AS FILED WITH THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 4, 2024.
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 1311 | 99-3407012 | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
2605 Cranberry Square
Morgantown, WV 26508
(304) 212-2350
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrants principal executive offices)
Zack Arnold President & Chief Executive Officer 2605 Cranberry Square Morgantown, WV 26508 (304) 212-2350 |
David Sproule Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer 2605 Cranberry Square Morgantown, WV 26508 (304) 212-2350 |
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Matthew R. Pacey, P.C. Michael W. Rigdon, P.C. Kirkland & Ellis LLP 609 Main Street, Suite 4700 Houston, Texas 77002 (713) 836-3600 |
David J. Miller Monica E. White |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box: ☐
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, smaller reporting company and emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |||
Non-accelerated filer | ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | |||
Emerging growth company | ☒ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐
The registrant hereby amends this Registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell the securities described herein until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell the securities described herein and it is not soliciting an offer to buy such securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED , 2024
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
Shares
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc.
Class A Common Stock
This is the initial public offering of the Class A common stock of Infinity Natural Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the initial public offering). We are offering shares of our Class A common stock. Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our Class A common stock.
We intend to list our Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol INR.
The initial public offering price per share of the Class A common stock is $ .
Holders of shares of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock are entitled to one vote for each share of Class A common stock and Class B common stock, respectively, held of record on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally. See Description of Capital Stock.
After the completion of this offering, affiliates of Pearl Energy Investments will beneficially own approximately % of the voting power of our Class A and Class B common stock. As a result, we will be a controlled company within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange rules. See ManagementStatus as a Controlled Company.
Investing in our Class A common stock involves risks, including those described under Risk Factors beginning on page 30 of this prospectus.
Per share | Total | |||||||
Price to the public |
$ | $ | ||||||
Underwriting discounts and commissions |
$ | $ | ||||||
Proceeds to us (before expenses) |
$ | $ |
At our request, the underwriters have reserved up to % of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus for sale, at the initial public offering price, to certain individuals associated with us. See Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)Directed Share Program.
We are an emerging growth company as that term is used in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, and as such, we have elected to take advantage of certain reduced public company reporting requirements for this prospectus and future filings. Risk Factors and Prospectus SummaryEmerging Growth Company Status contain additional information about our status as an emerging growth company.
We have granted the underwriters the option to purchase up to additional shares of Class A common stock on the same terms and conditions set forth above within 30 days from the date of this prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed on the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The underwriters expect to deliver the shares on or about , 2024.
Citigroup | Raymond James | RBC Capital Markets |
Prospectus dated , 2024
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Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management |
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Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations for Non-U.S. Holders |
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F-1 |
Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus, any amendment or supplement to this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus prepared by us or on our behalf. We and the underwriters take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any information other than the information in this prospectus and any free writing prospectus prepared by us or on our behalf. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front cover of this prospectus. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since such dates. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where an offer or sale is not permitted.
Through and including , 2024 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in our shares, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This requirement is in addition to the dealers obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Risk Factors and Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements contain additional information regarding these risks.
i
As used in this prospectus, unless the context indicates or otherwise requires, the terms listed below have the following meanings:
| Appalachia-Focused Public Peers refers to the public companies operating in 2023 with the following ticker symbols: AR, CHK, CNX, EQT, GPOR, RRC, and SWN. For the avoidance of doubt, this does not reflect the merger of CHK and SWN, effective October 1, 2024; |
| Block Island refers to Block Island Minerals LLC, a subsidiary of INR Holdings; |
| Carroll County Acquisition refers to INRs acquisition of the Warrior North field from PennEnergy Resources, Inc. in April 2021 for $32 million; |
| Cheat Mountain refers to Cheat Mountain Resources, LLC, a subsidiary of INR Holdings; |
| Credit Agreement refers to that certain Credit Agreement, dated September 25, 2024, by and among INR Holdings, the lenders from time to time party thereto and Citibank, N.A., as the administrative agent and an issuing bank; |
| Credit Facility refers to the revolving credit facility provided under our Credit Agreement; |
| DROI refers to Discounted Return on Investment, which we define as the present value at a 10% discount rate of future net cashflows excluding capital expenditures divided by the net capital expenditures associated with the development of a horizontal well; |
| Enverus means Enverus, Inc., a database with which we have a fee-based subscription agreement for access to real-time information related to global oil and gas data, analytics and forecasting. Data on the Enverus system covers worldwide exploration, production and general midstream energy company information which we retrieve and then synthesize to generate charts and tables based on such data, such as the charts on pages 4, 5, 6, 104, 105 and 106 of this registration statement; |
| Existing Owners refers, collectively, to Pearl, NGP, certain other co-investors and the management members that directly and indirectly own equity interests in INR Holdings or its wholly owned subsidiaries prior to, as of and following the completion of our corporate reorganization; |
| INR Holdings refers to Infinity Natural Resources, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and the entity that holds the Companys operating entities; |
| INR Holdings LLC Agreement refers to the second amended and restated limited liability company agreement of INR Holdings; |
| Infinity Natural Resources, Infinity, INR, the Company, we, our, us or like terms refer collectively to Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries; |
| INR Ohio refers to INR Ohio, LLC, a subsidiary of INR Holdings; |
| INR Midstream refers to INR Midstream, LLC, a subsidiary of INR Holdings; |
| INR Operating refers to INR Operating, LLC, a subsidiary of INR Holdings; |
| INR Unit Holder refers to a holder of INR Units (other than INR) and a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock of INR; |
| INR Units refers to units representing limited liability company interests in INR Holdings issued pursuant to the INR Holdings LLC Agreement, which shall only be held along with a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock of INR; |
| IRR refers to Internal Rate of Return, which we define as the discount rate that makes the net present value of all future cash flow equal to zero; |
| Liquids-Focused Public Peers refers to the public companies with the following ticker symbols: FANG, DVN, CTRA, OVV, PR, CIVI, MTDR, SM, VTLE, REI, CHRD, MGY, MUR, CRC, NOG, and BRY; |
ii
| LLC Interests refers to the limited liability company interests of INR Holdings; |
| NGP refers to a family of private equity funds managed by NGP Energy Capital Management, L.L.C., including NGP XI US Holdings, L.P.; |
| Pearl refers to Pearl Energy Investments, L.P., PEI INR Holdings, L.P., Pearl Energy Investments III, L.P., PEI Infinity-S, LP, PEI INR Co-Invest-B Corp. and their affiliates; |
| PEO Ohio refers to PEO Ohio, LLC; |
| PEO Ohio Acquisition refers to Infinitys acquisition of assets from PEO Ohio in October 2023; |
| Prior Credit Facility refers to the amended and restated credit agreement of INR Holdings; |
| Utica Resource Acquisition refers to Infinitys acquisition of the assets of Utica Resource Ventures in October 2023; |
| Utica Resource Ventures refers to Utica Resource Ventures, LLC; and |
| Wolf Run refers to Wolf Run Operating, LLC, a subsidiary of INR Holdings that holds the assets acquired in the Utica Resource Acquisition. |
iii
GLOSSARY OF OIL AND NATURAL GAS TERMS
The following are abbreviations and definitions of certain terms used in this document, which are commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry:
| Appalachian Basin means the area of the United States composed of those portions of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Kentucky, New York, Tennessee and Virginia that lie in amongst Appalachian Mountains; |
| basis means when referring to commodity pricing, the difference between the NYMEX WTI, for oil prices, and NYMEX Henry Hub, for gas prices, and the corresponding sales price at various regional sales points. The differential commonly is related to factors such as product quality, location, transportation capacity availability and contract pricing; |
| Bbl means one stock tank barrel or 42 U.S. gallons liquid volume; |
| Bcf means one billion standard cubic feet of natural gas; |
| Boe means one barrel of oil equivalent, calculated by converting natural gas to oil equivalent barrels at a ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one Bbl of oil equivalent. This is an energy content correlation and does not reflect a value or price relationship between the commodities; |
| Boe/d means one Boe per day; |
| British thermal unit or Btu means a measure of the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one-degree Fahrenheit; |
| Capital Efficiency Ratio means Adjusted EBITDAX per unit of production divided by finding and development costs (F&D) per Boe. F&D is calculated by dividing total costs incurred (which includes the total acquisition, exploration and development costs incurred during the period related to the specified property or group of properties) by the sum of the extensions, discoveries, additions, revisions, and purchases during that period; |
| CO2 means carbon dioxide; |
| CO2e means carbon dioxide equivalent; |
| collar means a financial arrangement that effectively establishes a price range for the underlying commodity. The producer bears the risk and benefit of fluctuation between the minimum (floor) price and the maximum (ceiling) price; |
| D&C means drilling and completion; |
| dragalong right means a contractual arrangement that provides (i) if multiple parties own interests in the same or related properties, and (ii) if one owner elects to sell its interest to a third party, then the selling owner has the right to force the other owners to sell all or a pro rata portion of the other owners interests in the applicable properties to the third party purchaser on the same terms and conditions as the selling owners transaction; |
| drilled and uncompleted well or DUC means a wellbore in which horizontal drilling has been completed but has yet to be stimulated through hydraulic fracturing; |
| drilling locations means total gross locations that may be able to be drilled on our existing acreage. A portion of our drilling locations constitute estimated locations based on our acreage and spacing assumptions, as described in BusinessOur OperationsReserve Data and Presentation; |
| estimated ultimate recovery or EUR means the sum of the economic life of reserves remaining as of a given date and cumulative production as of that date. As used in this prospectus, EUR includes only proved reserves and is based on Wrights reserve estimates; |
| FERC means the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; |
iv
| field means an area consisting of a single reservoir or multiple reservoirs all grouped on, or related to, the same individual geological structural feature or stratigraphic condition. The field name refers to the surface area, although it may refer to both the surface and the underground productive formations; |
| formation means a layer of rock which has distinct characteristics that differs from nearby rock; |
| gas means natural gas; |
| gross means gross natural gas and oil wells or gross acres equal to the total number of wells or acres in which we have a working interest; |
| HBP means held-by-production; |
| hedging means the use of derivative commodity and interest rate instruments to reduce financial exposure to commodity price and interest rate volatility; |
| held-by-storage means leasehold held through a declared storage field, injection well, or simply held by storage rights; |
| Henry Hub means the distribution hub on the natural gas pipeline system in Erath, Louisiana, owned by Sabine Pipe Line LLC; |
| horizontal drilling means drilling that ultimately is horizontal or near horizontal to increase the length of the wellbore penetrating the target formation; |
| horizontal wells means wells that are drilled horizontal or near horizontal to increase the length of the wellbore penetrating the target formation; |
| IP 90 means the cumulative production generated by a well over the first ninety producing days divided by ninety; for the month in which the 90th producing day occurs, an average daily production is used for any remaining days in that month to get to ninety producing days; |
| LNG means liquified natural gas; |
| lower 48 means the continental United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii; |
| MBoe means one thousand barrels of oil equivalent; |
| MBoe/d means one thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day; |
| Mcf means one standard thousand cubic feet of natural gas; |
| Mcfe means one standard thousand cubic feet of natural gas equivalent; |
| MMBoe means one million barrels of oil equivalent; |
| MMBbl means one million barrels of crude oil, condensate or NGLs; |
| MMBtu means one million British thermal units; |
| MMBtu/d means one MMBtu per day; |
| MMcf means one million standard cubic feet of natural gas; |
| MMcf/d means one million standard cubic feet of natural gas per day; |
| natural gas liquids or NGLs means hydrocarbonsin the same family of molecules as natural gas and crude oil, composed exclusively of carbon and hydrogen. Ethane, propane, butane, isobutane, and pentane are all NGLs; |
| netbacks means the total revenues generated from a well less the cash operating expenses incurred by the well; |
| net acres means the percentage of total acres an owner owns or has leased out of a particular number of acres, or a specified tract. An owner who has 50% interest in 100 acres owns 50 net acres; |
v
| NYMEX means the New York Mercantile Exchange; |
| option means a contract that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a specified quantity of a commodity or other instrument at a specific price within a specified period of time; |
| proved developed nonproducing reserves or PDNP reserves that can be expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods but are not yet producing; |
| proved developed producing reserves or PDP means reserves that can be expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission or Society of Petroleum Engineers definitions of proved reserves; |
| proved reserves means the summation of reserves within the PDP, PDNP and PUD reservoir categories; |
| proved undeveloped reserves or PUDs means proved reserves that are expected to be recovered from undrilled well locations on existing acreage or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion within the five-year development window, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission or Society of Petroleum Engineers definition of PUD; |
| recompletion means the process of re-entering an existing wellbore and mechanically reinvigorating the wellbore to establish or increase existing production and reserves; |
| reservoir means a porous and permeable underground formation containing a natural accumulation of producible oil and/or natural gas that is confined by impermeable rock and is separate from other reservoirs; |
| spacing means the footage between wellbores; |
| statutory unitization means the process prescribed by Ohio Revised Code Section 1509.28, by which an applicant (typically an operator) may seek to combine mineral rights from individual tracts of land to form a drilling unit to efficiently and effectively develop the oil and gas resources beneath those tracts. Statutory unitization is available when the owners of sixty-five percent of the land overlying a pool (or part of a pool) of oil and gas apply to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management to operate the pool (or part of a pool) as a drilling unit; |
| undeveloped acreage means acreage under lease on which wells have not been drilled or completed; |
| unit means the joining of all or substantially all interests in a specific reservoir or field, rather than a single tract, to provide for development and operation without regard to separate mineral interests. Also, the area covered by a unitization agreement; |
| wellbore or well means a drilled hole that is equipped for the production of hydrocarbons; |
| well pad or pad means an area of land that has been cleared and leveled to enable a drilling rig to operate in the exploration and development of a natural gas or oil well; |
| working interest means the right granted to the lessee of a property to explore for and to produce and own natural gas or other minerals. The working interest owners bear the exploration, development, and operating costs on either a cash, penalty, or carried basis; and |
| WTI means West Texas Intermediate. |
vi
PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
The summary historical consolidated financial information presented in this prospectus is that of our accounting predecessor, Infinity Natural Resources, LLC. The summary unaudited pro forma data presented gives pro forma effect to the Utica Resource Acquisition and the PEO Ohio Acquisition, as indicated herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the financial and operational data in this prospectus is presented on a pro forma basis to reflect our results, the results of the acquired Utica Resource Ventures and PEO Ohio assets on a combined basis. Please see Corporate Reorganization and the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes to those financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
The market data and certain other statistical information included in this prospectus are based on a variety of sources, including independent industry publications, government publications and other published independent sources. Some data is also based on our good faith estimates, which have been derived from managements knowledge and experience in the industry in which we operate. Although we have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the third-party information included in this prospectus, based on managements knowledge and experience, we believe that these third-party sources are reliable and that the third-party information included in this prospectus or in our estimates is accurate and complete. While we are not aware of any misstatements regarding the market, industry or similar data presented herein, such data involves risks and uncertainties and is subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under the headings Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors in this prospectus.
This prospectus may also contain trademarks, service marks and trade names of third parties, which are the property of their respective owners. Our use or display of third parties trademarks, service marks, trade names or products in this prospectus is not intended to, and does not imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship by us. Solely for convenience, the trademarks, service marks and trade names referred to in this prospectus may appear without the ®, TM or SM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the rights of the applicable licensor to these trademarks, service marks and trade names.
vii
This summary provides a brief overview of information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. You should read this entire prospectus and other referenced documents before making an investment decision, including the sections titled Risk Factors, Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the historical financial statements and the related notes to those financial statements contained elsewhere in this prospectus.
Unless otherwise indicated, the information presented in this prospectus assumes that the underwriters option to purchase additional shares of our common stock is not exercised. Unless otherwise indicated, the estimated reserve information presented in this prospectus was prepared by our independent reserve engineer as of December 31, 2023 based on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissions (the SEC) reserve pricing rule as more fully described in Reserve and Operating Data, and is presented as of the dates and for the periods indicated. References in this prospectus to INR, the Company, we, us, our and like terms are to Infinity Natural Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its wholly owned subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires or we otherwise state. Certain operational terms used in this prospectus are defined in the Commonly Used Defined Terms and Glossary of Oil and Natural Gas Terms.
Our Company
We are a growth oriented, free cash flow generating, independent energy company focused on the acquisition, development, and production of hydrocarbons in the Appalachian Basin. We are focused on creating shareholder value through the identification and disciplined development of low-risk, highly economic oil and natural gas assets while maintaining a strong and flexible balance sheet. Additionally, we have proven our ability to grow our acreage position through organic leasing efforts and accretive acquisitions. We are an early mover into the core of the Utica Shales volatile oil window in eastern Ohio as well as the emerging dry gas Utica Shale in southwestern Pennsylvania. Our Marcellus Shale development overlays our deep dry gas Utica assets in Pennsylvania, providing highly economic stacked development inventory that leverages the same company-owned midstream infrastructure. We have amassed approximately 90,000 net surface acres with exposure to the core of these plays providing us a unique and balanced portfolio of high-return oil and natural gas drilling locations. This balance allows us to optimize our development plan across our portfolio to capitalize on changes in commodity pricing over time.
We believe our technical and managerial expertise allow us to execute our strategies and deliver industry leading results. Our expertise is bolstered by the continuity of our core team, which has worked together for a decade. Since our initial acquisition in southwestern Pennsylvania in March 2018, we have increased our operated horizontal well count from 2 to 125 (40 of which we drilled) with an additional nine wells in process, not including five non-operated wells in process, as of June 30, 2024. In total, we have increased our net daily production from virtually zero at the beginning of 2021 to 25 Mboe/d (29% oil and 48% liquids) for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.
1
The following chart shows our average net daily production by area for each quarter since bringing our first horizontal wells online in January 2021.
As of December 31, 2023, our total estimated proved reserves were 141,587 MBoe with 48% proved developed and 22% oil, 18% NGLs and 60% natural gas. As of June 30, 2024, our total drilling inventory consisted of 339 gross horizontal drilling locations (73 proved locations and 266 unproved locations), representing 4.4 million lateral feet, implying 19 years of inventory at our current drilling pace of approximately 18 wells per year. Approximately 83% percent of our acreage is HBP, meaning we maintain development flexibility and have limited obligations to access our current inventory.
The following table provides a summary of our approximate net acreage, gross drilling locations, net producing wells and lateral footage as of June 30, 2024:
As of June 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Horizon Acres(1) |
Operated Producing Wells (#) |
Operated Lateral Footage (in thousands) |
Development Drilling Locations (#) |
Development Lateral Footage (in thousands) |
Development Average Well Lateral Length |
|||||||||||||||||||
Utica Shale Oil (OH) |
59,054 | 112 | 883 | 150 | 2,052 | 13,589 | ||||||||||||||||||
Marcellus Shale Dry Gas (PA)(2) |
30,250 | 13 | 126 | 123 | (3) | 1,743 | 14,169 | |||||||||||||||||
Utica Shale Deep Dry Gas (PA)(2) |
29,974 | | | 66 | 594 | 9,000 |
(1) | Does not include 12,605 net acres located in the Marcellus Shale in Ohio that is not part of our development plan. |
(2) | The acreage in this table reflects net horizon acres. Substantially all of our surface acreage in Pennsylvania is prospective for both the Utica and Marcellus Shales for dual-zone development. As a result, most of our net surface acres represent one horizon acre for the Utica Shale and one horizon acre for the Marcellus Shale. Our total net surface acreage irrespective of dual-zone development was 89,793 net acres and our total horizon acres were 119,278. See BusinessOur OperationsAcreage as of December 31, 2023 for information regarding our undeveloped and developed surface acreage. |
(3) | Includes 3 DUCs. |
Our oil volumes provide us with a unique advantage compared with many of our Appalachian Basin peers. Since our initial entry into the Utica Shales volatile oil window in April 2021, we have increased our oil production from less than approximately 300 Bbls/d to approximately 7,130 Bbls/d in for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The increase in our oil volumes is due to a combination of strategic acquisitions and organic development of our assets by placing into sales 22 wells during that period. We believe that the oil component of our production provides greater revenue per Boe resulting in higher operating margins compared to our natural gas focused public peers in the Appalachian Basin.
2
The following chart shows our average net daily oil production for each quarter by county in Ohio since April 2021:
Our Properties
Utica Shale Oil Ohio
Given recent strength in the price of oil, our current activities are focused on developing our Ohio properties which are centered in the volatile oil window of the Utica Shale. Early commercial development of the Ohio Utica began principally in 2011 and has delineated bands of black oil, volatile oil, rich gas, and dry gas. Since 2019, 279 wells have been drilled in the play, delineating the core of the play located in Carroll, Tuscarawas, Harrison, Guernsey, Noble, Muskingum and Morgan counties. Since January 2021 through June 2024, there have been 164 wells drilled that have been producing for over 90 days with an average IP 90 of 810 barrels of oil per day normalized to a 15,000 lateral making the volatile oil window one of the leading oil resource plays in the lower 48. When combined with the plays low operating costs, low water production and low drilling costs, the Uticas volatile oil window maintains one of the lowest breakeven costs amongst all oil resource plays in the United States.
We first acquired our properties in the volatile oil window of the Utica Shale in Ohio in April 2021 through our Carroll County Acquisition. Since that time, we have acquired 3,715 additional acres in Carroll County in close proximity to our existing assets through our organic leasing efforts that have added or extended 25 operated locations. In October 2023, we acquired assets from Utica Resource Ventures and PEO Ohio, including approximately 39,185 net acres, further expanding our operations in the core of the play. In February 2024, we were awarded the nomination for approximately 5,705 net acres within Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County Ohio adding over 23 locations averaging over 15,500 lateral feet per well to our inventory. Our understanding of geology, technical expertise and local presence gave us early insight into the quality of the play which led us to amass over 59,054 net surface acres with 150 identified horizontal drilling locations representing over 2 million lateral feet and eight years of drilling inventory based on our current one-rig program. We intend to operate 100% of our future drilling locations. As of June 30, 2024, we had 112 net producing wells and approximately 36,000 net acres located almost entirely in Guernsey and Carroll counties of eastern Ohio, which, according to Enverus, have demonstrated among the highest oil production in the volatile oil window and are competitive with some of the best oil producing counties in the lower 48.
3
The following chart shows the average first 12-months production in MBbls for wells drilled in the volatile oil window of Ohio compared to the top oil producing counties in the lower 48:
Source: Enverus.
Our management team has developed efficiencies and adopted procedures to enhance well performance and economics for the volatile oil window. Initial entrants did not have the benefit of current directional drilling technology or modern rig specifications to increase lateral lengths and ensure lateral placement in a progressively refined window. Early completions designs were sub-optimal and many operators used linear and cross linked gel that damaged the formation and reduced permeability which adversely impacted production rates. Our designs utilize enhanced completion fluids that allow for the placement of large proppant loads without reducing fracture permeability, which has resulted in some of the most productive development in the history of the play.
4
To date, we have drilled the top nine, and 15 of the top 25, wells drilled in Carroll County since 2021 based on IP 90 of barrels of oil per day normalized to a 15,000 lateral as shown in the following chart.
Source: Enverus.
The characteristics that have contributed to our well performance include:
| improved wellbore targeting and placement accuracy in a tighter window in the lower zone of the Utica / Point Pleasant play; |
| increasing average lateral lengths; |
| optimized size and intensity of proppant and fluid pumped per lateral foot; |
| optimized completion fluid chemistry and composition; |
| optimized fracture stage lengths and cluster spacing; |
| improved management of production rates to preserve downhole pressure; and |
| improved adjustment of well spacing and development patterns. |
5
Successful implementation of these measures has resulted in leading well performance relative to that of other major operators(1) in Carroll County since 2021 as seen in the chart below.
(1) | Peers include EOG Resources, Inc. (EOG) and Encino Energy LLC (Encino). |
(2) | Represents the average cumulative production of the wells drilled on each respective pad. |
Source: Enverus.
Marcellus Shale Dry Gas and Utica Deep Dry Gas Pennsylvania
Our Pennsylvania properties, which we initially acquired in March 2018, are predominately located to the northeast of Pittsburgh in Westmoreland, Armstrong and Indiana counties. We have expanded our leasehold position through a series of subsequent acquisitions and today have approximately 30,250 net surface acres with exposure to both Marcellus and Utica Shales and operate 13 producing horizontal wells and three DUCs. We maintain an inventory of 120 and 66 undeveloped Marcellus and Utica locations in Pennsylvania, respectively, representing approximately a decade of drilling inventory based on a one-rig drilling program. We intend to operate 100% of our future drilling locations and over 98% of our acreage is HBP or held-by-storage.
Marcellus Shale Dry Gas
Development of the Marcellus Shale initially began in the historic core in Washington and Greene counties in Pennsylvania. Outside that area, the acreage ownership remained fragmented, which resulted in slower upstream and midstream development despite attractive geology. Today, we have the opportunity to apply modern technology to this area of historic underdevelopment and generate not only attractive return potential, but also operational flexibility. We have drilled and completed 16 and 13 horizontal wells, respectively, in our Pennsylvania acreage with a 100% success rate. We have approximately 120 identified highly economic locations and 3 DUCs, which our independent reserve engineer has estimated have an EUR of 1.7 Bcf per 1,000 feet, and our returns are bolstered by our wholly owned midstream system. We currently own a gathering system and therefore are not subject to onerous takeaway contracts that burden the results of some of our Marcellus peers.
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Utica Deep Dry Gas
Our Pennsylvania acreage overlays the dry gas Utica Shale providing 66 highly prospective locations, which our independent reserve engineer has estimated has an EUR of 3.0 Bcf per 1,000 feet. Development of the southwestern Pennsylvania deep dry gas Utica continues to emerge and show attractive commercial characteristics. Utica development in our vicinity began in 2015 when CNX Resources Corp. turned into sales the Gaut 4HU well, which had a 24-hr IP rate of 61.4 MMcf/d and has produced 14.2 Bcf since July 2015. Since 2015, the industry has drilled seven deep dry gas Utica wells in Westmoreland and Armstrong counties with another four wells currently in various stages of development all near our leasehold position. Moreover, the industry has shown an ability to develop offset locations to initial development by repeatedly returning to pad locations to drill. Industry advancement has led to a broader understanding of the technical drilling, targeted depths, completion designs, and production profiles associated with the Utica. These wells are characterized by maintaining a high level of initial gas production ranging between 20 MMcf/d to 30 MMcf/d of natural gas for an extended period of 15 to 20 months prior to initial decline. While early in its development, operators recent return to pad drilling further underscores the industrys transition away from exploration to managed development highlighting the deliverability of results. The well performance makes the deep dry gas Utica in southwestern Pennsylvania an exciting emerging natural gas resource opportunity.
Since 2015, cumulative dry gas production from Utica development has shown relatively flat production declines during the initial period of production as seen in the chart below.(1)
(1) | Gray lines represent recent Utica Dry Gas wells normalized to 9,000 lateral: Aikens 5 S5JHSUT, Aikens 5 5MHSUT, Bell Point 6PHSU, Gaut 4IHSU, Poseidon 4U, Shaw 1DHSU and Shaw 1HHSU. |
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Business Strategy
Our strategy is to create value for our stockholders through the identification and disciplined development of attractive oil and natural gas assets to achieve sustainable growth in our production and reserves and enhance our value. Our strategy has the following principal elements:
| Disciplined growth through development of our high-return drilling inventory. Our technical acumen and in-basin experience enable us to optimize our assets and produce some of the highest performing wells in the region. We have achieved this performance through relentless focus on costs, consistent lengthening of our laterals, careful lateral placement in the target zone and thoughtful completion design. Our assets include over 19 years of operated drilling locations. In Ohio, our Utica oil productivity per lateral foot compares favorably with premier oil basins across the lower 48 such as the Permian, Eagle Ford and Bakken. In Pennsylvania, our contiguous HBP acreage and company-owned midstream infrastructure allow us to maximize the economics of the stacked Marcellus and Utica plays. We intend to continue our disciplined operating approach and to develop our inventory in order to achieve the highest available rates of return. |
| Optimize return-on-capital through focus on profitably increasing well recoveries while minimizing costs and leveraging midstream infrastructure. We take pride in carefully evaluating every step of the operational process to optimize production while minimizing costs. This includes potentially changing completion designs at the stage level from well to well to enhance recoveries. We continuously review and examine our AFEs to drive our drilling and completion costs lower. Further, we promote cross-discipline communication to ensure that decisions are made on an integrated basis across our enterprise. Our owned midstream infrastructure in Pennsylvania significantly enhances returns by reducing upstream costs and generating third party revenue, while enabling us to control development timing, capital deployment and future strategic takeaway. We have improved netbacks on our Ohio assets through facility optimization and successful contract renegotiation. In addition to a relentless focus on new well planning and execution, we also review operations of acquired assets to determine whether upgrading or replacing equipment will be profitable. We have successfully enhanced production on a large number of wells that we have acquired. |
| Ensure financial flexibility with balanced commodity exposure, and conservative financing. In building our company, we sought to preserve flexibility to maintain our focus on achieving the highest possible returns on investment. We have exposure to a range of assets that allow us to optimize our drilling economics across volatile commodity price environments. Additionally, we are not subject to any material midstream commitments or acreage expirations, which provides us the flexibility to match an optimal development pace to prevailing commodity prices and the hedging environment at any given time. Further, at the completion of this offering, we expect to have low net leverage positioning us to be immediately acquisitive. However, we intend to maintain a conservative capital structure with a target net leverage of less than 1.0x Adjusted EBITDAX. |
| Leverage extensive industry and local experience to capture value through strategic acquisitions and asset base optimization. We have significant experience in sourcing, evaluating, executing and integrating acquisitions, including 14 privately sourced transactions. We believe our in-basin experience and local presence provides us with a competitive advantage in identifying opportunities and creating value through superior execution. We regularly initiate and review acquisition opportunities and intend to pursue future acquisitions that meet our strategic and financial objectives. We believe there are substantial opportunities to grow our acreage footprint across the Appalachian Basin through both acquisition and leasing. Additionally, our growth has been driven by increased operational efficiency, including reduced drilling days, well design modifications, facility optimization and continued focus on strategic, local procurement throughout our operations. Furthermore, we believe our contiguous acreage position and our ability to drill long-lateral wells will enhance our returns by increasing our EUR per well, reducing unit |
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drilling and completion costs and providing economies of scale to allow us to better leverage our infrastructure. Further, given that we will be implementing an Up-C structure in connection with this offering, we will have the option in the future to offer acquisition targets equity in INR Holdings that can be exchanged for our Class A common stock (or cash of equivalent value) and offer a tax deferral mechanism, increasing the financial attractiveness of our platform to potential targets. |
| Steward the health and safety of our employees and the environment, while taking an active role in our local community. We are dedicated to responsible energy development guided by our core values of environmental stewardship, safety and community engagement. While maintaining our commitment to our values, we actively seek business partners who share that commitment and will amplify our ability to achieve our goals. We use a top-down approach to provide resources and ensure our employees and partners are equipped to work in a safe environment. In 2023, our internal total recordable incident rate remained at 0.0 and our contractor blended rate was 1.6 with over 450,000 logged man-hours. We take pride in selectively choosing business partners with similar core values to help us achieve our goals. In addition to prioritizing high environmental standards and safe operations, we are committed to enriching the areas where we operate. We work diligently to make a strong economic impact in our communities and routinely volunteer both our time and resources to make a difference. Since our inception in 2017, we have partnered with 12 organizations in the region and have formed a community advisory panel to help actively expand our engagement within the area. Focusing on unconventional plays, we prioritize sustainable economic growth by producing natural resources responsibly. We invest considerable time and capital into accurately measuring and reducing production-related emissions like CO2 and methane. Through innovative facility design and state of the art technology, we achieved a 51.9% reduction in CO2e per MMBoe from 16,217.3 mT CO2e/MMBoe in 2022 to 7,804 mT CO2e/MMBoe in 2023, while methane intensity dropped from 0.14% to 0.076% of production between 2022 and 2023. Along with our environmental initiatives, we have established a culture which prioritizes safety. |
Competitive Strengths
We have a number of strengths that we believe will help us successfully execute our business strategy, including:
| Disciplined operator with industry-leading costs and well performance. We profitably develop our drilling inventory by optimizing our well performance while also minimizing costs. Our leading well performance is driven by our high reservoir quality, technical expertise and unique acreage positions that allow for extended laterals. As of June 30, 2024, we have drilled 40 horizontal wells and participated in 14 non-operated wells since 2021 across our properties. Our proven approach is rooted in our ability to target well placement within the most productive layer of the reservoir for miles, routinely staying in-zone for the duration of the lateral. Further, we thoughtfully engineer the completion design for each well to place the ideal amount and type of proppant throughout the wellbore. The combination of these two practices contributes to higher recoveries per well. Our per unit development costs are improved by the economies of scale generated when consistently drilling long laterals, routinely exceeding 14,500 lateral feet, drilling these wells in multi-well deployments and building pads that allow for multiple drilling projects. Our Ohio Utica wells have an average IP 90 of 1,090 barrels of oil per day per well normalized to 15,000 lateral. Further, we maintain low operating expenses and successfully navigate various commodity cycles by minimizing term acreage and long-term midstream and services commitments. We own and operate our gathering system in our Pennsylvania assets, which reduces our total midstream costs. These factors underpin our preference for operated positions in which we can control development techniques and capital allocation decisions. As a result, our Capital Efficiency Ratio was 3.0x for 2023, versus 1.0x for our Appalachia-Focused Public Peers and 2.0x for our Liquids-Focused Public Peers. |
| Expansive portfolio of low-risk and high-return oil and natural gas inventory across multiple acreage positions. Our operations target an expansive portfolio of low-risk, high-return development |
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opportunities with exposure to oil, natural gas and NGLs. Our oil-weighted activities are focused on the development of the Utica Shales volatile oil window in eastern Ohio. We operate 112 producing wells and have identified 150 additional drilling locations (greater than 2 million lateral feet) in the Ohio Utica Shale representing approximately eight years of repeatable development potential utilizing a one-rig development cadence as of June 30, 2024. Our natural gas activities are focused on the development of the dry gas Marcellus and dry gas Utica Shales in southwestern Pennsylvania. We currently operate 13 producing wells and three DUCs and maintain an inventory of approximately 186 drilling locations. We evaluate the risk-adjusted performance of our drilling results through two primary metrics: DROI and IRR. Applying both metrics in development decisions ensures that we are adequately balancing both the timing and amount of return of capital. Since 2021, we have drilled 26 wells in the Utica volatile oil window, with an average IP 90 of 1,090 barrels of oil per day per well normalized to 15,000 lateral. When combined with our leading cost structure, oil and natural gas development opportunities both generate significant cash flow and attractive rates of return. |
| Balanced portfolio of oil and natural gas enables us to capitalize on commodity price volatility. The attractive rates of return possible in both our oil and natural gas properties provide us with a competitive advantage versus our peers, enabling us to selectively develop areas with the highest expected rate of return based on the prevailing commodity price environment. Our drilling inventory is approximately 44% oil weighted and 56% natural gas weighted measured by gross operated locations. Our exposure to high return, oil-weighted inventory is unique within the Appalachian Basin enhancing our operating margins and cash flows relative to our regional peers. Our high quality natural gas position offers dual zone co-development of the Marcellus and deep dry gas Utica allowing us to leverage our infrastructure lowering our operating costs relative to our peers. Our optionality to oscillate between high quality natural gas and oil opportunities allows us to high-grade our portfolio and maximize resultant cash flow for our investors. |
| Superior capital efficiency to support production growth with attractive free cash flow. We believe our full-cycle ratio compares favorably versus other industry players, illustrating our superior capital efficiency. Our superior capital efficiency enabled us to reduce acquisition borrowings over time and improve leverage while growing production from 5 MBoe/d to 25 MBoe/d over the course of April 2021 to June 2024. Looking forward, maintaining this level of capital efficiency will allow us to continue to prudently grow our assets while preserving optionality to return value to stockholders, manage liquidity and pursue strategic opportunities in our focus areas. Historically, we have used this free cash flow to develop our assets, grow production and repay debt. |
| Conservatively capitalized balance sheet with strong liquidity profile. Maintaining a strong balance sheet is a principal focus of ours and a differentiator that creates a competitive advantage relative to our peers. Since our founding in 2017, and through five separate acquisitions, we have regularly maintained leverage of less than 1.0x while prioritizing repaying amounts borrowed in connection with acquisitions. We expect to have minimal debt outstanding upon the completion of this offering and intend to maintain modest debt loads in the near term for working capital purposes. We believe our conservative leverage and substantial liquidity provide us the financial flexibility to fund our planned capital expenditures, return value to stakeholders and pursue strategic acquisitions. Furthermore, we maintain a disciplined hedging program that aims to hedge at least 70% of anticipated production for the next 24 months. We have and will continue to hedge into near term development programs to lock in project returns. In addition to benchmark pricing, we also hedge basis due to the historic volatility of basis differentials within our operating areas as well as individual commodities across oil, natural gas and NGLs. As of June 30, 2024, we have entered into hedging contracts covering approximately 1.3 MMBbls (approximately 3,560 Bbls/d) of our oil production for 2025 at a weighted average swap price of $71.25 per Bbl, approximately 1.0 MMBbls (approximately 2,790 Bbls/d) of our NGL production for 2025 at a weighted average swap price of $28.88 per Bbl, and approximately 29,578 MMBtu (81 MMBtu/d) of our gas production for 2025 at a weighted average swap price of $3.60 per MMBtu. |
| Long track record of leveraging expertise and local presence to capture value through drill bit and mergers and acquisitions. We believe our management teams experience in the Appalachian Basin and |
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the continuity of our core team, which has worked together for over a decade, offers a distinguishing competitive advantage. Because of our local presence, we have extensive knowledge and deep relationships that enhance our ability to be a low-cost and highly productive operator and acquire assets at attractive valuations. We believe our local expertise has been a key contributor to our acquisition and leasing success, and we have earned a reputation as a partner of choice in the local community, which enhances our ability to compete for acreage. Our ability to quickly begin drilling on leased acreage has helped us manage our land costs and is a benefit to mineral owners. Additionally, we routinely increase our working interests in front of the drill bit to lengthen our wells and add incremental locations within and adjacent to our existing drilling units to leverage our existing infrastructure. Since our founding in 2017, we have completed 14 transactions across four distinct operated fields. Within each area, we have both improved performance of new wells by leveraging our drilling and completion techniques and optimized the legacy assets. Our local presence also helps to reduce service costs and improve availability. We believe that leveraging our strong and lasting relationships throughout the basin provides us with a unique and compelling competitive advantage that will yield positive returns for our stockholders. |
Development Plan and Capital Budget
We are currently running a one-rig drilling program focused on the development of the Utica Shales volatile oil window in eastern Ohio and the dry gas Marcellus Shale in southwestern Pennsylvania. We believe our portfolio consists of low-risk, high-return development opportunities that have been well delineated over the past decade and represent repeatable development potential. Our asset exposure to both oil and dry gas presents us with the flexibility to shift our drilling efforts between oil and natural gas opportunistically when commodity prices change.
We invested approximately $146 million in 2023 on development costs and our budget for our operated development activities for 2024 is approximately $ to $ million (of which $95.1 million has been incurred as of June 30, 2024). Based on current commodity prices and our drilling success rate to date, we expect to be able to fund our 2024 capital development program from cash flow from operations.
Our development plan and capital budget are based on managements current expectations and assumptions about future events. While we consider these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties. The amount and timing of these capital expenditures is largely discretionary and within our control. We could choose to defer a portion of these planned capital expenditures depending on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the success of our drilling activities, prevailing and anticipated commodity prices, the availability of necessary equipment, infrastructure, drilling rigs, labor and capital and related costs.
Highlights and Recent Developments
Ohio Utica Acquisitions
On August 7, 2023, Wolf Run, our wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a definitive purchase and sale agreement to acquire working interests in certain oil and gas assets from Utica Resource Ventures and PEO Ohio for $306 million, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. The transaction closed on October 4, 2023, for $280.7 million and was financed through a combination of $222.3 million that was raised from the issuance of equity to certain of our Existing Owners as well as borrowings of $56.7 million under our prior credit facility.
As part of the transaction, we assumed control of approximately 39,185 net acres across Washington, Morgan, Noble and Guernsey counties in Ohio along with 54 producing horizontal wells, related surface
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equipment located on various pad locations and a deep inventory of premium drilling locations located within the volatile oil window of the Utica and Point Pleasant play in eastern Ohio.
Since these acquisitions, we have drilled eight wells, totaling approximately 97,000 lateral feet on the acquired acreage.
Salt Fork State Park
On February 26, 2024, we were awarded approximately 5,705 net acres within Salt Fork State Park by the Ohio Oil and Gas Management Commission for $58.5 million or approximately $10,250 per acre. We closed on the acquisition of the parcels in July 2024.
Muskingum Watershed LOI
On August 20, 2024, we entered into a letter of intent (the Muskingum Watershed LOI) with Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District for the lease of approximately 2,300 acres in Guernsey and Noble Counties, Ohio. The acreage is contiguous with our existing acreage and represents 14 new and 4 enhanced (which includes increased working interest or longer lateral length) drilling locations. We expect to close the transaction in late 2024 or early 2025, subject to completion of customary due diligence.
Credit Facility
On September 25, 2024, we entered into a new credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. The Credit Facility has a total facility size of $1.5 billion, an initial borrowing base of $325.0 million and available capacity of $ million as of , 2024. The Credit Facility replaced our previously outstanding credit facility, which was terminated in connection with the refinancing. Please see Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsLiquidity and Capital ResourcesFinancing AgreementsCredit Facility.
Corporate Reorganization
Infinity Natural Resources is a Delaware corporation that was formed for the purpose of making this offering. Following this offering and the transactions related thereto, Infinity Natural Resources will be a holding company whose sole material asset will consist of membership interests in INR Holdings. INR Holdings will continue to own all of our operating subsidiaries. After the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this prospectus, Infinity Natural Resources will be the managing member of INR Holdings and will control and be responsible for all operational, management and administrative decisions relating to INR Holdings business and will consolidate the financial results of INR Holdings and its subsidiaries.
This offering is being conducted through what is commonly referred to as an Up-C structure, which is often used by partnerships and limited liability companies undertaking an initial public offering. The Up-C structure provides the Existing Owners of the Company with the tax advantage of continuing to own interests in a pass-through structure, which is tax efficient because their allocable shares of income from INR Holdings will not be subject to entity-level tax. The Up-C structure will also provide potential future tax benefits for both the public company and the Existing Owners when they ultimately exchange their pass-through interests for shares of Class A common stock, which is expected to result in tax basis adjustments in the assets of INR Holdings and produce favorable tax attributes for us. We are a holding company, and immediately after the consummation of the reorganization transactions as described herein and this offering, our principal asset will be our ownership interests in INR Holdings. See Corporate ReorganizationHolding Company Structure and Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsTax Receivable Agreement.
In connection with this offering: (a) the Existing Owners LLC Interests (both capital interests and management incentive units) in INR Holdings will be recapitalized into a single class of units, the newly issued
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INR Units, with the INR Units to be allocated among the Existing Owners in accordance with the terms of the INR Holdings LLC Agreement and calculated using an implied valuation for INR Holdings based on the initial public offering price of our Class A common stock and (b) INR will contribute the net proceeds of this offering to INR Holdings in exchange for newly issued INR Units and a managing member interest in INR Holdings. Pursuant to the terms of the INR Holdings LLC Agreement, the INR Units to be issued to the Existing Owners in connection with the corporate reorganization will be calculated using an implied equity value of INR Holdings immediately prior to this offering, based on an initial public offering price of $ per share of Class A common stock, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and the current relative levels of ownership in INR Holdings with the allocation of such units among our existing equity holders to be determined based on the price established on the day of the pricing of our Class A common stock pursuant to this offering. After giving effect to these transactions and the offering contemplated by this prospectus, (a) INR will own an approximate % interest in INR Holdings (or % if the underwriters option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full) and (b) the Existing Owners will own an approximate % interest in INR Holdings (or % if the underwriters option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full).
Each share of Class B common stock of INR (Class B common stock) will entitle its holder to one vote on all matters to be voted on by stockholders. Holders of shares of Class A common stock of INR (Class A common stock) and Class B common stock will vote together as a single class on all matters presented to our stockholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable law or by our certificate of incorporation. We do not intend to list our Class B common stock on any stock exchange.
We will enter into a Tax Receivable Agreement with the Existing Owners. This agreement generally provides for the payment by INR to the Existing Owners of 85% of the net cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax that INR (a) actually realizes with respect to taxable periods ending after this offering or (b) is deemed to realize in the event of a change of control (as defined under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which includes certain mergers, asset sales and other forms of business combinations and certain changes to the composition of the INR board of directors) or the Tax Receivable Agreement terminates early (at our election or as a result of our breach) with respect to any taxable periods ending on or after such change of control or early termination event, in each case, as a result of (a) the tax basis increases resulting from the exchange of INR Units and the corresponding surrender of an equivalent number of shares of Class B common stock by the Existing Owners for a number of shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis or, at our option, the receipt of an equivalent amount of cash pursuant to the INR Holdings LLC Agreement and (b) deductions arising from imputed interest deemed to be paid by us as a result of, and additional tax basis arising from, any payments we make under the Tax Receivable Agreement. INR will retain the benefit of the remaining 15% of these cash savings, if any. If we experience a change of control or the Tax Receivable Agreement terminates early, we could be required to make a substantial, immediate lump-sum payment. Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsTax Receivable Agreement contains more information.
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The following diagrams indicate our simplified current ownership structure and our simplified ownership structure immediately following this offering and the transactions related thereto (assuming that the underwriters option to purchase additional shares is not exercised):
Simplified Current Ownership Structure
(1) | Includes PEI INR Holdings, L.P., Pearl Energy Investments III, L.P., PEI Infinity-S, LP, Pearl Energy Investments, L.P., PEI INR Co-Invest-B Corp., NGP XI US Holdings, L.P. and certain members of management and the board of directors. |
(2) | Includes Wolf Run, INR Ohio, INR Midstream, Block Island, INR Operating and Cheat Mountain. |
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Simplified Ownership Structure After Giving Effect to this Offering
(1) | Includes PEI INR Holdings, L.P., Pearl Energy Investments III, L.P., PEI Infinity-S, LP, Pearl Energy Investments, L.P., PEI INR Co-Invest-B Corp. and NGP XI US Holdings, L.P., members of management and certain other individuals. |
(2) | Includes Wolf Run, INR Ohio, INR Midstream, Block Island, INR Operating and Cheat Mountain. |
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Our Principal Stockholders
Following the completion of this offering, Pearl will in the aggregate own shares of Class B common stock, representing % of our outstanding capital stock and approximately % of the voting power of the Company ( % if the underwriters option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full), and NGP will in the aggregate own shares of Class B common stock, representing % of our outstanding capital stock and approximately % of the voting power of the Company ( % if the underwriters option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full).
Pearl Energy Investments is a Dallas, Texas-based investment firm with $2.0 billion of cumulative capital commitments under management. Pearl focuses on partnering with proven management teams to invest in the North American energy sector.
NGP is a family of private equity funds managed by NGP Energy Capital Management, L.L.C., a premier investment franchise organized to make investments in natural resources and energy transition. In NGPs 36 year history, NGP has managed investment funds with more than $24 billion of aggregate equity commitments.
Emerging Growth Company Status
We are an emerging growth company as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the JOBS Act). For as long as we are an emerging growth company, unlike other public companies that are not emerging growth companies under the JOBS Act, we are not required to:
| provide an auditors attestation report on managements assessment of the effectiveness of our system of internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX); |
| provide more than two years of audited financial statements and related managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations nor more than two years of selected financial data in a registration statement on Form S-1; |
| comply with any new requirements adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the PCAOB) requiring mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditors report in which the auditor would be required to provide additional information about the audit and the financial statements of the issuer; or |
| provide certain disclosure regarding executive compensation required of larger public companies required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Dodd-Frank Act). |
We will cease to be an emerging growth company upon the earliest of:
| the last day of the fiscal year in which we have $1.235 billion or more in annual revenues (as such amount may be adjusted by the SEC for inflation); |
| the date on which we become a large accelerated filer (the fiscal year-end on which the total market value of our common equity securities held by non-affiliates is $700 million or more as of June 30 of such year); |
| the date on which we issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period; or |
| the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of our initial public offering. |
In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), for complying with new or revised accounting standards. We have elected to avail ourselves of the provision of the JOBS Act that permits emerging growth companies to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies. As a result, we will not be subject
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to new or revised accounting standards at the same time as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. We intend to take advantage of the other exemptions discussed above, both in this prospectus and in future filings with the SEC. Accordingly, the information contained herein and that we provide to our stockholders from time to time may be different than the information you receive from other public companies. For additional information, see the section titled Risk FactorsRisks Related to this Offering, Our Class A Common Stock and Capital StructureFor as long as we are an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with certain reporting requirements that apply to other public companies, including those relating to auditing standards and disclosure about our executive compensation. Taking advantage of the longer phase-in periods for the adoption of new or revised financial accounting standards applicable to emerging growth companies may make our Class A common stock less attractive to investors.
Corporate Information
Our principal executive offices are located at 2605 Cranberry Square, Morgantown, WV 26508, and our telephone number at that address is (304) 212-2350. Our website is located at www.infinitynaturalresources.com. We expect to make our periodic reports and other information filed with or furnished to the SEC available free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after those reports and other information are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Information on, or otherwise accessible through, our website or any other website is not incorporated by reference herein and does not constitute a part of this prospectus.
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The Offering
Class A common stock offered by us |
shares (or shares, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares). |
Class A common stock to be outstanding after the offering |
shares (or shares, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares). |
Option to purchase additional shares |
We have granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an aggregate of additional shares of our Class A common stock. |
Class B common stock to be outstanding immediately after completion of this offering |
shares, or one share for each INR Unit held by the INR Unit Holders immediately following this offering. Class B shares are non-economic. When an INR Unit is exchanged for a share of Class A common stock, a corresponding share of Class B common stock will be surrendered. |
Use of proceeds |
We expect to receive approximately $ million of net proceeds from the sale of the Class A common stock offered by us (or approximately $ million, if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares) after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. |
We intend to contribute all of the net proceeds from this offering to INR Holdings in exchange for INR Units. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to repay certain outstanding indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. Use of Proceeds contains additional information regarding our intended use of proceeds from this offering. |
Conflicts of Interest |
Because affiliates of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (Citigroup) and RBC Capital Markets, LLC (RBC) are lenders under our Credit Facility and will receive 5% or more of the net proceeds of this offering due to the repayment of borrowings under the Credit Facility, Citigroup and RBC, underwriters in this offering, are deemed to have a conflict of interest under Rule 5121 (Rule 5121) of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA). Accordingly, this offering will be conducted in compliance with the requirements of Rule 5121, which requires, among other things, that a qualified independent underwriter participate in the preparation of, and exercise the usual standards of due diligence with respect to, the registration statement and this prospectus. Raymond James & Associates, Inc. (Raymond James) has agreed to act as a qualified independent underwriter for this offering and to undertake the legal responsibilities and liabilities of an underwriter under the Securities Act, specifically including those inherent in Section 11 thereof. Raymond James will not receive any additional fees for serving as a qualified independent underwriter in connection with this offering. We have agreed to indemnify Raymond James against liabilities incurred in connection with acting as a |
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qualified independent underwriter, including liabilities under the Securities Act. See Use of Proceeds and Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest) for additional information. |
Voting Power of Class A common stock after giving effect to this offering |
% (or 100% if all outstanding INR Units held by the INR Unit Holders are exchanged, along with a corresponding number of shares of our Class B common stock, for newly issued shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis). |
Voting Power of Class B common stock after giving effect to this offering |
% (or 0% if all outstanding INR Units held by the INR Unit Holders are exchanged, along with a corresponding number of shares of our Class B common stock, for newly issued shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis). |
Voting rights |
The Existing Owners will hold all of the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock. Each share of Class B common stock will entitle its holder to one vote on all matters to be voted on by stockholders generally. After giving effect to the shares issued pursuant to this offering, the Existing Owners will hold in the aggregate 0% of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock. The Class A common stock will be voting stock and entitle each holder to one vote per share of Class A common stock. Description of Capital Stock contains more information. |
Dividend policy |
Following the completion of this offering, our board of directors may elect to declare cash dividends on our Class A common stock, subject to our compliance with applicable law, and depending on, among other things, economic conditions, our financial condition, results of operations, projections, liquidity, earnings, legal requirements, and restrictions in the agreements governing our indebtedness (as further discussed below). The payment of any future dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors. We have not adopted, and do not currently expect to adopt, a written dividend policy. Dividend Policy contains more information. |
Listing and trading symbol |
We intend to list our Class A common stock on the NYSE under the symbol INR. |
Exchange rights of INR Unit Holders |
In connection with the completion of this offering, we will adopt the INR Holdings LLC Agreement so that the Existing Owners may (subject to the terms of the INR Holdings LLC Agreement) exchange their INR Units, along with surrendering a corresponding number of shares of our Class B common stock, for shares of Class A common stock of INR on a one-for-one basis, subject to customary conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassifications, or, at our option, an equivalent amount of cash (the Exchange Right). |
Directed Share Program |
At our request, the underwriters have reserved up to % of the shares of Class A common stock offered by this prospectus for sale, at the initial public offering price to certain individuals through a |
19
directed share program, including our directors, officers, employees and other individuals we identify. The number of shares of our Class A common stock available for sale to the general public will be reduced to the extent these individuals purchase such reserved shares. Any reserved shares that are not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the other shares offered by this prospectus. See Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)Directed Share Program. |
Tax receivable agreement |
Future exchanges of INR Units for shares of Class A common stock are expected to result in increases in the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of INR Holdings. The anticipated basis adjustments are expected to increase (for tax purposes) our depreciation, depletion and amortization deductions and may also decrease our gains (or increase our losses) on future dispositions of certain capital assets to the extent tax basis is allocated to those capital assets. Such increased deductions and losses and reduced gains may reduce the amount of tax that we would otherwise be required to pay in the future. Prior to the completion of this offering, we will enter into a Tax Receivable Agreement with the Existing Owners. This agreement generally provides for the payment by INR to the Existing Owners, respectively, of 85% of the net cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax that INR (a) actually realizes with respect to taxable periods ending after this Offering or (b) is deemed to realize in the event of a change of control (as defined under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which includes certain mergers, asset sales and other forms of business combinations and certain changes to the composition of the INR board) or the Tax Receivable Agreement terminates early (at our election or as a result of our breach) with respect to any taxable periods ending on or after such change of control or early termination event, in each case, as a result of (i) the tax basis increases resulting from the exchange of INR Units and the corresponding surrender of an equivalent number of shares of Class B common stock by an Existing Owner, respectively, for a number of shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis or, at our option, the receipt of an equivalent amount of cash pursuant to the INR Holdings LLC Agreement and (ii) deductions arising from imputed interest deemed to be paid by us as a result of, and additional tax basis arising from, any payments we make under the Tax Receivable Agreement. INR will retain the benefit of the remaining 15% of these cash savings, if any. If we experience a change of control or the Tax Receivable Agreement terminates early, we could be required to make a substantial, immediate lump-sum payment. Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsTax Receivable Agreement contains more information. |
Unless indicated otherwise, information regarding outstanding shares of our Class A common stock does not include shares of Class A common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to our long-term incentive plan that we intend to adopt in connection with the completion of this offering or the grants of equity awards to certain of our directors, officers and employees upon consummation of this offering. See Executive Compensation for more information.
20
Summary of Risk Factors
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. The occurrence of one or more of the events or circumstances described in the section titled Risk Factors, alone or in combination with other events or circumstances, may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. In that event, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. Such risks include, but are not limited to:
Risks Related to Commodity Prices
| Oil, natural gas and NGL prices are volatile. A sustained decline in prices could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, liquidity and our ability to meet our financial commitments or cause us to delay our planned capital expenditures. |
| We could experience periods of higher costs if commodity prices rise. These increases could reduce our profitability, cash flow and ability to complete development activities as planned. |
| Certain factors could require us to write down the carrying values of our properties, including commodity prices decreasing to a level such that our future undiscounted cash flows from our properties are less than their carrying value. |
Risks Related to Our Reserves, Leases and Drilling Locations
| Reserve estimates depend on many assumptions that may turn out to be inaccurate. Any material inaccuracies in reserve estimates or underlying assumptions will materially affect the quantities and present value of our reserves. |
| Unless we replace our reserves with new reserves and develop those new reserves, our reserves and production will decline, which would adversely affect our future cash flows and results of operations. |
| Our identified drilling locations are scheduled out over many years, making them susceptible to uncertainties, that could materially alter the occurrence or timing of their drilling. |
| Properties that we decide to drill may not yield oil, natural gas and NGLs in commercially viable quantities. |
Risks Related to Our Operations
| Our development projects and acquisitions require substantial capital expenditures. We may be unable to obtain any required capital or financing on satisfactory terms, which could lead to a decline in our production and reserves. |
| Drilling for and producing oil, natural gas and NGLs are high-risk activities with many uncertainties that could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. |
| Some of our properties are in areas that may have been partially depleted or drained by offset (i.e., neighboring) wells, and certain of our wells may be adversely affected by actions other operators may take when drilling, completing or operating wells that they own. |
| Our producing properties are concentrated in the Appalachian Basin, making us vulnerable to risks associated with operating in one major geographic area. |
| The marketability of certain of our production is dependent upon transportation and other facilities, which we do not control. If these facilities are unavailable, or if there are any increases in the cost of using these services or facilities, our operations could be interrupted, our revenues could be reduced and our costs could increase. |
21
| We may be unable to make attractive acquisitions or successfully integrate acquired businesses, and any inability to do so may disrupt our business and hinder our ability to grow. |
| Continuing or worsening inflationary pressures and associated changes in monetary policy may result in increases to the cost of our goods, services, and personnel, which in turn could cause our capital expenditures and operating costs to rise. |
| We are not the operator of all of our oil and natural gas properties and therefore are not in a position to control the timing of development efforts, the associated costs or the rate of production of the reserves on such properties. |
| We may incur substantial losses and be subject to substantial liability claims as a result of our operations. Additionally, we may not be insured for, or our insurance may be inadequate to protect us against, these risks. |
| Competition in our industry is intense, making it more difficult for us to acquire properties, market oil, natural gas and NGLs, secure trained personnel and raise additional capital. |
| As a private company, we have not been required to document and test our internal controls over financial reporting, nor has our management been required to certify the effectiveness of our internal controls, and our auditors have not been required to opine on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting which, if not corrected, could affect the reliability of our consolidated financial statements and have other adverse consequences. |
Risks Related to Our Derivative Transactions, Debt and Access to Capital
| Our derivative activities could result in financial losses or could reduce our earnings. |
| Our ability to obtain financing on terms acceptable to us may be limited in the future by, among other things, increases in interest rates. |
Risks Related to this Offering, Our Class A Common Stock and Capital Structure
| We are a holding company. Our sole material asset after completion of this offering will be our equity interest in INR Holdings and we are accordingly dependent upon distributions from INR Holdings to pay taxes, make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement and cover our corporate and other overhead expenses. |
| Pearl and NGP will collectively hold a substantial majority of our capital stock and voting power. |
| Investors in this offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution of $ per share. |
| For as long as we are an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with certain reporting requirements, including disclosure about our executive compensation, that apply to other public companies. |
| We will be required to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for certain tax benefits we may claim, and the amounts of such payments could be significant. |
| In certain cases, payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement may be accelerated and/or significantly exceed the actual benefits we realize, if any, in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement. |
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Risks Related to Environmental and Regulatory Matters
| Our operations are subject to stringent environmental, health and safety laws and regulations that may expose us to significant costs and liabilities that could exceed current expectations. |
| Legislation or regulatory initiatives intended to address seismic activity could restrict our drilling and production activities, as well as our ability to dispose of saltwater produced from such activities, which could limit our ability to produce oil, natural gas and NGLs economically and have a material adverse effect on our business. |
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Summary Historical and Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information
The following table shows summary historical financial information of the Companys accounting predecessor, INR Holdings, and summary unaudited pro forma financial information as of the dates indicated and for the periods ended herein.
The summary historical financial information as of June 30, 2024, and for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, were derived from the unaudited and audited historical consolidated financial statements of INR Holdings included elsewhere in this prospectus.
The summary unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations data as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, and the summary unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations data for the year ended December 31, 2023, has been prepared to give pro forma effect to (i) the reorganization transactions described elsewhere in this prospectus under Corporate Reorganization, and (ii) this offering and the application of the net proceeds from this offering as described elsewhere in this prospectus under Use of Proceeds, as if each had been completed on January 1, 2023.
The summary unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations data for the year ended December 31, 2023, has been prepared to also give pro forma effect to the Utica Resource Acquisition and the PEO Ohio Acquisition, as if the Utica Resource Acquisition and the PEO Ohio Acquisition each had been completed on January 1, 2023. As the Utica Resource Acquisition and the PEO Ohio Acquisition each closed on October 4, 2023, the consolidated balance sheet of INR Holdings as of December 31, 2023, includes the assets acquired.
This information is subject to and gives effect to the assumptions and adjustments described in the notes accompanying the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and should not be considered indicative of actual results of operations that would have been achieved had the above mentioned transactions been consummated on the date indicated, and does not purport to be indicative of our financial position or results of operations as of any future date or for any future period.
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Use of Proceeds, Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Corporate Reorganization, the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements, and the historical financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus contain additional information to be read in conjunction with the following information.
Predecessor Historical | Pro Forma | |||||||||||||||||||||||
As of and for the Six Months Ended June 30, |
As of and for the Years Ended December 31, |
As of and for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 |
For the Year Ended December 31, 2023 |
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2024 | 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except share and per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Statements of Operations Information: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids sales |
$ | 119,906 | $ | 60,132 | $ | 159,532 | $ | 142,600 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Midstream activities |
761 | 1,262 | 2,198 | 555 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total revenues |
120,667 | 61,394 | 161,730 | 143,155 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gathering, processing, and transportation |
22,528 | 11,742 | 31,097 | 15,673 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Lease operating |
13,890 | 6,765 | 18,371 | 8,256 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Production and ad valorem taxes |
881 | 403 | 886 | 719 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
35,277 | 17,428 | 53,796 | 18,336 | ||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative |
5,578 | 2,392 | 4,885 | 4,712 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Total operating expenses |
78,154 | 38,730 | 109,035 | 47,696 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Operating income |
42,513 | 22,664 | 52,695 | 95,459 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Operating income (expense): |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest, net |
(8,971 | ) | (2,942 | ) | (11,910 | ) | (2,574 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
(Loss) gain on derivative instruments |
(23,052 | ) | 22,264 | 45,322 | (24,820 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other (loss) income |
(476 | ) | 205 | 565 | 64 | |||||||||||||||||||
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|
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|
|
|
|
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Net income |
$ | 10,014 | $ | 42,191 | $ | 86,672 | $ | 68,129 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
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Pro forma net income per share of Class A common stockbasic and diluted |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pro forma weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstandingbasic and diluted |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Information: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 6,861 | $ | 1,504 | $ | 739 | $ | |||||||||||||||||
Oil and gas properties, net full cost |
$ | 637,246 | $ | 575,560 | $ | 207,595 | $ | |||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 729,561 | $ | 688,509 | $ | 266,705 | $ | |||||||||||||||||
Total debt |
$ | 187,678 | $ | 171,241 | $ | 58,055 | $ | |||||||||||||||||
Total members / stockholders equity(1) |
$ | 468,970 | $ | 458,456 | $ | 149,506 | $ | |||||||||||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | |||||||||||||||||
Total equity(2) |
$ | 468,970 | $ | 458,456 | $ | 149,506 | $ |
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Predecessor Historical | Pro Forma | |||||||||||||||||||||||
As of and for the Six Months Ended June 30, |
As of and for the Years Ended December 31, |
As of and for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 |
For the Year Ended December 31, 2023 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except share and per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Statements of Cash Flows Information: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
$ | 96,791 | $ | 57,443 | $ | 106,475 | $ | 64,976 | ||||||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
$ | (108,371 | ) | $ | (95,935 | ) | $ | (436,686 | ) | $ | (95,661 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
$ | 16,937 | $ | 39,186 | $ | 330,976 | $ | 28,997 | ||||||||||||||||
Other Financial Information: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDAX(3) |
$ | 92,615 | $ | 47,829 | $ | 126,494 | $ | 75,971 | $ | $ |
(1) | Total members equity as of June 30, 2024, December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022 represents the historical members equity of INR Holdings, while the pro forma stockholders equity as of June 30, 2024 represents the pro forma stockholders equity of the Company subsequent to the corporate reorganization and offering transactions described herein. |
(2) | Pro forma total equity as of June 30, 2024, includes $ million of non-controlling interests. |
(3) | Adjusted EBITDAX is not a financial measure calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We believe this measure provides important perspective regarding our operating results and liquidity, as applicable. Non-GAAP Financial Measures contains a description of this measure and a reconciliation to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure. |
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted EBITDAX
We define Adjusted EBITDAX as net income plus interest expense, net, income tax expense, depreciation, depletion, and amortization, unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net cash settlements received (paid) on derivatives, non-cash interest expense (amortization) and non-cash G&A. We believe Adjusted EBITDAX is useful because it makes for an easier comparison of our operating performance, without regard to our financing methods, corporate form or capital structure. We determined our adjustments from net income to arrive at Adjusted EBITDAX to reflect the substantial variance in practice from company to company within our industry depending upon accounting methods and book values of assets, capital structures, and the method by which the assets were acquired. Adjusted EBITDAX should not be considered more meaningful than or as an alternative to net income determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Certain items excluded from Adjusted EBITDAX are significant components in understanding and assessing a companys financial performance, such as a companys cost of capital and tax burden, as well as the historic costs of depreciable assets, none of which are components of Adjusted EBITDAX. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDAX should not be construed as an inference that our results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. Our computations of Adjusted EBITDAX may differ from and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
The following table provides a reconciliation of our net income, the most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, to Adjusted EBITDAX for the periods presented herein:
Predecessor | Predecessor Historical | Pro Forma | ||||||||||||||||||
For the Six Months Ended June 30, |
For the Year Ended December 31, |
For the Year Ended December 31, 2023 |
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2024 | 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 10,014 | $ | 42,191 | $ | 86,672 | $ | 68,129 | $ | |||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
8,971 | 2,942 | 11,910 | 2,574 | ||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense |
| | | |
26
Predecessor | Predecessor Historical | Pro Forma | ||||||||||||||||||
For the Six Months Ended June 30, |
For the Year Ended December 31, |
For the Year Ended December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
$ | 35,277 | $ | 17,428 | $ | 53,796 | $ | 18,336 | $ | |||||||||||
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments |
23,052 | (22,264 | ) | (45,322 | ) | 24,820 | ||||||||||||||
Net cash settlements received (paid) on derivatives |
15,301 | 7,532 | 19,438 | (37,888 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Non-cash G&A |
| | | | ||||||||||||||||
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Adjusted EBITDAX |
$ | 92,615 | $ | 47,829 | $ | 126,494 | $ | 75,971 | $ | |||||||||||
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PV-10
Certain of our oil and natural gas reserve disclosures included in this prospectus are presented on a PV-10 basis. PV-10 is a non-GAAP financial measure and represents the estimated present value of the future cash flows less future development and production costs from our proved reserves before income taxes discounted using a 10% discount rate. PV-10 of proved reserves generally differs from the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows from production of proved oil and natural gas reserves (the Standardized Measure), the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, because it does not include the effects of future income taxes, as is required under GAAP in computing the Standardized Measure. However, our PV-10 for proved reserves using SEC pricing and the Standardized Measure of proved reserves are equivalent because we were not subject to entity level taxation. Accordingly, no provision for federal or state income taxes has been provided in the Standardized Measure because taxable income is passed through to our unitholders.
We believe that the presentation of a pre-tax PV-10 value provides relevant and useful information because it is widely used by investors and analysts as a basis for comparing the relative size and value of our proved reserves to other oil and natural gas companies. Because many factors that are unique to each individual company may impact the amount and timing of future income taxes, the use of PV-10 value provides greater comparability when evaluating oil and natural gas companies. The PV-10 value is not a measure of financial or operating performance under GAAP, nor is it intended to represent the current market value of proved oil and gas reserves. However, the definition of PV-10 value as defined above may differ significantly from the definitions used by other companies to compute similar measures. As a result, the PV-10 value as defined may not be comparable to similar measures provided by other companies.
Investors should be cautioned that neither PV-10 nor Standardized Measure of proved reserves represents an estimate of the fair market value of our proved reserves. We and others in the industry use PV-10 as a measure to compare the relative size and value of estimated reserves held by companies without regard to the specific tax characteristics of such entities.
27
Summary Reserve, Production and Operating Data
The following tables summarize our estimated oil, natural gas and NGL reserves as of December 31, 2023 and our production and historical operating data for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023. The information included in the summary reserve table is based on a reserve report prepared by our independent consulting petroleum engineers, Wright & Company, Inc. (Wright). For more information, see BusinessOur OperationsReserve Data and Presentation and our summary reserve report filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Historical reserve information is not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any future period.
Summary Reserve Data
Summary of Reserves as of December 31, 2023 Based on SEC Pricing
The following table provides our estimated proved reserves as of December 31, 2023 based on SEC pricing.
December 31, 2023(1) | ||||
Proved developed reserves: |
||||
Crude oil (MBbls) |
13,172 | |||
Natural Gas (MMcf) |
252,832 | |||
NGL (MBbls) |
12,644 | |||
Total proved developed reserves (MBoe)(3) |
67,954 | |||
Proved undeveloped reserves: |
||||
Crude oil (MBbls) |
17,866 | |||
Natural Gas (MMcf) |
255,893 | |||
NGL (MBbls) |
13,118 | |||
Total proved undeveloped reserves (MBoe)(3) |
73,633 | |||
Total proved reserves: |
||||
Crude oil (MBbls) |
31,038 | |||
Natural Gas (MMcf) |
508,725 | |||
NGL (MBbls) |
25,762 | |||
Total proved reserves (MBoe)(2)(3) |
141,587 | |||
Proved developed reserves (%) |
48.0 | % | ||
Total undeveloped reserves (%) . |
52.0 | % | ||
Reserve values (in thousands): |
||||
Standardized Measure of discounted future net cash flows |
$ | 938,384 | ||
Discounted future income tax expense |
N/A | |||
Total proved pre-tax PV-10(4) |
$ | 938,384 |
(1) | Our estimated reserves were determined using average first-day-of-the-month prices for the prior 12 months in accordance with SEC regulations. The unweighted arithmetic average first-day-of-the-month prices for the prior 12 months were $78.22 per barrel for oil and $2.637 per MMBtu for natural gas at December 31, 2023. These base prices were adjusted for differentials on a per property basis, including local basis differentials and fuel costs, resulting in $73.73 per barrel for oil, $1.739 per MMBtu for natural gas, and $26.87 per barrel for NGLs at December 31, 2023. |
(2) | All proved reserves as of December 31, 2023 were part of a development plan adopted by management indicating that such locations were scheduled to be drilled within five years of initial classification. |
(3) | Calculated by converting natural gas to oil equivalent barrels at a ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one Boe. |
(4) | PV-10 is a non-GAAP financial measure and represents the present value of estimated future cash inflows from proved oil and gas reserves and less future development and production costs, discounted at 10% per annum to reflect the timing of future cash flows. For more information on how we calculate PV-10 and a reconciliation of proved reserves PV-10 to its nearest GAAP measure, see Prospectus SummaryNon-GAAP Financial Measures. With respect to PV-10 calculated as of an interim date, it is not practicable to calculate the taxes for the related interim period because GAAP does not provide for disclosure of Standardized Measure on an interim basis. |
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Select Production and Operating Statistics
The following table sets forth information regarding production, revenues and realized prices and production costs for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. The information for the year ended December 31, 2023, includes the assets acquired in the Utica Resource Acquisition and the PEO Ohio Acquisition that closed on October 4, 2023. All of our production is derived from the Appalachian Basin. For additional information on price calculations, please see Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
For the Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Production data: |
||||||||
Oil (MBbls) |
1,205 | 640 | ||||||
Natural gas (MMcf) |
27,506 | 11,585 | ||||||
NGL (MBbls) |
1,112 | 656 | ||||||
Total (MBoe) |
6,901 | 3,227 | ||||||
Average daily production (MBoe/d)(1) |
18.9 | 8.8 | ||||||
Average wellhead realized prices (before giving effect to realized derivatives): |
||||||||
Oil (/Bbl) |
$ | 70.77 | $ | 85.36 | ||||
Natural gas (/Mcf) |
$ | 1.80 | $ | 5.70 | ||||
NGL (/Bbl) |
$ | 22.16 | $ | 33.42 | ||||
Average wellhead realized prices (after giving effect to realized derivatives): |
||||||||
Oil (/Bbl) |
$ | 71.03 | $ | 97.10 | ||||
Natural gas (/Mcf) |
$ | 2.42 | $ | 8.16 | ||||
NGL (/Bbl) |
$ | 22.64 | $ | 36.99 | ||||
Operating costs and expenses (per Boe)(1): |
||||||||
Gathering, processing and transportation |
$ | 4.51 | $ | 4.86 | ||||
Lease operating |
2.66 | 2.56 | ||||||
Production and ad valorem taxes |
0.13 | 0.22 | ||||||
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
7.79 | 5.68 | ||||||
General and administrative |
0.71 | 1.46 | ||||||
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Total |
$ | 15.80 | $ | 14.78 | ||||
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(1) | Calculated by converting natural gas to oil equivalent barrels at a ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one Boe. |
29
Investing in our Class A common stock involves risks. The information in this prospectus should be considered carefully, including the matters addressed under Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements, and the following risks, before making an investment decision. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also materially affect our business. The occurrence of any of the following risks or additional risks and uncertainties that are currently immaterial or unknown could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. The trading price of our Class A common stock could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to Commodity Prices
Oil, natural gas and NGL prices are volatile. A sustained decline in prices could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, liquidity and our ability to meet our financial commitments or cause us to delay our planned capital expenditures.
Our revenues, operating results, profitability, liquidity and ability to grow depend primarily upon the prices we receive for the oil, natural gas and NGLs we sell. We require substantial expenditures to replace our oil, natural gas and NGL reserves, sustain production and fund our business plans, including our development and exploratory drilling efforts. Lower commodity prices negatively affect the amount of cash available for capital expenditures, could negatively affect our ability to borrow money or raise additional capital and, as a result, could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, low prices may reduce the quantities of oil, natural gas and NGL reserves that may be economically produced and result in an impairment of our natural gas and oil properties.
Historically, the markets for oil, natural gas and NGLs have been volatile, and they are likely to continue to be volatile. Wide fluctuations in oil, natural gas and NGL prices may result from relatively minor changes in the supply of or demand for oil, natural gas and NGLs, market uncertainty and other factors that are beyond our control, including:
| worldwide and regional economic conditions impacting the supply and demand for oil, natural gas and NGLs, including inflationary pressures; |
| changes in seasonal temperatures, including the number of heating degree days during winter months and cooling degree days during summer months; |
| the level of oil, natural gas and NGL exploration, development and production; |
| the level of U.S. LNG exports; |
| prevailing prices on local price indexes in the areas in which we operate; |
| the proximity, capacity, cost and availability of gathering and transportation facilities; |
| localized and global supply and demand fundamentals and transportation availability; |
| the cost of exploring for, developing, producing and transporting reserves; |
| the spot price of LNG on world markets; |
| weather conditions and natural disasters; |
| technological advances affecting energy consumption; |
| the price and availability of alternative fuels; |
| speculative trading in natural gas derivative contracts; |
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| armed conflict, political instability or civil unrest in oil and gas producing regions, including instability in the Middle East and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the related potential effects on laws and regulations or the imposition of economic or trade sanctions; |
| the occurrence or threat of epidemic or pandemic diseases, or any government response to such occurrence or threat; |
| political and economic conditions in or affecting major LNG consumption regions or countries, particularly Asia and Europe; |
| actions of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), including the ability and willingness of the members of OPEC and other exporting nations to agree to and maintain oil price and production controls, including the anticipated increases in supply from Russia and OPEC, particularly Saudi Arabia; |
| U.S. trade policies and their effect on U.S. oil, natural gas and NGL exports; |
| expectations about future commodity prices; and |
| U.S. federal, state and local and non-U.S. governmental regulation and taxes. |
Lower commodity prices may reduce our operating margins, cash flow and borrowing ability. If we are unable to obtain needed capital or financing on satisfactory terms, our ability to develop future reserves or make acquisitions could be adversely affected. Also, using lower prices in estimating proved reserves may result in a reduction in proved reserve volumes due to economic limits. In addition, sustained periods with natural gas prices at levels lower than current Henry Hub strip prices or oil prices lower than current WTI strip prices may adversely affect our drilling economics, cash flow and our ability to raise capital, which may require us to re-evaluate and postpone or substantially restrict our development program and result in the reduction of some of our proved undeveloped reserves and related PV-10. As a result, a substantial or extended decline in commodity prices may materially and adversely affect our future business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to meet our financial commitments or cause us to delay our planned capital expenditures.
We could experience periods of higher costs if commodity prices rise. These increases could reduce our profitability, cash flow and ability to complete development activities as planned.
Historically, our capital and operating costs have risen during periods of increasing oil, natural gas and NGL prices and drilling activity in our areas of operation and other major shale basins throughout the U.S. These cost increases result from a variety of factors beyond our control, such as increases in the cost of sand and other proppant used in hydraulic fracturing operations; steel and other raw materials that we and our vendors rely upon; increased demand for labor, services and materials as drilling activity increases; and increased taxes. Such costs may rise faster than increases in our revenue if commodity prices rise, thereby negatively impacting our profitability, cash flow and ability to complete development activities as scheduled and on budget. This impact may be magnified to the extent that our ability to participate in the commodity price increases is limited by our derivative activities. Furthermore, high oil prices have historically led to more development activity in oil-focused shale basins and resulted in service cost inflation across all U.S. shale basins, including our areas of operation. Higher levels of development activity in oil-focused shale basins have also historically resulted in higher levels of associated gas production that places downward pressure on natural gas prices. To the extent natural gas prices decline due to a period of increased associated gas production and we experience service cost inflation during such period, our cash flow and profitability may be materially adversely impacted.
Certain factors could require us to write down the carrying values of our properties, including commodity prices decreasing to a level such that our future undiscounted cash flows from our properties are less than their carrying value.
Accounting rules require that we periodically review the carrying value of our properties for possible impairment. Based on prevailing commodity prices and specific market factors and circumstances at the time of
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prospective impairment reviews and the continuing evaluation of development plans, drilling and completion results, production data, economics and other factors, we may be required to write down the carrying value of our properties. A write-down constitutes a non-cash impairment charge to earnings. Lower commodity prices in the future could result in impairments of our properties, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for the periods in which such charges are taken. For example, natural gas prices are a critical component to our fair value estimate of our natural gas properties. If these prices decline, we will record an impairment, which is a non-cash charge to earnings, if we determine that an assets carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. Impairment expense may have a material adverse effect on our earnings. We could experience further material write-downs as a result of other factors, including low production results or high lease operating expenses, capital expenditures or transportation fees.
Risks Related to Our Reserves, Leases and Drilling Locations
Reserve estimates depend on many assumptions that may turn out to be inaccurate. Any material inaccuracies in reserve estimates or underlying assumptions will materially affect the quantities and present value of our reserves.
The process of estimating oil, natural gas and NGL reserves is complex. It requires interpretations of available technical data and many assumptions, including assumptions relating to current and future economic conditions and commodity prices. Any significant inaccuracies in these interpretations or assumptions could materially affect the estimated quantities and present value of our reserves. In order to prepare reserve estimates, production rates and timing of development expenditures must be projected and available geological, geophysical, production and engineering data must be analyzed. The extent, quality and reliability of this data can vary. The process also requires economic assumptions about matters such as commodity prices, drilling and operating expenses, capital expenditures, taxes and availability of funds.
Actual future production, commodity prices, revenues, taxes, development expenditures, operating expenses and quantities of recoverable reserves may vary materially from our estimates. For instance, initial production rates reported by us or other operators may not be indicative of future or long-term production rates, our recovery efficiencies may be worse than expected and production declines may be greater than we estimate and may be more rapid and irregular when compared to initial production rates. In addition, we may adjust reserve estimates of proved reserves to reflect additional production history, results of development activities, current commodity prices and other existing factors. Any significant variance could materially affect the estimated quantities and present value of our reserves. Furthermore, our development plan calls for completing horizontal wells using tighter frac spacing and substantially higher proppant volumes, which may increase the risk that these wells interfere with production from existing or future wells in the same spacing section and horizon, which in turn may result in lower recoverable reserves. There can be no assurance that our reserves will ultimately be produced.
You should not assume that the present values of future net cash flows from our reserves presented in this prospectus are the current market value of our estimated reserves. Actual future prices and costs may differ materially from those used in our present value estimates using SEC pricing. If spot prices or future actual prices are below the prices used in our current reserve estimates, using those prices in estimating proved reserves may result in a decrease in proved reserve volumes due to economic limits. You should not assume that the PV-10 values of our estimated reserves are accurate estimates of the current fair value of our estimated oil, natural gas and NGL reserves.
Unless we replace our reserves with new reserves and develop those new reserves, our reserves and production will decline, which would adversely affect our future cash flows and results of operations.
Producing natural gas and oil reservoirs generally are characterized by declining production rates that vary depending upon reservoir characteristics and other factors. Unless we conduct successful ongoing development
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activities or continually acquire properties containing proved reserves, our proved reserves will decline as those reserves are produced. Our future reserves and production, and therefore our future cash flow and results of operations, are highly dependent on our success in efficiently developing our current reserves and economically finding or acquiring additional recoverable reserves. We may not be able to develop, find or acquire sufficient additional reserves to replace our current and future production. If we are unable to replace our current and future production, the value of our reserves will decrease, and our business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.
The development of our estimated PDNPs and PUDs may take longer and may require higher levels of capital expenditures than we currently anticipate. Therefore, our estimated PDNPs and PUDs may not be ultimately developed or produced.
As of December 31, 2023, approximately 52% of our total estimated proved reserves were classified as proved undeveloped under SEC pricing. Development of these PUDs may take longer and require higher levels of capital expenditures than we currently anticipate. Estimated future development costs relating to the development of our PDNPs and PUDs at December 31, 2023 are approximately $530 million over the next five years. We plan to fund our 2024 capital program primarily through cash flow from our operations. Our ability to fund these expenditures is subject to a number of risks. See Our development projects and acquisitions require substantial capital expenditures. We may be unable to obtain any required capital or financing on satisfactory terms, which could lead to a decline in our production and reserves. Delays in the development of our reserves, increases in costs to drill and develop such reserves or decreases in commodity prices will reduce the PV-10 value of our estimated PUDs and future net cash flows estimated for such reserves and may result in some projects becoming uneconomic. In addition, delays in the development of reserves could cause us to have to reclassify some of our PUDs as unproved reserves. Furthermore, there is no certainty that we will be able to convert our PUDs to developed reserves or that our undeveloped reserves will be economically viable or technically feasible to produce.
Further, SEC rules require that, subject to limited exceptions, PUDs may only be booked if they relate to wells scheduled to be drilled within five years after the date of booking. This requirement has limited and may continue to limit our ability to book additional PUDs as we pursue our drilling program. As a result, we may be required to reclassify certain of our PUDs if we do not drill those wells within the required five-year timeframe.
Our undeveloped acreage must be drilled before lease expiration to hold the acreage by production. In highly competitive markets for acreage, failure to drill sufficient wells to hold acreage could result in a substantial lease renewal cost or, if renewal is not feasible, loss of our lease and prospective drilling opportunities.
Leases on oil and natural gas properties typically have a term of three to five years, after which they expire unless, prior to expiration, a well is drilled and production of hydrocarbons in paying quantities is established. In addition, many of our oil and natural gas leases require us to drill wells that are commercially productive, and if we are unsuccessful in drilling such wells, we could lose our rights under such leases. Although approximately 92% of our acreage is HBP, held by operations or held-by-storage as of June 30, 2024, the remaining acreage is subject to expiration over future years. Of the remaining 8% of our acreage not HBP, approximately 4% will be subject to expiration in 2024, 8% in 2025, 8% in 2026 and approximately 80% thereafter, although a portion of our leases generally grant us the right to extend these leases for an additional three or five-year period. Although we seek to actively manage our undeveloped properties, our drilling plans for these areas are subject to change based upon various factors, including drilling results, oil and natural gas prices, the availability and cost of capital, drilling and production costs, availability of drilling services and equipment, gathering system and pipeline transportation constraints and regulatory approvals. Low commodity prices may cause us to delay our drilling plans and, as a result, lose our right to develop the related properties. The cost to renew expiring leases may increase significantly, and we may not be able to renew such leases on commercially reasonable terms or at all. If we are unable to fund renewals of expiring leases, we could lose portions of our acreage and our actual drilling activities may differ materially from our current expectations, which could adversely affect our business.
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Our identified drilling locations are scheduled out over many years, making them susceptible to uncertainties, that could materially alter the occurrence or timing of their drilling.
We have specifically identified and scheduled certain drilling locations as an estimation of our future multiyear drilling activities on our existing acreage. Our ability to drill and develop these locations depends on a number of uncertainties, including commodity prices, statutory unitization, availability and cost of capital, drilling and production costs, availability of drilling services and equipment, availability and cost of sand and other proppant used in hydraulic fracturing operations, drilling results, gathering system and pipeline transportation constraints, access to and availability of water sourcing and distribution systems, access to and availability of saltwater disposal systems, regulatory approvals, the cooperation of other working interest owners and other factors. Because of these uncertain factors, we do not know if the drilling locations we have identified will ever be drilled or if we will be able to produce oil or natural gas from these or any other drilling locations. Further, certain of the horizontal wells we intend to drill in the future may require pooling or unitization with adjacent leaseholds controlled by third parties. If these third parties are unwilling to pool or unitize such leaseholds with ours, the total locations we can drill may be limited. As such, our actual drilling activities may materially differ from those presently identified.
Although we plan to fund our drilling program primarily with cash flow from operations, if our cash flows are less than we expect or we change our drilling activities, we may be required to borrow under our Credit Facility or issue debt or equity securities in order to pursue the development of these locations, and we may not be able to raise or generate the capital required to do so. See Our development projects and acquisitions require substantial capital expenditures. We may be unable to obtain any required capital or financing on satisfactory terms, which could lead to a decline in our production and reserves. Any drilling activities we are able to conduct on these locations may not be successful, may not result in production or additions to our estimated proved reserves and could result in a downward revision of our estimated proved reserves, which could have a material adverse effect on the borrowing base under our Credit Facility or our future business and results of operations. Additionally, if we curtail our drilling program, we may be required to reduce our estimated proved reserves, which could reduce the borrowing base under our Credit Facility.
Properties that we decide to drill may not yield oil, natural gas and NGLs in commercially viable quantities.
Although we believe that the vast majority of our drilling locations are technically proved, any inability to develop commercially viable quantities will adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Properties that we decide to drill that do not yield natural gas in commercially viable quantities will adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. There is no way to predict in advance of drilling and testing whether any particular prospect will yield oil, natural gas or NGLs in sufficient quantities to recover drilling and completion costs or to be economically viable. The use of geologic data and other technologies and the study of producing fields in the same area will not enable us to know conclusively prior to drilling whether oil, natural gas or NGLs will be present or, if present, whether oil, natural gas or NGLs will be present in commercial quantities. We cannot assure you that the analogies we draw from available data from other wells, more fully explored prospects or producing fields will be applicable to our drilling prospects.
Seismic data is subject to interpretation and may not accurately identify the presence of drilling hazards, which could adversely affect the results of our drilling operations.
Seismic data and visualization techniques are only tools used to assist geoscientists in identifying subsurface structures and hydrocarbon indicators and do not enable the interpreter to know whether hydrocarbons are, in fact, present in those structures. As a result, even if we were to use and interpret seismic data in analyzing our drilling prospects, our drilling activities may not be successful or economical. In addition, the use of advanced technologies, such as 3-D seismic data, requires greater pre-drilling expenditures than traditional drilling strategies, and we could incur losses as a result of such expenditures.
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Risks Related to Our Operations
Our development projects and acquisitions require substantial capital expenditures. We may be unable to obtain any required capital or financing on satisfactory terms, which could lead to a decline in our production and reserves.
The oil and gas industry is capital-intensive. Although we expect to fund our 2024 capital budget primarily with cash flow from our operations, a number of factors could cause our cash flow to be less than we expect, including the results of our drilling and completion program. Moreover, our capital budgets are based on a number of assumptions, including drilling and completion costs, midstream service costs, commodity prices and drilling results, and are therefore subject to change. If our cash flows are less than we expect, we decide to pursue acquisitions or we change our capital budgets, we may be required to borrow under our Credit Facility or issue debt or equity securities to consummate such acquisitions or fund our drilling and completion program. The incurrence of additional indebtedness, either through borrowings under our Credit Facility, the issuance of debt securities or otherwise, would require that a portion of our cash flow from operations be used for the payment of interest and principal on our indebtedness, thereby reducing our ability to use cash flow from operations to fund capital expenditures and acquisitions. The issuance of additional equity securities would be dilutive to our other stockholders. The actual amount and timing of our future capital expenditures may differ materially from our estimates as a result of, among other things: commodity prices; actual drilling results; the availability and cost of drilling rigs and other services and equipment; the availability, cost and adequacy of midstream gathering, processing, compression and transportation infrastructure; and regulatory, technological and competitive developments.
Our cash flow from operations and access to capital are subject to a number of variables, including:
| the prices at which our production is sold; |
| the amount of our proved reserves; |
| the amount of hydrocarbons we are able to produce from existing wells; |
| our ability to acquire, locate and produce new reserves; |
| the amount of our operating expenses; |
| cash settlements from our derivative activities; |
| our ability to borrow under our Credit Facility; and |
| our ability to access the capital markets or sell non-core assets. |
If our revenues or the borrowing base under our Credit Facility decrease as a result of lower commodity prices, operational difficulties, declines in reserves or for any other reason, we may have limited ability to obtain the capital necessary to make acquisitions or sustain our operations at current levels. If additional capital is needed, we may not be able to obtain debt or equity financing on terms acceptable to us, if at all. If cash flow generated by our operations or available borrowings under our Credit Facility are insufficient to meet our capital requirements, the failure to obtain additional financing could result in a curtailment of the development of our properties, which in turn could lead to a decline in our reserves and production and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Drilling for and producing oil, natural gas and NGLs are high-risk activities with many uncertainties that could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our future financial condition and results of operations will depend on the success of our development, production and acquisition activities, which are subject to numerous risks beyond our control. For example, we cannot assure you that wells we drill will be productive or that we will recover all or any portion of our investment in such wells. Drilling for oil, natural gas and NGLs often involves unprofitable efforts from wells
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that do not produce sufficient oil, natural gas and NGLs to return a profit at then-realized prices after deducting drilling, operating and other costs. In addition, our cost of drilling, completing and operating wells is often uncertain.
Our decisions to develop or purchase prospects or properties will depend, in part, on the evaluation of data obtained through geophysical and geological analyses, production data and engineering studies, which are often inconclusive or subject to varying interpretations. For a discussion of the uncertainty involved in these processes, see Reserve estimates depend on many assumptions that may turn out to be inaccurate. Any material inaccuracies in reserve estimates or underlying assumptions will materially affect the quantities and present value of our reserves.
Further, many factors may increase the cost of, curtail, delay or cancel our scheduled drilling projects, including:
| declines in oil, natural gas and NGL prices; |
| increases in the cost of, and shortages or delays in the availability of, proppant, equipment, services and qualified personnel or in obtaining water for hydraulic fracturing activities; |
| equipment failures, accidents or other unexpected operational events; |
| capacity or pressure limitations on gathering systems, processing and treating facilities or other related midstream infrastructure; |
| coal and other mineral ownership permitting issues may impact our ability to develop on our current timeline; |
| drilling in the vicinity of coal mining operations and certain other structures; |
| any future lack of available capacity on interconnecting transmission pipelines; |
| delays imposed by, or resulting from, compliance with regulatory requirements, including limitations on freshwater sourcing, wastewater disposal, emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and hydraulic fracturing; |
| pressure or irregularities in geological formations; |
| limited availability of financing on acceptable terms; |
| issues related to compliance with or liability arising under environmental laws and regulations; |
| environmental hazards, such as natural gas leaks, oil spills, pipeline and tank ruptures and unauthorized discharges of brine, well stimulation and completion fluids, toxic gases or other pollutants into the environment; |
| compliance with contractual requirements; |
| competition for surface locations from other operators that may own rights to drill at certain depths across portions of our leasehold; |
| adverse weather conditions; |
| title issues or legal disputes regarding leasehold rights; and |
| other market limitations in our industry. |
Some of our properties are in areas that may have been partially depleted or drained by offset (i.e., neighboring) wells, and certain of our wells may be adversely affected by actions other operators may take when drilling, completing or operating wells that they own.
Some of our properties are in areas that may have been partially depleted or drained by earlier drilled offset wells. We have no control over offsetting operators who could take actions such as drilling and completing
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nearby wells, which actions could adversely affect our operations. When a new offset well is completed and produced, reserves previously attributed to offset wells may be produced by the new well which could cause a depletion of our proved reserves and may inhibit our ability to further develop our proved reserves. The possibility for these impacts may increase with respect to wells that are shut in as a response to lower commodity prices or the lack of pipeline and storage capacity. In addition, completion operations and other activities conducted on other nearby wells could cause us, in order to protect our existing wells, to shut in production for indefinite periods of time. Shutting in our wells and damage to our wells from offset completions could result in increased costs and could adversely affect the reserves and re-commenced production from such shut in wells as well as the timing of cash flows from impacted wells.
Our operations are also subject to conservation regulations, including the regulation of the size of drilling and spacing units or proration units, the number of wells that may be drilled in a unit, the rate of production allowable from oil and gas wells and the unitization or pooling of oil and gas properties. Some states allow the forced pooling or unitization of tracts to facilitate exploration and development, while other states rely on voluntary pooling of lands and leases. Such rules often impact the ultimate timing of our exploration and development plans. In addition, federal and state conservation laws generally limit the venting or flaring of natural gas, and state conservation laws impose certain requirements regarding the ratable purchase of production. These regulations limit the amounts of oil and gas we can produce from our wells and the number of wells or the locations at which we can drill.
