDIT P ARTY HEREBY UNCONDITIONALLY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES , TO THE FULLEST EXTENT IT MAY EFFECTIVELY DO SO , ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING . E ACH G RANTOR HEREBY AGREES THAT SERVICE

 

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OF COPIES OF THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT AND ANY OTHER PROCESS WHICH MAY BE SERVED IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE MADE BY MAILING OR DELIVERING A COPY OF SUCH PROCESS TO SUCH G RANTOR AT ITS ADDRESS SET FORTH IN THIS S ECURITY A GREEMENT . E ACH G RANTOR HEREBY 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 . N OTHING IN THIS S ECTION SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHTS OF ANY L ENDER TO SERVE LEGAL PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY THE LAW OR AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY L ENDER TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST ANY G RANTOR OR ITS P ROPERTY IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION .

SECTION 7.15. [Reserved] .

SECTION 7.16. [Reserved] .

SECTION 7.17. Waiver of Jury . EACH GRANTOR, THE LENDERS, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE ISSUING LENDER, AND THE SWING LINE LENDER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENT, OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND SUPERSEDE ALL PRIOR UNDERSTANDINGS AND AGREEMENTS, WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL, RELATING TO THE TRANSACTIONS PROVIDED FOR HEREIN AND THEREIN. ADDITIONALLY, THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT AND THE CREDIT DOCUMENTS MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES.

THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES .

[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank. Signature pages to follow.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Security Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by its Responsible Officer as of the date first above written.

 

GRANTOR
CARBO CERAMICS INC.
By:  

/s/ Ernesto Bautista III

Name:  

Ernesto Bautista III

Title:  

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

Signature Page to Security Agreement


ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT :
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
By:  

/s/ Kristen Brockman

Name:  

Kristen Brockman

Title:  

Director

 

Signature Page to Security Agreement


SCHEDULE I

to Security

Agreement

 

Item A-1. Location of Grantor for purposes of UCC.

Borrower :

 

CARBO Ceramics Inc.    Delaware

 

Item A-2. Grantor’s place of business or principal office.

Borrower :

CARBO Ceramics Inc.

575 N. Dairy Ashford Road, Suite 300

Houston, Texas 77079

 

Item A-3. Taxpayer ID number.

Borrower :

 

CARBO Ceramics Inc.    72-1100013

 

Item B. Merger or other corporate reorganization.

None.

Security Agreement

Schedule I


Annex 1 to Security

Agreement

SUPPLEMENT NO.              dated as of             , 20     (the “ Supplement ”), to the Security Agreement dated as of July 27, 2015 (as amended, supplemented, restated, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Security Agreement ”), among CARBO CERAMICS INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”) and each Material Domestic Subsidiary of the Borrower party thereto from time to time (collectively with the Borrower, the “ Grantors ” and individually, a “ Grantor ”), and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (“ Wells Fargo ”), as Administrative Agent (the “ Administrative Agent ”) for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties (as defined in the Credit Agreement referred to herein).

A. Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2010 (as amended, supplemented, amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among the Borrower, the lenders party thereto from time to time (the “ Lenders ”), and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as the Administrative Agent, the issuing lender and the swing line lender.

B. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Security Agreement and the Credit Agreement.

C. Section 7.10 of the Security Agreement provides that additional Material Domestic Subsidiaries of the Borrower may become Grantors under the Security Agreement by execution and delivery of an instrument in the form of this Supplement. The undersigned Material Domestic Subsidiary of the Borrower (the “ New Grantor ”) is executing this Supplement in accordance with the requirements of the Credit Agreement to become a Grantor under the Security Agreement.

Accordingly, the Administrative Agent and the New Grantor agree as follows:

SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 7.10 of the Security Agreement, the New Grantor by its signature below becomes a Grantor under the Security Agreement with the same force and effect as if originally named therein as a Grantor and the New Grantor hereby agrees (a) to all the terms and provisions of the Security Agreement applicable to it as a Grantor thereunder and (b) represents and warrants that the representations and warranties made by it as a Grantor thereunder are true and correct on and as of the date hereof. In furtherance of the foregoing, the New Grantor, as security for the payment and performance in full of the Secured Obligations (as defined in the Credit Agreement), does hereby create and grant to the Administrative Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, their successors and assigns as provided in the Security Agreement, a continuing security interest in and Lien on all of the New Grantor’s right, title and interest in and to the Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement) of the New Grantor. Each reference to a “Grantor” in the Security Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Grantor. The Security Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 2. The New Grantor represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties that this Supplement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to equitable principles of general application (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity or at law)).

 

Security Agreement

Annex 1


SECTION 3. This Supplement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Supplement shall become effective when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts of this Supplement that, when taken together, bear the signatures of the New Grantor and the Administrative Agent. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Supplement by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Supplement.

SECTION 4. The New Grantor hereby agrees that the schedules attached to the Security Agreement are hereby supplemented by the corresponding schedules attached to this Supplement. The New Grantor hereby represents and warrants that the information provided in the schedules attached hereto are true and correct as of the date hereof.

SECTION 5. The New Grantor hereby expressly acknowledges and agrees to the terms of Section 6.3. ( Indemnity and Expenses ) of the Security Agreement.