Part of our business strategy involves using some of the latest available horizontal drilling and completion techniques, which involve risks and uncertainties in their application.
Our operations involve utilizing some of the latest drilling and completion techniques, which include drilling longer laterals and completing wells with larger fluid volumes and higher proppant volumes. The difficulties we face drilling horizontal wells include:
| landing our wellbores in the desired drilling zone; |
| staying in the desired drilling zone while drilling horizontally through the formation; |
| running casing the entire length of the wellbore; |
| potentials for casing failures; and |
| being able to run and remove tools and other equipment consistently through the entire length of the wellbore. |
Difficulties that we face while completing our wells include:
| the ability to fracture stimulate the planned number of stages with the planned amount of fluid and proppant; |
| the ability to run tools through the entire length of the wellbore during completion operations; and |
| the ability to successfully clean out the wellbore after completion of the final fracture stimulation stage. |
In addition, certain of the new techniques we are adopting may cause irregularities or interruptions in production due to offset wells being shut in and the time required to drill and complete multiple wells before any such wells begin producing. Furthermore, our development plan calls for completing horizontal wells using greater fluid volumes and substantially higher proppant volumes in addition to drilling additional and longer laterals off of existing well pads, which may increase the risk that these wells interfere with production from existing or future wells in the same spacing section and horizon. This may cause such wells to produce at lower rates than we anticipate and produce lower recoverable reserves. These latest drilling and completion techniques require substantially more capital on a per well basis (when compared to vertical wells), which may result in us drilling and completing fewer wells per year. If our development and production results are less than anticipated, the return on our investment for a particular well or region may not be as attractive as we anticipated, and we could incur material write-downs of our undeveloped acreage, and its value could decline in the future.
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Our ability to produce oil, natural gas and NGLs economically and in commercial quantities is dependent on the availability of adequate supplies of water for drilling and completion operations and access to water and waste disposal or recycling facilities and services at a reasonable cost. Restrictions on our ability to obtain water or dispose of produced water and other waste may have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The hydraulic fracturing stimulation process on which we depend to produce commercial quantities of oil, natural gas and NGLs requires the use and disposal of significant quantities of water. The availability of water recycling facilities and other disposal alternatives to receive all of the water produced from our wells may affect our production. Our inability to secure sufficient amounts of water, to dispose of or recycle the water used in our operations or to timely obtain water sourcing permits or other rights could adversely impact our operations. The availability of water may change over time in ways that we cannot control, including as a result of climate change-related effects such as shifting weather patterns. Additionally, the imposition of new environmental initiatives and regulations could include restrictions on our ability to obtain water or dispose of waste and adversely affect our business and operating results.
Our producing properties are concentrated in the Appalachian Basin, making us vulnerable to risks associated with operating in one major geographic area.
Our producing properties are geographically concentrated in the Appalachian Basin in eastern Ohio and southwestern Pennsylvania. As of December 31, 2023, all of our total estimated proved reserves were attributable to properties located in this area. As a result of this concentration, we may be disproportionately exposed to the impact of regional supply and demand factors, delays or interruptions of production from wells in this area caused by, and costs associated with, governmental regulation, state and local political activities, processing or transportation capacity constraints, market limitations, availability of equipment and personnel, water shortages or other drought related conditions or interruption of the processing or transportation of oil, natural gas or NGLs. Due to the concentrated nature of our portfolio of properties, a number of our properties could experience any of the same conditions at the same time, resulting in a relatively greater impact on our results of operations than they might have on other companies that have a more diversified portfolio of properties.
The marketability of certain of our production is dependent upon transportation and other facilities, which we do not control. If these facilities are unavailable, or if there are any increases in the cost of using these services or facilities, our operations could be interrupted, our revenues could be reduced and our costs could increase.
The marketability of certain of our oil, natural gas and NGLs production depends in part upon the availability, proximity and capacity of transportation pipelines, plants and other midstream facilities, which are owned by third parties. Certain of our natural gas production is collected from the wellhead by third-party gathering lines and transported to gas processing or treating facilities and/or transmission pipelines. Our oil and NGLs production in some cases are also dependent on certain midstream infrastructure. We do not control these third-party facilities and our access to them may be limited, curtailed or denied. Economic, regulatory or other issues may affect the construction and availability of needed third-party facilities. These pipelines, plants, and other midstream facilities may become unavailable because of testing, turnarounds, line repair, maintenance, reduced operating pressure, lack of operating capacity, regulatory requirements, and curtailments of receipts or deliveries due to insufficient capacity or because of damage from severe weather conditions or other operational issues. These third-party facilities may experience unplanned downtime or maintenance for a variety of reasons outside our control, and our production could be materially negatively impacted as a result of such outages. Insufficient production from our wells to support the construction of pipeline facilities by third parties or a
significant disruption in the availability of third-party midstream facilities or other production facilities could adversely impact our ability to deliver to market or produce our oil, natural gas and NGLs and thereby cause a significant interruption in our operations.
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If, in the future, we are unable, for any sustained period, to implement gathering, treating, processing, fractionation or transportation arrangements or encounter production related difficulties, we may be required to shut in or curtail production. Any such shut-in or curtailment, or an inability to obtain favorable terms for delivery of the natural gas produced from our fields, would materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, certain of our gas gathering arrangements are subject to cost-of-service fee arrangements. The variable nature of these fee arrangements may result in per unit cost increases over time. If such increases occur, our costs could rise, which would negatively impact our financial results.
The unavailability or high cost of drilling rigs, completion crews, equipment, supplies, personnel and oilfield services could adversely affect our ability to execute our development plans within our budget and on a timely basis.
The demand for drilling rigs, completion crews, pipe and other equipment and supplies, including sand and other proppant used in hydraulic fracturing operations, as well as for qualified and experienced field personnel, geologists, geophysicists, engineers and other professionals in our industry, can fluctuate significantly, often in correlation with inflationary pressures, commodity prices or drilling activity in our areas of operation and in other shale basins in the U.S., causing periodic shortages of supplies and needed personnel and rapid increases in costs. Increased drilling activity could materially increase the demand for and prices of these goods and services, and we could encounter rising costs and delays in or an inability to secure the personnel, equipment, power, services, resources and facilities access necessary for us to conduct our drilling and development activities, which could result in production volumes being below our forecasted volumes. In addition, any such negative effect on production volumes, or significant increases in costs could have a material adverse effect on our cash flow and profitability.
The loss of one or more of the purchasers of our production could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
The largest purchaser of our oil and natural gas during the year ended December 31, 2023, accounted for approximately 49% of our total oil, natural gas and NGL revenues. While we believe that we could find replacement purchasers of our oil and natural gas on acceptable terms if any one or more of the significant purchasers were unable to satisfy their contractual obligations, there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so on terms that we consider acceptable or at all. To the extent we are unable to replace such purchasers, it would adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Further, the inability of one or more of our customers to pay amounts owed to us could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We may incur losses as a result of title defects in the properties in which we invest.
The existence of a material title deficiency can render a lease worthless and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. While we typically obtain title opinions prior to commencing drilling operations on a lease or in a unit, the failure of title may not be discovered until after a well is drilled, in which case we may lose the lease and the right to produce all or a portion of the minerals under the property.
We may be unable to make attractive acquisitions or successfully integrate acquired businesses, and any inability to do so may disrupt our business and hinder our ability to grow.
In the future we may make acquisitions of assets or businesses that complement or expand our current business. However, there is no guarantee we will be able to identify attractive acquisition opportunities. In the event we are able to identify attractive acquisition opportunities, we may not be able to complete the acquisition or do so on commercially acceptable terms. Competition for acquisitions may also increase the cost of, or cause us to refrain from, completing acquisitions.
The success of completed acquisitions will depend on our ability to effectively integrate the acquired businesses into our existing operations. The process of integrating acquired businesses may involve unforeseen
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difficulties and may require a disproportionate amount of our managerial and financial resources. In addition, possible future acquisitions may be larger and for purchase prices significantly higher than those paid for earlier acquisitions. No assurance can be given that we will be able to identify additional suitable acquisition opportunities, negotiate acceptable terms, obtain financing for acquisitions on acceptable terms or successfully acquire identified targets. Our failure to achieve consolidation savings, to integrate the acquired businesses and assets into our existing operations successfully or to minimize any unforeseen operational difficulties could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, our Credit Facility imposes certain limitations on our ability to enter into mergers or combination transactions and to incur certain indebtedness, which could indirectly limit our ability to acquire assets and businesses. For additional information, please see Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsLiquidity and Capital ResourcesFinancing AgreementsCredit Facility.
Future legislation or changes in tax laws and regulations may result in the elimination of certain U.S. federal income tax deductions currently available with respect to oil and gas exploration and production. Additionally, future federal or state legislation may impose new or increased taxes or fees on oil and natural gas extraction, transportation and sales.
We are subject to taxation by various governmental authorities at the federal, state and local levels in the jurisdictions in which we operate. New legislation could be enacted by these governmental authorities, which could increase our tax burden and increase the cost to produce oil, natural gas or NGLs. Members of Congress periodically introduce legislation to revise U.S. federal income tax laws which could have a material impact on us. In the past, legislation has been proposed that would, if enacted into law, make significant changes to U.S. federal and state income tax laws, including to certain key U.S. federal income tax incentives currently available to oil and natural gas exploration and production companies. Future adverse changes could include, but are not limited to, (a) the repeal of the percentage depletion allowance for oil and natural gas properties, (b) the elimination of current deductions for intangible drilling and development costs, and (c) an extension of the amortization period for certain geological and geophysical expenditures. In addition, federal or state legislation increasing the amount of tax imposed on oil and natural gas extraction, transportation or sales could also be enacted. It is unclear whether these or similar changes will be enacted and, if enacted, how soon any such changes could become effective. The passage of any legislation as a result of these proposals or other similar changes to federal or state income tax laws could eliminate or postpone certain tax deductions or credits that are currently available with respect to oil and natural gas exploration and development, which could result in increased operating costs and negatively affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, state and local taxing authorities in jurisdictions in which we operate or own assets may enact new taxes, such as the imposition of a severance tax on the extraction of natural resources in states in which we produce natural gas, NGLs and oil or change the rates of existing taxes, which could adversely impact our earnings, cash flows and financial position.
Changes in effective tax rates, or adverse outcomes resulting from other tax increases or an examination of our income or other tax returns, could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Any changes in our effective tax rates or tax liabilities could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Our future effective tax rates could be subject to volatility or adversely affected by a number of factors, including:
| changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities; |
| expected timing and amount of the release of any tax valuation allowances; |
| expansion into or future activities in new jurisdictions; |
| the availability of tax deductions, credits, exemptions, refunds and other benefits to reduce tax liabilities; |
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| tax effects of share-based compensation; and |
changes in tax laws, tax regulations, accounting principles, or interpretations or applications thereof.
In addition, we are also subject to the examination of our tax returns by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, and other tax authorities. An adverse outcome arising from an examination of our income or other tax returns could result in higher tax exposure, penalties, interest or other liabilities that could have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition. We regularly assess the likelihood of an adverse outcome resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. Although we believe our tax provisions are adequate, the final determination of tax audits and any related disputes could be materially different from our historical income tax provisions and accruals. The results of audits or related disputes could have an adverse effect on our financial statements for the period or periods for which the applicable final determinations are made.
Continuing or worsening inflationary pressures and associated changes in monetary policy may result in increases to the cost of our goods, services, and personnel, which in turn could cause our capital expenditures and operating costs to rise.
Inflation has been an ongoing concern in the U.S. since 2021. Ongoing inflationary pressures may result in increases to the costs of our oilfield goods, services and personnel, which would, in turn, cause our capital expenditures and operating costs to rise. Sustained levels of high inflation could cause the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks to increase interest rates, which could have the effects of raising the cost of capital and depressing economic growth, either of which, or the combination thereof, could hurt the financial and operating results of our business and impact our ability to raise capital.
Our actual operating results and activities could differ materially from the guidance we have disclosed herein.
We have presented herein certain forecasted operating results, costs and activities, including, without limitation, our future expected drilling activity and production. Any such forward-looking guidance represents our managements estimates as of the date hereof, is based upon a number of assumptions that are inherently uncertain and is subject to numerous business, political, economic, competitive, financial and regulatory risks, including the risks described in this Risk Factors section and under Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties are beyond our control, such as declines in commodity prices and the speculative nature of estimating natural gas and NGL reserves and in projecting future rates of production. If any of these risks and uncertainties actually occur or the assumptions underlying our guidance are incorrect, our actual operating results, costs and activities may be materially and adversely different from our guidance. In addition, investors should also recognize that the reliability of any guidance diminishes the farther in the future that the data is forecast. In light of the foregoing, investors are urged to put our guidance in context and not to place undue reliance upon it.
We are not the operator of all of our oil and natural gas properties and therefore are not in a position to control the timing of development efforts, the associated costs or the rate of production of the reserves on such properties.
We are not the operator of all of the properties in which we have an interest. Thus, we have limited ability to exercise influence over the operations of such non-operated properties or their associated costs. Dependence on the operator and other working interest owners for these projects, and limited ability to influence operations and associated costs, could prevent the realization of targeted returns on capital in drilling or acquisition activities. The success and timing of development and exploration activities on properties operated by others will depend upon a number of factors that will be largely outside of our control, including:
| the timing and amount of capital expenditures; |
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| the availability of suitable drilling equipment, production and transportation infrastructure and qualified operating personnel; |
| the operators expertise and financial resources; |
| approval of other participants in drilling wells; |
| selection of technology; and |
| the rate of production of the reserves. |
In addition, when we are not the majority owner or operator of a particular oil or natural gas project, if we are not willing or able to fund our capital expenditures relating to such projects when required by the majority owner or operator, our interests in these projects may be reduced or forfeited.
Properties we acquire may not produce as projected, and we may be unable to determine reserve potential, identify liabilities associated with the properties that we acquire or obtain protection from sellers against such liabilities.
Acquiring natural gas or oil properties requires us to assess recoverable reserves; future oil, natural gas and NGL prices and their applicable differentials; development and operating costs and potential liabilities, including environmental liabilities. In connection with these assessments, we perform a review of the subject properties that we believe to be generally consistent with industry practices. Such assessments are inexact and inherently uncertain. For these reasons, the properties we have acquired or will acquire in the future may not produce as expected or may not be accretive to free cash flow. In connection with the assessments, we perform a review of the subject properties, but such a review may not reveal all existing or potential problems. In the course of our due diligence, we may not review every well, pipeline or associated facility. We cannot necessarily observe structural and environmental concerns, such as any groundwater contamination or pipe corrosion, when a review is performed. We may be unable to obtain contractual indemnities from the seller for liabilities created prior to our purchase of the property. We may be required to assume the risk of the physical condition of the properties in addition to the risk that the properties may not perform in accordance with our expectations.
Strategic determinations, including the allocation of capital and other resources to strategic opportunities, are subject to risk and uncertainties, and our failure to appropriately allocate capital and resources among our strategic opportunities may adversely affect our financial condition.
Our future growth prospects are dependent upon our ability to identify optimal strategies for investing our capital resources to produce superior rates of return. In developing our business plan, we consider allocating capital and other resources to various aspects of our businesses, including well development, reserve acquisitions, exploratory activity, corporate items (including share and debt repurchases) and other alternatives, including investments into new proprietary technologies and strategies surrounding the generation and monetization of environmental attributes from our operations, including but not limited to carbon credit offsets. We also consider likely sources of capital, including cash generated from operations and borrowings under our Credit Facility. Notwithstanding the determinations made in the development of our core business plan, business opportunities not previously identified periodically come to our attention, including possible acquisitions and dispositions and opportunities to monetize technological improvements to our operations.
If we fail to identify optimal business strategies, optimize our capital investment and capital raising opportunities, use our other resources in furtherance of our business strategies, make appropriate capital investment decisions or anticipate regulatory, policy and market changes associated with any of our strategic determinations, our financial condition and future growth may be adversely affected. Moreover, economic or other circumstances may change from those contemplated by our business plan, and our failure to recognize or respond to those changes may limit our ability to achieve our objectives.
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We may incur substantial losses and be subject to substantial liability claims as a result of our operations. Additionally, we may not be insured for, or our insurance may be inadequate to protect us against, these risks.
We maintain insurance against some, but not all, operating risks and losses. Losses and liabilities arising from uninsured and underinsured events could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our development activities are subject to all of the operating risks associated with drilling for and producing oil, natural gas and NGLs, including, but not limited to, the possibility of:
| environmental hazards, such as unplanned releases of pollution into the environment, including soil, groundwater and air contamination; |
| abnormally pressured formations; |
| mechanical difficulties, such as stuck oilfield drilling and service tools and casing collapse; |
| fires, explosions and ruptures of pipelines; |
| personal injuries and death; |
| natural disasters; and |
| terrorist attacks targeting natural gas and oil related facilities and infrastructure. |
Any of these events could adversely affect our ability to conduct operations or result in substantial loss to us as a result of claims for:
| injury or loss of life; |
| damage to and destruction of property, natural resources and equipment; |
| pollution and other environmental damage; |
| regulatory investigations and penalties; and |
| repair and remediation costs. |
We may elect not to obtain insurance for certain of these risks if we believe that the cost of available insurance is excessive relative to the risks presented. In addition, risks related to pollution and the environment are generally not fully insurable. The occurrence of an event that is not fully covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Competition in our industry is intense, making it more difficult for us to acquire properties, market oil, natural gas and NGLs, secure trained personnel and raise additional capital.
Our ability to acquire additional oil and gas properties and to find and develop reserves in the future will depend on our ability to evaluate and select suitable properties and to consummate transactions in a highly competitive environment for acquiring properties, marketing oil, natural gas and NGLs and securing trained personnel. Also, there is substantial competition for capital available for investment in the oil and gas industry. Many of our competitors possess and employ greater financial, technical and personnel resources than we do. Those companies may be able to pay more for natural gas and oil properties and to evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater number of properties than our financial or personnel resources permit. In addition, other companies may be able to offer better compensation packages to attract and retain qualified personnel than we are able to offer. We may not be able to compete successfully in the future in acquiring natural gas and oil properties, developing reserves, marketing our production, attracting and retaining quality personnel and raising additional capital, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
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The loss of senior management or technical personnel could adversely affect operations.
We depend on the services of our senior management and technical personnel. We do not maintain, nor do we plan to obtain, any insurance against the loss of any of these individuals. The loss of the services of our senior management or technical personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Loss of our information and computer systems could adversely affect our business.
We are heavily dependent on our information systems and computer-based programs, including our well operations information, geologic data, electronic data processing and accounting data. If any of such programs or systems were to fail or create erroneous information in our hardware or software network infrastructure or we were subject to cyberspace breaches or attacks, possible consequences include our loss of communication links, inability to find, produce, process and sell oil, natural gas and NGLs, costs associated with incident response or lost employee time and inability to automatically process commercial transactions or engage in similar automated or computerized business activities. Any such consequence could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Cyberattacks targeting systems and infrastructure used by the oil and gas industry and related regulations may adversely impact our operations and, if we are unable to obtain and maintain adequate protection for our data, our business may be harmed.
Our business has become increasingly dependent on digital technologies to conduct certain exploration, development and production activities. We depend on digital technology to estimate quantities of oil, natural gas and NGL reserves, process and record financial and operating data, analyze seismic and drilling information, and communicate with our customers, employees and third-party partners. The U.S. government has issued public warnings that indicate that energy assets might be specific targets of cybersecurity threats. Our technologies, systems, networks, and those of our vendors, suppliers and other business partners, may become the target of cyberattacks or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized access to our seismic data, reserves information, customer or employee data or other proprietary or commercially sensitive information could lead to data corruption, communication interruption, or other disruptions in our exploration or production operations or planned business transactions, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. If our information technology systems cease to function properly or our cybersecurity is breached, we could suffer disruptions to our normal operations, which may include drilling, completion, production and corporate functions. A cyberattack involving our information systems and related infrastructure, or that of our business associates, could result in supply chain disruptions that delay or prevent the transportation and marketing of our production, non-compliance leading to regulatory fines or penalties, loss or disclosure of, or damage to, our or any of our customers, suppliers or royalty owners data or confidential information that could harm our business by damaging our reputation, subjecting us to potential financial or legal liability, and requiring us to incur significant costs, including costs to repair or restore our systems and data or to take other remedial steps.
In addition, certain cyber incidents, such as surveillance, may remain undetected for an extended period. Our systems for protecting against cybersecurity risks may not be sufficient. As cyberattacks continue to evolve, including those leveraging artificial intelligence, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any vulnerabilities to cyberattacks. In addition, new laws and regulations governing data privacy, cybersecurity, and the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information pose increasingly complex compliance challenges and potentially elevate costs, and any failure to comply with these laws and regulations could result in significant penalties and legal liability.
Terrorist activities could materially adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Terrorist attacks, including eco-terrorism, the threat of terrorist attacks, whether domestic or foreign, as well as military or other actions taken in response to these acts, could affect the energy industry, the environment and
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industry related economic conditions, including our operations, the operations of our customers, as well as general economic conditions, consumer confidence, spending and market liquidity. Strategic targets, including energy-related assets, may be at greater risk of future attacks than other targets in the United States. The occurrence or threat of terrorist attacks in the United States or other countries could adversely affect the global economy in unpredictable ways, including the disruption of energy supplies and markets, increased volatility in commodity prices or the possibility that the infrastructure on which we rely could be a direct target or an indirect casualty of an act of terrorism, and, in turn, could materially adversely affect our business and results of operations.
A deterioration in general economic, business or industry conditions would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability to pay dividends on our Class A common stock.
Concerns over global economic conditions, energy costs, geopolitical issues, inflation, the availability and cost of credit and the European, Asian and the U.S. financial markets have contributed to economic volatility and diminished expectations for the global economy. Historically, concerns about global economic growth have had a significant impact on global financial markets and commodity prices. If the economic climate in the United States or abroad deteriorates, worldwide demand for petroleum products could diminish, which could impact the price at which we can sell our production, affect the ability of our vendors, suppliers and customers to continue operations and materially adversely impact our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability to pay dividends on our Class A common stock.
As a private company, we have not been required to document and test our internal controls over financial reporting, nor has our management been required to certify the effectiveness of our internal controls, and our auditors have not been required to opine on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting which, if not corrected, could affect the reliability of our consolidated financial statements and have other adverse consequences.
A material weakness is a deficiency or combination of deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting which relate to: (a) our general segregation of duties, including the review and approval of journal entries; (b) the lack of a formalized risk assessment process; (c) identification and implementation of control activities, including over information technology; (d) identification and application of a sufficient level of formal accounting policies and procedures; and (e) maintaining a sufficient complement of accounting and financial reporting resources commensurate with our financial reporting requirements.
Our management has concluded that these material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting are due to the fact that we have operated as a private company with limited resources and have not had the necessary business processes and related internal controls formally designed and implemented coupled with the appropriate resources with the appropriate level of experience and technical expertise to oversee our business processes and controls.
Our management is in the process of developing a remediation plan. The material weaknesses will be considered remediated when our management designs and implements effective controls that operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are effective. Our management will monitor the effectiveness of its remediation plans and will make changes management determines to be appropriate.
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If not remediated, these material weaknesses could result in material misstatements to our annual or interim consolidated financial statements that might not be prevented or detected on a timely basis, or in delayed filing of required periodic reports. If we are unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or when required in the future after the consummation of a business combination, if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an unqualified opinion as to the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, the market price of the our common stock could be adversely affected and we could become subject to litigation or investigations by the NYSE, the SEC, or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.
If we fail to develop or maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting, we may not be able to report our financial results accurately and timely or prevent fraud, which may result in material misstatements in our financial statements or failure to meet our periodic reporting obligations. As a result, current and potential stockholders could lose confidence in our financial reporting, which would harm our business and the trading price of our Class A common stock.
Prior to the completion of this offering, we were a private entity. We have not completed an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, and our independent registered public accounting firm was not required to, and did not, conduct an audit of our internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 or 2022. Our internal controls over financial reporting do not currently meet all the standards contemplated by Section 404 of SOX (Section 404). Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we have identified all, or that we will not in the future have additional, material weaknesses. If we are not able to implement the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner or with adequate compliance at the time required, this may cause us to be unable to report on a timely basis and thereby subject us to adverse regulatory consequences, including sanctions by the SEC or violations of applicable stock exchange listing rules.
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports, prevent fraud and operate successfully as a public company. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our reputation and operating results may be harmed. We cannot be certain that our efforts to develop and maintain our internal controls will be successful, that we will be able to maintain adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future or that we will be able to comply with our obligations under Section 404. Any failure to develop or maintain effective internal controls, or difficulties encountered in implementing or improving our internal controls, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. Ineffective internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which would likely have a negative effect on the trading price of our Class A common stock. Additional material weaknesses may be identified in the future. If we identify such issues or if we are unable to produce accurate and timely financial statements, the trading price of our Class A common stock may decline and we may be unable to maintain compliance with the NYSE listing standards.
Risks Related to Our Derivative Transactions, Debt and Access to Capital
Our derivative activities could result in financial losses or could reduce our earnings.
To achieve more predictable cash flows and reduce our exposure to adverse fluctuations in the prices of oil, natural gas and NGLs, we enter into derivative contracts for a significant portion of our projected oil, natural gas
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and NGL production, primarily consisting of swaps. See Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsLiquidity and Capital ResourcesDerivative Activities. Accordingly, our earnings may fluctuate significantly as a result of changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments.
Derivative instruments also expose us to the risk of financial loss in some circumstances, including when:
| production is less than the volume covered by the derivative instruments; |
| the counterparty to the derivative instrument defaults on its contractual obligations; |
| there is an increase in the differential between the underlying price in the derivative instrument and actual prices received for the sale of our production; or |
| there are issues with regard to legal enforceability of such instruments. |
The use of derivatives may, in some cases, require the posting of cash collateral with counterparties. If we enter into derivative instruments that require cash collateral and commodity prices change in a manner adverse to us, our cash otherwise available for use in our operations would be reduced, which could limit our ability to make future capital expenditures and make payments on our indebtedness, and which could also limit the size of our borrowing base. Future collateral requirements will depend on arrangements with our counterparties and oil, natural gas and NGL prices.
The cost to drill and complete our wells often increases in times of rising commodity prices. To the extent our drilling and completion costs increase but our derivative arrangements limit the benefit we receive from increases in commodity prices, our margins could be limited, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. In addition, the amount we pay in production taxes is calculated without taking our derivative arrangements into account, and if our derivative arrangements limit the benefit we receive from increases in commodity prices, the effective tax rate we pay in production taxes could increase.
Our derivative contracts expose us to risk of financial loss if a counterparty fails to perform under a contract. Disruptions in the financial markets could lead to sudden decreases in a counterpartys liquidity, which could make the counterparty unable to perform under the terms of the contract, and we may not be able to realize the benefit of the contract. We are unable to predict sudden changes in a counterpartys creditworthiness or ability to perform. Even if we do accurately predict sudden changes, our ability to negate the risk may be limited depending upon market conditions.
During periods of declining commodity prices, our derivative contract receivable positions would generally increase, which increases our counterparty credit exposure. If the creditworthiness of our counterparties deteriorates and results in their nonperformance, we could incur a significant loss with respect to our derivative contracts.
The failure of our hedge counterparties, significant customers or working interest holders to meet their obligations to us may adversely affect our financial results.
Our hedging transactions expose us to the risk that a counterparty fails to perform under a derivative contract. Disruptions in the financial markets could lead to sudden decreases in a counterpartys liquidity, which could make such party unable to perform under the terms of the derivative contract, and we may not be able to realize the benefit of the derivative contract. Any default by a counterparty to these derivative contracts when they become due could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our ability to collect payments from the sale of oil, natural gas and NGLs to our customers depends on the payment ability of our customer base, which includes several significant customers. If any one or more of our significant customers fail to pay us for any reason, we could experience a material loss. We generally do not require our customers to post collateral, but we are managing our credit risk as a result of the current commodity
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price environment through the attainment of financial assurances from certain customers. In addition, if any of our significant customers cease to purchase our oil, natural gas and NGLs or reduce the volume of the oil, natural gas and NGLs that they purchase from us, the loss or reduction could have a detrimental effect on our revenues and may cause a temporary interruption in sales of, or a lower price for, our oil, natural gas and NGLs.
We also face credit risk through joint interest receivables. Joint interest receivables arise from billing entities who own partial working interests in the wells we operate. Though we often have the ability to withhold future revenue disbursements to recover non-payment of joint interest billings, the inability or failure of working interest holders to meet their obligations to us or their insolvency or liquidation may adversely affect our financial results.
Our ability to obtain financing on terms acceptable to us may be limited in the future by, among other things, increases in interest rates.
We require continued access to capital and our business and operating results can be harmed by factors such as the availability, terms of and cost of capital, increases in interest rates or a reduction in credit rating. We may use our Credit Facility to finance a portion of our future growth, and these factors could cause our cost of doing business to increase, limit our ability to pursue acquisition opportunities, reduce cash flow used for drilling and place us at a competitive disadvantage. Volatility in the global financial markets, significant losses in financial institutions U.S. energy loan portfolios, or environmental and social concerns may lead to a contraction in credit availability impacting our ability to finance our operations or our ability to refinance our Credit Facility or other outstanding indebtedness. An increase in interest rates could increase our interest expense and materially adversely affect our financial condition. A significant reduction in cash flow from operations or the availability of credit could materially and adversely affect our ability to achieve our planned growth and operating results.
The borrowing base under our Credit Facility may be reduced if commodity prices decline, which could hinder or prevent us from meeting our future capital needs.
Our Credit Facility limits the amounts that we can borrow up to a borrowing base amount, which the lenders, in their sole discretion, determine semiannually in the spring and fall. The borrowing base depends on, among other things, projected revenues from, and asset values of, the oil and natural gas properties securing the loan. The lenders can unilaterally adjust the borrowing base and the borrowings permitted to be outstanding under our Credit Facility. Any increase in the borrowing base requires the consent of the lenders holding 100% of the commitments.
In the future, we may not be able to access adequate funding under our Credit Facility (or a replacement facility) as a result of a decrease in the borrowing base due to the issuance of new indebtedness, the outcome of a subsequent borrowing base redetermination or an unwillingness or inability on the part of lending counterparties to meet their funding obligations and the inability of other lenders to provide additional funding to cover the defaulting lenders portion. Declines in commodity prices could result in a determination to lower the borrowing base in the future and, in such case, we could be required to repay any indebtedness in excess of the redetermined borrowing base. As a result, we may be unable to implement our respective drilling and development plan, make acquisitions or otherwise carry out business plans, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations and impair our ability to service our indebtedness.
The enactment of derivatives legislation could have an adverse effect on our ability to use derivative instruments to reduce the effect of commodity price, interest rate and other risks associated with our business.
The Dodd-Frank Act, enacted on July 21, 2010, established federal oversight and regulation of the over-the-counter derivatives market and of entities, such as us, that participate in that market. The Dodd-Frank Act requires the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to promulgate rules and regulations implementing the Dodd-Frank Act. Although the CFTC has issued final regulations in certain areas, in other
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areas, final regulations and the scope of relevant definitions and/or exemptions still remain to be finalized. On January 24, 2020, U.S. banking regulators published a new approach for calculating the quantum of exposure of derivative contracts under their regulatory capital rules. This approach to measuring exposure is referred to as the standardized approach for counterparty credit risk or SA-CCR. It requires certain financial institutions to comply with significantly increased capital requirements for over-the-counter commodity derivatives beginning on January 1, 2022. In addition, on September 15, 2020, the CFTC issued a final rule regarding the capital a swap dealer or major swap participant is required to set aside with respect to its swap business, which has a compliance date of October 6, 2021. These two sets of regulations and the increased capital requirements they place on certain financial institutions may reduce the number of products and counterparties in the over-the-counter derivatives market available to us and could result in significant additional costs being passed through to end-users like us. The full impact of the Dodd-Frank Acts swap regulatory provisions and the related rules of the CFTC on our business will not be known until all of the rules to be adopted under the Dodd-Frank Act have been adopted and fully implemented and the market for derivatives contracts has adjusted. The Dodd-Frank Act and any new regulations could significantly increase the cost of derivative contracts, materially alter the terms of derivative contracts, reduce the availability of derivatives to protect against risks we encounter and reduce our ability to monetize or restructure our existing derivative contracts. If we reduce our use of derivatives as a result of the Dodd-Frank Act and CFTC rules, our results of operations may become more volatile and our cash flows may be less predictable, which could adversely affect our ability to plan for and fund capital expenditures. Any of these consequences could have a material and adverse effect on us, our financial condition or our results of operations.
In addition, the European Union and other non-U.S. jurisdictions have implemented and continue to implement regulations with respect to the derivatives market. To the extent we transact with counterparties in foreign jurisdictions, we may become subject to such regulations, which could have adverse effects on our operations similar to the possible effects on our operations of the Dodd-Frank Acts swap regulatory provisions and the rules of the CFTC.
Risks Related to this Offering, Our Class A Common Stock and Capital Structure
We are a holding company. Our sole material asset after completion of this offering will be our equity interest in INR Holdings and we are accordingly dependent upon distributions from INR Holdings to pay taxes, make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement and cover our corporate and other overhead expenses.
We are a holding company and will have no material assets other than our equity interest in INR Holdings. Corporate Reorganization contains more information. We have no independent means of generating revenue or cash flow, and our ability to pay our taxes and operating expenses (including payments due under the Tax Receivable Agreement) or declare and pay dividends in the future, if any, will be dependent upon the financial results and cash flows of INR Holdings and distributions we receive from INR Holdings. INR Holdings will continue to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, generally will not be subject to any entity-level U.S. federal income tax. Instead, any taxable income of INR Holdings will be allocated to holders of LLC Interests, including us. Accordingly, we will incur income taxes on our allocable share of any net taxable income of INR Holdings. Under the terms of the INR Holdings LLC Agreement, INR Holdings will be obligated, subject to various limitations and restrictions, including with respect to our debt agreements, to make tax distributions to holders of LLC Interests, including us. To the extent INR Holdings has available cash, we intend to cause INR Holdings (a) to generally make pro rata distributions to its unitholders, including us, in an amount at least sufficient to allow us to pay our taxes and make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement and (b) to reimburse us for our corporate and other overhead expenses through non-pro rata payments that are not treated as distributions under the INR Holdings LLC Agreement. To the extent that we are unable to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for any reason, such payments will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid. We are limited, however, in our ability to cause INR Holdings and its subsidiaries to make these and other distributions to us due to the restrictions under our Credit Facility. To the extent that we need funds and INR Holdings or its subsidiaries are restricted from making such distributions
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under applicable law or regulation or under the terms of their financing arrangements, or are otherwise unable to provide such funds, it could materially adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition.
The requirements of being a public company, including compliance with the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and the requirements of SOX, may strain our resources, increase our costs and distract management, and we may be unable to comply with these requirements in a timely or cost-effective manner.
As a public company, we will need to comply with new laws, regulations and requirements, certain corporate governance provisions of SOX, related regulations of the SEC and the requirements of the NYSE, with which we were not required to comply as a private company. Complying with these statutes, regulations and requirements will occupy a significant amount of our time and will significantly increase our costs and expenses. We will need to:
| institute a more comprehensive compliance function to test and conclude on the sufficiency of our internal controls over financial reporting; |
| comply with rules promulgated by the NYSE; |
| prepare and distribute periodic public reports; |
| establish new internal policies, such as those relating to insider trading; and |
| involve and retain to a greater degree outside professionals in the above activities. |
Furthermore, while we generally must comply with Section 404, we are not required to have our independent registered public accounting firm attest to the effectiveness of our internal controls until our first annual report subsequent to our ceasing to be an emerging growth company. We may not be required to have our independent registered public accounting firm attest to the effectiveness of our internal controls until as late as our annual report for the year ending December 31, 2030. At any time, we may conclude that our internal controls, once tested, are not operating as designed or that the system of internal controls does not address all relevant financial statement risks. Once required to attest to control effectiveness, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that concludes it does not believe our internal controls over financial reporting are effective. Compliance with SOX requirements may strain our resources, increase our costs and distract management, and we may be unable to comply with these requirements in a timely or cost-effective manner.
There is no existing market for our Class A common stock, and we do not know if one will develop.
Prior to this offering, there has not been a public market for our Class A common stock. We cannot predict the extent to which investor interest in our company will lead to the development of an active trading market on the stock exchange on which we list our Class A common stock or otherwise or how liquid that market might become. If an active trading market does not develop, anyone purchasing our Class A common stock may have difficulty selling it. The initial public offering price for the Class A common stock was determined by negotiations between us and the representatives of the underwriters and may not be indicative of prices that will prevail in the open market following this offering. Consequently, purchasers of our Class A common stock may be unable to sell it at prices equal to or greater than the price paid.
The stock markets in general have experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our Class A common stock. Securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in the overall market and in the market price of a companys securities. Such litigation, if instituted against us, could result in very substantial costs, divert our managements attention and resources and harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
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Pearl and NGP will collectively hold a substantial majority of our capital stock and voting power.
Upon completion of this offering (assuming no exercise of the underwriters option to purchase additional shares), Pearl will own INR Units and corresponding Class B common stock representing approximately % of our voting power and NGP will own INR Units and corresponding Class B common stock representing approximately % of our voting power (together representing % of our combined voting power).
Subject to NGPs right to nominate one director, Pearl is entitled to elect all of the members of our board of directors based on their voting interest in us, and thereby to control our management and affairs. Further, although Pearl and NGP are entitled to act separately and have no obligation to act together in their own respective interests with respect to their stock in us, they will together have an even greater voting interest in us and ability to control our management and affairs. In addition, they will be able to determine the outcome of all matters requiring shareholder approval, including mergers and other material transactions, and will be able to cause or prevent a change in the composition of our board of directors or a change of control of our company that could deprive our shareholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their Class A common stock as part of a sale of our company. The existence of significant shareholders may also have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers, delaying or preventing changes in control or changes in management, or limiting the ability of our other shareholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in the best interests of our company.
So long as Pearl individually or Pearl and NGP, collectively, continue to control a significant amount of our voting power, they will be able to strongly influence all matters requiring stockholder approval, regardless of whether or not other stockholders believe that a potential transaction is in their own best interests. In any of these matters, the interests of Pearl and NGP may differ or conflict with the interests of our other stockholders. Moreover, this concentration of stock ownership may also adversely affect the trading price of our Class A common stock to the extent investors perceive a disadvantage in owning stock of a company with a controlling stockholder.
Conflicts of interest could arise in the future between us and Pearl, NGP and their respective affiliates, including their portfolio companies concerning conflicts over our operations or business opportunities.
Pearl and NGP are both investment firms and have investments in other companies in the energy industry. As a result, Pearl and NGP may, from time to time, acquire interests in businesses that directly or indirectly compete with our business, as well as businesses that are our customers or suppliers. As such, Pearl, NGP or their respective portfolio companies may acquire or seek to acquire the same assets that we seek to acquire and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us or may be more expensive for us to pursue. Any actual or perceived conflicts of interest with respect to the foregoing could have an adverse impact on the trading price of our Class A common stock. For additional discussion of potential conflicts of interest of which our stockholders should be aware and a discussion of our related party transactions policy, see Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.
Certain of our directors have significant duties with, and spend significant time serving, entities that may compete with us in seeking acquisitions and business opportunities and, accordingly, may have conflicts of interest in allocating time or pursuing business opportunities.
Certain of our directors, who are responsible for managing the direction of our operations and acquisition activities, hold positions of responsibility with other entities (including Pearl or NGP-affiliated entities) that are in the business of identifying and acquiring oil and natural gas properties. The existing positions held by these directors may give rise to fiduciary or other duties that are in conflict with the duties they owe to us. These directors may become aware of business opportunities that may be appropriate for presentation to us as well as to the other entities with which they are or may become affiliated. Due to these existing and potential future affiliations, they may present potential business opportunities to other entities prior to presenting them to us,
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which could cause additional conflicts of interest. They may also decide that certain opportunities are more appropriate for other entities with which they are affiliated, and as a result, they may elect not to present those opportunities to us. These conflicts may not be resolved in our favor. For additional discussion of our managements business affiliations and the potential conflicts of interest of which our stockholders should be aware, see Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation (Amended Charter) and amended and restated bylaws (Amended Bylaws), as well as Delaware law, will contain provisions that could discourage acquisition bids or merger proposals, which may adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock.
Our Amended Charter will authorize our board of directors to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval. If our board of directors elects to issue preferred stock, it could be more difficult for a third party to acquire us. In addition, some provisions of our Amended Charter and Amended Bylaws could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, even if the change of control would be beneficial to our stockholders, including:
| authorizing blank check preferred stock that our board of directors could issue to increase the number of outstanding shares to discourage a takeover attempt; |
| prohibiting stockholders from acting by written consent at any time when Pearl beneficially owns, in the aggregate, less than 35% in voting power of our common stock; |
| limitations on the ability of our stockholders to call special meetings; |
| the requirement that the affirmative vote of holders representing at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of all outstanding shares of capital stock (or a majority of the voting power of all outstanding shares of capital stock if Pearl beneficially owns at least 35% of the voting power of all such outstanding shares) be obtained to amend our Amended Bylaws, to remove directors or to amend our certificate of incorporation; |
| providing that the board of directors is expressly authorized to adopt, or to alter or repeal our bylaws; and |
| establishing advance notice and certain information requirements for nominations for election to our board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at stockholder meetings. |
In addition, certain change of control events have the effect of accelerating the payment due under our Tax Receivable Agreement, which could be substantial and accordingly serve as a disincentive to a potential acquirer of our company. In certain cases, payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement may be accelerated and/or significantly exceed the actual benefits, if any, we realize in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement contains more information.
Any provision of our Amended Charter, Amended Bylaws or Delaware law that has the effect of delaying, preventing or deterring a change in control could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of our Class A common stock and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our Class A common stock. See Description of Capital StockAnti-Takeover Effects of Our Amended Charter, Amended Bylaws and Certain Provisions of Delaware Law.
Investors in this offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution of $ per share.
Based on the public offering price of $ per share, purchasers of our Class A common stock in this offering will experience an immediate and substantial dilution of $ per share in the as adjusted net tangible book value per share of Class A common stock from the initial public offering price, and our as adjusted net tangible book value as of December 31, 2023 on a pro forma basis would be $ per share. This dilution is due in large part to earlier investors having paid substantially less than the initial public offering price when they purchased their shares. Dilution contains additional information.
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We cannot assure you that we will be able to pay dividends on our Class A common stock.
Following the completion of this offering, our board of directors may elect to declare cash dividends on our Class A common stock, subject to our compliance with applicable law, and depending on, among other things, economic conditions, our financial condition, results of operations, projections, liquidity, earnings, legal requirements, and restrictions in the agreements governing our indebtedness (as further discussed below). The payment of any future dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors. The declaration and amount of any future dividends is subject to the discretion of our board of directors, and we have no obligation to pay any dividends at any time. We have not adopted, and do not currently expect to adopt, a written dividend policy. Our ability to pay dividends depends on our receipt of cash dividends from our operating subsidiaries, which may further restrict our ability to pay dividends as a result of the laws of their jurisdiction of organization, agreements of our subsidiaries or covenants under any existing and future outstanding indebtedness we or our subsidiaries incur.
Our Credit Facility contains restrictions on the payment of dividends. Such restrictions allow us to pay dividends after the completion of this offering only when certain conditions are met, including certain required leverage ratio and financial metrics. For additional information, please see Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsLiquidity and Capital ResourcesFinancing AgreementsCredit Facility. Due to the foregoing, we cannot assure you that we will be able to pay a dividend in the future or continue to pay a dividend after we commence paying dividends.
Future sales of our Class A common stock in the public market could reduce our stock price, and any additional capital raised by us through the sale of equity or convertible securities may dilute your ownership in us.
We may issue additional shares of Class A common stock or convertible securities in subsequent public offerings. After the completion of this offering, assuming the underwriters option to purchase additional shares is fully exercised, we will have shares of Class A common stock outstanding and shares of Class B common stock outstanding. This number includes shares of Class A common stock that we are selling in this offering and the shares of Class A common stock that we may sell in this offering if the underwriters option to purchase additional shares is fully exercised, which may be resold immediately in the public market. Following the completion of this offering, Pearl and NGP will own INR Units and the corresponding shares of Class B common stock, representing approximately % (or % if the underwriters option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full) of our total outstanding capital stock. All such shares are restricted from immediate resale under the federal securities laws and are subject to the lock-up agreements between such parties and the underwriters described in Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest) but may be sold into the market in the future.
Certain of the Existing Owners will be party to a registration rights agreement with us that will require us to effect the registration of their shares in certain circumstances no earlier than the expiration of the lock-up period contained in the underwriting agreement entered into in connection with this offering. Shares Eligible for Future Sale and Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsRegistration Rights Agreement contain more information.
We cannot predict the size of future issuances of our Class A common stock or securities convertible into Class A common stock or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of shares of our Class A common stock will have on the market price of our Class A common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of our Class A common stock (including shares issued in connection with an acquisition), or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices of our Class A common stock.
We will limit the liability of, and indemnify, our directors and officers.
Although our directors and officers are accountable to us and must exercise good faith, good business judgement and integrity in handling our affairs, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the
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indemnification agreements that we intend to enter into with all of our non-employee directors and officers will provide that our non-employee directors and officers will be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law. As a result, our stockholders may have fewer rights against our non-employee directors and officers than they would have absent such provisions in our Amended Charter and indemnification agreements, and a stockholders ability to seek and recover damages for a breach of fiduciary duties may be reduced or restricted.
Pursuant to our Amended Charter and indemnification agreements, each non-employee director and officer who is made a party to a legal proceeding because he or she is or was a non-employee director or officer, is indemnified by us from and against any and all liability, except that we may not indemnify a non-employee director or officer: (i) for breach of the directors or officers duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) with respect to any director, pursuant to Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, (iv) for any transaction from which the director or officer derived an improper personal benefit or (v) with respect to any officer, in any action by or in the right of INR. We will be required to pay or reimburse attorneys fees and expenses of a non-employee director or officer seeking indemnification as they are incurred, provided the non-employee director or officer executes an agreement to repay the amount to be paid or reimbursed if there is a final determination by a court of competent jurisdiction that such person is not entitled to indemnification.
The representatives of the underwriters of this offering may waive or release parties to the lock-up agreements entered into in connection with this offering, which could adversely affect the price of our Class A common stock.
We, the Existing Owners and all of our directors and executive officers have entered into lock-up agreements with respect to their ownership of Class A common stock and Class B common stock, pursuant to which we and they are subject to certain resale restrictions for a period of 180 days following the effectiveness date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The representatives of the underwriters, at any time and without notice, may release all or any portion of the common stock subject to the foregoing lock-up agreements. If the restrictions under the lock-up agreements are waived, then Class A common stock will be available for sale into the public markets, which could cause the market price of our Class A common stock to decline and impair our ability to raise capital. Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest) provides additional information regarding the lock-up agreements.
We expect to be a controlled company within the meaning of the NYSE rules and, as a result, will qualify for and could rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.
Upon completion of this offering, Pearl will beneficially control a majority of the combined voting power of all classes of our outstanding voting stock. In connection with the completion of this offering, we will grant certain board nomination rights, pursuant to which Pearl, individually and collectively, will have certain rights with respect to the election of directors. Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsAmended Charter contains additional information regarding these risks. As a result, we expect to be a controlled company within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance standards. Under the NYSE rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by another person or group of persons acting together is a controlled company and may elect not to comply with certain NYSE corporate governance requirements, including the requirements that:
| a majority of the board of directors consist of independent directors; |
| the nominating, governance and sustainability committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committees purpose and responsibilities; |
| the compensation committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committees purpose and responsibilities; and |
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| there be an annual performance evaluation of the nominating, governance and sustainability and compensation committees. |
These requirements will not apply to us as long as we remain a controlled company. Following this offering, we may utilize some or all of these exemptions. Accordingly, you may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of the NYSE. Management contains additional information regarding these risks.
For as long as we are an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with certain reporting requirements, including disclosure about our executive compensation, that apply to other public companies.
We are classified as an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act. In addition, we have reduced SOX compliance requirements, as discussed elsewhere, for as long as we are an emerging growth company, which may be up to five full fiscal years. Unlike other public companies, we will not be required to, among other things, (a) comply with any new requirements adopted by the PCAOB requiring mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditors report in which the auditor would be required to provide additional information about the audit and the financial statements of the issuer, (b) provide certain disclosure regarding executive compensation required of larger public companies or (c) hold nonbinding advisory votes on executive compensation.
Because we have elected to take advantage of the extended transition period pursuant to Section 107 of the JOBS Act, our financial statements may not be comparable to those of other public companies.
Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can use the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. This permits an emerging growth company to delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We are choosing to take advantage of this extended transition period and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for private companies. Accordingly, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates, and our stockholders and potential investors may have difficulty in analyzing our operating results by comparing us to such companies.
We may issue preferred stock whose terms could adversely affect the voting power or value of our Class A common stock.
Our Amended Charter will authorize us to issue, without the approval of our stockholders, one or more classes or series of preferred stock having such designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights, including preferences over our Class A common stock respecting dividends and distributions, as our board of directors may determine. The terms of one or more classes or series of preferred stock could adversely impact the voting power or value of our Class A common stock. For example, we might grant holders of preferred stock the right to elect some number of our directors in all events or on the happening of specified events or the right to veto specified transactions. Similarly, the repurchase or redemption rights or liquidation preferences we might assign to holders of preferred stock could affect the residual value of the Class A common stock.
Terms of subsequent financings may adversely impact stockholder equity.
If we raise more equity capital from the sale of Class A common stock, institutional or other investors may negotiate terms more favorable than the current prices of our Class A common stock. If we issue debt securities, the holders of the debt would have a claim to our assets that would be prior to the rights of stockholders until the debt is paid. Interest on these debt securities would increase costs and could negatively impact our operating results.
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If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our Class A common stock or if our operating results do not meet their expectations, our stock price could decline.
The trading market for our Class A common stock will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us or our business. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline. Moreover, if one or more of the analysts who cover our company downgrades our Class A common stock or if our operating results do not meet their expectations, our stock price could decline.
Our Amended Charter will designate the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders ability to bring a claim in a different judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or agents.
Our Amended Charter will provide that unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers, employees or agents to us or our stockholders, (c) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the DGCL), our Amended Charter or Amended Bylaws, or (d) any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in each such case subject to such Court of Chancery having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants therein. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under U.S. federal securities laws, including the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. This choice of forum may limit a stockholders ability to bring a claim in a different judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or agents, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and such persons. Alternatively, if a court were to find these provisions of our Amended Charter inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
We will be required to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for certain tax benefits we may claim, and the amounts of such payments could be significant.
In connection with the consummation of this offering, we will enter into a Tax Receivable Agreement with the Existing Owners. This agreement generally provides for the payment by us to the Existing Owners of 85% of the net cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax that Infinity Natural Resources (a) actually realizes with respect to taxable periods ending after this offering or (b) is deemed to realize in the event of a change of control (as defined under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which includes certain mergers, asset sales and other forms of business combinations and certain changes to the composition of Infinity Natural Resources board) or if the Tax Receivable Agreement terminates early (at our election or as a result of our breach) with respect to any taxable periods ending on or after such change of control or early termination event, in each case, as a result of (i) the tax basis increases resulting from the exchange of INR Units and the corresponding surrender of an equivalent number of shares of Class B common stock by the Existing Owners for a number of shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis or, at our option, the receipt of an equivalent amount of cash pursuant to the INR Holdings LLC Agreement and (ii) deductions arising from imputed interest deemed to be paid by us as a result of, and additional tax basis arising from, any payments we make under the Tax Receivable Agreement. Infinity Natural Resources will retain the benefit of the remaining 15% of these cash savings, if any. If we experience a change of control or the Tax Receivable Agreement terminates early, we could be required to make a substantial, immediate lump-sum payment. Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsTax Receivable Agreement contains more information.
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The payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement are our obligations and not obligations of INR Holdings. For purposes of the Tax Receivable Agreement, cash savings in tax generally are calculated by comparing our actual tax liability to the amount we would have been required to pay had we not been able to utilize any of the tax benefits subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement. The amounts payable, as well as the timing of any payments, under the Tax Receivable Agreement are dependent upon future events and assumptions, including the timing of the exchanges of INR Units along with surrendering a corresponding number of our Class B common stock, the price of our Class A common stock at the time of each exchange, the extent to which such exchanges are taxable transactions, the amount of the exchanging INR Unit Holders tax basis in its INR Units at the time of the relevant exchange, the depreciation, depletion and amortization periods that apply to the increase in tax basis, the amount and timing of taxable income we generate in the future, the U.S. federal, state and local income tax rates then applicable, and the portion of Infinity Natural Resources payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement that constitute imputed interest or give rise to depreciable, depletable or amortizable tax basis. We expect that the payments that we will be required to make under the Tax Receivable Agreement could be substantial. Any payments made by us to the Existing Holders under the Tax Receivable Agreement will not be available for reinvestment in INR Holdings (or indirectly, its business) and generally will reduce the amount of overall cash flow that might have otherwise been available to us. The term of the Tax Receivable Agreement will commence upon the completion of this offering and will continue until all such tax benefits have been utilized or expired and all required payments are made, unless we exercise our right to terminate the Tax Receivable Agreement (or the Tax Receivable Agreement is terminated due to other circumstances, including our breach of a material obligation thereunder or certain mergers or other changes of control) by making the termination payment specified in the agreement. In the event that the Tax Receivable Agreement is not terminated, the payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement are not anticipated to commence until at the earliest (with respect to the tax year ).
The payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement will not be conditioned upon a holder of rights under the Tax Receivable Agreement having a continued ownership interest in us or INR Holdings. In addition, certain rights under the Tax Receivable Agreement (including the right to receive payments) will be transferable in connection with transfers permitted thereunder. Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsTax Receivable Agreement contains more information.
In certain cases, payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement may be accelerated and/or significantly exceed the actual benefits we realize, if any, in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement.
If we experience a change of control (as defined under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which includes certain mergers, asset sales and other forms of business combinations and certain changes to the composition of the Infinity Natural Resources board) or the Tax Receivable Agreement terminates early (at our election or as a result of our breach), we could be required to make a substantial, immediate lump-sum payment. This payment would equal the present value of hypothetical future payments that could be required under the Tax Receivable Agreement. The calculation of the hypothetical future payments will be based upon certain assumptions and deemed events set forth in the Tax Receivable Agreement, including (a) the sufficiency of taxable income to fully utilize the tax benefits, (b) any INR Units (other than those held by us) outstanding on the termination date are exchanged on the termination date and (c) the utilization of certain loss carryovers. Our ability to generate net taxable income is subject to substantial uncertainty. Accordingly, as a result of the assumptions, the required lump-sum payment may be significantly in advance of, and could materially exceed, the realized future tax benefits to which the payment relates. This payment obligation could (i) make us a less attractive target for an acquisition, particularly in the case of an acquirer that cannot use some or all of the tax benefits that are the subject of the Tax Receivable Agreement and (ii) result in holders of our Class A common stock receiving substantially less consideration in connection with a change of control transaction than they would receive in the absence of such obligation. Accordingly, the Existing Owners interests may conflict with those of the holders of our Class A common stock.
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As a result of either an early termination or a change of control, we could be required to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement that exceed our actual cash tax savings under the Tax Receivable Agreement. Consequently, our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement could have a substantial negative impact on our liquidity and could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes of control. For example, assuming no material changes in the relevant tax law, we expect that if we experienced a change of control or the Tax Receivable Agreement were terminated immediately after this offering, the estimated lump-sum payment would be approximately $ (calculated using a discount rate equal to a per annum rate of basis points, applied against an undiscounted liability of approximately $ ). There can be no assurance that we will be able to finance our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement.
In the event that our payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement are accelerated upon certain mergers, other forms of business combinations or other changes of control, the consideration payable to holders of our Class A common stock could be substantially reduced.
If we experience a change of control (as defined under the Tax Receivable Agreement), our obligation to make a substantial, immediate lump-sum payment could result in holders of our Class A common stock receiving substantially less consideration in connection with a change of control transaction than they would receive in the absence of such obligation. The amount due will be equal to the present value of the anticipated future tax benefits that are the subject of the Tax Receivable Agreement, based on certain assumptions outlined in the Tax Receivable Agreement (including the discount rate to be used and that we will have sufficient taxable income to realize all potential tax benefits that are subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement), which payment may be made significantly in advance of the actual realization, if any, of such future tax benefits. Such cash payment to the Existing Holders could be greater than the specified percentage of any actual benefits we ultimately realize in respect of the tax benefits that are subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement. In these situations, our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement could have a substantial negative impact on our liquidity and could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes of control. Further, holders of rights under the Tax Receivable Agreement may not have an equity interest in us or INR Holdings. Accordingly, the interests of holders of rights under the Tax Receivable Agreement may conflict with those of the holders of our Class A common stock. Please read Risk FactorsIn certain cases, payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement may be accelerated and/or significantly exceed the actual benefits we realize, if any, in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement and Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsTax Receivable Agreement. There can be no assurance that we will be able to fund or finance our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement. We may need to cause INR Holdings to incur debt and make distributions to the holders of LLC Interests, including us, to finance payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement to the extent our cash resources are insufficient to meet our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement as a result of timing discrepancies or otherwise.
We will not be reimbursed for any payments made under the Tax Receivable Agreement in the event that any tax benefits are subsequently disallowed.
Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement will be based on the tax reporting positions that we will determine, which are complex and factual in nature, and the IRS or another tax authority may challenge all or part of the tax basis increases upon which payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement are based, as well as other related tax positions that we take, and a court could sustain such challenge. The holders of rights under the Tax Receivable Agreement will not reimburse us for any payments previously made under the Tax Receivable Agreement if such basis increases or other benefits are subsequently disallowed, except that excess payments made to any such holder will be netted against payments otherwise to be made, if any, to such holder after our determination of such excess. However, we might not determine that we have effectively made an excess cash payment to an Existing Owner for a number of years following the initial time of such payment and, if any of our tax reporting positions are challenged by a taxing authority, we will not be permitted to reduce any future cash payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement until any such challenge is finally settled or determined. As a
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result, in such circumstances, we could make payments that are greater than our actual cash tax savings, if any, and may not be able to recoup those payments, which could adversely affect our liquidity. The applicable U.S. federal income tax rules for determining applicable tax benefits we may claim are complex and factual in nature, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will not disagree with our tax reporting positions. As a result, payments could be made under the Tax Receivable Agreement significantly in excess of any actual cash tax savings that we realize in respect of the tax attributes with respect to an Existing Owner that are the subject of the Tax Receivable Agreement.
If INR Holdings were to become a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we and INR Holdings might be subject to potentially significant tax inefficiencies, and we would not be able to recover payments previously made by us under the Tax Receivable Agreement even if the corresponding tax benefits were subsequently determined to have been unavailable due to such status.
We intend to operate such that INR Holdings does not become a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A publicly traded partnership is a partnership the interests of which are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof. Under certain circumstances, exchanges of INR Units pursuant to the Exchange Right or other transfers of INR Units could cause INR Holdings to be treated as a publicly traded partnership. Applicable U.S. Treasury regulations provide for certain safe harbors from treatment as a publicly traded partnership, and we intend to operate such that exchanges or other transfers of INR Units qualify for one or more such safe harbors.
If INR Holdings were to become a publicly traded partnership, significant tax inefficiencies might result for us and for INR Holdings, including as a result of our inability to file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return with INR Holdings. In addition, we would no longer have the benefit of certain increases in tax basis covered under the Tax Receivable Agreement, and we would not be able to recover any payments previously made by us under the Tax Receivable Agreement, even if the corresponding tax benefits (including any claimed increase in the tax basis of INR Holdings assets) were subsequently determined to have been unavailable.
In certain circumstances, INR Holdings will be required to make tax distributions to us and the INR Unit Holders, and the tax distributions that INR Holdings will be required to make may be substantial.
INR Holdings will be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, is not subject to U.S. federal income tax. Instead, taxable income will be allocated to the INR Unit Holders and us. Pursuant to the INR Holdings LLC Agreement, INR Holdings will generally make pro rata cash distributions, or tax distributions, to the INR Unit Holders and us, calculated using the highest marginal tax rate applicable to a corporation doing business in Morgantown, West Virginia. However, the board of managers of INR Holdings may determine to increase the tax rate applicable to tax distributions by INR Holdings.
Funds used by INR Holdings to satisfy its tax distribution obligations will not be available for reinvestment in our business. Moreover, the tax distributions that INR Holdings will be required to make may be substantial.
The Existing Owners interests may not be fully aligned with the interests of the holders of our Class A common stock.
The Existing Owners interests may not be fully aligned with yours, which, due to the concentrated ownership of our common stock by the Existing Owners, could lead to actions that are not in your best interests. Because the Existing Owners hold their economic interest in our business primarily through INR Holdings, the Existing Owners may have conflicting interests with holders of shares of our Class A common stock. For example, the Existing Owners may have different tax positions from us, which could influence their decisions regarding whether and when we should dispose of assets or incur new or refinance existing indebtedness,
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especially in light of the existence of the Tax Receivable Agreement that we will enter into in connection with this offering, and whether and when we should respond to a breach of any of our material obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement, undergo certain changes of control for purposes of the Tax Receivable Agreement or terminate the Tax Receivable Agreement. In addition, the structuring of future transactions may take into consideration these tax or other considerations even where no similar benefit would accrue to us. See Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsTax Receivable Agreement.
Further, pursuant to the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, if the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) makes audit adjustments to INR Holdings U.S. federal income tax returns, it may assess and collect any taxes (including any applicable penalties and interest) resulting from such audit adjustment directly from INR Holdings rather than from the Existing Owners directly, in which case we may economically bear a portion of such taxes (including any applicable penalties and interest) even though we did not economically benefit from the income giving rise to such taxes. INR Holdings may be permitted to make an election which would have the effect of requiring the IRS to collect any such taxes (including penalties and interest) from the members of INR Holdings (including the Existing Owners), rather than from INR Holdings, but there can be no assurance that INR Holdings will be permitted to or will make this election. If, as a result of any such audit adjustment, INR Holdings is required to make payments of taxes, penalties and interest, INR Holdings cash available for distributions to us may be substantially reduced. These rules are not applicable to INR Holdings for tax years beginning on or prior to December 31, 2017.
Further, the Existing Owners, who will be the only holders of INR Units other than us upon consummation of this offering, have the right to consent to certain amendments to the INR Holdings LLC Agreement, as well as to certain other matters. The Existing Owners may exercise these voting rights in a manner that conflicts with the interests of the holders of our Class A common stock. In addition, following this offering, Pearl, one of the Existing Owners, will hold a number of shares of our non-economic Class B common stock that will allow it to control our overall management and direction. Circumstances may arise in the future when the interests of the Existing Owners conflict with the interests of our stockholders.
Risks Related to Environmental and Regulatory Matters
Our operations are subject to stringent environmental, health and safety laws and regulations that may expose us to significant costs and liabilities that could exceed current expectations.
We are subject to stringent and complex federal, state and local environmental, health and safety (EHS) laws and regulations, including laws and regulations governing the discharge of materials into the environment, emissions controls and other environmental protection and occupational health and safety concerns. Any discharge by us of natural gas, NGLs, oil and other pollutants into the air, soil or water may give rise to liabilities on our part to the government and third parties. Environmental laws and regulations, such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and comparable state laws, may impose strict, retroactive and joint and several, liability for environmental contamination, which could render us potentially liable for remediation costs, damages to natural resources or other damages, without regard to fault or the legality of the conduct at the time of the release or if contamination was caused by prior owners, operators or other third parties if they cannot be held responsible. Governmental agencies, citizen organizations, neighboring landowners and other third parties could file claims for personal injury, property damage and recovery of response costs. Remediation costs and other damages arising as a result of environmental laws and regulations, and costs associated with changes to existing EHS laws and regulations or the interpretation thereof, or the adoption of new environmental laws and regulations over time could adversely impact our financial condition or results of operations. Moreover, any failure by us to comply with applicable EHS laws and regulations could result in the imposition of administrative, civil or criminal penalties or the issuance of injunctions that could delay or prohibit operations, which could in turn have an adverse impact on our business.
We are required to hold certain U.S. federal, state or local EHS permits or other authorizations and may require new or amended facility permits or licenses from time to time, including with respect to stormwater
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discharges, waste handling and disposal, or air emissions, which may subject us to new or revised permitting conditions that may be onerous or with which it may be costly to comply. These permits and authorizations often contain numerous compliance requirements, including monitoring and reporting obligations and operational restrictions, such as emissions limits. Given the number of EHS permits and other authorizations that are applicable to our operations, we may occasionally identify or be notified of violations of or noncompliance with certain requirements existing under various permits or may be required to obtain additional permits. Noncompliance with necessary permits or the failure to obtain additional permits could subject us to future penalties, operating restrictions, or delays in obtaining new or amended permits or permit renewals that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
EHS laws and regulations are constantly evolving and may become increasingly complicated and more stringent in the future. In addition, new or additional laws and regulations, new interpretations of existing requirements or changes in enforcement policies could impose unforeseen liabilities, significantly increase compliance costs, or result in delays of, or denial of rights to conduct, our development programs. For example, in June 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) issued a rule under the Clean Water Act (the CWA) defining the scope of the EPAs and the Corps jurisdiction over waters of the United States (WOTUS), which was repealed in December 2019 and replaced in June 2020 by the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (the NWPR) before ever taking effect. A coalition of states and cities, environmental groups and agricultural groups challenged the NWPR, which was vacated by a federal district court in August 2021. In January 2023, the EPA and the Corps issued a final rule to revise the definition of WOTUS to put back into place the pre-2015 definition; however, this definition of WOTUS was impacted by the U.S. Supreme Courts decision issued in May 2023 in Sackett v. EPA, wherein the Court held that the jurisdiction of the CWA extends only to those adjacent wetlands that are indistinguishable from traditional navigable bodies of water due to a continuous surface connection. In September 2023, the EPA and the Corps published a direct-to-final rule redefining WOTUS to amend the January 2023 rule and align with the decision in Sackett. Subsequent litigation from certain states and individuals is ongoing and seeks to vacate the September 2023 rule. To the extent a new rule or further litigation expands the scope of the CWAs jurisdiction, we could face increased costs and delays with respect to obtaining permits for dredge and fill activities in wetland areas. Such potential regulations or litigation could increase our operating costs, reduce our liquidity, delay or halt our operations or otherwise alter the way we conduct our business, which in turn could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.
Future EHS laws and regulations (or changes to existing laws and regulations or their interpretation) may also negatively impact natural gas and oil exploration, production, gathering and transportation companies, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions and results of our operations.
We may be involved in legal and regulatory proceedings that could result in substantial liabilities.
Like many oil and gas companies, we are from time to time involved in various legal and other proceedings, such as title, royalty or contractual disputes, regulatory compliance matters and personal injury, environmental damage or property damage matters, in the ordinary course of our business. Such legal and regulatory proceedings are inherently uncertain and their results cannot be predicted. Regardless of the outcome, such proceedings could have an adverse impact on us because of legal costs, diversion of management or other personnel and other factors. In addition, it is possible that a resolution of one or more such proceedings could result in civil or criminal liability, penalties or sanctions, as well as judgments, consent decrees or orders requiring a change in our business practices, which could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results or financial condition. Accruals for such liability, penalties or sanctions may be insufficient, and judgments and estimates to determine accruals or range of losses related to legal and other proceedings could change from one period to the next, and such changes could be material. As of June 30, 2024, we are not aware of any potentially material legal proceeding that has been brought against the Company.
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Climate change legislation or regulations restricting emissions of GHGs could result in increased operating costs and adversely affect our business.
More stringent laws and regulations relating to climate change and GHG emissions may arise from a variety of sources, including international, national, regional and state levels of government and associated administrative bodies and could cause us to incur material expenses to comply with such laws and regulations. In response to findings that emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and other GHGs present an endangerment to public health and the environment and in the absence of comprehensive federal legislation on GHG emission control, the EPA has adopted regulations pursuant to the federal Clean Air Act (the CAA) to reduce GHG emissions from various sources, but the future of these regulations is not clear. The EPA has adopted rules requiring the monitoring and reporting of GHG emissions from specified onshore and offshore oil, natural gas and NGL production sources in the U.S. on an annual basis, which include certain segments of our operations. The EPA published a final rule in March 2024, entitled Standards of Performance for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources and Emissions Guidelines for Existing Sources: Oil and Natural Gas Sector Climate Review, which went into effect in May 2024 and requires, among other things, the phase out of routine flaring of natural gas from newly constructed wells (with some exceptions), standardization of installation and maintenance of emission control devices, and routine leak monitoring at all well sites and compressor stations. Notably, the EPA updated the applicability date for Subparts OOOOb and OOOOc to December 6, 2022, meaning that sources constructed prior to that date will be considered existing sources with later compliance deadlines under state plans. The final rule gives states, along with federal tribes that wish to regulate existing sources, two years to develop and submit their plans for reducing methane emissions from existing sources. The final emissions guidelines under Subpart OOOOc provide three years from the plan submission deadline for existing sources to comply. Compliance with these and other air pollution control monitoring and permitting requirements, along with the required associated technical investments, has the potential to delay the development of natural gas projects and increase our costs of development, which costs could be significant.
Additionally, some states have issued mandates to reduce emissions of GHGs, primarily through the planned development of GHG emission inventories and potential cap-and-trade programs. For example, Pennsylvania has taken steps to bring the state into a consortium of Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic States, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), that sets price and declining limits on CO2 emissions from power plants. In December 2021, the Pennsylvania Attorney General approved a proposed regulation which would allow Pennsylvania to join RGGI. Given legal challenges and general political controversy and pushback, the future of RGGI is unclear. Additionally, in March 2024, the Pennsylvania Governor unveiled the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction Initiative and it was later introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly in May 2024. This proposal would adopt a RGGI-like carbon-pricing program for the state, and the Governor stated he would withdraw Pennsylvania from RGGI if the Pennsylvania General Assembly enacts his proposal. Most of these types of programs require major sources of emissions or major producers of fuels to acquire and subsequently surrender emission allowances, with the number of allowances available being reduced each year until a target goal is achieved. The cost of these allowances could increase over time. While new laws and regulations that are aimed at reducing GHG emissions could increase demand for natural gas, they may also result in increased costs for permitting, equipping, monitoring and reporting GHGs associated with natural gas production and use.
Internationally, the United Nations-sponsored Paris Agreement (the Paris Agreement) requires member states to individually determine and submit non-binding emissions reduction targets every five years after 2020. President Biden signed the instrument recommitting the U.S. to the Paris Agreement in January 2021 and, in April 2021, announced a goal of reducing U.S. emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030. In September 2021, President Biden publicly announced the Global Methane Pledge, an international pact that aims to reduce global methane emissions at least 30% below 2020 levels by 2030, including all feasible reductions in the energy sector. Further, at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in December 2023, member countries entered into an agreement that calls for actions toward achieving, at a global scale, a tripling of renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency improvements by 2030. The goals of the agreement, among other things,
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are to accelerate efforts toward the phase-down of unabated coal power, phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies and take other measures that drive the transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems. While non-binding, the agreements coming out of COP28 could result in increased pressure on financial institutions and various stakeholders to reduce or otherwise impose more stringent limitations on funding for, and increase potential opposition to, the exploration and production of fossil fuels. Various state and local governments have also vowed to continue to enact regulations to satisfy their proportionate obligations under the Paris Agreement. Other actions that could be pursued include more restrictive requirements for the development of pipeline infrastructure or LNG export facilities, as well as more restrictive GHG emissions limitations for oil and gas facilities. For example, in January 2024, President Biden announced a temporary pause on pending decisions on new exports of LNG to countries that the U.S. does not have free trade agreements with, pending Department of Energy review of the underlying analyses for authorization, including an assessment of the impact of GHG emissions. In a July 2024 ruling, the Western District of Louisiana stayed this temporary pause on LNG exports to non-free trade agreement countries. The Biden Administration appealed the ruling in August 2024 and the litigation remains ongoing. We cannot predict whether the pause may be reinstated. This and other changes in law and governmental policy may have impacts on our business that are difficult to anticipate.
In addition, the SEC adopted its final rules for climate-related disclosures in March 2024 (the SEC Climate Rules), which will mandate detailed disclosure of certain climate-related information, including, among other items, material climate-related risks and related governance, strategy and risk management processes, certain financial statement disclosures, and Scopes 1 and 2 GHG emissions, if material, for certain public companies. The SEC Climate Rules are currently stayed pending legal challenges and are widely expected to face additional legal challenges going forward. For these reasons, we cannot currently predict with certainty the timing and costs of implementation or any potential adverse impacts resulting therefrom. However, assuming that the SEC Climate Rules take effect, they may result in our experiencing additional operational and compliance burdens and incurring significant additional costs relating to the assessment and disclosure of climate- and sustainability-related matters, including costs relating to establishment of additional internal controls and collecting, measuring and analyzing information relating to such matters. Similar burdens could affect our customers, resulting in lower demand for our products. Further, enhanced climate-related disclosure requirements could lead to reputational or other harm with customers, regulators, investors or other stakeholders and could also increase our litigation risks relating to statements alleged to have been made by us or others in our industry regarding climate change risks, or in connection with any future disclosures we may make regarding reported emissions, particularly given the uncertainties and estimations involved in calculating and reporting GHG emissions. The SEC has also from time to time applied additional scrutiny to existing climate-change related disclosures in public filings, increasing the potential for enforcement if the SEC were to allege an issuers existing climate disclosures are misleading or deficient.
More broadly, the adoption and implementation of new or more stringent international, federal, state, or local legislation, regulations or other regulatory initiatives related to climate change or GHG emissions from oil and natural gas facilities could result in increased costs of compliance or costs of consumption, thereby reducing demand for our products, and could require us to incur increased operating costs, such as costs to purchase and operate emissions control systems, to acquire emissions allowances or to comply with new regulatory requirements, and to monitor and report on GHG emissions. Additionally, political, litigation, and financial risks may result in (a) restriction or cancellation of certain oil and natural gas production activities, (b) incurrence of obligations for alleged damages resulting from climate change or (c) impairment of our ability to continue operating in an economic manner. To the extent that governmental entities in the U.S. or other countries implement or impose climate change regulations on the oil and gas industry, it could have a material adverse effect on the Companys business, including by restricting the Companys ability to execute on its business strategy; requiring additional capital, compliance, operating and maintenance costs; increasing the cost of the Companys products and services; reducing demand for its products and services; reducing its access to financial markets or creating greater potential for governmental investigations or litigation. While the Supreme Courts decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo to overrule Chevron U.S.A. Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. and end the concept of general deference to regulatory agency interpretations of laws introduces new complexity for federal agencies and administration of climate change policy and regulatory programs, many
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of these initiatives are expected to continue. Consequently, legislation and regulatory programs to address climate change or reduce emissions of GHGs could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Federal, state and local legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing as well as governmental reviews of such activities could result in increased costs, additional operating restrictions or delays, limits to the areas in which we can operate and reductions in our oil, natural gas and NGL production, which could adversely affect our production and business.
Hydraulic fracturing is an important and common practice that is used to stimulate production of natural gas and/or oil from low permeability subsurface rock formations. The hydraulic fracturing process involves the injection of water, sand and chemicals under pressure through a cased and cemented wellbore into targeted subsurface formations to fracture the surrounding rock and stimulate production. We regularly use hydraulic fracturing as part of our operations, as does much of the domestic oil and natural gas industry. Hydraulic fracturing typically is regulated by state oil and natural gas commissions, but the EPA has asserted federal regulatory authority pursuant to the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) over certain hydraulic fracturing activities involving the use of diesel fuels and issued permitting guidance in February 2014 regarding such activities. In addition, the EPA finalized rules in June 2016 that prohibit the discharge of wastewater from hydraulic fracturing operations to publicly owned wastewater treatment plants.
Congress has from time to time considered legislation to provide for federal regulation of hydraulic fracturing under the SDWA and to require disclosure of the chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process. New federal legislation regulating hydraulic fracturing may be considered again in the future. At the state level, several states have adopted or are considering legal requirements that could impose more stringent permitting, disclosure and well construction requirements on hydraulic fracturing activities. For example, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia have each adopted a law requiring oil and natural gas operators to disclose chemical ingredients used to hydraulically fracture wells, and Ohio requires oil and natural gas operators to conduct pre-drill baseline water quality sampling of certain water wells near a proposed horizontal well. Unlike Ohio, Pennsylvania does not require oil and natural gas operators to conduct pre-drilling water supply sampling, but Pennsylvania law incentivizes testing as such sampling can preserve a legal defense regarding pollution of water supply. Additional states could also decide to place prohibitions on hydraulic fracturing. Local governments also may seek to adopt ordinances within their jurisdictions regulating the time, place and manner of drilling activities in general or hydraulic fracturing activities in particular. Some states and municipalities have banned and others seek to ban hydraulic fracturing altogether. If new or more stringent federal, state or local legal restrictions relating to the hydraulic fracturing process are adopted in areas where we operate, we could incur potentially significant added costs to comply with such requirements, experience delays, curtailment in or exclusion from the pursuit of exploration, development or production activities.
Prolonged negative investor sentiment toward upstream oil and natural gas focused companies could limit our access to capital funding, damage our reputation and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Certain segments of the investor community have developed negative sentiment toward investing in our industry. There have been efforts in recent years, for example, to influence the investment community, including investment advisors, insurance companies and certain sovereign wealth, pension and endowment funds and other groups, by promoting divestment of fossil fuel equities and pressuring lenders to limit funding and insurance underwriters to limit coverages to companies engaged in the extraction of fossil fuel reserves. The lending and investment practices of institutional lenders have been the subject of intensive lobbying efforts in recent years, oftentimes public in nature, by environmental activists and foreign citizenry concerned about climate change. Some investors, including certain pension funds, university endowments and family foundations, have stated policies to reduce or eliminate their investments in the natural gas and oil sector based on social and environmental considerations. There is also a risk that financial institutions may be required to adopt policies that
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have the effect of reducing the funding provided to the fossil fuel sector. Certain commercial and investment banks based both domestically and internationally have announced that they are adopting climate change guidelines for their banking and investing activities, often in connection with increased regulatory expectations and requirements, which may result in them limiting funding for natural gas and oil projects. Institutional lenders who provide financing to energy companies have also become more attentive to sustainable lending practices, and some may elect not to provide traditional energy producers or companies that support such producers with funding. Ultimately, these developments could reduce the availability of capital funding to us for potential development projects or to refinance our existing indebtedness, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Legislation or regulatory initiatives intended to address seismic activity could restrict our drilling and production activities, as well as our ability to dispose of saltwater produced from such activities, which could limit our ability to produce oil, natural gas and NGLs economically and have a material adverse effect on our business.
Local, state and federal regulatory agencies, including in Pennsylvania and Ohio, have in the past focused on a possible connection between hydraulic fracturing-related activities, particularly the underground injection of wastewater into disposal wells and the increased occurrence of seismic activity, and regulatory agencies at all levels are continuing to study the possible linkage between oil and gas activity and induced seismicity. In addition, several lawsuits have been filed in some states, alleging that disposal well operations have caused damage to neighboring properties or otherwise violated state and federal rules regulating waste disposal. In response to these concerns, regulators in some states and local municipalities, including in Pennsylvania, are seeking to impose or have imposed additional requirements, including obligations regarding the permitting of produced water disposal wells or otherwise assessing the relationship between seismicity and the use of such wells. To the extent any new regulations are adopted to restrict hydraulic fracturing activities or the disposal of fluids associated with such activities, it may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We dispose of some of the saltwater produced from our drilling and production operations by injecting it into wells pursuant to permits issued to us and third parties by governmental authorities overseeing such disposal activities. While these permits are issued pursuant to existing laws and regulations, these legal requirements are subject to change, which could result in the imposition of more stringent operating constraints or new monitoring and reporting requirements, owing to, among other things, concerns of the public or governmental authorities regarding such gathering or disposal activities. The adoption and implementation of any new laws or regulations that restrict our ability to dispose of saltwater produced from our drilling and production activities by limiting volumes, disposal rates, disposal well locations or otherwise, or requiring us to shut down disposal wells, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Restrictions on drilling activities intended to protect certain species of wildlife may adversely affect our ability to conduct drilling activities in areas where we operate.
Our operations may be adversely affected by seasonal or permanent restrictions on drilling activities designed to protect various wildlife species and/or habitats. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) and (in some cases) comparable state laws were established to protect endangered and threatened species and similar protections are offered to migratory birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and other federal and state statutes. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) may designate critical habitat and suitable habitat areas that it believes are necessary for survival of a threatened or endangered species. A critical habitat or suitable habitat designation could result in material restrictions to land use and may materially delay or prohibit land access for drilling activities. In April 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized three rules governing critical habitat designation and expanding protection options for species listed as threatened pursuant to the ESA. Among other changes to the rules, a determination of whether a species is threatened or endangered will be made without reference to possible economic or other impacts of such determination, and protections
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that are granted to species found to be endangered will be automatically extended to species found to be threatened. The revised rules also make it easier to designate areas as critical for a species survival, even if the species is no longer found in those areas. Like the ESA, similar protections are offered to migratory birds under MBTA, which makes it illegal to, among other things, hunt, capture, kill, possess, sell or purchase migratory birds, nests or eggs without a permit. This prohibition covers most bird species in the U.S.
These rules, and any future rules, could materially affect our operations and development. For instance, permanent restrictions imposed to protect threatened or endangered species could prohibit drilling in certain areas or require the implementation of expensive mitigation measures. A critical habitat or suitable habitat designation in areas where we conduct our business could result in material restrictions to land use and may materially delay, or prohibit land access for, oil, natural gas and NGL development. The designation of previously unprotected species in areas where we operate as threatened or endangered could cause us to incur increased costs arising from species protection measures or could result in limitations on our activities that could have a material and adverse impact on our ability to develop and produce our reserves. There is also increasing interest in nature-related matters beyond protected species, such as general biodiversity, which may similarly require us or our customers to incur costs or take other measures which may adversely impact our business or operations.
We are subject to risks related to climate change, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Increasing attention from governmental and regulatory bodies, investors, consumers, industry and other stakeholders on combating climate change, together with technological advances in fuel economy and energy generation devices as well as climate change activism, governmental requirements and societal expectations on companies to address climate change, may create new competitive conditions that result in reduced demand for the oil, natural gas or NGLs we produce for our customers products. Such requirements, advancements and expectations may include, for instance, requirements to implement fuel conservation measures, regulations favoring renewable energy resources, increasing consumer demand for alternative forms of energy and lower emission products or services and other changes in consumer behavior. The potential impact of changing demand for oil, natural gas or NGLs services and products may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows or those of the customers we serve, which could, in turn, affect demand for our products. Such developments may also adversely impact, among other things, the availability of necessary third-party services and facilities as well as market prices of, or our access to, raw materials such as energy and water, which may increase our operational costs and adversely affect our ability to successfully carry out our business strategy. Further, the enactment of climate change-related policies and initiatives across the market at the corporate level and/or investor community level may in the future result in increases in our compliance costs and other operating costs and have other adverse effects (e.g., greater potential for governmental investigations or litigation, reductions in demand for our products or stimulating demand for alternative forms of energy that do not rely on combustion of fossil fuels).
Furthermore, negative public perception regarding the oil and gas industry resulting from, among other things, concerns raised by advocacy groups about climate change, emissions, hydraulic fracturing, seismicity or oil spills may lead to increased litigation risk and regulatory, legislative and judicial scrutiny, which may, in turn, lead to new state and federal safety and environmental laws, regulations, guidelines and enforcement interpretations. These actions may cause operational delays or restrictions, increased operating costs, additional regulatory burdens and increased risk of litigation for us or our customers, thereby reducing demand for our products.
Finally, many scientists have concluded that increasing concentrations of GHGs in the Earths atmosphere produce climate changes that may have significant physical effects, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, droughts, floods or other climatic events. Such effects could adversely affect or delay demand for our products, or our customers products, or cause us to incur significant costs in preparing for, or responding to, the effects thereof. Energy needs could increase or decrease as a result of weather conditions, depending on the duration and magnitude of any such weather events, and adversely impact our operating costs or revenues. To the
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extent the frequency of extreme weather events increases, due to climate change or otherwise, this could impact operations in various ways, including damage to or disruption of operations at our facilities, increased insurance premiums or increases to the cost of providing service, reduced availability of electrical power, road accessibility and transportation facilities, as well as impacts on personnel, supply chain, distribution chain or customers, as well as potentially increased costs for, or difficulty procuring, consistent levels of insurance coverages in the aftermath of such effects. Such physical risks may also impact the infrastructure on which we rely to produce or transport our products. In addition, while our consideration of changing weather conditions and inclusion of safety factors in design is intended to reduce the uncertainties that climate change and other events may potentially introduce, our ability to mitigate the adverse impacts of these events depends in part on the effectiveness of our facilities and our disaster preparedness and response and business continuity planning, which may not have considered or been prepared for every eventuality. Further, demand for our products, or our customers products, may increase or decrease as a result of extreme weather conditions depending on the duration and magnitude of any such climate changes, such as to the extent warmer weathers reduce the demand for energy for heating purposes. The effect of fluctuations on supply and demand may become more pronounced within specific geographic oil and natural gas producing areas, which may cause these conditions to occur with greater frequency or magnify the effects of these conditions. If any such effects were to occur as a result of climate change or otherwise, they could have a material adverse effect on our assets, our financial condition and our results of operations. Due to the concentrated nature of our portfolio of properties, a number of our properties could experience any of the same conditions at the same time, resulting in a relatively greater impact on our results of operations than they might have on other companies that have a diversified portfolio of properties.
Increasing attention to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and sustainability matters may expose us to additional risk, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and damage our reputation.
In recent years, companies across all industries are facing increasing scrutiny from a variety of stakeholders, including investor advocacy groups, proxy advisory firms, certain institutional investors and lenders, investment funds and other influential investors and rating agencies, related to their ESG and sustainability practices. If we do not adapt to or comply with investor or other stakeholder expectations and standards on ESG matters (including with respect to climate change) as they continue to evolve, or if we are perceived to have not responded appropriately or quickly enough to growing concern for ESG and sustainability issues, regardless of whether there is a regulatory or legal requirement to do so, we may suffer from reputational damage and our business, financial condition and/or stock price could be materially and adversely affected.
Moreover, while we create and publish voluntary disclosures regarding ESG matters from time to time, some of the statements in those voluntary disclosures may be based on hypothetical expectations and assumptions that may or may not be representative of current or actual risks or events, or forecasts of expected risks or events, including the costs associated therewith. ESG-related disclosure continues to emerge as an area where we may be, or may become, subject to required disclosures in certain jurisdictions, depending on our purported nexus to such jurisdictions and any such mandatory disclosures may similarly necessitate the use of hypothetical, projected or estimated data, some of which is not controlled by us and is inherently subject to imprecision. Disclosures reliant upon such expectations and assumptions are necessarily uncertain and may be prone to error or subject to misinterpretation, given the long timelines involved and the lack of an established single approach to identifying, measuring and reporting on many ESG matters. Failure or a perception of failure to implement our ESG strategy or achieve sustainability goals and targets we have set, including emissions reduction targets, could damage our reputation, causing our investors or consumers to lose confidence in us and negatively impacting our operations. Our continuing efforts to research, establish, accomplish and accurately report on the implementation of our ESG strategy, including any ESG goals, may also create additional operational risks and expenses and expose us to reputational, legal and other risks.
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Should we fail to comply with all applicable FERC administered statutes, rules, regulations and orders, we could be subject to substantial penalties and fines.
While our pipeline systems have not been regulated by FERC under the Natural Gas Act of 1938 (NGA) or the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 (NGPA), FERC has adopted certain regulations and policies that may subject certain of our otherwise non-FERC jurisdictional facilities to market transparency, anti-market-manipulation, and oversight requirements, including annual reporting requirements. Additional rules and regulations pertaining to those and other matters may be considered or adopted by FERC from time to time. Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (the EPAct of 2005), FERC has civil penalty authority under the NGA and the NGPA to impose penalties for violations of up to $1,544,521 per day for each violation, in addition to disgorgement of profits associated with any violation. Failure to comply with FERC rules and regulations in the future could subject us to civil penalty liability, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the information in this prospectus may contain forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this prospectus regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used in this prospectus, words such as may, assume, forecast, could, should, will, plan, believe, anticipate, intend, estimate, expect, project, budget and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on managements current belief, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events at the time such statement was made. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements described under the heading Risk Factors included in this prospectus. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding:
| our business strategy; |
| our estimated proved reserves; |
| our ability to achieve or maintain certain financial and operational metrics; |
| our drilling prospects, inventories, projects and programs; |
| actions taken by the OPEC and other allied countries (collectively known as OPEC+) as it pertains to the global supply and demand of, and prices for, oil, natural gas and NGLs; |
| armed conflict, political instability, or civil unrest in oil and gas producing regions, including instability in the Middle East and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the related potential effects on laws and regulations, or the imposition of economic or trade sanctions; |
| our ability to replace the reserves we produce through drilling and property acquisitions; |
| the occurrence or threat of epidemic or pandemic diseases, or any government response to such occurrence or threat; |
| our financial strategy, leverage, liquidity and capital required for our development program; |
| our pending legal matters; |
| our ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws, regulations, and obligations; |
| our realized oil, natural gas and NGL prices; |
| the timing and amount of our future production of oil, natural gas and NGLs; |
| our ability to reduce or offset our GHG emissions, including our ability to achieve carbon neutrality; |
| our hedging strategy and results; |
| our competition and government regulations; |
| our ability to obtain permits and governmental approvals; |
| our marketing of oil, natural gas and NGLs; |
| our leasehold or business acquisitions; |
| our costs of developing our properties; |
| general economic conditions; |
| credit markets; |
| uncertainty regarding our future operating results; and |
| our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions contained in this prospectus that are not historical. |
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We caution you that these forward-looking statements are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties incident to the development, production, gathering and sale of oil, natural gas and NGLs, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. These risks include, but are not limited to, commodity price volatility, inflation, lack of availability and cost of drilling, completion and production equipment and services, project construction delays, environmental risks, drilling, completion and other operating risks, lack of availability or capacity of midstream gathering and transportation infrastructure, regulatory changes, the uncertainty inherent in estimating reserves and in projecting future rates of production, cash flow and access to capital, the timing of development expenditures and the other risks described under Risk Factors.
Reserve engineering is a process of estimating underground accumulations of hydrocarbons that cannot be measured in an exact way. The accuracy of any reserve estimates depends on the quality of available data, the interpretation of such data and price and cost assumptions made by reserve engineers. In addition, the results of drilling, testing and production activities may justify revisions of estimates that were made previously. If significant, such revisions would change the schedule of any future production and development program. Accordingly, reserve estimates may differ significantly from the quantities of oil and natural gas that are ultimately recovered.
Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described in this prospectus occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements.
All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, included in this prospectus are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that we or persons acting on our behalf may issue.
Except as otherwise required by applicable law, we disclaim any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus.
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We expect to receive approximately $ million (or approximately $ million if the underwriters option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock is exercised in full) of net proceeds from the sale of the Class A common stock offered by us based upon the assumed public offering price of $ per share of Class A common stock (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
We intend to contribute all of the net proceeds from this offering to INR Holdings in exchange for INR Units. INR Holdings intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to repay borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility and the excess, if any, for general corporate purposes.
As of , 2024, we had $ million of outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility matures on September 25, 2028. The Credit Facility bears interest at a per annum rate equal to %. Borrowings under the Credit Facility were used to pay down the Prior Credit Facility, for certain acquisitions and for drilling and completion costs.
A $1.00 change in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus) would cause the net proceeds from this offering, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, received by us to change, respectively, by $ million, assuming no change to the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.
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Following the completion of this offering, our board of directors may elect to declare cash dividends on our Class A common stock, subject to our compliance with applicable law, and depending on, among other things, economic conditions, our financial condition, results of operations, projections, liquidity, earnings, legal requirements, and restrictions in the agreements governing our indebtedness (as further discussed below). The payment of any future dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors. We have not adopted, and do not currently expect to adopt, a written dividend policy.
Our Credit Facility contains restrictions on the payment of dividends. Such restrictions allow us to pay dividends after the completion of this offering only when such conditions are met, including but not limited to, on a pro forma basis:
| when the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) is less than or equal to 2.00 to 1.00, availability under the Credit Facility is not less than 20%, Distributable Free Cash Flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement) exists and no default, event of default or loan limit deficiency exists; or |
| when the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio is less than or equal to 1.25 to 1.00, availability under the Credit Facility is not less than 20% and no default, event of default or loan limit deficiency exists. |
See Risk FactorsRisks Related to this Offering, Our Class A Common Stock and Capital StructureWe cannot assure you that we will be able to pay dividends on our Class A common stock and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsLiquidity and Capital ResourcesFinancing AgreementsCredit Facility.
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The following table sets forth our cash position and capitalization as of June 30, 2024:
| on an actual basis for our predecessor; and |
| on an as adjusted basis to give effect to the reorganization described under Corporate Reorganization and this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share (the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover of this prospectus), including the application of the net proceeds as set forth under Use of Proceeds. |
The information set forth in the table below is illustrative only and will be adjusted based on the actual initial public offering price and other final terms of this offering. This table should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Use of Proceeds section and our financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
As of June 30, 2024 | ||||||||
Actual | As Adjusted(1) | |||||||
(in thousands, except shares and par value) |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 6,861 | $ | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Debt: |
||||||||
Prior Credit Facility(2) |
$ | 187,464 | $ | |||||
Notes Payable |
214 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Indebtedness |
$ | 187,678 | $ | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Members equity/stockholders equity: |
||||||||
Members equity |
$ | 468,970 | $ | |||||
Class A common stock$0.01 par value; no shares authorized, issued or outstanding, actual; shares authorized, shares issued and outstanding, pro forma |
| |||||||
Class B common stock$0.01 par value; no shares authorized, issued or outstanding, actual; shares authorized, shares issued and outstanding, pro forma |
| |||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
| |||||||
Retained earnings |
| |||||||
Non-controlling interest |
| |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total members equity/stockholders equity |
$ | 468,970 | $ | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total capitalization |
$ | 656,648 | $ | |||||
|
|
|
|
(1) | A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) additional paid-in capital, total stockholders equity and total capitalization by approximately $ million, $ million and $ million, respectively, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions payable by us. We may also increase or decrease the number of shares we are offering. An increase (decrease) of one million shares offered by us at an assumed offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) additional paid-in capital, total stockholders equity and total capitalization by approximately $ million, $ million and $ million, respectively, after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. |
(2) | On September 25, 2024, we entered into the Credit Facility and repaid and extinguished the Prior Credit Facility. As of , 2024, we had $ million of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility. |
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Purchasers of our Class A common stock in this offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution in the net tangible book value per share of the Class A common stock for accounting purposes. Our net tangible book value as of June 30, 2024, after giving effect to the transactions described under Corporate Reorganization, was $ , or $ per share. Pro forma net tangible book value per share is determined by dividing our pro forma tangible net worth (tangible assets less total liabilities) by the total number of outstanding shares of Class A common stock that will be outstanding immediately prior to the closing of this offering after giving effect to our corporate reorganization. Assuming an initial public offering price of $ per share (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), after giving effect to the receipt of the estimated net proceeds (after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses), our adjusted pro forma net tangible book value as of June 30, 2024 would have been approximately $ million, or $ per share. This represents an immediate increase in the net tangible book value of $ per share to our existing stockholders and an immediate dilution (i.e., the difference between the offering price and the adjusted pro forma net tangible book value after this offering) to new investors purchasing shares in this offering of $ per share. The following table illustrates the per share dilution to new investors purchasing shares in this offering:
Initial public offering price per share |
$ | |||||||
Pro forma net tangible book value per share as of June 30, 2024 |
||||||||
(after giving effect to our corporate reorganization) |
$ | |||||||
|
|
|||||||
Increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share of Class A common stock attributable to investors in this offering |
$ | |||||||
As adjusted pro forma net tangible book value per share of Class A common stock after our corporate reorganization and this offering |
$ | |||||||
|
|
|||||||
Dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share of Class A common stock to investors in this offering |
$ | |||||||
|
|
A $1.00 change in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would change our as adjusted pro forma net tangible book value per share after the offering by $ and change the dilution to new investors in this offering by $ per share, assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
The following table summarizes, on an adjusted pro forma basis as of June 30, 2024, the total number of shares of Class A common stock owned by existing stockholders and to be owned by new investors, the total consideration paid, and the average price per share paid by our existing stockholders and to be paid by new investors in this offering at our initial public offering price of $ per share, calculated before deduction of estimated underwriting discounts and commissions:
Shares Acquired | Total Consideration | Average Price Per Share |
||||||||||||||||||
Number | Percent | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Existing stockholders |
% | $ | % | $ | ||||||||||||||||
New investors in this offering |
% | $ | % | $ | ||||||||||||||||
Total |
100 | % | $ | 100 | % | $ |
The above tables and discussion are based on the number of shares of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock to be outstanding as of the closing of this offering. If the underwriters option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full, the number of shares held by new investors will be increased to , or approximately % of the total number of shares of Class A common stock.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our future plans, estimates, beliefs and expected performance. The forward-looking statements are dependent upon events, risks, and uncertainties that may be outside our control. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Some of the key factors that could cause actual results to vary from our expectations include those factors discussed below and elsewhere in this prospectus, all of which are difficult to predict. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed may not occur. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors (included elsewhere in this prospectus) contain important information. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law. Unless otherwise indicated, the historical financial information presented in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations speaks only with respect to our predecessor, INR Holdings, and does not give pro forma effect to our corporate reorganization described in Corporate Reorganization.
Overview
We are a growth oriented, free cash flow generating, independent energy company focused on the acquisition, development, and production of hydrocarbons in the Appalachian Basin. We are focused on creating shareholder value through the identification and disciplined development of low-risk, highly economic oil and natural gas assets while maintaining a strong and flexible balance sheet. Additionally, we have proven our ability to grow our acreage position through organic leasing efforts and accretive acquisitions. We are an early mover into the core of the Utica Shales volatile oil window in eastern Ohio as well as the emerging dry gas Utica Shale in southwestern Pennsylvania. Our Marcellus Shale development overlays our deep dry gas Utica assets in Pennsylvania, providing highly economic stacked development inventory that leverages the same company owned midstream infrastructure. We have amassed approximately 90,000 net surface acres with exposure to the core of these plays providing us a unique and balanced portfolio of high return oil and natural gas drilling locations. This balance allows us to optimize our development plan across our portfolio to capitalize on changes in commodity pricing over time.
Market Conditions and Operational Trends
Our revenue, profitability, and ability to return cash to our equity holders can depend on factors beyond our control, such as economic, political, and regulatory developments that impact market supply and demand. Prices for crude oil, natural gas and NGLs have experienced significant fluctuations in recent years and may continue to fluctuate widely in the future.
The oil and gas industry is cyclical and commodity prices are highly volatile. During the period from January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024, spot prices for NYMEX WTI crude oil ranged from $66.61 per Bbl to $123.64 per Bbl, while the range for NYMEX Henry Hub natural gas spot prices was between $1.25 per MMBtu and $9.85 per MMBtu. More recently, prices have increased due to seasonal demand and OPEC+ extending their oil production cuts through 2025 resulting in the NYMEX WTI spot price averaging $80.55 per Bbl during the second quarter of 2024. Natural gas prices have remained low throughout the first half of 2024 driven by an over-supply of production along with milder winter weather and liquefied natural gas (LNG) project delays. We expect that this market will continue to be volatile in the future. The prices we receive for our production, and the levels of our production, depend on numerous factors beyond our control. We use a derivative portfolio and firm sales contracts to mitigate the risks of price volatility.
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The following table highlights the quarterly average price trends for NYMEX WTI spot prices for crude oil and NYMEX Henry Hub index price for natural gas since the first quarter of 2022:
2022 | 2023 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Q1 | Q2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Oil (per Bbl) |
$ | 94.46 | $ | 108.65 | $ | 93.18 | $ | 82.79 | $ | 76.08 | $ | 73.76 | $ | 82.29 | $ | 78.41 | $ | 77.56 | $ | 81.72 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Gas (per MMBtu) |
$ | 4.96 | $ | 7.17 | $ | 8.20 | $ | 6.26 | $ | 3.44 | $ | 2.09 | $ | 2.54 | $ | 2.88 | $ | 2.25 | $ | 1.89 |
Lower commodity prices and lower futures curves for oil and natural gas prices may result in impairments of our proved oil and natural gas properties or undeveloped acreage and may materially and adversely affect our operating cash flows, liquidity, financial condition, results of operations, future business and operations, and/or our ability to finance planned capital expenditures, which could in turn impact our ability to comply with covenants under our Credit Agreement. Lower realized prices may also reduce the borrowing base under our Credit Agreement, which is determined at the discretion of the lenders and is based on the collateral value of our proved reserves that has been mortgaged to the lenders. Upon a redetermination, if any borrowings in excess of the revised borrowing capacity were outstanding, we could be forced to immediately repay a portion of the debt outstanding under the Credit Agreement.
Recent Developments
On July 9, 2024, we closed on our previously announced acquisition of leasehold located within Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County Ohio for approximately $58.5 million. The acquisition adds over 5,700 net acres and is contiguous with our existing acreage and represents 23 new drilling locations.
On August 20, 2024, we entered into a letter of intent with Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District for the lease of approximately 2,300 acres in Guernsey and Noble Counties, Ohio. The acreage is contiguous with our existing acreage and represents 14 new and 4 enhanced (which includes increased working interest or longer lateral length) drilling locations. We expect to close the transaction in late 2024 or early 2025, subject to completion of customary due diligence.
How We Evaluate Our Operations
We use a variety of financial and operational metrics to assess the performance of our operations, including the following sources of our revenue, principal components of our cost structure and other financial metrics:
| Reserve and production levels; |
| Realized prices on the sale of oil, natural gas and NGLs; |
| Lease operating expense (LOE); and |
| Adjusted EBITDAX. |
Sources of Revenues
We derive our revenues predominantly from the sale of our oil and natural gas production and the sale of NGLs that are extracted from our natural gas during processing. Our production is entirely from within the continental United States and is similarly sold to purchasers within the United States; however, some of our production revenues are attributable to customers who may export our products.
Increases or decreases in our revenue, profitability and future production growth are highly dependent on the commodity prices we receive. Oil, natural gas, and NGL prices are market driven and have been historically volatile, and we expect that future prices will continue to fluctuate. During 2023 and 2022, our oil, natural gas, and NGL revenues were comprised of 53% and 38%, respectively, from the sale of oil, 31% and 46%,
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respectively, from the sale of natural gas, and 15% and 15%, respectively, from the sale of NGLs. During the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, our oil, natural gas, and NGL revenues were comprised of 63% and 45%, respectively, from the sale of oil, 20% and 40%, respectively, from the sale of natural gas, and 17% and 14%, respectively, from the sale of NGLs.
We utilize unaffiliated third parties to market a portion of our oil, natural gas, and NGL production to various purchasers, which consist of credit-worthy counterparties, including utilities, LNG producers, industrial consumers, major corporations and super majors in our industry. The third parties collect proceeds directly from these purchasers and remit to us the total of all amounts collected on our behalf less the third partys fee for making such sales. We do not believe the loss of any purchaser would have a material adverse effect on our business, as other purchasers or markets are currently accessible to us.
Midstream activities revenues, which consist of gathering, compression, and water handling, are derived from our ownership of INR Midstream. Our gathering and compression revenues relate to activities located within the dry gas areas of southwestern Pennsylvania. Our water handling revenues relate to activities associated with delivering water for stimulation activities in both eastern Ohio and southwestern Pennsylvania.
Principal Components of Our Cost Structure
Lease operating. LOE are the costs incurred in the operation of producing properties. Expenses for utilities, direct labor, water disposal, materials, and supplies comprise the most significant portion of our LOE. Certain items, such as direct labor, materials, and supplies, generally remain relatively fixed across broad production volume ranges, but can fluctuate depending on activities performed during a specific period. For instance, repairs to our well equipment or surface facilities result in increased LOE in periods during which they are performed. Certain operating cost components are variable and fluctuate based on production levels. For example, the disposal of produced water usually increases in conjunction with increased production. Also, we monitor our LOE in absolute dollar terms and on a per Boe and/or Mcfe basis to assess our performance and to determine if any wells or properties should be shut in, repaired or recompleted.
Gathering, processing, and transportation. Gathering, processing, and transportation expense includes fees paid to third parties who operate low- and high-pressure gathering systems that transport our gas. It also includes costs to process, extract, and fractionate NGLs from our liquids-rich gas and transport our natural gas and NGLs to market.
Production and ad valorem taxes. Pennsylvania imposes an annual impact fee on each producing shale well for a period of 15 years beginning in the year the well is spud. Ohio imposes a production tax which is based upon annual production. The proportion of our production and producing wells from each state may change over time and, as a result, the proportion of our production taxes and impact fees will vary depending on volumes produced from the Utica Shale, the number of producing shale wells in Pennsylvania, and the applicable production tax rates and impact fees then in effect. In addition, we are also subject to ad valorem taxes in the counties where our production is located. Ad valorem taxes are generally based on the valuation of our oil and gas properties as well as the value of property and equipment.
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization. Depreciation, depletion, and amortization includes the systematic expensing of the capitalized costs incurred to acquire and develop oil and natural gas. Under the full- cost method of accounting, we capitalize costs within a cost center and then systematically expense those costs on a units of production basis based on proved oil and natural gas reserve quantities. We calculate depletion on all capitalized costs, other than the cost of investments in unproved properties and major development projects for which proved reserves cannot yet be assigned, less accumulated amortization. Accretion expense related to our asset retirement obligations is also included within this balance.
General and administrative. General and administrative (G&A) expenses are costs incurred for overhead, including payroll and benefits for our corporate staff, costs of maintaining our headquarters, IT
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expenses, legal, audit and other fees for professional services. G&A expenses are offset by recoveries for overhead that are billed to our joint-interest partners as outlined in a joint operating agreement or other similar documents.
Interest expense. We have financed a portion of our working capital requirements and property acquisitions with borrowings under our Prior Credit Facility. As a result, we incur interest expense that is affected by fluctuations in interest rates and, in the case of the Prior Credit Facility based on outstanding borrowings. We expect that we would see a reduction in cash interest expense following the completion of this offering and could see further reductions in cash interest expense as we use free cash flow to lower borrowings outstanding under our Prior Credit Facility.
Gains and losses on derivatives. We utilize commodity derivative contracts to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in the price of oil, natural gas, and NGLs. We recognize gains and losses associated with our open commodity derivative contracts as commodity prices and the associated fair value of our commodity derivative contracts change. The commodity derivative contracts we have in place are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Consequently, these commodity derivative contracts are recorded at fair value as of the balance sheet date with changes in fair value recognized as a gain or loss in our results of operations. Our operating cash flows are impacted to the extent the actual settlements under the contracts result in making a payment to or receiving a payment from the counterparty.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted EBITDAX
We define Adjusted EBITDAX as net income plus interest expense, net, income tax expense, depreciation, depletion, and amortization, unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net cash settlements received (paid) on derivatives, non-cash interest expense (amortization) and non-cash G&A. We believe Adjusted EBITDAX is useful because it makes for an easier comparison of our operating performance, without regard to our financing methods, corporate form or capital structure. We determined our adjustments from net income to arrive at Adjusted EBITDAX to reflect the substantial variance in practice from company to company within our industry depending upon accounting methods and book values of assets, capital structures, and the method by which the assets were acquired. Adjusted EBITDAX should not be considered more meaningful than or as an alternative to net income determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Certain items excluded from Adjusted EBITDAX are significant components in understanding and assessing a companys financial performance, such as a companys cost of capital and tax burden, as well as the historic costs of depreciable assets, none of which are components of Adjusted EBITDAX. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDAX should not be construed as an inference that our results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. Our computations of Adjusted EBITDAX may differ from and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
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The following table provides a reconciliation of our net income, the most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, to Adjusted EBITDAX for the periods presented herein:
Predecessor | Predecessor | Pro Forma | ||||||||||||||||||
For the Six Months Ended June 30, |
For the Year Ended December 31, | For the Year Ended December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 10,014 | $ | 42,191 | $ | 86,672 | $ | 68,129 | $ | |||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
8,971 | 2,942 | 11,910 | 2,574 | ||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense |
| | | | ||||||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
35,277 | 17,428 | 53,796 | 18,336 | ||||||||||||||||
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments |
23,052 | (22,264 | ) | (45,322 | ) | 24,820 | ||||||||||||||
Net cash settlements received (paid) on derivatives |
15,301 | 7,532 | 19,438 | (37,888 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Non-cash G&A |
| | | | ||||||||||||||||
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|
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Adjusted EBITDAX |
$ | 92,615 | $ | 47,829 | $ | 126,494 | $ | 75,971 | $ | |||||||||||
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PV-10
Certain of our oil and natural gas reserve disclosures included in this prospectus are presented on a PV-10 basis. PV-10 is a non-GAAP financial measure and represents the estimated present value of the future cash flows less future development and production costs from our proved reserves before income taxes discounted using a 10% discount rate. PV-10 of proved reserves generally differs from the Standardized Measure, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, because it does not include the effects of future income taxes, as is required under GAAP in computing the Standardized Measure. However, our PV-10 for proved reserves using SEC pricing and the Standardized Measure of proved reserves are equivalent because we were not subject to entity level taxation. Accordingly, no provision for federal or state income taxes has been provided in the Standardized Measure because taxable income is passed through to our unitholders.
We believe that the presentation of a pre-tax PV-10 value provides relevant and useful information because it is widely used by investors and analysts as a basis for comparing the relative size and value of our proved reserves to other oil and natural gas companies. Because many factors that are unique to each individual company may impact the amount and timing of future income taxes, the use of PV-10 value provides greater comparability when evaluating oil and natural gas companies. The PV-10 value is not a measure of financial or operating performance under GAAP, nor is it intended to represent the current market value of proved oil and gas reserves. However, the definition of PV-10 value as defined above may differ significantly from the definitions used by other companies to compute similar measures. As a result, the PV-10 value as defined may not be comparable to similar measures provided by other companies.
Investors should be cautioned that neither PV-10 nor Standardized Measure of proved reserves represents an estimate of the fair market value of our proved reserves. We and others in the industry use PV-10 as a measure to compare the relative size and value of estimated reserves held by companies without regard to the specific tax characteristics of such entities.
Factors That Significantly Affect Comparability of Our Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Our historical financial condition and results of operations for the periods presented may not be comparable, either from period to period or going forward, for the following reasons:
Public Company Expenses. Upon completion of this offering, we expect to incur direct, incremental G&A expenses as a result of being publicly traded, including costs associated with Exchange Act compliance,
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tax compliance, PCAOB support fees, SOX compliance costs, investor relations activities, listing fees, registrar and transfer agent fees, stock-based compensation, incremental director and officer liability insurance costs, and independent director compensation. We estimate these direct, incremental G&A expenses could total approximately $4 million to $6 million per year, which are not included in our historical results of operations.
Corporate Reorganization. The historical consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus are based on the financial statements of our predecessor, INR Holdings, prior to our reorganization in connection with this offering as described in Corporate Reorganization. Our historical financial data may not yield an accurate indication of what our actual results would have been if those transactions had been completed at the beginning of the periods presented or of what our future results of operations are likely to be. If, by virtue of this offering or future events, our outstanding performance-based incentive units vest as a result of the change of control provisions of such incentive units and a payment to the incentive unit holders becomes probable, we could have an immediate recognition of compensation expense arising from them.
Interest Expense. In connection with this offering, we expect to materially reduce our indebtedness. Depending on our use of proceeds, we expect an immediate reduction in cash interest expense and could see further reductions in cash interest expense as we use free cash flow to lower debt.
Income Taxes. Our predecessor, INR Holdings, was organized as a limited liability company not subject to federal income taxes. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes has been provided for in our historical results of operations because taxable income was passed through to our members. Although we are a corporation under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), we do not expect to report any income tax benefit or expense prior to the consummation of this offering.
Results of Operations
Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2023
The following table provides the components of our net revenues and net production for the periods indicated, as well as each periods average prices (before and after the effects of derivatives) and average daily production volumes:
For the Six Months Ended June 30, |
Change | |||||||||||||||
2024(1) | 2023 | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||
Net revenues (in thousands): |
||||||||||||||||
Oil sales |
$ | 75,825 | $ | 27,322 | $ | 48,504 | 178 | % | ||||||||
Natural gas sales |
24,137 | 24,311 | (174 | ) | (1 | )% | ||||||||||
Natural gas liquids sales |
19,944 | 8,499 | 11,445 | 135 | % | |||||||||||
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Oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids sales |
$ | 119,906 | $ | 60,132 | $ | 59,775 | 99 | % | ||||||||
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Average sales prices: |
||||||||||||||||
Oil price (per Bbl) |
$ | 70.62 | $ | 69.54 | $ | 1.08 | 2 | % | ||||||||
Effects of derivative settlements on average price (per Bbl) |
$ | (3.06 | ) | $ | 1.18 | $ | (4.24 | ) | (359 | )% | ||||||
Oil price including the effects of derivatives (per Bbl) |
$ | 67.56 | $ | 70.72 | $ | (3.16 | ) | (4 | )% | |||||||
Wtd. Average NYMEX WTI price for oil (per Bbl)(3) |
$ | 79.91 | $ | 74.52 | $ | 5.39 | 7 | % | ||||||||
Oil differential to NYMEX |
$ | (9.29 | ) | $ | (4.98 | ) | $ | (4.32 | ) | 87 | % | |||||
Natural gas price (per Mcf) |
$ | 1.69 | $ | 2.15 | $ | (0.46 | ) | (22 | )% | |||||||
Effects of derivative settlements on average price (per Mcf) |
$ | 0.49 | $ | 0.55 | $ | (0.07 | ) | (13 | )% | |||||||
Natural gas price including the effects of derivatives (per Mcf) |
$ | 2.17 | $ | 2.71 | $ | (0.53 | ) | (20 | )% | |||||||
Wtd. Average NYMEX Henry Hub price for natural gas (per MMBtu)(3) |
$ | 2.09 | $ | 2.87 | $ | (0.77 | ) | (27 | )% | |||||||
Natural gas differential to NYMEX |
$ | (0.41 | ) | $ | (0.71 | ) | $ | 0.31 | (43 | )% | ||||||
NGL price excluding GP&T (per Bbl) |
$ | 24.08 | $ | 19.77 | $ | 4.30 | 22 | % |
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For the Six Months Ended June 30, |
Change | |||||||||||||||
2024(1) | 2023 | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||
Net production(1): |
||||||||||||||||
Oil (MBbls) |
1,074 | 393 | 681 | 173 | % | |||||||||||
Natural gas (MMcf) |
14,299 | 11,296 | 3,003 | 27 | % | |||||||||||
NGL (Bbls) |
828 | 430 | 399 | 93 | % | |||||||||||
Net production (MBoe)(2) |
4,285 | 2,705 | 1,580 | 58 | % | |||||||||||
Average daily net production(1): |
||||||||||||||||
Oil (Bbls/d) |
5,900 | 2,171 | 3,729 | 172 | % | |||||||||||
Natural gas (Mcf/d) |
78,564 | 62,409 | 16,155 | 26 | % | |||||||||||
NGLs (Bbls/d) |
4,551 | 2,375 | 2,177 | 92 | % | |||||||||||
Average daily net production (Boe/d)(2) |
23,545 | 14,947 | 8,598 | 58 | % | |||||||||||
(1) | Includes the results of operations related to the assets acquired from Utica Resources Ventures and PEO Ohio on October 1, 2023. |
(2) | Calculated by converting natural gas to oil equivalent barrels at a ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one Boe. |
(3) | Based on Netherland, Sewell and Associates Inc. found at https://netherlandsewell.com/resources/pricing-data/ and the U.S. Energy Information Administration commodity pricing. Weighted average is based on INRs production in a given month during the course of the calendar year. |
Revenues
Oil, natural gas, and NGL sales. Total oil, natural gas and NGL net revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2024 increased by $59.8 million, or 99%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023. Revenues are a function of oil, natural gas and NGL volumes sold and average commodity prices realized.
Net production volumes for oil, natural gas, and NGLs increased 173%, 27% and 93%, respectively, between periods. The oil production volume increase resulted from placing eleven Ohio Utica wells (approximately 144,600 lateral feet) on production since June 30, 2023 as compared to four Ohio Utica wells (approximately 23,500 lateral feet) during the prior period. In addition, we placed into production three Pennsylvania Marcellus wells (approximately 33,750 lateral feet) during the six months ended June 30, 2023. Oil production also benefited from wells acquired from Utica Resources Ventures and PEO Ohio. These oil volume increases were partially offset by normal production decline across our existing wells. NGLs are produced concurrently with our crude oil volumes, typically resulting in a high correlation between fluctuations in oil quantities sold. The higher increase in natural gas volumes between periods was due to the full year impact from three additional Pennsylvania Marcellus wells that were placed on production in June 2023. The combination of the 2023 wells along with the Ohio Utica wells placed into production assisted in the overall increase of 3.0 Bcf in natural gas production, an increase of 27% relative to the prior year.
Average realized sales prices for oil and NGLs increased 2% and 22%, respectively, during the period while average realized natural gas sales prices decreased 22% for the six month period ended June 30, 2024 compared to the prior year. The 2% increase in the average realized oil price was mainly driven by higher NYMEX WTI oil prices during the period offset by higher regional differentials compared to the same period a year earlier. The average realized natural gas price decreased 22% due to 27% lower average NYMEX gas prices between periods offset by lower natural gas differentials. The 22% increase in average realized NGL prices between periods was primarily attributable to higher Mont Belvieu spot prices for plant products in 2024 compared to 2023 and changes in product composition between periods.
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Operating Expenses
For the Six Months Ended June 30, |
Change | |||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
||||||||||||||||
Gathering, processing, and transportation |
$ | 22,528 | $ | 11,742 | $ | 10,786 | 92 | % | ||||||||
Lease operating |
13,890 | 6,765 | 7,125 | 105 | % | |||||||||||
Production and ad valorem taxes |
881 | 403 | 478 | 119 | % | |||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |
35,277 | 17,428 | 17,849 | 102 | % | |||||||||||
General and administrative |
5,578 | 2,392 | 3,186 | 133 | % | |||||||||||
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Total operating expenses |
$ | 78,154 | $ | 38,730 | $ | 39,424 | 102 | % | ||||||||
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($ per Boe) |
||||||||||||||||
Gathering, processing, and transportation |
$ | 5.26 | $ | 4.34 | $ | 0.92 | 21 | % | ||||||||
Lease operating |
$ | 3.24 | $ | 2.50 | $ | 0.74 | 30 | % | ||||||||
Production and ad valorem taxes |
$ | 0.21 | $ | 0.15 | $ | 0.06 | 38 | % | ||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |
$ | 8.23 | $ | 6.44 | $ | 1.79 | 28 | % | ||||||||
General and administrative |
$ | 1.30 | $ | 0.88 | $ | 0.42 | 47 | % | ||||||||
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|
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Total operating expenses |
$ | 18.24 | $ | 14.32 | $ | 3.92 | 27 | % | ||||||||
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Gathering, processing, and transportation. Gathering, processing, and transportation (GP&T) for the six months ended June 30, 2023, increased $10.8 million compared to six month period ended June 30, 2023. This increase / decrease was mainly attributable to the acquisition of assets from Utica Resources Ventures and additional wells brought online in Ohio between periods. GP&T per Boe was $5.26 for the six month period ended June 30, 2024, which represents an increase of $0.92 per Boe or 21% increase from the prior year period. This increase was primarily related to increased gas volumes on the Blue Racer Midstream system in Carroll County that has a higher gathering cost structure, lower natural gas volumes on INRs owned Pennsylvania gathering system, and costs associated with well downtime in Ohio.
Lease operating. Lease operating expense (LOE) for the six months ended June 30, 2023, increased $7.1 million compared to the prior year period. LOE per Boe was $3.24 for the six month period ended June 30, 2024, which represents an increase of $0.74 per Boe, or 30%, from the prior year period. This increase in LOE was primarily related to higher fixed and semi-variable well costs, such as water disposal, equipment rentals, repair work, wellhead chemicals, labor and electricity, associated with a higher well count from new producing wells drilled or acquired. The higher well count as of June 30, 2024 was primarily due to the acquisition of 50 gross operated horizontal wells acquired from Utica Resources Ventures that INR operated for the fourth quarter 2023 and 11 wells INR placed on production since June 30, 2023. In addition, the lower natural gas volumes from our assets located in Pennsylvania contributed to the metrics per unit increase.
Production and ad valorem taxes. Production and ad valorem taxes for the six-month period ending June 30, 2024, increased $478 thousand compared to the prior year period. Production taxes in Ohio are based on our production at the wellhead, while ad valorem taxes are generally based on the assessed taxable value of our proved developed oil and gas properties and vary across the different counties in which we operate. Production taxes in Pennsylvania are assessed on producing wells by imposing an impact fee determined based on the market price for natural gas, which commences on the date the well is initially spud and continues for a period of 15 years.
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, DD&A expense amounted to $35.3 million, an increase of $17.8 million over the same 2023 period. The primary factor contributing to higher DD&A expense in 2024 was the increase in our overall production volumes between periods, which increased DD&A expense by $9.2 million, while our higher DD&A rate of $8.23 per Boe
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decreased DD&A expense by $8.6 million between periods. Our DD&A rate can fluctuate as a result of finding and development costs incurred, acquisitions, impairments, as well as changes in proved developed and proved undeveloped reserves.
General and Administrative Expenses. G&A expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2024 were $5.5 million compared to $2.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023. This increase was primarily due to fees related to legal and professional services associated with accounting and auditing services. In addition, higher payroll and employee-related costs associated with our higher G&A headcount, which increased from 34 as of June 30, 2023 to 66 as of June 30, 2024.
Net Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments. Net gains and losses are a function of (i) changes in derivative fair values associated with fluctuations in the forward price curves for the commodities underlying each of our hedge contracts outstanding; and (ii) monthly cash settlements on any closed out hedge positions during the period.
The following table presents gains and losses on our derivative instruments for the periods indicated:
Six Months Ended June 30, |
||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
(in thousands) |
||||||||
Realized cash settlement gains (losses) |
$ | 15,301 | $ | 7,532 | ||||
Non-cash mark-to-market derivative gain (losses) |
(38,353 | ) | 14,732 | |||||
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|
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Total |
$ | (23,052 | ) | $ | 22,264 | |||
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For the Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2022
The following table provides the components of our net revenues and net production for the periods indicated, as well as each periods average prices (before and after the effects of derivatives) and average daily production volumes:
Year Ended December 31, |
Change | |||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||
Net revenues (in thousands): |
||||||||||||||||
Oil sales |
$ | 85,276 | $ | 54,631 | $ | 30,645 | 56 | % | ||||||||
Natural gas sales |
49,617 | 66,048 | (16,431 | ) | (25 | )% | ||||||||||
Natural gas liquids sales |
24,639 | 21,921 | 2,718 | 12 | % | |||||||||||
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Oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids sales |
$ | 159,532 | $ | 142,600 | $ | 16,932 | 12 | % | ||||||||
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Average sales prices: |
||||||||||||||||
Oil price (per Bbl) |
$ | 70.77 | $ | 85.36 | $ | (14.59 | ) | (17 | )% | |||||||
Effects of derivative settlements on average price (per Bbl) |
$ | 0.26 | $ | 11.74 | $ | (11.48 | ) | (98 | )% | |||||||
Oil price including the effects of derivatives (per Bbl) |
$ | 71.03 | $ | 97.10 | $ | (26.07 | ) | (27 | )% | |||||||
Wtd. Average NYMEX WTI price for oil (per Bbl) |
$ | 78.12 | $ | 91.79 | $ | (13.67 | ) | (15 | )% | |||||||
Oil differential to NYMEX |
$ | (7.35 | ) | $ | (6.43 | ) | $ | (0.92 | ) | 14 | % | |||||
Natural gas price (per Mcf) |
$ | 1.80 | $ | 5.70 | $ | (3.90 | ) | (68 | )% | |||||||
Effects of derivative settlements on average price (per Mcf) |
$ | 0.62 | $ | 2.46 | $ | (1.84 | ) | (75 | )% | |||||||
Natural gas price including the effects of derivatives (per Mcf) |
$ | 2.42 | $ | 8.16 | $ | (5.74 | ) | (70 | )% | |||||||
Wtd. Average NYMEX Henry Hub price for natural gas (per MMBtu) |
$ | 2.79 | $ | 6.36 | $ | (3.57 | ) | (56 | )% | |||||||
Natural gas differential to NYMEX Henry Hub |
$ | (0.99 | ) | $ | (0.66 | ) | $ | (0.33 | ) | 50 | % | |||||
NGL price excluding GP&T (per Bbl) |
$ | 22.16 | $ | 33.42 | $ | (11.26 | ) | (34 | )% |
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Year Ended December 31, |
Amount | |||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | Change | Percent | |||||||||||||
Effects of derivative settlements on average price (per Bbl) |
$ | 0.48 | $ | 3.57 | $ | (3.09 | ) | (87 | )% | |||||||
NGL price including the effects of derivatives (per Bbl) |
$ | 22.64 | $ | 36.99 | $ | (14.35 | ) | (39 | )% | |||||||
Net production: |
||||||||||||||||
Oil (MBbls) |
1,205 | 640 | 565 | 88 | % | |||||||||||
Natural gas (MMcf) |
27,506 | 11,585 | 15,921 | 137 | % | |||||||||||
NGL (MBbls) |
1,112 | 656 | 456 | 69 | % | |||||||||||
Net production (MBoe)(1) |
6,901 | 3,227 | 3,674 | 113 | % | |||||||||||
Average daily net production: |
||||||||||||||||
Oil (Bbls/d) |
3,301 | 1,753 | 1,548 | 88 | % | |||||||||||
Natural gas (Mcf/d) |
75,359 | 31,740 | 43,619 | 137 | % | |||||||||||
NGLs (Bbls/d) |
3,047 | 1,797 | 1,250 | 69 | % | |||||||||||
Average daily net production (Boe/d)(1) |
18,908 | 8,840 | 10,068 | 113 | % |
(1) | Calculated by converting natural gas to oil equivalent barrels at a ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one Boe. |
Revenues
Oil, natural gas, and NGL sales
Total oil, natural gas and NGL net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased by $16.9 million, or 12%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. Revenues are a function of oil, natural gas and NGL volumes sold and average commodity prices realized.
Net production volumes for oil, natural gas, and NGLs increased 88%, 137% and 69%, respectively, between periods. The oil production volume increase resulted from placing seven Ohio Utica wells (total 68,385 lateral feet) on production since December 31, 2022 as compared to four Ohio Utica wells (total 48,682 lateral feet) brought online during the year ended December 31, 2022. Oil production also benefited from wells acquired from Utica Resource Ventures and PEO Ohio, which collectively added 373,275 barrels of net oil production to the year ended December 31, 2023. These oil volume increases were partially offset by normal production decline across our existing wells. NGLs are produced concurrently with our crude oil volumes, typically resulting in a high correlation between fluctuations in oil quantities sold. The higher increase in natural gas volumes between periods compared to oil and NGLs was due to three additional Pennsylvania Marcellus (total 44,875 lateral feet) wells placed on production since December 31, 2022. The combination of the 2023 wells and a full year of production from the three Pennsylvania Marcellus wells (total 40,004) turned into sales in December 2022 wells assisted in the overall increase of 15.9 Bcf in natural gas production, an increase of 137% relative to the prior year.
These production increases were partially offset by decreases in the average realized sales prices for oil, natural gas, and NGLs which decreased 17%, 68% and 34%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year. The 17% decrease in the average realized oil price was mainly the result of the lower NYMEX crude prices between periods and slightly higher oil differentials. The average realized natural gas price decreased 68% due to 56% lower average NYMEX gas prices between periods and higher natural gas differentials. The 34% decrease in average realized NGL prices between periods was primarily attributable to lower Mont Belvieu spot prices for plant products in 2023 compared to 2022. The decline was partially offset by changes in product mix as a result of the Utica Resource Acquisition and the PEO Ohio Acquisition.
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Operating Expenses
For the Year Ended December 31, |
Change | |||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
||||||||||||||||
Gathering, processing, and transportation |
$ | 31,097 | $ | 15,673 | $ | 15,424 | 98 | % | ||||||||
Lease operating |
18,371 | 8,256 | 10,115 | 123 | % | |||||||||||
Production and ad valorem taxes |
886 | 719 | 167 | 23 | % | |||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |
53,796 | 18,336 | 35,460 | 193 | % | |||||||||||
General and administrative |
4,885 | 4,712 | 173 | 4 | % | |||||||||||
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Total operating expenses |
$ | 109,035 | $ | 47,696 | $ | 61,339 | 129 | % | ||||||||
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|
|||||||||||
($ per Boe) |
||||||||||||||||
Gathering, processing, and transportation |
$ | 4.51 | $ | 4.86 | $ | (0.35 | ) | (7 | )% | |||||||
Lease operating |
2.66 | 2.56 | 0.10 | 4 | % | |||||||||||
Production and ad valorem taxes |
0.13 | 0.22 | (0.09 | ) | (42 | )% | ||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |
7.79 | 5.68 | 2.11 | 37 | % | |||||||||||
General and administrative |
0.71 | 1.46 | $ | (0.75 | ) | (52 | )% | |||||||||
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|
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Total operating expenses |
$ | 15.80 | $ | 14.78 | $ | 1.02 | 7 | % | ||||||||
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Gathering, processing, and transportation
Gathering, processing, and transportation (GP&T) for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased $15.4 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. GP&T decreased slightly on a per Boe basis from $4.86 for the year ended December 31, 2022, to $4.51 per Boe for the year ended December 31, 2023. While overall GP&T expenses increased, the decline in per unit GP&T expenses is driven by the assets acquired from Utica Resource Ventures which have a lower gas to oil ratio, and thus, a lower gathering fee on a per unit basis relative to our other assets.
Lease operating
LOE for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased $10.1 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. LOE per Boe was $2.66 for the year ended December 31, 2023, which represents an increase of $0.10 per Boe, or 4%, from the year ended December 31, 2022. This increase in LOE was primarily related to higher fixed and semi-variable well costs, such as water disposal, equipment rentals, repair work, wellhead chemicals, labor and electricity, associated with a higher well count from new producing wells drilled or acquired. The higher well count in 2023 was due to the acquisition of 50 gross operated horizontal wells acquired from Utica Resource Ventures that INR operated for the fourth quarter 2023 and 10 wells INR placed on production since December 31, 2022.
Production and ad valorem taxes
Production and ad valorem taxes for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased approximately $0.2 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. Production taxes in Ohio are based on our production at the wellhead, while ad valorem taxes are generally based on the assessed taxable value of our proved developed oil and gas properties and vary across the different counties in which we operate. Production taxes in Pennsylvania are assessed on producing wells by imposing an impact fee determined based on the market price for natural gas, which commences on the date the well is initially spud and continues for a period of 15 years.
85
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
For the year ended December 31, 2023, depreciation, depletion, and amortization (DD&A) expense was $53.8 million, an increase of $35.5 million from 2022. The primary factor contributing to higher DD&A expense in 2023 was the increase in overall production volumes between periods of 3.7 MMBoe, approximately 0.9 MMBoe of which related to the properties acquired in the Utica Resource Acquisition and the PEO Ohio Acquisition that closed on October 4, 2023.
General and administrative
General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023, were $4.9 million compared to $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Our increased general and administrative expenses in 2023 were primarily due to higher payroll and employee-related costs within our general and administrative functions related to headcount increases and costs to support the additional headcount. INR Holdings headcount increased from 30 as of December 31, 2022, to 49 as of December 31, 2023, driven by the aforementioned acquisitions and increased support of operational activity.
Other Income and Expense
Interest expense, net
Interest expense was $9.3 million higher for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, mainly due to higher weighted average borrowings outstanding and a higher effective interest rate during 2023.
Our weighted average borrowings outstanding under our Prior Credit Facility were $120.8 million during 2023 compared to $38.2 million in 2022. Our Prior Credit Facilitys weighted average effective interest rate was 9.10% and 5.84% for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively, due to higher rates on our variable-rate borrowings between periods.
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments
Our gains and losses are a function of (i) changes in derivative fair values associated with fluctuations in the forward price curves for the commodities underlying each of our hedge contracts outstanding and (ii) monthly cash settlements on any closed-out hedge positions during the period. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we realized a $19.4 million gain from the settlement of derivative instruments as compared to a realized loss of $37.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Following the completion of this offering, we expect our primary sources of liquidity to be cash flows from operations, borrowings incurred under our Credit Facility, proceeds from offerings of debt or equity securities, or proceeds from the sale of oil and gas properties. Our future cash flows are subject to a number of variables, including oil and natural gas prices, which have been and will likely continue to be volatile. Lower commodity prices can negatively impact our cash flows and our ability to access debt or equity markets, and sustained low oil and natural gas prices could have a material and adverse effect on our liquidity position. To date, our primary uses of capital have been for drilling and development capital expenditures and the acquisition of oil and natural gas properties.
We continually evaluate our capital needs and compare them to our capital resources. Our total cash capital expenditures incurred for development during the six months ended June 30, 2024 were $105 million. We funded our capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2024 from cash flows from operations and borrowings incurred under our Prior Credit Facility. We expect to continue to fund our 2024 capital expenditures budget
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through a combination of cash flows from operations and additional borrowings under our Prior Credit Facility and Credit Facility. Our ability to utilize cash flows from operations to fund our development program is driven by our oil and gas production, current commodity prices and our commodity hedge positions in place.
We operate the vast majority of our acreage and therefore can largely control the amount and timing of our capital expenditures. Accordingly, we can choose to defer or accelerate a portion of our planned capital expenditures depending on a variety of factors, including but not limited to: (i) prevailing and anticipated prices for oil and natural gas; (ii) the success of our drilling activities; (iii) the availability of necessary equipment, infrastructure and capital; (iv) the receipt and timing of required regulatory permits and approvals; (v) seasonal conditions; (vi) property or land acquisition costs; and (vii) the level of participation by other working interest owners.
Our liquidity requirements also include operating expenses, which have been impacted by elevated levels of inflation. High oil prices have historically led to more development activity in oil-focused shale basins and resulted in service cost inflation across all U.S. shale basins, including our areas of operation. Ongoing inflationary pressures may result in increases to the costs of our oilfield goods, services and personnel, which would, in turn, cause our capital expenditures and operating costs to rise. We closely monitor costs and are cost conscious in managing our operations. We may solicit bids from multiple vendors or contractors or source materials from multiple suppliers to take advantage of cost competition, and we may buy surplus materials if we can acquire them on attractive terms. Where we anticipate elevated costs may be more sustained, such as in the cost of services, we may enter into contracts with certain service providers to lock in rates. We are also strategic in the duration of our contracts to provide flexibility to take advantage of cost declines when they occur. Sustained levels of high inflation have also caused the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks to increase interest rates, which has raised the cost of capital and increased our interest expense.
Although we cannot provide any assurance that cash flows from operations or other sources of needed capital will be available to us at acceptable terms, or at all, and noting that our ability to access the public or private debt or equity capital markets at economic terms in the future will be affected by general economic conditions, the domestic and global oil and financial markets, our operational and financial performance, the value and performance of our debt or equity securities, prevailing commodity prices and other macroeconomic factors outside of our control, we believe that based on our current expectations and projections, we have sufficient liquidity to fund future operations and to meet obligations as they become due for at least one year following the date that our consolidated financial statements are issued.
Cash Flow Activity
Our financial condition and results of operations, including our liquidity and profitability, are significantly affected by the prices that we realize for our oil, natural gas and NGLs and the volumes of oil and natural gas that we produce. Oil, natural gas and NGLs are commodities for which established trading markets exist.
Accordingly, our operating cash flow is sensitive to a number of variables, the most significant of which are the volatility of oil, natural gas and NGL prices and production levels both regionally and across the United States, the availability and price of alternative fuels, infrastructure capacity to reach markets, costs of operations, and other variable factors. We monitor factors that we believe could be likely to influence price movements including new or expanded oil and natural gas markets, gas imports, LNG and other exports, and regional and industry-wide capital intensity levels.
Our produced volumes have a high correlation to our level of capital expenditures such that our ability to fund it through operating and financing cash flows may be affected by multiple factors discussed further herein.
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The following summarizes our cash flow activity for the periods indicated:
For the Six Months Ended June 30, |
For the year ended December 31, |
|||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
$ | 96,791 | $ | 57,443 | $ | 106,475 | $ | 64,976 | ||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(108,371 | ) | (95,935 | ) | (436,686 | ) | (95,661 | ) | ||||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
16,937 | 39,186 | 330,976 | 28,997 | ||||||||||||
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Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 5,357 | $ | 694 | $ | 765 | $ | (1,688 | ) | |||||||
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Analysis of Cash Flow Changes Between the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023
Operating activities
For the six months ended June 30, 2024, we generated $96.8 million of cash from operating activities, an increase of $39.3 million from the same period in 2023. Cash provided by operating activities increased primarily due to higher production volumes and higher realized price of oil and NGLs for the six months ended June 30, 2024 as compared to the same 2023 period. These increasing factors were partially offset by higher LOE, severance and ad valorem taxes, GP&T, G&A, interest expense and lower realized prices for gas during the six months ended June 30, 2024 as compared to the same 2023 period. Refer to Results of Operations for more information on the impact of volumes and prices on revenues and on fluctuations in our operating costs between periods.
During the six months ended June 30, 2024, cash flows from operating activities, cash on hand and net borrowings under our Prior Credit Facility were used to fund $108.9 million of drilling and development cash capital expenditures.
During the six months ended June 30, 2023, cash flows from operating activities, cash on hand and net borrowings under our Prior Credit Facility were used to fund $95.9 million of drilling and development capital expenditures.
Investing activities
For the six months ended June 30, 2024, we spent $104.9 million on capital expenditures in conjunction with our drilling program in which we drilled and brought online 9 gross (8.1 net) wells and leasehold costs. We also spent $3.5 million on other property and equipment.
For the six months ended June 30, 2023, we spent $87.9 million on capital expenditures in conjunction with our drilling program in which we drilled and brought online 7 gross (6.5 net) wells and leasehold costs. We also spent $8.0 million on other property and equipment.
Financing activities
For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the change in financing activity was primarily related to borrowing $56.5 million under our Prior Credit Facility and payments of $40.0 million.
For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the change in financing activity was primarily related to borrowing $84.5 million under our Prior Credit Facility and payments of $44.8 million.
88
Analysis of Cash Flow Changes Between the Year Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2023 increased by $41.5 million from 2022. Items impacting operating cash flows included increased total revenues of $18.6 million and increased cash settlements on derivatives of $57.3 million, which was offset by increased operating expenses of $25.9 million, predominantly GP&T expense and LOE, as well as increased interest expense of $9.3 million and decreased changes in working capital of $0.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022.
Our operating cash flow is sensitive to many variables, the most significant of which is the volatility of prices for the oil and natural gas we produce. Prices for these commodities are determined primarily by prevailing market conditions. Regional and worldwide economic activity, weather and other substantially variable factors influence market conditions for these products. These factors are beyond our control and are difficult to predict.
Investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities in 2023 was primarily related to the $279.0 million purchase price of the assets acquired from Utica Resource Ventures and PEO Ohio, which was funded by the issuance of Class B interests and borrowings under our Prior Credit Facility, as discussed below as part of our financing activities.
During 2023, we spent $146.0 million on capital expenditures in conjunction with our drilling program in which we drilled and brought online 10 gross (9.1 net) wells and leasehold costs. We also spent $11.7 million on other property and equipment.
During 2022, we spent $84.1 million on capital expenditures in conjunction with our drilling program in which we participated in the drilling of 7 gross (6.6 net) wells and leasehold costs. We also spent $11.6 million on other property and equipment.
Financing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities in 2023 increased primarily related to the issuance of $222.3 million of Class B interests in connection with the Utica Resource Acquisition and the PEO Ohio Acquisition. During 2023, we borrowed $203.9 million under our Prior Credit Facility, including $56.7 million to fund the purchase price of the Utica Resource Acquisition and the PEO Ohio Acquisition. We made payments of $90.8 million under the Prior Credit Facility and also made payments of $4.3 million related to debt issuance costs.
During 2022, we borrowed $127.6 million under our Prior Credit Facility and made payments of $98 million.
Derivative Activities
We are exposed to volatility in market prices and basis differentials for oil, natural gas and NGLs, which impacts the predictability of our cash flows related to the sale of those commodities. Accordingly, to achieve more predictable cash flow and reduce our exposure to adverse fluctuations in commodity prices, we use commodity derivatives, such as swaps, to hedge price risk associated with our anticipated production and to underpin our development program. This helps reduce potential negative effects of reductions in oil and gas prices but also reduces our ability to benefit from increases in oil and gas prices. In certain circumstances, where we have unrealized gains in our derivative portfolio, we may choose to restructure existing derivative contracts or enter into new transactions to modify the terms of current contracts in order to utilize their value to further our strategic pursuits.
89
A fixed price swap has an established fixed price. When the settlement price is below the fixed price, the counterparty pays us an amount equal to the difference between the settlement price and the fixed price multiplied by the hedged contract volume. When the settlement price is above the fixed price, we pay our counterparty an amount equal to the difference between the settlement price and the fixed price multiplied by the hedged contract volume.
A basis swap involves swapping variable interest rates based on different reference rates. We receive a fixed price differential and pays the floating market price differential to the counterparty which is calculated based on the differential between NYMEX and the natural gas price at a specific delivery point.
A put option has an established floor price. The buyer of that put option pays the seller a premium to enter into the put option. When the settlement price is below the floor price, the seller pays the buyer an amount equal to the difference between the settlement price and the strike price multiplied by the hedged contract volume. When the settlement price is above the floor price, the put option expires worthless.
A call option has an established ceiling price. The buyer of the call option pays the seller a premium to enter into the call option. When the settlement price is above the ceiling price, the seller pays the buyer an amount equal to the difference between the settlement price and the strike price multiplied by the hedged contract volume. When the settlement price is below the ceiling price, the call option expires worthless.
The following tables provide information about our derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 2023.
Volume | Weighted Average Price | Fair Value as of December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
Oil |
(in MBbls) | ($ per Bbl) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
1,603 | $ | 74.54 | $ | 4,804 | |||||||
2025 |
776 | $ | 70.53 | 1,583 | ||||||||
2026 |
211 | $ | 68.24 | 577 | ||||||||
2027 |
13 | $ | 66.49 | 31 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
2,603 | $ | 6,995 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Volume | Weighted Average Price | Fair Value as of December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
Natural gas |
(in MMBtu) | ($ per MMBtu) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
20,249 | $ | 3.49 | $ | 18,580 | |||||||
2025 |
17,372 | $ | 3.65 | 3,531 | ||||||||
2026 |
2,713 | $ | 4.07 | 303 | ||||||||
2027 |
119 | $ | 4.45 | 2 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
40,453 | $ | 22,416 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Volume | Basis Differential | Fair Value as of December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
Natural gas |
(in MMBtu) | ($ per MMBtu) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Basis swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
22,736 | $ | (0.97 | ) | $ | (2,255 | ) | |||||
2025 |
17,372 | $ | (1.07 | ) | (444 | ) | ||||||
2026 |
2,713 | $ | (1.10 | ) | (129 | ) | ||||||
2027 |
119 | $ | (0.99 | ) | (8 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
42,940 | $ | (2,836 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
90
Volume | Weighted Average Price | Fair Value as of December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
Ethane |
(in gallons) | ($ per gallon) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
8,888,600 | $ | 0.25 | $ | 399 | |||||||
2025 |
4,932,000 | $ | 0.25 | 41 | ||||||||
2026 |
419,500 | $ | 0.29 | 3 | ||||||||
2027 |
8,000 | $ | 0.35 | | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
14,248,100 | $ | 443 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Volume | Weighted Average Price | Fair Value as of December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
Propane |
(in gallons) | ($ per gallon) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
15,737,800 | $ | 0.73 | $ | 819 | |||||||
2025 |
9,792,200 | $ | 0.69 | 126 | ||||||||
2026 |
2,685,500 | $ | 0.70 | 112 | ||||||||
2027 |
168,000 | $ | 0.73 | 10 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
28,383,500 | $ | 1,067 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Volume | Weighted Average Price | Fair Value as of December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
Isobutane |
(in gallons) | ($ per gallon) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
3,058,200 | $ | 0.87 | $ | (216 | ) | ||||||
2025 |
1,891,600 | $ | 0.81 | (121 | ) | |||||||
2026 |
512,500 | $ | 0.77 | (31 | ) | |||||||
2027 |
32,000 | $ | 0.78 | (2 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
5,494,300 | $ | (370 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Volume | Weighted Average Price | Fair Value as of December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
Normal butane |
(in gallons) | ($ per gallon) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
5,169,600 | $ | 0.85 | $ | (185 | ) | ||||||
2025 |
3,206,500 | $ | 0.79 | (155 | ) | |||||||
2026 |
872,000 | $ | 0.78 | (31 | ) | |||||||
2027 |
54,000 | $ | 0.79 | (1 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
9,302,100 | $ | (372 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Volume | Weighted Average Price | Fair Value as of December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
Pentane |
(in gallons) | ($ per gallon) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
3,816,000 | $ | 1.44 | $ | 102 | |||||||
2025 |
2,313,600 | $ | 1.35 | (3 | ) | |||||||
2026 |
579,500 | $ | 1.32 | 25 | ||||||||
2027 |
35,000 | $ | 1.30 | 2 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
6,744,100 | $ | 126 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
91
The following tables provide information about our derivative financial instruments as of June 30, 2024:
Volume | Weighted Average Price | Fair Value as of June 30, 2024 |
||||||||||
Oil |
(in MBbls) | ($ per Bbl) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
880 | $ | 74.01 | $ | (4,978 | ) | ||||||
2025 |
1,383 | $ | 71.81 | (4,827 | ) | |||||||
2026 |
520 | $ | 69.58 | (750 | ) | |||||||
2027 |
35 | $ | 68.04 | (40 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
2,818 | $ | (10,595 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Volume | Weighted Average Price | Fair Value as of June 30, 2024 |
||||||||||
Natural gas |
(in MMBtu) | ($ per MMBtu) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
12,331 | $ | 3.30 | $ | 7,102 | |||||||
2025 |
30,188 | $ | 3.57 | 5,025 | ||||||||
2026 |
20,184 | $ | 3.78 | (543 | ) | |||||||
2027 |
1,462 | $ | 4.35 | (126 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
64,165 | $ | 11,458 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Volume | Basis Differential | Fair Value as of June 30, 2024 |
||||||||||
Natural gas |
(in MMBtu) | ($ per MMBtu) | (in thousands)(1) | |||||||||
Basis swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
14,490 | $ | (1.23 | ) | $ | (2,474 | ) | |||||
2025 |
30,529 | $ | (1.04 | ) | (3,376 | ) | ||||||
2026 |
20,098 | $ | (1.06 | ) | (730 | ) | ||||||
2027 |
1,239 | $ | (1.03 | ) | (97 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
66,356 | $ | (6,677 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Volume | Weighted Average Price | Fair Value as of June 30, 2024 |
||||||||||
Ethane |
(in gallons) | ($ per gallon) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
6,869,600 | $ | 0.23 | $ | 244 | |||||||
2025 |
12,133,000 | $ | 0.25 | 14 | ||||||||
2026 |
6,063,500 | $ | 0.28 | 16 | ||||||||
2027 |
435,000 | $ | 0.30 | 3 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
25,501,100 | $ | 277 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Volume | Weighted Average Price | Fair Value as of June 30, 2024 |
||||||||||
Propane |
(in gallons) | ($ per gallon) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
9,565,800 | $ | 0.74 | $ | (1,105 | ) | ||||||
2025 |
17,764,200 | $ | 0.72 | (1,221 | ) | |||||||
2026 |
8,080,500 | $ | 0.70 | (136 | ) | |||||||
2027 |
577,000 | $ | 0.72 | (1 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
35,987,500 | $ | (2,463 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
92
Volume | Weighted Average Price | Fair Value as of June 30, 2024 |
||||||||||
Isobutane | (in gallons) | ($ per gallon) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
1,987,600 | $ | 0.90 | $ | (407 | ) | ||||||
2025 |
3,755,600 | $ | 0.87 | (439 | ) | |||||||
2026 |
1,667,500 | $ | 0.83 | (81 | ) | |||||||
2027 |
114,000 | $ | 0.82 | (5 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
7,524,700 | $ | (932 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Volume | Weighted Average Price | Fair Value as of June 30, 2024 |
||||||||||
Normal butane |
(in gallons | ) | ($ | per gallon | ) | (in thousands | ) | |||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
3,165,200 | $ | 0.86 | $ | (462 | ) | ||||||
2025 |
5,869,500 | $ | 0.83 | (533 | ) | |||||||
2026 |
2,686,000 | $ | 0.81 | (80 | ) | |||||||
2027 |
192,000 | $ | 0.81 | (4 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
11,912,700 | $ | (1,079 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Volume | Weighted Average Price | Fair Value as of June 30, 2023 |
||||||||||
Pentane | (in gallons) | ($ per gallon) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
2,561,400 | $ | 1.46 | $ | (290 | ) | ||||||
2025 |
4,818,600 | $ | 1.42 | (509 | ) | |||||||
2026 |
2,168,500 | $ | 1.38 | (71 | ) | |||||||
2027 |
149,000 | $ | 1.35 | (4 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
9,697,500 | $ | (874 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
(1) | These natural gas basis swap contracts are settled based on the difference between Dominion South or TETCO M2 price and the NYMEX price of natural gas during each applicable monthly settlement period. |
Changes in the fair value of derivative contracts from December 31, 2023 to June 30, 2024, are presented below:
(in thousands) | Commodity Derivative Asset (Liability) |
|||
Net fair value of oil and gas derivative contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2023 |
$ | 27,469 | ||
Commodity hedge contract settlement payments, net of any receipts |
(15,301 | ) | ||
Cash and non-cash mark-to-market gains (losses) on commodity hedge contracts(1) |
(23,052 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Net fair value of oil and gas derivative contracts outstanding as of June 30, 2024 |
$ | (10,884 | ) | |
|
|
(1) | At inception, new derivative contracts entered into by us have no intrinsic value. |
We expect to continue to use commodity derivatives to hedge our price risk in the future, though pricing levels will be dependent upon prevailing conditions, including available capacity of our counterparties.
Financing Agreements
Credit Facility
On September 25, 2024, we entered into a new credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. (the Credit Facility). The Credit Facility has a total facility size of $1.5 billion, an initial borrowing base of $325.0 million and
93
available capacity of $ million as of , 2024. The Credit Facility replaced our Prior Credit Facility (as defined below), which was terminated in connection with the refinancing.
We intend to use the net proceeds of this offering to repay outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility.
Prior Credit Facility
On October 4, 2023, we entered into an amended and restated credit facility with a syndicate of banks led by the Bank of Oklahoma (the Prior Credit Facility). Borrowings under our Prior Credit Facility were subject to borrowing base limitations based upon the collateral value of the pledged assets and are subject to semi-annual redeterminations. The facility matures in April 2026. As of June 30, 2024, our reserves supported a $275 million credit facility of which $187.5 million was outstanding leaving $87.5 million of unused capacity.
The Prior Credit Facility also requires us to maintain compliance with the following financial ratios:
| Current ratio the ratio of consolidated current assets (including an add back of unused commitments under the revolving credit facility and excluding non-cash derivative assets and certain restricted cash) to its consolidated current liabilities (excluding the current portion of long-term debt under the Amended and Restated Credit Facility and non-cash derivative liabilities) of not less than 1.0 to 1.0; and |
| Leverage ratio the ratio of total funded debt to consolidated EBITDAX of not greater than 3.0 to 1.0. |
We were in compliance with the covenants and applicable financial ratios described above as of December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024.
Other long-term debt
Other long-term debt principally relates to car loans associated with the Companys car fleet to support the Companys team to service and maintain its operated wells.
Payments due by fiscal year related to other long-term debt as of December 31, 2023, are as follows:
Long-Term Note Payable |
||||
(in thousands) | ||||
2024 |
$ | 124 | ||
2025 |
99 | |||
2026 |
43 | |||
2027 |
11 | |||
2028 |
| |||
|
|
|||
Total payments |
$ | 277 | ||
|
|
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In connection with preparing of our financial statements, we are required to make assumptions and estimates about future events, and to apply judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expense and the related disclosures. We base our assumptions, estimates and judgments on historical experience, current trends and other factors that management believes to be relevant at the time we prepare our consolidated financial statements. On a regular basis, management reviews the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates and judgments to ensure that our financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with U.S. GAAP. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ materially from our assumptions and estimates.
94
Our significant accounting policies are discussed in our audited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Management believes that the following accounting estimates are those most critical to fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results, and they require managements most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, resulting from the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.
Method of Accounting for Oil and Natural Gas Properties
We account for oil and natural gas producing activities using the full cost method of accounting. Accordingly, all costs, including non-productive costs and certain general and administrative costs such as salaries, benefits and other internal costs directly associated with acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties, are capitalized. Under the full cost method of accounting, capitalized costs are amortized based on units-of-production and proved oil and natural gas reserves. If we maintain production levels year over year, our depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense may be significantly different if our estimates of remaining reserves or future development costs change significantly. On a quarterly basis, we review the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties under the full cost method of accounting prescribed by the SEC, which is referred to as a cost center ceiling test.
The primary factors impacting this test are reserve estimates and the unweighted arithmetic average of index prices on the first day of each month within the 12-month period that ends as of each quarterly balance sheet date. Downward revisions to estimates of oil and natural gas reserves and/or unfavorable prices may have a material impact on the present value of estimated future net revenues. Any excess of the net book value, less deferred income taxes (which our predecessor, INR Holdings, has not been subject to historically for federal income tax purposes), is generally written off as an expense. We did not record any impairment of oil and natural gas properties for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 or the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Additionally, costs associated with unevaluated properties are excluded from properties subject to amortization until we have made a determination as to the existence of proved reserves. We assess all items classified as unevaluated property at least annually for possible impairment. This assessment is subjective and includes consideration of numerous factors, including drilling plans, remaining lease terms, geological and geophysical evaluations, drilling results and activity, the assignment of proved reserves, and the economic viability of development if proved reserves are assigned. We did not record any impairment on our unevaluated properties during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 or the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, but any such future impairment could potentially be material to our consolidated financial statements.
Oil and Natural Gas Reserves
Proved oil and gas reserves, as defined by SEC Regulation S-X, Rule 4-10, are those quantities of oil and natural gas that, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date forward from known reservoirs and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation.
Reserve estimates are prepared by our internal engineers and audited by independent engineers. Revisions may result from changes in, among other things, reservoir performance, development plans, prices, operating costs, economic conditions and governmental restrictions. Decreases in prices, for example, may cause a reduction in certain proved reserves due to reaching economic limits sooner. A material change in the estimated volume of reserves could have an impact on the depletion rate calculation and our consolidated financial statements.
95
We estimate future net cash flows from natural gas, NGLs and oil reserves based on selling prices and costs using a 12-month average price, which is calculated as the unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the- month price for each month within the 12-month period and, as such, is subject to change in subsequent periods. Operating costs, production and ad valorem taxes and future development costs are based on current costs with no escalation. Income tax expense (which our predecessor, INR Holdings, has not been subject to historically for federal income tax purposes) is based on currently enacted statutory tax rates and tax deductions and credits available under current laws.
Revenue Recognition
We derive revenue primarily from the sale of produced oil, natural gas, and NGLs. Revenue is recognized when production is sold to a purchaser at a fixed or determinable price, delivery has occurred, control has transferred and collectability of the revenue is probable. Our performance obligations are satisfied at a point in time and payments from purchasers are unconditional once the performance obligations have been satisfied, which occurs when control is transferred to the purchaser upon delivery of production volumes at a specified point. The pricing provisions of our contracts with customers are based on market indices, with certain adjustments for quality, supply and demand conditions, and location differentials, among other factors.
At the end of each month, we estimate the amount of production delivered to purchasers for that month and estimate revenues based on the price we expect to receive. Payments are generally received between 30 and 60 days after the date of production. Any variances between our accrued revenue estimates and the actual amounts of payments received for the sales of our production are recorded in the month that each payment is received from our purchasers. Such variances have historically not been significant.
The revenue derived from our midstream activities is generated from gathering assets owned by our wholly- owned subsidiary, INR Midstream. We charge a gathering fee per MMBtu transported through our gathering system and fees are recognized as revenue based on measured volumes at the specified delivery points when the associated service is performed.
Derivative Instruments
We use commodity derivatives for the purpose of mitigating the risk resulting from fluctuations in the market prices of crude oil and natural gas. We exercise significant judgment in determining the types of instruments to be used, the level of production volumes to include in our commodity derivative contracts, the prices at which we enter into commodity derivative contracts and counterparty creditworthiness. We do not use commodity derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes.
We have not designated our derivative instruments as hedges for accounting purposes and, as a result, mark our derivative instruments to fair value and recognize the cash and non-cash change in fair value on derivative instruments for each period in the consolidated statements of operations. We are also required to recognize our derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheets as assets or liabilities at fair value with such amounts classified as current or long-term based on their anticipated settlement dates. The accounting for the changes in fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative and resulting designation, and is generally determined using various inputs and assumptions including established index prices and other sources which are based upon, among other things, futures prices, time to maturity, implied volatilities and counterparty credit risk.
These fair values are recorded by netting asset and liability positions, including any deferred premiums, that are with the same counterparty and are subject to contractual terms which provide for net settlement. Changes in the fair values of our commodity derivative instruments have a significant impact on our net income because we follow mark-to-market accounting and recognize all gains and losses on such instruments in earnings in the period in which they occur.
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Tax Receivable Agreement
As described in Corporate Reorganization, Infinity Natural Resources will enter into a Tax Receivable Agreement in connection with the closing of this offering under which it will be contractually committed to pay the Existing Owners 85% of the net cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax that Infinity Natural Resources (a) actually realizes with respect to taxable periods ending after this offering or (b) is deemed to realize in the event of a change of control (as defined under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which includes certain mergers, asset sales and other forms of business combinations and certain changes to the composition of the INR board of directors) or the Tax Receivable Agreement terminates early (at our election or as a result of our breach) with respect to any taxable periods ending on or after such change of control or early termination event, in each case, as a result of (i) the tax basis increases resulting from the exchange of INR Units and the corresponding surrender of an equivalent number of shares of Class B common stock by the Existing Owners for a number of shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis or, at our option, the receipt of an equivalent amount of cash pursuant to the INR Holdings LLC Agreement and (ii) imputed interest deemed to be paid by us as a result of, and additional tax basis arising from, any payments we make under the Tax Receivable Agreement.
The projection of future taxable income and utilization of tax attributes associated with the Tax Receivable Agreement involve estimates which require significant judgment. The amount of the Companys actual taxable income (which may differ from our estimates), passage of future legislation, or consummation of significant transactions in the future may significantly impact the liability related to the Tax Receivable Agreement. The Company will account for amounts payable under the Tax Receivable Agreement in accordance with Accounting Standard Codification Topic 450, Contingencies.
JOBS Act
The JOBS Act permits us, as an emerging growth company, to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies. We have elected to take advantage of this extended transition period, which means that the financial statements included in this prospectus, as well as any financial statements that we file or furnish in the future, will not be subject to all new or revised accounting standards generally applicable to public companies for the transition period for so long as we remain an emerging growth company.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (an ASU) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280)Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (ASU 2023-07), which updates reportable segment disclosure requirements primarily by enhancing disclosures about significant segment expenses and information used to assess segment performance. Additionally, ASU 2023-07 enhances interim disclosure requirements, clarifies circumstances in which an entity can disclose multiple segment measures of profit or loss and provides new segment disclosure requirements for entities with a single reportable segment. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Management is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on the Companys disclosures. Adoption of the update is not expected to have a material impact to the Companys financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740)Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires that certain information in a reporting entitys tax rate reconciliation be disaggregated and provides additional requirements regarding income taxes paid. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted, and should be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. Management is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on the Companys disclosures. Adoption of the update is not expected to have a material impact to the Companys financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
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The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs. ASUs not listed above were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or not material upon adoption.
Internal Controls and Procedures
We are not currently required to comply with the SECs rules implementing Section 404 of SOX and are therefore not required to make a formal assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for that purpose. Upon becoming a public company, we will be required to comply with the SECs rules with respect to Section 302 of SOX, which will require certifications in our quarterly and annual reports and provision of an annual management report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. In connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2023, and for the year then ended, our management and our independent registered public accounting firm identified deficiencies that represented material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting which relate to: (a) our general segregation of duties, including the review and approval of journal entries; (b) the lack of a formalized risk assessment process; (c) identification and implementation of control activities, including over information technology; (d) identification and application of a sufficient level of formal accounting policies and procedures; and (e) maintaining a sufficient complement of accounting and financial reporting resources commensurate with our financial reporting requirements.
We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in the areas affected by the material weaknesses described above and perform additional procedures prescribed by management. See Risk Factors.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
We routinely enter into or extend operating and transportation agreements, office and equipment leases, drilling rig contracts, and other agreements, in the ordinary course of business. We have not guaranteed the debt or obligations of any other party, nor do we have any other arrangements or relationships with other entities that could potentially result in consolidated debt or losses. The following table summarizes our obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2023, to make future payments under long-term contracts for the time periods specified below:
2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | Thereafter | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prior Credit Facility Principal |
| | $ | 170,964 | | | | $ | 170,964 | |||||||||||||||||||
Prior Credit Facility Interest(1) |
15,558 | 15,558 | 5,186 | | | | 36,302 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Drilling Rig |
3,150 | | | | | | 3,150 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Notes Payable |
124 | 99 | 43 | 11 | | | 277 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Lease Liabilities |
105 | 130 | 87 | 87 | 87 | 797 | 1,293 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Asset Retirement Obligation |
| | | | | 970 | 970 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Total |
$ | 18,937 | $ | 15,787 | $ | 176,280 | $ | 98 | $ | 87 | $ | 1,767 | $ | 212,956 | ||||||||||||||
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(1) | This debt bears interest at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus a borrowing spread. In determining future interest, we used outstanding amounts at December 31, 2023 and the average borrowing cost for calendar year 2023. |
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The primary objective of the following information is to provide forward-looking quantitative and qualitative information about our potential exposure to market risk. The term market risk refers to the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in oil and natural gas prices and interest rates. The disclosures are not meant to be precise indicators of expected future losses, but rather indicators of reasonably possible losses. This forward-looking information provides indicators of how we view and manage our ongoing market risk exposures. All of our market risk sensitive instruments were entered into for hedging purposes, rather than for speculative trading.
Oil, Natural Gas and NGL Revenues
Our revenues and cash flows from operations are subject to many variables, the most significant of which is the volatility of commodity prices. Commodity prices are affected by many factors outside of our control, including changes in market supply and demand, which are impacted by global economic factors, pipeline capacity constraints, inventory levels, basis differentials, weather conditions and other factors. Commodity prices have long been volatile and unpredictable, and we expect this volatility to continue in the future.
There can be no assurance that commodity prices will not be subject to continued wide fluctuations in the future. A substantial or extended decline in such prices could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and quantities of oil and gas reserves that may be economically produced, which could result in impairments of our oil and gas properties.
Commodity Price Risk and Hedges
Our major market risk exposure is in the pricing that we receive for our oil, natural gas and NGL production. Oil, natural gas and NGLs are commodities and, therefore, their prices are subject to wide fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in supply and demand. Historically, the oil, natural gas and NGL markets have been volatile. Our revenues, profitability and future growth are highly dependent on the prices we receive for our oil, natural gas and NGL sales, and the levels of our production, depend on numerous factors beyond our control, some of which are described under Risk Factors.
Our primary market risk exposure is in the pricing that we receive for our oil, natural gas and NGL production. Pricing for oil, natural gas and NGLs has been volatile and unpredictable for several years, and we expect this volatility to continue for the foreseeable future. Based on our production for the year ended December 31, 2023, our oil and gas sales for the year ended December 31, 2023 would have moved up or down $8.5 million for each 10% change in oil prices per Bbl, $5.0 million for each 10% change in gas prices per Mcf, and $2.5 million for each 10% change in NGL prices per Bbl. Based on our production for the six months ended June 30, 2024, our oil and gas sales for the first half of 2024 would have moved up or down $8.6 million for each 10% change in oil prices per Bbl, $2.5 million for each 10% change in gas prices per Mcf, and $2.0 million for each 10% change in NGL prices per Bbl.
Due to this volatility, we have historically used, and we may elect to continue to selectively use, commodity derivative instruments (such as collars, swaps, puts and basis swaps) to mitigate price risk associated with a portion of our anticipated production. Our derivative instruments allow us to reduce, but not eliminate, the potential effects of the variability in cash flows that can emanate from fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices, and thereby provide increased certainty of cash flows for our drilling program and debt service requirements. These instruments provide only partial price protection against declines in oil and natural gas prices, but alternatively they partially limit our potential gains from future increases in prices. Our Credit Agreement limits our ability to enter into commodity hedges covering greater than 85% of our reasonably anticipated, projected production from proved properties. Risk Factors contains additional information regarding the volumes of our production covered by derivatives and the associated risks.
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Counterparty and Customer Credit Risk
Our derivatives expose us to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes the Company, which creates credit risk. We minimize the credit risk in derivative instruments by: (i) limiting its exposure to any single counterparty; and (ii) only entering into hedging arrangements with counterparties that are also participants in the Companys Credit Agreement, all of which have investment-grade credit ratings.
Our principal exposures to credit risk are through receivables resulting from the sales of our oil, natural gas, and NGLs. The inability or failure of our significant customers to meet their obligations to us or their insolvency or liquidation may adversely affect our financial results. However, we believe the credit quality of our customers is high.
We sell our production to a relatively small number of customers, as is customary in its business. We extend and monitor credit based on an evaluation of their financial conditions and publicly available credit ratings. The future availability of a ready market for natural gas depends on numerous factors outside of our control, none of which can be predicted with certainty. For 2023, we had three customers that exceeded 10% of total revenues. We do not believe the loss of any single purchaser would materially impact our operating results as crude oil and natural gas are fungible products with well-established markets and numerous purchasers.
Interest Rate Risk
As of December 31, 2023, the Companys reserves supported a $275 million credit facility of which $171 million in borrowings was outstanding leaving $104 million of unused capacity. As of June 30, 2024, $187.5 million was outstanding leaving $87.5 million of unused capacity under our Prior Credit Facility. Our largest exposure with respect to variable-rate debt comes from changes in the relevant benchmark rate underlying such debt financings, principally SOFR. We currently do not have an interest rate hedge program to hedge our exposure to floating interest rates on our variable-rate debt obligations. If annual interest rates increase 50 basis points, based on our December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024, variable-rate debt, annual interest expense on variable-rate debt would increase by approximately $0.9 million.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.
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Our Company
We are a growth oriented, free cash flow generating, independent energy company focused on the acquisition, development, and production of hydrocarbons in the Appalachian Basin. We are focused on creating shareholder value through the identification and disciplined development of low-risk, highly economic oil and natural gas assets while maintaining a strong and flexible balance sheet. Additionally, we have proven our ability to grow our acreage position through organic leasing efforts and accretive acquisitions. We are an early mover into the core of the Utica Shales volatile oil window in eastern Ohio as well as the emerging dry gas Utica Shale in southwestern Pennsylvania. Our Marcellus Shale development overlays our deep dry gas Utica assets in Pennsylvania, providing highly economic stacked development inventory that leverages the same company-owned midstream infrastructure. We have amassed approximately 90,000 net surface acres with exposure to the core of these plays providing us a unique and balanced portfolio of high-return oil and natural gas drilling locations. This balance allows us to optimize our development plan across our portfolio to capitalize on changes in commodity pricing over time.
We believe our technical and managerial expertise allow us to execute our strategies and deliver industry leading results. Our expertise is bolstered by the continuity of our core team, which has worked together for a decade. Since our initial acquisition in southwestern Pennsylvania in March 2018, we have increased our operated horizontal well count from 2 to 125 (40 of which we drilled) with an additional nine wells in process, not including five non-operated wells in process, as of June 30, 2024. In total, we have increased our net daily production from virtually zero at the beginning of 2021 to 25 Mboe/d (29% oil and 48% liquids) for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.
The following chart shows our average net daily production by area for each quarter since bringing our first horizontal wells online in January 2021.
As of December 31, 2023, our total estimated proved reserves were 141,587 MBoe with 48% proved developed and 22% oil, 18% NGLs and 60% natural gas. As of June 30, 2024, our total drilling inventory consisted of 339 gross horizontal drilling locations (73 proved locations and 266 unproved locations), representing 4.4 million lateral feet, implying 19 years of inventory at our current drilling pace of approximately 18 wells per year. Approximately 83% percent of our acreage is HBP, meaning we maintain development flexibility and have limited obligations to access our current inventory.
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The following table provides a summary of our approximate net acreage, gross drilling locations, net producing wells and lateral footage as of June 30, 2024 separated by shale (including acreage prospective for dual-zone development):
As of June 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Horizon Acres(1) |
Operated Producing Wells (#) |
Operated Lateral Footage (in thousands) |
Development Drilling Locations (#) |
Development Lateral Footage (in thousands) |
Development Average Well Lateral Length |
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Utica Shale Oil (OH) |
59,054 | 112 | 883 | 150 | 2,052 | 13,589 | ||||||||||||||||||
Marcellus Shale Dry Gas (PA)(2) |
30,250 | 13 | 126 | 123 | (3) | 1,743 | 14,169 | |||||||||||||||||
Utica Shale Deep Dry Gas (PA)(2) |
29,974 | | | 66 | 594 | 9,000 |
(1) | Does not include 12,605 net acres located in the Marcellus Shale in Ohio that is not part of our development plan. |
(2) | The acreage in this table reflects net horizon acres. Substantially all of our surface acreage in Pennsylvania is prospective for both the Utica and Marcellus Shales for dual-zone development. As a result, most of our net surface acres represent one horizon acre for the Utica Shale and one horizon acre for the Marcellus Shale. Our total net surface acreage irrespective of dual-zone development was 89,793 net acres and our total horizon acres were 119,278. See Our Operations Acreage as of December 31, 2023 for information regarding our undeveloped and developed surface acreage. |
(3) | Includes 3 DUCs. |
Our oil volumes provide us with a unique advantage compared with many of our Appalachian Basin peers. Since our initial entry into the Utica Shales volatile oil window in April 2021, we have increased our oil production from less than approximately 300 Bbls/d to approximately 7,130 Bbls/d for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The increase in our oil volumes is due to a combination of strategic acquisitions and organic development of our assets by placing into sales 22 wells during that period. We believe that the oil component of our production provides greater revenue per Boe resulting in higher operating margins compared to our natural gas focused public peers in the Appalachian Basin.
The following chart shows our average net daily oil production for each quarter by county in Ohio since April 2021:
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Our Properties
Utica Shale OilOhio
Given recent strength in the price of oil, our current activities are focused on developing our Ohio properties which are centered in the volatile oil window of the Utica Shale. Early commercial development of the Ohio Utica began principally in 2011 and has delineated bands of black oil, volatile oil, rich gas, and dry gas. Since 2019, 279 wells have been drilled in the play, delineating the core of the play located in Carroll, Tuscarawas, Harrison, Guernsey, Noble, Muskingum and Morgan counties. Since January 2021 through June 2024, there have been 164 wells drilled that have been producing for over 90 days with an average IP 90 of 810 barrels of oil per day normalized to a 15,000 lateral making the volatile oil window one of the leading oil resource plays in the lower 48. When combined with the plays low operating costs, low water production and low drilling costs, the Uticas volatile oil window maintains one of the lowest breakeven costs amongst all oil resource plays in the United States.
We first acquired our properties in the volatile oil window of the Utica Shale in Ohio in April 2021 through our Carroll County Acquisition. Since that time, we have acquired 3,715 additional acres in Carroll County in close proximity to our existing assets through our organic leasing efforts that have added or extended 25 operated locations. In October 2023, we acquired assets from Utica Resource Ventures and PEO Ohio, including approximately 39,185 net acres, further expanding our operations in the core of the play. In February 2024, we were awarded the nomination for approximately 5,705 net acres within Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County Ohio adding over 23 locations averaging over 15,500 lateral feet per well to our inventory. Our understanding of geology, technical expertise and local presence gave us early insight into the quality of the play which led us to amass over 59,054 net surface acres with 150 identified horizontal drilling locations representing over 2 million lateral feet and eight years of drilling inventory based on our current one-rig program. We intend to operate 100% of our future drilling locations. As of June 30, 2024, we had 112 net producing wells and approximately 36,000 net acres located almost entirely in Guernsey and Carroll counties of eastern Ohio, which, according to Enverus, have demonstrated among the highest oil production in the volatile oil window and are competitive with some of the best oil producing counties in the lower 48.
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The following chart shows the average first 12-months production in MBbls for wells drilled in the volatile oil window of Ohio compared to the top oil producing counties in the lower 48:
Source: Enverus.
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Our management team has developed efficiencies and adopted procedures to enhance well performance and economics for the volatile oil window. Initial entrants did not have the benefit of current directional drilling technology or modern rig specifications to increase lateral lengths and ensure lateral placement in a progressively refined window. Early completions designs were sub-optimal and many operators used linear and cross linked gel that damaged the formation and reduced permeability which adversely impacted production rates. Our designs utilize enhanced completion fluids that allow for the placement of large proppant loads without reducing fracture permeability, which has resulted in some of the most productive development in the history of the play. To date, we have drilled the top nine, and 15 of the top 25, wells drilled in Carroll County since 2021 based on IP 90 of barrels of oil per day normalized to a 15,000 lateral as shown in the following chart.
Source: Enverus.
The characteristics that have contributed to our well performance include:
| improved wellbore targeting and placement accuracy in a tighter window in the lower zone of the Utica / Point Pleasant play; |
| increasing average lateral lengths; |
| optimized size and intensity of proppant and fluid pumped per lateral foot; |
| optimized completion fluid chemistry and composition; |
| optimized fracture stage lengths and cluster spacing; |
| improved management of production rates to preserve downhole pressure; and |
| improved adjustment of well spacing and development patterns. |
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Successful implementation of these measures has resulted in leading well performance relative to that of other major operators(1) in Carroll County since 2021 as seen in the chart below.
(1) | Peers include EOG and Encino. |
(2) | Represents the average cumulative production of the wells drilled on each respective pad. |
Source: Enverus.
Marcellus Shale Dry Gas and Utica Deep Dry Gas Pennsylvania
Our Pennsylvania properties, which we initially acquired in March 2018, are predominately located to the northeast of Pittsburgh in Westmoreland, Armstrong and Indiana counties. We have expanded our leasehold position through a series of subsequent acquisitions and today have approximately 30,250 net surface acres with exposure to both Marcellus and Utica Shales and operate 13 producing horizontal wells and three DUCs. We maintain an inventory of 120 and 66 undeveloped Marcellus and Utica locations in Pennsylvania, respectively, representing approximately a decade of drilling inventory based on a one-rig drilling program. We intend to operate 100% of our future drilling locations and over 98% of our acreage is HBP or held-by-storage.
Marcellus Shale Dry Gas
Development of the Marcellus Shale initially began in the historic core in Washington and Greene counties in Pennsylvania. Outside that area, the acreage ownership remained fragmented, which resulted in slower upstream and midstream development despite attractive geology. Today, we have the opportunity to apply modern technology to this area of historic underdevelopment and generate not only attractive return potential, but also operational flexibility. We have drilled and completed 16 and 13 horizontal wells, respectively, in our Pennsylvania acreage with a 100% success rate. We have approximately 120 identified highly economic locations and 3 DUCs, which our independent reserve engineer has estimated have an EUR of 1.7 Bcf per 1,000 feet, and our returns are bolstered by our wholly owned midstream system. We currently own a gathering system and therefore are not subject to onerous takeaway contracts that burden the results of some of our Marcellus peers.
Utica Deep Dry Gas
Our Pennsylvania acreage overlays the dry gas Utica Shale providing 66 highly prospective locations, which our independent reserve engineer has estimated has an EUR of 3.0 Bcf per 1,000 feet. Development of the
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southwestern Pennsylvania deep dry gas Utica continues to emerge and show attractive commercial characteristics. Utica development in our vicinity began in 2015 when CNX Resources Corp. turned into sales the Gaut 4HU well, which had a 24-hr IP rate of 61.4 MMcf/d and has produced 14.2 Bcf since July 2015. Since 2015, the industry has drilled seven deep dry gas Utica wells in Westmoreland and Armstrong counties with another four wells currently in various stages of development all near our leasehold position. Moreover, the industry has shown an ability to develop offset locations to initial development by repeatedly returning to pad locations to drill. Industry advancement has led to a broader understanding of the technical drilling, targeted depths, completion designs, and production profiles associated with the Utica. These wells are characterized by maintaining a high level of initial gas production ranging between 20 MMcf/d to 30 MMcf/d of natural gas for an extended period of 15 to 20 months prior to initial decline. While early in its development, operators recent return to pad drilling further underscores the industrys transition away from exploration to managed development highlighting the deliverability of results. The well performance makes the deep dry gas Utica in southwestern Pennsylvania an exciting emerging natural gas resource opportunity.
Since 2015, cumulative dry gas production from Utica development has shown relatively flat production declines during the initial period of production as seen in the chart below.(1)
(1) | Gray lines represent recent Utica Dry Gas wells normalized to 9,000 lateral: Aikens 5 S5JHSUT, Aikens 5 5MHSUT, Bell Point 6PHSU, Gaut 4IHSU, Poseidon 4U, Shaw 1DHSU, Shaw 1HHSU. |
Business Strategy
Our strategy is to create value for our stockholders through the identification and disciplined development of attractive oil and natural gas assets to achieve sustainable growth in our production and reserves and enhance our value. Our strategy has the following principal elements:
| Disciplined growth through development of our high-return drilling inventory. Our technical acumen and in-basin experience enable us to optimize our assets and produce some of the highest performing wells in the region. We have achieved this performance through relentless focus on costs, consistent lengthening of our laterals, careful lateral placement in the target zone and thoughtful completion design. Our assets include over 19 years of operated drilling locations. In Ohio, our Utica oil productivity per lateral foot compares favorably with premier oil basins across the lower 48 such as the Permian, Eagle Ford and Bakken. In Pennsylvania, our contiguous HBP acreage and company-owned midstream infrastructure allow us to maximize the economics of the stacked Marcellus and Utica plays. We intend to continue our disciplined operating approach and to develop our inventory in order to achieve the highest available rates of return. |
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| Optimize return-on-capital through focus on profitably increasing well recoveries while minimizing costs and leveraging midstream infrastructure. We take pride in carefully evaluating every step of the operational process to optimize production while minimizing costs. This includes potentially changing completion designs at the stage level from well to well to enhance recoveries. We continuously review and examine our AFEs to drive our drilling and completion costs lower. Further, we promote cross-discipline communication to ensure that decisions are made on an integrated basis across our enterprise. Our owned midstream infrastructure in Pennsylvania significantly enhances returns by reducing upstream costs and generating third party revenue, while enabling us to control development timing, capital deployment and future strategic takeaway. We have improved netbacks on our Ohio assets through facility optimization and successful contract renegotiation. In addition to a relentless focus on new well planning and execution, we also review operations of acquired assets to determine whether upgrading or replacing equipment will be profitable. We have successfully enhanced production on a large number of wells that we have acquired. |
| Ensure financial flexibility with balanced commodity exposure, and conservative financing. In building our company, we sought to preserve flexibility to maintain our focus on achieving the highest possible returns on investment. We have exposure to a range of assets that allow us to optimize our drilling economics across volatile commodity price environments. Additionally, we are not subject to any material midstream commitments or acreage expirations, which provides us the flexibility to match an optimal development pace to prevailing commodity prices and the hedging environment at any given time. Further, at the completion of this offering, we expect to have low net leverage positioning us to be immediately acquisitive. However, we intend to maintain a conservative capital structure with a target net leverage of less than 1.0x Adjusted EBITDAX. |
| Leverage extensive industry and local experience to capture value through strategic acquisitions and asset base optimization. We have significant experience in sourcing, evaluating, executing and integrating acquisitions, including 14 privately sourced transactions. We believe our in-basin experience and local presence provides us with a competitive advantage in identifying opportunities and creating value through superior execution. We regularly initiate and review acquisition opportunities and intend to pursue future acquisitions that meet our strategic and financial objectives. We believe there are substantial opportunities to grow our acreage footprint across the Appalachian Basin through both acquisition and leasing. Additionally, our growth has been driven by increased operational efficiency, including reduced drilling days, well design modifications, facility optimization and continued focus on strategic, local procurement throughout our operations. Furthermore, we believe our contiguous acreage position and our ability to drill long-lateral wells will enhance our returns by increasing our EUR per well, reducing unit drilling and completion costs and providing economies of scale to allow us to better leverage our infrastructure. Further, given that we will be implementing an Up-C structure in connection with this offering, we will have the option in the future to offer acquisition targets equity in INR Holdings that can be exchanged for our Class A common stock (or cash of equivalent value) and offer a tax deferral mechanism, increasing the financial attractiveness of our platform to potential targets. |
| Steward the health and safety of our employees and the environment, while taking an active role in our local community. We are dedicated to responsible energy development guided by our core values of environmental stewardship, safety and community engagement. While maintaining our commitment to our values, we actively seek business partners who share that commitment and will amplify our ability to achieve our goals. We use a top-down approach to provide resources and ensure our employees and partners are equipped to work in a safe environment. In 2023, our internal total recordable incident rate remained at 0.0 and our contractor blended rate was 1.6 with over 450,000 logged man-hours. We take pride in selectively choosing business partners with similar core values to help us achieve our goals. In addition to prioritizing high environmental standards and safe operations, we are committed to enriching the areas where we operate. We work diligently to make a strong economic impact in our communities and routinely volunteer both our time and resources to make a difference. Since our inception in 2017, we have partnered with 12 organizations in the region and have formed a community advisory panel to help |
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actively expand our engagement within the area. Focusing on unconventional plays, we prioritize sustainable economic growth by producing natural resources responsibly. We invest considerable time and capital into accurately measuring and reducing production-related emissions like CO2 and methane. Through innovative facility design and state of the art technology, we achieved a 51.9% reduction in CO2e per MMBoe from 16,217.3 mT CO2e/MMBoe in 2022 to 7,804 mT CO2e/MMBoe in 2023, while methane intensity dropped from 0.14% to 0.076% of production between 2022 and 2023. Along with our environmental initiatives, we have established a culture which prioritizes safety. |
Competitive Strengths
We have a number of strengths that we believe will help us successfully execute our business strategy, including:
| Disciplined operator with industry-leading costs and well performance. We profitably develop our drilling inventory by optimizing our well performance while also minimizing costs. Our leading well performance is driven by our high reservoir quality, technical expertise and unique acreage positions that allow for extended laterals. As of June 30, 2024, we have drilled 40 horizontal wells and participated in 14 non-operated wells since 2021 across our properties. Our proven approach is rooted in our ability to target well placement within the most productive layer of the reservoir for miles, routinely staying in-zone for the duration of the lateral. Further, we thoughtfully engineer the completion design for each well to place the ideal amount and type of proppant throughout the wellbore. The combination of these two practices contributes to higher recoveries per well. Our per unit development costs are improved by the economies of scale generated when consistently drilling long laterals, routinely exceeding 14,500 lateral feet, drilling these wells in multi-well deployments and building pads that allow for multiple drilling projects. Our Ohio Utica wells have an average IP 90 of 1,090 barrels of oil per day per well normalized to 15,000 lateral. Further, we maintain low operating expenses and successfully navigate various commodity cycles by minimizing term acreage and long-term midstream and services commitments. We own and operate our gathering system in our Pennsylvania assets, which reduces our total midstream costs. These factors underpin our preference for operated positions in which we can control development techniques and capital allocation decisions. As a result, our Capital Efficiency Ratio was 3.0x for 2023, versus 1.0x for our Appalachia-Focused Public Peers and 2.0x for our Liquids-Focused Public Peers. |
| Expansive portfolio of low-risk and high-return oil and natural gas inventory across multiple acreage positions. Our operations target an expansive portfolio of low-risk, high-return development opportunities with exposure to oil, natural gas and NGLs. Our oil-weighted activities are focused on the development of the Utica Shales volatile oil window in eastern Ohio. We operate 112 producing wells and have identified 150 additional drilling locations (greater than 2 million lateral feet) in the Ohio Utica Shale representing approximately 8 years of repeatable development potential utilizing a one-rig development cadence as of June 30, 2024. Our natural gas activities are focused on the development of the dry gas Marcellus and dry gas Utica Shales in southwestern Pennsylvania. We currently operate 13 producing wells and 3 DUCs and maintain an inventory of approximately 186 drilling locations. We evaluate the risk-adjusted performance of our drilling results through two primary metrics: DROI and IRR. Applying both metrics in development decisions ensures that we are adequately balancing both the timing and amount of return of capital. Since 2021, we have drilled 26 wells in the Utica volatile oil window, with an average IP 90 of 1,090 barrels of oil per day per well normalized to 15,000 lateral. When combined with our leading cost structure, oil and natural gas development opportunities both generate significant cash flow and attractive rates of return. |
| Balanced portfolio of oil and natural gas enables us to capitalize on commodity price volatility. The attractive rates of return possible in both our oil and natural gas properties provide us with a competitive advantage versus our peers, enabling us to selectively develop areas with the highest expected rate of return based on the prevailing commodity price environment. Our drilling inventory is approximately 44% oil weighted and 56% natural gas weighted measured by gross operated locations. Our exposure to high return, oil-weighted inventory is unique within the Appalachian Basin enhancing our operating margins and cash flows |
relative to our regional peers. Our high quality natural gas position offers dual zone co-development of the |
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Marcellus and deep dry gas Utica allowing us to leverage our infrastructure lowering our operating costs relative to our peers. Our optionality to oscillate between high quality natural gas and oil opportunities allows us to high-grade our portfolio and maximize resultant cash flow for our investors. |
| Superior capital efficiency to support production growth with attractive free cash flow. We believe our full-cycle ratio compares favorably versus other industry players, illustrating our superior capital efficiency. Our superior capital efficiency enabled us to reduce acquisition borrowings over time and improve leverage while growing production from 5 MBoe/d to 25 MBoe/d over the course of May 2021 to June 2024. Looking forward, maintaining this level of capital efficiency will allow us to continue to prudently grow our assets while preserving optionality to return value to stockholders, manage liquidity and pursue strategic opportunities in our focus areas. Historically, we have used this free cash flow to develop our assets, grow production and repay debt. |
| Conservatively capitalized balance sheet with strong liquidity profile. Maintaining a strong balance sheet is a principal focus of ours and a differentiator that creates a competitive advantage relative to our peers. Since our founding in 2017, and through five separate acquisitions, we have regularly maintained leverage of less than 1.0x while prioritizing repaying amounts borrowed in connection with acquisitions. We expect to have minimal debt outstanding upon the completion of this offering and intend to maintain modest debt loads in the near term for working capital purposes. We believe our conservative leverage and substantial liquidity provide us the financial flexibility to fund our planned capital expenditures, return value to stakeholders and pursue strategic acquisitions. Furthermore, we maintain a disciplined hedging program that aims to hedge at least 70% of anticipated production for the next 24 months. We have and will continue to hedge into near term development programs to lock in project returns. In addition to benchmark pricing, we also hedge basis due to the historic volatility of basis differentials within our operating areas as well as individual commodities across oil, natural gas and NGLs. As of June 30, 2024, we have entered into hedging contracts covering approximately 1.3 MMBbls (approximately 3,560 Bbls/d) of our oil production for 2025 at a weighted average swap price of $71.25 per Bbl, approximately 1.0 MMBbls (approximately 2,790 Bbls/d) of our NGL production for 2025 at a weighted average swap price of $28.88 per Bbl, and approximately 29,578 MMBtu (81 MMBtu/d) of our gas production for 2025 at a weighted average swap price of $3.60 per MMBtu. |
| Long track record of leveraging expertise and local presence to capture value through drill bit and mergers and acquisitions. We believe our management teams experience in the Appalachian Basin and the continuity of our core team, which has worked together for over a decade, offers a distinguishing competitive advantage. Because of our local presence, we have extensive knowledge and deep relationships that enhance our ability to be a low-cost and highly productive operator and acquire assets at attractive valuations. We believe our local expertise has been a key contributor to our acquisition and leasing success, and we have earned a reputation as a partner of choice in the local community, which enhances our ability to compete for acreage. Our ability to quickly begin drilling on leased acreage has helped us manage our land costs and is a benefit to mineral owners. Additionally, we routinely increase our working interests in front of the drill bit to lengthen our wells and add incremental locations within and adjacent to our existing drilling units to leverage our existing infrastructure. Since our founding in 2017, we have completed 14 transactions across four distinct operated fields. Within each area, we have both improved performance of new wells by leveraging our drilling and completion techniques and optimized the legacy assets. Our local presence also helps to reduce service costs and improve availability. We believe that leveraging our strong and lasting relationships throughout the basin provides us with a unique and compelling competitive advantage that will yield positive returns for our stockholders. |
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Our Operations
Operating Data
The following table provides certain operating information by operating area:
Utica Shale Oil | Marcellus Shale Dry Gas |
Utica Shale Deep Dry Gas |
||||||||||||||||||
Wolf Run(1) | Warrior West | Warrior Central | PA North | PA North | ||||||||||||||||
Gross Locations |
79 | 8 | 16 | 95 | 66 | |||||||||||||||
Locations Normalized to 10,000 feet |
119 | 9 | 22 | 143 | 66 | |||||||||||||||
EUR (Mboe) |
1,466 | 1,992 | 1,838 | 4,274 | 4,503 | |||||||||||||||
EUR per Lateral Foot(2) (Boe) |
98 | 133 | 123 | 285 | 500 | |||||||||||||||
Percent Oil |
47% | 38% | 25% | 0% | 0% | |||||||||||||||
Average Lateral Length (in feet) |
15,000 | 15,000 | 15,000 | 15,000 | 9,000 | (6) | ||||||||||||||
Average Well Cost(4) (in thousands) |
11,295 | 11,220 | 11,220 | 10,993 | 10,152 | |||||||||||||||
$ per Lateral Foot |
$ | 753 | $ | 748 | $ | 748 | $ | 733 | $ | 1,128 | ||||||||||
IRR |
51% | 85% | 33% | 36% | 97% | |||||||||||||||
Pre-Tax PV-10(5) (in millions) |
9.6 | 12.5 | 5 | 8.3 | 15.7 | |||||||||||||||
DROI(5) |
1.9x | 2.2x | 1.5x | 1.8x | 2.6x | |||||||||||||||
Breakeven Price(3) |
$ | 29.00/Bbl | $ | 20.00/Bbl | $ | 42.00/Bbl | $ | 1.35/Mmbtu | $ | 1.03/Mmbtu | ||||||||||
Payback(5) (in months) |
16 | 9 | 21 | 24 | 11 |
Note: All type curves reflect third party reserve audited forecasts. Well costs and operating costs are internal projections. Revenue is based on flat $70.00 oil and $3.00 gas prices.