SECTION 6. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Security Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 7. In case one or more provisions of this Supplement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein or therein shall not be affected or impaired thereby.

SECTION 8. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in the Security Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New Grantor shall be given to it at the address set forth under its signature hereto.

SECTION 9. The New Grantor agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses in connection with this Supplement, including the reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses of outside counsel for the Administrative Agent.

SECTION 10. Governing Law . This Security Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Texas.

SECTION 11. Submission to Jurisdiction . E ACH G RANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF ANY T EXAS STATE OR FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN H OUSTON , T EXAS IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS S ECURITY A GREEMENT OR THE OTHER C REDIT D OCUMENTS , AND EACH G RANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH COURT . E ACH C REDIT P ARTY HEREBY UNCONDITIONALLY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES , TO THE FULLEST EXTENT IT MAY EFFECTIVELY DO SO , ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING . E ACH G RANTOR HEREBY AGREES THAT SERVICE OF COPIES OF THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT AND ANY OTHER PROCESS WHICH MAY BE SERVED IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE MADE BY MAILING OR DELIVERING A COPY OF SUCH PROCESS TO SUCH G RANTOR AT ITS ADDRESS SET FORTH IN THIS SUPPLEMENT . E ACH G RANTOR HEREBY 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 . N OTHING IN THIS S ECTION SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHTS OF ANY L ENDER TO SERVE LEGAL PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY THE LAW OR AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY L ENDER TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST ANY G RANTOR OR ITS P ROPERTY IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION .

 

Security Agreement

Annex 1


SECTION 12. Waiver of Jury . EACH GRANTOR, THE LENDERS, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE ISSUING LENDER, AND THE SWING LINE LENDER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SUPPLEMENT, ANY OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENT, OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

THIS SUPPLEMENT, THE SECURITY AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS, AS DEFINED IN THE CREDIT AGREEMENT REFERRED TO IN THIS SUPPLEMENT, REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES.

THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS AMONG THE PARTIES HERETO.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Grantor and the Administrative Agent have duly executed this Supplement to the Security Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

[Name of New Grantor],
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

Address:  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Administrative Agent
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

Security Agreement

Annex 1


SCHEDULES TO SUPPLEMENT NO. 1

[AS APPROPRIATE]

 

Security Agreement

Annex 1

Exhibit 31.1

Quarterly Certification

As required by Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

I, Gary A. Kolstad, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of CARBO Ceramics 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:  

July 30, 2015

/s/ Gary A. Kolstad

Gary A. Kolstad
President & CEO

Exhibit 31.2

Quarterly Certification

As required by Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

I, Ernesto Bautista III, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of CARBO Ceramics 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:  

July 30, 2015

/s/ Ernesto Bautista III

Ernesto Bautista III
Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 32

Certification Pursuant to

18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

As Adopted Pursuant to

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), each of the undersigned officers of CARBO Ceramics Inc. (the “Company”), does hereby certify, to such officer’s knowledge, that:

The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015 (the “Form 10-Q”) of the Company fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in the Form 10-Q.

 

Dated:  

July 30, 2015

/s/ Gary A. Kolstad

Name:   Gary A. Kolstad
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
Dated:  

July 30, 2015

/s/ Ernesto Bautista III

Name:   Ernesto Bautista III
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 95

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

For the second quarter of 2015, the Company has the following mine safety information to report in accordance with Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, in connection with the Eufaula, Alabama processing facility, the McIntyre, Georgia processing facility, the Toomsboro, Georgia processing facility, the Marshfield, Wisconsin processing facility, and the Millen, Georgia processing facility.

 

Mine or

Operating

Name/MSHA

Identification

Number

 

Section

104 S&S

Citations

(#)

    Section
104(b)
Orders
(#)
   

Section

104(d)

Citations

and

Orders

(#)

    Section
110(b)(2)
Violations
(#)
   

Section

107(a)

Orders

(#)

   

Total Dollar

Value of

MSHA

Assessments

Proposed

($)

    Total
Number
of Mining
Related
Fatalities
(#)
    Received
Notice of
Pattern of
Violations
Under
Section
104(e)
(yes/no)
    Received
Notice of
Potential
to Have
Pattern
Under
Section
104(e)
(yes/no)
    Legal
Actions
Pending
as of
Last Day
of Period
(#)
    Aggregate
Legal
Actions
Initiated
During
Period (#)
    Aggregate
Legal
Actions
Resolved
During
Period (#)
 

Eufaula Facility

MSHA ID 0102687

Eufaula, Alabama

    0        0        0        0        0      $ 0        0        No        No        0        0        0   

McIntyre Facility

MSHA ID 0901108

McIntyre, Georgia

    0        0        0        0        0      $ 0        0        No        No        0        0        0   

Toomsboro Facility

MSHA ID 0901164

Toomsboro, Georgia

    0        0        0        0        0      $ 0        0        No        No        0        0        0   

Marshfield Facility

MSHA ID 4073636

Marshfield, Wisconsin

    0        0        0        0        0      $ 0        0        No        No        0        0        0   

Millen Facility

MSHA ID 0901232

Millen, Georgia

    0        0        0        0        0      $ 0        0        No        No        0        0        0   

Totals

    0        0        0        0        0      $ 0        0            0        0        0