(1) | Gross location count includes 14 locations that are subject to the Muskingum Watershed LOI that are pending closing. |
(2) | Normalized based on average EUR and Average lateral length in the area. |
(3) | Based on 10% discount rate. |
(4) | Excludes select road and location expenses. |
(5) | PV-10, DROI, and Payback are non-GAAP measures. See Prospectus SummaryNon-GAAP Financial Measures for a description of PV-10 and a reconciliation to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure. |
(6) | PA North (Utica) land picture supports 10,000+ foot laterals. |
Reserve Data and Presentation
The information with respect to our estimated reserves has been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. Our estimated proved reserves as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are based on valuations prepared by our independent reserve engineer, Wright. Copies of the summary reports of our reserve engineers as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Preparation of Reserve Estimates contains additional definitions of proved reserves and the technologies and economic data used in their estimation. The following tables summarize estimated reserves based on reports prepared by Wright. The information in the following tables does not give any effect to or reflect our commodity hedge portfolio.
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Summary of Reserves as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 Based on SEC Pricing
The following table provides the estimated reserves of INR Holdings as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 based on SEC pricing:
December 31, 2023(1) |
December 31, 2022(2) |
|||||||
Proved developed reserves: |
||||||||
Crude oil (MBbls) |
13,172 | 2,995 | ||||||
Natural Gas (MMcf) |
252,832 | 143,632 | ||||||
NGL (MBbls) |
12,644 | 6,132 | ||||||
Total proved developed reserves (MBoe)(3) |
67,954 | 33,066 | ||||||
Proved undeveloped reserves: |
||||||||
Crude oil (MBbls) |
17,866 | 2,918 | ||||||
Natural Gas (MMcf) |
255,893 | 214,706 | ||||||
NGL (MBbls) |
13,118 | 8,020 | ||||||
Total proved undeveloped reserves (MBoe)(3) |
73,633 | 46,723 | ||||||
Total proved reserves: |
||||||||
Crude oil (MBbls) |
31,038 | 5,913 | ||||||
Natural Gas (MMcf) |
508,725 | 358,338 | ||||||
NGL (MBbls) |
25,762 | 14,152 | ||||||
Total proved reserves (MBoe)(3)(4) |
141,587 | 79,788 | ||||||
Proved developed reserves (%) |
48.0 | % | 41.4 | % | ||||
Proved undeveloped reserves (%) |
52.0 | % | 58.6 | % | ||||
Reserve values (in thousands): |
||||||||
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows |
$ | 938,384 | $ | 1,017,607 | ||||
Discounted future income tax expense |
N/A | N/A | ||||||
Total proved pre-tax PV-10(5) |
$ | 938,384 | $ | 1,017,607 |
(1) | Our estimated reserves were determined using average first-day-of-the-month prices for the prior 12 months in accordance with SEC regulations. The unweighted arithmetic average first-day-of-the-month prices for the prior 12 months were $78.22 per Bbl for oil and $2.637 per MMBtu for natural gas at December 31, 2023. These base prices were adjusted for differentials on a per property basis, including local basis differentials and fuel costs, resulting in $73.73 per Bbl for oil, $1.739 per MMBtu for natural gas, and $26.87 per Bbl for NGLs at December 31, 2023. |
(2) | Our estimated reserves were determined using average first-day-of-the-month prices for the prior 12 months in accordance with SEC regulations. The unweighted arithmetic average first-day-of-the-month prices for the prior 12 months were $93.67 per Bbl for oil and $6.357 per MMBtu for natural gas at December 31, 2022. These base prices were adjusted for differentials on a per property basis, including local basis differentials and fuel costs, resulting in $88.67 per Bbl for oil, $5.606 per MMBtu for natural gas, and $41.21 per Bbl for NGLs at December 31, 2022. |
(3) | Calculated by converting natural gas to oil equivalent barrels at a ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one Boe. |
(4) | All proved reserves as of December 31, 2023 were part of a development plan adopted by management indicating that such locations were scheduled to be drilled within five years of initial classification. |
(5) | PV-10 is a non-GAAP financial measure and represents the present value of estimated future cash inflows from proved oil and gas reserves and less future development and production costs, discounted at 10% per annum to reflect the timing of future cash flows. For more information on how we calculate PV-10 and a reconciliation of proved reserves PV-10 to its nearest GAAP measure, see Prospectus SummaryNon-GAAP Financial Measures. With respect to PV-10 calculated as of an interim date, it is not practicable to calculate the taxes for the related interim period because GAAP does not provide for disclosure of Standardized Measure on an interim basis. |
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Proved Undeveloped Reserves (in MBoe)
Our 2023 proved undeveloped reserves increased by approximately 27 MMBoe, or 58%, compared to 2022. The following reconciliation from 2022 to 2023 is presented to meet SEC requirements to provide material changes to our proved undeveloped reserves during the year. All of our PUDs are associated with drilling locations that are scheduled to be drilled within five years of the initial disclosure of proved reserves.
Proved undeveloped reserves at December 31, 2022 |
46,723 | |||
Conversions into proved developed reserves(1) |
(12,629 | ) | ||
Acquisitions of in-place reserves(2) |
27,778 | |||
Revisions(3) |
(20,770 | ) | ||
Extensions and discoveries(4) |
32,532 | |||
|
|
|||
Proved undeveloped reserves at December 31, 2023 |
73,633 | |||
|
|
(1) | Conversions of PUD drilling locations in 2023 included developing eight (8) wells that were PUDs as of December 31, 2022, for which $74.2 million of capital expenditures were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2023. |
(2) | Acquisitions of in-place reserves relate to the Utica Resource Acquisition and the PEO Ohio Acquisition that closed on October 4, 2023 during the year ended December 31, 2023. |
(3) | Downward revisions of 20.8 MMBoe were comprised of 1.2 MMBoe of positive revisions related to increases in working interest, increased lateral length, and improvement in type curve, offset by downward revisions of 0.9 MMBoe in PUDs from 2022 to 2023 due to decreases in prices during the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as downward revisions of 21.1 MMBoe due to changes to our development plan that resulted in 18 PUD locations being reclassified as they were outside the 5 year development window while the Company performs further technical refinements and analysis to evaluate well spacing assumptions. |
(4) | Extensions primarily related to the addition of 21 PUD locations to be developed by 2028 (as that year entered the 5-year development window). These locations reside within the 5-year development window, which permits their recognition as PUD reserves based upon their continuing satisfaction of the engineering requirements for recognition as proved reserves. Extensions include the addition of new locations associated with our drilling program and additional Utica drilling in the 5-year development window. |
Adjusted Index Prices Used in Reserve Calculations
The following tables show index prices used in our reserve calculations as of the dates indicated under historical SEC pricing:
Pricing Used for Proved Reserves as of December 31, 2023 |
||||
Based on Historical SEC Pricing: |
||||
Oil (per Bbl) |
$ | 73.73 | ||
Natural gas (per Mcf) |
$ | 1.739 | ||
Natural gas liquids (per Bbl) |
$ | 26.87 | ||
Pricing Used for Proved Reserves as of December 31, 2022 |
||||
Based on Historical SEC Pricing: |
||||
Oil (per Bbl) |
$ | 88.67 | ||
Natural gas (per Mcf) |
$ | 5.606 | ||
Natural gas liquids (per Bbl) |
$ | 41.21 |
Preparation of Reserve Estimates
Our reserve estimates as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 included in this prospectus are based on reports prepared by Wright, our independent reserve engineer, in accordance with generally accepted
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petroleum engineering and evaluation principles and definitions and guidelines established by the SEC in effect at such time. Copies of the reports are included as exhibits to the registration statement containing this prospectus. Wright provides a variety of services to the oil and gas industry, including field studies, oil and gas reserve estimations, appraisals of oil and gas properties and reserve report for their clients.
Proved reserves are reserves which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date forward from known reservoirs under existing economic conditions, operating methods and government regulations prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expires, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain. The term reasonable certainty implies a high degree of confidence that the quantities of oil or natural gas actually recovered will equal or exceed the estimate. The technical and economic data used in the estimation of our proved reserves include, but are not limited to, well logs, geologic maps, well-test data, production data (including flow rates), well data (including lateral lengths), historical price and cost information and property ownership interests. Our independent reserve engineer uses this technical data, together with standard engineering and geoscience methods, or a combination of methods, including performance analysis, volumetric analysis, and analogy. The proved developed reserves and EURs are estimated using performance analysis and volumetric analysis. The estimates of the proved developed reserves and EURs are used to estimate the proved undeveloped reserves for each proved undeveloped location (utilizing type curves, statistical analysis, and analogy). Proved undeveloped drilling locations that are more than one offset from a proved developed well utilized reliable technologies to confirm reasonable certainty. The reliable technologies that were utilized in estimating these reserves include log data, performance data, log cross sections, seismic data, core data, and statistical analysis.
Internal Controls
Our internal staff of petroleum engineers and geoscience professionals works closely with Wright to ensure the integrity, accuracy and timeliness of data furnished to Wright. Periodically, our technical team meets with Wright to review properties and discuss methods and assumptions used by us to prepare reserve estimates. Wright is an independent petroleum engineering and geological services firm.
Reserve engineering is and must be recognized as a subjective process of estimating volumes of economically recoverable oil and natural gas that cannot be measured in an exact manner. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation. As a result, the estimates of different engineers often vary. In addition, the results of drilling, testing and production may justify revisions of such estimates. Accordingly, reserve estimates often differ from the quantities of oil and natural gas that are ultimately recovered. Estimates of economically recoverable oil and natural gas and of future net revenues are based on a number of variables and assumptions, all of which may vary from actual results, including geologic interpretation, prices and future production rates and costs.
For all of our properties, our internally prepared reserve estimates and the reserve report prepared by Wright are reviewed and approved by our SVP of Commercial and Production.
Qualifications of Responsible Technical Persons
Our SVP of Commercial & Production, Ryan Warner, is responsible for overseeing the preparation of the reserves estimates. Mr. Warner is a founding member at Infinity Natural Resources and has over 10 years of relevant experience in reservoir engineering and reserve estimation. He holds a degree in petroleum engineering from West Virginia University and is a registered professional engineer.
Wright was founded in 1988 by Mr. D. Randall Wright and performs consulting petroleum engineering services including but not limited to annual reserves audits, property evaluation, and reservoir analysis. Mr. Wright is the primary technical person in charge of the estimates of reserves and associated cash flow and economics on behalf of Wright & Company, Inc. for the results presented. He holds a Master of Science degree
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in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Texas (TBPE #43291), granted in 1978, a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and a member of the Order of the Engineer.
Mr. Adam Null, a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Tennessee (TBAEE #122667), has provided technical assistance in the estimates of reserves and cash flow results presented. Mr. Null is a member of the SPE and has been practicing petroleum engineering for more than ten years. He currently holds the title of Chief Operating Officer at Wright.
Mr. Wright and Mr. Null are qualified reserves evaluators as set forth in the Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information promulgated by the SPE. This qualification is based on years of practical experience in the estimation and evaluation of petroleum reserves.
Production, Revenue, Price and Production Costs
The following table sets forth information regarding our production, revenues and realized prices and production costs for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. The information presented as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023, includes the assets acquired in the Utica Resource Acquisition and the PEO Ohio Acquisition that closed on October 4, 2023. All of our production is derived from the Appalachian Basin. For additional information on price calculations, please see Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Production data: |
||||||||
Oil (MBbls) |
1,205 | 640 | ||||||
Natural gas (MMcf) |
27,506 | 11,585 | ||||||
NGL (MBbls) |
1,112 | 656 | ||||||
Total (MBoe)(1) |
6,901 | 3,227 | ||||||
Average daily production (MBoe/d)(1) |
18.9 | 8.8 | ||||||
Average wellhead realized prices (before giving effect to realized derivatives): |
||||||||
Oil (/Bbl) |
$ | 70.77 | $ | 85.36 | ||||
Natural gas (/Mcf) |
$ | 1.80 | $ | 5.70 | ||||
NGL (/Bbl) |
$ | 22.16 | $ | 33.42 | ||||
Average wellhead realized prices (after giving effect to realized derivatives): |
||||||||
Oil (/Bbl) |
$ | 71.03 | $ | 97.10 | ||||
Natural gas (/Mcf) |
$ | 2.42 | $ | 8.16 | ||||
NGL (/Bbl) |
$ | 22.64 | $ | 36.99 | ||||
Operating costs and expenses (per Boe)(1): |
||||||||
Gathering, processing and transportation |
$ | 4.51 | $ | 4.86 | ||||
Lease operating |
2.66 | 2.56 | ||||||
Production and ad valorem taxes |
0.13 | 0.22 | ||||||
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
7.79 | 5.68 | ||||||
General and administrative |
0.71 | 1.46 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
$ | 15.80 | $ | 14.78 | ||||
|
|
|
|
(1) | Calculated by converting natural gas to oil equivalent barrels at a ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one Boe. |
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Productive Wells as of December 31, 2023
As of December 31, 2023, we owned interests in the following number of productive wells:
Productive Wells | ||||||||
Gross | Net | |||||||
Oil |
114.0 | 86.6 | ||||||
Natural Gas |
13.0 | 11.9 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
127.0 | 98.5 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
Acreage as of December 31, 2023
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the total developed and undeveloped acreage in which we owned an interest as of December 31, 2023:
Surface Acreage | ||||||||
Gross | Net | |||||||
Undeveloped acres |
59,102 | 53,250 | ||||||
Developed acres |
30,828 | 27,289 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
89,930 | 80,539 |
Undeveloped Acreage Expirations as of December 31, 2023
The following table sets forth the gross and net undeveloped acreage, as of December 31, 2023, that will expire over the next five years unless production is established within the spacing units covering the acreage, the lease is renewed or extended under continuous drilling provisions prior to the primary term expiration dates or pursuant to other terms of the lease agreements. We expect to drill wells on such acreage or make extension payments prior to lease expiration.
Acreage | ||||||||
Gross | Net | |||||||
2024 |
795 | 664 | ||||||
2025 |
597 | 560 | ||||||
2026 |
694 | 582 | ||||||
2027 |
2,869 | 2,425 | ||||||
2028 and thereafter |
1,556 | 1,556 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
6,511 | 5,787 |
As of December 31, 2023, we had 14.6 MMBoe of proved undeveloped reserves that were associated with potentially expiring acreage.
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Drilling Activity
The table below sets forth the results of our operated drilling activities for the periods indicated. The information should not be considered indicative of future performance, nor should it be assumed that there is necessarily any correlation among the number of productive wells drilled, quantities of reserves found or economic value. Productive wells are those that produce, or are capable of producing, commercial quantities of hydrocarbons, regardless of whether they produce a reasonable rate of return. Dry wells are those that prove to be incapable of producing hydrocarbons in sufficient quantities to justify completion.
For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross | Net | Gross | Net | Gross | Net | |||||||||||||||||||
Development |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Productive |
10.0 | 9.1 | 7.0 | 6.6 | 6.0 | 6.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Dry Hole |
| | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Exploratory |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Productive |
| | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Dry Hole |
| | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Total |
|
10.0 |
|
|
9.1 |
|
|
7.0 |
|
6.6 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
As of December 31, 2023, we had 8.0 gross (6.8 net) operated wells in process.
Major Customers
We generally sell our oil, natural gas and NGL production to purchasers at prevailing market prices, which in certain cases are adjusted for contractual differentials, and the majority of our revenue contracts have terms greater than twelve months.
We normally sell production to a relatively small number of customers, as is customary in our business. The table below summarizes the purchasers that accounted for 10% or more of our total net revenues for the periods presented:
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Marathon Oil Company |
49 | % | 38 | % | ||||
BP America |
28 | % | 46 | % | ||||
Blue Racer Midstream |
13 | % | 15 | % |
During these periods, no other purchaser accounted for 10% or more of our net revenues. As of December 31, 2023, INR Holdings accounts receivable balance related to oil and gas sales was comprised of amounts due from various purchasers, including amounts due from Marathon Oil Company, BP America, and Ergon comprising 56%, 24%, and 11%, respectively, of the total balance. As of December 31, 2022, INR Holdings accounts receivable balance related to oil and gas sales was comprised of amounts due from Marathon Oil Company and BP America, which accounted for 56% and 39%, respectively, of the total balance. The loss of any of our major purchasers could materially and adversely affect our revenues in the near-term. However, since crude oil and natural gas are fungible products with well-established markets and numerous purchasers and are based on current demand for oil and natural gas, we believe that the loss of any major purchaser would not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
Title to Properties
As is customary in the oil and natural gas industry, we initially conduct only a cursory review of the title to our properties in connection with acquisition of leasehold acreage. At such time as we determine to conduct
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drilling operations on those properties, we conduct a thorough title examination and perform curative work with respect to significant defects prior to commencement of drilling operations. To the extent title opinions or other investigations reflect title defects on those properties, we are typically responsible for curing any title defects at our expense. We generally will not commence drilling operations on a property until we have cured any material title defects on such property. We have obtained title opinions on substantially all of our producing properties and believe that we have satisfactory title to our producing properties in accordance with standards generally accepted in the oil and natural gas industry.
Prior to completing an acquisition of producing leases, we perform title reviews on the most significant leases and, depending on the materiality of properties, we may obtain a title opinion, obtain an updated title review or opinion or review previously obtained title opinions. Our natural gas properties are subject to customary royalty and other interests, liens for current taxes and other burdens which we believe do not materially interfere with the use of or affect our carrying value of the properties.
We believe that we have satisfactory title to all of our material assets. Although title to these properties is subject to encumbrances in some cases, such as customary interests generally retained in connection with the acquisition of real property, customary royalty interests and contract terms and restrictions, liens under operating agreements, liens related to environmental liabilities associated with historical operations, liens for current taxes and other burdens, easements, restrictions and minor encumbrances customary in the oil and natural gas industry, we believe that none of these liens, restrictions, easements, burdens and/or encumbrances will materially detract from the value of these properties or from our interest in these properties or materially interfere with our use of these properties in the operation of our business. In addition, we believe that we have obtained sufficient rights-of-way grants and permits from public authorities and private parties for us to operate our business in all material respects as described in this prospectus.
Seasonality
Generally, demand for oil, natural gas and NGL decreases during the spring and fall months and increases during the summer and winter months. However, certain natural gas and NGL markets utilize storage facilities and purchase some of their anticipated winter requirements during the summer, which can lessen seasonal demand fluctuations. In addition, seasonal anomalies such as mild winters or mild summers can have a significant impact on prices. These seasonal anomalies can pose challenges for meeting our well drilling objectives and can increase competition for equipment, supplies and personnel during the spring and summer months, which could lead to shortages, increased costs or delay operations.
Competition
The oil and natural gas industry is intensely competitive, and we compete with other companies that have greater resources. Many of these companies not only explore for and produce natural gas, but also carry on midstream and refining operations and market petroleum and other products on a regional, national or worldwide basis. These companies may be able to pay more for productive oil and natural gas properties or to define, evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater number of properties and prospects than our financial or human resources permit. In addition, these companies may have a greater ability to continue exploration activities during periods of low natural gas market prices. Our ability to acquire additional properties and to discover reserves in the future will be dependent upon our ability to evaluate and select suitable properties and to consummate transactions in a highly competitive environment. In addition, because we have fewer financial and human resources than many companies in our industry, we may be at a disadvantage in evaluating and bidding for oil and natural gas properties.
There is also competition between oil and natural gas producers and other industries producing energy and fuel. Furthermore, competitive conditions may be substantially affected by various forms of energy legislation and/or regulation considered from time to time by the governments of the United States and the jurisdictions in
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which we operate. It is not possible to predict the nature of any such legislation or regulation which may ultimately be adopted or its effects upon our future operations. Such laws and regulations may substantially increase the costs of developing natural gas and may prevent or delay the commencement or continuation of a given operation. Our larger or more integrated competitors may be able to absorb the burden of existing, and any changes to, federal, state and local laws and regulations more easily than we can, which would adversely affect our competitive position.
Legislative and regulatory environment
Our oil, natural gas and NGL exploration, development, production and related operations and activities are subject to extensive federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. Failure to comply with such rules and regulations can result in administrative, civil or criminal penalties, compulsory remediation and imposition of natural resource damages or other liabilities. Although the regulatory burden on the natural gas and oil industry increases our cost of doing business and, consequently, affects our profitability, we believe these obligations generally do not impact us differently or to any greater or lesser extent than they affect other operators in the natural gas and oil industry with similar operations and types, quantities and locations of production.
Regulation of production
In most states, oil and natural gas companies are generally required to obtain permits for drilling operations, provide drilling bonds, file reports concerning operations and meet other requirements related to the exploration, development and production of oil, natural gas and NGLs. Such states also have statutes and regulations addressing conservation and reclamation matters, including provisions for unitization or pooling of natural gas and oil interests, rights and properties, the surface use and restoration of properties upon which wells are drilled and disposal of water produced or used in the drilling and completion process. These regulations include the establishment of maximum rates of production from natural gas and oil wells, rules as to the spacing, plugging and abandoning of such wells, restrictions on venting or flaring natural gas and requirements regarding the ratability of production, as well as rules governing the surface use and restoration of properties upon which wells are drilled.
These laws and regulations may limit the amount of oil, natural gas and NGLs that can be produced from wells in which we own an interest and may limit the number of wells, the locations in which wells can be drilled or the method of drilling wells. Additionally, the procedures that must be followed under these laws and regulations may result in delays in obtaining permits and approvals necessary for our operations and therefore our expected timing of drilling, completion and production may be negatively impacted. These regulations apply to us directly as the operator of our leasehold. The failure to comply with these rules and regulations can result in substantial penalties.
Regulation of sales and transportation of hydrocarbon liquids
Sales of oil, condensate and NGLs are not currently regulated and are made at negotiated prices. Nevertheless, Congress has enacted price controls in the past and could reenact such controls in the future.
Our sales of oil and NGLs are affected by the availability, terms and cost of transportation. The transportation of oil, NGLs and other hydrocarbon liquids in common carrier pipelines is subject to rate and access regulation. FERC regulates the rates and terms and conditions of service of interstate transportation of oil, NGL and other liquids by pipeline under the Interstate Commerce Act. Typically, liquids pipelines interstate transportation rates are set using a generally applicable annual indexing methodology; however, a pipeline may also use a cost-of-service approach, set rates via settlement with shippers or utilize market-based rates in certain circumstances. The rates we pay for interstate transportation of liquids by pipeline, and related terms of service, may change as a result of regulatory proceedings.
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Rates for intrastate transportation on liquids pipelines are subject to regulation by state regulatory commissions. The basis for intrastate liquids pipeline regulation, and the degree of regulatory oversight and scrutiny given to intrastate liquids pipeline rates, varies from state to state. Insofar as effective interstate and intrastate rates and regulations regarding access are equally applicable to all comparable shippers, we believe that the regulation of liquids transportation will not affect our operations in any way that is of material difference from those of our competitors who are similarly situated.
Regulation of transportation and sales of natural gas
Historically, the transportation and sale for resale of natural gas in interstate commerce has been regulated by agencies of the U.S. federal government, primarily FERC and its predecessor agency. In the past, the federal government has regulated the prices at which natural gas could be sold. While sales by producers of natural gas can currently be made at uncontrolled market prices, Congress could reenact price controls in the future. Deregulation of wellhead natural gas sales began with the enactment of the NGPA and culminated in adoption of the Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act which removed controls affecting wellhead sales of natural gas effective January 1, 1993. The transportation of natural gas in interstate commerce remains subject to extensive regulation primarily under the NGA and NGPA, pursuant to regulations and orders promulgated by FERC. The rates we pay for transportation of natural gas by pipeline, and related terms of service, may change as a result of regulatory proceedings. In certain limited circumstances, intrastate transportation and wholesale sales of natural gas may also be affected, directly or indirectly, by laws enacted by Congress and by FERC regulations.
The price at which we sell natural gas is not currently subject to federal rate regulation and, for the most part, is not subject to state regulation. However, with regard to our physical and financial sales of these energy commodities, we are required to observe anti-market manipulation laws and related regulations enforced by FERC under the EPAct of 2005 and by the CFTC under the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) as amended by the Dodd-Frank Act, and regulations promulgated thereunder. The CEA prohibits any person from manipulating or attempting to manipulate the price of any commodity in interstate commerce or futures on such commodity. The CEA also prohibits knowingly delivering or causing to be delivered false or misleading or knowingly inaccurate reports concerning market information or conditions that affect or tend to affect the price of a commodity as well as certain disruptive trading practices. Should we violate the anti-market manipulation laws and regulations, we could also be subject to related third-party damage claims by, among others, sellers, royalty owners and taxing authorities.
The EPAct of 2005 amended the NGA and NGPA to add an anti-market-manipulation provision which makes it unlawful for any entity to engage in prohibited behavior to be prescribed by FERC. The EPAct of 2005 also provided FERC with the power to assess civil penalties of up to $1,000,000 per day (adjusted annually for inflation) for violations of the NGA and NGPA. As of 2024, the new adjusted maximum penalty amount is $1,544,521 per violation, per day, in addition to disgorgement of profits associated with any violation. The civil penalty provisions are applicable to entities that engage in the sale and transportation of natural gas for resale in interstate commerce.
On January 19, 2006, FERC issued Order No. 670, implementing the anti-market-manipulation provision of the EPAct of 2005, and subsequently denied rehearing. The resulting rules make it unlawful, in connection with the purchase or sale of natural gas subject to the jurisdiction of FERC, or the purchase or sale of transportation services subject to the jurisdiction of FERC, for any entity, directly or indirectly, to: (a) use or employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud; (b) make any untrue statement of material fact or omit to make any such statement necessary to make the statements made not misleading; or (c) engage in any act or practice that operates as a fraud or deceit upon any person. The anti-market manipulation rule does not apply to activities that relate only to intrastate or other non-FERC jurisdictional sales or gathering, but does apply to activities of gas pipelines and storage companies that provide interstate services. FERC has also interpreted its authority to reach otherwise non-jurisdictional entities to the extent the activities are conducted in connection with gas sales, purchases or transportation subject to FERC jurisdiction, which includes the annual reporting requirements under
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Order No. 704, described below. However, in October 2022, the Fifth Circuit ruled that FERCs jurisdiction to regulate market manipulation and assess penalties is limited to interstate natural gas transactions only and does not reach intrastate natural gas transactions.
On December 26, 2007, FERC issued Order No. 704, a final rule on the annual natural gas transaction reporting requirements, as amended and clarified by subsequent orders on rehearing. As a result of these orders, wholesale buyers and sellers of more than 2.2 million MMBtus of physical natural gas in the previous calendar year, including oil and natural gas producers, gatherers and marketers, are now required to report, by May 1 of each year, aggregate volumes of natural gas purchased or sold at wholesale in the prior calendar year to the extent such transactions utilize, contribute to or may contribute to the formation of price indices. It is the responsibility of the reporting entity to determine which individual transactions should be reported based on the guidance provided by FERC. Market participants must also indicate whether they report prices to any index publishers, and if so, whether their reporting complies with FERCs policy statement on price reporting.
Gathering service, which occurs upstream of jurisdictional transportation services, is regulated by the states onshore and in state waters. Section 1(b) of the NGA exempts natural gas gathering facilities from regulation by FERC. Although FERC has set forth a general test for determining whether natural gas facilities perform a non-jurisdictional gathering function or a jurisdictional transportation function, FERCs determinations as to the classification of facilities are done on a case-by-case basis. To the extent that FERC issues an order that reclassifies certain jurisdictional transportation facilities on which we transport our production as non-jurisdictional gathering facilities, and depending on the scope of that decision, our costs of getting gas to point of sale locations may increase. We believe that the natural gas pipelines in our own gathering systems meet the traditional tests FERC has used to establish a pipelines status as a gatherer not subject to regulation as a natural gas company. However, the distinction between FERC-regulated transportation services and federally unregulated gathering services could be the subject of litigation, so the classification and regulation of our gathering facilities could be subject to change based on future determinations by FERC, the courts or Congress. State regulation of natural gas gathering facilities generally includes various occupational safety, environmental and, in some circumstances, nondiscriminatory-take requirements. Although such regulation has not generally been affirmatively applied by state agencies, natural gas gathering may receive greater regulatory scrutiny in the future.
In addition, the pipelines in the gathering systems on which we rely may be subject to safety regulation by the U.S. Department of Transportation through its Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). PHMSA has established a risk-based approach to determine which gathering pipelines are subject to regulation and what safety standards regulated gathering pipelines must meet. Over the past several years, PHMSA has taken steps to expand the regulation of rural gathering lines and impose a number of reporting and inspection requirements on regulated pipelines, and additional requirements are expected in the future. On November 15, 2021, PHMSA released a final rule that expands the definition of regulated gathering pipelines and imposes safety measures on certain previously unregulated gathering pipelines. The final rule also imposes reporting requirements on all gathering pipelines and specifically requires operators to report safety information to PHMSA. We could incur significant costs or liabilities to comply with these PHMSA requirements or similar State safety requirements. Failure to comply with the applicable requirements could result in penalties or fines. As of January 2024, the maximum civil penalties PHMSA can impose are $266,015 per violation per day, with a maximum of $2,660,135 for a related series of violations. Furthermore, the future adoption of laws or regulations that apply more comprehensive or stringent safety standards could increase the expenses we incur.
Intrastate natural gas transportation is also subject to regulation by state regulatory agencies. The basis for intrastate regulation of natural gas transportation and the degree of regulatory oversight and scrutiny given to intrastate natural gas pipeline rates and services varies from state to state. As such regulation within a particular state will generally affect all intrastate natural gas shippers within the state on a comparable basis, we believe that the regulation of similarly situated intrastate natural gas transportation in any states in which we operate and ship natural gas on an intrastate basis will not affect our operations in any way that is of material difference from
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those of our competitors. Like the regulation of interstate transportation rates, the regulation of intrastate transportation rates affects the marketing of natural gas that we produce, as well as the revenues we receive for sales of our natural gas.
Changes in law and to FERC, PHMSA, CFTC, or state policies and regulations may adversely affect our own operations as well as the availability and reliability of firm and/or interruptible transportation service on interstate and intrastate pipelines on which we transport natural gas. We cannot predict what future action FERC, PHMSA, CFTC, or state regulatory bodies will take. We do not believe, however, that any regulatory changes will affect us in a way that materially differs from the way they will affect other oil and natural gas producers and marketers with which we compete.
Regulation of environmental and occupational safety and health matters generally
Our operations are subject to numerous stringent federal, regional, state and local statutes and regulations governing environmental protection, occupational safety and health, and the release, discharge or disposal of materials into the environment, some of which carry substantial costs to maintain compliance and may impose substantial administrative, civil and criminal penalties for failure to comply. Applicable U.S. federal environmental laws include, but are not limited to, CERCLA, the CWA and the CAA. In addition, state and local laws and regulations set forth specific standards for drilling wells, the maintenance of bonding requirements in order to drill or operate wells, the spacing and location of wells, the method of drilling and casing wells, the surface use and restoration of properties upon which wells are drilled, the plugging and abandoning of wells, the prevention and cleanup of pollutants and other matters. These laws and regulations may, among other things, require the acquisition of permits to conduct exploration, drilling and production operations; restrict the types, quantities and concentrations of various substances that can be released into the environment in connection with drilling, production and transporting through pipelines; govern the sourcing and disposal of water used in the drilling and completion process; limit or prohibit construction or drilling activities in sensitive areas such as wilderness, wetlands, frontier or other protected areas; require investigatory or remedial actions to prevent or mitigate pollution conditions caused by our operations; impose obligations to reclaim and abandon well sites and pits; establish specific safety and health criteria addressing worker protection; and impose substantial liabilities for pollution resulting from operations or failure to comply with regulatory filings. Additionally, Congress and federal and state agencies frequently revise environmental laws and regulations, and any changes that result in delay or more stringent and costly permitting, waste handling, disposal and clean-up requirements for the oil and gas industry could have a significant impact on our operating costs. Although future environmental obligations are not expected to have a material impact on the results of our operations or financial condition, there can be no assurance that future developments, such as increasingly stringent environmental laws or enforcement thereof, will not cause us to incur material environmental liabilities or costs.
Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in the assessment of administrative, civil and criminal fines and penalties, loss of leases, the imposition of investigatory or remedial obligations and the issuance of orders enjoining some or all of our operations in affected areas. These laws and regulations may also restrict the rate of oil and natural gas production below the rate that would otherwise be feasible. The regulatory burden on the oil and gas industry increases the cost of doing business in the industry and consequently affects profitability. It is possible that, over time, environmental regulation could evolve to place more restrictions and limitations on activities that may affect the environment, and thus, any changes in environmental laws and regulations or reinterpretation of enforcement policies that result in more stringent and costly well drilling, construction, completion or water management activities or waste handling, storage, transport, disposal or remediation requirements could require us to make significant expenditures to attain and maintain compliance and may otherwise have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position. We may be unable to pass on such increased compliance costs to our customers. Moreover, accidental releases or spills may occur in the course of our operations, and we cannot be certain that we will not incur significant costs and liabilities as a result of such releases or spills, including any third-party claims for damage to property, natural resources or persons. Although we believe that we are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental
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laws and regulations and that continued compliance with existing requirements will not have a material adverse impact on our business, there can be no assurance that this will continue in the future.
The following is a summary of some of the more significant existing environmental and occupational health and safety laws and regulations, as amended from time to time, to which our business operations are subject and for which compliance may have a material adverse impact on our capital expenditures, results of operations or financial position.
Hazardous substances and wastes
CERCLA, also known as the Superfund law, and comparable state laws, impose liability without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct, on certain classes of persons known as potentially responsible parties, with respect to the release of hazardous substances into the environment. Potentially responsible parties include the current and past owners or operators of a disposal site or site where the release occurred and third parties who disposed or arranged for the disposal of the hazardous substances found at such sites. Under CERCLA, such persons may be subject to strict, joint and several and retroactive liability for the remediation of hazardous substances that have been released into the environment and for damages to natural resources. Neighboring landowners, governmental agencies, citizen organizations and other third parties may file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the release of hazardous substances into the environment. We are only able to directly control the operation of those wells that we operate. The failure of an operator other than us to comply with applicable environmental regulations may, in certain circumstances, be attributed to us. We generate materials in the course of our operations that may be regulated as hazardous substances under CERCLA and other environmental laws but we are unaware of any liabilities for which we may be held responsible that would materially and adversely affect our business operations. While petroleum and crude oil fractions are generally not considered hazardous substances under CERCLA and its analogues because of the so-called petroleum exclusion, adulterated petroleum products containing other hazardous substances have been treated as hazardous substances in the past.
We also generate, handle, transport, store and dispose of solid and hazardous wastes that may be subject to the requirements of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended (RCRA), and analogous state laws. RCRA regulates the generation, handling, storage, treatment, transport and disposal of nonhazardous and hazardous solid wastes. RCRA specifically excludes drilling fluids, produced waters and other wastes associated with the development or production of crude oil, natural gas or geothermal energy from regulation as hazardous wastes. With the approval of the EPA, individual states can administer some or all of the provisions of RCRA, and some states have adopted their own, more stringent requirements. However, legislation has been proposed from time to time and various environmental groups have filed lawsuits that, if successful, could result in the reclassification of certain natural gas and oil exploration and production wastes as hazardous wastes, and potentially subject such wastes to much more stringent handling, disposal and clean-up requirements. Any future loss of the RCRA exclusion for drilling fluids, produced waters and related wastes could result in an increase in our costs to manage and dispose of generated wastes, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position. In addition, in the course of our operations, we generate some amounts of ordinary industrial wastes, such as paint wastes, waste solvents, laboratory wastes and waste compressor oils that may be regulated as hazardous wastes if such wastes are determined to have hazardous characteristics. Although the costs of managing hazardous waste may be significant, we do not believe that our costs in this regard are materially more burdensome than those for similarly situated companies.
We currently own, lease or operate numerous properties that may have been used by prior owners or operators for oil and natural gas development and production activities for many years. Although we believe that we have utilized operating and waste disposal practices that were standard in the industry at the time, hazardous substances, wastes or petroleum hydrocarbons may have been released on, under or from the properties owned or leased by us, or on, under or from other locations, including off-site locations where such substances have been taken for recycling or disposal. In addition, some of our properties may have been operated by third parties or by
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previous owners or operators whose treatment and disposal of hazardous substances, wastes or petroleum hydrocarbons were not under our control. These properties and the substances disposed or released on, under or from them may be subject to CERCLA, RCRA and/or analogous state laws. Under such laws, we could be required to undertake response or corrective measures, which could include removal of previously disposed substances and wastes, cleanup of contaminated property or performance of remedial plugging or pit closure operations to prevent future contamination.
Water discharges
The CWA, and comparable state laws impose restrictions and strict controls regarding the discharge of pollutants, including spills and leaks of oil and other natural gas wastes, into or near waters of the United States or state waters. The discharge of pollutants into regulated waters is prohibited, except in accordance with the terms of a permit issued by the EPA or an analogous state agency. The discharge of dredge and fill material into regulated waters, including wetlands, is also prohibited, unless authorized by a permit issued by the Corps. In April 2020 the U.S. Supreme Court held that, in certain cases, discharges from a point source to groundwater could fall within the scope of the CWA and require a permit. Further, the U.S. Supreme Courts decision issued in May 2023 in Sackett v. EPA, held that the jurisdiction of the CWA to regulate WOTUS extends only to those adjacent wetlands that are indistinguishable from traditional navigable bodies of water due to a continuous surface connection. In September 2023, the EPA and the Corps published a direct-to-final rule redefining WOTUS to align with the decision in Sackett. To the extent a stay of recent rules or the implementation of a revised rule expands the scope of the CWAs jurisdiction, we could face increased costs and delays with respect to obtaining permits, including for dredge and fill activities in wetland areas. Additionally, many states have similar requirements that apply to state waters where federal jurisdiction ends.
The process for obtaining permits also has the potential to delay our operations. For example, in January 2021, the Corps released the final version of a rule renewing twelve of its Nationwide Permits (NWPs), including NWP 12, the general permit issued by the Corps for pipelines and utility projects. The new rule, which took effect on March 15, 2021, splits NWP 12 into three parts; NWP 12 will continue to be available to oil and gas pipelines. On March 28, 2022, the Corps published a notice announcing that it is undertaking formal review of NWP 12 and sought public comments. The comment period ended on May 27, 2022. Any further changes to NWP 12 could have an impact on our business. We cannot predict at this time how the new Corps rule will be implemented because permits are issued by the local Corps district offices. If new oil and gas pipeline projects are unable to utilize NWP 12 or identify an alternate means of CWA compliance, such projects could be significantly delayed.
Additionally, spill prevention, control and countermeasure plans, also referred to as SPCC plans, are required by federal law in connection with on-site storage of significant quantities of oil. Compliance may require appropriate containment berms and similar structures to help prevent the contamination of navigable waters by a petroleum hydrocarbon tank spill, rupture or leak.
Safe Drinking Water Act
The SDWA grants the EPA broad authority to take action to protect public health when an underground source of drinking water is threatened with pollution that presents an imminent and substantial endangerment to humans. The SDWA also regulates saltwater disposal wells under the Underground Injection Control Program. The federal EPAct of 2005 amended the Underground Injection Control provisions of the SDWA to expressly exclude certain hydraulic fracturing from the definition of underground injection, but disposal of hydraulic fracturing fluids and produced water or their injection for enhanced oil recovery is not excluded. In 2014, the EPA issued permitting guidance governing hydraulic fracturing with diesel fuels. While we do not currently use diesel fuels in our hydraulic fracturing fluids, we may become subject to federal permitting under SDWA if our fracturing formula changes or if there are other changes to the applicable provisions of the SDWA.
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Air emissions
The CAA and comparable state laws restrict the emission of air pollutants from many sources, including compressor stations, through the issuance of permits and other requirements. These laws and regulations may require us to obtain pre-approval for the construction or modification of certain projects or facilities expected to produce or significantly increase air emissions, obtain and strictly comply with stringent air permit requirements or utilize specific equipment or technologies to control emissions of certain pollutants. The need to obtain permits has the potential to delay the development of oil and natural gas projects. Over the next several years, we may be required to incur certain capital expenditures for air pollution control equipment or other air emissions related issues. For example, in October 2015, the EPA lowered the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone from 75 to 70 parts per billion. In December 2020, the EPA announced its intention to leave the ozone NAAQS unchanged at 70 parts per billion. Further, in June 2016, the EPA also finalized rules regarding criteria for aggregating multiple small surface sites into a single source for air-quality permitting purposes applicable to the oil and gas industry. These rules could cause small facilities, on an aggregate basis, to be deemed a major source, thereby triggering more stringent air permitting processes and requirements. These and other laws and regulations concerning air emissions may increase the costs of compliance for some facilities where we operate.
State implementation of the revised NAAQS could result in stricter permitting requirements, delay or prohibit our ability to obtain such permits, and result in increased expenditures for pollution control equipment, the costs of which could be significant. In March 2024, the EPA adopted new rules under the CAA that require the reduction of volatile organic compound (VOC) and methane emissions from certain fractured and refractured natural gas wells for which well completion operations are conducted and further require that most wells use reduced emission completions, also known as green completions. These regulations also establish specific new requirements regarding emissions from production-related wet seal and reciprocating compressors, and from pneumatic controllers and storage vessels. In addition, the regulations place new requirements to detect and repair volatile organic compound and methane at certain well sites and compressor stations. In December 2023, the EPA announced a final rule targeting methane emissions from new and existing oil and gas sources, which, among other things, requires the phase out of routine flaring of natural gas from newly constructed wells (with some exceptions) and routine leak monitoring at all well sites and compressor stations. Notably, the EPA updated the applicability date for certain requirements to a construction date of December 6, 2022, meaning that sources constructed prior to that date will be considered existing sources with later compliance deadlines under state plans. The final rule gives states, along with federal tribes, two years to develop and submit their plans for reducing methane emissions from existing sources, and those existing sources themselves have three years from the plan submission deadline to comply. Several states, including West Virginia and Ohio, are considering their own regulations related to methane emissions from oil and gas operations. Compliance with these and other air pollution control and permitting requirements has the potential to delay the development of natural gas projects and increase our costs of development, which costs could be significant. Further, compliance with these rules will require enhanced record-keeping practices, the purchase of new equipment and increased frequency of maintenance and repair activities to address emissions leakage at certain well sites and compressor stations, and also may require hiring additional personnel to support these activities or the engagement of third-party contractors to assist with and verify compliance.
Climate change
More stringent laws and regulations relating to climate change and GHGs may be adopted and could cause us to incur material expenses to comply with such laws and regulations. These requirements could adversely affect our operations and restrict or delay our ability to obtain air permits for new or modified sources. The EPA has adopted rules requiring the monitoring and reporting of GHG emissions from specified onshore and offshore oil and natural gas production sources in the United States on an annual basis, which include certain of our operations.
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At the international level, President Biden signed the instrument recommitting the U.S. to the Paris Agreement in January 2021 and, in April 2021, announced a goal of reducing U.S. emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030. In September 2021, President Biden announced the Global Methane Pledge, an international pact that aims to reduce global methane emissions at least 30% below 2020 levels by 2030, including all feasible reductions in the energy sector. At COP28 in December 2023, member countries entered into an agreement that calls for actions toward achieving, at a global scale, a tripling of renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency improvements by 2030. The goals of the agreement, among other things, are to accelerate efforts toward the phase-down of unabated coal power, phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies and take other measures that drive the transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems.
Additionally, in 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (the IRA) which could accelerate the transition to a lower carbon economy. The IRA provides incentives for the development of renewable energy, clean hydrogen, clean fuels and supporting infrastructure and carbon capture and sequestration. In addition, the IRA includes a methane emissions reduction program that amends the Clean Air Act to include a Methane Emissions and Waste Reduction Incentive Program for petroleum and natural gas systems. This program requires the EPA to impose a waste emissions charge on certain natural gas and oil sources that are already required to report under the EPAs Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. The methane charge and the incentives for renewable energy infrastructure development could impose additional costs on our operations and further accelerate the transition of the economy away from the use of natural gas towards lower- or zero-carbon emissions alternatives, which could in turn have an adverse impact on our business. Separately, various state and local governments have also vowed to continue to enact regulations to satisfy their proportionate obligations under the Paris Agreement. Additionally, some states have issued mandates to reduce emissions of GHGs, primarily through planned development of GHG emission inventories and potential cap-and-trade programs. Most of these types of programs require major sources of emissions or major producers of fuels to acquire and subsequently surrender emission allowances, with the number of allowances available being reduced each year until a target goal is achieved.
In addition, the SEC adopted the SEC Climate Rules, which will mandate detailed disclosure of certain climate-related information, including, among other items, material climate-related risks and related governance, strategy and risk management processes, certain financial statement disclosures and Scopes 1 and 2 GHG emissions, if material, for certain public companies. The SEC Climate Rules are currently stayed pending legal challenges and are widely expected to face additional legal challenges going forward. For these reasons, we cannot currently predict with certainty the timing and costs of implementation or any potential adverse impacts resulting therefrom. However, assuming that the SEC Climate Rules take effect, they may result in us experiencing additional operational and compliance burdens and incurring significant additional costs. In addition, enhanced climate disclosure requirements could accelerate the trend of certain stakeholders and lenders restricting or seeking more stringent conditions with respect to their investments in certain carbon intensive sectors. Regulations requiring the disclosure of similar climate-related information have also passed at the state-level.
Further, in January 2024, President Biden announced a temporary pause on pending decisions on exports of LNG to non-free trade agreement countries until the Department of Energy can update the underlying analyses for authorizations, including an assessment of the impact of GHG emissions. In a July 2024 ruling, the Western District of Louisiana stayed this temporary pause on LNG exports to non-free trade agreement countries. The Biden Administration appealed the ruling in August 2024 and the litigation remains ongoing. We cannot predict whether the pause may be reinstated. This and other changes in law and governmental policy may have impacts on our business that are difficult to anticipate.
The adoption and implementation of new or more stringent international, federal, state, or local legislation, regulations or other regulatory initiatives related to climate change or GHG emissions from oil and natural gas facilities could result in increased costs of compliance or costs of consumption, thereby reducing demand for our products, and could require us to incur increased operating costs or otherwise have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Hydraulic fracturing
Hydraulic fracturing is a common practice that is used to stimulate production of oil and/or natural gas from low permeability subsurface rock formations and is important to our business. The hydraulic fracturing process involves the injection of water, proppants and chemicals under pressure into targeted subsurface formations to fracture the hydrocarbon-bearing rock formation and stimulate production of hydrocarbons. We regularly use hydraulic fracturing as part of our operations. Presently, hydraulic fracturing is primarily regulated at the state level, but the practice has become increasingly controversial in certain parts of the country, resulting in increased scrutiny and regulation. For example, the EPA has asserted federal regulatory authority pursuant to the SDWA over certain hydraulic fracturing activities involving the use of diesel fuels and published permitting guidance in February 2014 addressing the performance of such activities using diesel fuels.
In addition, there are heightened concerns by the public about hydraulic fracturing causing damage to aquifers, and there is potential for future regulation to address those concerns. In December 2016, the EPA released its final report on the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources. The final report concluded that certain activities associated with hydraulic fracturing may impact drinking water resources under some circumstances. To date, the EPA has taken no further action in response to the 2016 report.
At the state level, several states have adopted or are considering legal requirements that require oil and natural gas operators to disclose chemical ingredients and water volumes used to hydraulically fracture wells, in addition to more stringent well construction and monitoring requirements. Local governments may also adopt ordinances within their jurisdictions regulating the time, place and manner of drilling activities in general or hydraulic fracturing activities in particular. If new or more stringent federal, state, or local legal restrictions relating to the hydraulic fracturing process are adopted in areas where we operate, we could incur potentially significant added costs to comply with such requirements, experience delays or curtailment in the pursuit of exploration, development, or production activities, and perhaps even be precluded from drilling wells.
Oil Pollution Act
The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (the OPA) establishes strict liability for owners and operators of facilities that are the source of a release of oil into WOTUS. The OPA and its associated regulations impose a variety of requirements on responsible parties, including owners and operators of certain facilities from which oil is released, related to the prevention of oil spills and liability for damages resulting from such spills. While liability limits apply in some circumstances, a party cannot take advantage of liability limits if the spill was caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct, resulted from violation of a federal safety, construction or operating regulation or if the party fails to report a spill or to cooperate fully in the cleanup. Few defenses exist to the liability imposed by the OPA. The OPA imposes ongoing requirements on a responsible party, including the preparation of oil spill response plans and proof of financial responsibility to cover environmental cleanup and restoration costs that could be incurred in connection with an oil spill.
National Environmental Policy Act
Oil and natural gas exploration and production activities on federal lands are subject to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA requires federal agencies to evaluate major federal actions having the potential to significantly impact the environment. The process involves the preparation of an environmental assessment and, if necessary, an environmental impact statement depending on whether the specific circumstances surrounding the proposed federal action have the potential to significantly impact the environment. The NEPA process involves public input through comments, which can alter the nature of a proposed project either by limiting the scope of the project or requiring resource-specific mitigation. NEPA decisions can be appealed through the court system by process participants. This process may result in delaying the permitting and development of projects, may increase the costs of permitting and developing some facilities and could result, in certain instances, in the cancellation of existing leases. In July 2020, the Council on Environmental Quality
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(CEQ) revised NEPAs implementing regulations to make the NEPA process more efficient, effective and timely. The rule required federal agencies to develop procedures consistent with the new rule within one year of the rules effective date (which was extended to two years in June 2021). These regulations are subject to ongoing litigation in several federal district courts, and in October 2021, CEQ issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend the NEPA regulatory changes adopted in 2020 in two phases. Phase 1 of the CEQs rulemaking process was finalized on April 20, 2022, and generally restored provisions that were in effect prior to 2020. In May 2024, the CEQ finalized the Phase 2 rule that would streamline and clarify NEPA reviews while maintaining consideration of relevant environmental, climate change and environmental justice effects. The final rule took effect in July 2024. However, several states and environmental groups have filed challenges to this rulemaking, and CEQs amendments are subject to reconsideration and may be subject to reversal or change under the Biden administration. Further, the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act, signed into law in November 2021, codified some of the July 2020 amendments in statutory text. These amendments must be implemented into each agencys implementing regulations, and each of those individual rulemakings could be subject to legal challenge. Additionally, on June 3, 2023, President Biden signed the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, which includes important changes to NEPA to streamline the environmental review process. The impact of changes to the NEPA regulations and statutory text therefore remains uncertain and could have an effect on our operations and our ability to obtain governmental permits.
Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act
The ESA restricts activities that may affect endangered or threatened species or their habitat. Similar protections are offered to migratory birds under the MBTA. We may conduct operations on natural gas leases in areas where certain species that are or could be listed as threatened or endangered are known to exist. In February 2016, the FWS published a final policy which alters how it may designate critical habitat and suitable habitat areas that it believes are necessary for survival of a threatened or endangered species. A critical habitat or suitable habitat designation could result in further material restrictions to land use and may materially delay or prohibit land access for natural gas development. The Trump administration issued rules that narrowed the definition of habitat and altered a policy in a way that made it easier to exclude territory from critical habitat. In October 2021, the Biden administration published two rules that reversed those changes, and in June and July 2022, the FWS issued final rules rescinding Trump-era regulations concerning the definition of habitat and critical habitat exclusions. In June 2023, the FWS issued three proposed rules governing critical habitat designation and expanding protection options for species listed as threatened pursuant to the ESA. Final rules were published in April 2024, and took effect in May 2024. The designation of previously unprotected species as threatened or endangered or new critical or suitable habitat designations in areas where we conduct operations could result in limitations or prohibitions on our operations and could adversely impact our business. It is possible the new rules could increase the portion of our lease areas that could be designated as critical habitat. It is also possible the October 2021 rules could increase the portion of our lease areas that could be designated as critical habitat. If we were to have a portion of our leases designated as critical or suitable habitat, it could adversely impact the value of our leases.
The Department of the Interior also issued an opinion in December 2017 that would narrow certain protections afforded to migratory birds pursuant to the MBTA. The MBTA makes it illegal to, among other things, hunt, capture, kill, possess, sell, or purchase migratory birds, nests or eggs without a permit, and concurrently finalized a rule limiting application of the MBTA. The Department of the Interior revoked the rule in October 2021 and issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking seeking comment to the Department of the Interiors plan to develop regulations that authorize incidental take under certain prescribed conditions. The notice of proposed rulemaking was initially expected in October 2023 with a final rule to follow by April 2024; however, the notice of proposed rulemaking has not yet been issued. The identification or designation of previously unprotected species as threatened or endangered in areas where underlying property operations are conducted could cause us to incur increased costs arising from species protection measures or could result in limitations on our development activities that could have an adverse impact on our ability to develop and produce
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reserves. If we were to have a portion of our leases designated as critical or suitable habitat, it could adversely impact the value of our leases.
Worker health and safety
We are subject to a number of federal and state laws and regulations, including the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended (OSHA), and comparable state statutes, the purpose of which is to protect the health and safety of workers. For example, the OSHA hazard communication standard, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act and comparable state statutes and any implementing regulations require that we maintain, organize and/or disclose information about hazardous materials used or produced in our operations and that this information be provided to employees, state and local governmental authorities and citizens. Other OSHA standards regulate specific worker safety aspects of our operations. Failure to comply with OSHA requirements can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Related permits and authorizations
Many environmental laws require us to obtain permits or other authorizations from state and/or federal agencies before initiating certain drilling, construction, production, operation or other oil and natural gas activities, and to maintain these permits and compliance with their requirements for ongoing operations. These permits are generally subject to protest, appeal or litigation, which can in certain cases delay or halt projects and cease production or operation of wells, pipelines and other operations.
Related insurance
We maintain insurance against some contamination risks associated with our development activities, including a coverage policy for gradual pollution events. However, this insurance is limited to activities at the well site, and there can be no assurance that this insurance will continue to be commercially available or that this insurance will be available at premium levels that justify its purchase by us. The occurrence of a significant event that is not fully insured or indemnified against could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition and operations.
Employees
As of June 30, 2024, we had 66 employees, none of whom were subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
Legal Proceedings
We are party to various legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of our business. We believe these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
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Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth the names, ages and titles of our directors and executive officers:
Name |
Age | Title | ||||
Zack Arnold |
41 | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director | ||||
David Sproule |
44 | Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director | ||||
Raleigh Wolfe |
38 | General Counsel | ||||
Steven Cobb |
35 | Director | ||||
William J. Quinn |
53 | Director | ||||
Katherine M. Gallagher |
41 | Director Nominee | ||||
Scott Gieselman |
61 | Director Nominee | ||||
Steven D. Gray |
65 | Director Nominee | ||||
Sarah James |
41 | Director Nominee | ||||
David Poole |
62 | Director Nominee | ||||
Brian Seline |
35 | Director Nominee |
Zack Arnold is our President and Chief Executive Officer and a director. Mr. Arnold has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Infinity Natural Resources, LLC since June 2017, when he also was appointed to Infinity Natural Resources Board of Managers. From 2014 to 2017, Mr. Arnold acted as the General Manager of Operations at Northeast Natural Energy (NNE). Prior to joining NNE, Mr. Arnold held various roles at Chesapeake Energy Corp. (Nasdaq: CHK) including Drilling Engineer, Completions Superintendent and Operations Manager. Mr. Arnold began his career as a Production Engineer with Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) in Bakersfield, CA where he was exposed to the safety culture, operational excellence and the process-oriented mindset of a major energy company. Mr. Arnold is a graduate of Marietta College where he holds a degree in petroleum engineering.
We believe Mr. Arnolds extensive industry background and deep knowledge of our business make him well qualified to serve on our board of directors.
David Sproule is our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and a director. Mr. Sproule was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Infinity Natural Resources, LLC in June 2017. Prior to joining Infinity Natural Resources, from July 2015 to June 2017, Mr. Sproule acted as a consultant advising exploration and production companies operating within the Appalachian Basin. Prior to that, Mr. Sproule was a director at Tudor Pickering, Holt & Co. advising exploration and production companies predominantly within the Appalachian Basin on strategic M&A and capital raising activities. Mr. Sproule is a graduate of Yale University where he holds a B.A. in History.
We believe Mr. Sproules extensive industry background and deep knowledge of our business make him well qualified to serve on our board of directors.
Raleigh Wolfe is our General Counsel. Mr. Wolfe has served as the General Counsel of Infinity Natural Resources, LLC since June 2024. Mr. Wolfe previously served as an attorney at Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. from October 2013 to June 2024, most recently in the role of Counsel, where he represented public and private companies in capital markets offerings and mergers and acquisitions, primarily in the oil and natural gas industry. Mr. Wolfe holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Clemson University, a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University and a Juris Doctor from Louisiana State University.
Steven Cobb is a member of our board of directors. Mr. Cobb is also a Managing Director of Pearl Energy Investments and has held such role since August of 2015. As a member of Pearls investment team, Mr. Cobb is involved in portfolio management, firm strategy, business development, LP relations and fundraising. Prior to
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joining Pearl, from August 2011 to August 2015, Mr. Cobb was employed at Pioneer Natural Resources, where he served as an Operations Engineer, Reservoir Engineer, and most recently, Supervisor of Investor Relations. Steven holds a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Oklahoma and an M.B.A. in finance from Southern Methodist University.
We believe Mr. Cobbs deep industry and investing experience make him well qualified to serve on our board of directors.
William J. Quinn is a member of our board of directors. Mr. Quinn is also a Founder and Managing Partner of Pearl Energy Investments. Prior to founding Pearl in 2015, Mr. Quinn served as Managing Partner of Natural Gas Partners. In his capacity as Managing Partner, he co-managed NGPs investment portfolio and played an active role in the full range of NGPs investment process. Mr. Quinn also serves on the boards of directors of a number of Pearl companies and their affiliates. Mr. Quinn currently serves on the board of directors of Permian Resources Corporation (NYSE: PR), a position he has held since September 2022. From September 2021 until May 2022, he served as a director and Chairman of the board of directors of Spring Valley Acquisition Corporation, which is now called NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE: SMR) following the companys business combination in May 2022. Mr. Quinn holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, with honors, from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with a concentration in Finance.
We believe Mr. Quinns deep industry and investing experience make him well qualified to serve on our board of directors.
Katherine M. Gallagher currently serves as Co-President of the Board of Magdalene House Austin, and as a board member of the White Star Ranch Homeowners Association. Ms. Gallagher previously served as a Corporate Regulatory Advisor for Pioneer Natural Resources from September 2014 to May 2017. Prior to that, Ms. Gallagher served in various roles for Pioneer Natural Resources from September 2007 to September 2014, including as a Field Operations Manager, Operations Engineering Supervisor, Special Project Engineer and Senior Operations Engineer. Before that, Ms. Gallagher served as a Materials Engineer for Chevron Corp. from June 2005 to September 2007. Ms. Gallagher holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, with a minor in Economics, from the Colorado School of Mines, and a Master of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M University.
We believe Ms. Gallaghers deep experience and intimate knowledge of the oil, gas and energy industry makes her well qualified to serve on our board of directors.
Scott Gieselman was a Partner for NGP Energy Capital Management until 2023, a position he held since April 2007. Mr. Gieselman served as a director of certain private and public NGP portfolio companies. Prior to joining NGP, Mr. Gieselman served in various positions in the investment banking energy group of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, where he became a partner in 2002. Mr. Gieselman served as a director for Switchback II Corporation from December 2020 until the closing of its business combination with Bird Rides, Inc. in November 2021, Switchback Energy Acquisition Corporation from May 2019 until the closing of its business combination with ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CHPT) in February 2021, HighPoint Resources Corporation from March 2018 until the closing of its merger with Bonanza Creek Energy, Inc. in April 2021, WildHorse Resource Development Corporation from September 2016 until it was acquired by Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: CHK) in February 2019, Chesapeake Energy Corporation from May 2019 to November 2019, Rice Energy, Inc. from January 2014 until April 2017, Memorial Resource Development Corp. from June 2014 until it was acquired by Range Resources Corporation (NYSE: RRC) in September 2016, and Memorial Production Partners GP LLC from December 2011 until March 2016. Mr. Gieselman holds a Master of Business Administration degree and a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston College.
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We believe Mr. Gieselmans considerable financial and energy investment banking experience, as well as his experience on the boards of several public and private energy companies, makes him well qualified to serve on our board of directors.
Steven D. Gray served as Co-founder, Director, and Chief Executive Officer of RSP Permian Inc. from 2010 until its merger with Concho Resources (Concho) in 2018. After the merger with Concho, he joined Conchos Board of Directors and served until Concho was acquired by ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) in 2021. Prior to forming RSP Permian, Mr. Gray founded several successful oil and gas ventures spanning nearly 20 years in partnerships with Natural Gas Partners, a Dallas, Texas based private equity firm. Before that, Mr. Gray spent 11 years employed in the oil and gas industry in various capacities as a petroleum engineer. Mr. Gray currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Permian Resources Corporation (NYSE: PR), as well as a Director on the Texas Tech Foundation Advisory Board. Mr. Gray previously served as a Director on the Board of Directors of Range Resources Corporation (NYSE: RRC) from October 2018 to October 2024. Mr. Gray holds a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering degree from Texas Tech University.
We believe Mr. Grays prior executive roles for numerous upstream oil and gas companies, including as CEO, as well as experience serving on the boards of multiple public oil and gas companies, makes him well qualified to serve on our board of directors.
Sarah James is currently a partner at Penvest Holdings, a private investment holding company. Ms. James served as Chief Financial Officer for Beard Energy Transition Acquisition Corporation (NYSE: BRD) from November 2021 to December 2023. From March 2020 to July 2021, Ms. James served as Chief Financial Officer for Alussa Energy Acquisition Corporation (NYSE: ALUS). From February 2013 to April 2020, Ms. James served as a vice president of finance and business development at Caelus Energy Alaska, LLC, a private company specializing in oil and gas exploration and production. Ms. James oversaw the companys business development strategy, debt and equity fundraising and ongoing financial reporting functions. From January 2008 to August 2010, she served as a private equity associate at Riverstone Holdings, an energy, power and infrastructure-focused private equity firm. Prior to that, Ms. James served as an analyst at JPMorgan Securities, Inc., in the diversified industrials and natural resources group. Ms. James currently serves on the board of directors and audit committee of North American Helium Inc as well as the board of directors and nominating and governance committee of Stronghold Digital Mining, Inc. (Nasdaq: SDIG). Ms. James holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and English from Duke University and a Master of Business Administration and Master of Science: School of Earth Sciences from Stanford University.
We believe Ms. James financial expertise and experience makes her well qualified to serve on our board of directors.
David Poole is currently Of Counsel at the law firm of Wick Phillips LLP. Mr. Poole previously served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Range Resources Corporation (NYSE: RRC) from June 2008 until March 2023. Prior to joining Range, Mr. Poole was with TXU Corp. (TXU) in its legal department from 2004 to 2008, serving most recently as General Counsel. Prior to joining TXU, Mr. Poole spent 16 years at the law firm of Hunton & Williams LLP, most recently as a Partner. Mr. Poole holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from Texas Tech University and a Juris Doctor degree from the Texas Tech School of Law.
We believe Mr. Pooles deep industry and legal experience, and prior roles in public oil, gas and energy companies makes him well qualified to serve on our board of directors.
Brian Seline is a Partner at NGP where he concentrates on the firms efforts in sourcing new investments, acquisition evaluation and serving on the boards of several private oil and gas investments. Mr. Seline joined NGP in July 2013 and has over a decade of experience in the energy industry. In his time with NGP, Mr. Seline has worked directly with over 20 upstream and midstream companies across the investment lifecycle. Prior to NGP, Mr. Seline was an Investment Banking Analyst with Barclays Capitals Natural Resources Group in Houston from June 2011 to July 2013, where he focused on financing and merger and acquisition transactions in
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the oil and gas industry. Mr. Seline received a B.B.A. in Finance and a B.A. in Economics and minor in Government in 2011 from The University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated with Honors and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa scholastic honor society.
We believe Mr. Selines deep industry experience and financial expertise make him well qualified to serve on our board of directors.
Board of Directors
Upon the closing of this offering, it is anticipated that we will have ten directors. We currently have four directors, and we plan to add six additional independent directors prior to or upon the closing of this offering.
Our board of directors has determined that Messrs. Cobb, Gieselman, Gray, Poole, Quinn and Seline and Mses. Gallagher and James are each independent under the NYSE listing standards.
Our Amended Charter will provide Pearl with the right to nominate a majority of the members of our board of directors so long as it and its affiliates beneficially own more than 50% of the voting power of our common stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. When Pearl, together with its affiliates, beneficially owns less than 50% but more than 30% of the voting power of our common stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, Pearl will have the right to nominate a number of individuals to the board of directors proportionate to Pearls beneficial ownership of the voting power of the common stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, rounded up to the nearest whole number, which shall not be less than three (3). When Pearl, together with its affiliates, beneficially owns less than 30% but more than 20% of the voting power of our common stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, Pearl will have the right to nominate a number of individuals to the board of directors proportionate to Pearls beneficial ownership of the voting power of the common stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, rounded up to the nearest whole number, which shall not be less than two (2). When Pearl, together with its affiliates, beneficially owns less than 20% but at least 10% of the voting power of our common stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, Pearl will have the right to nominate one member to the board of directors. Furthermore, our Amended Charter will provide NGP with the right to nominate one (1) individual to our board of directors so long as it and its affiliates beneficially own at least 10% of the voting power of our common stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.
In evaluating a director candidates qualifications, we will assess whether such a candidate possesses the integrity, judgment, knowledge, experience, skills and expertise that are likely to enhance our ability to manage and direct our affairs and business, including our board of directors committees. Our directors hold office until the earlier of their death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal or until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.
Status as a Controlled Company
Because Pearl will own over a majority of our outstanding common stock following the completion of this offering, we expect to be a controlled company under the NYSE corporate governance standards. A controlled company need not comply with the applicable corporate governance rules that its board of directors have a majority of independent directors and independent compensation and nominating, governance and sustainability committees. Notwithstanding our status as a controlled company, we will remain subject to the applicable corporate governance standard that requires us to have an audit committee composed entirely of independent directors. As a result, our audit committee must have at least one independent director by the date our Class A common stock is listed on the NYSE, as applicable, at least two independent directors within 90 days of the listing date and at least three independent directors within one year of the listing date.
While these exemptions will apply to us as long as we remain a controlled company, we expect that our board of directors will nonetheless consist of a majority of independent directors within the meaning of the NYSE listing standards currently in effect.
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Committees of the Board of Directors
Upon the conclusion of this offering, we intend to have an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating, governance and sustainability committee of our board of directors, and we may have such other committees as the board of directors shall determine from time to time. We anticipate that each of the standing committees of the board of directors will have the composition and responsibilities described below.
Audit Committee
We will establish an audit committee prior to the completion of this offering. Following completion of this offering, our audit committee will consist of Mses. Gallagher and James and Mr. Gieselman, and Ms. James will serve as the committee chair. As required by the rules of the SEC and listing standards of the NYSE, the audit committee will consist solely of independent directors, subject to the phase-in exceptions. Those rules permit us to have an audit committee that has one independent member at the date our Class A common stock is first listed on the NYSE, a majority of independent members within 90 days thereafter and all independent members within one year thereafter. SEC rules also require that a public company disclose whether or not its audit committee has an audit committee financial expert, which is defined as a person whose experience yields the attributes outlined in such rules. Ms. James will satisfy this requirement.
This committee will oversee, review, act on and report on various auditing and accounting matters to our board of directors, including: the selection of our independent accountants, the scope of our annual audits, fees to be paid to them, their performance and our accounting practices. In addition, the audit committee will oversee our compliance programs relating to legal and regulatory requirements. We expect to adopt an audit committee charter defining the committees primary duties in a manner consistent with the rules of the SEC and applicable stock exchange or market standards, including SOX.
Compensation Committee
We will establish a compensation committee prior to the completion of this offering. Following completion of this offering, our compensation committee will consist of Messrs. Gieselman, Gray and Poole, and Mr. Gieselman will serve as the committee chair. As required by the rules of the SEC and listing standards of the NYSE, the compensation committee will consist solely of independent directors, subject to the phase-in exceptions. Those rules permit us to have a compensation committee that has one independent member at the date our Class A common stock is first listed on the NYSE, a majority of independent members within 90 days thereafter and all independent members within one year thereafter.
This committee establishes salaries, incentives and other forms of compensation for officers and other employees. Our compensation committee also administers our incentive compensation and benefit plans. See Executive Compensation for a brief description of how we intend to make grants following this offering. We have adopted a compensation committee charter defining the committees primary duties in a manner consistent with the rules of the SEC, the PCAOB and applicable NYSE standards.
Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee
We will establish a nominating, governance and sustainability committee (NGS Committee) prior to the completion of this offering. Following the completion of this offering, our NGS Committee will consist of Mses. Gallagher and James and Mr. Poole, and Mr. Poole will serve as the committee chair. As required by the rules of the SEC and listing standards of the NYSE, the NGS Committee will consist solely of independent directors, subject to the phase-in exceptions. Those rules permit us to have a NGS Committee that has one independent member at the date our Class A common stock is first listed on the NYSE, a majority of independent members within 90 days thereafter and all independent members within one year thereafter.
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The NGS Committee will identify, evaluate and recommend qualified nominees to serve on our board of directors; develop and oversee our internal corporate governance processes; and maintain a management succession plan. We have adopted a charter for the NGS Committee to be effective upon the completion of this offering defining the committees primary duties in a manner consistent with the rules of the SEC and the listing standards of the NYSE.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of our executive officers serve on the board of directors or compensation committee of another public company that has an executive officer that serves on our board of directors or compensation committee. No member of our board is an executive officer of another public company in which one of our executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of that company.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Prior to the completion of this offering, our board of directors will adopt a code of business conduct and ethics applicable to our employees, directors and officers that will comply with applicable U.S. federal securities laws and the corporate governance rules of the NYSE. Any waiver of this code may be made only by our board of directors and will be promptly disclosed as required by applicable U.S. federal securities laws and the corporate governance rules of the NYSE.
Corporate Governance Guidelines
Prior to the completion of this offering, our board of directors will adopt corporate governance guidelines in accordance with the corporate governance rules of the NYSE.
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We are currently considered an emerging growth company within the meaning of the Securities Act, for purposes of the SECs executive compensation disclosure rules. In accordance with those rules, we are required to provide a Summary Compensation Table and an Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End Table, as well as limited narrative disclosures regarding executive compensation for our last completed fiscal year. Further, our reporting obligations extend only to our Named Executive Officers, who are the individuals who served as our principal executive officer and our next two other most highly compensated executive officers at the end of the fiscal year December 31, 2023 (the 2023 Fiscal Year). We only had one executive officer other than our principal executive officer during the 2023 Fiscal Year; accordingly, our Named Executive Officers are:
Name |
Principal Position | |
Zack Arnold |
President & Chief Executive Officer | |
David Sproule |
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer |
2023 Summary Compensation Table
The following table summarizes the compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to our Named Executive Officers for the 2023 Fiscal Year.
Name and Principal Position |
Year | Salary ($)(1) |
Bonus ($)(2) |
All Other Compensation ($)(3) |
Total ($) |
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Zack Arnold |
2023 | $ | 281,250 | $ | 141,000 | $ | 30,796 | $ | 453,046 | |||||||||||
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David Sproule |
2023 | $ | 281,250 | $ | 141,000 | $ | 33,000 | $ | 455,250 | |||||||||||
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(1) | Amounts in this column reflect the base salary earned by each Named Executive Officer in the 2023 Fiscal Year. |
(2) | Amounts in this column reflect discretionary bonuses earned by each Named Executive Officer with respect to services performed during the 2023 Fiscal Year. |
(3) | Amounts in this column reflect employer-paid 401(k) plan matching contributions and non-elective contributions. |
Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table
Confidentiality and Non-Compete Agreements
The Named Executive Officers have not entered into any employment agreements with the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates). However, on June 6, 2017, each Named Executive Officer entered into a confidentiality and non-compete agreement (Confidentiality Agreement) with INR Holdings in connection with the commencement of his employment. The Confidentiality Agreements provide for the following restrictive covenants: (i) non-competition during employment and for a certain period (up to 24 months) following termination (as described further below), (ii) non-solicitation of employees or service providers during employment and for 24 months following termination, (iii) perpetual non-disclosure of confidential information, and (iv) assignment of intellectual property. The non-competition provisions in the Confidentiality Agreements are effective for either (a) the 24-month period following the termination of the Named Executive Officers employment for Cause (as defined in the Confidentiality Agreements), voluntary resignation, or breach of the Confidentiality Agreement, or (b) up to a 24-month period during which INR Holdings (or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates) makes severance payments to the Named Executive Officer following the termination of the Named Executive Officers employment without Cause, subject to the Named Executive Officers compliance with the
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Confidentiality Agreement. Any severance payments payable pursuant to the Confidentiality Agreements, if made at the discretion of INR Holdings (or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates) for purposes of enforcing the applicable non-competition provisions, are cash payments equal to the current monthly salary of the Named Executive Officer, payable in equal monthly installments for a period of up to 24 months following termination.
Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation
In 2017, we granted long-term equity incentive awards to our Named Executive Officers in the form of membership interests in INR Holdings (Incentive Units) that are intended to constitute profits interests for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Incentive Units are subject to time- and performance-based vesting requirements. The Incentive Units that are subject to time-based vesting became fully vested prior to December 31, 2023. The Incentive Units that are subject to performance-based vesting all remained unvested as of December 31, 2023 and were not subject to any accelerated vesting provisions as of December 31, 2023.
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2023 Fiscal Year-End
The following table reflects information regarding outstanding equity-based awards held by our Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2023.
Name |
Option Awards (1) | |||||||||||||||||||
Number
of |
Number
of |
Equity (#) |
Option ($) |
Option |
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Zack Arnold |
260,000 | | | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||
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| | 780,000 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||
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David Sproule |
260,000 | | | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||
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| | 780,000 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||
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(1) | Awards in this table represent Incentive Units, which are intended to constitute profits interests for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Despite the fact that the Incentive Units do not require the payment of an exercise price or have an expiration date, they are most similar economically to stock options. Accordingly, they are classified as options under the definition provided in Item 402(a)(6)(i) of Regulation S-K as an instrument with an option-like feature. |
(2) | Awards in this column represent Incentive Units that have vested in accordance with their terms. |
(3) | Awards in this column represent Incentive Units that become vested when the members of INR Holdings who have contributed capital to INR Holdings receive cash distributions from INR Holdings equal to certain multiples of their capital contributions. |
Additional Narrative Disclosure
Employee and Retirement Benefits
We currently provide broad-based health and welfare benefits, including health, life, vision, and dental insurance, to our full-time employees, including our Named Executive Officers. In addition, we currently make available a retirement plan intended to provide benefits under Section 401(k) of the Code, pursuant to which employees (including our Named Executive Officers) may elect to defer a portion of their compensation on a
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pre-tax basis and have it contributed to the plan. Pre-tax contributions are allocated to each participants individual account and are then invested in selected investment alternatives according to the participants directions. We match 100% of elective deferrals up to a maximum per participant per calendar year equal to 5% of the participants eligible compensation, in addition to making non-elective employer contributions. Matching contributions to our 401(k) plan are not subject to vesting requirements. All contributions under our 401(k) plan are subject to certain annual dollar limitations in accordance with applicable laws, which are periodically adjusted for changes in the cost of living. Other than the 401(k) plan, we do not provide any qualified or non-qualified retirement or deferred compensation benefits to our employees, including our Named Executive Officers.
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
Other than as described above in the section entitled Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation TableConfidentiality and Non-Compete Agreements, the Named Executive Officers are not eligible to receive any other potential payments upon a termination of employment or in connection with a change in control.
Actions Taken in Connection with this Offering
Treatment of Incentive Units in Connection with this Offering
In connection with the closing of this offering, it is anticipated that all outstanding vested Incentive Units will be recapitalized into INR Units. As part of the recapitalization, the vesting of Incentive Units subject to performance-based vesting requirements will be measured in accordance with the applicable cash distribution return hurdles set forth in the existing limited liability company agreement of INR Holdings and calculated treating the INR Units received by the Existing Owners who contributed capital as cash distributions, with such INR Units valued based on the initial public offering price. Any Incentive Units subject to performance-based vesting requirements that do not become vested as of the date of this offering will be forfeited without consideration. Assuming that the initial public offering price is equal to $ per share of Class A common stock, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, Messrs. Arnold and Sproule would receive approximately and INR Units, respectively, as a result of the recapitalization of their Incentive Units. See Corporate Reorganization for additional details regarding the treatment of outstanding Incentive Units in connection with the closing of this offering. Following the closing of this offering, there will be no further liability with respect to the Incentive Units and it is expected that any long-term incentive compensation will be awarded to our Named Executive Officers pursuant to the Omnibus Plan that we expect our board of directors to adopt in connection with this offering, as described in the paragraph below.
Omnibus Incentive Plan
Following the completion of this offering, we anticipate that our board of directors will adopt the Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan (the Omnibus Plan) for employees, consultants and directors prior to the completion of this offering. Our Named Executive Officers will be eligible to participate in the Omnibus Plan, which we expect will become effective upon the consummation of this offering. We anticipate that the Omnibus Plan will provide for the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock awards, dividend equivalents, other stock-based awards, cash awards and substitute awards intended to align the interests of service providers, including our Named Executive Officers, with those of our stockholders.
Securities to be Offered
Subject to adjustment in the event of certain transactions or changes of capitalization in accordance with the Omnibus Plan, a number of shares of Class A common stock equal to % of the number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding at the closing of this offering (on a fully diluted basis) will initially be reserved for issuance pursuant to awards under the Omnibus Plan. The total number of shares reserved for
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issuance under the Omnibus Plan will be increased annually on January 1 of each fiscal year beginning in 2025 and ending and including January 1, 2034, by the lesser of (i) % of the aggregate number of shares of Class A common stock and shares of Class B common stock, in each case, outstanding on December 31 of the immediately preceding calendar year and (ii) the number of shares of Class A common stock as is determined by our board of directors. No more than shares of Class A common stock under the Omnibus Plan may be issued pursuant to incentive stock options. Shares of Class A common stock subject to an award that expires or is canceled, forfeited, exchanged, settled in cash or otherwise terminated without delivery of shares and shares withheld to pay the exercise price of, or to satisfy the withholding obligations with respect to, an award will again be available for delivery pursuant to other awards under the Omnibus Plan.
Administration
The Omnibus Plan will be administered by a committee of our board of directors (the Committee), except to the extent our board of directors does not duly authorize such Committee to administer the Omnibus Plan and in which case our board of directors will serve as the administrator. The Committee has broad discretion to administer the Omnibus Plan, including the power to determine the eligible individuals to whom awards will be granted, the number and type of awards to be granted and the terms and conditions of awards. The Committee may also accelerate the vesting or exercise of any award and make all other determinations and to take all other actions necessary or advisable for the administration of the Omnibus Plan. To the extent the Omnibus Plan administrator is not the Committee, our board of directors will retain the authority to take all actions permitted by the administrator under the Omnibus Plan. Additionally, our board of directors retains the right to exercise the authority of the Committee to the extent consistent with applicable law.
Eligibility
Our employees, consultants and non-employee directors, and employees and consultants of our affiliates, will be eligible to receive awards under the Omnibus Plan.
Non-Employee Director Compensation Limits
Under the Omnibus Plan, in a single fiscal year, a non-employee director may not be granted awards for such individuals service on our board of directors having a value, taken together with any cash fees paid to such non-employee director, in excess of $750,000 (except that, for any year in which a non-employee director (i) first commences service on our board of directors, (ii) serves on a special committee of our board of directors or (iii) serves as lead director or non-executive chair of our board of directors, such limit is increased to $1,000,000).
Types of Awards
Stock Options. We may grant stock options to eligible persons, except that incentive stock options may only be granted to persons who are our employees or employees of one of our subsidiaries, in accordance with Section 422 of the Code. The exercise price of a stock option generally cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of Class A common stock on the date on which the stock option is granted and the stock option must not be exercisable for longer than 10 years following the date of grant. In the case of an incentive stock option granted to an individual who owns (or is deemed to own) at least 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our equity securities, the exercise price of the option must be at least 110% of the fair market value of a share of Class A common stock on the date of grant and the option must not be exercisable more than five years from the date of grant.
Stock Appreciation Rights. A stock appreciation right (SAR) is the right to receive an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of one share of Class A common stock on the date of exercise over the grant price of the SAR. The grant price of a SAR generally cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of
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Class A common stock on the date on which the SAR is granted. The term of a SAR may not exceed 10 years. SARs may be granted in connection with, or independent of, other awards. The Committee has the discretion to determine other terms and conditions of a SAR award.
Restricted Stock Awards. A restricted stock award is a grant of shares of Class A common stock subject to the restrictions on transferability and risk of forfeiture imposed by the Committee. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee and specified in the applicable award agreement, the holder of a restricted stock award has rights as a stockholder, including the right to vote the shares of Class A common stock subject to the restricted stock award or to receive dividends on the shares of Class A common stock subject to the restricted stock award during the restriction period. In the discretion of the Committee or as set forth in the applicable award agreement, dividends distributed prior to vesting may be subject to the same restrictions and risk of forfeiture as the restricted stock with respect to which the distribution was made.
Restricted Stock Units. A restricted stock unit (RSU) is a right to receive cash, shares of Class A common stock or a combination of cash and shares of Class A common stock at the end of a specified period equal to the fair market value of one share of Class A common stock on the date of vesting. RSUs may be subject to the restrictions, including a risk of forfeiture, imposed by the Committee. If the Committee so provides, a grant of RSUs may provide a participant with the right to receive dividend equivalents.
Performance Awards. A performance award is an award that vests and/or becomes exercisable or distributable subject to the achievement of certain performance goals during a specified performance period, as established by the Committee. Performance awards (which include performance stock units) may be granted alone or in addition to other awards under the Omnibus Plan, and may be paid in cash, shares of common stock, other property or any combination thereof, in the sole discretion of the Committee.
Stock Awards. A stock award is a transfer of unrestricted shares of Class A common stock on terms and conditions, if any, determined by the Committee.
Dividend Equivalents. Dividend equivalents entitle a participant to receive cash, shares of Class A common stock, other awards or other property equal in value to dividends or other distributions paid with respect to a specified number of shares of Class A common stock. Dividend equivalents may be granted on a free-standing basis or in connection with another award (other than stock options, SARs, restricted stock or stock awards).
Other Stock-Based Awards. Other stock-based awards are awards denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to, the value of our shares of Class A common stock.
Cash Awards. Cash awards may be granted on terms and conditions, including vesting conditions, and for consideration, including no consideration or minimum consideration as required by applicable law, as the Committee determines in its sole discretion.
Substitute Awards. In connection with an entitys merger or consolidation with the Company or the Companys acquisition of an entitys property or stock, awards may be granted in substitution for any other award granted before the merger or consolidation by such entity or its affiliates.
Certain Transactions
If any change is made to our capitalization, such as a share split, share combination, share dividend, exchange of shares or other recapitalization, merger or otherwise, that results in an increase or decrease in the number of outstanding shares of Class A common stock, appropriate adjustments will be made by the Committee in the shares subject to an award under the Omnibus Plan. The Committee will also have the discretion to make certain adjustments to awards in the event of a change in control, such as accelerating the vesting or
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exercisability of awards, requiring the surrender of an award, with or without consideration, or making any other adjustment or modification to the award that the Committee determines is appropriate in light of such transaction.
Clawback
All awards granted under the Omnibus Plan will be subject to clawback, cancellation, recoupment, rescission, payback, reduction, or other similar action in accordance with any Company clawback or similar policy or any applicable law related to such actions.
Plan Amendment and Termination
Our board of directors or the Committee may amend or terminate any award, award agreement or the Omnibus Plan at any time; however, stockholder approval will be required for any amendment to the extent necessary to comply with applicable law. Stockholder approval will be required to make amendments that (i) increase the aggregate number of shares that may be issued under the Omnibus Plan or (ii) change the classification of individuals eligible to receive awards under the Omnibus Plan. The Omnibus Plan will remain in effect for a period of 10 years (unless earlier terminated by our board of directors).
Director Compensation
We did not pay any compensation, make any equity awards or non-equity awards to, or pay any other compensation to, any of the non-employee members of our board of directors for the 2023 Fiscal Year.
We intend to implement a non-employee director compensation program in connection with this offering. The details of this program have not yet been determined.
Equity Grants
In connection with this offering, we expect to grant awards under the Omnibus Plan to our employees with respect to a total of approximately shares of Class A common stock (calculated using the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), including shares to Mr. Arnold and shares to Mr. Sproule.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our common stock (assuming the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional common stock) that, in connection with the completion of this offering, will be owned by:
| each person known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of any class of our outstanding common stock; |
| each of our Named Executive Officers; |
| each member of our board of directors and each director nominee; and |
| all of our directors, director nominees and executive officers as a group. |
Except as otherwise noted, the person or entities listed below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of our common stock beneficially owned by them, except to the extent this power may be shared with a spouse. All information with respect to beneficial ownership has been furnished by the directors or Named Executive Officers, as the case may be.
To the extent that the underwriters sell more than shares of common stock, the underwriters have the option to purchase up to an additional shares from us.
The table below excludes any purchases that may be made in this offering through our directed share program or otherwise in this offering. See Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)Directed Share Program.
Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned |
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Name of Beneficial Owner(1) |
Number | Percentage | ||||||
5% Stockholders: |
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Investment Funds managed by Pearl Energy Investments(2) |
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Investment Funds managed by NGP(3) |
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Named Executive Officers, Directors and Director Nominees: |
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Zack Arnold |
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David Sproule |
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Steven Cobb |
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William J. Quinn |
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Katherine M. Gallagher |
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Scott Gieselman |
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Steven D. Gray |
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Sarah James |
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David Poole |
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Brian Seline |
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Executive Officers, Directors and Director Nominees as a Group (11 persons) |
* | Less than 1%. |
(1) | Beneficial ownership is determined under the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Each of the holders listed has sole voting and investment power with respect to the common stock beneficially owned by the holder unless noted otherwise, subject to community property laws where applicable. Unless otherwise noted, the address for each beneficial owner listed below is 2605 Cranberry Square, Morgantown, WV 26508. |
(2) | Represents the common stock held by PEI INR Holdings, L.P., Pearl Energy Investments III, L.P., PEI Infinity-S, LP and PEI INR Co-Invest-B Corp. (the Pearl Funds). Pearl Energy Investments controls the investment decisions of the Pearl Funds and has management control over the Pearl Funds and accordingly may be deemed to share beneficial |
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ownership of the common stock held by the Pearl Funds. The Pearl Funds are controlled by William J. Quinn, the founder and managing partner of Pearl Energy Investments. The principal address for each of the above referenced entities is 2100 McKinney Ave, Suite 1675, Dallas, TX 75201. |
(3) | Represents the common stock held by NGP XI US Holdings, L.P. (the NGP Fund). NGP XI Holdings GP, L.L.C. is the sole general partner of the NGP Fund, and NGP Natural Resources XI, L.P. is the sole member of NGP XI Holdings GP, L.L.C. G.F.W. Energy XI, L.P. is the sole general partner of NGP Natural Resources XI, L.P., and GFW XI, L.L.C. is the sole general partner of G.F.W. Energy XI, L.P. GFW XI, L.L.C. has delegated full power and authority to manage the NGP Fund to NGP Energy Capital Management, L.L.C. Chris Carter, Craig Glick, Philip Deutch and Jill Lampert serve on the Executive Committee of NGP Energy Capital Management, L.L.C. The principal address for each of the above referenced entities is 2850 N. Harwood Street, 19th Floor, Dallas, TX 75201. |
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Infinity Natural Resources is a Delaware corporation that was formed for the purpose of making this offering. Following this offering and the transactions related thereto, Infinity Natural Resources will be a holding company whose sole material asset will consist of membership interests in INR Holdings. INR Holdings owns all of the outstanding membership interests in each of INR Operating, INR Ohio, Wolf Run, INR Midstream, Block Island and Cheat Mountain, the operating subsidiaries through which INR Holdings operates its assets. After the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this prospectus, Infinity Natural Resources will be the managing member of INR Holdings and will control and be responsible for all operational, management and administrative decisions relating to INR Holdings business and will consolidate the financial results of INR Holdings and will report non-controlling interests in its consolidated financial statements related to the INR Units that the Existing Owners will own in INR Holdings.
This offering is being conducted through what is commonly referred to as an Up-C structure, which is often used by partnerships and limited liability companies undertaking an initial public offering. The Up-C structure provides the Existing Owners of the Company with the tax advantage of continuing to own interests in a pass-through structure, which is tax efficient because their allocable shares of income from INR Holdings will not be subject to entity-level tax. The Up-C structure will also provide potential future tax benefits for both the public company and the Existing Owners when they ultimately exchange their pass-through interests for shares of Class A common stock, which is expected to result in tax basis adjustments in the assets of INR Holdings and produce favorable tax attributes for us. We are a holding company, and immediately after the consummation of the reorganization transactions as described herein and this offering, our principal asset will be our ownership interests in INR Holdings. See Corporate ReorganizationHolding Company Structure and Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsTax Receivable Agreement.
In connection with this offering: (a) the Existing Owners LLC Interests (both capital interests and management incentive units) in INR Holdings will be recapitalized into a single class of units, the newly issued INR Units, with the INR Units to be allocated among the Existing Owners in accordance with the terms of the INR Holdings LLC Agreement and calculated using an implied valuation for INR Holdings based on the initial public offering price of our Class A common stock and (b) INR will contribute the net proceeds of this offering to INR Holdings in exchange for newly issued INR Units and a managing member interest in INR Holdings. Pursuant to the terms of the INR Holdings LLC Agreement, the INR Units to be issued to the Existing Owners in connection with the corporate reorganization will be calculated using an implied equity value of INR Holdings immediately prior to this offering, based on an initial public offering price of $ per share of Class A common stock, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and the current relative levels of ownership in INR Holdings with the allocation of such units among our Existing Owners to be determined based on the price established on the day of the pricing of our Class A common stock pursuant to this offering. After giving effect to these transactions and the offering contemplated by this prospectus, (a) INR will own an approximate % interest in INR Holdings (or % if the underwriters option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full) and (b) the Existing Owners will own an approximate % interest in INR Holdings (or % if the underwriters option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full).
Each share of Class B common stock will entitle its holder to one vote on all matters to be voted on by stockholders. Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock will vote together as a single class on all matters presented to our stockholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable law or by our certificate of incorporation. We do not intend to list the Class B common stock on any stock exchange.
Based on its ownership in INR Holdings subsequent to the transactions and the offering contemplated by this prospectus, Infinity Natural Resources will have a variable interest in INR Holdings and INR Holdings will be a variable interest entity (VIE). Infinity Natural Resources will have an approximate % interest in INR Holdings (or % if the underwriters option to purchase additional shares is fully exercised) through which it
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will absorb the risks created and distributed by INR Holdings. As the managing member of INR Holdings based on the terms of the INR Holdings LLC Agreement, Infinity Natural Resources will have the sole power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entitys economic performance, with the remaining INR Unit Holders having no substantive kick-out or participating rights.
As such, Infinity Natural Resources determined that INR Holdings will be a VIE and that Infinity Natural Resources will be the primary beneficiary of INR Holdings. To make this determination, Infinity Natural Resources determined that its economic interest will give it both the power to direct the activities of INR Holdings that most significantly impact INR Holdings economic performance, as well as the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to INR Holdings. In making this determination, Infinity Natural Resources considered the total economics of INR Holdings and whether its share of the economics through its ownership of INR Units will be significant, using qualitative and quantitative factors, where applicable.
Accordingly, Infinity Natural Resources as the primary beneficiary of INR Holdings will include INR Holdings in its consolidated financial statements. The portion of the consolidated INR Holdings that is owned by the INR Unit Holders and any related activity will be eliminated through non-controlling interests in the consolidated balance sheets and income attributable to non-controlling interests in the consolidated statements of operations of Infinity Natural Resources.
We will enter into a Tax Receivable Agreement with the Existing Owners. This agreement generally provides for the payment by INR to the Existing Owners of 85% of the net cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax that INR (a) actually realizes with respect to taxable periods ending after this offering or (b) is deemed to realize in the event of a change of control (as defined under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which includes certain mergers, asset sales and other forms of business combinations and certain changes to the composition of the INR board of directors) or the Tax Receivable Agreement terminates early (at our election or as a result of our breach) with respect to any taxable periods ending on or after such change of control or early termination event, in each case, as a result of (i) the tax basis increases resulting from the exchange of INR Units and the corresponding surrender of an equivalent number of shares of Class B common stock by the Existing Owners for a number of shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis or, at our option, the receipt of an equivalent amount of cash pursuant to the INR Holdings LLC Agreement and (ii) deductions arising from imputed interest deemed to be paid by us as a result of, and additional tax basis arising from, any payments we make under the Tax Receivable Agreement. INR will retain the benefit of the remaining 15% of these cash savings, if any. If we experience a change of control or the Tax Receivable Agreement terminates early, we could be required to make a substantial, immediate lump-sum payment. Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsTax Receivable Agreement contains more information.
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The following diagrams indicate our simplified current ownership structure and our simplified ownership structure immediately following this offering and the transactions related thereto (assuming that the underwriters option to purchase additional shares is not exercised):
Simplified Current Ownership Structure
(1) | Includes PEI INR Holdings, L.P., Pearl Energy Investments III, L.P., PEI Infinity-S, LP, Pearl Energy Investments, L.P., PEI INR Co-Invest-B Corp., NGP XI US Holdings, L.P. and certain members of management and the board of directors. |
(2) | Includes Wolf Run, INR Ohio, INR Midstream, Block Island, INR Operating and Cheat Mountain. |
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Simplified Ownership Structure After Giving Effect to this Offering
(1) | Includes PEI INR Holdings, L.P., Pearl Energy Investments III, L.P., PEI Infinity-S, LP, Pearl Energy Investments, L.P., PEI INR Co-Invest-B Corp. and NGP XI US Holdings, L.P., members of management and certain other individuals. |
(2) | Includes Wolf Run, INR Ohio, INR Midstream, Block Island, INR Operating and Cheat Mountain. |
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Existing Owners Ownership
The table below sets forth the percentage ownership of the Existing Owners in INR Holdings prior to this offering and after the consummation of this offering:
Existing Owners(1) |
Percentage Ownership in INR Holdings Prior to this Offering |
Equity Interests Following this Offering(2) |
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Common Stock | Voting Power(%) | |||||||||||
Pearl Energy Investments(3) |
% | % | ||||||||||
NGP(4) |
% | % | ||||||||||
Executive officers(5) |
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Other employees(6) |
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Other investors(7) |
(1) | The number of INR Units and shares of Class B common stock to be issued to our Existing Owners is based on an implied equity value of INR Holdings immediately prior to this offering, based on an initial public offering price of $ per share of Class A common stock, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. Assuming that the price established on the day of the pricing of our Class A common stock pursuant to this offering is equal to the public offering price of $ per share (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus), our Existing Owners will receive million INR Units and an equal number of shares of our Class B common stock. The actual number of INR Units and shares of Class B common stock received by our Existing Owners will be determined after the closing of this offering based on the price established on the day of the pricing of our Class A common stock pursuant to this offering. Any increase or decrease (as applicable) of the assumed initial public offering price (or in the price established on the day of the pricing of our Class A common stock pursuant to this offering) will result in an increase or decrease in the number of INR Units and shares of Class B common stock to be received by our Existing Owners relative to each other, but will not affect the aggregate number of INR Units and shares of Class B common stock held by our Existing Owners. |
(2) | Reflects the number of shares of Class B common stock (and corresponding INR Units) held by the Existing Owners, which are exchangeable for Class A common stock. |
(3) | A $1.00 increase (decrease) in this assumed Class A common stock price would increase (decrease) the aggregate number of shares to be received by ( ) shares. |
(4) | A $1.00 increase (decrease) in this assumed Class A common stock price would increase (decrease) the aggregate number of shares to be received by ( ) shares. |
(5) | Includes Messrs. Arnold and Sproule. A $1.00 increase (decrease) in this assumed Class A common stock price would increase (decrease) the aggregate number of shares to be received by ( ) shares. |
(6) | A $1.00 increase (decrease) in this assumed Class A common stock price would increase (decrease) the aggregate number of shares to be received by ( ) shares. |
(7) | A $1.00 increase (decrease) in this assumed Class A common stock price would increase (decrease) the aggregate number of shares to be received by ( ) shares. |
Offering
Only Class A common stock will be sold to investors pursuant to this offering. Immediately following this offering, there will be shares of Class A common stock issued and outstanding and shares of Class A common stock reserved for exchanges of INR Units (and the cancellation of the corresponding shares of Class B common stock pursuant to the INR Holdings LLC Agreement). We estimate that our net proceeds from this offering, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering related expenses, will be approximately $ million. We intend to contribute all of the net proceeds of this offering to INR Holdings in exchange for INR Units. INR Holdings will use approximately $ million to certain outstanding indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. Use of Proceeds contains more information.
As a result of the corporate reorganization and the offering described above (and prior to any exchanges of INR Units):
| the investors in this offering will collectively own shares of Class A common stock (or shares of Class A common stock if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock); |
| the Existing Investors will hold shares of Class B common stock and a corresponding number of INR Units; |
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| the investors in this offering will collectively hold % of the voting power in us (or % if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock); and |
| the Existing Owners will hold % of the voting power in us (or % if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock). |
Effect of the Reorganization
The reorganization transactions are intended to create a holding company that will facilitate public ownership of, and investment in, us and are structured in a tax-efficient manner for the Existing Owners and are intended to provide tax advantages to the public company and such Existing Owners. The Existing Owners desire that their investment maintain its existing tax treatment as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes not subject to entity-level tax and, therefore, will continue to hold their ownership interests in INR Holdings until such time in the future as they may elect to cause us to redeem or exchange their INR Units for a corresponding number of shares of our Class A common stock. Additionally, because the Existing Owners are entitled to have their INR Units redeemed or exchanged for a corresponding number of shares of our Class A common stock, the Up-C structure also provides the Existing Owners with potential liquidity for the LLC Interests that holders of non-publicly traded limited liability companies are not typically afforded.
The Up-C structure also provides future tax benefits for both the public company and the Existing Owners. As described further below under Holding Company Structure and Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsTax Receivable Agreement, additional acquisitions by Infinity Natural Resources of INR Units from any of the Existing Owners and any future taxable redemptions or exchanges by the Existing Owners of INR Units for shares of our Class A common stock are expected to result in tax basis adjustments with respect to the assets of INR Holdings that will be allocated to us and thus produce favorable tax attributes for us. These tax attributes are expected to reduce the amount of tax that we would otherwise be required to pay in the future. While the Tax Receivable Agreement will require us to pay the Existing Owners 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in our U.S. federal, state and local income tax or franchise tax that we actually realize from the utilization of such tax attributes, we will be able to retain the benefit of the remaining 15% of these tax savings.
Holding Company Structure
Our post-offering organizational structure will allow the INR Unit Holders to retain their equity ownership in INR Holdings, a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, generally will not be subject to any entity-level U.S. federal income tax. Instead, any taxable income of INR Holdings will be allocated to holders of LLC Interests, including us. Investors in this offering will, by contrast, hold their equity ownership in the form of shares of Class A common stock in us, a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The holders of INR Units will generally incur U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on their proportionate share of any taxable income of INR Holdings.
In addition, pursuant to our certificate of incorporation and the INR Holdings LLC Agreement, our capital structure and the capital structure of INR Holdings will generally replicate one another and will provide for customary antidilution mechanisms in order to maintain the one-for-one exchange ratio between the INR Units (and a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock) and our Class A common stock, among other things.
We and the INR Unit Holders will generally incur U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on our proportionate share of any taxable income of INR Holdings and will be allocated our proportionate share of any taxable loss of INR Holdings. The INR Holdings LLC Agreement will provide, to the extent cash is available, for distributions pro rata to us and the INR Unit Holders in an amount at least sufficient to allow us to pay our taxes and make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Corporate Reorganization
In connection with our corporate reorganization, we will engage in transactions with certain affiliates and our existing equity holders. Corporate Reorganization contains a description of these transactions.
INR Holdings LLC Agreement
Under the INR Holdings LLC Agreement, we will have the right to determine when distributions will be made to us and the INR Unit Holders and the amount of any such distributions. Following this offering, if we authorize a distribution, such distribution will be made to the INR Unit Holders and us on a pro rata basis in accordance with our respective percentage ownership of INR Units.
We and the INR Unit Holders will generally incur U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on our proportionate share of any taxable income of INR Holdings and will be allocated our proportionate share of any taxable loss of INR Holdings. Net profits and net losses of INR Holdings generally will be allocated to us and the INR Unit Holders on a pro rata basis in accordance with our respective percentage ownership of INR Units, except that certain non-pro rata adjustments will be required to be made to reflect built-in gains and losses and tax depreciation, depletion and amortization with respect to such built-in gains and losses. The INR Holdings LLC Agreement will provide, to the extent cash is available, for pro rata tax distributions to us and the INR Unit Holders in an amount at least sufficient to allow us to pay our taxes and make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement.
The INR Holdings LLC Agreement will provide that, except as otherwise determined by us, at any time we issue a share of our Class A common stock or any other equity security (other than pursuant to an incentive plan, shareholders rights plan or to a member in connection with redemption of INR Units by such member), the net proceeds received by us with respect to such issuance, if any, shall be concurrently contributed to INR Holdings, and INR Holdings shall issue to us one INR Unit or other economically equivalent equity interest. Conversely, if at any time, any shares of our Class A common stock are redeemed, repurchased or otherwise acquired, INR Holdings shall redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire an equal number of INR Units held by us, upon the same terms and for the same price, as such shares of our Class A common stock are redeemed, repurchased or otherwise acquired.
Under the INR Holdings LLC Agreement, the members have agreed that any member and/or its affiliates will be permitted to engage in business activities or invest in or acquire businesses which may compete with our business.
INR Holdings will be dissolved only upon the first to occur of (a) approval of its dissolution by the managing member and a vote in favor of dissolution by at least two-thirds of the holders of its INR Units, (b) a change of control transaction that is not approved by at least two-thirds of the holders of its INR Units, (c) such time as there are no remaining members of INR Holdings or (d) entry of a judicial order to dissolve INR Holdings. Upon dissolution, INR Holdings will be liquidated and the proceeds from any liquidation will be applied and distributed in the following manner (subject to establishing cash reserves for contingent liabilities): (i) first, to all expenses incurred in liquidation, (ii) second, to creditors in satisfaction of all debts, liabilities and obligations of INR Holdings and (iii) third, to the members in proportion to the number of INR Units owned by each of them.
Amended Charter
In connection with this offering, our Amended Charter will provide Pearl with the right to nominate a majority of the members of our board of directors so long as it and its affiliates beneficially own more than 50% of the voting power of our common stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. When Pearl, together with its affiliates, beneficially owns less than 50% but more than 30% of the voting power of our
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common stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, Pearl will have the right to nominate a number of individuals to the board of directors proportionate to Pearls beneficial ownership of the voting power of the common stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, rounded up to the nearest whole number, which shall not be less than three (3). When Pearl, together with its affiliates, beneficially owns less than 30% but more than 20% of the voting power of our common stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, Pearl will have the right to nominate a number of individuals to the board of directors proportionate to Pearls beneficial ownership of the voting power of the common stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, rounded up to the nearest whole number, which shall not be less than two (2). When Pearl, together with its affiliates, beneficially owns less than 20% but at least 10% of the voting power of our common stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, Pearl will have the right to nominate one member to the board of directors. Furthermore, in connection with this offering, our Amended Charter will provide NGP with the right to nominate one (1) individual to our board of directors so long as it and its affiliates beneficially own at least 10% of the voting power of our common stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.
Registration Rights Agreement
In connection with the closing of this offering, we will enter into a registration rights agreement with certain of the Existing Owners granting them registration rights. Under the registration rights agreement, we will agree to register the sale of shares of our common stock held by the Existing Owners and certain other holders under certain circumstances, and to provide such stockholders with certain customary underwritten offering, block trade and piggyback rights.
Directed Share Program
At our request, the underwriters have reserved up to % of the shares of Class A common stock offered by this prospectus for sale, at the initial public offering price to certain individuals through a directed share program, including our directors, officers, employees and other individuals we identify. The number of shares of our Class A common stock available for sale to the general public will be reduced to the extent these individuals purchase such reserved shares. Any reserved shares that are not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the other shares offered by this prospectus. Participants in the directed share program will not be subject to the terms of any lock-up agreement with respect to any shares purchased through the directed share program, except in the case of shares purchased by any of our directors or officers, and our existing significant stockholders. Raymond James will administer our directed share program. We have agreed to indemnify Raymond James in connection with the directed share program, including for the failure of any participant to pay for its shares. Other than the underwriting discount set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, the underwriters will not be entitled to any commission with respect to shares of our Class A common stock sold pursuant to the directed share program. See Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)Directed Share Program.
Tax Receivable Agreement
We will enter into a Tax Receivable Agreement with the Existing Owners. This agreement generally provides for the payment by INR to the Existing Owners of 85% of the net cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax that INR (a) actually realizes with respect to taxable periods ending after this offering or (b) is deemed to realize in the event of a change of control (as defined under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which includes certain mergers, asset sales and other forms of business combinations and certain changes to the composition of the INR board of directors) or the Tax Receivable Agreement terminates early (at our election or as a result of our breach) with respect to any taxable periods ending on or after such change of control or early termination event, in each case, as a result of (i) the tax basis increases resulting from the exchange of INR Units and the corresponding surrender of an equivalent number of shares of Class B common stock by the Existing Owners for a number of shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis or, at our option, the receipt of an equivalent amount of cash pursuant to the INR Holdings LLC Agreement and (ii) deductions arising from
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imputed interest deemed to be paid by us as a result of, and additional tax basis arising from, any payments we make under the Tax Receivable Agreement. INR will retain the benefit of the remaining 15% of these cash savings, if any. If we experience a change of control or the Tax Receivable Agreement terminates early, we could be required to make a substantial, immediate lump-sum payment.
Indemnification Agreements with our Directors and Officers
We intend to enter into indemnification agreements, to be effective upon the completion of this offering, with each of our directors and officers. The indemnification agreements and our governing documents will require us to indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Subject to certain limitations, the indemnification agreements and our governing documents will also require us to advance expenses incurred by our directors and officers. For more information regarding these agreements, see Description of Capital StockLimitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors.
Procedures for Approval of Related Party Transactions
Prior to the closing of this offering, we have not maintained a policy for approval of Related Party Transactions. A Related Party Transaction is a transaction, arrangement or relationship in which we or any of our subsidiaries was, is or will be a participant, the amount of which involved exceeds $120,000, and in which any Related Person had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. A Related Person means:
| any person who is, or at any time during the applicable period was, one of our executive officers or one of our directors; |
| any person who is known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock; |
| any immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons, which means any child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law of a director, executive officer or a beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock, and any person (other than a tenant or employee) sharing the household of such director, executive officer or beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock; and |
| any firm, corporation or other entity in which any of the foregoing persons is a partner or principal or in a similar position or in which such person has a 10% or greater beneficial ownership interest. |
We anticipate that our board of directors will adopt a written related party transactions policy prior to the completion of this offering. Pursuant to this policy, we expect that our audit committee will review all material facts of all Related Party Transactions.
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Upon completion of this offering our authorized capital stock will consist of shares of Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of which shares will be issued and outstanding, shares of Class B common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of which shares will be issued and outstanding and shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, of which no shares will be issued and outstanding.
The following summary of the capital stock of Infinity Natural Resources, Amended Charter and Amended Bylaws does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of applicable law and to our Amended Charter and Amended Bylaws, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
Class A Common Stock
Holders of shares of our Class A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally, including the election or removal of directors elected by our stockholders generally. The holders of our Class A common stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.
Holders of shares of our Class A common stock are entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available therefor, subject to any statutory or contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends and to any restrictions on the payment of dividends imposed by the terms of any outstanding preferred stock.
Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up and after payment in full of all amounts required to be paid to creditors and to the holders of preferred stock having liquidation preferences, if any, the holders of shares of our Class A common stock will be entitled to receive pro rata our remaining assets available for distribution.
All shares of our Class A common stock that will be outstanding at the time of the completion of the offering will be fully paid and non-assessable. The Class A common stock will not be subject to further calls or assessments by us. Holders of shares of our Class A common stock do not have preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. There will be no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Class A common stock. The rights powers, preferences and privileges of our Class A common stock will be subject to those of the holders of any shares of our preferred stock or any other series or class of stock we may authorize and issue in the future.
Class B Common Stock
Each share of Class B common stock will entitle its holder to one vote on all matters to be voted on by stockholders generally. If at any time the ratio at which INR Units are exchangeable for shares of our Class A common stock changes from one-for-one, for example, as a result of a conversion rate adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends or reclassifications, the number of votes to which Class B common stockholders are entitled will be adjusted accordingly. The holders of our Class B common stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.
Holders of shares of our Class B common stock will vote together with holders of our Class A common stock as a single class on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally, except as otherwise required by law.
Holders of our Class B common stock do not have any right to receive dividends or to receive a distribution upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Infinity Natural Resources.
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Any holder of Class B common stock that does not also hold INR Units is required to surrender any such shares of Class B common stock (including fractions thereof) to Infinity Natural Resources.
Preferred Stock
No shares of preferred stock will be issued or outstanding immediately after the offering contemplated by this prospectus. Our Amended Charter authorizes our board of directors to establish one or more series of preferred stock (including convertible preferred stock). Unless required by law or any stock exchange, the authorized shares of preferred stock will be available for issuance without further action by the holders of our common stock. Our board of directors is able to determine, with respect to any series of preferred stock, the powers (including voting powers), preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including, without limitation:
| the designation of the series; |
| the number of shares of the series, which our board of directors may, except where otherwise provided in the preferred stock designation, increase (but not above the total number of authorized shares of the class) or decrease (but not below the number of shares then outstanding); |
| whether dividends, if any, will be cumulative or non-cumulative and the dividend rate of the series; |
| the dates at which dividends, if any, will be payable; |
| the redemption or repurchase rights and price or prices, if any, for shares of the series; |
| the terms and amounts of any sinking fund provided for the purchase or redemption of shares of the series; |
| the amounts payable on shares of the series in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our affairs; |
| whether the shares of the series will be convertible into shares of any other class or series, or any other security, of us or any other entity, and, if so, the specification of the other class or series or other security, the conversion price or prices or rate or rates, any rate adjustments, the date or dates as of which the shares will be convertible and all other terms and conditions upon which the conversion may be made; |
| restrictions on the issuance of shares of the same series or of any other class or series; and |
| the voting rights, if any, of the holders of the series. |
Anti-Takeover Effects of Our Amended Charter, Amended Bylaws and Certain Provisions of Delaware Law
Our Amended Charter, Amended Bylaws and the DGCL contain provisions, which are summarized in the following paragraphs, that are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of our board of directors. These provisions are intended to avoid costly takeover battles, reduce our vulnerability to a hostile or abusive change of control and enhance the ability of our board of directors to maximize stockholder value in connection with any unsolicited offer to acquire us. However, these provisions may have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, deter or prevent a merger or acquisition of the company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or other takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider in its best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the prevailing market price for the shares of Class A common stock held by stockholders.
Authorized but Unissued Capital Stock
Delaware law does not require stockholder approval for any issuance of shares that are authorized and available for issuance. However, the listing requirements of the NYSE, which would apply so long as our Class A common stock remains listed on the NYSE, require stockholder approval of certain issuances equal to or
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exceeding 20% of the then outstanding voting power of our capital stock or then outstanding number of shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock on a combined basis. These additional shares may be used for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings, to raise additional capital or to facilitate acquisitions.
Our board of directors may generally issue shares of one or more series of preferred stock on terms calculated to discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of the company or the removal of our management. Moreover, our authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock will be available for future issuances in one or more series without stockholder approval and could be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including future offerings to raise additional capital, to facilitate acquisitions and employee benefit plans.
One of the effects of the existence of authorized and unissued and unreserved common stock or preferred stock may be to enable our board of directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management, which issuance could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of our company by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, and thereby protect the continuity of our management and possibly deprive our stockholders of opportunities to sell their shares of Class A common stock at prices higher than prevailing market prices.
Removal of Directors; Vacancies and Newly Created Directorships
Our Amended Charter provides that directors may be removed with or without cause upon the affirmative vote of a majority in voting power of all outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, except for so long as Pearl or NGP, as applicable, have the right to designate for nomination any individual under our Amended Charter, the shares of common stock held by Pearl or NGP, as applicable, shall be the only shares of common stock entitled to vote on the removal without cause of such individual, and the shares of common stock owned by any other holders as of the record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote thereon shall have no voting rights with respect to such matter. In addition, our Amended Charter also provides that, subject to the rights granted to one or more series of preferred stock then outstanding or the board nomination rights granted to Pearl and NGP, any vacancies on our board of directors, and any newly created directorships, will be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, by a sole remaining director or by the stockholders.
No Cumulative Voting
Under Delaware law, the right to vote cumulatively does not exist unless the certificate of incorporation specifically authorizes cumulative voting. Our Amended Charter does not authorize cumulative voting. Therefore, stockholders holding a majority in voting power of the shares of our stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors will be able to elect all our directors.
Special Stockholder Meetings
Our Amended Charter provides that special meetings of our stockholders may be called at any time only by or at the direction of the board of directors or the chairman of the board of directors; provided, however, at any time when Pearl, together with its affiliates, beneficially owns, in the aggregate, at least 35% in voting power of the stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, special meetings of our stockholders shall also be called by the board of directors or the chairman of the board of directors at the request of Pearl, and its affiliates. Our Amended Bylaws prohibit the conduct of any business at a special meeting other than as specified in the notice for such meeting. These provisions may have the effect of deterring, delaying or discouraging hostile takeovers, or changes in control or management of the company.
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Director Nominations and Stockholder Proposals
Our Amended Bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and the nomination of candidates for election as directors, other than nominations made by or at the direction of the board of directors or a committee of the board of directors. In order for any matter to be properly brought before a meeting, a stockholder will have to comply with advance notice requirements and provide us with certain information. Generally, to be timely, a stockholders notice must be received at our principal executive offices not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement released to stockholders for the preceding years annual meeting. Our Amended Bylaws also specify requirements as to the form and content of a stockholders notice. These provisions will not apply to Pearl or NGP and each of their respective affiliates so long as Pearl or NGP has board nomination rights. Our Amended Bylaws allow the chairman of the meeting at a meeting of the stockholders to adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of meetings which may have the effect of precluding the conduct of certain business at a meeting if the rules and regulations are not followed. These provisions may also defer, delay or discourage a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirers own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to influence or obtain control of the company.
Stockholder Action by Written Consent
Pursuant to Section 228 of the DGCL, any action required to be taken at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is or are signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares of our stock entitled to vote thereon were present and voted, unless our Amended Charter provides otherwise. Our Amended Charter will preclude stockholder action by written consent at any time when Pearl together with its affiliates owns, in the aggregate, less than 35% in voting power of our stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.
Dissenters Rights of Appraisal and Payment
Under the DGCL, with certain exceptions, our stockholders will have appraisal rights in connection with a merger or consolidation of our company. Pursuant to the DGCL, stockholders who properly request and perfect appraisal rights in connection with such merger or consolidation will have the right to receive payment of the fair value of their shares as determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery.
Stockholders Derivative Actions
Under the DGCL, any of our stockholders may bring an action in our name to procure a judgment in our favor, also known as a derivative action, provided that the stockholder bringing the action is a holder of our shares at the time of the transaction to which the action relates or such stockholders stock thereafter devolved by operation of law.
Exclusive Forum
Our Amended Charter provides that unless we consent to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for any (a) derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of our company, (b) action asserting a claim of breach of a duty (including any fiduciary duty), or other wrongdoing, owed by any current or former director, officer, employee, agent or stockholder of our company to our company or our companys stockholders, (c) action asserting a claim against our company or any current or former director, officer, employee, agent or stockholder of our company arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or our Amended Charter or Amended Bylaws, or (d) action asserting a claim against our company governed by the internal affairs doctrine.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under U.S. federal securities laws, including the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of our company shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the forum provisions in our Amended Charter. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of our company shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the forum provisions in our Amended Charter. However, the enforceability of similar forum provisions in other companies certificates of incorporation has been challenged in legal proceedings, and it is possible that a court could find these types of provisions to be unenforceable.
Conflicts of Interest
Delaware law permits corporations to adopt provisions renouncing any interest or expectancy in certain opportunities that are presented to the corporation or its officers, directors or stockholders. Our Amended Charter, to the maximum extent permitted from time to time by Delaware law, renounces any interest or expectancy that we have in, or right to be offered an opportunity to participate in, specified business opportunities that are from time to time presented to our officers, directors or stockholders or their respective affiliates, other than those officers, directors, stockholders or affiliates who are our or our subsidiaries employees. Our Amended Charter provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, neither Pearl, NGP or their affiliates or any director who is not employed by us (including any non-employee director who serves as one of our officers in both his director and officer capacities) or his or her affiliates will have any duty to refrain from (a) engaging in a corporate opportunity in the same or similar lines of business in which we or our affiliates now engage or propose to engage or (b) otherwise competing with us or our affiliates. In addition, to the fullest extent permitted by law, in the event that Pearl, NGP or any non-employee director acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or other business opportunity which may be a corporate opportunity for itself or himself or its or his affiliates or for us or our affiliates, such person will have no duty to communicate or offer such transaction or business opportunity to us or any of our affiliates and they may take any such opportunity for themselves or offer it to another person or entity. Our Amended Charter does not renounce our interest in any business opportunity that is expressly offered to a non-employee director solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the company. To the fullest extent permitted by law, no business opportunity will be deemed to be a potential corporate opportunity for us unless we would be permitted to undertake the opportunity under our Amended Charter, we have sufficient financial resources to undertake the opportunity and the opportunity would be in line with our business.
Business Combination with Interested Stockholders
We will have opted out of Section 203 of the DGCL; however, our Amended Charter will contain similar provisions providing that we may not engage in certain business combinations with any interested stockholder for a three-year period following the time that the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:
| prior to such time, our board of directors approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; |
| upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of our voting stock outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding certain shares; |
| at or subsequent to that time, the business combination is approved by our board of directors and authorized at an annual special meeting of the stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of holders of at least 66 2/3% of our outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder; |
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| the stockholder became an interested stockholder inadvertently and (i) as soon as practicable divested itself of sufficient ownership to cease to be an interested stockholder and (ii) had not been an interested stockholder but for the inadvertent acquisition of ownership within three years of the business combination; or |
| the business combination is proposed prior to the consummation or abandonment of, and subsequent to the earlier of the public announcement or the notice required under our Amended Charter of a proposed transaction which (i) constitutes one of the transactions described in the proviso of this sentence, (ii) is with or by a person who either was not an interested stockholder during the previous three years or who became an interested stockholder with the approval of our board of directors and (iii) is approved or not opposed by a majority of the directors then in office (but not less than one) who were directors prior to any person becoming an interested stockholder during the previous three years or were recommended for election or elected to succeed such directors by a majority of such directors; provided that the proposed transactions are limited to (x) our merger or consolidation (except for a merger in respect of which, pursuant to Section 251(f) of the DGCL, no vote of our stockholders is required), (y) a sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions), whether as part of a dissolution or otherwise, of assets of ours or of any of our direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiaries (other than to any of our direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries or to us) having an aggregate market value equal to 50% or more of either that aggregate market value of all of our assets determined on a consolidated basis or the aggregate market value of all our outstanding stock or (z) a proposed tender or exchange offer for 50% or more of our outstanding voting stock; provided further that we will give not less than 20 days notice to all interested stockholders prior to the consummation of any of the transactions described in clause (x) or (y) above. |
Generally, a business combination includes any merger, asset or stock sale, or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Subject to certain exceptions, an interested stockholder is any person who, together with that persons affiliates and associates, owns, or within the previous three years owned, 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock. For purposes of this section only, voting stock shall mean, with respect to any corporation, stock of any class or series entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and, with respect to any entity that is not a corporation, any equity interest entitled to vote generally in the election of the governing body of such entity.
Under certain circumstances, these provisions will make it more difficult for a person who would be an interested stockholder to effect various business combinations with us for a three-year period. These provisions may encourage companies interested in acquiring us to negotiate in advance with our board of directors because the stockholder approval requirement would be avoided if our board of directors approves either the business combination or the transaction which results in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder. These provisions also may have the effect of preventing changes in our board of directors and may make it more difficult to accomplish transactions which stockholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interests.
Our Amended Charter will provide that interested stockholders for purposes of these provisions shall not include (x) Pearl or NGP or any of their affiliates, any of their respective direct or indirect transferees or any of their affiliates, or any other person with whom any of the foregoing are acting as a group or in concert for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of our stock or (y) any person whose ownership of shares in excess of 15% is the result of any action taken solely by us; provided, however, that for the purposes of this clause (y) only, such person shall be an interested stockholder if thereafter such person acquires additional shares of our voting stock, except as a result of further corporate action not caused, directly or indirectly, by such person.
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Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors
The DGCL authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors and officers to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors and officers fiduciary duties, subject to certain exceptions. Our Amended Charter includes a provision that eliminates the personal liability of directors and officers for monetary damages to the corporation or its stockholders for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director or an officer, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the DGCL. The effect of these provisions is to eliminate the rights of us and our stockholders, through stockholders derivative suits on our behalf, to recover monetary damages from a director or an officer for breach of fiduciary duty as a director or an officer, including breaches resulting from grossly negligent behavior. However, exculpation does not apply to any breaches of the directors or officers duty of loyalty, any acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or knowing violation of law, any authorization of dividends or stock redemptions or repurchases paid or made in violation of the DGCL, or for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
Our Amended Bylaws generally provide that we must defend, indemnify and advance expenses to our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL. We also are expressly authorized to carry directors and officers liability insurance providing indemnification for our directors, officers and certain employees for some liabilities. We believe that these indemnification and advancement provisions and insurance are useful to attract and retain qualified directors and executive officers.
The limitation of liability, indemnification and advancement provisions in our Amended Charter and Amended Bylaws may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors or officers for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions also may have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders. In addition, your investment may be adversely affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions.
There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought.
Indemnification Agreements
We intend to enter into an indemnification agreement with each of our directors and executive officers as described in Certain Relationships and Related Person TransactionsIndemnification Agreements. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors or executive officers, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy and is therefore unenforceable.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our Class A common stock will be Equiniti Trust Company, LLC.
Listing
We intend to list our Class A common stock on the NYSE under the symbol INR. There is no established market for our shares of Class A common stock. The development and maintenance of a public market for our Class A common stock, having the desirable characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness, depends on the existence of willing buyers and sellers, the presence of which is not within our control or that of any market maker. The number of active buyers and sellers of shares of our Class A common stock at any particular time may be limited, which may have an adverse effect on the price at which shares of our Class A common stock can be sold.
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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our Class A common stock. Future sales of our Class A common stock in the public market, or the availability of such shares for sale in the public market, could adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock prevailing from time to time. As described below, only a limited number of shares will be available for sale shortly after this offering due to contractual and legal restrictions on resale. Nevertheless, sales of a substantial number of shares of our Class A common stock in the public market after such restrictions lapse, or the perception that those sales may occur, could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our Class A common stock at such time and our ability to raise equity-related capital at a time and price we deem appropriate.
Sales of Restricted Shares
Upon completion of this offering, we will have outstanding an aggregate of shares of Class A common stock. Of these shares, all of the shares of Class A common stock to be sold in this offering (or shares assuming the underwriters exercise the option to purchase additional shares in full) will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, unless the shares are held by any of our affiliates as such term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act (Rule 144) and other than certain shares sold pursuant to our directed share program that are subject to lock-up restrictions as described under Lock-up Agreements below and Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest). All remaining shares of Class A common stock will be deemed restricted securities as such term is defined under Rule 144, including the Class A common stock issuable upon exchange of INR Units. The restricted securities were, or will be, issued and sold by us in private transactions and are eligible for public sale only if registered under the Securities Act or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under Rule 144 or Rule 701 under the Securities Act (Rule 701), which rules are summarized below.
In addition, subject to certain limitations and exceptions, pursuant to the terms of the INR Holdings LLC Agreement, the INR Unit Holders will each have the right to exchange all or a portion of their INR Units, along with a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock, for Class A common stock at an exchange ratio of one share of Class A common stock for each INR Unit (and corresponding share of Class B common stock) exchanged, subject to conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassifications or, at our election, an equivalent amount of cash. Upon consummation of this offering and related Corporate Reorganization, the Existing Owners will hold INR Units, all of which (together with a corresponding number of shares of our Class B common stock) will be exchangeable for shares of our Class A common stock. Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsINR Holdings LLC Agreement contains additional information. The shares of Class A common stock we issue upon such exchanges would be restricted securities as defined in Rule 144 described below. However, upon the closing of this offering, we intend to enter into a registration rights agreement with certain of the Existing Owners that will require us to register under the Securities Act shares of Class A common stock owned by the Existing Owners. Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsRegistration Rights Agreement contains additional information.
As a result of the lock-up agreements described below and the provisions of Rule 144 and Rule 701 under the Securities Act, the shares of our Class A common stock (excluding the shares to be sold in this offering) that will be available for sale in the public market are as follows:
| no shares will be eligible for sale on the date of this prospectus or prior to 180 days after the date of this prospectus; and |
| shares will be eligible for sale upon the expiration of the lock-up agreements beginning 180 days after the date of this prospectus and when permitted under Rule 144 or Rule 701 (such number of shares includes the Class A common stock that may be issued upon exchange of all or a portion of the INR Units). |
Lock-up Agreements
We, the Existing Owners and all of our directors and executive officers have agreed not to sell any Class A common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Class A common stock (including any
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shares purchased by them pursuant to the directed share program) for a period of 180 days from the date of this prospectus, subject to certain exceptions. Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest) contains a description of these lock-up agreements.
Rule 144
In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who is not deemed to have been an affiliate of ours at any time during the three months preceding a sale, and who has beneficially owned restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 for a least six months (including any period of consecutive ownership of preceding non-affiliated holders) would be entitled to sell those shares, subject only to the availability of current public information about us. A non-affiliated person who has beneficially owned restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 for at least one year would be entitled to sell those shares without regard to the provisions of Rule 144.
A person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who is deemed to be an affiliate of ours and who has beneficially owned restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 for at least six months would be entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of one percent of the then outstanding shares of our Class A common stock or the average weekly trading volume of our Class A common stock reported through the NYSE, as applicable, during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of notice of the sale. Such sales are also subject to certain manner of sale provisions, notice requirements and the availability of current public information about us.
Rule 701
In general, under Rule 701, any of our employees, directors, officers, consultants or advisors who purchases shares from us in connection with a compensatory stock or option plan or other written agreement before the effective date of this offering is entitled to sell such shares 90 days after the effective date of this offering in reliance on Rule 144, without having to comply with the holding period requirement of Rule 144 and, in the case of non-affiliates, without having to comply with the public information, volume limitation or notice filing provisions of Rule 144. The SEC has indicated that Rule 701 will apply to typical stock options granted by an issuer before it becomes subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, along with the shares acquired upon exercise of such options, including exercises after the date of this prospectus.
Stock Issued Under Employee Plans
We intend to file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register shares of Class A common stock issuable under our long-term incentive plan. This registration statement on Form S-8 is expected to be filed following the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and will be effective upon filing. Accordingly, shares registered under such registration statement will be available for sale in the open market following the effective date, unless such shares are subject to vesting restrictions with us, Rule 144 restrictions applicable to our affiliates or the lock-up restrictions described above.
Registration Rights
We expect to enter into a registration rights agreement with certain of the Existing Owners, which will require us to file and effect the registration of our Class A common stock held thereby (and by certain of their affiliates) in certain circumstances no earlier than the expiration of the lock-up period contained in the underwriting agreement entered into in connection with this offering. Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsRegistration Rights contains additional information regarding the registration rights agreement.
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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS
The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations related to the purchase, ownership and disposition of our Class A common stock by a non-U.S. holder (as defined below) that acquired such Class A common stock pursuant to this offering and holds our Class A common stock as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) (generally property held for investment). This summary is based on the provisions of the Code, U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative rulings and pronouncements and judicial decisions, all as in effect on the date hereof, and all of which are subject to change and differing interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect. A change in law may alter the tax considerations that we describe in this summary. We have not sought and do not intend to seek any ruling from the IRS with respect to the statements made and the conclusions reached in the following summary, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will agree with such statements and conclusions.
This summary does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to non-U.S. holders in light of their personal circumstances. In addition, this summary does not address the Medicare tax on certain investment income, U.S. federal estate or gift tax laws, any state, local or non-U.S. tax laws or any tax treaties. This summary also does not address tax considerations applicable to investors that may be subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, such as:
| existing equityholders and creditors of the Company; |
| banks, insurance companies or other financial institutions; |
| tax-exempt or governmental organizations; |
| qualified foreign pension funds as defined in Section 897(l)(2) of the Code (or any entities, all of the interests of which are held by a qualified foreign pension fund); |
| dealers in securities or foreign currencies; |
| persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar; |
| controlled foreign corporations, passive foreign investment companies and corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax; |
| traders in securities that use the mark-to-market method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes; |
| persons subject to the alternative minimum tax; |
| entities or other arrangements treated as a partnership or pass-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes or holders of interests therein; |
| persons deemed to sell our Class A common stock under the constructive sale provisions of the Code; |
| persons that acquired our Class A common stock through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation or through a tax-qualified retirement plan; |
| certain former citizens or long-term residents of the United States; and |
| persons that hold our Class A common stock as part of a straddle, appreciated financial position, synthetic security, hedge, conversion transaction, wash sale, or other integrated investment or risk reduction transaction. |
PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS (INCLUDING ANY POTENTIAL CHANGES THERETO) TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATION, AS
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WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR CLASS A COMMON STOCK ARISING UNDER THE U.S. FEDERAL ESTATE OR GIFT TAX LAWS OR UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. OR OTHER TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE INCOME TAX TREATY.
Non-U.S. Holder Defined
For purposes of this discussion, a non-U.S. holder is a beneficial owner of our Class A common stock that is not for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
| an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; |
| a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; |
| an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or |
| a trust (a) the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and which has one or more United States persons (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code, a United States person) who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (b) which has made a valid election under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person. |
If a partnership (including an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds our Class A common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner, upon the activities of the partnership and upon certain determinations made at the partner level. Accordingly, we urge partners in partnerships (including entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes) considering the purchase of our Class A common stock to consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax considerations of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our Class A common stock by such partnership.
Distributions
As described in the section entitled Dividend Policy, depending on factors deemed relevant by our board of directors, following completion of this offering, our board of directors may elect to declare dividends on our Class A common stock. If we do make distributions of cash or other property (other than certain stock distributions) on our Class A common stock, those distributions will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. To the extent those distributions exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits, the distributions will instead be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the non-U.S. holders tax basis in our Class A common stock (and will reduce such tax basis, until such basis equals zero) and thereafter as capital gain from the sale or exchange of such Class A common stock. See Gain on Disposition of Class A Common Stock.
Subject to the withholding requirements under FATCA (as defined below) and with respect to effectively connected dividends, each of which is discussed below, any distribution made to a non-U.S. holder on our Class A common stock generally will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% of the gross amount of the distribution unless an applicable income tax treaty provides for a lower rate. To receive the benefit of a reduced treaty rate, a non-U.S. holder must timely provide the applicable withholding agent with a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or other applicable or successor form) certifying qualification for the reduced rate. A non-U.S. holder that does not timely furnish the required documentation, but that qualifies for a reduced treaty rate, may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS. Non-U.S. holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding their entitlement to benefits under any applicable income tax treaty.
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Dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder that are effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the non-U.S. holder in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are treated as attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States) generally will be taxed on a net income basis at the rates and in the manner generally applicable to United States persons. Such effectively connected dividends will not be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax (including backup withholding discussed below) if the non-U.S. holder satisfies certain certification requirements by providing the applicable withholding agent with a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI certifying eligibility for exemption. If the non-U.S. holder is a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, it may also be subject to a branch profits tax (at a 30% rate or such lower rate as specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on its effectively connected earnings and profits (as adjusted for certain items), which will include effectively connected dividends.
Gain on Disposition of Class A Common Stock
Subject to the discussions below under Backup Withholding and Information Reporting and Additional Withholding Requirements under FATCA, a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of our Class A common stock unless:
| the non-U.S. holder is an individual who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the calendar year in which the sale or disposition occurs and certain other conditions are met; |
| the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the non-U.S. holder in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States); or |
| our Class A common stock constitutes a United States real property interest by reason of our status as a United States real property holding corporation (USRPHC) for U.S. federal income tax purposes and as a result such gain is treated as effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the non-U.S. holder in the United States. |
A non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet point above will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate as specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on the amount of such gain, which generally may be offset by U.S. source capital losses.
A non-U.S. holder whose gain is described in the second bullet point above or, subject to the exception for the third bullet point above and described further in next paragraph, generally will be taxed on a net income basis at the rates and in the manner generally applicable to United States persons unless an applicable income tax treaty provides otherwise. If the non-U.S. holder is a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes whose gain is described in the second bullet point above, then such gain would also be included in its effectively connected earnings and profits (as adjusted for certain items), which may be subject to a branch profits tax (at a 30% rate or such lower rate as specified by an applicable income tax treaty).
With regard to the third bullet point above, generally, a corporation is a USRPHC if the fair market value of its United States real property interests equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market value of its worldwide real property interests and its other assets used or held for use in a trade or business. We believe that we are, and expect to remain for the foreseeable future, a USRPHC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, as long as our Class A common stock is and continues to be regularly traded on an established securities market (within the meaning of the U.S. Treasury regulations), only a non-U.S. holder that actually or constructively owns, or owned at any time during the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of the disposition or the non-U.S. holders holding period for the Class A common stock, more than 5% of our Class A common stock, will be treated as disposing of a U.S. real property interest and will be taxable on gain realized on
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the disposition of our Class A common stock as a result of our status as a USRPHC. If our Class A common stock were not considered to be regularly traded on an established securities market, such non-U.S. holder (regardless of the percentage of stock owned) would be treated as disposing of a U.S. real property interest and would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a taxable disposition of our Class A common stock (as described in the preceding paragraph), and a 15% withholding tax would apply to the gross proceeds from such disposition (and to any distributions treated as a non-taxable return of capital or capital gain from the sale or exchange of such Class A common stock as described above under Distributions).
NON-U.S. HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE FOREGOING RULES TO THEIR PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR CLASS A COMMON STOCK.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
Any dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder must be reported annually to the IRS and to the non-U.S. holder. Copies of these information returns may be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is established. Payments of dividends to a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to backup withholding if the non-U.S. holder establishes an exemption by properly certifying its non-U.S. status on an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or other applicable or successor form).
Payments of the proceeds from a sale or other disposition by a non-U.S. holder of our Class A common stock effected by or through a U.S. office of a broker generally will be subject to information reporting and backup withholding (at the applicable rate, which is currently 24%) unless the non-U.S. holder establishes an exemption by properly certifying its non-U.S. status on an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or other applicable or successor form) and certain other conditions are met. Information reporting and backup withholding generally will not apply to any payment of the proceeds from a sale or other disposition of our Class A common stock effected outside the United States by a non-U.S. office of a broker. However, unless such broker has documentary evidence in its records that the non-U.S. holder is not a United States person and certain other conditions are met, or the non-U.S. holder otherwise establishes an exemption, information reporting will apply to a payment of the proceeds of the disposition of our Class A common stock effected outside the United States by such a broker if it has certain relationships within the United States.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the U.S. federal income tax liability (if any) of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If backup withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Additional Withholding Requirements under FATCA
Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, and the U.S. Treasury regulations and administrative guidance issued thereunder (FATCA), impose a 30% withholding tax on any dividends paid on our Class A common stock if paid to a foreign financial institution or a non-financial foreign entity (each as defined in the Code) (including, in some cases, when such foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity is acting as an intermediary), unless (a) in the case of a foreign financial institution, such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. government to withhold on certain payments, and to collect and provide to the U.S. tax authorities substantial information regarding U.S. account holders of such institution (which includes certain equity and debt holders of such institution, as well as certain account holders that are non-U.S. entities with U.S. owners), (b) in the case of a non-financial foreign entity, such entity certifies that it does not have any substantial United States owners (as defined in the Code) or timely provides the applicable withholding agent with a certification identifying the direct and indirect substantial United States owners of the entity (in either case, generally on an IRS Form W-8BEN-E), or (c) the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules and provides appropriate documentation (such as an IRS Form W-8BEN-E).
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Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States governing these rules may be subject to different rules. Under certain circumstances, a non-U.S. holder might be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes. Non-U.S. holders are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the effects of FATCA on an investment in our Class A common stock.
Although FATCA withholding could apply to gross proceeds on the disposition of our Class A common stock, the U.S. Treasury released proposed U.S. Treasury regulations (the Proposed Regulations) the preamble to which specifies that taxpayers may rely on them pending finalization. The Proposed Regulations eliminate FATCA withholding on the gross proceeds from a sale or other disposition of our Class A common stock. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Regulations will be finalized in their present form.
INVESTORS CONSIDERING THE PURCHASE OF OUR CLASS A COMMON STOCK ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS (INCLUDING ANY POTENTIAL CHANGES THERETO) TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AND THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF U.S. FEDERAL ESTATE AND GIFT TAX LAWS AND ANY STATE, LOCAL OR NON-U.S. TAX LAWS AND TAX TREATIES.
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UNDERWRITING (Conflicts of Interest)
Citigroup, Raymond James and RBC are acting as joint book-running managers of the offering and as representatives of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus, each underwriter named below has severally agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to that underwriter, the number of shares set forth opposite the underwriters name.
Underwriter |
Number of Shares |
|||
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. |
||||
Raymond James & Associates, Inc. |
||||
RBC Capital Markets, LLC |
||||
Total |
||||
|
|
The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the shares included in this offering are subject to approval of legal matters by counsel and to other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to purchase all the shares (other than those covered by the underwriters option to purchase additional shares described below) if they purchase any of the shares.
Shares sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus. Any shares sold by the underwriters to securities dealers may be sold at a discount from the initial public offering price not to exceed $ per share. If all the shares are not sold at the initial offering price, the underwriters may change the offering price and the other selling terms. The representatives have advised us that the underwriters do not intend to make sales to discretionary accounts.
If the underwriters sell more shares than the total number set forth in the table above, we have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to additional shares at the public offering price less the underwriting discount. To the extent the option is exercised, each underwriter must purchase a number of additional shares approximately proportionate to that underwriters initial purchase commitment. Any shares issued or sold under the option will be issued and sold on the same terms and conditions as the other shares that are the subject of this offering.
We, our officers and directors and certain of our stockholders have agreed that, for a period of 180 days from the date of this prospectus, we and they will not, without the prior written consent of Citigroup, Raymond James and RBC, dispose of or hedge any shares or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock. Citigroup, Raymond James and RBC in their sole discretion may release any of the securities subject to these lock-up agreements at any time, which, in the case of officers and directors, shall be with notice.
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our shares. Consequently, the initial public offering price for the shares was determined by negotiations between us and the representatives. Among the factors considered in determining the initial public offering price were our results of operations, our current financial condition, our future prospects, our markets, the economic conditions in and future prospects for the industry in which we compete, our management, and currently prevailing general conditions in the equity securities markets, including current market valuations of publicly traded companies considered comparable to our company. We cannot assure you, however, that the price at which the shares will sell in the public market after this offering will not be lower than the initial public offering price or that an active trading market in our shares will develop and continue after this offering.
We intend to apply to have our shares listed on the NYSE under the symbol INR.
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The following table shows the underwriting discounts and commissions that we are to pay to the underwriters in connection with this offering. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters option to purchase additional shares.
No Exercise | Full Exercise | |||||||
Per share |
$ | $ | ||||||
Total |
$ | $ |
We estimate that our portion of the total expenses of this offering will be $ .
In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell shares in the open market. Purchases and sales in the open market may include short sales, purchases to cover short positions, which may include purchases pursuant to the underwriters option to purchase additional shares and stabilizing purchases.
| Short sales involve secondary market sales by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. |
| Covered short sales are sales of shares in an amount up to the number of shares represented by the underwriters option to purchase additional shares. |
| Naked short sales are sales of shares in an amount in excess of the number of shares represented by the underwriters option to purchase additional shares. |
| Covering transactions involve purchases of shares either pursuant to the underwriters option to purchase additional shares or in the open market in order to cover short positions. |
| To close a naked short position, the underwriters must purchase shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. |
| To close a covered short position, the underwriters must purchase shares in the open market or must exercise the option to purchase additional shares. In determining the source of shares to close the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the underwriters option to purchase additional shares. |
| Stabilizing transactions involve bids to purchase shares so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. |
Purchases to cover short positions and stabilizing purchases, as well as other purchases by the underwriters for their own accounts, may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the shares. They may also cause the price of the shares to be higher than the price that would otherwise exist in the open market in the absence of these transactions. The underwriters may conduct these transactions on the NYSE, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise. If the underwriters commence any of these transactions, they may discontinue them at any time.
Conflicts of Interest
Affiliates of Citigroup and RBC are lenders under our Credit Facility. As described in Use of Proceeds, net proceeds from this offering will be used to repay outstanding borrowings under our Credit Facility, and affiliates of Citigroup and RBC will receive 5% or more of the net proceeds of this offering due to the repayment of borrowings under the Credit Facility. Therefore, such underwriters are deemed to have a conflict of interest under Rule 5121. Accordingly, this offering is being conducted in compliance with the requirements of Rule 5121, which requires, among other things, that a qualified independent underwriter participate in the preparation of, and exercise the usual standards of due diligence with respect to, the registration statement and
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this prospectus. Raymond James has agreed to act as a qualified independent underwriter for this offering and to undertake the legal responsibilities and liabilities of an underwriter under the Securities Act, specifically including those inherent in Section 11 thereof. Raymond James will not receive any additional fees for serving as a qualified independent underwriter in connection with this offering. We have agreed to indemnify Raymond James against liabilities incurred in connection with acting as a qualified independent underwriter, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Citigroup and RBC will not confirm any sales to any account over which it exercises discretionary authority without the specific written approval of the account holder. See Use of Proceeds for additional information.
Directed Share Program
At our request, the underwriters have reserved up to % of the shares offered by this prospectus for sale, at the initial public offering price, to certain individuals through a directed share program, including our directors, officers, employees and certain other individuals identified by us. The sales will be made at our direction by Raymond James and its affiliates. The number of shares of our Class A common stock available for sale to the general public in this offering will be reduced to the extent that such persons purchase such reserved shares. Any reserved shares not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other shares of Class A common stock offered by this prospectus. We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities and expenses, including liabilities under the Securities Act, in connection with the sales of the shares reserved for the directed share program.
Shares purchased through the directed share program will not be subject to a lock-up restriction, except in the case of shares purchased by any of our directors and officers, which shares will be subject to a 180-day lock-up restriction (as described above).
Other Relationships
The underwriters are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. The underwriters and their respective affiliates have in the past performed commercial banking, investment banking and advisory services for us from time to time for which they have received customary fees and reimbursement of expenses and may, from time to time, engage in transactions with and perform services for us in the ordinary course of their business for which they may receive customary fees and reimbursement of expenses. In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (which may include bank loans and/or credit default swaps) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers and may at any time hold long and short positions in such securities and instruments. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. In addition, affiliates of some of the underwriters are lenders, and in some cases agents or managers for the lenders, under our Credit Facility. Certain of the underwriters or their affiliates that have a lending relationship with us routinely hedge their credit exposure to us consistent with their customary risk management policies. A typical such hedging strategy would include these underwriters or their affiliates hedging such exposure by entering into transactions which consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make because of any of those liabilities.
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Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area
In relation to each member state of the European Economic Area that has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a relevant member state), with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that relevant member state (the relevant implementation date), an offer of shares described in this prospectus may not be made to the public in that relevant member state other than:
| to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive; |
| to fewer than 100 or, if the relevant member state has implemented the relevant provision of the 2010 PD Amending Directive, 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive), as permitted under the Prospectus Directive, subject to obtaining the prior consent of the relevant Dealer or Dealers nominated by us for any such offer; or |
| in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, |
provided that no such offer of shares shall require us or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.
For purposes of this provision, the expression an offer of securities to the public in any relevant member state means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the shares, as the expression may be varied in that member state by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that member state, and the expression Prospectus Directive means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the relevant member state) and includes any relevant implementing measure in the relevant member state. The expression 2010 PD Amending Directive means Directive 2010/73/EU.
The sellers of the shares have not authorized and do not authorize the making of any offer of shares through any financial intermediary on their behalf, other than offers made by the underwriters with a view to the final placement of the shares as contemplated in this prospectus. Accordingly, no purchaser of the shares, other than the underwriters, is authorized to make any further offer of the shares on behalf of the sellers or the underwriters.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom
This prospectus is only being distributed to, and is only directed at, persons in the United Kingdom that are qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive that are also (a) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the Order) or (b) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (each such person being referred to as a relevant person). This prospectus and its contents are confidential and should not be distributed, published or reproduced (in whole or in part) or disclosed by recipients to any other persons in the United Kingdom. Any person in the United Kingdom that is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.
Notice to Prospective Investors in France
Neither this prospectus nor any other offering material relating to the shares described in this prospectus has been submitted to the clearance procedures of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers or of the competent authority of another member state of the European Economic Area and notified to the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. The shares have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, to the public in France. Neither this prospectus nor any other offering material relating to the shares has been or will be:
| released, issued, distributed or caused to be released, issued or distributed to the public in France; or |
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| used in connection with any offer for subscription or sale of the shares to the public in France. |
Such offers, sales and distributions will be made in France only:
| to qualified investors (investisseurs qualifiés) and/or to a restricted circle of investors (cercle restreint dinvestisseurs), in each case investing for their own account, all as defined in, and in accordance with articles L.411-2, D.411-1, D.411-2, D.734-1, D.744-1, D.754-1 and D.764-1 of the French Code monétaire et financier; |
| to investment services providers authorized to engage in portfolio management on behalf of third parties; or |
| in a transaction that, in accordance with article L.411-2-II-1°-or-2°-or 3° of the French Code monétaire et financier and article 211-2 of the General Regulations (Règlement Général) of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers, does not constitute a public offer (appel public à lépargne). |
The shares may be resold directly or indirectly, only in compliance with articles L.411-1, L.411-2, L.412-1 and L.621-8 through L.621-8-3 of the French Code monétaire et financier.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong
The shares may not be offered or sold in Hong Kong by means of any document other than (a) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32, Laws of Hong Kong), or (b) to professional investors within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder, or (c) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a prospectus within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32, Laws of Hong Kong) and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to professional investors within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Japan
The shares offered in this prospectus have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan. The shares have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to or for the account of any resident of Japan (including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), except (a) pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law and (b) in compliance with any other applicable requirements of Japanese law.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore
This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (a) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the SFA), (b) to a relevant person pursuant to Section 275(1), or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (c) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA, in each case subject to compliance with conditions set forth in the SFA.
171
Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:
| a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or |
| a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor, |
shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or the beneficiaries rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the shares pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:
| to an institutional investor (for corporations, under Section 274 of the SFA) or to a relevant person defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA, or to any person pursuant to an offer that is made on terms that such shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or such rights and interest in that trust are acquired at a consideration of not less than S$200,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency) for each transaction, whether such amount is to be paid for in cash or by exchange of securities or other assets, and further for corporations, in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA; |
| where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer; or |
| where the transfer is by operation of law. |
172
The consolidated financial statements of Infinity Natural Resources, LLC as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2023 included in this prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report. Such financial statements are included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
The balance sheet of Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. as of May 15, 2024, included in this prospectus, has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report. Such balance sheet has been so included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of Utica Resource Ventures, LLC, as of and for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 included in this prospectus, have been audited by Huselton, Morgan and Maultsby P.C., an independent accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing herein and elsewhere in the registration statement. Such financial statements have been so included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
The statements of revenue and direct operating expenses of PEO Ohio, LLC - Ohio Appalachian Basin Working and Revenue Interests for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, have been included herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent auditors, appearing elsewhere herein and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The audit report covering the December 31, 2022 and 2021 statements included an other information paragraph regarding the nature of procedures applied to the required supplemental information consisting of the unaudited supplemental oil and gas reserve information included in the financial statements.
Estimates of our oil and natural gas reserves, related future net cash flows and the present values thereof related to our properties as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 included elsewhere in this prospectus were based upon reserve reports prepared by independent petroleum engineers Wright & Company, Inc. We have included these estimates in reliance on the authority of such firm as experts in such matters.
174
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 (including the exhibits, schedules and amendments thereto) under the Securities Act, with respect to the shares of our Class A common stock offered hereby. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto and we refer potential investors to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed therewith for further information. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract, agreement or any other document are summaries of the material terms of such contract, agreement or other document and are not necessarily complete. With respect to each of these contracts, agreements or other documents filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, reference is made to the exhibits for a more complete description of the matter involved. A copy of our registration statement, and the exhibits and schedules thereto, may be inspected without charge at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room is available by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the SECs website is www.sec.gov.
As a result of the offering, we will become subject to full information requirements of the Exchange Act. We will fulfill our obligations with respect to such requirements by filing periodic reports and other information with the SEC. We intend to furnish our stockholders with annual reports containing financial statements certified by an independent public accounting firm.
175
F-1
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. (Infinity Natural Resources or the Company), the issuer in this offering, is a Delaware corporation formed to own an interest in Infinity Natural Resources, LLC (INR Holdings). Following this offering and the related transactions described herein, Infinity Natural Resources will be a holding company whose sole material asset will consist of membership interests in INR Holdings, which will continue to own all of our operating subsidiaries. After the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this prospectus, Infinity Natural Resources will be the managing member of INR Holdings and will control and be responsible for all operational, management, and administrative decisions relating to INR Holdings business and will report non-controlling interests in its consolidated financial statements related to the INR Units that the Existing Owners will own in INR Holdings.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements and the corresponding notes thereto (the pro forma financial statements) of Infinity Natural Resources reflect the historical results of our predecessor, INR Holdings, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the following transactions, which are described in further detail below, as if they had occurred on the dates indicated herein with respect to each transaction:
| the Acquisition as defined below, including the issuance of the Class B interests and borrowings under INR Holdings revolving credit facility; |
| the corporate reorganization transactions as described under Corporate Reorganization included elsewhere in this prospectus; and |
| the sale by Infinity Natural Resources of shares of its Class A common stock pursuant to this offering, based on an assumed midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus, and the application of the net proceeds as described under Use of Proceeds included elsewhere in this prospectus after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering related expenses payable by Infinity Natural Resources in connection with the offering (for purposes of the pro forma financial statements, the Offering Transactions, together with the Corporate Reorganization, the IPO Transactions, and collectively with the Acquisition, the Transactions). |
On August 7, 2023, Wolf Run Operating, LLC (Wolf Run), a wholly-owned subsidiary of INR Holdings, entered into a definitive purchase and sale agreement to acquire working interests in certain oil and gas assets from Utica Resource Ventures, LLC and Utica Resource Operating, LLC (collectively for purposes of the pro forma financial statements, URV) and PEO Ohio, LLC (PEO Ohio and together with URV for purposes of the pro forma financial statements, the Sellers) (the Acquisition).
The Acquisition closed on October 4, 2023, for $279.0 million (including transaction costs that were capitalized as part of the asset acquisition) and was financed through a combination of $222.3 million that was raised from the issuance by INR Holdings of new Class B interests as well as borrowings of $56.7 million under its amended and restated credit agreement.
As part of the corporate reorganization transactions described under Corporate Reorganization included elsewhere in this prospectus (a) the Existing Owners (as defined elsewhere in this prospectus) will exchange their LLC Interests for newly issued INR Units and subscribe for newly issued Class B common stock of Infinity Natural Resources with no economic rights or value and (b) Infinity Natural Resources will contribute the net proceeds of this offering to INR Holdings in exchange for newly issued INR Units and a managing membership interest in INR Holdings.
The pro forma financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X as amended by the final rule, Release No. 33-10786, Amendments to Financial Disclosures about Acquired and Disposed Businesses, using the assumptions set forth in the notes to the pro forma financial statements.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet (the pro forma balance sheet) as of June 30, 2024, is based on the historical unaudited consolidated balance sheet of INR Holdings as of June 30, 2024, adjusted to give effect to the IPO Transactions as if they had occurred on June 30, 2024. The unaudited pro forma
F-2
condensed consolidated statement of operations (the pro forma statement of operations) for the six months ended June 30, 2024, is based on the historical unaudited consolidated statement of operations of INR Holdings for the six months ended June 30, 2024, adjusted to give effect to the IPO Transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2023. The historical unaudited consolidated financial statements of INR Holdings as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2024, are included elsewhere in this prospectus. As the Acquisition closed on October 4, 2023, the historical unaudited consolidated financial statements of INR Holdings as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2024, include the assets acquired, such that transaction accounting adjustments related to the Acquisition are not presented herein for purposes of the pro forma balance sheet as of June 30, 2024, and the pro forma statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2024.
The pro forma statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023, is based on the historical audited consolidated statement of operations of INR Holdings for the year ended December 31, 2023, the historical unaudited consolidated statement of operations of URV for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and the historical unaudited statement of revenues and direct operating expenses of PEO Ohio for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, adjusted to give pro forma effect to the Transactions as if they had been consummated on January 1, 2023. The historical audited consolidated financial statements of INR Holdings as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023, the historical unaudited consolidated financial statements of URV for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and the historical unaudited statement of revenues and direct operating expenses of PEO Ohio for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, are included elsewhere in this prospectus.
The pro forma financial statements are presented for informational purposes to reflect the Transactions and do not purport to represent what Infinity Natural Resources financial position or results of operations would have been had the Transactions occurred on the dates noted above, nor does it project the financial position or results of operations of Infinity Natural Resources following such Transactions. The transaction accounting adjustments are based on available information and certain assumptions that management believes are factually supportable and are expected to have a continuing impact on Infinity Natural Resources results of operations, with the exception of certain non-recurring charges to be incurred in connection with the IPO Transactions, as further described below. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the pro forma financial statements have been made.
Infinity Natural Resources anticipates that certain non-recurring charges will be incurred in connection with the IPO Transactions. Any such charge could affect the future results of Infinity Natural Resources in the period in which such charges are incurred; however, these costs are not expected to be incurred in any period beyond 12 months from the effective date of the IPO Transactions. Accordingly, the pro forma statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023, reflects the effects of these non-recurring charges, $ million of which is included in the historical unaudited consolidated balance sheet of INR Holdings as of June 30, 2024, such that $ million is included within the pro forma statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023, and no amount is included within the pro forma statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2024, as it is assumed that the IPO Transactions had occurred as of January 1, 2023.
As a result of the foregoing, the transaction accounting adjustments related to the IPO Transactions are preliminary and subject to change as additional information becomes available and additional analysis is performed. The transaction accounting adjustments related to the IPO Transactions have been made solely for the purpose of providing the pro forma financial statements presented herein. Any increases or decreases in the IPO price per share of the Companys Class A common stock may result in adjustments to the pro forma financial statements. The final IPO price per share and the transaction accounting adjustments described herein may be materially different than the preliminary amounts reflected in the pro forma financial statements herein.
The pro forma financial statements should be read together with Corporate Reorganization, Selected Historical and Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information, Use of Proceeds, Capitalization, Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and the historical financial statements and related notes thereto of INR Holdings, URV and PEO Ohio included elsewhere in this prospectus.
F-3
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF JUNE 30, 2024
INR Holdings Historical |
Transaction Accounting Adjustments IPO Transactions |
Infinity Natural Resources Pro Forma |
||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 6,861 | $ | (a)(b)(c) | $ | |||||||||||
Accounts receivable: |
||||||||||||||||
Oil and natural gas sales, net |
25,091 | |||||||||||||||
Joint interest billing and other, net |
15,433 | |||||||||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
5,636 | (d) | ||||||||||||||
Commodity derivative assets, short term |
1,332 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total current assets |
54,353 | |||||||||||||||
Oil and natural gas properties, full cost method |
748,523 | |||||||||||||||
Other property and equipment |
36,447 | |||||||||||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
(114,842 | ) | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Property and equipment, net |
670,128 | |||||||||||||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net |
1,002 | |||||||||||||||
Other assets |
3,879 | |||||||||||||||
Commodity derivative assets, long-term |
199 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred tax assets, net |
| (e)(f) | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total assets |
729,561 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Liabilities and Equity |
||||||||||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||
Accounts payable |
20,781 | |||||||||||||||
Royalties payable |
19,947 | |||||||||||||||
Accrued liabilities |
17,711 | (a)(d) | ||||||||||||||
Notes payable |
121 | |||||||||||||||
Operating lease liabilities |
243 | |||||||||||||||
Commodity derivative liabilities, short-term |
6,393 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total current liabilities |
65,196 | |||||||||||||||
Line-of-credit |
187,464 | (c) | ||||||||||||||
Notes payable, long-term |
93 | |||||||||||||||
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion |
759 | |||||||||||||||
Asset retirement obligations |
1,056 | |||||||||||||||
Commodity derivative liabilities, long-term |
6,023 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
| (e) | ||||||||||||||
Tax receivable agreement liability |
| (f) | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total liabilities |
260,591 | |||||||||||||||
Members equity / stockholders equity: |
||||||||||||||||
Members equity |
468,970 | (b) | ||||||||||||||
Class A common stock |
| (a) | ||||||||||||||
Class B common stock |
| (b) | ||||||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
| (a)(b)(d)(e) | ||||||||||||||
Retained earnings |
| (c)(i) | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total members equity / stockholders equity |
468,970 | |||||||||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
| (b) | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total equity |
468,970 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total liabilities and equity |
$ | 729,561 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
F-4
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
INR Holdings Historical |
Transaction Accounting Adjustments IPO Transactions |
Infinity Natural Resources Pro Forma |
||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids sales |
$ | 119,906 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
Midstream activities |
761 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total revenues |
120,667 | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Gathering, processing, and transportation |
22,528 | |||||||||||||||||||
Lease operating |
13,890 | |||||||||||||||||||
Production and ad valorem taxes |
881 | |||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
35,277 | |||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative |
5,578 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
78,154 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Operating income |
42,513 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense): |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(8,971 | ) | (c | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Loss on derivative instruments |
(23,052 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other loss |
(476 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes |
10,014 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income tax provision |
| (e | ) | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 10,014 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Infinity Natural Resources |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Net income per share of Class A common stockbasic and diluted |
$ | (g | ) | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstandingbasic and diluted |
(g | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
See accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
F-5
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
INR Holdings Historical |
URV Historical |
PEO Ohio Historical |
Transaction Accounting Adjustments |
Infinity Natural Resources Pro Forma |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition (Note 2) |
IPO Transactions |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids sales |
$ | 159,532 | $ | | $ | | $ | 100,823 | (h) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Crude oil |
| 65,162 | 16,327 | (81,489 | ) | (h) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas |
| 7,690 | 1,897 | (9,587 | ) | (h) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas liquids |
| 7,794 | 1,953 | (9,747 | ) | (h) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Midstream activities |
2,198 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gain on derivative instruments |
| 683 | | (683 | ) | (l) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues |
161,730 | 81,329 | 20,177 | (683 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gathering, processing, and transportation |
31,097 | 9,226 | | 2,305 | (j) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lease operating |
18,371 | 5,232 | | 1,336 | (j) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Production and ad valorem taxes |
886 | 795 | | 199 | (j) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
53,796 | 35,193 | | 910 | (h)(i) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative |
4,885 | 3,164 | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accretion of asset retirement obligations |
| 22 | | (22 | ) | (h) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Direct operating expenses |
| | 3,840 | (3,840 | ) | (j) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
109,035 | 53,632 | 3,840 | 888 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
52,695 | 27,697 | 16,337 | (1,571 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense): |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(11,910 | ) | (2,082 | ) | | (5,346 | ) | (k) | (c) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gain on derivative instruments |
45,322 | | | 1,155 | (l) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other income |
565 | 200 | | (200 | ) | (l) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating overhead income |
| 444 | | (444 | ) | (h) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
86,672 | 26,259 | 16,337 | (6,406 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax provision |
| | | 34,524 | (e) | (e) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 86,672 | $ | 26,259 | $ | 16,337 | $ | (40,930 | ) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Infinity Natural Resources |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income per share of Class A common stockbasic and diluted |
$ | (g | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstandingbasic and diluted |
(g | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
See accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
F-6
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND DESCRIPTION OF TRANSACTIONS
The Transactions, and the related transaction accounting adjustments, are described in the notes to the pro forma financial statements herein. In the opinion of management, all material adjustments have been made that are necessary to present fairly the pro forma financial statements in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X as amended by the final rule, Release No. 33-10786.
As decribed under Corporate Reorganization included elsewhere in this prospectus, in connection with the IPO Transactions, (a) the Existing Owners LLC Interests (both capital interests and management incentive units) in INR Holdings will be recapitalized into a single class of units, the newly issued INR Units, with the INR Units to be allocated to the Existing Owners in accordance with the terms of the INR Holdings LLC Agreement and calculated using an implied valuation for INR Holdings based on the initial public offering price of the Class A common stock of Infinity Natural Resources, and (b) Infinity Natural Resources will contribute the net proceeds of this offering to INR Holdings in exchange for the newly issued INR Units and a managing member interest in INR Holdings.
Pursuant to the terms of the INR Holdings LLC Agreement, the INR Units to be issued to the Existing Owners in connection with the corporate reorganization will be calculated using an implied equity value of INR Holdings immediately prior to this offering, based on an initial public offering price of $ per share of Class A common stock and the current relative levels of ownership in INR Holdings with the allocation of such units among the Existing Owners to be determined based on the price established on the day of the pricing of our Class A common stock pursuant to this offering. After giving effect to the IPO Transactions, (a) Infinity Natural Resources will own an approximate % interest in INR Holdings (or % if the underwriters option to purchase additional shares is fully exercised), and (b) the Existing Owners will own an approximate % interest in INR Holdings (or % if the underwriters option to purchase additional shares is fully exercised).
Based on its ownership in INR Holdings subsequent to the Transactions, Infinity Natural Resources assessed whether it will have a variable interest in INR Holdings and whether INR Holdings will be a variable interest entity (VIE) to determine whether it will be required to consolidate INR Holdings. In order to perform this assessment, Infinity Natural Resources determined that INR Holdings will be more akin to a partnership than a corporation for purposes of applying the consolidation guidance.
Subsequent to the Transactions, Infinity Natural Resources will have an approximate % interest in INR Holdings (or % if the underwriters option to purchase additional shares is fully exercised) through which it will absorb the risks created and distributed by the entity. As the managing member of INR Holdings based on the terms of the INR Holdings LLC Agreement, Infinity Natural Resources will have the sole power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entitys economic performance, with the remaining INR Unit Holders having no substantive kick-out or participating rights. As such, Infinity Natural Resources determined that INR Holdings will be a VIE.
Infinity Natural Resources then assessed whether it will be the primary beneficiary of INR Holdings. To make this determination, Infinity Natural Resources evaluated its economic interest in the entity to determine if such economic interest will give it both the power to direct the activities of INR Holdings that most significantly impact INR Holdings economic performance, as well as whether it will have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to INR Holdings. In making this determination, Infinity Natural Resources considered the total economics of INR Holdings and analyzed whether its share of the economics through its ownership of INR Units will be significant, using qualitative and quantitative factors, where applicable.
Based on its assessment of the impact of the Transactions described herein, Infinity Natural Resources will be the primary beneficiary of INR Holdings, and thus will include INR Holdings in its consolidated financial
F-7
statements. The portion of the consolidated INR Holdings that is owned by the INR Unit Holders and any related activity will be eliminated through non-controlling interests in the consolidated balance sheets and income attributable to non-controlling interests in the consolidated statements of operations of Infinity Natural Resources.
Accordingly, INR Holdings is considered our accounting predecessor and its consolidated financial statements will be the historical financial statements of Infinity Natural Resources following this offering; thus, the pro forma financial statements are presented herein to reflect the consolidation by Infinity Natural Resources of the financial results of INR Holdings, with non-controlling interests reflected in the pro forma financial statements related to the INR Units that the Existing Owners will hold in INR Holdings subsequent to this offering.
Additionally, on October 4, 2023, INR Holdings closed its acquisition of working interests in certain oil and gas assets from URV and PEO Ohio for $279.0 million (including transaction costs that were capitalized as part of the asset acquisition, as discussed further in Note 3 herein) which was financed through a combination of $222.3 million that was raised from the issuance by INR Holdings of new Class B interests as well as borrowings of $56.7 million under its amended and restated credit agreement. Certain of URV and PEO Ohios historical amounts have been reclassified to conform to INR Holdings financial statement presentation, which are reflected as transaction accounting adjustments related to the Acquisition within the unaudited pro forma statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023.
The pro forma balance sheet as of June 30, 2024, is based on the historical unaudited consolidated balance sheet of INR Holdings as of June 30, 2024, adjusted to give effect to the IPO Transactions as if they had occurred on June 30, 2024. The pro forma statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2024, is based on the historical unaudited consolidated statement of operations of INR Holdings for the six months ended June 30, 2024, adjusted to give effect to the IPO Transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2023. The historical unaudited consolidated financial statements of INR Holdings as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2024, are included elsewhere in this prospectus. As the Acquisition closed on October 4, 2023, the historical unaudited consolidated financial statements of INR Holdings as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2024, include the assets acquired, such that transaction accounting adjustments related to the Acquisition are not presented herein for purposes of the pro forma balance sheet as of June 30, 2024, and the pro forma statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2024.
The unaudited pro forma statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023, is based on the historical audited consolidated statement of operations of INR Holdings for the year ended December 31, 2023, the historical unaudited consolidated statement of operations of URV for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and the historical unaudited statement of revenues and direct operating expenses of PEO Ohio for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, adjusted to give pro forma effect to the Transactions as if they had been consummated on January 1, 2023. The historical audited consolidated financial statements of INR Holdings as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023, the historical unaudited consolidated financial statements of URV for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and the historical unaudited statement of revenues and direct operating expenses of PEO Ohio for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, are included elsewhere in this prospectus.
The pro forma financial statements assume no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock. In addition, the pro forma financial statements do not reflect any cost savings, operating synergies, or revenue enhancements that Infinity Natural Resources may achieve as a result of the Transactions.
The pro forma financial statements should be read in conjunction with INR Holdings, URVs, and PEO Ohios historical financial statements and the notes thereto which have been included elsewhere in this prospectus. The pro forma financial statements do not purport to be indicative of what Infinity Natural Resources financial position or results of operations would have been had the Transactions taken place on the dates indicated, nor are they indicative of Infinity Natural Resources future financial position or results of
F-8
operations following the Transactions. In addition, future results may vary significantly from those reflected in such statements due to factors discussed in Risk Factors included elsewhere in this prospectus.
NOTE 2RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF ASSETS ACQUIRED NOT INCLUDED IN HISTORICAL AMOUNTS
As the historical results of operations of URV and PEO Ohio included in the pro forma statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023, only include the results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, there are four days of operations between October 1, 2023, and the closing date of October 4, 2023, that are not included in the historical results of operations of URV or PEO Ohio. Management assessed the amounts for the four-day period and determined that the amounts were immaterial for purposes of the pro forma statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023. As such, there are no transaction accounting adjustments for these amounts, such that the results of operations of URV and PEO Ohio for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, have been added to the historical results of operations of INR Holdings for the year ended December 31, 2023 to give pro forma effect to the Acquisition, subject to the additional transaction accounting adjustments discussed in the notes to the pro forma financial statements herein.
NOTE 3PURCHASE CONSIDERATION AND PURCHASE PRICE ALLOCATION
INR Holdings closed the Acquisition on October 4, 2023, and performed a valuation analysis of the fair value of the oil and natural gas properties acquired. In accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations (ASC 805), INR Holdings performed an initial screen test as of the transaction close date in order to determine whether the acquired set should be accounted for as an asset acquisition or business combination. Given that URV had a contractual dragalong right with respect to the interests of PEO Ohio in the oil and natural gas assets acquired, INR Holdings performed the screen test on an aggregate basis for all assets acquired in the Acquisition from URV and PEO Ohio. Based on INR Holdings assessment of the fair values of the gross assets acquired, it determined that the Acquisition did not meet the definition of a business combination in accordance with ASC 805, and as such, it accounted for the Acquisition as an asset acquisition.
Using the purchase consideration for the Acquisition, consisting of the proceeds from the issuance of the Class B interests, borrowings under INR Holdings amended and restated credit agreement, and including capitalized transaction costs, INR Holdings determined the allocation to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their relative fair values. The transaction accounting adjustments discussed herein are based on the amounts reflected as purchase consideration and the allocation of the purchase price to the net assets acquired.
The following tables summarize the total purchase consideration and the allocation of the purchase price as of the closing date of the Acquisition:
Purchase Consideration | ||||
(in thousands) | ||||
Cash proceeds from issuance of Class B interests |
$ | 222,278 | ||
Borrowings under revolving credit facility |
56,689 | |||
|
|
|||
Total cash purchase consideration |
$ | 278,967 | ||
|
|
|||
Purchase Price Allocation | ||||
(in thousands) | ||||
Oil and natural gas properties (including $1,402 of capitalized transaction costs) |
$ | 280,658 | ||
Severance taxes and suspense revenues payable |
(1,691 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Net assets acquired |
$ | 278,967 | ||
|
|
F-9
NOTE 4TRANSACTION ACCOUNTING ADJUSTMENTS
The pro forma balance sheet as of June 30, 2024, and the pro forma statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2024, have been adjusted to reflect the IPO Transactions, and the pro forma statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023, has been adjusted to reflect the Transactions as follows:
(a) | Reflects the issuance by Infinity Natural Resources of Class A common stock to the public pursuant to this offering for net proceeds of $ million, based on an assumed midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus, and the application of the net proceeds as described under Use of Proceeds included elsewhere in this prospectus after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering related expenses of $ million payable by Infinity Natural Resources as reflected within Accrued liabilities and offset against the proceeds received as reflected within Additional paid-in capital on the pro forma balance sheet as of June 30, 2024. |
(b) | As part of the Corporate Reorganization and upon closing of the offering, Infinity Natural Resources will contribute the net proceeds of the public offering to INR Holdings in exchange for newly issued INR Units. Additionally, the Existing Owners prior to the Offering Transactions will exchange their LLC Interests for INR Units and subscribe for newly issued Class B common stock of Infinity Natural Resources, which is reflected as the elimination of INR Holdings historical Members equity with a corresponding decrease to Additional paid-in capital and a reclass to Non-controlling interests with respect to the amount attributable to the INR Units to be held by the Existing Owners subsequent to the IPO Transactions. |
(c) | Following the Offering Transactions, to the extent of net proceeds available, Infinity Natural Resources intends to direct the net proceeds from this offering to repay $ million of outstanding borrowings under its amended and restated credit agreement, which is reflected as a transaction accounting adjustment related to the IPO Transactions for purpose of the pro forma balance sheet as of June 30, 2024. |
The pro forma statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2024, and for the year ended December 31, 2023, reflect the net impact to Interest, net which consists of a decrease related to the historical interest expense associated with INR Holdings amended and restated credit agreement, offset by an increase in the unused commitment fees that would have been incurred, based on reduced borrowings outstanding subsequent to the IPO Transactions.
(d) | Reflects the accrual of non-recurring costs of $ million related to the IPO Transactions, which primarily represent legal, accounting and other direct costs. Approximately $3.1 million of these costs are included in the historical unaudited consolidated balance sheet of INR Holdings as of June 30, 2024. Accordingly, $ million is reflected within Prepaid expenses and other current assets with a corresponding increase to Accrued liabilities on the pro forma balance sheet as of June 30, 2024. The $ million will be reclassed from Prepaid expenses and other current assets upon the effective date of the IPO Transactions with a corresponding reduction to Additional paid-in capital. |
(e) | Subsequent to the IPO Transactions, Infinity Natural Resources will have no material assets other than its interest in INR Holdings, which holds, directly or indirectly, all of the operating assets of Infinity Natural Resources. INR Holdings generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax, but may be subject to certain U.S. state and local taxes. Infinity Natural Resources is a domestic corporation that will be subject to U.S. corporate income tax on its earnings, including its allocable share of the income of INR Holdings. Accordingly, for purposes of the pro forma statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023, Infinity Natural Resources estimated blended statutory U.S. federal and state tax rate was calculated as 28.1%, which has been used herein to determine the tax provision of $34.4 million related to the Acquisition based on pro forma net income of $122.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. As the Acquisition closed on October 4, 2023, there is no impact to pro forma net income related to the Acquisition for the six months ended June 30, 2024. |
Upon completion of the IPO Transactions, Infinity Natural Resources will recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the
F-10
historical cost basis and tax basis of its assets and liabilities in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes (ASC 740). With respect to the Acquisition, given that it was accounted for as an asset acquisition, there were no tax impacts to reflect within the pro forma balance sheet as of June 30, 2024; however, amounts will be estimated for the deferred tax assets and liabilities to be recorded as it relates to the IPO Transactions. The impacts of changes in any of these estimates after the date of purchase will be included in net income. Similarly, the effect of subsequent changes in the enacted tax rates will be included in net income.
(f) | Reflects $ million to establish the tax receivable agreement (TRA) liability based on the payment obligations that will arise as a result of the TRA entered into per the Corporate Reorganization. |
(g) | Reflects the basic and diluted pro forma net income per share for the six months ended June 30, 2024, and for the year ended December 31, 2023, assuming the shares of Class A common stock in this offering were issued, and other Transactions as described herein were consummated, on January 1, 2023, as follows: |
Infinity Natural Resources Pro Forma(1) | ||||||||
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 |
For the Year Ended December 31, 2023 |
|||||||
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | ||||||||
Numerator |
||||||||
Net income |
$ | $ | ||||||
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests |
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net income attributable to Infinity Natural Resources |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Denominator |
||||||||
Weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstandingbasic and diluted |
||||||||
Pro forma net income per share of Class A common stockbasic and diluted |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
|
|
|
(1) | Shares of our Class B common stock do not share in the earnings or losses of the Company and are therefore not participating securities. Shares of our Class B common stock are, however, considered potentially dilutive shares of Class A common stock. In the calculation of pro forma diluted earnings per share, the Company applied the if-converted method to the Class B common stock. Potential common shares were calculated by assuming the Class B common stock were exchanged for Class A common stock. A numerator adjustment was also calculated to re-allocate net income attributable to non-controlling interests to Infinity Natural Resources, assuming there is no non-controlling interest subsequent to the conversion of the Class B common stock for the Class A common stock. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, and for the year ended December 31, 2023, the combined effect of the numerator adjustments with respect to non-controlling interests and the denominator adjustments with respect to the number of shares of common stock outstanding were antidilutive to pro forma net income per share. As such, separate presentation of basic and diluted pro forma net income per share of Class B common stock under the two-class method has not been presented. |
(h) | Reflects the reclassification and elimination of URV historical and PEO historical amounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, to conform to INR Holdings financial statement presentation and accounting policies, including reclasses for: (i) oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids revenues, (ii) accretion of asset retirement obligations of URV, and (iii) the elimination of operating overhead income of PEO that would not have been recognized by INR Holdings under the full cost method of accounting. |
(i) | Reflects the pro forma adjustment to depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense, which is comprised of: (1) the elimination of the URV historical depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense of $35.2 million, and (2) the incremental depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense of $36.1 million, calculated based on the units-of-production method under the full cost method of |
F-11
accounting assuming the Acquisition was consummated on January 1, 2023, based on a fair value of $279.0 million that was recorded to proved oil and gas properties. |
(j) | Reflects the reclass of direct operating expenses of PEO Ohio to align with INR Holdings presentation. Given that the assets acquired from PEO Ohio were not historically accounted for as a separate segment, subsidiary, or division of PEO Ohio, certain indirect expenses not directly associated with the acquired assets were not included in the historical financial statements of PEO Ohio used as the basis for the pro forma financial statements herein. As such, the combined pro forma statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023, is not intended to be a complete presentation of the revenues and expenses of the assets acquired from PEO Ohio and is not indicative of the results of operations of the assets going forward due to the omission of various expenses, including general and administrative expenses, depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense, interest expense, and income tax expense. |
(k) | Reflects the impact of pro forma adjustments to interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, assuming the borrowings of $56.7 million under INR Holdings amended and restated credit agreement, as used to fund a portion of the total cash purchase price of the Acquisition, were outstanding beginning on January 1, 2023, which includes (i) the increase in interest expense of $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, (ii) the increase in amortization expense of $1.1 million related to deferred issuance costs of $3.7 million associated with the amended and restated credit agreement, and (iii) the increase in unused commitment fees of $0.3 million that would have been incurred for the year ended December 31, 2023, assuming the undrawn borrowings outstanding as of January 1, 2023, including the $56.7 million, had been constant throughout the year. |
(l) | Reflects the addition of $0.5 million of unrealized gain on derivative instruments to Gain on derivative instruments that was previously included in URVs other comprehensive income given its designation of derivative instruments as cash flow hedges. Additionally, we have reclassed $0.7 million of realized derivative gains as included in Total revenues to Gain on derivative instruments within Other income (expense) to align with our financial statement presentation and accounting policy. We have also eliminated $0.2 million of historical URV income on interest rate swaps given that we did not assume the outstanding debt of URV as part of the URV Acquisition. |
NOTE 5SUPPLEMENTAL PRO FORMA OIL AND NATURAL GAS RESERVES INFORMATION
The following tables present the estimated pro forma combined net proved developed and undeveloped oil and natural gas reserves information as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, along with a summary of changes in quantities of net remaining proved reserves during the year ended December 31, 2023, assuming the Acquisition had been consummated on January 1, 2023. Amounts for the Acquisition reflect activity for the period from January 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023, given the Acquisition closing date of October 4, 2023 and the determination by management that activity for the period from October 1, 2023, through October 4, 2023, was immaterial.
The pro forma oil and natural gas reserves information is not necessarily indicative of the results that might have occurred had the Acquisition been completed on the dates herein, and is not intended to be a projection of future results. Future results may vary significantly from the results reflected because of various factors, including those discussed in the section entitled Risk Factors contained elsewhere in this prospectus.
The following reserves information sets forth the estimated pro forma summary of changes in quantities of net remaining proved reserves during the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as the estimated pro forma quantities of proved developed and proved undeveloped oil, natural gas, and NGL reserves of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. Given the Acquisition close date of October 4, 2023, the historical quantities of proved developed and proved undeveloped reserves for oil, natural gas, and NGLs for URV and PEO Ohio as of December 31, 2023, are included within the historical quantities of proved developed and proved undeveloped reserves for oil, natural gas, and NGLs for INR Holdings as of December 31, 2023. As such, these quantities are not presented separately for URV and PEO Ohio as of December 31, 2023.
F-12
INR Holdings Historical |
January 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023 |
Transaction Accounting Adjustments Acquisition |
Infinity Natural Resources Pro Forma Combined |
|||||||||||||||||
URV | PEO Ohio | |||||||||||||||||||
Crude oil (MBbls) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Proved reserves: |
||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2022 |
5,913 | 9,234 | 2,145 | | 17,292 | |||||||||||||||
Extensions |
7,443 | 2,670 | 667 | | 10,780 | |||||||||||||||
Revisions to previous estimates |
252 | 4,034 | 1,062 | | 5,348 | |||||||||||||||
Purchases of reserves in place |
18,636 | | | (18,636 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Production |
(1,205 | ) | (941 | ) | (235 | ) | | (2,381 | ) | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
December 31, 2023 |
31,039 | 14,997 | 3,639 | (18,636 | ) | 31,039 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Natural gas (MMcf) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Proved reserves: |
||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2022 |
358,338 | 58,824 | 12,889 | | 430,051 | |||||||||||||||
Extensions |
168,704 | 23,334 | 5,834 | | 197,873 | |||||||||||||||
Revisions to previous estimates |
(118,920 | ) | 25,171 | 7,074 | | (86,665 | ) | |||||||||||||
Purchases of reserves in place |
128,110 | | | (128,110 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Production |
(27,506 | ) | (4,021 | ) | (1,005 | ) | | (32,532 | ) | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
December 31, 2023 |
508,727 | 103,308 | 24,802 | (128,110 | ) | 508,727 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Natural gas liquids (MBbls) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Proved reserves: |
||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2022 |
14,152 | 3,874 | 1,056 | | 19,082 | |||||||||||||||
Extensions |
9,015 | 1,009 | 252 | | 10,276 | |||||||||||||||
Revisions to previous estimates |
(4,501 | ) | 1,877 | 442 | | (2,182 | ) | |||||||||||||
Purchases of reserves in place |
8,207 | | | (8,207 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Production |
(1,112 | ) | (242 | ) | (61 | ) | | (1,415 | ) | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
December 31, 2023 |
25,761 | 6,518 | 1,689 | (8,207 | ) | 25,671 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total (MBoe) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Total proved reserves: |
||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2022 |
79,788 | 22,912 | 5,349 | | 108,049 | |||||||||||||||
Extensions |
44,575 | 7,568 | 1,892 | | 54,036 | |||||||||||||||
Revisions to previous estimates |
(24,069 | ) | 10,106 | 2,684 | | (11,279 | ) | |||||||||||||
Purchases of reserves in place |
48,195 | | | (48,195 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Production |
(6,901 | ) | (1,853 | ) | (464 | ) | | (9,218 | ) | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
December 31, 2023 |
141,588 | 38,733 | 9,461 | (48,195 | ) | 141,588 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-13
As of December 31, 2022 | INR Holdings Historical |
URV Historical |
PEO Ohio Historical |
Infinity Natural Resources Pro Forma Combined |
||||||||||||
Proved developed reserves: |
||||||||||||||||
Crude oil (MBbls) |
2,995 | 2,663 | 973 | 6,601 | ||||||||||||
Natural gas (MMcf) |
143,632 | 21,775 | 7,024 | 172,431 | ||||||||||||
NGLs (MBbls) |
6,132 | 1,501 | 579 | 8,212 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total (MBoe) |
33,066 | 7,763 | 2,723 | 43,552 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Proved undeveloped reserves: |
||||||||||||||||
Crude oil (MBbls) |
2,918 | 6,601 | 1,172 | 10,691 | ||||||||||||
Natural gas (MMcf) |
214,706 | 37,049 | 5,865 | 257,620 | ||||||||||||
NGLs (MBbls) |
8,020 | 2,373 | 477 | 10,870 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total (MBoe) |
46,722 | 15,149 | 2,626 | 64,497 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total proved reserves: |
||||||||||||||||
Crude oil (MBbls) |
5,913 | 9,234 | 2,145 | 17,292 | ||||||||||||
Natural gas (MMcf) |
358,338 | 58,824 | 12,889 | 430,051 | ||||||||||||
NGLs (MBbls) |
14,152 | 3,874 | 1,056 | 19,082 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total (MBoe) |
79,788 | 22,912 | 5,349 | 108,049 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
Proved developed reserves: |
||||||||||||||||
Crude oil (MBbls) |
13,172 | | | 13,172 | ||||||||||||
Natural gas (MMcf) |
252,832 | | | 252,832 | ||||||||||||
NGLs (MBbls) |
12,644 | | | 12,644 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total (MBoe) |
67,954 | | | 67,954 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Proved undeveloped reserves: |
||||||||||||||||
Crude oil (MBbls) |
17,866 | | | 17,866 | ||||||||||||
Natural gas (MMcf) |
255,893 | | | 255,893 | ||||||||||||
NGLs (MBbls) |
13,118 | | | 13,118 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total (MBoe) |
73,633 | | | 73,633 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total proved reserves: |
||||||||||||||||
Crude oil (MBbls) |
31,038 | | | 31,038 | ||||||||||||
Natural gas (MMcf) |
508,725 | | | 508,725 | ||||||||||||
NGLs (MBbls) |
25,762 | | | 25,762 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total (MBoe) |
141,587 | | | 141,587 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notable changes in proved reserves for the year ended December 31, 2023 for INR Holdings included the following:
| Extensions. In 2023, total extensions to previous estimates increased proved reserves by 44.6 MMBoe. These extensions primarily related to the addition of 21 proved undeveloped (PUD) locations to be developed by 2028 (as that year entered the 5-year development window) which added 32.5 MMBoe of proved reserves. Other extensions included converting 12.0 MMBoe of unproved reserves to proved developed reserves by drilling six wells during 2023, two of which were producing as of December 31, 2023. During 2023, our drilling program was focused on adding locations primarily in the various Utica and Point Pleasant formations in Ohio and the Marcellus shale formation in Pennsylvania. |
F-14
| Revisions to previous estimates. In 2023, total revisions to previous estimates reduced proved reserves by 24.1 MMBoe. These downward revisions primarily consisted of 20.8 MMBoe of revisions to PUD reserves, comprised of downward revisions of 0.9 MMBoe in PUDs from 2022 to 2023 due to decreases in prices during the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as downward revisions of 21.1 MMBoe due to changes to our development plan that resulted in 17 PUD locations being reclassified as they were outside the 5-year development window while the Company performs further technical refinements and analysis to evaluate well spacing assumptions. Downward revisions in PUDs were slightly offset by positive revisions of 1.2 MMBoe due to upward revisions in type curves and increased lateral lengths. Additionally, our proved developed producing properties had downward revisions of 3.3 MMBoe related to decreases in commodity prices which impacted the estimated timing and performance of these wells. |
| Purchases of reserves in place. In 2023, 48.2 MMBoe of proved reserves were added primarily from properties acquired in the Ohio Utica Acquisition on October 4, 2023, including 20.4 MMBoe of proved developed reserves and 27.8 of proved undeveloped locations. |
Notable changes in proved reserves for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 for URV included the following:
| Extensions. In the nine months ended September 30, 2023, total extensions to previous estimates increased proved reserves by 7.6 MMBoe. These extensions primarily related to development activity in the booking of additional PUDs through 2028 (as that year entered the 5-year development window) and converting unproved reserves to proved developed reserves. |
| Revisions to previous estimates. In the nine months ended September 30, 2023, total revisions to previous estimates increased proved reserves by 10.1 MMBoe. These upward revisions primarily consisted of 14.4 MMBoe of positive revisions primarily related to well forecasting, offset by downward revisions of 4.3 MMBoe primarily related to decreases in pricing. |
Notable changes in proved reserves for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 for PEO included the following:
| Extensions. In the nine months ended September 30, 2023, total extensions to previous estimates increased proved reserves by 1.9 MMBoe. These extensions primarily related to development activity in the booking of additional PUDs through 2028 (as that year entered the 5-year development window) and converting unproved reserves to proved developed reserves. |
| Revisions of previous estimates. In the nine months ended September 30, 2023, total revisions to previous estimates increased proved reserves by 2.7 MMBoe. These upward revisions primarily consisted of 3.4 MMBoe of positive revisions primarily related to well forecasting, offset by downward revisions of 0.7 MMBoe primarily related to decreases in pricing. |
Pro Forma Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows
The following tables present the estimated pro forma discounted future net cash flows as of December 31, 2023. As the Acquisition is included in INR Holdings historical standardized measure as of December 31, 2023, the pro forma standardized measure information set forth below only gives effect to the IPO Transactions as if they had been consummated on December 31, 2023. The pro forma changes in the standardized measure information set forth below gives effect to the Transactions as if they had been consummated on January 1, 2023.
The disclosures below were determined based on INR Holdings historical discounted future net cash flows as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023, as included in the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023, included elsewhere in this prospectus. An explanation of the underlying methodology applied, as required by SEC regulations, can also be found therein. The calculations assume the continuation of existing economic, operating and contractual conditions at December 31, 2023.
F-15
Therefore, the following estimated pro forma standardized measure and the pro forma changes in the standardized measure are not necessarily indicative of the results that might have occurred had the IPO Transactions been completed on December 31, 2023, or had the Transactions been completed on January 1, 2023, respectively, and are not intended to be a projection of future results. Future results may vary significantly from the results reflected because of various factors, including those discussed in the section entitled Risk Factors included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Pro Forma Consolidated Discounted Future Net Cash Flows
The following table sets forth the pro forma Consolidated standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved oil and natural gas reserves as of December 31, 2023:
December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
INR Holdings Historical |
Transaction Accounting Adjustments |
Infinity Natural Resources Pro Forma Combined |
||||||||||||||
Acquisition(1) | IPO Transactions(2) |
|||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Future cash inflows |
$ | 3,865,302 | $ | | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Future development costs(3) |
(545,803 | ) | | |||||||||||||
Future production costs |
(1,281,802 | ) | | |||||||||||||
Future income tax expenses(4) |
| | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Future net cash flows |
2,037,697 | | ||||||||||||||
10% discount to reflect timing of cash flows |
(1,099,313 | ) | | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows |
$ | 938,384 | $ | | $ | $ | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | There are no transaction accounting adjustments related to the Acquisition for the pro forma standardized measure as of December 31, 2023, as all assets acquired are included within the INR Holdings historical standardized measure as of such date. |
(2) | The transaction accounting adjustments for the IPO Transactions reflect the impact of the entity-level income taxation that would have been applicable to the Company as of December 31, 2023, on an undiscounted and discounted basis, based on an estimated % blended statutory U.S. federal and state tax rate. |
(3) | Future development costs include costs associated with the future abandonment of proved properties, including proved undeveloped locations. |
(4) | INR Holdings historical future net cash flows do not include the effects of income taxes on future revenues because it was a limited partnership not subject to entity-level income taxation as of December 31, 2023. Accordingly, no provision for federal or state corporate income taxes has been provided historically because taxable income was passed through to the Existing Owners. |
F-16
Sources of Change in Pro Forma Consolidated Discounted Future Net Cash Flows
The principal changes in the pro forma Consolidated standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved reserves for the year ended December 31, 2023, are as follows:
INR Holdings Historical |
January 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023(1) |
Transaction Accounting Adjustments(1)(2) |
Infinity Natural Resources Pro Forma Combined |
|||||||||||||||||
URV Historical |
PEO Ohio Historical |
|||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows as of December 31, 2022 |
$ | 1,017,608 | $ | 570,742 | $ | 129,030 | $ | | $ | 1,717,380 | ||||||||||
Sales of oil, natural gas, NGLs, net of production costs |
(109,179 | ) | (65,393 | ) | (16,337 | ) | | (190,909 | ) | |||||||||||
Purchases of minerals in place |
534,927 | | | (534,927 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Extensions, net of future development costs |
199,378 | 83,055 | 20,764 | | 303,197 | |||||||||||||||
Net change in price and production costs |
(643,905 | ) | (243,437 | ) | (60,869 | ) | | (948,211 | ) | |||||||||||
Previously estimated development costs incurred |
68,412 | 19,639 | 4,910 | | 92,961 | |||||||||||||||
Change in estimated future development costs |
4,734 | (1 | ) | | | 4,733 | ||||||||||||||
Revisions of previous quantity estimates |
(224,318 | ) | 19,806 | 15,210 | | (189,302 | ) | |||||||||||||
Accretion of discount |
101,761 | 42,806 | 10,701 | | 155,268 | |||||||||||||||
Net change in income taxes(2) |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Net change in timing of production and other |
(11,034 | ) | 3,442 | 859 | | (6,733 | ) | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows as of December 31, 2023 |
$ | 938,384 | $ | 430,659 | $ | 104,268 | $ | (534,927) | $ | 938,384 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | The changes in the pro forma standardized measure for the year ended December 31, 2023, include the effects of the activity related to the assets acquired from URV and PEO Ohio for the period from January 1, 2023, through September 30, 2023. As such, for purposes of the pro forma changes in the standardized measure, the transaction accounting adjustment for purchases of reserves in place reflects the impact of the Acquisition assuming it had been consummated on January 1, 2023. |
(2) | INR Holdings historical future net cash flows do not include the effects of income taxes on future revenues because it was a limited partnership not subject to entity-level income taxation for the year ended December 31, 2023. Accordingly, no provision for federal or state corporate income taxes has been provided because taxable income was passed through to the Existing Owners. The transaction accounting adjustment for the net change in income taxes reflects the impact of the IPO Transactions and the entity-level income taxation that would have been applicable to the Company for the year ended December 31, 2023, based on an estimated % blended statutory U.S. federal and state tax rate. |
F-17
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the stockholder and the Board of Directors of Infinity Natural Resources, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. (the Company) as of May 15, 2024 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statement). In our opinion, the financial statement presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of May 15, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
This financial statement is the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Companys financial statement based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statement is free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statement, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statement. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Pittsburgh, PA
July 22, 2024
We have served as the Companys auditor since 2024.
F-18
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
BALANCE SHEET
May 15, 2024 | ||||
Assets |
||||
Total assets |
$ | | ||
|
|
|||
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
||||
Total liabilities |
| |||
Subscription receivable from INR Holdings |
(100 | ) | ||
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding |
100 | |||
|
|
|||
Total stockholders equity |
| |||
|
|
|||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | | ||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this balance sheet.
F-19
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO BALANCE SHEET
1Nature of Operations
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. (Infinity) was incorporated in the state of Delaware on May 15, 2024 in anticipation of a potential initial public offering (IPO) and related reorganization transactions. Following the IPO and the transactions related thereto, Infinity will be a holding company whose sole material asset will consist of membership interests in Infinity Natural Resources, LLC (INR Holdings). After the consummation of the IPO and related reorganization transactions, Infinity will be the managing member of INR Holdings and will control and be responsible for all operational, management and administrative decisions relating to INR Holdings business and will consolidate the financial results of INR Holdings and its subsidiaries.
2Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Accounting and Presentation
The accounts are maintained and the balance sheet has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Separate statements of operations, changes in stockholders equity and cash flows have not been presented because Infinity has had no operations to date.
3Stockholders Equity
Infinity is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.001 per share. INR Holdings had yet to fund its $100 initial capitalization as of May 15, 2024, and thus, Infinity has presented this amount as a subscription receivable within stockholders equity.
4Subsequent Events
Infinity has evaluated subsequent events through July 22, 2024, the date on which the balance sheet was available for issuance, and determined that there are no significant subsequent events requiring adjustment or disclosure.
F-20
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
June 30, 2024 | May 15, 2024 | |||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Total assets |
$ | | $ | | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
||||||||
Total liabilities |
| | ||||||
Subscription receivable from INR Holdings |
(100 | ) | (100 | ) | ||||
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding |
100 | 100 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total stockholders equity |
| | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | | $ | | ||||
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited balance sheets.
F-21
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
Notes to Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
Note 1Nature of Operations
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. (Infinity) was incorporated in the state of Delaware on May 15, 2024 in anticipation of a potential initial public offering (IPO) and related reorganization transactions. Following the IPO and the transactions related thereto, Infinity will be a holding company whose sole material asset will consist of membership interests in Infinity Natural Resources, LLC (INR Holdings). After the consummation of the IPO and related reorganization transactions, Infinity will be the managing member of INR Holdings and will control and be responsible for all operational, management and administrative decisions relating to INR Holdings business and will consolidate the financial results of INR Holdings and its subsidiaries. As of June 30, 2024, Infinity has not commenced operations and has nominal assets and no liabilities.
Note 2Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Accounting and Presentation
The accounts are maintained and the unaudited balance sheets have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Separate statements of operations, changes in stockholders equity and cash flows have not been presented because Infinity has had no operations to date.
Note 3Stockholders Equity
Infinity is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.001 per share. INR Holdings had yet to fund its $100 initial capitalization as of June 30, 2024, and thus, Infinity has presented this amount as a subscription receivable within stockholders equity.
Note 4Subsequent Events
Infinity has evaluated subsequent events through September 6, 2024, the date on which the unaudited balance sheets were available for issuance, and determined that there are no significant subsequent events requiring adjustment or disclosure.
F-22
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Members and the Board of Directors of Infinity Natural Resources, LLC
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Infinity Natural Resources LLC and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, members equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Companys financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Pittsburgh, PA
July 22, 2024
We have served as the Companys auditor since 2023.
F-23
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(amounts in thousands)
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 1,504 | $ | 739 | ||||
Accounts receivable: |
||||||||
Oil and natural gas sales, net |
23,491 | 19,747 | ||||||
Joint interest and other, net |
20,605 | 2,574 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
2,354 | 584 | ||||||
Commodity derivative assets, short term |
22,054 | 5,434 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total current assets |
70,008 | 29,078 | ||||||
Oil and natural gas properties, full cost method (including $37.2 million and $40.7 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively excluded from amortization) |
652,645 | 232,605 | ||||||
Other property and equipment |
33,542 | 26,144 | ||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
(79,561 | ) | (25,835 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Property and equipment, net |
606,626 | 232,914 | ||||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net |
758 | 838 | ||||||
Other assets |
4,944 | 1,466 | ||||||
Commodity derivative assets, long-term |
6,173 | 2,409 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total assets |
$ | 688,509 | $ | 266,705 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Liabilities and Members Equity |
||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 37,737 | $ | 41,390 | ||||
Royalties payable |
17,575 | 9,565 | ||||||
Accrued liabilities |
1,015 | 241 | ||||||
Notes payable |
124 | 93 | ||||||
Operating lease liabilities |
105 | 90 | ||||||
Commodity derivative liabilities, short-term |
6 | 5,980 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total current liabilities |
56,562 | 57,359 | ||||||
Line-of-credit |
170,964 | 57,900 | ||||||
Notes payable, long-term |
153 | 155 | ||||||
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion |
652 | 747 | ||||||
Asset retirement obligations |
970 | 760 | ||||||
Commodity derivative liabilities, long-term |
752 | 278 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total liabilities |
230,053 | 117,199 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13) |
||||||||
Members equity |
458,456 | 149,506 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total liabilities and members equity |
$ | 688,509 | $ | 266,705 | ||||
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-24
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(amounts in thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||
Oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids sales |
$ | 159,532 | $ | 142,600 | ||||
Midstream activities |
2,198 | 555 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total revenues |
161,730 | 143,155 | ||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||
Gathering, processing, and transportation |
31,097 | 15,673 | ||||||
Lease operating |
18,371 | 8,256 | ||||||
Production and ad valorem taxes |
886 | 719 | ||||||
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
53,796 | 18,336 | ||||||
General and administrative |
4,885 | 4,712 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total operating expenses |
109,035 | 47,696 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Operating income |
52,695 | 95,459 | ||||||
Other income (expense): |
||||||||
Interest, net |
(11,910 | ) | (2,574 | ) | ||||
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments |
45,322 | (24,820 | ) | |||||
Other income |
565 | 64 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net income |
$ | 86,672 | $ | 68,129 | ||||
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-25
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Members Equity
(amounts in thousands)
Class A | Class B | Total | ||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2021 |
$ | 81,377 | | $ | 81,377 | |||||||
Net income |
68,129 | | 68,129 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2022 |
149,506 | | 149,506 | |||||||||
Contributions |
| 222,278 | 222,278 | |||||||||
Net income |
41,100 | 45,572 | 86,672 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2023 |
$ | 190,606 | $ | 267,850 | $ | 458,456 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-26
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(amounts in thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||
Net income |
$ | 86,672 | $ | 68,129 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
53,796 | 18,336 | ||||||
Amortization of debt issuance costs |
778 | 194 | ||||||
(Gain) loss on derivative instruments |
(45,322 | ) | 24,820 | |||||
Cash received (paid) on settlement of derivative instruments |
19,438 | (37,888 | ) | |||||
Non-cash lease expense |
98 | 63 | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts receivable |
(21,775 | ) | (9,068 | ) | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets |
(1,770 | ) | (214 | ) | ||||
Accounts payable |
7,565 | (2,156 | ) | |||||
Royalties payable |
6,390 | 3,119 | ||||||
Accrued and other expenses |
703 | 687 | ||||||
Other assets and liabilities |
(98 | ) | (1,046 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
106,475 | 64,976 | ||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||
Additions to oil and gas properties |
(145,979 | ) | (84,092 | ) | ||||
Acquisitions of oil and gas properties |
(278,967 | ) | | |||||
Additions to property and equipment |
(11,740 | ) | (11,569 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(436,686 | ) | (95,661 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||
Borrowings under revolving credit facility |
203,864 | 127,636 | ||||||
Payments on revolving credit facility |
(90,800 | ) | (97,686 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from contributions from issuance of Class B interests |
222,278 | | ||||||
Payments of debt issuance costs |
(4,256 | ) | (908 | ) | ||||
Payments on notes payable |
(110 | ) | (45 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
330,976 | 28,997 | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
765 | (1,688 | ) | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
739 | 2,427 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 1,504 | $ | 739 | ||||
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F-27
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation
Description of Business
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC, together with its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as INR Holdings) is an oil and natural gas exploration and production company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of properties for the production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs) from underground reservoirs. INR Holdings was organized as a Delaware limited liability company (LLC) on June 6, 2017. Our operations are located in the Appalachian Basin in the northeastern United States.
Basis of Accounting and Presentation
The consolidated financial statements present the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of INR Holdings in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP). All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated upon consolidation.
Note 2Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates of reserves are used to determine depletion and to conduct impairment analysis. Estimating reserves is inherently uncertain, including the projection of future rates of production and the timing of development expenditures.
Making accurate estimates and assumptions is particularly difficult in the oil and natural gas industry, given the challenges resulting from volatility in oil and natural gas prices. For instance, rising interest rates, global supply chain disruptions, concerns about a potential economic downturn or recession, recent measures to combat persistent inflation and instability in the financial sector have contributed to recent economic and pricing volatility. The financial results of companies in the oil and natural gas industry have been impacted materially as a result of these events and changing market conditions. Such circumstances generally increase the uncertainty in INR Holdings accounting estimates, particularly those involving financial forecasts.
INR Holdings evaluates these estimates on an ongoing basis, using historical experience, consultation with experts and other methods it considers reasonable in the particular circumstances. Nevertheless, actual results may differ significantly from INR Holdings estimates. Any effects on INR Holdings business, financial position or results of operations resulting from revisions to these estimates are recorded in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of issuance to be cash equivalents. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these investments. Interest earned on cash equivalents is included as a reduction of interest expense, net. We maintain cash and cash equivalents in bank deposit accounts which, at times, may exceed the federally insured limits; however, we have not experienced any significant losses from such investments.
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INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Expected Credit Losses
Accounts receivable consist of receivables from the sales of oil, natural gas, and NGL production delivered to purchasers and from joint interest owners on properties INR Holdings operates. Accounts receivable are stated at the amount due, net of an allowance for expected losses as estimated by INR Holdings when applicable. Most payments for accounts receivable are received within 30 to 60 days. INR Holdings typically has the ability to withhold future revenue disbursements to recover any non-payment of joint interest accounts receivable from joint interest owners outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, INR Holdings allowances for credit losses were not material and are expected to remain so in the future assuming no substantial changes to the business or creditworthiness of our counterparties.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
We are exposed to credit risk in the event of nonpayment by counterparties. We sell production to a relatively small number of customers, as is customary in our business. The table below summarizes the purchasers that accounted for 10% or more of INR Holdings total revenues from the sale of commodities for the periods presented:
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||
Marathon Oil Company |
49 | % | 38 | % | ||||
BP America |
28 | % | 46 | % | ||||
Blue Racer Midstream |
13 | % | 15 | % |
During these periods, no other purchaser accounted for 10% or more of INR Holdings total commodity sales revenues. As of December 31, 2023, INR Holdings accounts receivable balance related to oil and gas sales was comprised of amounts due from various purchasers, including amounts due from Marathon Oil Company, BP America, and Ergon comprising 56%, 24%, and 11%, respectively, of the total balance. As of December 31, 2022, INR Holding accounts receivable balance related to oil and gas sales was comprised of amounts due from Marathon Oil Company and BP America, which accounted for 56% and 39%, respectively, of the total balance.
The loss of any one or more of INR Holdings major purchasers could materially and adversely affect our revenues in the short-term. However, based on the demand for oil and natural gas and the availability of other purchasers, INR Holdings believes that the loss of any major purchaser would not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations as crude oil and natural gas are fungible products with well-established markets and numerous purchasers.
By using derivative instruments to economically hedge exposures to changes in commodity prices, INR Holdings also exposes itself to credit risk. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes INR Holdings, which creates credit risk. We minimize the credit risk in derivative instruments by: (i) limiting our exposure to any single counterparty; and (ii) only entering into hedging arrangements with counterparties that are also participants in our credit agreement, all of which have investment-grade credit ratings.
Oil and Gas Properties
INR Holdings uses the full cost method of accounting for its oil and natural gas properties. Accordingly, all costs directly associated with the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil, natural gas, and NGL reserves for both productive and nonproductive properties are capitalized into a full cost pool. Capitalized costs also include the costs of unproved properties and internal costs directly related to the Companys acquisition, exploration, and development activities. All general and administrative corporate costs unrelated to drilling
F-29
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
activities are expensed as incurred. Capitalized costs of proved properties is computed on a units-of-production basis based on estimated proved reserves, whereby the depletion rate is determined by dividing the total unamortized cost base plus future development costs by estimated proved reserves on a net equivalent basis at the beginning of the period. The depletion rate is multiplied by total production for the period to compute depletion expense. The average depletion rate of our oil and natural gas properties was $7.54 per Boe and $5.41 per Boe for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Under the full cost method of accounting, total net capitalized costs of proved oil and natural gas properties may not exceed the ceiling limitation determined based on the estimated future net revenues of our proved reserves discounted at 10%. The future net revenues are estimated using the average of the first day of the month trailing 12-month price as of the period end date in accordance with guidance provided by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), adjusted for basis or location differentials, held constant over the life of the proved reserves. A ceiling limitation calculation is performed at the end of each quarter. If the ceiling limitation is exceeded, a write-down or impairment of the full cost pool is required. A write-down of the carrying value of the full cost pool is a non-cash charge that reduces earnings and impacts members equity and typically results in lower depletion expense in future periods. Once incurred, a write-down cannot be reversed at a later date.
The costs associated with unproved properties are primarily the costs to acquire unproved acreage. We also may capitalize interest on expenditures made in connection with bringing unproved properties to their intended use. INR Holdings determines capitalized interest, when applicable, by multiplying our weighted-average borrowing cost on our revolving credit facility by the average amount of qualifying costs incurred that were excluded from the full cost pool; however, capitalized interest cannot exceed the amount of gross interest expense incurred in any given period. The Company did not capitalize any interest on unproved properties during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Costs associated with unproved properties are excluded from the full cost pool until we have made a determination as to the existence of proved reserves. We review our unproved properties at the end of each quarter to determine whether the costs incurred should be transferred to the full cost pool and thereby subject to amortization. All costs classified as unproved properties are assessed on an individual basis or as a group if properties are individually insignificant. The assessment includes consideration of various factors, including, but not limited to, the intent to drill, remaining lease term, geological and geophysical evaluations, drilling results and activity, and the assignment of proved reserves and whether the proved reserves can be developed economically. During any period in which these factors indicate an impairment, all or a portion of the associated capitalized costs are transferred to the full cost pool and become subject to amortization and the full cost ceiling limitation.
Other Property and Equipment
Other property and equipment includes midstream assets, vehicles, furniture, fixtures, office equipment, and leasehold improvements, all of which are recorded at cost. These assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives which range between three and 25 years. Equipment upgrades and improvements are capitalized while expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. When other property and equipment is sold or retired, the capitalized costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and a gain or loss is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as needed.
Leases
At contract inception, INR Holdings determines whether or not an arrangement contains a lease in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Boards (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842, Leases (ASC 842). A contract is or contains a lease if it conveys the right to control the use of an
F-30
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Upon determination that a contract meets the definition of a lease subject to ASC 842, a right-of-use asset and related lease liability are recorded based on the present value of the future lease payments over the lease term. Right-of-use assets represent INR Holdings right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make future lease payments arising from the lease. Since the implicit rate in the lease is generally not available, INR Holdings utilizes its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate for determining the present value of lease payments.
Asset Retirement Obligations
We accrue a liability for the estimated future costs associated with the plugging and abandonment of our oil and natural gas properties. For oil and natural gas wells, the fair value of our plugging and abandonment obligations is recorded at the time the obligation is incurred, which is typically at the time the well is spud. The fair value of the liability recognized is based on the present value of the estimated future cash outflows associated with our plugging and abandonment obligations. Revisions typically occur due to changes in estimated abandonment costs or the remaining lives of our wells, or if federal or state regulators enact new requirements regarding the abandonment of wells. We deplete the amount added to the costs of proved oil and natural gas properties and recognize an expense in connection with the accretion of the discounted liability over the remaining estimated economic lives of the respective oil and natural gas properties. Accretion expense is included within depreciation, depletion, and amortization in the consolidated statements of operations.
Revenue Recognition
INR Holdings derives revenue primarily from the sale of produced oil, natural gas, and NGLs. Revenue is recognized when a performance obligation is satisfied by transferring control of the produced oil, natural gas, or NGLs to the customer. For all commodity products, we record revenue in the month production is delivered to the customer based on the amount of production delivered to the customer and the price we will receive. Payments are generally received between 30 and 60 days after the date of production.
Reportable Segment
INR Holdings operates in only one reportable segment that is the exploration and production segment. All of our operations are conducted in one geographic area within the Appalachian Basin, primarily in Pennsylvania and Ohio, in the United States.
Income Taxes
As a limited partnership, we are not a taxpaying entity for federal income tax purposes. As such, we have not recorded federal income tax expense. Our limited partners are responsible for federal income taxes on their respective share of taxable income. We file federal income tax returns in the United States. In certain circumstances, we are subject to state taxes on income arising in or derived from the state tax jurisdictions in which we operate.
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (ASU 2016-02), which requires all leases with terms greater than 12 months to be recognized by the lessee as assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. When measuring lease assets and liabilities, payments to be made for optional extension periods are included if we as the lessee are reasonably certain to exercise the option. Leases are classified as either operating or financing, with classification affecting the pattern
F-31
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
of expense recognition in the consolidated statement of operations. This ASU also expanded the required quantitative and qualitative disclosures surrounding leases. Mineral leases are excluded from the scope of ASU 2016-02. We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the new standard, which among other things, allows for lease and non-lease components in a contract to be accounted for as a single lease component for all asset classes and the carry forward of historical lease classifications. INR Holdings adopted this ASU on January 1, 2022, by recording an operating lease liability (inclusive of the short-term and long-term amounts) and corresponding operating lease right-of-use asset of $0.9 million.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial InstrumentsCredit Losses (ASU 2016-13), which replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology to reflect expected credit losses. The amendment requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date to be performed based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. We consider a number of factors, including the length of time accounts receivable are past due, our previous loss history, the debtors current ability to pay its obligation to INR Holdings, the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. We write-off specific accounts receivable when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for expected losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2022. INR Holdings adopted this standard on January 1, 2023. This adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), which was subsequently amended by ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848. This guidance provides optional practical expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP provisions to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR, or other reference rates expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform, if certain criteria are met. The guidance in this update was effective upon its issuance. As of December 31, 2023, INR Holdings did not have any contracts, hedging relationships, or other transactions referenced to LIBOR.
Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280)Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (ASU 2023-07), which updates reportable segment disclosure requirements primarily by enhancing disclosures about significant segment expenses and information used to assess segment performance. Additionally, ASU 2023-07 enhances interim disclosure requirements, clarifies circumstances in which an entity can disclose multiple segment measures of profit or loss and provides new segment disclosure requirements for entities with a single reportable segment. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Management is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on INR Holdings disclosures. Adoption of the update is not expected to have a material impact to INR Holdings financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740)Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09), which requires that certain information in a reporting entitys tax rate reconciliation be disaggregated and provides additional requirements regarding income taxes paid. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted, and should be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. Management is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on INR Holdings disclosures. Adoption of the update is not expected to have a material impact to INR Holdings financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
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INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
We considered the applicability and impact of all ASUs. ASUs not listed above were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or not material upon adoption.
Note 3Revenues
Crude oil, natural gas, and NGL sales are recognized at the point that control of the product is transferred to the customer. Virtually all of INR Holdings contract pricing provisions are tied to a market index, with certain adjustments based on, among other factors, transportation costs to an active spot market and quality differentials.
Commodity sales revenues presented within the consolidated statements of operations relate to the sale of oil, natural gas, and NGLs as shown below:
For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Oil revenues |
$ | 85,276 | $ | 54,631 | ||||
Natural gas revenues |
49,617 | 66,048 | ||||||
NGL revenues |
24,639 | 21,921 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids sales |
$ | 159,532 | $ | 142,600 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Oil Sales
Our crude oil sales contracts are generally structured whereby oil is delivered to the customer at a contractually agreed-upon delivery point. This delivery point is usually at the wellhead or at the inlet of a transportation pipeline. Revenue is recognized when control transfers to the customer at the delivery point based on the net price received from the customer. Any downstream transportation or marketing costs incurred by purchasers of our crude oil are reflected in the price we receive and are presented as a net reduction to oil sales revenues.
Natural Gas and NGL Sales
Under INR Holdings natural gas processing contracts, liquids rich natural gas is delivered to a midstream gathering and processing entity at an agreed upon delivery point. The midstream entity gathers and processes the raw gas and then remits proceeds to INR Holdings. For these contracts, INR Holdings evaluates when control of the residue gas and NGLs is transferred in order to determine whether revenues should be recognized on a gross or net basis. Where INR Holdings elects to take its residue gas and/or NGL production in-kind at the plant tailgate, fees incurred prior to transfer of control at the outlet of the plant are presented as gathering, processing, and transportation expense within the consolidated statements of operations. Where INR Holdings does not take its residue gas and/or NGL production in-kind, transfer of control typically occurs at the inlet of the midstream entitys gas gathering system such that any fees incurred subsequent to the delivery point are reflected as a net reduction to natural gas and NGL revenues presented in the table above and as included within oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids sales within the consolidated statements of operations.
Performance Obligations
INR Holdings commodity sales contracts do not originate until production occurs and, therefore, are not considered to exist beyond each days production. Therefore, there are no remaining performance obligations under any of its commodity sales contracts. Under our revenue agreements, each delivery generally represents a separate performance obligation; therefore, future volumes delivered are wholly unsatisfied and disclosure of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations is not required.
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INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
For all commodity products, we record revenue in the month production is delivered to the purchaser. Settlement statements for crude oil are generally received within 30 days following the date that production volumes are delivered, but for natural gas and NGL sales, statements may not be received for 30 to 60 days after delivery has occurred. However, payment is unconditional once the performance obligations have been satisfied. At such time, the volumes delivered and sales prices can be reasonably estimated and amounts due from customers are accrued in Accounts receivable oil and natural gas sales, net in the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, such receivable balances were $23.5 million and $19.7 million, respectively.
Note 4Acquisitions
Ohio Utica Acquisition
On August 7, 2023, Wolf Run Operating, LLC (Wolf Run), a wholly-owned subsidiary of INR Holdings, entered into a definitive purchase and sale agreement to acquire working interests in certain oil and gas assets from Utica Resource Ventures, LLC and Utica Resource Operating, LLC (collectively, URV), and Providence Energy Operating Ohio, LLC (PEO, and together with URV, the Sellers) for $306.4 million, subject to customary purchase price adjustments (the Ohio Utica Acquisition).
The transaction closed on October 4, 2023, for $279.0 million (including transaction costs that were capitalized as part of the asset acquisition) and was financed through a combination of $222.3 million that was raised from the issuance by INR Holdings of new Class B interests as well as borrowings of $56.7 million under our amended and restated credit agreement.
As part of the Ohio Utica Acquisition, we assumed control of approximately 36,783 net acres across Washington, Morgan, Noble, and Guernsey counties in Ohio along with 54 producing horizontal laterals, related surface equipment located on various pad locations and a deep inventory of premium drilling locations located within the volatile oil window of the Utica and Point Pleasant plays in eastern Ohio. The $280.7 million was recorded to proved properties with no value attributed to unproved leasehold acreage acquired.
In accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations (ASC 805), we performed an initial screen test as of the transaction close date in order to determine whether the acquired set should be accounted for as an asset acquisition or business combination. Based on our assessment of the fair values of the gross assets acquired, we determined that the Ohio Utica Acquisition did not meet the definition of a business combination in accordance with ASC 805, and as such, have accounted for the transaction as an asset acquisition.
Note 5Property, Plant, and Equipment
Oil and Natural Gas Properties
We utilize the full cost method of accounting for costs related to the exploration, development, and acquisition of oil and natural gas properties. Our capitalized costs of oil and natural gas properties and the related accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Oil and natural gas properties: |
||||||||
Proved properties |
$ | 615,456 | $ | 191,887 | ||||
Unproved properties |
37,189 | 40,718 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross oil and natural gas properties |
652,645 | 232,605 | ||||||
Less: accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
(77,085 | ) | (25,010 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Oil and natural gas properties, net |
$ | 575,560 | $ | 207,595 | ||||
|
|
|
|
F-34
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Under the full cost method of accounting, all such costs of productive and nonproductive wells, including salaries, benefits, and other internal costs directly attributable to these activities, are capitalized on a country-by-country basis and amortized over the estimated lives of the properties using the units-of-production $52.1 million and $17.5 million of amortization expense on oil and gas properties within the full cost pool for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We capitalized internal costs of approximately $2.2 million and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Capitalized costs of oil and natural gas properties are subject to a ceiling test that limits such pooled costs, net of applicable deferred taxes, to the aggregate of the present value of future net revenues attributable to proved oil, natural gas, and NGL reserves discounted at 10%. Any costs in excess of the ceiling are written off as a non-cash expense. The expense may not be reversed in future periods, despite commodity price increases which subsequently increase the ceiling. Companies using the full cost method are required to use the average quoted price from the first day of each month from the previous 12 months, including the impact of derivatives designated for hedge accounting, to calculate the ceiling value of reserves. Historically, we have not designated any of our derivative contracts as cash flow hedges. Prices used to calculate the ceiling value of reserves were as follows:
For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Oil (per barrel) |
$ | 78.22 | $ | 93.67 | ||||
Natural gas (per MMBtu) |
$ | 2.64 | $ | 6.36 | ||||
NGLs (per barrel) |
$ | 26.87 | $ | 41.21 |
Using the average quoted prices above, adjusted for market differentials, the net book value of INR Holdings oil and natural gas properties did not exceed the ceiling amount at December 31, 2023 or 2022. We had no derivative positions that were designated for hedge accounting as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Future decreases in market prices, as well as changes in production rates, levels of reserves, evaluation costs excluded from amortization, future development costs and production costs may result in future non-cash impairments to INR Holdings oil and natural gas properties.
Costs associated with unproved properties are excluded from the amortization base until the properties are evaluated or impairment is indicated. The costs associated with unproved leasehold acreage and related seismic data, wells currently drilling and related capitalized interest are initially excluded from the amortization base. Leasehold costs are either transferred to the amortization base with the costs of drilling a well on the lease or are assessed at least annually for possible impairment or reduction in value.
Our decision to exclude costs from amortization and the timing of the transfer of those costs into the amortization base involves judgment and may be subject to changes over time based on numerous factors, including drilling plans, availability of capital, project economics, and drilling results from adjacent acreage.
Costs of unproved properties excluded from amortization consist of leasehold acreage and relate to properties which are not individually significant for which the evaluation process has not been completed. The timing and amount of property acquisition and seismic costs included in the amortization computation will depend on the location and timing of drilling wells, results of drilling, and other assessments. Therefore, we are unable to estimate when these costs will be included in the amortization computation.
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INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Other Property and Equipment
Our other property and equipment consists of the following assets that are recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the respective estimated useful lives.
December 31, | ||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
(in thousands) |
||||||||
Midstream assets |
$ | 31,338 | $ | 25,052 | ||||
Vehicles |
1,392 | 328 | ||||||
Furniture, fixtures, and office equipment |
260 | 212 | ||||||
Leasehold improvements |
552 | 552 | ||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation |
(2,476 | ) | (825 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total other property and equipment, net |
$ | 31,066 | $ | 25,319 | ||||
|
|
|
|
The estimated useful lives of other property and equipment depreciated on a straight-line basis are as follows:
Midstream assets |
5 25 years | |
Vehicles |
5 years | |
Furniture, fixtures, and office equipment |
3 10 years | |
Leasehold improvements |
5 years |
The carrying value of long-lived assets that are not part of INR Holdings full cost pool are evaluated for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying values may not be recoverable. Should an impairment exist, the impairment loss would be measured as the amount that the assets carrying value exceeds its fair value. We did not recognize any impairment during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Total depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 totaled approximately $1.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively.
Note 6Leases
At contract inception, INR Holdings determines whether or not an arrangement contains a lease in accordance with ASC 842. A contract is or contains a lease if it conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Upon determination that a contract meets the definition of a lease subject to ASC 842, a right-of-use asset and related lease liability are recorded based on the present value of the future lease payments over the lease term. Right-of-use assets represent INR Holdings right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make future lease payments arising from the lease. Since the implicit rate in the lease is generally not available, INR Holdings utilizes its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate for determining the present value of lease payments. Right-of-use assets also include any lease payments made prior to commencement, excluding any lease incentives received.
We may enter into lease agreements for various purposes including drilling rig contracts, wellhead and surface equipment, rights-of-way and easements, and office space and equipment. For agreements that contain both lease and non-lease components, we have elected to combine and account for these as a single lease component. As of December 31, 2023, our lease agreements have remaining lease terms ranging from one month to 15 years; some of our agreements include options to extend the lease term and some of our agreements include options to early terminate at our sole discretion. These options are considered in determining the lease term and
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INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
are included in the present value of future payments that are recorded for leases when INR Holdings is reasonably certain to exercise the option. None of our lease agreements contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets. Lease expense for operating leases recorded on our consolidated balance sheets is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Variable lease payments for leases that are not recorded on our consolidated balance sheets are recognized in the period in which they are incurred, which primarily relate to our office space and equipment leases.
The following table provides additional information related to INR Holdings lease right-of-use assets and liabilities:
December 31, | ||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Weighted-average discount rate |
9.1 | % | 5.8 | % | ||||
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) |
13.0 | 13.1 |
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, lease expense, including operating leases related to our office space, of $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, was included within general and administrative expenses within our consolidated statements of operations.
Payments due under INR Holdings long-term operating lease liabilities by fiscal year as of December 31, 2023, are as follows:
Operating Leases |
||||
(in thousands) |
||||
2024 |
$ | 105 | ||
2025 |
130 | |||
2026 |
87 | |||
2027 |
87 | |||
2028 |
87 | |||
Thereafter |
797 | |||
|
|
|||
Total lease payments |
1,293 | |||
Less: imputed interest |
(536 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Present value of lease liabilities |
$ | 757 | ||
|
|
Note 7Asset Retirement Obligations
December 31, | ||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
(in thousands) |
||||||||
Asset retirement obligations, beginning of period |
$ | 760 | $ | 581 | ||||
Liabilities assumed in mergers and acquisitions |
150 | | ||||||
Liabilities incurred |
34 | 69 | ||||||
Accretion expense |
70 | 92 | ||||||
Revision to estimated cash flows |
(44 | ) | 18 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Asset retirement obligations, end of period |
$ | 970 | $ | 760 | ||||
|
|
|
|
F-37
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
An asset retirement obligation represents a legal obligation associated with the retirement of a tangible long-lived asset in which the timing and/or method of settlement may or may not be conditional on a future event that may or may not be within INR Holdings control. The liability is initially measured as the present value of the estimated future costs associated with plugging and abandonment of oil and natural gas wells and other equipment removal, and land restoration activities. Upon initially recognizing the liability, INR Holdings capitalizes the estimated cost of retiring the asset as part of the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is adjusted to its present value each period through accretion expense and the capitalized cost is depleted over the units-of-production method as part of the full cost pool. Accretion expense is included as part of depreciation, depletion, and amortization in the consolidated statements of operations.
Inherent in the fair value calculation of asset retirement obligations are numerous estimates and assumptions including plugging and abandonment settlement amounts, inflation rates, credit-adjusted risk-free rates, and the timing of settlement. Asset retirement obligations incurred in the current period were Level 3 fair value measurements as the inputs used to measure the fair value are unobservable.
Note 8Debt
Amended and Restated Credit Facility
On October 4, 2023, INR Holdings entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Facility with a syndicate of financial institutions. Borrowings under the credit facility are subject to borrowing base limitations based upon the discounted net present value of our oil and gas properties and are subject to semi-annual redeterminations. The credit facility is guaranteed by our subsidiaries and is secured by first priority security interests on substantially all of our consolidated assets, including a mortgage on at least 90% of the total value of the proved properties evaluated in the most recently delivered reserve report, including any engineering report relating to the crude oil and natural gas properties of our restricted domestic subsidiaries, subject to customary exceptions.
Borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Facility may be base rate loans or Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) loans. Base rate loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the greater of: (i) the administrative agent banks prime rate; (ii) the federal funds effective rate plus 50 basis points; or (iii) the adjusted Term SOFR rate (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Facility agreement) for a one-month interest period plus 100 basis points, plus an applicable margin, depending on the percentage of the borrowing base utilized, plus an additional basis point credit spread. SOFR loans bear interest at SOFR plus an applicable margin, depending on the percentage of the borrowing base utilized, plus an additional basis point credit spread. We also pay a commitment fee on unused elected commitment amounts under our credit facility, which is also dependent on the percentage of the borrowing base utilized. Interest is payable quarterly for base rate loans and at the end of the applicable interest period for SOFR loans. The Amended and Restated Credit Facility matures in April 2026. As of December 31, 2023, INR Holdings reserves supported a $275.0 million credit facility of which $171.0 million was outstanding leaving $104.0 million of unused capacity.
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, total interest expense on our credit facility was approximately $10.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively. We did not capitalize any interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, INR Holdings weighted-average interest rate was 9.1% and 5.8%, respectively.
Debt issuance costs associated with our credit facility are capitalized and presented as other assets within the consolidated balance sheets. Because debt issuance costs are related to a line of credit, they are presented as an asset, rather than an offset to the corresponding liability. Debt issuance costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the related agreement. Capitalized debt issuance costs were approximately $4.7 million and $1.1 million as of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively. Amortization of debt issuance
F-38
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
costs, which is included within interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations, was approximately $0.8 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The Amended and Restated Credit Facility also requires INR Holdings to maintain compliance with financial ratios including a current ratio of not less than 1.0 to 1.0 and a leverage ratio no greater than 3.0 to 1.0, each of which is defined within the terms of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. INR Holdings is in compliance with the covenants and financial ratios under the Amended and Restated Credit Facility described above through the date this annual report was available to be issued.
Other Long-Term Debt
Other long-term debt principally relates to car loans associated with INR Holdings car fleet to support service and maintenance of our operated wells.
Payments due by fiscal year related to other long-term debt as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:
Notes Payable | ||||
(in thousands) | ||||
2024 |
$ | 124 | ||
2025 |
99 | |||
2026 |
43 | |||
2027 |
11 | |||
2028 |
| |||
|
|
|||
Total payments |
$ | 277 | ||
|
|
Note 9Derivatives and Risk Management
INR Holdings is exposed to volatility in market prices and basis differentials for oil, natural gas, and NGLs, which impacts the predictability of our cash flows related to the sale of those commodities. The overall objective of INR Holdings hedging program is to protect cash flows from undue exposure to the risk of changing commodity prices, which we do by using various derivative instruments including fixed price swaps, basis swaps, and collars. As a result of our hedging activities, we may realize prices that are greater or less than the market prices that we would have otherwise received.
We typically enter into over the counter (OTC) derivative contracts with financial institutions and regularly monitor the creditworthiness of all counterparties. Certain of our hedging arrangements are with counterparties that are also lenders (or affiliates of lenders) under our revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2023, we did not have any cash or letters of credit posted as collateral for our derivative financial instruments.
INR Holdings does not designate any of its derivative instruments as cash flow hedges; therefore, all changes in fair value of our derivative instruments are recognized in other income within the consolidated statements of operations. We recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value within the consolidated balance sheets, subject to netting arrangements with our counterparties that permit net settlement of gross commodity derivative assets against gross commodity derivative liabilities.
Contracts that result in physical delivery of a commodity expected to be sold by INR Holdings in the normal course of business are generally designated as normal purchases and normal sales and are exempt from derivative accounting. Contracts that result in the physical receipt or delivery of a commodity but are not designated or do not meet all of the criteria to qualify for the normal purchase and normal sale scope exception are subject to derivative accounting.
F-39
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
The following tables provide information about INR Holdings derivative financial instruments. The tables present the notional amount, the weighted average contract prices and the fair values by expected maturity dates as of December 31, 2023.
Volume | Weighted Average Price |
Fair Value as of December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
Oil |
(in MBbls) | ($ per Bbl) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
1,603 | $ | 74.54 | $ | 4,804 | |||||||
2025 |
776 | $ | 70.53 | 1,583 | ||||||||
2026 |
211 | $ | 68.24 | 577 | ||||||||
2027 |
13 | $ | 66.49 | 31 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
2,603 | $ | 6,995 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
Volume | Weighted Average Price |
Fair Value as of December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
Natural gas |
(in MMBtu) | ($ per MMBtu) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
20,249 | $ | 3.49 | $ | 18,580 | |||||||
2025 |
17,372 | $ | 3.65 | 3,531 | ||||||||
2026 |
2,713 | $ | 4.07 | 303 | ||||||||
2027 |
119 | $ | 4.45 | 2 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
40,453 | $ | 22,416 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
Volume | Basis Differential | Fair Value as of December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
Natural gas |
(in MMBtu) | ($ per MMBtu) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Basis swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
22,736 | $ | (0.97 | ) | $ | (2,255 | ) | |||||
2025 |
17,372 | $ | (1.07 | ) | (444 | ) | ||||||
2026 |
2,713 | $ | (1.10 | ) | (129 | ) | ||||||
2027 |
119 | $ | (0.99 | ) | (8 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
42,940 | $ | (2,836 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
Volume | Weighted Average Price |
Fair Value as of December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
Ethane |
(in gallons) | ($ per gallon) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
8,888,600 | $ | 0.25 | $ | 399 | |||||||
2025 |
4,932,000 | $ | 0.25 | 41 | ||||||||
2026 |
419,500 | $ | 0.29 | 3 | ||||||||
2027 |
8,000 | $ | 0.35 | | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
14,248,100 | $ | 443 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
F-40
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Volume | Weighted Average Price |
Fair Value as of December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
Propane |
(in gallons) | ($ per gallon) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
15,737,800 | $ | 0.73 | $ | 819 | |||||||
2025 |
9,792,200 | $ | 0.69 | 126 | ||||||||
2026 |
2,685,500 | $ | 0.70 | 112 | ||||||||
2027 |
168,000 | $ | 0.73 | 10 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
28,383,500 | $ | 1,067 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
Volume | Weighted Average Price |
Fair Value as of December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
Isobutane |
(in gallons) | ($ per gallon) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
3,058,200 | $ | 0.87 | $ | (216 | ) | ||||||
2025 |
1,891,600 | $ | 0.81 | (121 | ) | |||||||
2026 |
512,500 | $ | 0.77 | (31 | ) | |||||||
2027 |
32,000 | $ | 0.78 | (2 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
5,494,300 | $ | (370 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
Volume | Weighted Average Price |
Fair Value as of December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
Normal butane |
(in gallons) | ($ per gallon) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
5,169,600 | $ | 0.85 | $ | (185 | ) | ||||||
2025 |
3,206,500 | $ | 0.79 | (155 | ) | |||||||
2026 |
872,000 | $ | 0.78 | (31 | ) | |||||||
2027 |
54,000 | $ | 0.79 | (1 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
9,302,100 | $ | (372 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
Volume | Weighted Average Price |
Fair Value as of December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
Pentane |
(in gallons) | ($ per gallon) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
3,816,000 | $ | 1.44 | $ | 102 | |||||||
2025 |
2,313,600 | $ | 1.35 | (3 | ) | |||||||
2026 |
579,500 | $ | 1.32 | 25 | ||||||||
2027 |
35,000 | $ | 1.30 | 2 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
6,744,100 | $ | 126 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
Derivative assets and liabilities are presented below as gross assets and liabilities, without regard to master netting arrangements, which are considered in the presentation of derivative assets and liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets.
F-41
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table summarizes the gross fair value of our derivative assets and liabilities and the effect of netting as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Classification |
Gross Amounts |
Netting Adjustment |
Net Amounts Presented on Balance Sheet |
|||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||
Commodity derivative assets, short-term |
$ | 26,176 | $ | (4,122 | ) | $ | 22,054 | |||||
Commodity derivative assets, long-term |
8,046 | (1,873 | ) | 6,173 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total assets |
$ | 34,222 | $ | (5,995 | ) | $ | 28,227 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||
Commodity derivative liabilities, short-term |
$ | 4,128 | $ | (4,122 | ) | $ | 6 | |||||
Commodity derivative liabilities, long-term |
2,625 | (1,873 | ) | 752 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total liabilities |
$ | 6,753 | $ | (5,995 | ) | $ | 758 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Classification |
Gross Amounts |
Netting Adjustment |
Net Amounts Presented on Balance Sheet |
|||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||
Commodity derivative assets, short-term |
$ | 7,213 | $ | (1,779 | ) | $ | 5,434 | |||||
Commodity derivative assets, long-term |
2,852 | (443 | ) | 2,409 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total assets |
$ | 10,065 | $ | (2,222 | ) | $ | 7,843 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||
Commodity derivative liabilities, short-term |
$ | 7,759 | $ | (1,779 | ) | $ | 5,980 | |||||
Commodity derivative liabilities, long-term |
721 | (443 | ) | 278 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total liabilities |
$ | 8,480 | $ | (2,222 | ) | $ | 6,258 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our total derivative gains and losses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Realized gain (loss) on derivative instruments |
$ | 19,438 | $ | (37,888) | ||||
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments |
25,884 | 13,068 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total gain (loss) on derivative instruments |
$ | 45,322 | $ | (24,820) | ||||
|
|
|
|
Note 10Fair Value Measurements
Certain of INR Holdings assets and liabilities are measured at fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We use market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. Our
F-42
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, including accounts receivable, other current assets, accounts payable and other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value because of their short-term nature. Additionally, the carrying value of outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility approximates fair value because the interest rates are variable and reflective of market rates. We consider the fair value of our revolving credit facility to be a Level 2 measurement on the fair value hierarchy, as discussed further below. The carrying value of borrowings under our revolving credit facility approximate fair value as interest rates applicable to our borrowings outstanding are based on prevailing market rates.
We follow ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement which establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy categorizes assets and liabilities measured at fair value into one of three different levels depending on the observability of the inputs employed in the measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:
| Level 1: Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assetsinputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. |
| Level 2: Significant Other Observable Inputsinputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets (other than quoted prices included within Level 1), and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. |
| Level 3: Significant Unobservable Inputsinputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable but should reflect the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk (consistent with the fair value measurement objective). |
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents, for each applicable level within the fair value hierarchy, INR Holdings net derivative assets and liabilities, including both current and noncurrent portions, measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Fair Value | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
$ | | $ | 31,047 | $ | | $ | 31,047 | ||||||||
Basis swaps |
| | | | ||||||||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
| (742 | ) | | (742 | ) | ||||||||||
Basis swaps |
| (2,836 | ) | | (2,836 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
$ | | $ | 27,469 | $ | | $ | 27,469 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-43
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Fair Value | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
$ | | $ | 2,833 | $ | | $ | 2,833 | ||||||||
Basis swaps |
| 375 | | 375 | ||||||||||||
Collars |
| 2,805 | | 2,805 | ||||||||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
| (4,306 | ) | | (4,306 | ) | ||||||||||
Basis swaps |
| (121 | ) | | (121 | ) | ||||||||||
Collars |
| | | | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
$ | | $ | 1,586 | $ | | $ | 1,586 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative assets and liabilities are categorized within the above fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. We have classified our derivative instruments into levels depending upon the data utilized to determine their fair values. INR Holdings uses industry-standard models that consider various assumptions including current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, implied market volatility, time value, nonperformance risk, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these inputs are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instrument and can be supported by observable data. As such, we use Level 2 inputs to measure the fair value of commodity derivative contracts.
Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in certain circumstances. These assets and liabilities can include asset retirement obligations when incurred and other long-lived assets that are written down to fair value when they are impaired. INR Holdings did not record any impairment charge related to these assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Note 11Members Equity
On June 6, 2017, holders of INR Holdings equity interests approved the LLC Agreement to, among other things, authorize the issuance of approximately $102.7 million of Class A interests. Subsequently, INR Holdings received $90.3 million of contributions in exchange for Class A interests, with additional contributions received through 2021 up to the total commitment amount of $102.7 million.
On August 4, 2023, holders of INR Holdings Class A interests approved the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement to, among other things, authorize the issuance of approximately $23.0 million of Class B interests upon the signing of the purchase and sale agreement for the Ohio Utica Acquisition. The Amended and Restated LLC Agreement became effective on October 4, 2023. Upon the closing of the Ohio Utica Acquisition, INR Holdings issued an additional $199.3 million of Class B interests, the proceeds of which were used to fund a portion of the purchase consideration for the Ohio Utica Acquisition.
INR Holdings is managed by a board of managers comprised of seven managers including two managers that are executives of INR Holdings, four managers that are representatives of Pearl Energy Investment Management, LLC, and one manager that is a representative of NGP Energy Capital Management, L.L.C. Each manager has one vote on any company matter decided by vote and each matter requires a majority vote, with the
F-44
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
exception of the removal of any manager which requires a super majority. As of December 31, 2023, affiliates of Pearl Energy Investment Management, LLC and NGP XI US Holdings, L.P., an affiliate of NGP Energy Capital Management, L.L.C., owned 73.0% and 25.0%, respectively, of our Class A and Class B interests.
Profits and losses for both Class A and Class B interests are determined and allocated among each equity interest holder in a manner such that the adjusted capital account of each equity interest holder is as nearly as possible equal to the distributions that would be made to such equity interest holder if certain transactions occur based on each equity interest holders proportionate ownership interest in INR Holdings.
In connection with the issuance of the Class A and Class B interests, pursuant to the LLC Agreement, INR Holdings also issued non-voting, performance-based incentive units to certain members of management. The incentive units contain one or more performance-based vesting conditions. INR Holdings determined that the grant date fair value was not material as it relates to the incentive units issued in conjunction with the issuance of the Class A interests in 2017. Further, while the Class B interests were issued in October 2023, the corresponding incentive units were not considered issued until January 1, 2024 given that the awards had not been granted from an accounting perspective prior to such date. Accordingly, no compensation expense was recorded related to the incentive units for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Distributions to Class A interests, Class B interests and incentive units are made in accordance with the Amended LLC Agreement, which are provided first to holders of Class A Units and then to Class B Units. Distributions to holders of incentive units are made upon the occurrence of each respective Incentive Unit Tiers Payout as defined in the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement per each respective Incentive Unit Tier.
Once an Incentive Unit Tiers Payout is achieved, the holders of that Incentive Unit Tiers units receive a pro rata percentage of the distribution according to their ownership percentage. The overall amount of distribution allocated to each Incentive Unit Tier is subject to a predetermined percentage, as outlined in the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, INR Holdings has not paid any distributions to holders of the Class A interests, the Class B interests, or the Incentive Units.
Dividends
INR Holdings did not declare or pay any dividends during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Note 12Supplemental Cash Flow Information
The following table provides additional information concerning non-cash activities and cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions: |
||||||||
Adjustment required upon adoption of ASC 842 |
$ | | $ | 652 | ||||
Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities incurred |
18 | 249 | ||||||
Additions of asset retirement obligations |
34 | 27 | ||||||
Assumed asset retirement obligations in acquisitions |
150 | | ||||||
Revisions of asset retirement obligations |
(44 | ) | 18 | |||||
Property and equipment financed through notes payable |
139 | 251 | ||||||
Additions to oil and natural gas properties included in accounts payable |
25,453 | 32,190 | ||||||
Additions to other property and equipment included in accounts payable |
831 | 5,312 | ||||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
||||||||
Interest paid |
$ | 10,136 | $ | 2,181 |
F-45
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 13Commitments and Contingencies
South Bend Utica Farmout Agreement
On March 2, 2018, INR Holdings entered into an Exploration and Development Agreement and Farm Out Agreement (collectively, the South Bend Utica Development Agreements) with Dominion Energy Transmission, Inc. (Dominion) covering approximately 11,000 acres in Armstrong and Indiana Counties, Pennsylvania targeting the Utica Shale horizon.
Pursuant to the Utica Development Agreements, INR Holdings obtained approximately 90% participating interest in the acreage with South Bend Investments, LP owning the remaining 10%. Subsequent to the execution of the agreement, INR Holdings exchanged 10% of its interest to Chase Oil Company (Chase) in exchange for 100% of Chases interest in INR Holdings West Summit field in southern Fayette County, Pennsylvania.
In April 2022, INR Holdings and Chase collectively acquired South Bend Investments interest in the Marcellus and Utica horizons at the South Bend Field for $0.5 million, increasing our working interest on those parcels to 85%.
The Utica Development Agreements had an initial term of 15 years and require the drilling of one (1) seven thousand foot lateral into the Utica formation. As of December 31, 2023, INR Holdings had yet to satisfy that obligation and has approximately 10 years remaining to meet its obligation.
Firm Transportation
INR Holdings has commitments for firm transportation under existing contracts with Eastern Gas Transmission Services (EGTS) to move volumes at South Bend. The terms of the agreement supported 27,500 decatherm per day through March 2024. Future payments under these contracts as of December 31, 2023 totaled $0.3 million.
Drilling Rig Service Commitments
We entered into a drilling contract with Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. (Patterson) in September 2023 to drill seven (7) horizontal laterals. Future payments under this contract totaled $3.2 million, which represent the gross amounts that INR Holdings is committed to pay without regard to our proportionate share based on our working interest in each of the wells to be drilled.
As of December 31, 2023, INR Holdings had drilled three (3) wells associated with this drilling contract.
Lease Commitments
Refer to Note 6 Leases for details on INR Holdings operating lease agreements. We do not have any finance lease obligations.
Litigation
From time to time, INR Holdings is party to various legal and/or regulatory proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. While the ultimate outcome and impact to us cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that all such matters are without merit and involve amounts which, if resolved unfavorably, either individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
F-46
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
When it is determined that a loss is probable of occurring and is reasonably estimable, we accrue an undiscounted liability for such contingencies based on our best estimate using information available at the time. INR Holdings discloses contingencies where an adverse outcome may be material, or in the judgment of management, the matter should otherwise be disclosed.
Note 14Subsequent Events
INR Holdings has evaluated subsequent events through July 22, 2024, the date on which the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued, noting the following relevant transactions.
Additional Class B Interests Issuance
In March 2024, we issued an additional $0.5 million of Class B interests upon the hiring of our Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategy.
Acquisition of Leasehold within Salt Fork State Park
On February 26, 2024, INR Holdings was awarded approximately 5,705 net acres within Salt Fork State Park by the Ohio Oil and Gas Management Commission for $58.5 million or approximately $10,250 per acre. We closed on the acquisition of the parcels during July 2024.
Note 15Supplemental Information on Oil and Natural Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited)
Capitalized Costs
The aggregate amounts of costs capitalized for oil and gas exploration and development activities and the related amounts of accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization are shown below:
December 31, | ||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Proved properties(1) |
$ | 615,456 | $ | 191,887 | ||||
Unproved properties |
37,189 | 40,718 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total proved and unproved properties |
652,645 | 232,605 | ||||||
Accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
(77,085 | ) | (25,010 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net capitalized costs |
$ | 575,560 | $ | 207,595 | ||||
|
|
|
|
1 | Includes asset retirement costs of $0.8 million and $0.6 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. |
F-47
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Costs Incurred for Oil and Natural Gas Producing Activities
Our capital costs incurred for acquisition and development activities are shown below:
December 31, | ||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Acquisition costs: |
||||||||
Proved properties |
$ | 274,732 | $ | 2,066 | ||||
Unproved properties |
1,047 | | ||||||
Development costs |
144,121 | 108,544 | ||||||
Exploration costs |
| | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
$ | 419,900 | $ | 110,610 | |||||
|
|
|
|
Estimated Quantities of Proved Oil and Gas Reserves
The reserve estimates presented below and included herein conform to the definitions prescribed by the SEC. INR Holdings retained Wright & Co, Inc., an independent petroleum engineering firm, to prepare the estimates of all of its proved reserves as of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 and their related pre-tax future net cash flows. The individuals performing reserves estimates possess professional qualifications and demonstrate competency in reserves estimation and evaluation. The estimates of proved reserves are inherently imprecise and are continually subject to revision based on production history, results of additional exploration and development, price changes and other factors.
Reserve estimates are based on an unweighted arithmetic average of commodity prices during the 12-month period, using the closing prices on the first day of each month, as defined by the SEC.
F-48
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2023, all of INR Holdings oil and gas reserves are attributable to properties within the United States. The table below presents a summary of changes in quantities of proved oil and gas reserves in INR Holdings estimated proved reserves:
Crude Oil (MBbls) |
Natural Gas (MMcf) |
Natural Gas Liquids (MBbls) |
Total (MBoe) |
|||||||||||||
Total proved reserves: |
||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2021 |
5,846 | 237,646 | 10,450 | 55,904 | ||||||||||||
Extensions |
1,574 | 160,098 | 3,999 | 32,256 | ||||||||||||
Revisions to previous estimates |
(867 | ) | (27,821 | ) | 359 | (5,145 | ) | |||||||||
Purchases of reserves in place |
| | | | ||||||||||||
Production |
(640 | ) | (11,585 | ) | (656 | ) | (3,227 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
December 31, 2022 |
5,913 | 358,338 | 14,152 | 79,788 | ||||||||||||
Extensions |
7,443 | 168,705 | 9,015 | 44,576 | ||||||||||||
Revisions to previous estimates |
252 | (118,920 | ) | (4,501 | ) | (24,069 | ) | |||||||||
Purchases of reserves in place |
18,636 | 128,110 | 8,207 | 48,194 | ||||||||||||
Production |
(1,205 | ) | (27,506 | ) | (1,112 | ) | (6,901 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
December 31, 2023 |
31,038 | 508,725 | 25,762 | 141,587 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Proved developed reserves: |
||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2021 |
2,076 | 96,480 | 4,159 | 22,315 | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2022 |
2,995 | 143,632 | 6,132 | 33,066 | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2023 |
13,172 | 252,832 | 12,644 | 67,954 | ||||||||||||
Proved undeveloped reserves: |
||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2021 |
3,770 | 141,166 | 6,291 | 33,589 | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2022 |
2,918 | 214,706 | 8,020 | 46,723 | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2023 |
17,866 | 255,893 | 13,118 | 73,633 |
Notable changes in proved reserves for the year ended December 31, 2022 for INR Holdings included the following:
| Extensions. In 2022, total extensions to previous estimates increased proved reserves by 32.3 MMBoe. These extensions primarily related to the addition of 13 PUD locations to be developed by 2027 (as that year entered the 5-year development window) which added 21.2 MMBoe of proved reserves. Other extensions included converting 11.0 MMBoe of unproved reserves to proved developed reserves by drilling five (5) wells during 2022, two of which were producing as of December 31, 2022. During 2022, our drilling program was focused on adding locations primarily in the various Utica / Point Pleasant formation in Ohio and the Marcellus shale formation in Pennsylvania. |
| Revisions to previous estimates. In 2022, total revisions to previous estimates reduced proved reserves by 5.1 MMBoe. These downward revisions primarily consisted of 5.5 MMBoe of downward revisions to PUD reserves, which were comprised of downward revisions of 10.9 MMBoe in PUDs from 2021 to 2022 due to changes to our development plan that resulted in 11 PUD locations being reclassified as they were outside the 5 year development window while we perform further technical refinements and analysis to evaluate well spacing assumptions. These downward revisions were partially offset by upward revisions of 5.4 MMBoe due to well performance. Our proved developed producing properties had upward revisions of 0.4 MMBoe related to increases in commodity prices which impacted the estimated timing and performance of these wells. |
F-49
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
Notable changes in proved reserves for the year ended December 31, 2023 included the following:
| Extensions. In 2023, total extensions to previous estimates increased proved reserves by 44.6 MMBoe. These extensions primarily related to the addition of 21 proved undeveloped (PUD) locations to be developed by 2028 (as that year entered the 5-year development window) which added 32.5 MMBoe of proved reserves. Other extensions included converting 12.0 MMBoe of unproved reserves to proved developed reserves by drilling six wells during 2023, two of which were producing as of December 31, 2023. During 2023, our drilling program was focused on adding locations primarily in the various Utica and Point Pleasant formations in Ohio and the Marcellus shale formation in Pennsylvania. |
| Revisions to previous estimates. In 2023, total revisions to previous estimates reduced proved reserves by 24.1 MMBoe. These downward revisions primarily consisted of 20.8 MMBoe of revisions to PUD reserves, which were comprised of 1.2 MMBoe of positive revisions related to increases in working interest, increased lateral length, and improvement in type curve, offset by downward revisions of 0.9 MMBoe in PUDs from 2022 to 2023 due to decreases in prices during the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as downward revisions of 21.1 MMBoe due to changes to our development plan that resulted in 18 PUD locations being reclassified as they were outside the 5 year development window while the Company performs further technical refinements and analysis to evaluate well spacing assumptions. Additionally, our proved developed producing properties had downward revisions of 3.3 MMBoe related to decreases in commodity prices which impacted the estimated timing and performance of these wells. |
| Purchases of reserves in place. In 2023, 48.2 MMBoe of proved reserves were added primarily from properties acquired in the Ohio Utica Acquisition on October 4, 2023, including 20.4 MMBoe of proved developed reserves and 27.8 of proved undeveloped locations. |
Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows
The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows (the Standardized Measure) relating to proved oil and gas reserves has been prepared in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 932, Extractive Activities Oil and Gas (ASC 932). Future cash inflows as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 have been computed by applying average fiscal year prices (calculated as the unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within the 12-month periods ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively) to estimated future production. Future production and development costs are computed by estimating the expenditures to be incurred in developing and producing the proved oil and gas reserves, based on year-end costs and assuming the continuation of existing economic conditions. The Standardized Measure also includes costs for future dismantlement, abandonment, and rehabilitation obligations.
Future income tax expenses are calculated by applying appropriate year-end tax rates to future pretax net cash flows relating to proved oil and natural gas reserves, less the tax basis of properties involved. Future income tax expenses give effect to permanent differences, tax credits and loss carryforwards relating to the proved oil and natural gas reserves.
Future net cash flows are discounted at a rate of 10% annually to derive the Standardized Measure. This calculation does not necessarily result in an estimate of the fair value of INR Holdings oil and gas properties.
F-50
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table presents INR Holdings Standardized Measure of discounted future net cash flows:
December 31, | ||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Future cash inflows |
$ | 3,865,302 | $ | 3,116,373 | ||||
Future development costs(1) |
(545,803 | ) | (273,522 | ) | ||||
Future production costs |
(1,281,802 | ) | (535,779 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Future net cash flows |
2,037,697 | 2,307,072 | ||||||
Discounted future income tax expense |
| | ||||||
10% discount to reflect timing of cash flows |
(1,099,313 | ) | (1,289,464 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows |
$ | 938,384 | $ | 1,017,607 | ||||
|
|
|
|
(1) | Future development costs include costs associated with the future abandonment of proved properties, including proved undeveloped locations. |
The following summarizes the principal sources of change in the Standardized Measure of discounted future net cash flows and such changes have been computed in accordance with ASC 932:
For the Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows, beginning of period |
$ | 1,017,607 | $ | 327,139 | ||||
Sales of oil, natural gas, NGLs, net of production costs |
(109,179 | ) | (117,952 | ) | ||||
Purchases of minerals in place |
534,927 | | ||||||
Extensions, net of future development costs |
199,378 | 422,418 | ||||||
Net change in price and production costs |
(643,905 | ) | 420,633 | |||||
Previously estimated development costs incurred |
68,412 | 15,659 | ||||||
Change in estimated future development costs |
4,734 | (13,664 | ) | |||||
Revisions of previous quantity estimates |
(224,318 | ) | (40,869 | ) | ||||
Accretion of discount |
101,761 | 32,714 | ||||||
Net change in income taxes |
| | ||||||
Net change in timing of production and other |
(11,034 | ) | (28,470 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows, end of period |
$ | 938,384 | $ | 1,017,607 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Future net revenues included in the Standardized Measure relating to proved oil and natural gas reserves incorporate weighted average sales prices (inclusive of adjustments for transportation, quality, and basis differentials) for each of the periods indicated below as follows:
December 31, | ||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Oil (per Bbl) |
$ | 73.73 | $ | 88.67 | ||||
Natural gas (per MMBtu) |
$ | 1.739 | $ | 5.606 | ||||
NGL (per Bbl) |
$ | 26.87 | $ | 41.21 |
F-51
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(amounts in thousands)
June 30, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
|||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 6,861 | $ | 1,504 | ||||
Accounts receivable: |
||||||||
Oil and natural gas sales, net |
25,091 | 23,491 | ||||||
Joint interest and other, net |
15,433 | 20,605 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
5,636 | 2,354 | ||||||
Commodity derivative assets, short-term |
1,332 | 22,054 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total current assets |
54,353 | 70,008 | ||||||
Oil and natural gas properties, full cost method (including $37.2 million excluded from amortization as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023) |
748,523 | 652,645 | ||||||
Other property and equipment |
36,447 | 33,542 | ||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
(114,842 | ) | (79,561 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Property and equipment, net |
670,128 | 606,626 | ||||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net |
1,002 | 758 | ||||||
Other assets |
3,879 | 4,944 | ||||||
Commodity derivative assets, long-term |
199 | 6,173 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total assets |
$ | 729,561 | $ | 688,509 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Liabilities and Members Equity |
||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 20,781 | $ | 37,737 | ||||
Royalties payable |
19,947 | 17,575 | ||||||
Accrued liabilities |
17,711 | 1,015 | ||||||
Notes payable |
121 | 124 | ||||||
Operating lease liabilities |
243 | 105 | ||||||
Commodity derivative liabilities, short-term |
6,393 | 6 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total current liabilities |
65,196 | 56,562 | ||||||
Line-of-credit |
187,464 | 170,964 | ||||||
Notes payable, long-term |
93 | 153 | ||||||
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion |
759 | 652 | ||||||
Asset retirement obligations |
1,056 | 970 | ||||||
Commodity derivative liabilities, long-term |
6,023 | 752 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total liabilities |
260,591 | 230,053 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11) |
||||||||
Members equity |
468,970 | 458,456 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total liabilities and members equity |
$ | 729,561 | $ | 688,509 | ||||
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-52
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
(amounts in thousands)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||
Oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids sales |
$ | 119,906 | $ | 60,132 | ||||
Midstream activities |
761 | 1,262 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total revenues |
120,667 | 61,394 | ||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||
Gathering, processing, and transportation |
22,528 | 11,742 | ||||||
Lease operating |
13,890 | 6,765 | ||||||
Production and ad valorem taxes |
881 | 403 | ||||||
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
35,277 | 17,428 | ||||||
General and administrative |
5,578 | 2,392 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total operating expenses |
78,154 | 38,730 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Operating income |
42,513 | 22,664 | ||||||
Other income (expense): |
||||||||
Interest, net |
(8,971 | ) | (2,942 | ) | ||||
(Loss) gain on derivative instruments |
(23,052 | ) | 22,264 | |||||
Other (expense) income |
(476 | ) | 205 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net income |
$ | 10,014 | $ | 42,191 | ||||
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-53
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Members Equity
(Unaudited)
(amounts in thousands)
Class A | Class B | Total | ||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2022 |
$ | 149,506 | $ | | $ | 149,506 | ||||||
Net income |
42,191 | | 42,191 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2023 |
$ | 191,697 | $ | | $ | 191,697 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2023 |
$ | 190,606 | $ | 267,850 | $ | 458,456 | ||||||
Contributions |
| 500 | 500 | |||||||||
Net income |
2,888 | 7,126 | 10,014 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2024 |
$ | 193,494 | $ | 275,476 | $ | 468,970 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-54
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(amounts in thousands)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||
Net income |
$ | 10,014 | $ | 42,191 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
35,277 | 17,428 | ||||||
Amortization of debt issuance costs |
953 | 169 | ||||||
Loss (gain) on derivative instruments |
23,052 | (22,264 | ) | |||||
Cash received on settlement of derivative instruments |
15,301 | 7,532 | ||||||
Non-cash lease expense |
78 | 42 | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts receivable |
3,572 | 11,432 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets |
(172 | ) | (33 | ) | ||||
Accounts payable |
1,090 | 2,592 | ||||||
Royalties payable |
2,372 | (2,715 | ) | |||||
Accrued and other expenses |
5,218 | 1,110 | ||||||
Other assets and liabilities |
36 | (41 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
96,791 | 57,443 | ||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||
Additions to oil and gas properties |
(104,870 | ) | (87,920 | ) | ||||
Additions to property and equipment |
(3,501 | ) | (8,015 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(108,371 | ) | (95,935 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||
Borrowings under revolving credit facility |
56,500 | 84,514 | ||||||
Payments on revolving credit facility |
(40,000 | ) | (44,800 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from contributions from issuance of Class B interests |
500 | | ||||||
Payments of debt issuance costs |
| (482 | ) | |||||
Payments on notes payable |
(63 | ) | (46 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
16,937 | 39,186 | ||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
5,357 | 694 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
1,504 | 739 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 6,861 | $ | 1,433 | ||||
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-55
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Note 1Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation
Description of Business
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC, together with its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as INR Holdings) is an oil and natural gas exploration and production company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of properties for the production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs) from underground reservoirs. INR Holdings was organized as a Delaware limited liability company (LLC) on June 6, 2017. Our operations are located in the Appalachian Basin in the northeastern United States.
Basis of Accounting and Presentation
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements present the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of INR Holdings in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP). All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated upon consolidation.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes contained in INR Holdings 2023 audited consolidated financial statements, which contain a summary of INR Holdings significant accounting policies and other disclosures. Certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted, although INR Holdings believes that the disclosures contained herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In the opinion of management, the financial statements include all adjustments, which consist of normal recurring adjustments unless otherwise disclosed, necessary to fairly state the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Note 2Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates of reserves are used to determine depletion and to conduct impairment analysis. Estimating reserves is inherently uncertain, including the projection of future rates of production and the timing of development expenditures.
Making accurate estimates and assumptions is particularly difficult in the oil and natural gas industry, given the challenges resulting from volatility in oil and natural gas prices. For instance, rising interest rates, global supply chain disruptions, concerns about a potential economic downturn or recession, recent measures to combat persistent inflation and instability in the financial sector have contributed to recent economic and pricing volatility. The financial results of companies in the oil and natural gas industry have been impacted materially as a result of these events and changing market conditions. Such circumstances generally increase the uncertainty in INR Holdings accounting estimates, particularly those involving financial forecasts.
INR Holdings evaluates these estimates on an ongoing basis, using historical experience, consultation with experts and other methods it considers reasonable in the particular circumstances. Nevertheless, actual results may differ significantly from INR Holdings estimates. Any effects on INR Holdings business, financial position or results of operations resulting from revisions to these estimates are recorded in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.
F-56
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Expected Credit Losses
As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, INR Holdings allowances for credit losses were not material and are expected to remain so in the future assuming no substantial changes to the business or creditworthiness of our counterparties.
Deferred Offering Costs
On May 15, 2024, INR Holdings formed Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. (Infinity), a Delaware corporation, in anticipation of a potential initial public offering (IPO) and related reorganization transactions. Following the IPO and the transactions related thereto, Infinity will be a holding company whose sole material asset will consist of membership interests in INR Holdings.
Accordingly, INR Holdings has incurred direct incremental costs during the six months ended June 30, 2024, related to the IPO which primarily consist of legal, accounting, and other fees and expenses. These costs are capitalized as of June 30, 2024, and will be offset against the IPO proceeds received. In the event the potential IPO is not consummated, any deferred offering costs that are capitalized as of that date will be immediately expensed. Deferred offering costs of $3.1 million were included within prepaid expenses and other current assets on the unaudited balance sheet as of June 30, 2024. INR Holdings did not have any deferred offering costs recorded as of December 31, 2023.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
We are exposed to credit risk in the event of nonpayment by counterparties. We sell production to a relatively small number of customers, as is customary in our business. The table below summarizes the purchasers that accounted for 10% or more of INR Holdings total revenues from the sale of commodities for the periods presented:
For the Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Marathon Oil Company |
57 | % | 45 | % | ||||
BP America |
16 | % | 40 | % | ||||
Blue Racer Midstream |
11 | % | 14 | % |
During these periods, no other purchaser accounted for 10% or more of INR Holdings total commodity sales revenues. As of June 30, 2024, INR Holdings accounts receivable balance related to oil and gas sales was comprised of amounts due from various purchasers, including amounts due from Marathon Oil Company and BP America comprising 67%, and 16%, respectively, of the total balance. As of December 31, 2023, INR Holdings accounts receivable balance related to oil and gas sales was comprised of amounts due from Marathon Oil Company, BP America, and Ergon, which accounted for 56%, 24%, and 11%, respectively, of the total balance.
The loss of any one or more of INR Holdings major purchasers could materially and adversely affect our revenues in the short-term. However, based on the demand for oil and natural gas and the availability of other purchasers, INR Holdings believes that the loss of any major purchaser would not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations as crude oil and natural gas are fungible products with well-established markets and numerous purchasers.
By using derivative instruments to economically hedge exposures to changes in commodity prices, INR Holdings also exposes itself to credit risk. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the
F-57
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
counterparty owes INR Holdings, which creates credit risk. We minimize the credit risk in derivative instruments by: (i) limiting our exposure to any single counterparty; and (ii) only entering into hedging arrangements with counterparties that are also participants in our credit agreement, all of which have investment-grade credit ratings.
Oil and Gas Properties
INR Holdings uses the full cost method of accounting for its oil and natural gas properties. Accordingly, all costs directly associated with the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil, natural gas, and NGL reserves for both productive and nonproductive properties are capitalized into a full cost pool. Capitalized costs also include the costs of unproved properties and internal costs directly related to INR Holdings acquisition, exploration, and development activities. All general and administrative corporate costs unrelated to drilling activities are expensed as incurred. Capitalized costs of proved properties is computed on a units-of-production basis based on estimated proved reserves, whereby the depletion rate is determined by dividing the total unamortized cost base plus future development costs by estimated proved reserves on a net equivalent basis at the beginning of the period. The depletion rate is multiplied by total production for the period to compute depletion expense.
Reportable Segment
INR Holdings operates in only one reportable segment that is the exploration and production segment. All of our operations are conducted in one geographic area within the Appalachian Basin, primarily in Pennsylvania and Ohio, in the United States.
Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280) Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (ASU 2023-07), which updates reportable segment disclosure requirements primarily by enhancing disclosures about significant segment expenses and information used to assess segment performance. Additionally, ASU 2023-07 enhances interim disclosure requirements, clarifies circumstances in which an entity can disclose multiple segment measures of profit or loss and provides new segment disclosure requirements for entities with a single reportable segment. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Management is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on INR Holdings disclosures. Adoption of the update is not expected to have a material impact to INR Holdings financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09), which requires that certain information in a reporting entitys tax rate reconciliation be disaggregated and provides additional requirements regarding income taxes paid. The amendments are effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, and for entities other than public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2025. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. As an emerging growth company, we are choosing to take advantage of the extended transition period pursuant to Section 107 of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, such that we expect to adopt the amendments for our annual period ending December 31, 2026, based on the adoption date for entities other than public business entities. Management is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on INR Holdings disclosures. Adoption of the update is not expected to have a material impact to INR Holdings financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
F-58
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
We considered the applicability and impact of all ASUs. ASUs not listed above were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or not material upon adoption.
Note 3Revenues
Crude oil, natural gas and NGL sales are recognized at the point that control of the product is transferred to the customer. Virtually all of INR Holdings contract pricing provisions are tied to a market index, with certain adjustments based on, among other factors, transportation costs to an active spot market and quality differentials.
Commodity sales revenues presented within the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations relate to the sale of oil, natural gas, and NGLs as shown below:
For the Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Oil revenues |
$ | 75,825 | $ | 27,322 | ||||
Natural gas revenues |
24,137 | 24,311 | ||||||
Natural gas liquids revenues |
19,944 | 8,499 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids sales |
$ | 119,906 | $ | 60,132 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Oil Sales
Our crude oil sales contracts are generally structured whereby oil is delivered to the customer at a contractually agreed-upon delivery point. This delivery point is usually at the wellhead or at the inlet of a transportation pipeline. Revenue is recognized when control transfers to the customer at the delivery point based on the net price received from the customer. Any downstream transportation or marketing costs incurred by purchasers of our crude oil are reflected in the price we receive and are presented as a net reduction to oil sales revenues.
Natural Gas and NGL Sales
Under INR Holdings natural gas processing contracts, liquids rich natural gas is delivered to a midstream gathering and processing entity at an agreed upon delivery point. The midstream entity gathers and processes the raw gas and then remits proceeds to INR Holdings. For these contracts, INR Holdings evaluates when control of the residue gas and NGLs is transferred in order to determine whether revenues should be recognized on a gross or net basis. Where INR Holdings elects to take its residue gas and/or NGL production in-kind at the plant tailgate, fees incurred prior to transfer of control at the outlet of the plant are presented as gathering, processing, and transportation expense within the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Where INR Holdings does not take its residue gas and/or NGL production in-kind, transfer of control typically occurs at the inlet of the midstream entitys gas gathering system such that any fees incurred subsequent to the delivery point are reflected as a net reduction to natural gas and NGL revenues presented in the table above and as included within oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids sales within the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Performance Obligations
INR Holdings commodity sales contracts do not originate until production occurs and, therefore, are not considered to exist beyond each days production. Therefore, there are no remaining performance obligations under any of its commodity sales contracts. Under our revenue agreements, each delivery generally represents a separate performance obligation; therefore, future volumes delivered are wholly unsatisfied and disclosure of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations is not required.
F-59
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
For all commodity products, we record revenue in the month production is delivered to the purchaser. Settlement statements for crude oil are generally received within 30 days following the date that production volumes are delivered, but for natural gas and NGL sales, statements may not be received for 30 to 60 days after delivery has occurred. However, payment is unconditional once the performance obligations have been satisfied. At such time, the volumes delivered and sales prices can be reasonably estimated and amounts due from customers are accrued in Accounts receivable oil and natural gas sales, net in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, such receivable balances were $25.1 million and $23.5 million, respectively.
Note 4Property, Plant, and Equipment
Oil and Natural Gas Properties
We utilize the full cost method of accounting for costs related to the exploration, development, and acquisition of oil and natural gas properties. Our capitalized costs of oil and natural gas properties and the related accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 are as follows:
June 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Oil and natural gas properties: |
||||||||
Proved properties |
$ | 711,334 | $ | 615,456 | ||||
Unproved properties |
37,189 | 37,189 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross oil and natural gas properties |
748,523 | 652,645 | ||||||
Less: accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
(111,277 | ) | (77,085 | ) | ||||
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|
|
|
|||||
Oil and natural gas properties, net |
$ | 637,246 | $ | 575,560 | ||||
|
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|
|
Under the full cost method of accounting, INR Holdings is required to perform a ceiling test each quarter. The test determines a limit, or ceiling, on the book value of our oil and natural gas properties. As of June 30, 2024 and 2023, the net book value of the Companys oil and gas properties was below the calculated ceiling. As a result, we did not record an impairment of our oil and natural gas properties for the six months ended June 30, 2024 or 2023. We recorded $34.2 million and $16.6 million of amortization expense on our oil and gas properties for the six months ended June 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The average depletion rate of our oil and natural gas properties was $8.00 per Boe and $6.11 per Boe for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Certain general and administrative costs are capitalized to the full cost pool and represent managements estimate of costs incurred directly related to exploration and development activities. All general and administrative costs not capitalized are charged to expense as they are incurred. We capitalized internal costs of approximately $2.9 million and $1.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively
We evaluate the costs excluded from our amortization calculation at least annually. Individually insignificant unevaluated properties are grouped for evaluation and periodically transferred to evaluated properties over a timeframe consistent with the expected development schedule.
F-60
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Other Property and Equipment
Our other property and equipment consists of the following assets that are recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the respective estimated useful lives.
June 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Midstream assets |
$ | 33,758 | $ | 31,338 | ||||
Vehicles |
1,602 | 1,392 | ||||||
Furniture, fixtures, and office equipment |
499 | 260 | ||||||
Leasehold improvements |
588 | 552 | ||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation |
(3,565 | ) | (2,476 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total other property and equipment, net |
$ | 32,882 | $ | 31,066 | ||||
|
|
|
|
The estimated useful lives of other property and equipment depreciated on a straight-line basis are as follows:
Midstream assets |
5 25 years | |
Vehicles |
5 years | |
Furniture, fixtures, and office equipment |
3 10 years | |
Leasehold improvements |
5 years |
The carrying value of long-lived assets that are not part of INR Holdings full cost pool are evaluated for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying values may not be recoverable. Should an impairment exist, the impairment loss would be measured as the amount that the assets carrying value exceeds its fair value. We did not recognize any impairment during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023. Total depreciation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 totaled approximately $1.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively.
Note 5Accrued Liabilities
INR Holdings accrued liabilities as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consisted of the following amounts:
June 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Accrued interest expense |
$ | 544 | $ | 396 | ||||
Accrued capital expenditures |
10,908 | | ||||||
Accrued lease operating expenses |
1,268 | | ||||||
Accrued offering costs |
2,896 | | ||||||
Accrued general and administrative expenses |
956 | | ||||||
Accrued severance and ad valorem taxes |
826 | 619 | ||||||
Other accrued liabilities |
313 | | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total accrued liabilities |
$ | 17,711 | $ | 1,015 | ||||
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|
|
|
Note 6Debt
Amended and Restated Credit Facility
On October 4, 2023, INR Holdings entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Facility with a syndicate of financial institutions. Borrowings under the credit facility are subject to borrowing base limitations based upon
F-61
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
the discounted net present value of our oil and gas properties and are subject to semi-annual redeterminations. The credit facility is guaranteed by our subsidiaries and is secured by first priority security interests on substantially all of our consolidated assets, including a mortgage on at least 90% of the total value of the proved properties evaluated in the most recently delivered reserve report, including any engineering report relating to the crude oil and natural gas properties of our restricted domestic subsidiaries, subject to customary exceptions.
Borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Facility may be base rate loans or Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) loans. Base rate loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the greater of: (i) the administrative agent banks prime rate; (ii) the federal funds effective rate plus 50 basis points; or (iii) the adjusted Term SOFR rate (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Facility agreement) for a one-month interest period plus 100 basis points, plus an applicable margin, depending on the percentage of the borrowing base utilized, plus an additional basis point credit spread. SOFR loans bear interest at SOFR plus an applicable margin, depending on the percentage of the borrowing base utilized, plus an additional basis point credit spread. We also pay a commitment fee on unused elected commitment amounts under our credit facility, which is also dependent on the percentage of the borrowing base utilized. Interest is payable quarterly for base rate loans and at the end of the applicable interest period for SOFR loans. The Amended and Restated Credit Facility matures in April 2026. As of June 30, 2024, INR Holdings reserves supported a $275.0 million credit facility of which $187.5 million was outstanding leaving $ 87.5 million of unused capacity.
For the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, total interest expense on our credit facility was $8.1 million and $2.8 million, respectively. We did not capitalize any interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023. For the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, INR Holdings weighted-average interest rate was 8.9% and 9.0%, respectively.
Debt issuance costs associated with our credit facility are capitalized and presented as other assets within the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Because debt issuance costs are related to a line of credit, they are presented as an asset, rather than an offset to the corresponding liability. Debt issuance costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the related agreement. Capitalized debt issuance costs were approximately $3.3 million and $4.7 million as of June 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively. Amortization of debt issuance costs, which is included within interest expense in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations, was approximately $1.0 million and $0.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The Amended and Restated Credit Facility also requires INR Holdings to maintain compliance with financial ratios including a current ratio of not less than 1.0 to 1.0 and a leverage ratio no greater than 3.0 to 1.0, each of which is defined within the terms of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. INR Holdings is in compliance with the covenants and financial ratios under the Amended and Restated Credit Facility described above through the date these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were available to be issued.
Note 7Derivatives and Risk Management
We are exposed to volatility in market prices and basis differentials for oil, natural gas, and NGLs, which impacts the predictability of our cash flows related to the sale of those commodities. The overall objective of our hedging program is to protect cash flows from undue exposure to the risk of changing commodity prices, which we do by using various derivative instruments including fixed price swaps, basis swaps, and collars. As a result of our hedging activities, we may realize prices that are greater or less than the market prices that we would have otherwise received.
We typically enter into over the counter (OTC) derivative contracts with financial institutions and regularly monitor the creditworthiness of all counterparties. Certain of our hedging arrangements are with counterparties
F-62
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
that are also lenders (or affiliates of lenders) under our revolving credit facility. As of June 30, 2024, we did not have any cash or letters of credit posted as collateral for our derivative financial instruments.
We do not designate any of our derivative instruments as cash flow hedges; therefore, all changes in fair value of our derivative instruments are recognized in other income within the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. We recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value within the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, subject to netting arrangements with our counterparties that permit net settlement of gross commodity derivative assets against gross commodity derivative liabilities.
Contracts that result in physical delivery of a commodity expected to be sold by INR Holdings in the normal course of business are generally designated as normal purchases and normal sales and are exempt from derivative accounting. Contracts that result in the physical receipt or delivery of a commodity but are not designated or do not meet all of the criteria to qualify for the normal purchase and normal sale scope exception are subject to derivative accounting.
The following tables provide information about INR Holdings derivative financial instruments. The tables present the notional amount, the weighted average contract prices and the fair values by expected maturity dates as of June 30, 2024.
Volume | Weighted Average Price |
Fair Value as of June 30, 2024 |
||||||||||
Oil |
(in MBbls) | ($ per Bbl) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
880 | $ | 74.01 | $ | (4,978 | ) | ||||||
2025 |
1,383 | $ | 71.81 | (4,827 | ) | |||||||
2026 |
520 | $ | 69.58 | (750 | ) | |||||||
2027 |
35 | $ | 68.04 | (40 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
2,818 | $ | (10,595 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
Volume | Weighted Average Price |
Fair Value as of June 30, 2024 |
||||||||||
Natural gas |
(in MMBtu) | ($ per MMBtu) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
12,331 | $ | 3.30 | $ | 7,102 | |||||||
2025 |
30,188 | $ | 3.57 | 5,025 | ||||||||
2026 |
20,184 | $ | 3.78 | (543 | ) | |||||||
2027 |
1,462 | $ | 4.35 | (126 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
64,165 | $ | 11,458 | |||||||||
|
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|
|
F-63
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Volume | Basis Differential | Fair Value as of June 30, 2024 |
||||||||||
Natural gas |
(in MMBtu) | ($ per MMBtu) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Basis swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
14,490 | $ | (1.23 | ) | $ | (2,474 | ) | |||||
2025 |
30,529 | $ | (1.04 | ) | (3,376 | ) | ||||||
2026 |
20,098 | $ | (1.06 | ) | (730 | ) | ||||||
2027 |
1,239 | $ | (1.03 | ) | (97 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
66,356 | $ | (6,677 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
Volume | Weighted Average Price |
Fair Value as of June 30, 2024 |
||||||||||
Ethane |
(in gallons) | ($ per gallon) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
6,869,600 | $ | 0.23 | $ | 244 | |||||||
2025 |
12,133,000 | $ | 0.25 | 14 | ||||||||
2026 |
6,063,500 | $ | 0.28 | 16 | ||||||||
2027 |
435,000 | $ | 0.30 | 3 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
25,501,100 | $ | 277 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
Volume | Weighted Average Price |
Fair Value as of June 30, 2024 |
||||||||||
Propane |
(in gallons) | ($ per gallon) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
9,565,800 | $ | 0.74 | $ | (1,105 | ) | ||||||
2025 |
17,764,200 | $ | 0.72 | (1,221 | ) | |||||||
2026 |
8,080,500 | $ | 0.70 | (136 | ) | |||||||
2027 |
577,000 | $ | 0.72 | (1 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
35,987,500 | $ | (2,463 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
Volume | Weighted Average Price |
Fair Value as of June 30, 2024 |
||||||||||
Isobutane |
(in gallons) | ($ per gallon) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
1,987,600 | $ | 0.90 | $ | (407 | ) | ||||||
2025 |
3,755,600 | $ | 0.87 | (439 | ) | |||||||
2026 |
1,667,500 | $ | 0.83 | (81 | ) | |||||||
2027 |
114,000 | $ | 0.82 | (5 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
7,524,700 | $ | (932 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
F-64
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Volume | Weighted Average Price |
Fair Value as of June 30, 2024 |
||||||||||
Normal butane |
(in gallons) | ($ per gallon) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
3,165,200 | $ | 0.86 | $ | (462 | ) | ||||||
2025 |
5,869,500 | $ | 0.83 | (533 | ) | |||||||
2026 |
2,686,000 | $ | 0.81 | (80 | ) | |||||||
2027 |
192,000 | $ | 0.81 | (4 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
11,912,700 | $ | (1,079 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
Volume | Weighted Average Price |
Fair Value as of June 30, 2024 |
||||||||||
Pentane |
(in gallons) | ($ per gallon) | (in thousands) | |||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
||||||||||||
2024 |
2,561,400 | $ | 1.46 | $ | (290 | ) | ||||||
2025 |
4,818,600 | $ | 1.42 | (509 | ) | |||||||
2026 |
2,168,500 | $ | 1.38 | (71 | ) | |||||||
2027 |
149,000 | $ | 1.35 | (4 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
9,697,500 | $ | (874 | ) | ||||||||
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|
Derivative assets and liabilities are presented below as gross assets and liabilities, without regard to master netting arrangements, which are considered in the presentation of derivative assets and liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed balance sheets.
The following table summarizes the gross fair value of our derivative assets and liabilities and the effect of netting as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
June 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Classification |
Gross Amounts |
Netting Adjustment |
Net Amounts Presented on Balance Sheet |
|||||||||
(in thousands) |
||||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||
Commodity derivative assets, short-term |
$ | 11,925 | $ | (10,593 | ) | $ | 1,332 | |||||
Commodity derivative assets, long-term |
2,746 | (2,547 | ) | 199 | ||||||||
|
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|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total assets |
$ | 14,671 | $ | (13,140 | ) | $ | 1,531 | |||||
|
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|
|
|
|
|||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||
Commodity derivative liabilities, short-term |
$ | 16,986 | $ | (10,593 | ) | $ | 6,393 | |||||
Commodity derivative liabilities, long-term |
8,570 | (2,547 | ) | 6,023 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total liabilities |
$ | 25,556 | $ | (13,140 | ) | $ | 12,416 | |||||
|
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|
|
|
|
F-65
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Classification |
Gross Amounts |
Netting Adjustment |
Net Amounts Presented on Balance Sheet |
|||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||
Commodity derivative assets, short-term |
$ | 26,176 | $ | (4,122 | ) | $ | 22,054 | |||||
Commodity derivative assets, long-term |
8,046 | (1,873 | ) | 6,173 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total assets |
$ | 34,222 | $ | (5,995 | ) | $ | 28,227 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||
Commodity derivative liabilities, short-term |
$ | 4,128 | $ | (4,122 | ) | $ | 6 | |||||
Commodity derivative liabilities, long-term |
2,625 | (1,873 | ) | 752 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total liabilities |
$ | 6,753 | $ | (5,995 | ) | $ | 758 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our total derivative gains and losses for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
For the Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Realized gain on derivative instruments |
$ | 15,301 | $ | 7,532 | ||||
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments |
(38,353 | ) | 14,732 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total (loss) gain on derivative instruments |
$ | (23,052 | ) | $ | 22,264 |
Note 8Fair Value Measurements
Certain of INR Holdings assets and liabilities are measured at fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We use market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, including accounts receivable, other current assets, accounts payable and other current liabilities on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value because of their short-term nature. Additionally, the carrying value of outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility approximates fair value because the interest rates are variable and reflective of market rates. We consider the fair value of our revolving credit facility to be a Level 2 measurement on the fair value hierarchy, as discussed further below. The carrying value of borrowings under our revolving credit facility approximate fair value as interest rates applicable to our borrowings outstanding are based on prevailing market rates.
We follow ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement (ASC 820), which establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy categorizes assets and liabilities measured at fair value into one of three different levels depending on the observability of the inputs employed in the measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:
| Level 1: Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. |
F-66
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
| Level 2: Significant Other Observable Inputs inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets (other than quoted prices included within Level 1), and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. |
| Level 3: Significant Unobservable Inputs inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable but should reflect the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk (consistent with the fair value measurement objective). |
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents, for each applicable level within the fair value hierarchy, INR Holdings net derivative assets and liabilities, including both current and noncurrent portions, measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
June 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Fair Value | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
$ | | $ | 11,735 | $ | | $ | 11,735 | ||||||||
Basis swaps |
| | | | ||||||||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
| (15,943 | ) | | (15,943 | ) | ||||||||||
Basis swaps |
| (6,677 | ) | | (6,677 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
$ | | $ | (10,885 | ) | $ | | $ | (10,885 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Fair Value | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
$ | | $ | 31,047 | $ | | $ | 31,047 | ||||||||
Basis swaps |
| | | | ||||||||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
| (742 | ) | | (742 | ) | ||||||||||
Basis swaps |
| (2,836 | ) | | (2,836 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
$ | | $ | 27,469 | $ | | $ | 27,469 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative assets and liabilities are categorized within the above fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. We have classified our derivative instruments into levels depending upon the data utilized to determine their fair values. INR Holdings uses industry-standard models that consider various assumptions including current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, implied market volatility, time value, nonperformance risk, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these inputs are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instrument and can be supported by observable data. As such, we use Level 2 inputs to measure the fair value of commodity derivative contracts.
Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in certain circumstances. These assets and liabilities can include asset retirement obligations when incurred and other long-lived assets that
F-67
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
are written down to fair value when they are impaired. INR Holdings did not record any impairment charge related to these assets and liabilities for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023.
Note 9Members Equity
On June 6, 2017, holders of INR Holdings equity interests approved the LLC Agreement to, among other things, authorize the issuance of approximately $102.7 million of Class A interests. Subsequently INR Holdings received $90.3 million of contributions in exchange for Class A interests, with the additional contributions received through 2021 up to the total commitment amount of $102.7 million.
On August 4, 2023, holders of INR Holdings Class A interests approved the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement to, among other things, authorize the issuance of approximately $23.0 million of Class B interests upon the signing of the purchase and sale agreement for the Ohio Utica Acquisition. The Amended and Restated LLC Agreement became effective on October 4, 2023. Upon the closing of the Ohio Utica Acquisition, INR Holdings issued an additional $199.3 million of Class B interests, the proceeds of which were used to fund a portion of the purchase consideration for the Ohio Utica Acquisition. In March 2024, we issued an additional $0.5 million of Class B interests.
INR Holdings is managed by a board of managers comprised of seven managers including two managers that are executives of INR Holdings, four managers that are representatives of Pearl Energy Investment Management, LLC, and one manager that is a representative of NGP Energy Capital Management, L.L.C. Each manager has one vote on any company matter decided by vote and each matter requires a majority vote, with the exception of the removal of any manager which requires a super majority. As of June 30, 2024, affiliates of Pearl Energy Investment Management, LLC and NGP XI US Holdings, L.P., an affiliate of NGP Energy Capital Management, L.L.C., owned 73.6% and 24.5 %, respectively, of our Class A and Class B interests.
Profits and losses for both Class A and Class B interests are determined and allocated among each equity interest holder in a manner such that the adjusted capital account of each equity interest holder is as nearly as possible equal to the distributions that would be made to such equity interest holder if certain transactions occur based on each equity interest holders proportionate ownership interest in INR Holdings.
In connection with the issuance of the Class A and Class B interests, pursuant to the LLC Agreement, INR Holdings also issued non-voting, performance-based incentive units to certain members of management. The incentive units contain one or more performance-based vesting conditions. INR Holdings determined that the grant date fair value was not material as it relates to the incentive units issued in conjunction with the issuance of the Class A interests in 2017. Further, while the Class B interests were issued in October 2023, the corresponding incentive units were not considered issued until January 1, 2024 given that the awards had not been granted from an accounting perspective prior to such date. Based on the assessment of the underlying performance condition as not being probable on the grant date, INR Holdings determined that the grant date fair value on January 1, 2024, and corresponding compensation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2024, were not material
Distributions to Class A interests, Class B interests and incentive units are made in accordance with the Amended LLC Agreement, which are provided first to holders of Class A Units and then to Class B Units. Distributions to holders of Incentive Units are made upon the occurrence of each respective incentive unit Tiers Payout as defined in the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement per each respective Incentive Unit Tier.
Once an Incentive Unit Tiers Payout is achieved, the holders of that Incentive Unit Tiers units receive a pro rata percentage of the distribution according to their ownership percentage. The overall amount of distribution allocated to each Incentive Unit Tier is subject to a predetermined percentage, as outlined in the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement. For the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, INR Holdings has not paid any distributions to holders of the Class A interests, the Class B interests, or the Incentive Units.
F-68
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Dividends
INR Holdings did not declare or pay any dividends during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023.
Note 10Supplemental Cash Flow Information
The following table provides additional information concerning non-cash activities and cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized, for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
For the Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions: |
||||||||
Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities incurred |
$ | 322 | $ | 19 | ||||
Additions of asset retirement obligations |
43 | 27 | ||||||
Additions to deferred offering costs included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
3,110 | | ||||||
Additions to oil and natural gas properties included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
16,371 | 18,160 | ||||||
Additions to other property and equipment included in accounts payable |
235 | 1,205 | ||||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
||||||||
Interest paid |
$ | 7,965 | $ | 2,849 |
Note 11Commitments and Contingencies
South Bend Utica Farmout Agreement
On March 2, 2018, INR Holdings entered into an Exploration and Development Agreement and Farm Out Agreement (collectively, the South Bend Utica Development Agreements) with Dominion Energy Transmission, Inc. (Dominion) covering approximately 11,000 acres in Armstrong and Indiana Counties, Pennsylvania targeting the Utica Shale horizon.
Pursuant to the Utica Development Agreements, INR Holdings obtained approximately 90% participating interest in the acreage with South Bend Investments, LP owning the remaining 10%. Subsequent to the execution of the agreement, INR Holdings exchanged 10% of its interest to Chase Oil Company (Chase) in exchange for 100% of Chases interest in INR Holdings West Summit field in southern Fayette County, Pennsylvania.
In April 2022, INR Holdings and Chase collectively acquired South Bend Investments interest in the Marcellus and Utica horizons at the South Bend Field for $0.5 million, increasing our working interest on those parcels to 85%.
The Utica Development Agreements had an initial term of 15 years and require the drilling of one (1) seven thousand foot lateral into the Utica formation. As of June 30, 2024, INR Holdings had yet to satisfy that obligation and has approximately 10 years remaining to meet its obligation.
Drilling Rig Service Commitments
We entered into a drilling contract with Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. (Patterson) in September 2023 to drill seven (7) horizontal laterals. In the event that we did not drill the wells, INR Holdings would have a minimum payment of $3.2 million. The estimated minimum payment amount represents the gross amount that INR
F-69
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Holdings is committed to pay without regard to our proportionate share based on our working interest in each of the wells drilled or to be drilled under the contract. As of June 30, 2024, INR Holdings had drilled seven (7) wells satisfying the September 2023 drilling contract.
During the first six months ended June 30, 2024, we entered into an amendment to the September 2023 drilling contract to provide INR Holdings the ability to drill six (6) additional wells for which the minimum total payments were expected to be $2.7 million based on the gross amount that we are committed to pay, as noted above. As of June 30, 2024, INR Holdings has drilled four (4) of the six (6) wells associated with that contract reducing the minimum total payments to $0.9 million. Subsequent to June 30, 2024, we drilled two (2) additional wells satisfying the initial amendment. In August 2024, INR Holdings entered into a second amendment to our September 2023 drilling contract to drill nine (9) horizontal laterals. In the event that INR Holdings elected to not drill any wells under that amendment, we would have a minimum payment of $4.1 million.
Lease Commitments
Refer to Note 6 Leases of the Companys 2023 audited consolidated financial statements for details of INR Holdings operating lease agreements. INR Holdings does not have any finance lease obligations.
Litigation
From time to time, INR Holdings is party to various legal and/or regulatory proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. While the ultimate outcome and impact to us cannot be predicted with certainty, INR Holdings believes that all such matters are without merit and involve amounts which, if resolved unfavorably, either individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
When it is determined that a loss is probable of occurring and is reasonably estimable, INR Holdings accrues an undiscounted liability for such contingencies based on our best estimate using information available at the time. INR Holdings discloses contingencies where an adverse outcome may be material, or in the judgment of management, the matter should otherwise be disclosed.
Note 12Subsequent Events
INR Holdings has evaluated subsequent events through September 6, 2024, the date on which these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were available to be issued.
On February 26, 2024, INR Holdings was awarded approximately 5,705 net acres within Salt Fork State Park by the Ohio Oil and Gas Management Commission for $58.5 million or approximately $10,250 per acre. We closed on the acquisition of the parcels during July 2024.
On August 20, 2024, INR Holdings entered into a letter of intent with Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District for the lease of approximately 2,300 acres in Guernsey and Noble Counties, Ohio. The acreage is contiguous with our existing acreage and represents 14 new and 4 enhanced (which includes increased working interest or longer lateral length) drilling locations. We expect to close the transaction in late 2024 or early 2025, subject to completion of customary due diligence.
As discussed in Note 12 Commitments and Contingencies, in August 2024, INR Holdings entered into a second amendment to our September 2023 drilling contract to drill 10 horizontal laterals.
F-70
To the Members of
Utica Resource Ventures, LLC
Opinion
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Utica Resource Ventures, LLC (a Delaware Limited Liability Company) (the Company), which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in members equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of operations and cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis of Opinion
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements section of our report. We are required to be independent of Utica Resource Ventures, LLC and to meet our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audits. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Responsibilities of Management for the Consolidated Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about Utica Resource Ventures, LLCs ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the consolidated financial statements are available to be issued.
Auditors Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional
F-71
omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the consolidated financial statements.
In performing an audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, we:
| Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. |
| Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. |
| Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of Utica Resource Ventures, LLCs internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed. |
| Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. |
| Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about Utica Resource Ventures, LLCs ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time. |
We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control related matters that we identified during the audit.
Report on Supplementary Information
Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the financial statements as a whole. The supplemental information is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the financial statements. Such information is the responsibility of management and was derived from and relates directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the financial statements. The information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the financial statements and certain additional procedures, including comparing and reconciling such information directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the financial statements or to the financial statements themselves, and other additional procedures in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. In our opinion, the information is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the financial statements as a whole.
/s/ Huselton, Morgan and Maultsby
Dallas, Texas
March 13, 2023, except for our report on supplementary information for which the date is August 5, 2024
F-72
UTICA RESOURCE VENTURES, LLC
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
ASSETS |
| |||||||
2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and equivalents |
$ | 2,210,158 | $ | 4,424,296 | ||||
Accounts receivable |
7,361,050 | 4,194,024 | ||||||
Accrued revenue |
5,322,048 | 2,838,920 | ||||||
Derivative instruments |
409,864 | | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
25,250,764 | 59,845 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total current assets |
40,553,884 | 11,517,085 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Oil and gas properties, at cost, using successful efforts: |
||||||||
Proved properties |
128,612,527 | 74,620,823 | ||||||
Unproved properties |
40,598,527 | 52,435,020 | ||||||
Asset retirement costs |
552,774 | 479,071 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total oil and gas properties |
169,763,828 | 127,534,914 | ||||||
Other property and equipment, net |
520,882 | 517,414 | ||||||
Less: accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization |
(40,599,229 | ) | (26,518,711 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Property and equipment, net |
129,685,481 | 101,533,617 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Other assets: |
||||||||
Restricted cash for letter of credit |
1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | ||||||
Other assets, net |
30,100 | 30,100 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total other assets |
1,030,100 | 1,030,100 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total assets |
$ | 171,269,465 | $ | 114,080,802 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
LIABILITIES & MEMBERS EQUITY |
| |||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 13,505,391 | $ | 9,178,586 | ||||
Accrued liabilities |
9,661,627 | 4,615,033 | ||||||
Derivative instruments |
| 3,408,766 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total current liabilities |
23,167,018 | 17,202,385 | ||||||
Line of credit |
24,977,400 | 24,891,792 | ||||||
Derivative instruments, long-term |
| 56,430 | ||||||
Asset retirement obligation |
728,466 | 609,377 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total liabilities |
48,872,884 | 42,759,984 | ||||||
Members equity |
122,396,581 | 71,320,818 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total liabilities and members equity |
$ | 171,269,465 | $ | 114,080,802 | ||||
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes and independent auditors report.
F-73
UTICA RESOURCE VENTURES, LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||
Oil sales |
$ | 65,094,687 | $ | 26,075,536 | ||||
Natural gas sales |
22,472,100 | 8,067,894 | ||||||
Natural gas liquid sales |
11,582,646 | 7,162,326 | ||||||
Loss on derivative instruments |
(9,791,991 | ) | (5,392,497 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total revenues |
89,357,442 | 35,913,259 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
14,123,134 | 7,700,359 | ||||||
Gathering, compression, processing, and transportation |
8,094,707 | 4,806,636 | ||||||
General and administrative |
3,799,251 | 3,401,465 | ||||||
Lease operating expense |
3,902,976 | 2,173,059 | ||||||
Environmental expense |
1,000,000 | | ||||||
Production and ad valorem taxes |
629,791 | 415,854 | ||||||
Accretion of asset retirement obligations |
88,378 | 73,477 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total operating expenses |
31,638,237 | 18,570,850 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Other income (expense): |
||||||||
Operating overhead income |
504,593 | 646,102 | ||||||
Interest |
(1,295,851 | ) | (1,389,000 | ) | ||||
Other income |
272,756 | 239,895 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total other expenses |
(518,502 | ) | (503,003 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net income |
57,200,703 | 16,839,406 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Other comprehensive income: |
||||||||
Change in unrealized derivative loss arising during period |
(5,747,080 | ) | (9,598,479 | ) | ||||
Reclassifications from other comprehensive income |
9,622,140 | 5,512,360 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total other comprehensive income (loss) |
3,875,060 | (4,086,119 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total comprehensive income |
$ | 61,075,763 | $ | 12,753,287 | ||||
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes and independent auditors report.
F-74
UTICA RESOURCE VENTURES, LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS EQUITY
Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
Retained Earnings |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
Total Members Equity |
||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2020 |
$ | 57,946,608 | $ | 620,923 | $ | 58,567,531 | ||||||
Net income |
16,839,406 | | 16,839,406 | |||||||||
Other comprehensive loss |
| (4,086,119 | ) | (4,086,119 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2021 |
74,786,014 | (3,465,196 | ) | 71,320,818 | ||||||||
Distributions |
(10,000,000 | ) | | (10,000,000 | ) | |||||||
Net income |
57,200,703 | | 57,200,703 | |||||||||
Other comprehensive income |
| 3,875,060 | 3,875,060 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2022 |
$ | 121,986,717 | $ | 409,864 | $ | 122,396,581 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes and independent auditors report.
F-75
UTICA RESOURCE VENTURES, LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||
Net income |
$ | 57,200,703 | $ | 16,839,406 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation and depletion |
14,037,526 | 7,614,751 | ||||||
Amortization of debt issuance costs |
85,608 | 85,608 | ||||||
Accretion of asset retirement obligation |
88,378 | 73,477 | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||
(Increase) decrease in: |
||||||||
Accounts receivable |
(3,167,026 | ) | (3,713,130 | ) | ||||
Accrued revenue |
(2,483,128 | ) | (474,033 | ) | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
(25,190,919 | ) | 34,737 | |||||
Increase (decrease) in: |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
4,326,805 | 8,816,771 | ||||||
Accrued liabilities |
5,046,594 | 1,369,062 | ||||||
Asset retirement obligation |
119,089 | 99,710 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
50,063,630 | 30,746,359 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||
Proceeds from sale of oil and gas properties |
2,848,055 | 386,528 | ||||||
Acquisitions of oil and gas properties |
(45,122,354 | ) | (30,101,434 | ) | ||||
Purchase of property and equipment |
(3,469 | ) | | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash used by investing activities |
(42,277,768 | ) | (29,714,906 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||
Distributions |
(10,000,000 | ) | | |||||
Proceeds from line of credit |
15,000,000 | | ||||||
Payments on line of credit |
(15,000,000 | ) | | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash used by financing activities |
(10,000,000 | ) | | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents |
(2,214,138 | ) | 1,031,453 | |||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year |
5,424,296 | 4,392,843 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year |
$ | 3,210,158 | $ | 5,424,296 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Supplemental notes: |
||||||||
Interest paid |
$ | 1,310,188 | $ | 1,385,997 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
State taxes paid |
$ | 65,680 | $ | 18,054 | ||||
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes and independent auditors report.
F-76
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Utica Resource Ventures, LLC (URV) was organized as a limited liability company in Delaware on January 26, 2018 to ultimately acquire properties owned by PDC Energy, Inc., and began operations as of February 9, 2018. The Company is primarily engaged in the acquisition, development, production, exploration for, and the sale of oil, gas and natural gas liquids. Currently, the Company is focused on oil and gas exploration and production through ownership of operated working interests in producing properties located in the Utica Shale in Ohio, USA.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Accounting
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of URV and Utica Resource Operating, LLC (URO) (collectively, the Company). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases, which supersedes the previous lease requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 840. The ASU requires lessees to recognize a right-to-use asset and related lease liability for all leases, with a limited exception for short-term leases. Leases are classified as either finance or operating, with the classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of operations. Management has evaluated the requirements of the new standard and determined it does not have a material impact on the financial statements.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities to better align a Companys risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. ASU 2017-12 relaxes the timing of performing the initial quantitative assessment of hedge effectiveness; provides an election to subsequently assess hedge effectiveness qualitatively; eliminates the requirement to disclose hedge ineffectiveness; and aligns (combines) the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the consolidated financial statements. ASU 2017-12 was adopted by the Company as of January 1, 2021 on a modified retrospective basis. The new ASU resulted in presentation changes for the Company.
Upcoming Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The ASU includes changes to the accounting and measurement of financial assets, including the Companys accounts receivable and debt by requiring the Company to recognize an allowance for all expected losses over the life of the financial asset at origination. This is different from the current practice where an
F-77
allowance is not recognized until the losses are considered probable. The new guidance will be effective for the year ended December 31, 2023. Upon adoption, the ASU will be applied using a modified retrospective transition method to the beginning of the earliest period presented.
Use of Estimates
Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. Actual results could vary from the estimates that were used for financial reporting purposes. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include estimates of proved reserves and related estimates of the present value of future revenues, the carrying value of oil and gas properties, asset retirement obligations, and derivative financial instruments.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Management considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Companys financial instruments, none of which are held for trading purposes, include cash and cash equivalents, notes and accounts receivable, accounts payable, other liabilities, and long-term debt. Management estimates that the fair value of all financial instruments as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 does not differ materially from the aggregate carrying values of its financial instruments recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Derivatives
The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations. The Company has entered into oil and gas swap contracts to hedge exposure to price fluctuations on natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids sales. Interest rate swaps are entered into to manage interest rate risk associated with the Companys floating rate borrowings.
All derivatives are accounted for as cash flow hedges and are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company determines the fair value of its oil and gas swap contracts based on the difference between the swaps fixed contract price and the estimated underlying market price at the determination dates.
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, unrealized gains and losses are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.
The initial fair value of hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness is recognized in the income statement under a systematic and rational method over the life of the hedging instrument and is presented in the same income statement line item as the earnings effect of the hedged item. Any difference between the change in the fair value of the hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness and the amounts recognized in earnings is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income.
Oil and Gas Properties and Equipment
The Company uses the successful efforts method of accounting for oil and gas producing activities. Costs to acquire mineral interests in oil and gas properties, to drill and equip exploratory wells that find proved reserves, to drill and equip development wells and related asset retirement costs are capitalized. Costs to drill exploratory
F-78
wells that do not find proved reserves, geological and geophysical costs, and costs of carrying and retaining unproved properties are expensed. In some instances, this determination may take longer than one year. The Companys management reviews the status of all suspended exploratory drilling costs quarterly.
Unproved oil and gas properties that are individually significant are periodically assessed for impairment of value, and a loss is recognized at the time of impairment by providing an impairment allowance. Additions to capitalized exploratory well costs that are pending the determination of proved reserves total $17,904,198 and $23,085,073 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Capitalized costs of producing oil and gas properties, after considering estimated residual salvage values, are depreciated and depleted by the unit- of-production method. Capitalized exploratory well costs reclassified to wells equipment and facilities based on the determination of proved reserves total $27,242,507 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
On the sale or retirement of a complete unit of a proved property, the cost and related accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization are eliminated from the property accounts, and the resultant gain or loss is recognized. On the retirement or sale of a partial unit of proved property, the cost is charged to accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization with a resulting gain or loss recognized in income.
On the sale of an entire interest in an unproved property for cash or cash equivalent, gain or loss on the sale is recognized, taking into consideration the amount of any recorded impairment if the property had been assessed individually. If a partial interest in an unproved property is sold, the amount received is treated as a reduction of the cost of the interest retained.
Other Property and Equipment
Other property and equipment are stated at cost. The Company capitalizes assets with useful lives greater than one year and values in excess of $500. Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful life of the other property and equipment using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives range from five to eight years. Additions and improvements, unless minor in amount, are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs that do not extend the useful life of an asset are expensed as incurred.
Asset Retirement Obligations
The Company follows ASC 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations, which requires certain industries to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which the liability is incurred. The present value of the estimated asset retirement costs is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Asset retirement obligations for the Company primarily relate to the abandonment of oil and gas producing facilities. ASC 410 requires depreciation of the capitalized asset retirement cost and accretion of the asset retirement obligation over time. The depreciation will generally be determined on a units-of- production basis, while the accretion to be recognized will escalate over the life of the producing assets, typically as production declines. See Note 8 for further information.
Revenue Recognition
The Companys oil and gas sales are accounted for using the sales method. Under this method, sales are recorded on all production sold by the Company regardless of the Companys ownership interest in the respective property. Imbalances result when sales differ from the buyers net revenue interest in the particular propertys reserves and are tracked to reflect the Companys balancing position. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the imbalance and related value were immaterial.
Revenues include the sale of oil, gas and natural gas liquid (NGL) production. Oil, gas and NGL sales are recognized when production is sold to a purchaser at a fixed or determinable price, delivery has occurred, control has transferred, and collectability of the revenue is probable. The contracts specify a delivery point which
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represents the point at which control of the product is transferred to the customer. Revenue is measured based on consideration specified in the contract and excludes any amounts collected on behalf of third parties. Taxes assessed by governmental authorities on oil, gas and NGL sales are presented separately from such revenues in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
The Companys oil production is sold at the wellhead at an agreed-upon index price, net of pricing differentials. Revenue is recognized when control transfers to the purchaser at the wellhead at the net price received.
Under the Companys gas and NGL processing contracts, gas and NGL is delivered to a processing entity at the wellhead or the inlet of the midstream processing entitys system. The processing entity gathers and processes the gas and NGL and remits proceeds for the resulting sales of gas and NGL. In these scenarios, the Company evaluates whether it is the principal or the agent in the transaction. In all cases, the Company has concluded it is the principal under these contracts and the ultimate third party is the customer. Revenue is recognized on a gross basis, with gathering, compression, processing and transportation fees presented as a component of operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
Income Taxes
Under existing provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, the income or loss of a limited liability company is recognized by the individual members for federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, no provision for federal income tax has been provided for in accompanying consolidated financial statements. However, the Company remains liable for state severance taxes.
Management has evaluated the Companys tax positions and has not identified any material uncertain tax positions that would not be sustained in a federal or state income tax examination. Accordingly, no provision for uncertainties in income taxes has been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Company is subject to routine audits by taxing jurisdictions; however, there are currently no audits for any tax periods in progress.
Concentrations
The cash balances of the Company are held in various financial institutions. If cash balances exceed the amounts covered by insurance provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the excess balances could be at risk of loss. As of December 31, 2022, cash in excess of insured limits totals $2,289,165.
During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, four customers accounted for approximately 92 percent and three customers accounted for 94 percent of total revenue, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, three customers accounted for approximately 80 percent and four customers accounted for approximately 97 percent of total joint interest billing receivables, respectively. Additionally, all of the Companys oil and gas properties are concentrated in one geographic location, the Utica Shale. Management does not believe it is subject to significant risk due to these concentrations.
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3. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
Fair values of derivatives designated as hedging instruments at December 31, 2022 and 2021 are presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:
Fair Value | ||||||||||
Location | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
Oil and gas swaps |
Current assets | $ | 322,903 | $ | | |||||
Oil and gas swaps |
Current liabilities | | (3,300,807 | ) | ||||||
Oil and gas swaps |
Long-term liabilities | | (28,253 | ) | ||||||
Interest rate contracts |
Current assets | 86,961 | | |||||||
Interest rate contracts |
Current liabilities | | (107,959 | ) | ||||||
Interest rate contracts |
Long-term liabilities | | (28,177 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total derivatives |
$ | 409,864 | $ | (3,465,196 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
The effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||
Oil and Gas Swaps |
Interest Rate Swaps |
Total | ||||||||||
(Loss) gain recognized in Other Comprehensive Income |
$ | (6,140,029 | ) | $ | 392,949 | $ | (5,747,080 | ) | ||||
Reclassifications from Other Comprehensive Income to: |
||||||||||||
Loss on derivative instruments |
$ | (9,791,991 | ) | $ | | $ | (9,791,991 | ) | ||||
Interest income |
$ | | $ | 169,851 | $ | 169,851 | ||||||
December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||
Oil and Gas Swaps |
Interest Rate Swaps |
Total | ||||||||||
Loss recognized in Other Comprehensive Income |
$ | (9,582,898 | ) | $ | (15,581 | ) | $ | (9,598,479 | ) | |||
Reclassifications from Other Comprehensive Income to: |
||||||||||||
Loss on derivative instruments |
$ | (5,392,497 | ) | $ | | $ | (5,392,497 | ) | ||||
Interest expense |
$ | | $ | (119,863 | ) | $ | (119,863 | ) |
Approximately $409,864 of the accumulated other comprehensive gain balance is expected to be reclassified into earnings during the next twelve months (when the associated forecasted sales and purchases are expected to occur). This estimate will fluctuate as contracts are settled based on the derivatives fixed contract price and underlying market price at the determination date.
4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
FASB ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements, provides a framework for measuring fair value. That framework includes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3).
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 inputs are other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are directly or indirectly observable, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets.
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Level 3 inputs are unobservable in which little or no market value data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumption, such as valuation derived from techniques in which one or more significant value drivers are observable.
The asset or liabilitys fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques maximize the use of relevant observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value:
Derivative instruments: The fair value of the Companys derivative contracts is measured using Level II inputs, and are determined by either market prices on an active market for similar assets or by prices quoted by a broker or other market-corroborated prices.
The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Companys derivative instruments at fair value as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Derivative instruments |
$ | | $ | 409,864 | $ | | $ | 409,864 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
$ | | $ | 409,864 | $ | | $ | 409,864 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Derivative instruments |
$ | | $ | (3,465,196 | ) | $ | | $ | (3,465,196 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
$ | | $ | (3,465,196 | ) | $ | | $ | (3,465,196 | ) | ||||||
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
5. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
The following is a summary of accounts receivable by major classification as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Joint interest billing receivables |
$ | 7,327,604 | $ | 4,194,024 | ||||
Other accounts receivable |
33,446 | | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
$ | 7,361,050 | $ | 4,194,024 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Management believes all receivables to be fully collectible. As such, there is no allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
6. RESTRICTED CASH FOR LETTER OF CREDIT
On December 1, 2019, URO signed a Natural Gas Sales/Purchase Agreement (Agreement) with Aspire Energy of Ohio, LLC (Aspire). The Agreement includes a commitment between the two parties whereby URO agrees to sell and deliver natural gas produced into Aspires gathering system, and Aspire agrees to receive and purchase such natural gas. On September 21, 2020, URO signed an amendment to the Agreement, which has a special provisions addendum where URO provides Aspire with credit support to sufficiently cover UROs future payment obligations. On October 7, 2020, BOK Financial, N.A. issued a $1,000,000 letter of credit to Aspire on UROs behalf. Cash totaling $1,000,000 is restricted and held in a CD at BOK Financial, N.A. at December 31, 2022 and 2021 to cover any draws on the letter of credit. URO will maintain the letter of credit until the predetermined volume of natural gas flowing through Aspires gathering system has been paid pursuant to the Agreement.
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7. SALE OF INTERESTS IN OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES
The Company sold interest in certain unproved properties to Providence Energy Operators, LLC for $2,848,055 and $386,528 during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. No gain or loss resulted from these transactions.
8. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION
The Companys asset retirement obligation primarily represents the estimated present value of the amount the Company will incur to plug, abandon, and remediate proved producing properties at the end of their productive lives, in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. The Company determines the asset retirement obligation by calculating the present value of estimated cash flows related to the liability.
The following is a summary of asset retirement obligation activity for the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
Asset retirement obligation, December 31, 2020 |
$ | 509,667 | ||
Liability incurred upon acquiring and drilling wells |
61,419 | |||
Liabilities settled and divested |
(35,186 | ) | ||
Accretion |
73,477 | |||
|
|
|||
Asset retirement obligation, December 31, 2021 |
609,377 | |||
Liability incurred upon acquiring and drilling wells |
73,703 | |||
Liabilities settled and divested |
(42,992 | ) | ||
Accretion |
88,378 | |||
|
|
|||
Asset retirement obligation, December 31, 2022 |
$ | 728,466 | ||
|
|
9. PAYROLL PROTECTION PROGRAM LOAN
In 2021, the Company received a loan from BOK Financial, N.A. in the amount of $238,800 under the Paycheck Protection Program established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES). The loan is subject to a note dated February 8, 2021. The Company applied for and has been notified that $238,800 in eligible expenditures for payroll and other expenses described in the CARES Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 has been forgiven. Loan forgiveness is reflected in other income in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2021.
10. LONG-TERM DEBT
On March 29, 2018, the Company obtained a line of credit (LOC) with Citibank. The LOC provides for maximum borrowings of up to $250,000,000 and expires March 29, 2023. On October 16, 2020, the LOC was amended and the borrowing base decreased to $25,000,000. On January 14, 2022, the LOC was amended to increase the borrowing base to $30,000,000. On August 11, 2022, the LOC was amended to extend the maturity date to March 28, 2024 and reduce the borrowing base to $25,000,000. The LOC bears interest at the adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin determined at the time of borrowing. Interest rates on outstanding borrowings ranged from 4.50 percent to 8.62 percent for the year ended December 31, 2022 and were 5.00 percent for the year ended December 31, 2021. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, $15,000,000 and $0, respectively, have been drawn against the LOC. Repayments of the LOC total $15,000,000 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The LOC requires the Company to maintain certain swap agreements and covenants. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company is in compliance with the covenants. The LOC is secured by the Companys oil and gas properties.
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Long-term debt at December 31, 2022 and 2021 consists of the following:
2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Line of credit to Citibank |
$ | 25,000,000 | $ | 25,000,000 | ||||
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs |
(22,600 | ) | (108,208 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
$ | 24,977,400 | $ | 24,891,792 | ||||
|
|
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, interest expense totals $1,295,851 and $1,389,000, respectively.
Future maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2022 are as follows:
2023 |
$ | | ||
2024 |
25,000,000 | |||
2025 |
| |||
2026 |
| |||
2027 |
| |||
Thereafter |
| |||
|
|
|||
Total |
$ | 25,000,000 | ||
|
|
11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Operating Leases
The Company leases vehicles under non-cancelable leases expiring at various dates through December 31, 2023. The Company also leases office space and surface space under month-to-month arrangements. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, rent expense totals $118,601 and $119,478, respectively.
Minimum annual payments for the remainder of the lease terms are as follows:
2023 |
$ | 18,278 | ||
2024 |
| |||
2025 |
| |||
2026 |
| |||
2027 |
| |||
Thereafter |
| |||
|
|
|||
Total |
$ | 18,278 | ||
|
|
Environmental Redemption Obligation
In August 2020, the Company received a Notice and Finding of Violation alleging various violations of federal and Ohio air quality laws and regulations and permit requirements at approximately 11 oil and gas production facilities in Ohio. The Company has been in negotiations with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to resolve the violations. In November 2022, the Company and EPA executed a Consent Decree to resolve all alleged violations including a civil penalty of $1,000,000 and certain injunctive relief at UROs facilities. The anticipated civil penalty of $1,000,000 is reflected in accrued liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2022.
12. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLAN
The Company maintains an employee retirement plan structured under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, covering all employees. The Plan allows employees to make voluntary contributions from one
F-84
percent of their earnings up to the maximum amount allowed by the Internal Revenue Code. The Companys matching contributions are discretionary and determined annually by the Members. Matching contributions are fully vested immediately. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, Company contributions total $125,321 and $119,993, respectively.
13. MEMBERS EQUITY
On February 1, 2018, holders of URV equity interests approved a limited liability company agreement (the LLC Agreement) to, among other things, authorize the issuance of $54,000,000 of equity interests (the URV Interests). Subsequently, URV received $3,254,167 from its members as an initial capital contribution in exchange for URV Interests. After the initial capital contribution, URV subsequently received additional capital contributions totaling $64,579,997 in exchange for URV Interests. Additionally, the LLC Agreement provided for the formation of a Delaware limited liability company to be formed by key management persons of URV, which did not commit or contribute any capital to URV, but which was to be the incentive member in URV.
URV is managed by an executive committee comprised of five members including three members that are appointed by, and representatives of, Energy Trust Partners V LP (ETP), one member that is appointed by Eland Interests Partners, LLC (Eland), and one member that is appointed by Republic Utica Partners, LLC (Republic), each of which shall have the right to designate said number of members so long as each holds URV Interests. Additionally, the member to be designated by Eland and Republic shall be a key management person in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement. Each member has one vote on any company matter decided by vote and each matter requires a supermajority vote of the executive committee representing 66 2/3 percent of all capital members and ETP. As of December 31, 2022, ETP, Eland, and Republic owned 92.6 percent, 3.7 percent, and 3.7 percent, respectively, of URV Interests.
Profits and losses for the URV Interests and incentive member are determined and allocated among the holders of the URV Interests and incentive member in a manner following the ratios and priorities outlined in the LLC Agreement. Distributions are made at such times and in such amounts at the discretion of the Executive Committee in accordance with the LLC Agreement, which are provided first to holders of URV Interests and then to incentive members. Distributions to holders of incentive membership interests are not made until the occurrence of the payout tiers applicable to the URV Interests at the pro rata percentages for each payout tier as defined in the LLC Agreement to be calculated based on each URV Interest holders ownership percentage.
The Company paid distributions totaling $10,000,000 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Management has reviewed subsequent events through March 13, 2023, the date the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued.
The Consent Decree related to the EPA violation was lodged with the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio on January 3, 2023 and is awaiting approval.
In February 2023, the LOC with Citibank was amended increasing the borrowing base to $45,000,000 until later subject to reductions of $5,000,000 on May 31, 2023, $5,000,000 on June 30, 2023, and $10,000,000 on July 31, 2023.
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SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Proved reserves were estimated in accordance with guidelines established by the SEC, which require that reserve estimates be prepared under existing economic and operating conditions based upon the 12-month unweighted average of the first day of the month prices. These rules require that the standard of reasonable certainty be applied to proved reserve estimates, which is defined as having a high degree of confidence that the quantities will be recovered. A high degree of confidence exists if the quantity is much more likely to be achieved than not, and, as more technical and economic data becomes available, a positive or upward revision or no revision is much more likely than a negative or downward revision. Estimates are subject to revision based upon a number of factors, including many factors beyond URVs control such as reservoir performance, prices, economic conditions, and government restrictions. In addition, results of drilling, testing, and production subsequent to the date of an estimate may justify revision of that estimate.
Reserve estimates are often different from the quantities of oil, and natural gas, that are ultimately recovered. Estimating quantities of proved oil and natural gas reserves is a complex process that involves significant interpretations and assumptions and cannot be measured in an exact manner. It requires interpretations and judgment of available technical data, including the evaluation of available geological, geophysical, and engineering data. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is highly dependent on the quality of available data, the accuracy of the assumptions on which they are based upon, economic factors, such as oil and natural gas prices, production costs, severance and excise taxes, capital expenditures, workover and remedial costs, and the assumed effects of governmental regulation. In addition, due to the lack of substantial, if any, production data, there are greater uncertainties in estimating proved undeveloped (PUD) reserves, proved developed non-producing reserves, and proved developed reserves that are early in their production life. As a result, URVs reserve estimates are inherently imprecise.
The following table reflects changes in proved reserves during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 and the estimated quantities of proved developed and PUD oil, natural gas and NGL reserves as of the dates indicated.
See independent auditors report.
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Crude Oil (Bbls) |
Natural Gas (Mcf) |
Natural Gas Liquids (Bbls) |
Total (Boe) |
|||||||||||||
Total proved reserves: |
||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2020 |
5,718,371 | 32,377,813 | 2,561,121 | 13,675,794 | ||||||||||||
Extensions |
| | | | ||||||||||||
Revisions to previous estimates(1) |
1,364,431 | 15,705,104 | 1,029,417 | 5,011,365 | ||||||||||||
Purchases of reserves in place |
| | | | ||||||||||||
Production |
(433,700 | ) | (2,381,239 | ) | (178,660 | ) | (1,009,233 | ) | ||||||||
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|
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|
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December 31, 2021 |
6,649,102 | 45,701,678 | 3,411,878 | 17,677,926 | ||||||||||||
Extensions(2) |
3,718,833 | 20,868,962 | 1,256,593 | 8,453,586 | ||||||||||||
Revisions to previous estimates(3) |
(422,722 | ) | (4,198,856 | ) | (548,671 | ) | (1,671,202 | ) | ||||||||
Purchases of reserves in place |
| | | | ||||||||||||
Production |
(710,984 | ) | (3,547,770 | ) | (245,393 | ) | (1,547,672 | ) | ||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
December 31, 2022 |
9,234,229 | 58,824,014 | 3,874,407 | 22,912,638 | ||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|||||||||
Proved developed reserves: |
||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2020 |
1,419,499 | 9,662,006 | 715,894 | 3,745,727 | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2021 |
1,578,648 | 15,331,835 | 1,201,105 | 5,335,059 | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2022 |
2,632,625 | 21,775,027 | 1,500,897 | 7,762,693 | ||||||||||||
Proved undeveloped reserves: |
||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2020 |
4,298,872 | 22,715,808 | 1,845,227 | 9,930,067 | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2021 |
5,070,454 | 30,369,842 | 2,210,773 | 12,342,867 | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2022 |
6,601,604 | 37,048,987 | 2,373,510 | 15,149,945 |
(1) | Revisions to previous estimates. In 2021, total revisions to previous estimates increased proved reserves by 4.9 MMBoe. These upward revisions primarily consisted of 1.5 MMBoe of positive revisions based on increases in pricing, 2.6 MMBoe of positive revisions associated with well forecasting, 0.6 MMBoe of positive revisions related to changes in commercial expenses and 0.1 MMBoe of positive revisions associated with additional infill wells. |
(2) | Extensions. In 2022, total extensions to previous estimates increased proved reserves by 8.5 MMBoe. These extensions primarily related to the addition of six (6) proved undeveloped (PUD) locations to be developed by 2027 (as that year entered the 5-year development window) and converting unproved reserves to proved developed reserves. |
(3) | Revisions to previous estimates. In 2022, total revisions to previous estimates reduced proved reserves by 1.7 MMBoe. These downward revisions primarily consisted of 2.0 MMBoe of negative revisions associated with well forecasting, offset by 0.4 MMBoe of positive revisions based on increases in pricing. |
Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows
The following table reflects URVs standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows of proved oil, natural gas and NGL reserves:
December 31, | ||||||||
2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Future cash inflows |
$ | 1,373,699,517 | $ | 680,626,195 | ||||
Future development costs(1) |
(285,308,733 | ) | (161,275,858 | ) | ||||
Future production costs |
(114,405,185 | ) | (101,707,634 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Future net cash flows |
973,985,599 | 417,642,703 | ||||||
10% discount to reflect timing of cash flows |
(403,243,606 | ) | (208,739,968 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows |
$ | 570,741,993 | $ | 208,902,735 | ||||
|
|
|
|
(1) | Future development costs include costs associated with the future abandonment of proved properties, including proved undeveloped locations. |
See independent auditors report.
F-87
The following table reflects the principal changes in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows attributable to URVs proved reserves:
For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows, beginning of period |
$ | 208,902,735 | $ | 29,333,917 | ||||
Sales of oil, natural gas, NGLs, net of production costs |
173,986,732 | 133,366,190 | ||||||
Purchases of minerals in place |
| | ||||||
Extensions, net of future development costs |
210,753,193 | | ||||||
Net change in price and production costs |
(86,521,959 | ) | (33,910,000 | ) | ||||
Previously estimated development costs incurred |
8,825,090 | | ||||||
Change in estimated future development costs |
20,011,334 | 2,817,746 | ||||||
Revisions of previous quantity estimates |
| 78,826,745 | ||||||
Accretion of discount |
20,890.274 | 2,933,392 | ||||||
Net change in income taxes |
| | ||||||
Net change in timing of production and other |
13,894,594 | (4,465,255 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows, end of period |
$ | 570,741,993 | $ | 208,902,735 | ||||
|
|
|
|
See independent auditors report.
F-88
UTICA RESOURCE VENTURES, LLC
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
ASSETS |
| |||||||
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and equivalents |
$ | 1,095,879 | $ | 2,210,158 | ||||
Accounts receivable |
1,073,023 | 7,361,050 | ||||||
Accrued revenue |
10,633,984 | 5,322,048 | ||||||
Derivative instruments |
409,864 | |||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
106,236 | 25,250,764 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total current assets |
12,909,122 | 40,553,884 | ||||||
Oil and gas properties, at cost, using successful efforts: |
||||||||
Proved properties |
191,317,974 | 128,612,527 | ||||||
Unproved properties |
34,395,462 | 40,598,527 | ||||||
Asset retirement costs |
552,774 | 552,774 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total oil and gas properties |
226,266,210 | 169,763,828 | ||||||
Other property and equipment |
520,882 | 520,882 | ||||||
Less: accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
(75,783,382 | ) | (40,599,229 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Property and equipment, net |
151,003,710 | 129,685,481 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Other assets: |
||||||||
Restricted cash for letter of credit |
1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | ||||||
Other assets, net |
30,100 | 30,100 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total other assets |
1,030,100 | 1,030,100 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total assets |
$ | 164,942,932 | $ | 171,269,465 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
LIABILITIES & MEMBERS EQUITY |
| |||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 882,422 | $ | 13,505,391 | ||||
Accrued liabilities |
11,079,171 | 9,661,627 | ||||||
Derivative instruments |
| | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total current liabilities |
11,961,593 | 23,167,018 | ||||||
Line of credit |
3,994,347 | 24,977,400 | ||||||
Derivative instruments, long-term |
| | ||||||
Asset retirement obligation |
742,106 | 728,466 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total liabilities |
16,698,046 | 48,872,884 | ||||||
Members equity |
148,244,886 | 122,396,581 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total liabilities and members equity |
$ | 164,942,932 | $ | 171,269,465 | ||||
|
|
|
|
F-89
UTICA RESOURCE VENTURES, LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||
Oil sales |
$ | 65,162,441 | $ | 52,880,562 | ||||
Natural gas sales |
7,689,501 | 17,743,676 | ||||||
Natural gas liquid sales |
7,793,797 | 9,271,463 | ||||||
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments |
682,814 | (9,082,169 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total revenues |
81,328,553 | 70,813,532 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
35,192,740 | 12,955,311 | ||||||
Gathering, compression, processing, and transportation |
9,225,875 | 6,086,448 | ||||||
General and administrative |
3,164,398 | 2,885,051 | ||||||
Lease operating expense |
5,231,992 | 2,949,029 | ||||||
Production and ad valorem taxes |
795,228 | 483,390 | ||||||
Accretion of asset retirement obligations |
22,007 | 58,608 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total operating expenses |
53,632,240 | 25,417,837 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Other income (expense): |
||||||||
Operating overhead income |
444,320 | 360,349 | ||||||
Interest |
(2,082,401 | ) | (994,233 | ) | ||||
Other income |
199,937 | 88,468 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total other expenses |
(1,438,144 | ) | (545,416 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net income |
26,258,169 | 44,850,279 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Other comprehensive income: |
||||||||
Change in unrealized derivative gain (loss) arising during period |
472,079 | (11,098,347 | ) | |||||
Reclassifications from other comprehensive income |
(881,943 | ) | 9,075,423 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total other comprehensive (loss) income |
(409,864 | ) | 2,022,924 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total comprehensive income |
$ | 25,848,305 | $ | 46,873,203 | ||||
|
|
|
|
F-90
UTICA RESOURCE VENTURES, LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
Retained Earnings |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
Total Members Equity |
||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2021 |
$ | 74,786,014 | $ | (3,465,196 | ) | $ | 71,320,818 | |||||
Net income |
44,850,279 | | 44,850,279 | |||||||||
Other comprehensive income |
| 2,022,924 | 2,022,924 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2022 |
$ | 119,636,293 | $ | (1,442,272 | ) | $ | 118,194,021 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained Earnings |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
Total Members Equity |
||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2022 |
$ | 121,986,717 | $ | 409,864 | $ | 122,396,581 | ||||||
Net income |
26,258,169 | | 26,258,169 | |||||||||
Other comprehensive loss |
| (409,864 | ) | (409,864 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2023 |
$ | 148,244,886 | $ | | $ | 148,244,886 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-91
UTICA RESOURCE VENTURES, LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||
Net income |
$ | 26,258,169 | $ | 44,850,279 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation and depletion |
35,175,793 | 12,891,105 | ||||||
Amortization of debt issuance costs |
16,947 | 64,206 | ||||||
Accretion of asset retirement obligation |
22,007 | 58,608 | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||
(Increase) decrease in: |
||||||||
Accounts receivable |
6,288,027 | 2,234,142 | ||||||
Accrued revenue |
(5,311,936 | ) | (4,022,108 | ) | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
25,144,528 | (150,743 | ) | |||||
Increase (decrease) in: |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
(12,622,969 | ) | (6,803,111 | ) | ||||
Accrued liabilities |
1,417,544 | 5,779,131 | ||||||
Asset retirement obligation |
13,640 | 33,943 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
76,401,750 | 54,935,452 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||
Proceeds from sale of oil and gas properties |
1,751,335 | 1,881,052 | ||||||
Acquisitions of oil and gas properties |
(58,267,364 | ) | (19,304,613 | ) | ||||
Purchase of property and equipment |
| (3,470 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash used by investing activities |
(56,516,029 | ) | (17,427,031 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||
Proceeds from line of credit |
15,000,000 | 5,000,000 | ||||||
Payments on line of credit |
(36,000,000 | ) | (15,000,000 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash used by financing activities |
(21,000,000 | ) | (10,000,000 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents |
(1,114,279 | ) | 27,508,421 | |||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period |
3,210,158 | 5,424,296 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period |
$ | 2,095,879 | $ | 32,932,717 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Supplemental notes: |
||||||||
Interest paid |
$ | 2,091,821 | $ | 1,085,028 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
State taxes paid |
$ | 37,565 | $ | 39,134 | ||||
|
|
|
|
F-92
UTICA RESOURCE VENTURES, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
1. | ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS |
Utica Resource Ventures, LLC (URV) was organized as a limited liability company in Delaware on January 26, 2018, to ultimately acquire properties owned by PDC Energy, Inc., and began operations as of February 9, 2018. The Company is primarily engaged in the acquisition, development, production, exploration for, and the sale of oil, gas, and natural gas liquids. Currently, the Company is focused on oil and gas exploration and production through ownership of operated working interests in producing properties located in the Utica Shale in Ohio, USA.
2. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
Basis of Accounting
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of URV and Utica Resource Operating, LLC (URO) (collectively, the Company). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments Credit Losses (Topic 326). ASU 2016-13 revises the accounting requirements related to the measurement of credit losses and requires organizations to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts about collectability. Assets must be presented in the financial statements at the net amount expected to be collected.
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13 using the modified retrospective method. Results for the reporting period beginning January 1, 2023, are presented under ASC 326. The adoption did not result in a material impact to the financial statements.
In February 2016, The FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which supersedes the previous lease requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 840. The ASU requires lessees to recognize a right- to-use asset and related lease liability for all leases, with a limited exception for short-term leases. Leases are classified as either finance or operating, with the classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of operations. Management has evaluated the requirements of the new standard and determined it does not have a material impact on the financial statements.
Upcoming Accounting Pronouncements
On October 28, 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2021-08 changes the accounting for contract assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination by requiring an acquiring entity to measure contract assets and liabilities in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The new guidance will be effective for the Company as of January 1, 2024, and will be applied prospectively to business combinations occurring on or after the effective date. Management is still evaluating the impact this standard will have on the financial statements.
F-93
UTICA RESOURCE VENTURES, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-01, Leases (Topic 842): Common Control Arrangements, which clarifies application of Topic 842 for leases with a related party. The new guidance requires entities to determine whether a related party arrangement between entities under common control is a lease, and if so determined, be classified, and accounted for on the same basis as an agreement with an unrelated party on the basis of legally enforceable terms and conditions. This is a change from previous guidance which classified and accounted for the lease on the basis of economic substance if the terms and conditions were between related parties. The amendment in this update requires that lease improvements associated with common control leases be amortized by the lessee over the useful life of the leasehold improvements to the common control group, regardless of the lease term, as long as the lessee controls the use of the underlying asset. Leasehold improvements should also be accounted for as a transfer between entities under common control through an adjustment to equity if, and when, the lessee no longer controls the use of the underlying asset. The new guidance will be effective for the Companys year ending December 31, 2024. Management does not believe this standard will have a material impact on the financial statements.
Use of Estimates
Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. Actual results could vary from the estimates that were used for financial reporting purposes. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include estimates of proved reserves and related estimates of the present value of future revenues, the carrying value of oil and gas properties, asset retirement obligations, and derivative financial instruments.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Management considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Companys financial instruments, none of which are held for trading purposes, include cash and cash equivalents, notes, and accounts receivable, accounts payable, other liabilities, and long-term debt. Management estimates that the fair value of all financial instruments as of September 30, 2023 and 2022 does not differ materially from the aggregate carrying values of its financial instruments recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Derivatives
The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations. The Company has entered into oil and gas swap contracts to hedge exposure to price fluctuations on natural gas, crude oil, and natural gas liquids sales. Interest rate swaps are entered into to manage interest rate risk associated with the Companys floating rate borrowings.
All derivatives are accounted for as cash flow hedges and are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company determines the fair value of its oil and gas swap contracts based on the difference between the swaps fixed contract price and the estimated underlying market price at the determination dates.
F-94
UTICA RESOURCE VENTURES, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, unrealized gains and losses are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.
The initial fair value of hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness is recognized in the income statement under a systematic and rational method over the life of the hedging instrument and is presented in the same income statement line item as the earnings effect of the hedged item. Any difference between the change in the fair value of the hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness and the amounts recognized in earnings is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income.
Oil and Gas Properties and Equipment
The Company uses the successful efforts method of accounting for oil and gas producing activities. Costs to acquire mineral interests in oil and gas properties, to drill and equip exploratory wells that find proved reserves, to drill and equip development wells and related asset retirement costs are capitalized. Costs to drill exploratory wells that do not find proved reserves, geological and geophysical costs, and costs of carrying and retaining unproved properties are expensed. In some instances, this determination may take longer than one year. The Companys management reviews the status of all suspended exploratory drilling costs quarterly.
Unproved oil and gas properties that are individually significant are periodically assessed for impairment of value, and a loss is recognized at the time of impairment by providing an impairment allowance. Additions to capitalized exploratory well costs that are pending the determination of proved reserves total $4,778,576 and $10,010,605 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Capitalized costs of producing oil and gas properties, after considering estimated residual salvage values, are depreciated, and depleted by the unit-of-production method. Capitalized exploratory well costs reclassified to wells equipment and facilities based on the determination of proved reserves total $9,614,352 and $27,242,061 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
On the sale or retirement of a complete unit of a proved property, the cost and related accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization are eliminated from the property accounts, and the resultant gain or loss is recognized. On the retirement or sale of a partial unit of proved property, the cost is charged to accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization with a resulting gain or loss recognized in income.
Other Property and Equipment
Other property and equipment are stated at cost. The Company capitalizes assets with useful lives greater than one year and values in excess of $500. Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful life of the other property and equipment using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives range from five to eight years. Additions and improvements, unless minor in amount, are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs that do not extend the useful life of an asset are expensed as incurred.
Asset Retirement Obligations
The Company follows ASC 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations, which requires certain industries to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which the liability is incurred. The present value of the estimated asset retirement costs is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Asset retirement obligations for the Company primarily relate to the abandonment
F-95
UTICA RESOURCE VENTURES, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
of oil and gas producing facilities. ASC 410 requires depreciation of the capitalized asset retirement cost and accretion of the asset retirement obligation over time. The depreciation will generally be determined on a units-of- production basis, while the accretion to be recognized will escalate over the life of the producing assets, typically as production declines. See Note 8 for further information.
Revenue Recognition
The Companys oil and gas sales are accounted for using the sales method. Under this method, sales are recorded on all production sold by the Company regardless of the Companys ownership interest in the respective property. Imbalances result when sales differ from the buyers net revenue interest in the particular propertys reserves and are tracked to reflect the Companys balancing position. As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, the imbalance and related value were immaterial.
Revenues include the sale of oil, gas, and natural gas liquid (NGL) production. Oil, gas and NGL sales are recognized when production is sold to a purchaser at a fixed or determinable price, delivery has occurred, control has transferred, and collectability of the revenue is probable. The contracts specify a delivery point which represents the point at which control of the product is transferred to the customer. Revenue is measured based on consideration specified in the contract and excludes any amounts collected on behalf of third parties. Taxes assessed by governmental authorities on oil, gas and NGL sales are presented separately from such revenues in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
The Companys oil production is sold at the wellhead at an agreed-upon index price, net of pricing differentials. Revenue is recognized when control transfers to the purchaser at the wellhead at the net price received.
Under the Companys gas and NGL processing contracts, gas and NGL is delivered to a processing entity at the wellhead or the inlet of the midstream processing entitys system. The processing entity gathers and processes the gas and NGL and remits proceeds for the resulting sales of gas and NGL. In these scenarios, the Company evaluates whether it is the principal or the agent in the transaction. In all cases, the Company has concluded it is the principal under these contracts and the ultimate third party is the customer. Revenue is recognized on a gross basis, with gathering, compression, processing, and transportation fees presented as a component of operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
Income Taxes
Under existing provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, the income or loss of a limited liability company is recognized by the individual members for federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, no provision for federal income tax has been provided for in accompanying consolidated financial statements. However, the Company remains liable for state severance taxes.
Management has evaluated the Companys tax positions and has not identified any material uncertain tax positions that would not be sustained in a federal or state income tax examination. Accordingly, no provision for uncertainties in income taxes has been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Company is subject to routine audits by taxing jurisdictions; however, there are currently no audits for any tax periods in progress.
F-96
UTICA RESOURCE VENTURES, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
Concentrations
The cash balances of the Company are held in various financial institutions. If cash balances exceed the amounts covered by insurance provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the excess balances could be at risk of loss. As of September 30, 2023, cash in excess of insured limits totals $1,914,044.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, two customers accounted for approximately 69 percent and four customers accounted for 94 percent of total revenue, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, three customer accounted for approximately 81 percent and three customers accounted for approximately 79 percent of total joint interest billing receivables, respectively. Additionally, all of the Companys oil and gas properties are concentrated in one geographic location, the Utica Shale. Management does not believe it is subject to significant risk due to these concentrations.
3. | ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE |
The following is a summary of accounts receivable by major classification as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Joint interest billing receivables |
$ | 1,073,023 | $ | 7,327,604 | ||||
Other accounts receivable |
| 33,446 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
$ | 1,073,023 | $ | 7,361,050 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Management evaluates credit losses expected to arise over the life of the receivables based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable collectability forecasts. Management believes all receivables to be fully collectible. As such, there is no allowance for credit losses as of September 30, 2023 and 2022.
4. | DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS |
Fair values of derivatives designated as hedging instruments at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:
Fair Value | ||||||||||
Location |
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
Oil and gas swaps |
Current assets | | 322,903 | |||||||
Interest rate swaps |
Current liabilities | | 86,961 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total derivatives |
$ | | $ | 409,864 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
The effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
September 30, 2023 | ||||||||||||
Oil and Gas Swaps |
Interest Rate Swaps |
Total | ||||||||||
Gain recognized in Other Comprehensive Income |
$ | 359,912 | $ | 112,167 | $ | 472,079 | ||||||
Reclassifications from Other Comprehensive Income to: |
||||||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
$ | 682,814 | $ | | 682,814 | |||||||
Basis swaps |
$ | | $ | 199,129 | 199,129 |
F-97
UTICA RESOURCE VENTURES, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
September 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||
Oil and Gas Swaps |
Interest Rate Swaps |
Total | ||||||||||
Loss recognized in Other Comprehensive Income |
$ | (10,758,914 | ) | $ | (339,433 | ) | $ | (11,098,347 | ) | |||
Reclassifications from Other Comprehensive Income to: |
||||||||||||
Fixed price swaps |
$ | (9,082,169 | ) | $ | | (9,082,169 | ) | |||||
Basis swaps |
$ | | $ | 6,746 | 6,746 |
5. | FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT |
FASB ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements, provides a framework for measuring fair value. That framework includes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3).
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 inputs are other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are directly or indirectly observable, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets.
Level 3 inputs are unobservable in which little or no market value data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumption, such as valuation derived from techniques in which one or more significant value drivers are observable.
The asset or liabilitys fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques maximize the use of relevant observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value:
Derivative instruments: The fair value of the Companys derivative contracts is measured using Level II inputs and are determined by either market prices on an active market for similar assets or by prices quoted by a broker or other market-corroborated prices.
The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Companys derivative instruments at fair value as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
Fair Value Measurements as of September 30, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Fair Value | |||||||||||||
Derivative instruments |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Fair Value | |||||||||||||
Derivative instruments |
$ | | $ | 409,864 | $ | | $ | 409,864 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
$ | | $ | 409,864 | $ | | $ | 409,864 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-98
UTICA RESOURCE VENTURES, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
6. | RESTRICTED CASH FOR LETTER OF CREDIT |
On December 1, 2019, URO signed a Natural Gas Sales/Purchase Agreement (Agreement) with Aspire Energy of Ohio, LLC (Aspire). The Agreement includes a commitment between the two parties whereby URO agrees to sell and deliver natural gas produced into Aspires gathering system and Aspire agrees to receive and purchase such natural gas. On September 21, 2020, URO signed an amendment to the Agreement, which has a special provisions addendum where URO provides Aspire with credit support to sufficiently cover UROs future payment obligations. On October 7, 2020, BOK Financial, N.A. issued a $1,000,000 letter of credit to Aspire on UROs behalf. Cash totaling $1,000,000 is restricted and held in a CD at BOK Financial, N.A. at September 30, 2023 and 2022, to cover any draws on the letter of credit. URO is to maintain the letter of credit until the predetermined volume of natural gas flowing through Aspires gathering system has been paid pursuant to the Agreement.
7. | SALE OF INTERESTS IN OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES |
On August 7, 2023, the Company and Providence Energy Operators, LLC (PEO) entered into a purchase and sale agreement (PSA) with Wolf Run Operating, LLC (the buyer) for the sale of all rights, titles, and interests associated with its oil and gas wells, including related equipment and acreage. The total transaction, which closed on October 4, 2023, amounted to a sale price of $245,000,000 to the Company. Concurrently, an operational agreement was established between the Company and the buyer, stipulating the Companys continued operation of the wells from March 1, 2023, until September 30, 2023. Net revenues of $58,984,768 and related expenses of $37,169,119 for that period were included as a purchase price adjustment. Subsequently, the buyer assumed revenues and expenses associated with the operation. See Note 12 for further information.
The Company sold interest in certain unproved properties to POE for $1,751,335 and $1,881,052 during the periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. No gain or loss resulted from these transactions.
8. | ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION |
The Companys asset retirement obligation primarily represents the estimated present value of the amount the Company will incur to plug, abandon, and remediate proved producing properties at the end of their productive lives, in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. The Company determines the asset retirement obligation by calculating the present value of estimated cash flows related to the liability.
The following is a summary of asset retirement obligation activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2023:
Asset retirement obligation, December 31, 2022 |
$ | 728,466 | ||
Liabilities settled and divested |
(61,420 | ) | ||
Liability incurred upon acquiring and drilling wells |
53,053 | |||
Accretion |
22,007 | |||
|
|
|||
Asset retirement obligation, September 30, 2023 |
$ | 742,106 | ||
|
|
9. | LONG-TERM DEBT |
On March 29, 2018, the Company obtained a line of credit (LOC) with Citibank. The LOC originally provided for maximum borrowings of up to $250,000,000 with an expiration date of March 29, 2023. On October 16, 2020, the LOC was amended, and the borrowing base decreased to $25,000,000. On January 14, 2022, the LOC was amended to increase the borrowing base to $30,000,000. On August 11, 2022, the LOC was
F-99
UTICA RESOURCE VENTURES, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
amended to extend the maturity date to March 28, 2024, and reduce the borrowing base to $25,000,000. On February 7, 2023, the LOC was amended to increase the borrowing base to $45,000,000. The LOC bears interest at the adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin determined at the time of borrowing. Interest rates on outstanding borrowings ranged from 8.31 percent to 9.81 percent for the period ended September 30, 2023 and ranged from 4.50 percent to 5.94 percent for the period ended September 30, 2022. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, $15,000,000 and $5,000,000, respectively, have been drawn against the LOC. Repayments of the LOC total $36,000,000 and $15,000,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The LOC is secured by the Companys oil and gas properties.
Long-term debt at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 consists of the following:
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Line of credit to Citibank |
$ | 4,000,000 | $ | 25,000,000 | ||||
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs |
(5,653 | ) | (22,600 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
$ | 3,994,347 | $ | 24,977,400 | ||||
|
|
|
|
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, interest expense totals $2,082,401 and $1,058,451, respectively.
Future maturities of long-term debt as of September 30, 2023 are as follows:
2023 |
$ | 4,000,000 | ||
2024 |
| |||
2025 |
| |||
2026 |
| |||
2027 |
| |||
Thereafter |
| |||
|
|
|||
Total |
$ | 4,000,000 | ||
|
|
10. | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
Operating Leases
The Company leased vehicles under non-cancelable leases that expired at various dates through December 31, 2023. The Company leases office space under month-to-month arrangements. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, rent expense totals $76,789 and $90,631, respectively.
Environmental Redemption Obligation
In August 2020, the Company received a Notice and Finding of Violation alleging various violations of federal and Ohio air quality laws and regulations and permit requirements at approximately eleven oil and gas production facilities in Ohio. The Company has been in negotiations with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to resolve the violations. In November 2022, the Company and EPA executed a Consent Decree to resolve all alleged violations including a civil penalty of $1,000,000 and certain injunctive relief at UROs facilities. In April 2023, the penalty of $1,000,000 was remitted.
F-100
UTICA RESOURCE VENTURES, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
11. | EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLAN |
The Company maintains an employee retirement plan structured under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, covering all employees. The Plan allows employees to make voluntary contributions from one percent of their earnings up to the maximum amount allowed by the Internal Revenue Code. The Companys matching contributions are discretionary and determined annually by the Members. Matching contributions are fully vested immediately. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, Company contributions total $102,859 and $98,343, respectively.
12. | MEMBERS EQUITY |
On February 1, 2018, holders of URV equity interests approved a limited liability company agreement (the LLC Agreement) to, among other things, authorize the issuance of $54,000,000 of equity interests (the URV Interests). Subsequently, URV received $3,254,167 from its members as an initial capital contribution in exchange for URV Interests. After the initial capital contribution, URV subsequently received additional capital contributions totaling $64,579,997 in exchange for URV Interests. Additionally, the LLC Agreement provided for the formation of a Delaware limited liability company to be formed by key management persons of URV, which did not commit or contribute any capital to URV, but which was to be the incentive member in URV.
URV is managed by an executive committee comprised of five members including three members that are appointed by, and representatives of, Energy Trust Partners V LP (ETP), one member that is appointed by Eland Interests Partners, LLC (Eland), and one member that is appointed by Republic Utica Partners, LLC (Republic), each of which shall have the right to designate said number of members so long as each holds URV Interests. Additionally, the member to be designated by Eland and Republic shall be a key management person in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement. Each member has one vote on any company matter decided by vote and each matter requires a supermajority vote of the executive committee representing 66 2/3 percent of all capital members and ETP. As of September 30, 2023, ETP, Eland, and Republic owned 92.6 percent, 3.7 percent, and 3.7 percent, respectively, of URV Interests.
Profits and losses for the URV Interests and incentive member are determined and allocated among the holders of the URV Interests and incentive member in a manner following the ratios and priorities outlined in the LLC Agreement. Distributions are made at such times and in such amounts at the discretion of the Executive Committee in accordance with the LLC Agreement, which are provided first to holders of URV Interests and then to incentive members. Distributions to holders of incentive membership interests are not made until the occurrence of the payout tiers applicable to the URV Interests at the pro rata percentages for each payout tier as defined in the LLC Agreement to be calculated based on each URV Interest holders ownership percentage.
No distributions were paid for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
13. | SUBSEQUENT EVENTS |
Management has reviewed subsequent events through August 5, 2024, the date the unaudited consolidated financial statements were available to be issued.
In accordance with the PSA with Wolf Run Operating, LLC previously discussed, wells, acreage, and well equipment totaling $162,669,812 were sold for an adjusted purchase price after customary closing adjustments of $223,184,351 resulting in a gain on the sale of $58,822,769 after transaction costs of $1,691,770. A holdback
F-101
UTICA RESOURCE VENTURES, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
amount of $18,375,000 is in escrow as a means to protect the buyer from misrepresentations or misstatements associated with the representations and warranties outlined in the PSA and was included in accounts receivable on December 31, 2023. As of August 5, 2024, management is not aware of any such claims. Half of the escrow balance was paid in April 2024, and management anticipates payment of the remaining balance in October 2024.
Following the completion of the sale, the Company proceeded to engage in a Transition Service Agreement (TSA) with the buyer. The agreement stipulated that the Company continue to furnish operational support subsequent to the closure for a duration of two months. These services include routine field operations in addition to comprehensive accounting functions, encompassing accounts payable management and revenue disbursement oversight. Fees received from TSA total $728,013.
On October 4, 2023, the line of credit was paid in full and terminated upon the sale of oil and gas properties.
Effective October 4, 2023, the Agreement with Aspire was terminated and URO was released from all respective obligations related to the restricted letter of credit.
F-102
Independent Auditors Report
The Members
PEO Ohio, LLC Ohio Appalachian Basin Working and Revenue Interests:
Opinion
We have audited the accompanying statements of revenues and direct operating expenses (the statements) of PEO Ohio, LLC Ohio Appalachian Basin Working and Revenue Interests (the Utica Assets), for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related notes to the statements.
In our opinion, the accompanying statements present fairly, in all material respects, the revenues and direct operating expenses of the Utica Assets for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors Responsibilities for the Audit of the Statements section of our report. We are required to be independent of the Utica Assets and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audits. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Emphasis of Matter
As discussed in Note 1 to the statements, these statements were prepared for the purpose of complying with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and are not intended to be a complete presentation of the operations of the Utica Assets. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.
Responsibilities of Management for the Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Utica Assets ability to continue as a going concern for one year after the date that the statements are available to be issued.
Auditors Responsibilities for the Audit of the Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the statements.
In performing an audit in accordance with GAAS, we:
| Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. |
F-103
| Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the statements. |
| Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Utica Assets internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed. |
| Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the statements. |
| Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Utica Assets ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time. |
We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control related matters that we identified during the audit.
Required Supplementary Information
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles require that the Supplementary Oil and Gas Disclosures be presented to supplement the basic statements. Such information is the responsibility of management and, although not a part of the basic statements, is required by Financial Accounting Standards Board who considers it to be an essential part of financial reporting for placing the basic statements in an appropriate operational, economic, or historical context. We have applied certain limited procedures to the required supplementary information in accordance with GAAS, which consisted of inquiries of management about the methods of preparing the information and comparing the information for consistency with managements responses to our inquiries, the basic statements, and other knowledge we obtained during our audit of the basic statements. We do not express an opinion or provide any assurance on the information because the limited procedures do not provide us with sufficient evidence to express an opinion or provide any assurance.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Dallas, Texas
August 6, 2024
F-104
PEO Ohio, LLC
Ohio Appalachian Basin Working and Revenue Interests
Statements of Revenues and Direct Operating Expenses
For the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Revenues |
||||||||
Crude oil |
16,235,954 | 6,556,681 | ||||||
Natural gas |
5,624,690 | 2,027,937 | ||||||
Natural gas liquids |
2,882,481 | 1,800,559 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total revenues |
24,743,125 | 10,385,177 | ||||||
Direct Operating Expenses |
(3,115,935 | ) | (1,918,297 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Excess of Revenues over Direct Operating Expenses |
$ | 21,627,190 | $ | 8,466,880 | ||||
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to statements of revenues and direct operating expenses
F-105
PEO Ohio, LLC
Ohio Appalachian Basin Working and Revenue Interests
Notes to Statements of Revenues and Direct Operating Expenses
For the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
1. | Nature of operations and summary of significant accounting policies |
Organization and Nature of Operations
PEO Series D, LLC (Series D) was established for the principal purpose of investing in oil and gas- related properties and business through joint operations with third-party operators across the United States of America. Series D began its operations on July 16, 2018.
PEO Ohio, LLC (PEO Ohio or the Company), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Series D, holds ownership in non-operated working and revenue interests in various oil and gas properties, along with associated leasehold and infrastructure assets, situated in the Appalachian Basin in Guernsey, Morgan, Noble, and Washington Counties, Ohio (collectively referred as the Utica Assets). PEO Ohio acquired the Utica Assets through several acquisitions consummated between the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2022.
The Utica Assets were operated by Utica Resource Operating, LLC (Utica Resources). PEO Ohios interest in the Utica Assets was held on an undivided basis and was roughly equivalent to 25% of the undivided interest owned by Utica Resources and its affiliate, Utica Resource Ventures, LLC.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying audited statements of revenues and direct operating expenses (the financial statements) include revenues from oil and gas production, as well as condensate and natural gas liquids, and direct operating expenses associated with the Utica Assets for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. The revenues and direct operating expenses are derived from the historical operating statements obtained from Utica Resources and are presented on the accrual basis of accounting.
These financial statements vary from a complete income statement in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) in that the financial statements do not reflect certain indirect expenses that were incurred in connection with the ownership and operation of the Utica Assets. The financial statements are not intended to be a complete presentation of the results of operations of the Utica Assets and may not be representative of future operations as they do not include indirect general and administrative expenses; interest expense; depreciation, depletion, and amortization expenses; provision for income taxes; and certain other revenues and expenses not directly associated with the Utica Assets.
Moreover, a balance sheet has not been presented because the Utica Assets were not accounted for as a separate segment, subsidiary of the parent entity, or division of Series D or PEO Ohio, and a complete set of financial statements are not available or practicable to produce. Accordingly, information regarding the Utica Assets operating, investing and financing cash flows has been omitted for similar reasons. As such, the statements of revenues and direct operating expenses of the Utica Assets are presented in lieu of the full set of financial statements required under Item 3-05 of SEC Regulation S-X. These financial statements do not reflect the anticipated operational outcome for the Utica Assets on a prospective basis.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the direct revenues and direct operating expenses reported herein. These estimates and assumptions are based on managements best estimates and judgement. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
F-106
PEO Ohio, LLC
Ohio Appalachian Basin Working and Revenue Interests
Notes to Statements of Revenues and Direct Operating Expenses
For the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
Revenue Recognition
Revenues are primarily derived from the sale of oil, condensate, and natural gas production, as well as the sale of natural gas liquids (NGLs) that are extracted from the reserves essential to the Utica Assets in which PEO Ohio holds working and royalty interests. All sales of oil, condensate, natural gas, and NGLs are recognized when PEO Ohio satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control of a product to a customer. Revenue is typically recorded in the month of production based on an estimate of the Utica Assets share of volumes produced and prices realized. Sales of oil, condensate, natural gas, and NGLs as presented on the financial statements represent the Utica Assets share of revenues, including income from royalty interests owned by PEO Ohio, but excluding revenue relating to interests owned by other parties. The Utica Assets royalty income for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was not material.
Direct Operating Expenses
Direct operating expenses encompass the costs associated with the operational activities directly involved in the production operations of the Utica Assets. These expenses typically include expenditures related to routine and non-routine lease operating costs, operator general and administrative expenses, and production taxes. Lease operating expenses to produce wells include lifting costs, well repair expenses, facility maintenance expenses, well workover costs, and other field-related expenses. Lease operating expenses also included expenses directly associated with support personnel, support services, equipment, and facilities directly related to oil and gas production activities. Direct operating expense is recognized in the month it is incurred.
Income Taxes
PEO Ohio does not record a provision for U.S. federal, state, or local income taxes because its members report their share of the companys income or loss on their income tax returns.
2. | Contingencies |
The Utica Assets record reserves for loss contingencies when information available indicates that a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Utica Assets have no contingent liabilities at the reporting date.
3. | Subsequent events |
On October 4, 2023 (the Closing Date), PEO Ohio completed a divestiture of all of its interests in the Utica Assets to Wolf Run Operating, LLC for cash consideration of $55,907,915, after customary closing adjustments.
The financial statements were available for issuance on August 6, 2024. Subsequent events have been evaluated through that date and no events were identified that required adjustment or additional disclosure.
F-107
PEO Ohio, LLC
Ohio Appalachian Basin Working and Revenue Interest
Supplementary Oil and Gas Disclosures (Unaudited)
December 31, 2022 and 2021
Supplementary Oil and Gas Disclosures
Net Proved Developed and Undeveloped Oil and Gas Reserves
The following table of unaudited supplemental reserve information set forth the changes in quantities of the net proved developed and undeveloped oil and gas reserves attributable to the Utica Assets, as allocated by the respective contractual production participation interests for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Oil (MBbls) |
Natural Gas (MMcf) |
NGLs (MBbls) |
Total (MBoe) |
|||||||||||||
Net proved developed and undeveloped reserves at December 31, 2020 |
1,435 | 8,162 | 645 | 3,440 | ||||||||||||
Proved developed reserves at December 31, 2020: |
358 | 2,462 | 182 | 950 | ||||||||||||
Proved undeveloped reserves at December 31, 2020: |
1,077 | 5,699 | 463 | 2,490 | ||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2021 |
1,435 | 8,162 | 645 | 3,440 | ||||||||||||
Production |
(110 | ) | (601 | ) | (45 | ) | (255 | ) | ||||||||
Revisions of previous estimates (1) |
342 | 3,921 | 257 | 1,253 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net proved developed and undeveloped reserves at December 31, 2021 |
1,667 | 11,481 | 857 | 4,438 | ||||||||||||
Proved developed reserves at December 31, 2021 |
399 | 3,880 | 304 | 1,350 | ||||||||||||
Proved undeveloped reserves at December 31, 2021 |
1,268 | 7,601 | 553 | 3,088 | ||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2022 |
1,667 | 11,481 | 857 | 4,438 | ||||||||||||
Extensions (2) |
652 | 3,641 | 296 | 1,555 | ||||||||||||
Production |
(177 | ) | (885 | ) | (61 | ) | (386 | ) | ||||||||
Revisions of previous estimates (3) |
3 | (1,348 | ) | (36 | ) | (258 | ) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net proved developed and undeveloped reserves at December 31, 2022 |
2,145 | 12,889 | 1,056 | 5,349 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Proved developed reserves at December 31, 2022 |
973 | 7,024 | 579 | 2,723 | ||||||||||||
Proved undeveloped reserves at December 31, 2022 |
1,172 | 5,865 | 477 | 2,626 |
(1) | Revisions of previous estimates. In 2021, total revisions to previous estimates increased proved reserves by 1.3 MMBoe. These upward revisions primarily consisted of positive revisions based on increases in pricing for the year ended December 31, 2021. |
(2) | Extensions. In 2022, total extensions to previous estimates increased proved reserves by 1.6 MMBoe. These extensions primarily related to the addition of four (4) proved undeveloped (PUD) locations to be developed by 2027 (as that year entered the 5-year development window) and converting unproved reserves to proved developed reserves. Specifically, three (3) proved developed producing (PDP) wells, one (1) proved developed nonproducing well, and three (3) PUD wells were added in the Beros unit and one (1) PDP well and (1) PUD well were added in the Rubel unit, for a total of eight (8) wells that were added to proved reserves during the year ended December 31, 2022. |
(3) | Revisions of previous estimates. In 2022, total revisions to previous estimates reduced proved reserves by 0.3 MMBoe. These downward revisions were primarily driven by lower forecasts for natural gas and NGLs reserves recovery. |
Net proved reserves were calculated utilizing the twelve-month unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day- of-the-month price based on the respective benchmark price. The average price includes adjustments for heat content, crude handling, quality, and a regional price differential. Each years estimate of proved reserves were also prepared in accordance with then-current rules and guidelines established by the SEC and the Financial Accounting Standards Board.
See accompanying independent auditors report
F-108
PEO Ohio, LLC
Ohio Appalachian Basin Working and Revenue Interest
Supplementary Oil and Gas Disclosures (Unaudited)
December 31, 2022 and 2021
Proved oil and gas reserves are defined by the SEC Rule 4.10(a) of Regulation S-X as those quantities of oil and gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be commercially recovered under current economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations. Inherent uncertainties exist in estimating proved reserve quantities, projecting future production rates and timing of development expenditures.
Reserve engineering is a subjective process of estimating the recovery from underground accumulations of oil and gas that cannot be measured in an exact manner, and the accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgement. Because all reserve estimates are to some degree subjective, the quantities of oil and gas that are ultimately recovered, production and operating costs, the amount and timing of future development expenditures and future oil and gas sales prices may each differ from those assumed in these estimated oil and gas reserves attributable to the Utica Assets. Furthermore, the volumes considered to be commercially recoverable fluctuate with changes in prices and operating costs. Management emphasizes that reserve estimates are inherently imprecise and that estimates of new discoveries are more imprecise than those of currently producing oil and natural gas properties. Accordingly, these estimates are expected to change as additional information becomes available in the future.
Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows
The Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows (SMOG) is computed by applying the 12- month unweighted average of the first-day-of-the-month pricing for oil and natural gas to the estimated future production of proved oil and natural gas reserves less estimated future expenditures (based on year-end costs) to be incurred in developing and producing the proved reserves. The average price includes adjustments for heat content, crude handling, quality, and a regional price differential. Estimated future production and development costs of proved reserves are based on current costs, assuming continuation of existing economic conditions. The estimated annual future net cash flows are discounted at a rate of 10%. As discussed in Note 1, the financial statements do not include provisions for income tax expense, therefore future income tax expense was omitted from the SMOG calculation.
The projections should not be interpreted as representing the fair value to the oil and natural gas reserves of the Utica Assets. An estimate of fair value would take into account, among other things, the recovery of reserves not presently classified as proved, the value of unproved properties, anticipated future oil and natural gas prices, interest rates, changes in development and production costs, risks associated with future production, and consideration of expected future economic and operating conditions.
The following table reflect the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows attributed to the proved oil and natural gas reserves:
December 31, | ||||||||
2022 | 2021 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Future cash inflows |
$ | 327,396 | $ | 172,737 | ||||
Future production costs |
(56,450 | ) | (40,352 | ) | ||||
Future development costs(1) |
(32,701 | ) | (25,014 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Future net cash flows |
238,245 | 107,371 | ||||||
10% annual discount for estimated timing of cash flows |
(109,215 | ) | (53,922 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows related to proved reserves |
$ | 129,030 | $ | 53,449 | ||||
|
|
|
|
(1) | Future development costs include costs associated with the future abandonment of proved properties, including proved undeveloped locations. |
See accompanying independent auditors report
F-109
PEO Ohio, LLC
Ohio Appalachian Basin Working and Revenue Interest
Supplementary Oil and Gas Disclosures (Unaudited)
December 31, 2022 and 2021
Changes in the Standardized Measure of Discounted Net Cash Flows
The principal sources of changes in the Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows relating to prove oil and natural gas reserves are as follows:
December 31, | ||||||||
2022 | 2021 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Balance, beginning of period |
$ | 53,449 | $ | 7,909 | ||||
Net Sales of oil and gas produced during the period |
(21,718 | ) | (8,549 | ) | ||||
Net change in prices and production (lifting) costs related to future production |
45,715 | 26,490 | ||||||
Change in estimated future development costs |
(8,491 | ) | (2,400 | ) | ||||
Previously estimated development costs incurred during the period |
7,992 | 5,801 | ||||||
Net change due to extensions |
42,633 | | ||||||
Net change due to revisions in quantity estimates |
(7,077 | ) | 18,609 | |||||
Accretion of discount |
5,345 | 791 | ||||||
Change in timing and other |
11,182 | 4,798 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows |
$ | 129,030 | $ | 53,449 | ||||
|
|
|
|
See accompanying independent auditors report
F-110
PEO Ohio, LLC
Ohio Appalachian Basin Working and Revenue Interests
Statements of Revenues and Direct Operating Expenses
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
September 30, 2023 |
September 30, 2022 |
|||||||
Revenues |
||||||||
Crude oil |
16,327,201 | 13,216,936 | ||||||
Natural gas liquids |
1,953,402 | 2,320,422 | ||||||
Natural gas |
1,896,844 | 4,455,787 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total revenues |
20,177,447 | 19,993,145 | ||||||
Direct Operating Expenses |
(3,840,209 | ) | (2,390,795 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Excess of Revenues over Direct Operating Expenses |
$ | 16,337,238 | $ | 17,602,350 | ||||
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to unaudited statements of revenues and direct operating expenses
F-111
PEO Ohio, LLC
Ohio Appalachian Basin Working and Revenue Interests
Notes to Unaudited Statements of Revenues and Direct Operating Expenses
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
1. | Nature of operations and summary of significant accounting policies |
Organization and Nature of Operations
PEO Series D, LLC (Series D) was established for the principal purpose of investing in oil and gas- related properties and business through joint operations with third-party operators across the United States of America. Series D began its operations on July 16, 2018.
PEO Ohio, LLC (PEO Ohio or the Company), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Series D, holds ownership in non-operated working and revenue interests in various oil and gas properties, along with associated leasehold and infrastructure assets, situated in the Appalachian Basin in Guernsey, Morgan, Noble, and Washington Counties, Ohio (collectively referred as the Utica Assets). PEO Ohio acquired the Utica Assets through several acquisitions consummated between the periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.
The Utica Assets were operated by Utica Resource Operating, LLC (Utica Resources). PEO Ohios interest in the Utica Assets was held on an undivided basis and was roughly equivalent to 25% of the undivided interest owned by Utica Resources and its affiliate, Utica Resource Ventures, LLC.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited statements of revenues and direct operating expenses (the financial statements) include revenues from oil and gas production, as well as condensate and natural gas liquids, and direct operating expenses associated with the Utica Assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. The revenues and direct operating expenses are derived from the historical operating statements obtained from Utica Resources and are presented on the accrual basis of accounting.
These financial statements vary from a complete income statement in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) in that the financial statements do not reflect certain indirect expenses that were incurred in connection with the ownership and operation of the Utica Assets. The financial statements are not intended to be a complete presentation of the results of operations of the Utica Assets and may not be representative of future operations as they do not include indirect general and administrative expenses; interest expense; depreciation, depletion, and amortization expenses; provision for income taxes; and certain other revenues and expenses not directly associated with the Utica Assets.
Moreover, a balance sheet has not been presented because the Utica Assets were not accounted for as a separate segment, subsidiary of the parent entity, or division of Series D or PEO Ohio, and a complete set of financial statements are not available or practicable to produce. Accordingly, information regarding the Utica Assets operating, investing and financing cash flows has been omitted for similar reasons. As such, the statements of revenues and direct operating expenses of the Utica Assets are presented in lieu of the full set of financial statements required under Item 3-05 of SEC Regulation S-X. These financial statements do not reflect the anticipated operational outcome for the Utica Assets moving forward.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the direct revenues and direct operating expenses reported herein. These estimates and assumptions are based on managements best estimates and judgement. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
F-112
PEO Ohio, LLC
Ohio Appalachian Basin Working and Revenue Interests
Notes to Unaudited Statements of Revenues and Direct Operating Expenses
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
Revenue Recognition
Revenues are primarily derived from the sale of oil, condensate, and natural gas production, as well as the sale of natural gas liquids (NGLs) that are extracted from the reserves essential to the Utica Assets in which PEO Ohio hold working and royalty interests. All sales of oil, condensate, natural gas, and NGLs are recognized when PEO Ohio satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control of a product to a customer. Revenue is typically recorded in the month of production based on an estimate of the Utica Assets share of volumes produced and prices realized. Sales of oil, condensate, natural gas, and NGLs as presented on the financial statements represent the Utica Assets share of revenues, including income from royalty interests owned by PEO Ohio, but excluding revenue interests owned by other parties. The Utica Assets royalty income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 was not material.
Direct Operating Expenses
Direct operating expenses encompass the costs associated with the operational activities directly involved in the production operations of the Utica Assets. These expenses typically include expenditures related to routine and non-routine lease operating costs, operator general and administrative expenses, and production taxes. Lease operating expenses to produce wells include lifting costs, well repair expenses, facility maintenance expenses, well workover costs, and other field-related expenses. Lease operating expenses also included expenses directly associated with support personnel, support services, equipment, and facilities directly related to oil and gas production activities. Direct operating expense is recognized in the month it is incurred.
Income Taxes
PEO Ohio does not record a provision for U.S. federal, state, or local income taxes because its members report their share of the companys income or loss on their income tax returns.
2. | Contingencies |
The Utica Assets record reserves for loss contingencies when information available indicates that a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Utica Assets have no contingent liabilities at the reporting date.
3. | Subsequent events |
On October 4, 2023 (the Closing Date), PEO Ohio completed a divestiture of all of its interests in the Utica Assets to Wolf Run Operating LLC for cash consideration of $55,907,915, after customary closing adjustments.
The financial statements were available for issuance on August 6, 2024. Subsequent events have been evaluated through that date and no events were identified that required adjustment or additional disclosure.
F-113
Shares
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc.
Class A Common Stock
PROSPECTUS
Citigroup
Raymond James
RBC Capital Markets
, 2024
Through and including , 2024 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in our shares, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This requirement is in addition to the dealers obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 13. Other expenses of issuance and distribution
The following table sets forth an itemized statement of the amounts of all expenses (excluding underwriting discounts and commissions) payable by us in connection with the registration of the Class A common stock offered hereby. With the exception of the Registration Fee, FINRA Filing Fee and NYSE listing fee, the amounts set forth below are estimates.
SEC Registration Fee |
$ | * | ||
FINRA Filing Fee |
* | |||
NYSE listing fee |
* | |||
Accountants fees and expenses |
* | |||
Legal fees and expenses |
* | |||
Printing and engraving expenses |
* | |||
Transfer agent and registrar fees |
* | |||
Miscellaneous |
* | |||
|
|
|||
Total |
$ | * | ||
|
|
* | To be provided by amendment. |
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the DGCL) provides that a corporation may indemnify directors and officers as well as other employees and individuals against expenses, including attorneys fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement in connection with specified actions, suits and proceedings whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, other than a derivative action by or in the right of the corporation, if they acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. A similar standard is applicable in the case of derivative actions, except that indemnification extends only to expenses, including attorneys fees, incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such action and the statute requires court approval before there can be any indemnification where the person seeking indemnification has been found liable to the corporation. The statute provides that it is not exclusive of other indemnification that may be granted by a corporations certificate of incorporation, bylaws, disinterested director vote, stockholder vote, agreement or otherwise.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that our directors and officers will not be liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. Any amendment to, or repeal of, these provisions will not eliminate or reduce the effect of these provisions in respect of any act, omission or claim that occurred or arose prior to that amendment or repeal. In addition, if the DGCL is amended to authorize the further elimination or limitation of the liability of directors, then the liability of a director or officer of the Company, will be limited to the fullest extent permitted by the amended DGCL. Our charter and bylaws will provide that the Company will indemnify, and advance expenses to, any officer or director to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL.
We expect to obtain directors and officers insurance to cover our directors, officers and some of our employees for certain liabilities. In addition, we expect to enter into indemnification agreements with our current and future directors and officers containing provisions that are in some respects broader than the specific indemnification provisions contained in the DGCL. The indemnification agreements will require us, among other things, to indemnify our directors and officers against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers and to advance their expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified.
II-1
The Underwriting Agreement (Exhibit 1.1 hereto) provides for indemnification by the underwriters of the registrant and its executive officers and directors, and by the registrant of the underwriters, for certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act).
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
Prior to the closing of this offering, we will issue shares of our Class B common stock to the Existing Owners in connection with the Corporate Reorganization. The shares of our common stock described in this Item 15 will be issued in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act as sales by an issuer not involving any public offering.
Item 16. Exhibits and financial statement schedules
II-2
* | Filed herewith. |
| Schedules (or similar attachments) have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The registrant hereby undertakes to furnish supplemental copies of any of the omitted schedules (or similar attachments) upon request by the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
Item 17. Undertakings
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) | For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective. |
(2) | For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
II-3
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Morgantown, State of West Virginia, on October 4, 2024.
By: | /s/ Zack Arnold | |
Zack Arnold President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
Each person whose signature appears below appoints Zack Arnold and David Sproule, and each of them, any of whom may act without the joinder of the other, as his or her true and lawful attorneys in fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post effective amendments) to this registration statement and any registration statement (including any amendment thereto) for this offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, granting unto said attorneys in fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or would do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys in fact and agents or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and the dates indicated.
Signature |
Title |
Date | ||
/s/ Zack Arnold Zack Arnold |
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) |
October 4, 2024 | ||
/s/ David Sproule David Sproule |
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
October 4, 2024 | ||
/s/ William J. Quinn William J. Quinn |
Director |
October 4, 2024 | ||
/s/ Steven Cobb Steven Cobb |
Director |
October 4, 2024 |
II-4
Exhibit 1.1
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc.
[ ] Shares 1
Class A Common Stock
($0.01 par value)
Underwriting Agreement
New York, New York
[ ], 2024
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
RBC Capital Markets, LLC
As Representatives of the several Underwriters,
c/o Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
388 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10013
c/o Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
320 Park Avenue, 12th Floor
New York, New York 10022
c/o RBC Capital Markets, LLC
Brookfield Place
200 Vesey Street, 8th Floor
New York, New York 10281
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the Company), proposes to sell to the several underwriters named in Schedule I hereto (the Underwriters), for whom you (the Representatives) are acting as representatives, [ ] shares of Class A common stock, $0.01 par value (Class A Common Stock) of the Company (said shares to be issued and sold by the Company being hereinafter called the Underwritten Securities). The Company also proposes to grant to the Underwriters an option to purchase up to [ ] additional shares of Class A Common Stock solely to cover over-allotments, if any (the Option Securities; the Option Securities, together with the Underwritten Securities, being hereinafter called the Securities).
1 | Plus an option to purchase from the Company up to [ ] additional Securities. |
The Company and Raymond James & Associates, Inc. (Raymond James) agree that up to [ ]% of the Underwritten Securities to be purchased by the Underwriters (the Directed Shares) shall be reserved for sale by Raymond James to certain persons designated by the Company (the Participants), as part of the distribution of the Securities by the Underwriters, subject to the terms of this Agreement, the applicable rules, regulations and interpretations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) and all other applicable laws, rules and regulations. The Company has solely determined, without any direct or indirect participation by the Underwriters or Raymond James, the Participants who will purchase Directed Shares (including the amount to be purchased by such persons) sold by Raymond James. To the extent that such Directed Shares are not orally confirmed for purchase by the Participants by 11:59 PM (New York City time) on the date of this Agreement, such Directed Shares may be offered to the public as part of the public offering contemplated hereby.
As used in this underwriting agreement (this Agreement), the Registration Statement means the registration statement referred to in paragraph 1(a) hereof, including the exhibits, schedules, if any, and financial statements and any prospectus supplement relating to the Securities that is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the Securities Act) and deemed part of such registration statement pursuant to Rule 430A under the Securities Act (Rule 430A), as amended at the date and time that this Agreement is executed and delivered by the parties hereto (the Execution Time), and, in the event any post-effective amendment thereto or any registration statement and any amendments thereto filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act (a Rule 462(b) Registration Statement) becomes effective prior to the Closing Date (as defined in Section 3 hereof), shall also mean such registration statement as so amended or such Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, as the case may be; the Effective Date means each date and time that the Registration Statement, any post-effective amendment or amendments thereto or any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement became or becomes effective; the Preliminary Prospectus means any preliminary prospectus referred to in paragraph 1(a) hereof and any preliminary prospectus included in the Registration Statement at the Effective Date that omits information with respect to the Securities and the offering thereof permitted to be omitted from the Registration Statement when it becomes effective pursuant to Rule 430A; and the Prospectus means the prospectus relating to the Securities that is first filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act (Rule 424(b)) after the Execution Time.
As used in this Agreement, the Disclosure Package shall mean (i) the Preliminary Prospectus that is generally distributed to investors and used to offer the Securities, (ii) any issuer free writing prospectus, as defined in Rule 433 under the Securities Act (an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus), and any other document or pricing information identified in Schedule II hereto, and (iii) any other free writing prospectus, as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act (a Free Writing Prospectus), that the parties hereto shall hereafter expressly agree in writing to treat as part of the Disclosure Package.
2
The Company was formed in contemplation of the proposed issuance and sale of the Securities (the Offering). It is understood and agreed to by all parties that the Company has entered, or will prior to the closing of the Offering enter, into certain reorganization transactions, pursuant to which the following transactions, among others, have occurred or will occur (as further described under the heading Corporate Reorganization in the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (each as defined herein)):
a. | all of the membership interests in Infinity Natural Resources, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (INR Holdings) held by its then-existing owners (the Pre-IPO Owners) will be converted into a single class of INR Holdings units (INR Holdings Units); |
b. | the Pre-IPO Owners will continue to hold INR Holdings Units (such holders, the INR Holdings Unit Holders) and the Company will issue to each INR Holdings Unit Holder a number of shares of the Companys Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (Class B Common Stock and together with Class A Common Stock, the Common Stock), equal to the number of INR Holdings Units held by such INR Holdings Unit Holder following the Offering in exchange for a cash payment equal to the par value of such shares of Class B Common Stock; |
c. | the Company will issue [ ] shares of Class A Common Stock to purchasers in the Offering in exchange for the proceeds of the Offering; |
d. | the Company will contribute the net proceeds of the Offering to INR Holdings in exchange for a number of INR Holdings Units such that the Company holds a total number of INR Holdings Units equal to the number of Securities outstanding following the Offering and a managing member interest in INR Holdings (clauses (a) through (d), the Reorganization Transactions). |
Following the Offering and the Reorganization Transactions, the Company will be a holding company whose sole material asset will consist of a [ ]% equity interest in INR Holdings. INR Holdings will continue to wholly own all of the Companys operating assets. References herein to the Company and its subsidiaries refer to Company and its subsidiaries pro forma following the Reorganization Transactions.
1. Representations and Warranties. The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, each Underwriter as set forth below in this Section 1.
(a) The Company has prepared and filed with the SEC a registration statement (file number 333-[ ]) on Form S-1, including a related preliminary prospectus, for the registration of the offering and sale of the Securities under the Securities Act. Such Registration Statement, including any amendments thereto filed prior to the Execution Time, has become effective. The Company may have filed one or more amendments thereto, including a related preliminary prospectus, each of which has previously been furnished to you. The Company will file with the SEC a final prospectus relating to the Securities in accordance with Rule 424(b) after the Execution Time. As filed, such final prospectus shall contain all information required by the Securities Act
3
and the rules thereunder and, except to the extent the Representatives shall agree in writing to a modification, shall be in all substantive respects in the form furnished to you prior to the Execution Time or, to the extent not completed at the Execution Time, shall contain only such specific additional information and other changes (beyond that contained in the latest Preliminary Prospectus) as the Company has advised you, prior to the Execution Time, will be included or made therein.
(b) On the Effective Date, the Registration Statement did, and when the Prospectus is first filed in accordance with Rule 424(b) and on the Closing Date (as defined herein) and on any date on which Option Securities are purchased, if such date is not the Closing Date (a settlement date), the Prospectus (and any supplement thereto) will, comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the rules thereunder; on the Effective Date, at the Execution Time and on the Closing Date, the Registration Statement did not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading; and on the date of any filing pursuant to Rule 424(b) and on the Closing Date and any settlement date, the Prospectus (together with any supplement thereto) will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that the Company makes no representations or warranties as to the information contained in or omitted from the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (or any supplement thereto) in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of any Underwriter through the Representatives specifically for inclusion in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (or any supplement thereto), it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by or on behalf of any Underwriter consists of the information described as such in Section 8 hereof.
(c) (i) The Disclosure Package, (ii) each electronic road show, when taken together as a whole with the Disclosure Package, and (iii) any individual Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, when taken together as a whole with the Disclosure Package, does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The preceding sentence does not apply to statements in or omissions from the Disclosure Package based upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of any Underwriter through the Representatives specifically for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by or on behalf of any Underwriter consists of the information described as such in Section 8 hereof.
(d) (i) At the time of filing the Registration Statement and (ii) as of the Execution Time (with such date being used as the determination date for purposes of this clause (ii)), the Company was not and is not an Ineligible Issuer (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act (Rule 405)), without taking account of any determination by the SEC pursuant to Rule 405 that it is not necessary that the Company be considered an Ineligible Issuer.
4
(e) From the time of initial confidential submission of the Registration Statement to the SEC (or, if earlier, the first date on which the Company engaged directly or through any person authorized to act on its behalf in any Testing-the-Waters Communication) through the Execution Time, the Company has been and is an emerging growth company, as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act (an Emerging Growth Company). Testing-the-Waters Communication means any oral or written communication by the Company or by any person authorized to act on its behalf with potential investors undertaken in reliance on Section 5(d) of the Securities Act.
(f) The Company (i) has not alone engaged in any Testing-the-Waters Communication other than Testing-the-Waters Communications with the consent of the Representatives with entities that are qualified institutional buyers within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act or institutions that are accredited investors within the meaning of Rule 501 under the Securities Act and (ii) has not authorized anyone other than the Representatives to engage in Testing-the-Waters Communications. The Company reconfirms that the Representatives have been authorized to act on its behalf in undertaking Testing-the-Waters Communications. The Company has not distributed any Written Testing-the-Waters Communications other than those listed on Schedule III hereto. Written Testing-the-Waters Communication means any Testing-the-Waters Communication that is a written communication within the meaning of Rule 405.
(g) Each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus does not include any information that conflicts with the information contained in the Registration Statement, including any document incorporated by reference therein that has not been superseded or modified. The foregoing sentence does not apply to statements in or omissions from any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus based upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of any Underwriter through the Representatives specifically for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by or on behalf of any Underwriter consists of the information described as such in Section 8 hereof.
(h) Each of the Company and its subsidiaries has been duly incorporated or organized and is validly existing as a corporation or limited liability company in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is chartered or organized with full corporate power and authority to own or lease, as the case may be, and to operate its properties and conduct its business as described in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, and is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation or limited liability company and is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction which requires such qualification, except where the failure to so qualify or be in good standing would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect (as defined below).
5
(i) All of the issued and outstanding capital stock, limited liability company interests or otherwise, as applicable, of each subsidiary has been duly authorized and validly issued, is fully paid and non-assessable (to the extent applicable under the relevant jurisdiction of incorporation or organization), and, except (i) as arising under INR Holdings credit facility, dated as of September 25, 2024, by and among, INR Holdings, the lenders from time to time party thereto and Citibank, N.A., as the administrative agent and an issuing bank (the INR Holdings Credit Facility), as described in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or (ii) as otherwise set forth in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, is owned by the Company, directly or through subsidiaries, free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, defect, claim or equity.
(j) There is no franchise, contract or other document of a character required to be described in the Registration Statement or Prospectus, or to be filed as an exhibit thereto, which is not described or filed as required (and the Preliminary Prospectus contains in all material respects the same description of the foregoing matters contained in the Prospectus); and the statements in the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus under the headings Description of Capital Stock and Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations for Non-U.S. Holders insofar as such statements summarize legal matters, agreements, documents or proceedings discussed therein, are accurate summaries of such legal matters, agreements, documents or proceedings in all material respects.
(k) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company. The Company has full right, power and authority to execute and deliver the tax receivable agreement (the Tax Receivable Agreement) to be entered into by and among the Company and certain of its principal shareholders in connection with the closing of the Offering and to perform its obligations thereunder; and all action required to be taken for the due and proper authorization, execution and delivery by the Tax Receivable Agreement and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated thereby has been duly and validly taken.
(l) The Company is not and, after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Securities and the application of the proceeds thereof as described in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, will not be an investment company as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(m) No consent, approval, authorization, filing with or order of any court or governmental agency or body is required in connection with the transactions contemplated herein, except such as have been obtained under the Securities Act and such as may be required under the blue sky laws of any jurisdiction in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Securities by the Underwriters in the manner contemplated herein and in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
(n) Neither the issue and sale of the Securities nor the consummation of any other of the transactions herein contemplated nor the fulfillment of the terms hereof will conflict with, result in a breach or violation of, or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to, (i) the charter, by-laws or limited liability company agreement of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) the terms of any indenture, contract, lease, mortgage, deed of trust, note agreement, loan agreement or other agreement, obligation, condition, covenant or instrument to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or bound or to which its or their
6
property is subject, or (iii) any statute, law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree applicable to the Company or any of its subsidiaries of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency, governmental body, arbitrator or other authority having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of its or their properties, except in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) for any such breach, violation or imposition as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(o) No holders of securities of the Company have rights to the registration of such securities under the Registration Statement, except for persons and entities who have expressly waived such right in writing.
(p) The consolidated historical financial statements and schedules of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries included in the Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus and the Registration Statement present fairly in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of the dates and for the periods indicated, comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Securities Act and have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved (except as otherwise noted therein). The pro forma financial statements included in the Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus and the Registration Statement include assumptions that provide a reasonable basis for presenting the significant effects directly attributable to the transactions and events described therein, the related pro forma adjustments give appropriate effect to those assumptions, and the pro forma adjustments reflect the proper application of those adjustments to the historical financial statement amounts in the pro forma financial statements included in the Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus and the Registration Statement. The pro forma financial statements included in the Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus and the Registration Statement comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act (Regulation S-X).
(q) No action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries or its or their property is pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company, threatened that (i) would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the performance of this Agreement or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated hereby or (ii) would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), prospects, earnings, business or properties of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business (a Material Adverse Effect), except as set forth in or contemplated in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto).
(r) Each of the Company and each of its subsidiaries owns or leases all such properties as are necessary to the conduct of its operations as presently conducted except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
7
(s) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in violation or default of (i) any provision of its charter, bylaws or limited liability company agreement, (ii) the terms of any indenture, contract, lease, mortgage, deed of trust, note agreement, loan agreement or other agreement, obligation, condition, covenant or instrument to which it is a party or bound or to which its property is subject, or (iii) any statute, law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency, governmental body, arbitrator or other authority having jurisdiction over the Company or such subsidiary or any of its properties, as applicable except in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) for any such violation or default as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(t) Deloitte & Touche LLP, who have audited certain financial statements of the Company and INR Holdings, is an independent registered public accounting firm with respect to the Company within the applicable rules and regulations adopted by the Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and as required by the Securities Act.
(u) Huselton, Morgan and Maultsby P.C., who have audited certain financial statements of the Utica Resources Ventures, LLC (Utica), is an independent accounting firm with respect to Utica within the applicable rules and regulations adopted by the Commission and PCAOB and as required by the Securities Act.
(v) KPMG LLP, who have audited certain financial statements of the oil and gas properties acquired by Infinity Natural Resources from PEO Ohio, LLC (PEO Ohio), is an independent accounting firm with respect to PEO Ohio within the applicable rules and regulations adopted by the Commission and PCAOB and as required by the Securities Act.
(w) Wright & Company, Inc. (Wright & Company), who have prepared certain reserve information of the Company and its subsidiaries, have represented to the Company that they are independent petroleum engineers with respect to the Company and its subsidiaries for the periods set forth in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
(x) The oil and gas reserve estimates of the Company included in each of the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus are derived from a report that has been prepared by Wright & Company as set forth and to the extent indicated therein, and have been prepared in accordance with the SEC guidelines in all material respects, and the Company has no reason to believe that such estimates do not fairly reflect, in all material respects, the oil and gas reserves of the Company as of the date indicated therein. Other than production of the reserves in the ordinary course of business, intervening product price fluctuations, fluctuations in demand for such products, adverse weather conditions, unavailability or increased costs of rigs, services, supplies or personnel, the timing of third party operations and other facts, in each case in the ordinary course of business, and as described in each of the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company is not aware of any facts or circumstances that would result in a Material Adverse Effect in the reserves or the present value of future net cash flows therefrom as described in each of the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
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(y) The Company and its subsidiaries, as applicable, have filed all tax returns that are required to be filed or have properly requested extensions thereof (except in any case in which the failure so to file would not have a Material Adverse Effect, or except as set forth in or contemplated in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto)) and have paid all taxes required to be paid by it and any other assessment, fine or penalty levied against it, to the extent that any of the foregoing is due and payable, except for any such assessment, fine or penalty that is currently being contested in good faith or as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto), and there is no tax deficiency that has been asserted against the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets and that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(z) (i) No labor dispute with the employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, is threatened or imminent, and (ii) the Company is not aware of any existing or imminent labor dispute by the employees of any of its or its subsidiaries principal suppliers, contractors or customers, that, in the case of clause (i) or (ii) above, would have a Material Adverse Effect, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto).
(aa) The Company and each of its subsidiaries are insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts as the Company believes are prudent and customary in the businesses in which they are engaged; all policies of insurance insuring the Company or any of its subsidiaries or their respective businesses, assets, employees, officers and directors are in full force and effect; the Company and its subsidiaries are in compliance with the terms of such policies and instruments in all material respects; and there are no material claims by the Company or any of its subsidiaries under any such policy or instrument as to which any insurance company is denying liability or defending under a reservation of rights clause; neither the Company nor any such subsidiary has been refused any insurance coverage sought or applied for; and neither the Company nor any such subsidiary has any reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business at a cost that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto).
(bb) No subsidiary of the Company is currently prohibited, directly or indirectly, from paying any dividends to the Company, from making any other distribution on such subsidiarys capital stock, from repaying to the Company any loans or advances to such subsidiary from the Company or from transferring any of such subsidiarys property or assets to the Company or any other subsidiary of the Company, except (i) as described in or contemplated by the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto) or (ii) as arising under the INR Holdings Credit Facility as described in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
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(cc) The Company and its subsidiaries possess all licenses, certificates, permits and other authorizations issued by all applicable authorities necessary to conduct their respective businesses, except for any such failure to possess as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect; and neither the Company nor any such subsidiary has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such certificate, authorization or permit which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would have a Material Adverse Effect, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto).
(dd) The Company and its subsidiaries maintain a system of internal accounting controls designed to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with managements general or specific authorizations; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain asset accountability; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with managements general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. Other than as set forth in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company and its subsidiaries are not aware of any material weakness in their internal controls over financial reporting.
(ee) The Company and its subsidiaries maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the Exchange Act)); other than as set forth in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company and its subsidiaries are not aware of any material weakness in their disclosure controls and procedures.
(ff) The Company has not taken, directly or indirectly (without giving effect to the activities of the Underwriters), any action designed to or that would constitute or that might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, under the Exchange Act or otherwise, stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities.
(gg) Except as set forth in or contemplated in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto), the Company and its subsidiaries (i) are in compliance with any and all applicable foreign, U.S. federal, state and local laws, legally-binding rules, regulations, ordinances and codes relating to the protection of human health and safety (with respect to exposure to hazardous or toxic substances), the environment or hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants (Environmental Laws), (ii) have received, and are in compliance with, all permits, licenses, approvals, certificates, determinations, waivers, exemptions or other authorizations required of them under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct their
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respective businesses, (iii) have not been named as a potentially responsible party under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, and (iv) have not received notice of any actual or potential unresolved liability under any Environmental Law, except where such non-compliance with Environmental Laws, failure to receive required permits, licenses, approvals, certificates, determinations, waivers, exemptions or other authorizations, naming as a potentially responsible party, or liability would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
(hh) The Company and its subsidiaries are not aware of any costs or liabilities arising under Environmental Laws (including, without limitation, any capital or operating expenditures required for clean-up, closure of properties or compliance with Environmental Laws, or any permit, license, approval, certificate, determination, waiver, exemption or other authorization, any related constraints on operating activities and any potential liabilities to third parties) that would, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto).
(ii) Except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect, none of the following events has occurred or exists: (i) a failure to fulfill the obligations, if any, under the minimum funding standards of Section 302 of the United States Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder with respect to a Plan, determined without regard to any waiver of such obligations or extension of any amortization period; (ii) an audit or investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of Labor, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any other federal or state governmental agency or any foreign regulatory agency with respect to the employment or compensation of employees by any of the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or (iii) any breach of any contractual obligation, or any violation of law or applicable qualification standards, with respect to the employment or compensation of employees by the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect, none of the following events has occurred or is reasonably likely to occur: (i) a material increase in the aggregate amount of contributions required to be made to all Plans in the current fiscal year of the Company and its subsidiaries compared to the amount of such contributions made in the most recently completed fiscal year of the Company and its subsidiaries; (ii) a material increase in the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligations (within the meaning of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 106) of the Company and its subsidiaries compared to the amount of such obligations in the most recently completed fiscal year of the Company and its subsidiaries; (iii) any event or condition giving rise to a liability under Title IV of ERISA; or (iv) the filing of a claim by one or more employees or former employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries related to their employment. For purposes of this paragraph, the term Plan means a plan (within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA) subject to Title IV of ERISA with respect to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries may have any liability.
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(jj) There is and has been no failure on the part of the Company and any of the Companys directors or officers, in their capacities as such, to comply with any provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated in connection thereunder (the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), including Section 402 relating to loans and Sections 302 and 906 relating to certifications, that are then in effect and with which the Company is required to comply with as of the Effective Date.
(kk) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, agent, employee, affiliate or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is aware of or has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would reasonably be expected to result in a violation or a sanction for violation by such persons of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 or the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, each as may be amended, or similar applicable anti-corruption law of any other relevant jurisdiction, or the rules or regulations thereunder; and the Company and its subsidiaries have instituted and maintain policies and procedures to ensure compliance therewith. No part of the proceeds of the offering will be used, directly or knowingly indirectly, in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 or the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, each as may be amended, or similar law of any other relevant jurisdiction, or the rules or regulations thereunder.
(ll) The operations of the Company and its subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements and the money laundering statutes and the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency (collectively, the Money Laundering Laws) and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company, threatened.
(mm) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (i) is, or is controlled or 50% or more owned in the aggregate by or is acting on behalf of, one or more individuals or entities that are currently the subject of any applicable sanctions administered or enforced by the United States (including any administered or enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the U.S. Department of State or the Bureau of Industry and Security of the U.S. Department of Commerce), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, a member state of the European Union (including sanctions administered or enforced by His Majestys Treasury of the United Kingdom) or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, Sanctions and such persons, Sanctioned Persons and each such person, a Sanctioned Person), (ii) is located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is, or whose government is, the subject of Sanctions that broadly prohibit dealings with that country or territory (at the time of this Agreement, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria and the Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine) (collectively, Sanctioned Countries and each, a Sanctioned Country) or (iii) will, directly or knowingly indirectly, use the proceeds of this offering, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other individual or entity in any manner that would result in a violation of any Sanctions by any individual or entity party to this Agreement.
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(nn) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has engaged in any dealings or transactions with or for the benefit of a Sanctioned Person, or with or in a Sanctioned Country, since April 24, 2019, in violation of Sanctions nor does the Company or any of its subsidiaries have any plans to engage in dealings or transactions with or for the benefit of a Sanctioned Person, or with or in a Sanctioned Country in violation of Sanctions.
(oo) The subsidiaries listed on Annex A attached hereto are the only significant subsidiaries of the Company as defined by Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X.
(pp) On the date of this Agreement, at the Execution Time and on the applicable Closing Date, each Registration Statement, the Prospectus, any prospectus wrapper, and any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus complied or will comply in all material respects, and such documents and any further amendments or supplements thereto will comply in all material respects, with any applicable laws or regulations of each jurisdiction in which the Prospectus, any prospectus wrapper or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, are distributed in connection with the reservation of certain shares being offered by the Prospectus through directed share program (the Directed Share Program).
(qq) The Company has not offered or sold, or caused the Underwriters to offer or sell, any Shares to any person pursuant to the Directed Share Program with the specific intent to unlawfully influence (i) a customer or supplier of the Company to alter the customers or suppliers level or type of business with the Company or (ii) a trade journalist or publication to write or publish favorable information about the Company or its products.
Any certificate signed by any officer of the Company and delivered to the Representatives or counsel for the Underwriters in connection with the offering of the Securities shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company, as to matters covered thereby, to each Underwriter.
2. Purchase and Sale.
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions and in reliance upon the representations and warranties herein set forth, the Company agrees to sell to each Underwriter, and each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company, at a purchase price of $[ ] per share, the amount of the Underwritten Securities set forth opposite such Underwriters name in Schedule I hereto.
(b) Subject to the terms and conditions and in reliance upon the representations and warranties herein set forth, the Company hereby grants an option to the several Underwriters to purchase, severally and not jointly, up to [ ] Option Securities at the same purchase price per share as the Underwriters shall pay for the Underwritten Securities, less an amount per share equal to any dividends or distributions declared by the
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Company and payable on the Underwritten Securities but not payable on the Option Securities. Said option may be exercised only to cover over-allotments in the sale of the Underwritten Securities by the Underwriters. Said option may be exercised in whole or in part at any time on or before the 30th day after the date of the Prospectus upon written notice by the Representatives to the Company setting forth the number of shares of the Option Securities as to which the several Underwriters are exercising the option and the settlement date. The number of Option Securities to be purchased by each Underwriter shall be the same percentage of the total number of shares of the Option Securities to be purchased by the several Underwriters as such Underwriter is purchasing of the Underwritten Securities, subject to such adjustments as you in your absolute discretion shall make to eliminate any fractional shares.
3. Delivery and Payment. Delivery of and payment for the Underwritten Securities and the Option Securities (if the option provided for in Section 2(b) hereof shall have been exercised on or before the first Business Day immediately preceding the Closing Date) shall be made at 10:00 AM, New York City time, on [ ], 2024, or at such time on such later date not more than one Business Day (two Business Days if the pricing occurs after 4:30 PM (New York City time) on any given day) after the foregoing date as the Representatives shall designate, which date and time may be postponed by agreement among the Representatives and the Company or as provided in Section 9 hereof (such date and time of delivery and payment for the Securities being herein called the Closing Date). As used herein, Business Day shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions or trust companies are authorized or obligated by law to close in New York City. Delivery of the Securities shall be made to the Representatives for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters against payment by the several Underwriters through the Representatives of the purchase price thereof to or upon the order of the Company by wire transfer payable in same-day funds to an account specified by the Company. Delivery of the Underwritten Securities and the Option Securities shall be made through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company unless the Representatives shall otherwise instruct.
If the option provided for in Section 2(b) hereof is exercised after the first Business Day immediately preceding the Closing Date, the Company will deliver the Option Securities (at the expense of the Company) to the Representatives, at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York, on the date specified by the Representatives (which shall be within two Business Days (three Business Days if the option is exercised after 4:30 PM (New York City time) on any given day) after exercise of said option) for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters, against payment by the several Underwriters through the Representatives of the purchase price thereof to or upon the order of the Company by wire transfer payable in same-day funds to an account specified by the Company. If settlement for the Option Securities occurs after the Closing Date, the Company will deliver to the Representatives on the settlement date for the Option Securities, and the obligation of the Underwriters to purchase the Option Securities shall be conditioned upon receipt of, supplemental opinions, certificates and letters confirming as of such date the opinions, certificates and letters delivered on the Closing Date pursuant to Section 6 hereof.
4. Offering by Underwriters. It is understood that the several Underwriters propose to offer the Securities for sale to the public as set forth in the Prospectus.
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5. Agreements. The Company agrees with the several Underwriters that:
(a) Prior to the termination of the offering of the Securities, the Company will not file any amendment to the Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus or any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement unless the Company has furnished you a copy for your review prior to filing and will not file any such proposed amendment or supplement to which you reasonably object. The Company will cause the Prospectus, properly completed, and any supplement thereto to be filed in a form approved by the Representatives with the SEC pursuant to the applicable paragraph of Rule 424(b) within the time period prescribed and will provide evidence satisfactory to the Representatives of such timely filing. The Company will promptly advise the Representatives (i) when the Prospectus, and any supplement thereto, shall have been filed (if required) with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) or when any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement shall have been filed with the SEC, (ii) when, prior to termination of the offering of the Securities, any amendment to the Registration Statement shall have been filed or become effective, (iii) of any request by the SEC or its staff for any amendment to the Registration Statement, or any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, or for any supplement to the Prospectus or for any additional information, (iv) of the issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or of any notice objecting to its use or the institution or threatening of any proceeding for that purpose and (v) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Securities for sale in any jurisdiction or the institution or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose. The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any such stop order or the occurrence of any such suspension or objection to the use of the Registration Statement and, upon such issuance, occurrence or notice of objection, to obtain as soon as possible the withdrawal of such stop order or relief from such occurrence or objection, including, if necessary, by filing an amendment to the Registration Statement or a new registration statement and using its reasonable best efforts to have such amendment or new registration statement declared effective as soon as practicable.
(b) If, at any time prior to the filing of the Prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b), any event occurs as a result of which the Disclosure Package would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein in the light of the circumstances under which they were made or the circumstances then prevailing not misleading, the Company will (i) notify promptly the Representatives so that any use of the Disclosure Package may cease until it is amended or supplemented; (ii) amend or supplement the Disclosure Package to correct such statement or omission; and (iii) supply any amendment or supplement to you in such quantities as you may reasonably request.
(c) If, at any time when a prospectus relating to the Securities is required to be delivered under the Securities Act (including in circumstances where such requirement may be satisfied pursuant to Rule 172 under the Securities Act (Rule 172)), any event occurs as a result of which the Prospectus as then supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein in the light of the circumstances under which they
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were made or the circumstances then prevailing not misleading, or if it shall be necessary to amend the Registration Statement or supplement the Prospectus to comply with the Securities Act or the rules thereunder, the Company promptly will (i) notify the Representatives of any such event; (ii) prepare and file with the SEC, subject to the second sentence of paragraph (a) of this Section 5, an amendment or supplement which will correct such statement or omission or effect such compliance; and (iii) supply any supplemented Prospectus to you in such quantities as you may reasonably request.
(d) As soon as practicable, the Company will make generally available to its security holders and to the Representatives an earnings statement or statements of the Company and its subsidiaries which will satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 under the Securities Act.
(e) Upon request, the Company will furnish to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters, without charge, signed copies of the Registration Statement (including exhibits thereto) and to each other Underwriter a copy of the Registration Statement (without exhibits thereto) and, so long as delivery of a prospectus by an Underwriter or dealer may be required by the Securities Act (including in circumstances where such requirement may be satisfied pursuant to Rule 172), as many copies of each Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and any supplement thereto as the Representatives may reasonably request. The Company will pay the expenses of printing or other production of all documents relating to the offering.
(f) The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to arrange, if necessary, for the qualification of the Securities for sale under the laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives may reasonably designate and will maintain such qualifications in effect so long as required for the distribution of the Securities; provided that in no event shall the Company be obligated to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not now so qualified or to take any action that would subject it to service of process in suits, other than those arising out of the offering or sale of the Securities, in any jurisdiction where it is not now so subject.
(g) The Company will not, without the prior written consent of the Representatives, offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, or otherwise dispose of, (or enter into any transaction which is designed to, or might reasonably be expected to, result in the disposition (whether by actual disposition or effective economic disposition due to cash settlement or otherwise) by the Company or any affiliate of the Company or any person in privity with the Company or any affiliate of the Company) directly or indirectly, including the filing (or participation in the filing) of a registration statement with the SEC in respect of, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, any other shares of Class A Common Stock or any securities convertible into, or exercisable, or exchangeable for, shares of Class A Common Stock; or publicly announce an intention to effect any such transaction, for a period of 180 days after the date of this Agreement, provided, however, that the Company may (i) effect the transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) issue and sell Common Stock, or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Class A Common Stock, pursuant to any equity incentive plan, employee stock option plan, employee
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stock purchase plan, stock ownership plan or dividend reinvestment plan or other plan or arrangement of the Company in effect at the Execution Time (collectively, the Company Plans), (iii) issue Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of securities or the exercise of warrants or options or the settlement of restricted stock units outstanding at the Execution Time or issued thereafter pursuant to a Company Plan, (iv) file one or more registration statements on Form S-8 relating to any Company Plan, and (v) issue shares of Common Stock, or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to an arrangement of the Company described in the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; provided, that prior to the issuance of such shares of Common Stock, each recipient of such shares agrees in writing to be subject to the lock-up described in this Section 5(g) and (vi) issue shares of Common Stock, or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Class A Common Stock, or enter into an agreement to issue shares of Common Stock, or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Class A Common Stock, in connection with any bona fide merger, joint venture or acquisition of equity interests or assets of any person, or the acquiring by the Company by any other manner of any business, properties, assets or persons; provided, however, that (i) the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock disposed by the Company in such merger or acquisition does not exceed 10% of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately following the consummation of the offering of the Securities and (ii) prior to the issuance of such shares of Common Stock, each recipient of such shares agrees in writing to be subject to the lock-up described in this Section 5(g).
(h) If the Representatives agree to release or waive the restrictions set forth in a lock-up letter described in Section 6(k) hereof for an officer or director of the Company and provide the Company with notice of the impending release or waiver at least three Business Days before the effective date of the release or waiver, the Company agrees to announce the impending release or waiver by a press release substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto through a major news service at least two Business Days before the effective date of the release or waiver.
(i) The Company will not take, directly or indirectly (without giving effect to the activities of the Underwriters), any action designed to or that would constitute or that might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, under the Exchange Act or otherwise, stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities.
(j) The Company agrees to pay the costs and expenses relating to the following matters: (i) the preparation, printing or reproduction and filing with the SEC of the Registration Statement (including financial statements and exhibits thereto), each Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, and each amendment or supplement to any of them; (ii) the printing (or reproduction) and delivery (including postage, air freight charges and charges for counting and packaging) of such copies of the Registration Statement, each Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, and all amendments or supplements to any of them, as may, in each case, be reasonably requested for use in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities; (iii) the preparation, printing, authentication, issuance and delivery of certificates for the Securities, including any transfer or similar taxes in connection with the original issuance and transfer of the Securities to the Underwriters; (iv) the printing (or reproduction) and delivery of this Agreement, any blue sky memorandum and all other agreements or documents printed (or reproduced) and delivered in connection with the offering of the Securities; (v) the
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registration of the Securities under the Exchange Act and the listing of the Securities on the New York Stock Exchange; (vi) any registration or qualification of the Securities for offer and sale under the securities or blue sky laws of the several states (including filing fees and the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel for the Underwriters relating to such registration and qualification); (vii) any filings required to be made with FINRA (including filing fees and the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel for the Underwriters relating to such filings); (viii) the transportation and other expenses incurred by or on behalf of Company representatives in connection with presentations to prospective purchasers of the Securities; (ix) the fees and expenses of the Companys accountants and the fees and expenses of counsel (including local and special counsel) for the Company; (x) the fees and disbursements of counsel (including non-U.S. counsel) incurred by the Underwriters in connection with the Directed Share Program and stamp duties or other similar taxes or duties, if any, incurred by the underwriters in connection with the Directed Share Program; and (xi) all other costs and expenses incident to the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder; provided, however, that the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel for the Underwriters incurred pursuant clauses (vi), (vii) and (x) of this Section 5(j) shall not exceed $50,000 in the aggregate.
(k) The Company agrees that, unless it has or shall have obtained the prior written consent of the Representatives, and each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, agrees with the Company that, unless it has or shall have obtained, as the case may be, the prior written consent of the Company, it has not made and will not make any offer relating to the Securities that would constitute an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or that would otherwise constitute a Free Writing Prospectus required to be filed by the Company with the SEC or retained by the Company under Rule 433 under the Securities Act (Rule 433); provided that the prior written consent of the parties hereto shall be deemed to have been given in respect of the Free Writing Prospectuses included in Schedule II hereto and any electronic road show. Any such free writing prospectus consented to by the Representatives or the Company is hereinafter referred to as a Permitted Free Writing Prospectus. The Company agrees that (x) it has treated and will treat, as the case may be, each Permitted Free Writing Prospectus as an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and (y) it has complied and will comply, as the case may be, with the requirements of Rule 164 under the Securities Act (Rule 164) and Rule 433 applicable to any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, including in respect of timely filing with the SEC, legending and record keeping.
(l) The Company will promptly notify the Representatives if the Company ceases to be an Emerging Growth Company at any time prior to the later of (a) completion of the distribution of the Securities within the meaning of the Securities Act and (b) completion of the 180-day restricted period referred to in Section 5(g) hereof.
(m) If at any time following the distribution of any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, any event occurs as a result of which such Written Testing-the-Waters Communication would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein in the light of the circumstances under which they were made or the circumstances then prevailing not misleading, the Company will (i) notify promptly the Representatives so that use of the Written Testing-the-Waters Communication may cease until it is amended or supplemented; (ii) amend or supplement the Written Testing-the-Waters Communication to correct such statement or omission; and (iii) supply any amendment or supplement to the Representatives in such quantities as may be reasonably requested.
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(n) In connection with the Directed Share Program, the Company will ensure that the Directed Shares will be restricted to the extent required by FINRA or the FINRA rules from sale, transfer, assignment, pledge or hypothecation for a period of three months following the date of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement. Raymond James will notify the Company as to which Participants will need to be so restricted. The Company will direct the transfer agent to place stop transfer restrictions upon such securities for such period of time.
6. Conditions to the Obligations of the Underwriters. The obligations of the Underwriters to purchase the Underwritten Securities and the Option Securities, as the case may be, shall be subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties on the part of the Company contained herein as of the Execution Time, the Closing Date and any settlement date pursuant to Section 3 hereof, to the accuracy of the statements of the Company made in any certificates pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder and to the following additional conditions:
(a) The Prospectus, and any supplement thereto, have been filed in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 424(b); any [other] material required to be filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 433(d) shall have been filed with the SEC within the applicable time periods prescribed for such filings by Rule 433; and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any notice objecting to its use shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been instituted or threatened.
(b) The Company shall have requested and caused Kirkland & Ellis LLP, counsel for the Company, to have furnished to the Representatives on the Closing Date any settlement date its opinion, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof and addressed to the Representatives in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives.
(c) The Representatives shall have received from Latham & Watkins LLP, counsel for the Underwriters, on the Closing Date and any settlement date such opinion or opinions, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof and addressed to the Representatives, with respect to the issuance and sale of the Securities, the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package, the Prospectus (together with any supplement thereto) and other related matters as the Representatives may reasonably require, and the Company shall have furnished to such counsel such documents as they request for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon such matters.
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(d) The Company shall have furnished to the Representatives on the Closing Date and any settlement date a certificate of the Company, signed by the President and the principal financial or accounting officer of the Company, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof, to the effect that the signers of such certificate have carefully examined the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package, the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, as well as each electronic road show used in connection with the offering of the Securities, and this Agreement and that:
(i) the representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement are true and correct on and as of the date thereof with the same effect as if made on the date thereof and the Company has complied with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to such date;
(ii) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any notice objecting to its use has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or, to the Companys knowledge, threatened; and
(iii) since the date of the most recent financial statements included in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto), there has been no material adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise), prospects, earnings, business or properties of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto).
(e) (i) at the Execution Time, at the Closing Date and at any settlement date, Deloitte & Touche LLP shall have furnished to the Representatives, at the request of the Company, letters, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof and addressed to the Underwriters, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives, containing statements and information of the type customarily included in accountants comfort letters to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained in each of the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; provided, that the letter delivered on the Closing Date or any settlement date, shall use a cut-off date no more than two Business Days prior to such date;
(ii) at the Execution Time, at the Closing Date and at any settlement date, Huselton, Morgan and Maultsby P.C. shall have furnished to the Representatives, at the request of Utica, letters, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof and addressed to the Underwriters, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives, containing statements and information of the type customarily included in accountants comfort letters to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained in each of the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; provided, that the letter delivered on the Closing Date or any settlement date, shall use a cut-off date no more than two Business Days prior to such date; and
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(iii) at the Execution Time, at the Closing Date and at any settlement date, KPMG LLP shall have furnished to the Representatives, at the request of PEO Ohio, letters, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof and addressed to the Underwriters, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives, containing statements and information of the type customarily included in accountants comfort letters to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained in each of the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; provided, that the letter delivered on the Closing Date or any settlement date, shall use a cut-off date no more than two Business Days prior to such date.
References to the Prospectus in this paragraph (e) include any supplement thereto at the date of the letter.
(f) The Company shall have requested and caused Wright & Company, Inc. to have furnished to the Representatives, at the Execution Time, at the Closing Date and at any settlement date, letters, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives, (i) confirming, as of such date, its estimates contained in the reserve reports, as of its date, with respect to: (A) the estimated quantities of the Companys proved net reserves, (B) the future net revenues from those reserves, (C) their present value as set forth in the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus and (D) such related matters as the Representatives shall reasonably request and (ii) confirming that it is an independent petroleum engineering firm.
(g) Subsequent to the Execution Time or, if earlier, the dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement (exclusive of any amendment thereof) and the Prospectus (exclusive of supplement thereto), there shall not have been (i) any change or decrease specified in the letter or letters referred to in paragraph (e) of this Section 6 or (ii) any change, or any development involving a prospective change, in or affecting the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business or properties of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto) the effect of which, in any case referred to in clause (i) or (ii) above, is, in the sole judgment of the Representatives, so material and adverse as to make it impractical or inadvisable to proceed with the offering or delivery of the Securities as contemplated by the Registration Statement (exclusive of any amendment thereof), the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto).
(h) Prior to the Closing Date and any settlement date, the Company shall have furnished to the Representatives such further information, certificates and documents as the Representatives may reasonably request.
(i) The Securities shall have been listed and admitted and authorized for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, and satisfactory evidence of such actions shall have been provided to the Representatives.
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(j) At the Execution Time, the Company shall have furnished to the Representatives a letter substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto from each executive officer, director, stockholder and other equity holder of the Company specified in Schedule IV to this Agreement.
If any of the conditions specified in this Section 6 shall not have been fulfilled when and as provided in this Agreement, or if any of the opinions and certificates mentioned above or elsewhere in this Agreement shall not be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters, this Agreement and all obligations of the Underwriters hereunder may be canceled at, or at any time prior to, the Closing Date or any settlement date by the Representatives. Notice of such cancellation shall be given to the Company in writing or by telephone or facsimile confirmed in writing.
The documents required to be delivered by this Section 6 shall be delivered at the office of Latham & Watkins LLP, counsel for the Underwriters, at 300 Colorado Street, Suite 2400, Austin, Texas 78701, on the Closing Date or any settlement date, as applicable.
7. Reimbursement of Underwriters Expenses. If the sale of the Securities provided for herein is not consummated because any condition to the obligations of the Underwriters set forth in Section 6 hereof is not satisfied, because of any termination pursuant to Section 10 hereof or because of any refusal, inability or failure on the part of the Company to perform any agreement herein or comply with any provision hereof other than by reason of a default by any of the Underwriters, the Company will reimburse the Underwriters severally through Citigroup Global Markets Inc. on demand for all documented out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) that shall have been incurred by them in connection with the proposed purchase and sale of the Securities.
8. Indemnification and Contribution.
(a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, the directors, officers, employees, affiliates and agents of each Underwriter and each person who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which they or any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other Federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement for the registration of the Securities as originally filed or in any amendment thereof, or in any Preliminary Prospectus, or the Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, or any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication or in any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and agrees to reimburse each such indemnified party, as incurred, for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided, however, that the Company will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim,
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damage or liability arises out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made therein in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of any Underwriter through the Representatives specifically for inclusion therein. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise have.
In connection with the offer and sale of the Directed Shares, the Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Raymond James and its affiliates, directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls Raymond James within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act (the Designated Entities), from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liability (including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending or investigating any such action or claim) (i) arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any material prepared by or with the consent of the Company for distribution to Participants in connection with the Directed Share Program or arising out of or based upon any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; (ii) arising out of or based upon the failure of any Participant in the Directed Share Program to pay for and accept delivery of Directed Shares that the Participant in the Directed Share Program agreed to purchase; or (iii) arising out of, related to, or in connection with the Directed Share Program, other than damages (or expenses relating thereto) that are finally judicially determined to have resulted from the bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence of the Designated Entities.
(b) Each Underwriter severally and not jointly agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who signs the Registration Statement, and each person who controls the Company within the meaning of either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Company to each Underwriter, but only with reference to written information relating to such Underwriter furnished to the Company by or on behalf of such Underwriter through the Representatives specifically for inclusion in the documents referred to in the foregoing indemnity. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which any Underwriter may otherwise have. The Company acknowledges that the statements set forth (i) in the last paragraph of the cover page regarding delivery of the Securities and, under the heading Underwriting, (ii) the list of Underwriters and their respective participation in the sale of the Securities, (iii) the sentences related to discounts and (iv) the paragraph related to short sales, covering transactions and stabilization in the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus constitute the only information furnished in writing by or on behalf of the several Underwriters for inclusion in the Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus.
(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 8 of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under this Section 8, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof; but the failure so to
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notify the indemnifying party (i) will not relieve it from liability under paragraph (a) or (b) above unless and to the extent it did not otherwise learn of such action and such failure results in the forfeiture by the indemnifying party of substantial rights and defenses and (ii) will not, in any event, relieve the indemnifying party from any obligations to any indemnified party other than the indemnification obligation provided in paragraph (a) or (b) above. The indemnifying party shall be entitled to appoint counsel of the indemnifying partys choice at the indemnifying partys expense to represent the indemnified party in any action for which indemnification is sought (in which case the indemnifying party shall not thereafter be responsible for the fees and expenses of any separate counsel retained by the indemnified party or parties except as set forth below); provided, however, that such counsel shall be satisfactory to the indemnified party. Notwithstanding the indemnifying partys election to appoint counsel to represent the indemnified party in an action, the indemnified party shall have the right to employ separate counsel (including local counsel), and the indemnifying party shall bear the reasonable fees, costs and expenses of such separate counsel if (i) the use of counsel chosen by the indemnifying party to represent the indemnified party would present such counsel with a conflict of interest, (ii) the actual or potential defendants in, or targets of, any such action include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified parties which are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party, (iii) the indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party within a reasonable time after notice of the institution of such action or (iv) the indemnifying party shall authorize the indemnified party to employ separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party. An indemnifying party will not, without the prior written consent of the indemnified parties, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any pending or threatened claim, action, suit or proceeding in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual or potential parties to such claim or action) unless such settlement, compromise or consent (i) includes an unconditional release of each indemnified party from all liability arising out of such claim, action, suit or proceeding and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act, by or on behalf of any indemnified party.
(d) In the event that the indemnity provided in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 8 is unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party for any reason, the Company and the Underwriters severally agree to contribute to the aggregate losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with investigating or defending the same) (collectively, Losses) to which the Company and one or more of the Underwriters may be subject in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and by the Underwriters on the other from the offering of the Securities. If the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is unavailable for any reason, the Company and the Underwriters severally shall contribute in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and of the Underwriters on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such Losses as well as any other relevant
24
equitable considerations. Benefits received by the Company shall be deemed to be equal to the total net proceeds from the offering (before deducting expenses) received by it, and benefits received by the Underwriters shall be deemed to be equal to the total underwriting discounts and commissions, in each case as set forth on the cover page of the Prospectus. The relative benefits received by Raymond James & Associates, Inc. (the Independent Underwriter) in its capacity as qualified independent underwriter shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the offering (before deducting expenses) received by the Company bear to the underwriting discount and commissions received by the Independent Underwriter in connection with the offering. Relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any untrue or any alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information provided by the Company on the one hand or the Underwriters on the other, the intent of the parties and their relative knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue statement or omission. The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution were determined by pro rata allocation or any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph (d), in no event shall an Underwriter be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by such Underwriter with respect to the offering of the Securities exceeds the amount of any damages that such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission, nor shall the Independent Underwriter in its capacity as qualified independent underwriter (within the meaning of FINRA Rule 5121) be responsible for any amount in excess of the compensation received by the Independent Underwriter for acting in such capacity. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph (d), no person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. For purposes of this Section 8, each person who controls an Underwriter within the meaning of either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act and each director, officer, employee, affiliate and agent of an Underwriter shall have the same rights to contribution as such Underwriter, and each person who controls the Company within the meaning of either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, each officer of the Company who shall have signed the Registration Statement and each director of the Company shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company, subject in each case to the applicable terms and conditions of this paragraph (d).
(e) Without limitation of and in addition to its obligations under the paragraphs of this Section 8, the Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Independent Underwriter, its partners, members, directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates and each person, if any, who controls the Independent Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act (each, a QIU Indemnified Party), against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which they or any of them may become subject, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, other Federal or state statutory law or regulation or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are
25
based upon the Independent Underwriters acting as a qualified independent underwriter (within the meaning of FINRA Rule 5121) in connection with the offering contemplated by this Agreement, and will reimburse each QIU Indemnified Party for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such QIU Indemnified Party in connection with investigating or defending against any loss, claim, damage, liability, action, litigation, investigation or proceeding whatsoever (whether or not such QIU Indemnified Party is a party thereto), whether threatened or commenced, and in connection with the enforcement of this provision with respect to any of the above as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that the Company will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability is finally judicially determined to have resulted primarily from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Independent Underwriter.
9. Default by an Underwriter. If any one or more Underwriters shall fail to purchase and pay for any of the Securities agreed to be purchased by such Underwriter or Underwriters hereunder and such failure to purchase shall constitute a default in the performance of its or their obligations under this Agreement, the remaining Underwriters shall be obligated severally to take up and pay for (in the respective proportions which the amount of Securities set forth opposite their names in Schedule I hereto bears to the aggregate amount of Securities set forth opposite the names of all the remaining Underwriters) the Securities which the defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed to purchase; provided, however, that in the event that the aggregate amount of Securities which the defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed to purchase shall exceed 10% of the aggregate amount of Securities set forth in Schedule I hereto, the remaining Underwriters shall have the right to purchase all, but shall not be under any obligation to purchase any, of the Securities, and if such non-defaulting Underwriters do not purchase all the Securities, this Agreement will terminate without liability to any non-defaulting Underwriter or the Company. In the event of a default by any Underwriter as set forth in this Section 9, the Closing Date or any settlement date shall be postponed for such period, not exceeding five Business Days, as the Representatives shall determine in order that the required changes in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements may be effected. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall relieve any defaulting Underwriter of its liability, if any, to the Company and any non-defaulting Underwriter for damages occasioned by its default hereunder.
10. Termination. This Agreement shall be subject to termination in the absolute discretion of the Representatives, by notice given to the Company prior to delivery of and payment for the Securities, if at any time prior to such delivery and payment (i) trading in the Class A Common Stock shall have been suspended by the SEC or the New York Stock Exchange or trading in securities generally on the New York Stock Exchange shall have been suspended or limited or minimum prices shall have been established on such exchange, (ii) a banking moratorium shall have been declared either by Federal or New York State authorities, (iii) there shall have occurred a material disruption in commercial banking or securities settlement or clearance services or (iv) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities, declaration by the United States of a national emergency or war, or other calamity or crisis the effect of which on financial markets is such as to make it, in the sole judgment of the Representatives, impractical or inadvisable to proceed with the offering or delivery of the Securities as contemplated by the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto).
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11. Representations and Indemnities to Survive. The respective agreements, representations, warranties, indemnities and other statements of the Company or its officers and of the Underwriters set forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement will remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or the Company or any of the officers, directors, employees, agents, affiliates or controlling persons referred to in Section 8 hereof, and will survive delivery of and payment for the Securities. The provisions of Sections 7 and 8 hereof shall survive the termination or cancellation of this Agreement.
12. Notices. All communications hereunder will be in writing and effective only on receipt, and, if sent to the Representatives, will be mailed, delivered or telefaxed to Citigroup Global Markets Inc. at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013, Attention: General Counsel, facsimile number: +1 (646) 291-1469; Raymond James & Associates, Inc. at 880 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716, Attention: General Counsel, GEIB, email: GEIBLegal@raymondjames.com; RBC Capital Markets, LLC, at Three World Financial Center, 200 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281 or, if sent to Infinity Natural Resources, Inc., will be mailed or delivered to 2605 Cranberry Square, Morgantown, West Virginia 26508, Attention: Zack Arnold, President and Chief Executive Officer.
13. Successors. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and the officers, directors, employees, agents and controlling persons referred to in Section 8 hereof, and no other person will have any right or obligation hereunder.
14. Jurisdiction. The Company agrees that any suit, action or proceeding against the Company brought by any Underwriter, the directors, officers, employees, affiliates and agents of any Underwriter, or by any person who controls any Underwriter, arising out of or based upon this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may be instituted in any State or U.S. federal court in The City of New York and County of New York, and waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such proceeding, and irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any suit, action or proceeding.
15. Recognition of the U.S. Special Resolution Regimes.
(a) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer from such Underwriter of this Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under this Agreement, will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement, and any such interest and obligation, were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.
27
(b) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity or a BHC Act Affiliate of such Underwriter becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under this Agreement that may be exercised against such Underwriter are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.
As used in this Section 15, BHC Act Affiliate has the meaning assigned to the term affiliate in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. § 1841(k); Covered Entity means any of the following: (i) a covered entity as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b), (ii) a covered bank as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b) or (iii) a covered FSI as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b); Default Right has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable; and U.S. Special Resolution Regime means each of (i) the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
16. Regulation BI and Form CRS Provision. The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that the Underwriters have not provided any recommendation or investment advice nor have the Underwriters solicited any action from the undersigned with respect to the public offering of the Shares, and the undersigned has consulted their own legal, accounting, financial, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent deemed appropriate. The undersigned further acknowledges and agrees that, although the Representatives may be required or choose to provide certain Regulation Best Interest and Form CRS disclosures to you in connection with the Offering, the Representatives and the other Underwriters are not making a recommendation to you to enter into this letter agreement, and nothing set forth in such disclosures is intended to suggest that the Representatives or any Underwriter is making such a recommendation.
17. No Fiduciary Duty. The Company hereby acknowledges that (a) the purchase and sale of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement is an arms-length commercial transaction between the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters and any affiliate through which it may be acting, on the other, (b) the Underwriters are acting as principal and not as an agent or fiduciary of the Company and (c) the Companys engagement of the Underwriters in connection with the Offering and the process leading up to the Offering is as independent contractors and not in any other capacity. Furthermore, the Company agrees that it is solely responsible for making its own judgments in connection with the Offering (irrespective of whether any of the Underwriters has advised or is currently advising the Company on related or other matters). Additionally, no Underwriter is advising the Company or any other person as to any legal, tax, investment, accounting or regulatory matters in any jurisdiction. The Company agrees that it will not claim that the Underwriters have rendered advisory services of any nature or respect, or owe an agency, fiduciary or similar duty to the Company, in connection with such transaction or the process leading thereto.
18. Integration. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (whether written or oral) between the Company and the Underwriters, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof.
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19. APPLICABLE LAW. THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
20. Waiver of Jury Trial. The Company hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
21. Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. The words execution, signed, signature, delivery, and words of like import in or relating to this Agreement or any document to be signed in connection with this Agreement shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, deliveries or the keeping of records in electronic form in compliance with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000 or any comparable state statutes, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, and the parties hereto consent to conduct the transactions contemplated hereunder by electronic means.
22. Headings. The section headings used herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
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If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, please sign and return to us the enclosed duplicate hereof, whereupon this letter and your acceptance shall represent a binding agreement among the Company and the several Underwriters.
Very truly yours, | ||
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]
The foregoing Agreement is hereby
confirmed and accepted as of the date
first above written.
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
RBC Capital Markets, LLC
For themselves and the other several
Underwriters named in Schedule I to
the foregoing Agreement.
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
Raymond James & Associates, Inc. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
RBC Capital Markets, LLC | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]
SCHEDULE II
Schedule of Free Writing Prospectuses and Other Information included in the Disclosure Package
[list all Free Writing Prospectuses included in the Disclosure Package]
Other information included in the Disclosure Package: Price per share to the public: $[ ].
II-1
SCHEDULE III
Schedule of Written Testing-the-Waters Communication
Testing-the-Waters Presentation, dated August 4, 2024
Testing-the-Waters Presentation, dated September 17, 2024
III-1
SCHEDULE IV
Lock-Up Parties
Directors
Zack Arnold
David Sproule
Steven D. Gray
William J. Quinn
Steven Cobb
Katherine Gallagher
Sarah P. James
Scott A. Gieselman
David P. Poole
Brian Seline
Officers
Zack Arnold
David Sproule
Raleigh Wolfe
Gregory P. Pipkin
Ryan Warner
Ian Costello
Britney Crookshanks
Significant Stockholders
Pearl Energy Investments, L.P.
PEI INR Holdings, L.P.
Pearl Energy Investments III, L.P.
PEI INR Co-Invest-B Corp.
PEI Infinity-S, LP
NGP XI US Holdings, L.P.
IV-1
ANNEX A
Subsidiaries of Infinity Natural Resources, Inc.
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC
Wolf Run Operating LLC
Block Island Minerals LLC
INR Ohio, LLC
INR Operating, LLC
INR Midstream, LLC
Cheat Mountain Resources, LLC
A-1
Form of Lock-Up Agreement | EXHIBIT A |
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc.
Public Offering of Class A Common Stock
[ ], 2024
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
RBC Capital Markets, LLC
As Representatives of the several Underwriters,
c/o Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
388 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10013
c/o Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
320 Park Avenue, 12th Floor
New York, New York 10022
c/o RBC Capital Markets, LLC
Brookfield Place
200 Vesey Street, 8th Floor
New York, New York 10281
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This letter is being delivered to you in connection with the proposed underwriting agreement (the Underwriting Agreement), between Infinity Natural Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), and you as representatives of a group of Underwriters named therein, relating to an underwritten public offering of Class A common stock, $0.01 par value (the Class A Common Stock), of the Company (the Offering).
In order to induce you and the other Underwriters to enter into the Underwriting Agreement, the undersigned will not, without the prior written consent of Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and RBC Capital Markets, LLC (the Representatives), offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of, (or enter into any transaction which is designed to, or might reasonably be expected to, result in the disposition (whether by actual disposition or effective economic disposition due to cash settlement or otherwise) by the undersigned or any affiliate of the undersigned or any person in privity with the undersigned or any affiliate of the undersigned), directly or indirectly, including the filing (or participation in the filing) of a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect of, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
A-1
Commission promulgated thereunder with respect to, any shares of capital stock of the Company or any securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for such capital stock, or publicly announce an intention to effect any such transaction, for a period from the date hereof until 180 days after the date of the Underwriting Agreement (the Lock-Up Period), other than (a) shares of Class A Common Stock disposed of as bona fide gifts, (b) to any trust or other entity for the direct or indirect benefit of the undersigned or the immediate family of the undersigned; (c) if the undersigned is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other business entity and (i) transfers to another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other business entity that is a direct or indirect affiliate (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) of the undersigned or (ii) distributes shares of Common Stock or Class B common stock of the Company, $0.01 par value (Class B Common Stock, and together with Class A Common Stock, the Common Stock) or any security convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of Common Stock to limited partners, limited liability company members or stockholders of the undersigned, or to any investment fund or other entity that controls or manages the undersigned; (d) via transfer by testate succession or intestate succession; (e) if the undersigned is not an officer or director of the Company, in connection with the grant and maintenance of a bona fide lien, security interest, pledge, hypothecation or other similar encumbrance of shares of Common Stock by the undersigned to a recognized financial institution in connection with a loan to the undersigned as collateral or security for any loan, advance, extension of credit or similar financing activity (provided that any transferee that acquires Common Stock from such institution agrees to be bound in writing by the terms of this Lock-Up Agreement prior to such transfer until after the Lock-Up Period expires); (f) in connection with the exercise of options or warrants or the vesting, exercise or settlement of any other equity-based award, in each case, granted pursuant to the Companys long-term incentive plans or otherwise outstanding on the date hereof and disclosed in the Prospectus, including any shares of Common Stock withheld by the Company or any of their subsidiaries to pay any applicable exercise price or tax withholding associated with such awards; provided that, (i) the restrictions contained in this Lock-Up Agreement shall apply to the shares of Common Stock issued upon such exercise, conversion, vesting or settlement and (ii) for any options or other awards that expire, vest or become settled during the Lock-Up Period while the Company is unable to transfer shares of Common Stock for the purposes of satisfying any tax or other governmental withholding obligation, the restrictions contained in this Lock-Up Agreement shall not apply to shares of Common Stock sold for that purpose; (g) if the undersigned is an employee of the Company and transfers to the Company upon death, disability or termination of employment of such employee; (h) pursuant to an order of a court or regulatory agency; (i) issuances of shares of Common Stock pursuant to the conversion, exchange or redemption of convertible, exchangeable or redeemable securities or the exercise of warrants or options; (j) the confidential submission of a registration statement on Form S-1 with respect to shares of Common Stock owned by certain shareholders, officers or directors of the Company; and (k) establishment of trading plans pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act for the transfer of shares of Common Stock; provided that such plans do not provide for the transfer of shares of Common Stock during the Lock-Up Period; provided that, (A) in the case of any transfer, issuance or distribution pursuant to clauses (a) through (i) above, the donee, transferee, devisee, recipient or distributee agrees to be bound in writing by the terms of this Lock-Up Agreement prior to such transfer or issuance, (B) in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to clauses (a), (b) and (d), such transfer shall not involve a disposition for value and (C)
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in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to clauses (a) through (e) above, that no filing by the undersigned or any other person under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act or other public announcement shall be made voluntarily in connection with such transfer or distribution during the Lock-Up Period. To the extent any interest in the Companys securities is retained by the undersigned (or such spouse or family member), such securities shall remain subject to the restrictions contained in this Lock-Up Agreement. For purposes of the foregoing, immediate family means such persons spouse, parents, children, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandchildren and any such person who is so related by marriage such that this includes step- and -in-law relations as well as such persons so related by adoption. If the undersigned is an officer or director of the Company, the undersigned further agrees that the foregoing restrictions shall be equally applicable to any issuer-directed shares of Class A Common Stock the undersigned may purchase in the Offering.
If the undersigned is an officer or director of the Company, (i) the Representatives agree that, at least three business days before the effective date of any release or waiver of the foregoing restrictions in connection with a transfer of shares of Class A Common Stock, the Representatives will notify the Company of the impending release or waiver, and (ii) the Company has agreed in the Underwriting Agreement to announce the impending release or waiver by press release through a major news service at least two business days before the effective date of the release or waiver. Any release or waiver granted by the Representatives hereunder to any such officer or director shall only be effective two business days after the publication date of such press release. The provisions of this paragraph will not apply if (a) the release or waiver is effected solely to permit a transfer not for consideration and (b) the transferee has agreed in writing to be bound by the same terms described in this letter to the extent and for the duration that such terms remain in effect at the time of the transfer.
If for any reason the Underwriting Agreement shall be terminated prior to the Closing Date (as defined in the Underwriting Agreement), the agreement set forth above shall likewise be terminated.
Yours very truly, | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
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Form of Press Release | EXHIBIT B |
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc.
[insert date]
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. (the Company) announced today that Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, the book-running managers in the Companys recent public sale of [ ] shares of Class A common stock, is [waiving] [releasing] a lock-up restriction with respect to [ ] shares of the Companys Class A common stock held by [certain officers or directors] [an officer or director] of the Company. The [waiver] [release] will take effect on [insert date], 20__, and the shares may be sold on or after such date.
This press release is not an offer for sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction where such offer is prohibited, and such securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
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Form of Waiver of Lock-up | ADDENDUM |
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
388 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10013
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
320 Park Avenue, 12th Floor
New York, New York 10022
RBC Capital Markets, LLC
Brookfield Place
200 Vesey Street, 8th Floor
New York, New York 10281
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc.
Public Offering of Common Stock
[insert date], 20__
[name and address of officer or director requesting waiver]
Dear Mr./Ms. [insert name]:
This letter is being delivered to you in connection with the offering by Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. (the Company) of [ ] shares of Class A common stock, $0.01 par value (the Class A Common Stock), of the Company and the lock-up letter dated [insert date], 20__ (the Lock-up Letter), executed by you in connection with such offering, and your request for a [waiver] [release] dated [insert date], 20__, with respect to [ ] shares of Class A Common Stock (the Shares).
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. hereby agrees to [waive] [release] the transfer restrictions set forth in the Lock-up Letter, but only with respect to the Shares, effective [insert date], 20__; provided, however, that such [waiver] [release] is conditioned on the Company announcing the impending [waiver] [release] by press release through a major news service at least two business days before effectiveness of such [waiver] [release]. This letter will serve as notice to the Company of the impending [waiver] [release].
Except as expressly [waived] [released] hereby, the Lock-up Letter shall remain in full force and effect.
Yours very truly, | ||
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
cc: Infinity Natural Resources, Inc.
Raymond James & Associates, Inc. | ||||
By: | ||||
Name: | ||||
Title: |
RBC Capital Markets, LLC | ||||
By: | ||||
Name: | ||||
Title: |
Exhibit 3.1
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
ARTICLE ONE
The name of the corporation is Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. (hereinafter called the Corporation).
ARTICLE TWO
The address of the Corporations registered office in the State of Delaware is 251 Little Falls Drive, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, 19808. The name of its registered agent at such address is Corporation Service Company.
ARTICLE THREE
The nature of the business or purposes to be conducted or promoted is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
ARTICLE FOUR
The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation has authority to issue is 1,000 shares of Common Stock, with a par value of $0.001 per share.
ARTICLE FIVE
The name and mailing address of the sole incorporator are as follows:
NAME |
MAILING ADDRESS | |
Michelle Hendrickson c/o Kirkland & Ellis LLP |
609 Main St. Houston, Texas 77002 |
ARTICLE SIX
The Corporation is to have perpetual existence.
ARTICLE SEVEN
In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the board of directors of the Corporation is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal the by-laws of the Corporation.
ARTICLE EIGHT
Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State of Delaware, as the by-laws of the Corporation may provide. The books of the Corporation may be kept outside the State of Delaware at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the board of directors or in the by-laws of the Corporation. Election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the by-laws of the Corporation so provide.
ARTICLE NINE
To the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, a director of this Corporation shall not be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary duty as a director. Any repeal or modification of this ARTICLE NINE shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification.
ARTICLE TEN
The Corporation expressly elects not to be governed by Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
ARTICLE ELEVEN
The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this certificate of incorporation in the manner now or hereafter prescribed herein and by the laws of the State of Delaware, and all rights conferred upon stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation.
ARTICLE TWELVE
To the maximum extent permitted from time to time under the law of the State of Delaware, the Corporation renounces any interest or expectancy of the Corporation in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, business opportunities that are from time to time presented to its officers, directors or stockholders, other than those officers, directors or stockholders who are employees of the Corporation. No amendment or repeal of this ARTICLE TWELVE shall apply to or have any effect on the liability or alleged liability of any officer, director or stockholder of the Corporation for or with respect to any opportunities of which such officer, director, or stockholder becomes aware prior to such amendment or repeal.
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I, THE UNDERSIGNED, being the sole incorporator hereinbefore named, for the purpose of forming a corporation pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, do make this certificate, hereby declaring and certifying that this is my act and deed and the facts stated herein are true, and accordingly have hereunto set my hand on the 15th day of May, 2024.
/s/ Michelle Hendrickson |
Michelle Hendrickson, Sole Incorporator |
Certificate of Incorporation of Infinity Natural Resources, Inc.
Exhibit 3.2
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
BY-LAWS
(Adopted as of May 15, 2024)
ARTICLE I
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
Section 1. Place of Meeting. Meetings of the stockholders of Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. (the Corporation) shall be held at such place, either within or without the State of Delaware, and at such time as the Board of Directors (as defined below) may determine.
Section 2. Annual and Special Meetings. Annual meetings of stockholders shall be held, at a date, time and place fixed by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of meeting, to elect a Board of Directors and to transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting. Special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be called only by the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation or by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution approved by the Board of Directors.
Section 3. Notice. Except as otherwise provided by applicable law, at least 10 and not more than 60 days before each meeting of the stockholders, written notice of the time, date and place of the meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be given to each stockholder.
Section 4. Quorum. At any meeting of stockholders, the holders of record, present in person or by proxy, of a majority of the Corporations issued and outstanding capital stock shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, except as otherwise provided by applicable law. In the absence of a quorum, any officer entitled to preside at or to act as secretary of the meeting shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum is present.
Section 5. Voting. Except as otherwise provided by applicable law, all matters submitted to a meeting of stockholders shall be decided by vote of the holders of record, present in person or by proxy, of a majority of the Corporations issued and outstanding capital stock.
Section 6. Action by Written Consent. Unless otherwise provided in the Corporations certificate of incorporation, any action required to be taken at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, or any action which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of such stockholders, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken and bearing the dates of signatures of the stockholders who signed the consent, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding shares of stock having not less than a majority of the shares entitled to vote, or, if greater, not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and shall be delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, or the Corporations principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book(s) in which proceedings of meetings of the stockholders are recorded.
ARTICLE II
DIRECTORS
Section 1. Number, Election and Removal of Directors. The Board of Directors of the Corporation shall consist of such number of directors (Directors) as shall from time to time be fixed exclusively by resolution of the Board of Directors. Except as provided in the following sentence, the Directors shall be elected by stockholders at their annual meeting. Vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of Directors may be filled by a majority of the Directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by the sole remaining Director or by the stockholders. A Director may be removed with or without cause by the stockholders.
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Section 2. Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such times and places as may from time to time be fixed by the Board of Directors or as may be specified in a notice of meeting. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at any time upon the call of the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation.
Section 3. Notice. Notice need not be given of regular meetings of the Board of Directors. At least one business day before each special meeting of the Board of Directors, written or oral (either in person or by telephone), notice of the time, date and place of the meeting and the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be given to each Director; provided, that notice of any meeting need not be given to any Director who shall be present at such meeting (in person or by telephone) or who shall waive notice thereof in writing either before or after such meeting.
Section 4. Quorum. A majority of the total number of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If a quorum is not present at any meeting of the Board of Directors, the Directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until such a quorum is present. Except as otherwise provided by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, these By-Laws or any contract or agreement to which the Corporation is a party, the act of a majority of the Directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors.
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Section 5. Committees. The Board of Directors may, by resolution adopted by a majority of the whole Board, designate one or more committees, including, without limitation, an Executive Committee, to have and exercise such power and authority as the Board of Directors shall specify. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting of such committee and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or she or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another Director to act as the absent or disqualified member.
Section 6. Action by Written Consent. Unless otherwise restricted by the Corporations certificate of incorporation, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, and the writing(s) are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee.
ARTICLE III
OFFICERS
The officers of the Corporation shall consist of a Chief Executive Officer, a Chief Financial Officer, a President, Executive Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents and a Secretary, and such other additional officers with such titles as the Board of Directors shall determine, all of which shall be chosen by and shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Such officers shall have the usual powers and shall perform all the usual duties incident to their respective offices. All officers shall be subject to the supervision and direction of the Board of Directors. The authority, duties or responsibilities of any officer of the Corporation may be suspended by the Chief Executive Officer with or without cause. Any officer elected or appointed by the Board of Directors may be removed by the Board of Directors, at any time, with or without cause.
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ARTICLE IV
INDEMNIFICATION
To the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, the corporation shall indemnify any current or former Director or officer of the Corporation and may, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, indemnify any current or former employee or agent of the Corporation against all expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding brought by or in the right of the Corporation or otherwise, to which he or she was or is a party by reason of his or her current or former position with the Corporation or by reason of the fact that he or she is or was serving, at the request of the Corporation, as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.
ARTICLE V
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Corporate Books. The books of the corporation may be kept at such place within or outside the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.
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Exhibit 3.3
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
The name of the corporation is Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. (the Corporation). The Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation (the Original Certificate of Incorporation) was originally filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on May 15, 2024. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation (the Certificate of Incorporation), which amends, restates and integrates the provisions of the Original Certificate of Incorporation, was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the DGCL) and by the written consent of the stockholders in accordance with Section 228 of the DGCL. The Original Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE I
Section 1.1 Name. The name of the Corporation is Infinity Natural Resources, Inc.
ARTICLE II
Section 2.1 Address. The registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is 251 Little Falls Drive, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, 19808. The name of its registered agent at such address is Corporation Service Company.
ARTICLE III
Section 3.1 Purpose. The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may now or hereafter be organized under the DGCL.
ARTICLE IV
Section 4.1 Capitalization. The total number of shares of all classes of stock that the Corporation is authorized to issue is shares, consisting of three classes of stock as follows: (A) shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (Preferred Stock), (B) shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (Class A Common Stock), and (C) shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (Class B Common Stock and, together with the Class A Common Stock, the Common Stock). The number of authorized shares of any of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock or Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) without a separate class vote of the holders of any of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock or Preferred Stock, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL, unless a vote of any such holder is required pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock).
Section 4.2 Preferred Stock.
(A) The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the Board) is hereby expressly authorized, by resolution or resolutions, at any time and from time to time, to provide, out of the undesignated shares of Preferred Stock, for one or more series of Preferred Stock and, with respect to each such series, to fix the number of shares constituting such series and the designation of such series, the voting powers (if any) of the shares of such series, and the powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, if any, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of the shares of such series and to cause to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware a certificate of designation with respect thereto. The powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights of each series of Preferred Stock, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, may differ from those of any and all other series at any time outstanding.
(B) Except as otherwise required by law, holders of a series of Preferred Stock, as such, shall be entitled only to such voting rights, if any, as shall expressly be granted thereto by this Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to such series of Preferred Stock).
Section 4.3 Common Stock.
(A) Voting Rights.
(1) | Except as provided in Article VI, each holder of Common Stock, as such, shall be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held of record by such holder on all matters on which stockholders generally are entitled to vote. |
(2) | Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the fullest extent permitted by law, holders of Common Stock, as such, shall have no voting power with respect to, and shall not be entitled to vote on, any amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock) or pursuant to the DGCL. Except as otherwise provided in this Certificate of Incorporation or required by applicable law, the holders of Common Stock shall vote together as a single class (or, if the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock are entitled to vote together with the holders of Common Stock, as a single class with the holders of such other series of Preferred Stock) on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders generally. |
(B) Dividends.
(1) | Subject to applicable law and the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock or any class or series of stock having a preference over or the right to participate with the Class A Common Stock with respect to the payment of dividends in cash, property of the Corporation or shares of the Corporations capital stock, such dividends may be declared and paid ratably on the Class A Common Stock out of the assets of the Corporation that are by law available therefor at such times and in such amounts as the Board in its discretion shall determine. |
(2) | Dividends shall not be declared or paid on the Class B Common Stock. |
(C) Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, after payment or provision for payment of the debts and other liabilities of the Corporation and subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of Preferred Stock or any class or series of stock having a preference over or the right to participate with the Class A Common Stock as to distributions upon dissolution or liquidation or winding up, the holders of all outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock shall be entitled to receive the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution ratably in proportion to the number of shares held by each such stockholder. The holders of shares of Class B Common Stock, as such, shall not be entitled to receive any assets of the Corporation in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation.
(D) Retirement of Class B Common Stock. In the event that any outstanding share of Class B Common Stock is not held by the holder of the associated Common Unit (as defined in the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Infinity Natural Resources, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as amended from time to time (the LLC Agreement)), such share shall automatically and without further action on the part of the Corporation or any holder of Class B Common Stock be transferred to the Corporation for no consideration, may not be reissued, and thereupon shall automatically be retired.
(E) Split, Subdivision, Combination or Reclassification of Common Stock. In no event shall the shares of either Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock be split, subdivided, combined or reclassified unless the outstanding shares of the other class shall be concurrently proportionately split, subdivided, combined or reclassified in a manner that maintains the same proportionate equity ownership between the holders of the outstanding Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock on the record or effective date for such split, division or combination or reclassification.
(F) Shares Reserved for Issuance. The Corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock, such number of shares of Class A Common Stock that shall from time to time be sufficient to effect the exchange of all outstanding Common Units (excluding those Common Units held by the Corporation) and the cancellation of the accompanying shares of Class B Common Stock for shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the LLC Agreement; provided that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude the Corporation from satisfying its obligations in respect of the exchange of Common Units by delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock that are held in the treasury of the Corporation.
ARTICLE V
Section 5.1 Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Certificate of Incorporation to the contrary, at any time when Pearl Energy Investments L.P. (Pearl) Beneficially Owns, in the aggregate, less than thirty-five percent (35%) in voting power of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, in addition to any vote required by applicable law, the following provisions in this Certificate of Incorporation may be amended, altered, repealed or rescinded, in whole or in part, or any provision inconsistent therewith or herewith may be adopted, only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) in voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class: this Article V, Article VI, Article VII, Article VIII, Article IX and Article X. For the purposes of this Certificate of Incorporation, beneficial ownership of shares shall be determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act).
Section 5.2 Amendment of Bylaws. The Board is expressly authorized to make, repeal, alter, amend and rescind, in whole or in part, the bylaws of the Corporation (as in effect from time to time, the Bylaws) without the assent or vote of the stockholders in any manner not inconsistent with the laws of the State of Delaware or this Certificate of Incorporation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Certificate of Incorporation or any provision of law that might otherwise permit a lesser vote of the stockholders, at any time when Pearl Beneficially Owns, in the aggregate, less than thirty-five percent (35%) in voting power of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation required herein (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock), the Bylaws or applicable law, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) in voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, shall be required in order for the stockholders of the Corporation to alter, amend, repeal or rescind, in whole or in part, any provision of the Bylaws or to adopt any provision inconsistent therewith.
ARTICLE VI
Section 6.1 Board of Directors.
(A) Except as provided in this Certificate of Incorporation and the DGCL, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board. Except as otherwise provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions of Article IV (including any certificate of designation with respect to any series of Preferred Stock) and this Article VI relating to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors, the total number of directors shall be determined from time to time exclusively by resolution adopted by the Board; provided that, at any time Pearl Beneficially Owns (as defined below), in the aggregate, at least thirty-five percent (35%) in voting power of the then-outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, the stockholders may also fix the number of directors by resolution adopted by the stockholders by written consent in lieu of a meeting. Each director shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor shall be elected and qualified, or his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal from office.
(B) Without limiting Pearls rights under the DGCL, this Certificate of Incorporation or otherwise, Pearl shall have the right (but not the obligation) to designate up to a number of individuals for election as directors consistent with clauses (1) through (5) of this Section 6.1(B), and the Corporation shall include such individuals as nominees for election as directors at each meeting of stockholders of the Corporation at which directors are to be elected, that, if elected, will result in Pearl having a number of director designees serving on the Board as follows:
(1) | any time when Pearl Beneficially Owns, in the aggregate, at least fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors: a number of individuals representing a majority of the total number of directors constituting the entire Board; |
(2) | any time when Pearl Beneficially Owns, in the aggregate, less than fifty percent (50%) but at least thirty percent (30%) of the voting power of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors: a number of individuals proportionate to Pearls beneficial ownership of the voting power of the common stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, rounded up to the nearest whole number, which shall not be less than three (3); |
(3) | any time when Pearl Beneficially Owns, in the aggregate, less than thirty percent (30%) but at least twenty percent (20%) of the voting power of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors: a number of individuals proportionate to Pearls beneficial ownership of the voting power of the common stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, rounded up to the nearest whole number, which shall not be less than two (2); |
(4) | any time when Pearl Beneficially Owns, in the aggregate, less than twenty percent (20%) but at least ten percent (10%) of the voting power of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors: one (1); and |
(5) | any time when Pearl Beneficially Owns, in the aggregate, less than 10 percent (10%) of the voting power of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors: zero (0). |
(C) Without limiting NGPs rights under the DGCL, this Certificate of Incorporation or otherwise, NGP shall have the right (but not the obligation) to designate one (1) individual for election as a director any time when NGP Beneficially Owns, in the aggregate, at least ten percent (10%) of the voting power of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, and the Corporation shall include such individual as a nominee for election as a director at each meeting of stockholders of the Corporation at which directors are to be elected, that, if elected, will result in NGP having one (1) director serving on the Board.
(D) Subject to the rights granted to the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, any newly created directorship on the Board that results from an increase in the number of directors and any vacancy occurring in the Board (whether by death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal or other cause) shall be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, by a sole remaining director or by the stockholders; provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein or otherwise, for so long as Pearl or NGP, as applicable, have the right to designate for nomination any individual under Section 6.1(B), Pearl or NGP, as applicable, shall have the exclusive right to fill any vacancy created by reason of death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal of any individual so designated for nomination or appointed by Pearl (and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein or otherwise, the shares of Common Stock held by Pearl shall be the only shares of Common Stock entitled to vote on such matter, and the shares of Common Stock owned by any other holders shall have no voting rights with respect to such matter). Any director elected to fill a vacancy or newly created directorship shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor shall be elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal.
(E) Any or all of the directors (other than the directors elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, voting separately as a series or together with one or more other such series, as the case may be) may be removed at any time either with or without cause by the affirmative vote of a majority in voting power of all outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class; provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein or otherwise, for so long as Pearl or NGP, as applicable, have the right to designate for nomination any individual under Section 6.1(B), the shares of Common Stock held by Pearl or NGP, as applicable, shall be the only shares of Common Stock entitled to vote on the removal without cause of such individual, and the shares of Common Stock owned by any other holders as of the record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote thereon shall have no voting rights with respect to such matter.
(F) During any period when the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, voting separately as a series or together with one or more series, have the right to elect additional directors, then upon commencement and for the duration of the period during which such right continues: (i) the then otherwise total authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall automatically be increased by such specified number of directors, and the holders of such Preferred Stock shall be entitled to elect the additional directors so provided for or fixed pursuant to said provisions; and (ii) each such additional director shall serve until such directors successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, or until such directors right to hold such office terminates pursuant to said provisions, whichever occurs earlier, subject to his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation, except as otherwise provided by the Board in the resolution or resolutions establishing such series, whenever the holders of any series of Preferred Stock having such right to elect additional directors are divested of such right pursuant to the provisions of such stock, such additional directors shall cease to be qualified to serve as such additional directors and the terms of office of all such additional directors elected by the holders of such stock, or elected to fill any vacancies resulting from the death, resignation, disqualification or removal of such additional directors, shall forthwith terminate and the total authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall be automatically reduced accordingly.
(G) Elections of directors need not be by written ballot unless the Bylaws shall so provide.
(H) For purposes of this Article VI, Beneficially Own shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
ARTICLE VII
Section 7.1 Limitation on Liability of Directors and Officers.
(A) To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as it now exists or may hereafter be amended, a director or officer of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty owed to the Corporation or its stockholders. All references in this Article VII to a director shall also be deemed to refer to such other person or persons, if any, who, pursuant to a provision of this Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation) in accordance with Section 141(a) of the DGCL, exercise or perform any of the powers or duties otherwise conferred or imposed upon the Board by the DGCL (any such person, a 141(a) Person).
(B) Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article VII, nor the adoption of any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation, nor, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, any modification of law shall eliminate, reduce or otherwise adversely affect any right or protection of a current or former director or officer of the Corporation or 141(a) Person existing at the time of such amendment, repeal, adoption or modification.
ARTICLE VIII
Section 8.1 Consent of Stockholders in Lieu of Meeting. At any time when Pearl Beneficially Owns, in the aggregate, at least thirty-five percent (35%) in voting power of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, any action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and shall be delivered to the Corporation in accordance with applicable law. At any time when Pearl Beneficially Owns, in the aggregate, less than thirty-five percent (35%) in voting power of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of such holders and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such holders; provided, however, that any action required or permitted to be taken by the holders of Preferred Stock, voting separately as a series or separately as a class with one or more other such series, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, to the extent expressly so provided by the applicable certificate of designation relating to such series of Preferred Stock.
Section 8.2 Special Meetings of the Stockholders. Except as otherwise required by law and subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time only by or at the direction of the Board or the Chairman of the Board; provided, however, that at any time when Pearl Beneficially Owns, in the aggregate, at least thirty-five percent (35%) in voting power of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation for any purpose or purposes shall also be called by or at the direction of the Board or the Chairman of the Board at the request of Pearl.
Section 8.3 Annual Meetings of the Stockholders. An annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors to succeed those whose terms expire and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting, shall be held at such place, if any, on such date, and at such time as shall be fixed exclusively by resolution of the Board or a duly authorized committee thereof; provided that the Board may in its sole discretion determine that any such meeting shall, in addition to or instead of a physical location, be held by means of remote communication (including virtually).
ARTICLE IX
Section 9.1 Corporate Opportunities.
(A) In recognition and anticipation that (1) certain directors, principals, officers, employees and/or other representatives of Pearl, NGP XI US Holdings, L.P. (NGP) and their respective Affiliates (as defined below) may serve as directors, officers or agents of the Corporation, (2) Pearl, NGP and their respective Affiliates may now engage and may continue to engage in the same or similar activities or related lines of business as those in which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, may engage and/or other business activities that overlap with or compete with those in which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, may engage, and (3) members of the Board who are not employees of the Corporation (the Non-Employee Directors) and their respective Affiliates may now engage and may continue to engage in the same or similar activities or related lines of business as those in which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, may engage and/or other business activities that overlap with or compete with those in which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, may engage, the provisions of this Article IX are set forth to address certain classes or categories of business opportunities as they may involve Pearl, the Non-Employee Directors or their respective Affiliates (collectively, the Identified Persons and, individually, an Identified Person).
(B) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Corporation hereby renounces any interest or expectancy in, or right to be offered an opportunity to participate in, any business opportunity that may be a corporate opportunity for an Identified Person and the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, except as provided in Section 9.1(C) of this Article IX. Subject to Section 9.1(C) of this Article IX, in the event that any Identified Person acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or other business opportunity that may be a corporate opportunity for itself, herself or himself and the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, such Identified Person shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, have no duty to communicate or offer such transaction or other business opportunity to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, shall not be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders or to any Affiliate of the Corporation for breach of any fiduciary duty as a stockholder, director or officer of the Corporation solely by reason of the fact that such Identified Person pursues or acquires such corporate opportunity for itself, herself or himself, or offers or directs such corporate opportunity to another Person.
(C) The Corporation does not renounce its interest in any corporate opportunity offered to any Non-Employee Director (including any Non-Employee Director who serves as an officer of this Corporation) if such opportunity is expressly offered to such person solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Corporation, and the provisions of Section 9.1(B) of this Article IX shall not apply to any such corporate opportunity.
(D) In addition to and notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article IX, a corporate opportunity shall not be deemed to be a potential corporate opportunity for the Corporation if it is a business opportunity that (1) the Corporation is neither financially or legally able, nor contractually permitted to undertake, (2) from its nature, is not in the line of the Corporations business or is of no practical advantage to the Corporation or (3) is one in which the Corporation has no interest or reasonable expectancy.
(E) For purposes of this Article IX, (1) Affiliate shall mean (i) in respect of Pearl, any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by Pearl, controls Pearl or is under common control with Pearl and shall include any principal, member, director, partner, stockholder, officer, employee or other representative of any of the foregoing (other than the Corporation and any entity that is controlled by the Corporation), (ii) in respect of NGP, any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by NGP, controls NGP or is under common control with NGP and shall include any principal, member, director, partner, stockholder, officer, employee or other representative of any of the foregoing (other than the Corporation and any entity that is controlled by the Corporation), (iii) in respect of a Non-Employee Director, any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by such Non-Employee Director (other than the Corporation and any entity that is controlled by the Corporation) and (iv) in respect of the Corporation, any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by the Corporation; and (2) Person shall mean any individual, corporation, general or limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, association or any other entity.
(F) To the fullest extent permitted by law, any Person purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in any shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the provisions of this Article IX.
ARTICLE X
Section 10.1 DGCL Section 203. The Corporation hereby expressly elects not to be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL.
Section 10.2 Business Combinations with Interested Stockholders. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Certificate of Incorporation to the contrary, the Corporation shall not engage in any business combination (as defined below), at any point in time at which the Common Stock is registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act, with (or involving in any manner contemplated by the definition of business combination below) any interested stockholder (as defined below) for a period of three years following the time that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:
(A) prior to such time the Board approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;
(B) upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least eighty-five percent (85%) of the voting stock (as defined below) of the Corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned by (1) persons (as defined below) who are directors and also officers and (2) employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or
(C) at or subsequent to such time, the business combination is approved by the Board and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder.
Section 10.3 Exceptions to Prohibition on Interested Stockholder Transactions. The restrictions contained in this Article X shall not apply if:
(A) a stockholder becomes an interested stockholder inadvertently and (1) as soon as practicable divests itself of ownership of sufficient shares so that the stockholder ceases to be an interested stockholder; and (2) would not, at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to a business combination between the Corporation and such stockholder, have been an interested stockholder but for the inadvertent acquisition of ownership; or
(B) the business combination is proposed prior to the consummation or abandonment of and subsequent to the earlier of the public announcement or the notice required hereunder of a proposed transaction which (1) constitutes one of the transactions described in the second sentence of this Section 10.3(B); (2) is with or by a person who either was not an interested stockholder during the previous three years or who became an interested stockholder with the approval of the Board; and (3) is approved or not opposed by a majority of the directors then in office (but not less than one) who were directors prior to any person becoming an interested stockholder during the previous three years or were recommended for election or elected to succeed such directors by a majority of such directors. The proposed transactions referred to in the preceding sentence are limited to (x) a merger or consolidation of the Corporation (except for a merger in respect of which, pursuant to Section 251(f) of the DGCL, no vote of the stockholders of the Corporation is required); (y) a sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions), whether as part of a dissolution or otherwise, of assets of the Corporation or of any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation (other than to any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary or to the Corporation) having an aggregate market value equal to fifty percent (50%) or more of either that aggregate market value of all of the assets of the Corporation determined on a consolidated basis or the aggregate market value of all the outstanding stock (as defined below) of the Corporation; or (z) a proposed tender or exchange offer for fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding voting stock of the Corporation. The Corporation shall give not less than 20 days notice to all interested stockholders prior to the consummation of any of the transactions described in clause (x) or (y) of the second sentence of this Section 10.3(B).
Section 10.4 For purposes of this Article X, references to:
(A) affiliate shall mean a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, another person;
(B) associate, when used to indicate a relationship with any person, shall mean (1) any corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity of which such person is a director, officer or partner or is, directly or indirectly, the owner of twenty percent (20%) or more of any class of voting stock; (2) any trust or other estate in which such person has at least a twenty percent (20%) beneficial interest or as to which such person serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; and (3) any relative or spouse of such person, or any relative of such spouse, who has the same residence as such person;
(C) business combination shall mean:
(1) | any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation with (i) the interested stockholder, or (ii) with any other corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity if the merger or consolidation is caused by the interested stockholder and as a result of such merger or consolidation Section 10.2 is not applicable to the surviving entity; |
(2) | any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions), except proportionately as a stockholder of the Corporation, to or with the interested stockholder, whether as part of a dissolution or otherwise, of assets of the Corporation or of any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation which assets have an aggregate market value equal to ten percent (10%) or more of either the aggregate market value of all the assets of the Corporation determined on a consolidated basis or the aggregate market value of all the outstanding stock of the Corporation; |
(3) | any transaction which results in the issuance or transfer by the Corporation or by any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation of any stock of the Corporation or of such subsidiary to the interested stockholder, except (i) pursuant to the exercise, exchange or conversion of the securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible into stock of the Corporation or any subsidiary which securities were outstanding prior to the time that the interested stockholder became such; (ii) pursuant to a merger under Section 251(g) of the DGCL; (iii) pursuant to a dividend or distribution paid or made, or the exercise, exchange or conversion of securities exercisable for, |
exchangeable for or convertible into stock of the Corporation or any such subsidiary which security is distributed, pro rata to all holders of a class or series of stock of the Corporation subsequent to the time the interested stockholder became such; (iv) pursuant to an exchange offer by the Corporation to purchase stock made on the same terms to all holders of said stock; or (v) any issuance or transfer of stock by the Corporation; provided, however, that in no case under items (iii)-(v) of this Section 10.4(C)(3) shall there be an increase in the interested stockholders proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the Corporation or the voting stock of the Corporation (except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments); |
(4) | any transaction involving the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation which has the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series, or securities convertible into the stock of any class or series, of the Corporation or of any such subsidiary which is owned by the interested stockholder, except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments or as a result of any purchase or redemption of any shares of stock not caused, directly or indirectly, by the interested stockholder; or |
(5) | any receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit, directly or indirectly (except proportionately as a stockholder of the Corporation), of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits (other than those expressly permitted in clauses (1) through (4) of this Section 10.4(C)) provided by or through the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation; |
(D) control, including the terms controlling, controlled by and under common control with, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting stock, by contract or otherwise. A person who is the owner of twenty percent (20%) or more of the outstanding voting stock of any corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity shall be presumed to have control of such entity, in the absence of proof by a preponderance of the evidence to the contrary; notwithstanding the foregoing, a presumption of control shall not apply where such person holds voting stock, in good faith and not for the purpose of circumventing this Article X, as an agent, bank, broker, nominee, custodian or trustee for one or more owners who do not individually or as a group (as such term is used in Rule 13d-5 promulgated under the Exchange Act as such rule is in effect as of the date of this Certificate) have control of such entity;
(E) interested stockholder shall mean any person (other than the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation) that (1) is the owner of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the outstanding voting stock of the Corporation, or (2) is an affiliate or associate of the Corporation and was the owner of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the outstanding voting stock of the Corporation at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to the date on which it is sought to be determined whether such person is an interested stockholder, and the affiliates and associates of such person. Notwithstanding anything in this Article X to the contrary, the term interested stockholder shall not include (x) Pearl, NGP or any of their current or future affiliates (so long as such affiliate remains an affiliate and such affiliates shall not include the Corporation or any of the Corporations direct or indirect subsidiaries), any direct or indirect transferees of Pearl, NGP or any of their current or future affiliates, or any other person with whom Pearl, NGP or any of their current or future affiliates is or are in the future acting as a group or with whom Pearl, NGP or any of their affiliates has or in the future will have an agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of shares of stock of the Corporation or (y) any person whose ownership of share in excess of the fifteen percent (15%) limitation set forth herein is the result of any action taken solely by the Corporation; provided that, for purposes of this clause (y) only, such person shall be an interested stockholder if thereafter such person acquires additional shares of voting stock of the Corporation, except as a result of further corporate action not caused, directly or indirectly, by such person; provided that, for the purpose of determining whether a person is an interested stockholder, the voting stock of the Corporation deemed to be outstanding shall include voting stock deemed to be owned by the person through application of the definition of owner below but shall not include any other unissued stock of the Corporation which may be issuable pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options, or otherwise;
(F) owner, including the terms own and owned, when used with respect to any stock, shall mean a person that individually or with or through any of its affiliates or associates beneficially owns such stock, directly or indirectly; or has (1) the right to acquire such stock (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time) pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or options, or otherwise; provided, however, that a person shall not be deemed the owner of stock tendered pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made by such person or any of such persons affiliates or associates until such tendered stock is accepted for purchase or exchange; or (2) the right to vote such stock pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding; provided, however, that a person shall not be deemed the owner of any stock because of such persons right to vote such stock if the agreement, arrangement or understanding to vote such stock arises solely from a revocable proxy or consent given in response to a proxy or consent solicitation made to ten or more persons; or (3) has any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting (except voting pursuant to a revocable proxy or consent as described in clause (2) of this Section 10.4(F)) or disposing of such stock with any other person that beneficially owns, or whose affiliates or associates beneficially own, directly or indirectly, such stock;
(G) person shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity;
(H) stock shall mean, with respect to any corporation, capital stock and, with respect to any other entity, any equity interest; and
(I) voting stock shall mean, with respect to any corporation, stock of any class or series entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and, with respect to any entity that is not a corporation, any equity interest entitled to vote generally in the election of the governing body of such entity. Every reference to a percentage of voting stock shall refer to such percentage of votes of such voting stock.
Section 10.5 Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any circumstance for any reason whatsoever: (1) the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of this Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, in any way be affected or impaired thereby and (2) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each such portion of any paragraph of this Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to permit the Corporation to protect its directors, officers, employees and agents from personal liability in respect of their good faith service to or for the benefit of the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Section 10.6 Forum.
(A) Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if and only if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware lacks subject matter jurisdiction, any state court located within the State of Delaware or, if and only if all such state courts lack subject matter jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware) and any appellate court therefrom shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (2) any action asserting a claim of breach of a duty (including any fiduciary duty) by, or other wrongdoing by, any current or former director, officer, employee, agent or stockholder of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporations stockholders, (3) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any current or former director, officer, employee, agent or stockholder of the Corporation arising out of or relating to any provision of the DGCL, this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws (as either may be amended and/or restated from time to time), (4) any action to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, (5) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any current or former director, officer, employee, agent or stockholder of the Corporation governed by the internal affairs doctrine, (6) any action asserting an internal corporate claim as that term is defined in Section 115 of the DGCL or (7) any action as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 10.6(A) shall not apply to any action or proceeding asserting a claim under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), or the Exchange Act.
(B) Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
(C) To the fullest extent permitted by law, any person purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Section 10.6.
* * * * *
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate of Incorporation to be signed by , its , this day of , 2024.
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Infinity Natural Resources, Inc.]
ARTICLE I
OFFICES
Section 1.01 Registered Office. The registered office and registered agent of Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. (the Corporation) in the State of Delaware shall be as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation (as defined below). The Corporation may also have offices in such other places in the United States or elsewhere (and may change the Corporations registered agent in accordance with applicable law) as the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the Board) may, from time to time, determine or as the business of the Corporation may require as determined by any officer of the Corporation.
ARTICLE II
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
Section 2.01 Annual Meetings. Annual meetings of stockholders may be held at such place, if any, either within or without the State of Delaware, and at such time and date as the Board shall determine and state in the notice of meeting. The Board may, in its sole discretion, determine that annual meetings of stockholders shall not be held at any place, but may in addition to or instead be held solely by means of remote communication (including virtually) as described in Section 2.11 of these Amended and Restated Bylaws (these Bylaws) in accordance with Section 211(a)(2) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the DGCL). The Board may postpone, reschedule or cancel any annual meeting of stockholders previously scheduled by the Board.
Section 2.02 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders may only be called in the manner provided in the Corporations certificate of incorporation as then in effect (as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to time, the Certificate of Incorporation) and may be held at such place, if any, either within or without the State of Delaware, and at such time and date as the Board or the Chairperson of the Board shall determine and state in the notice of such meeting. The Board may, in its sole discretion, determine that special meetings of the stockholders shall not be held at any place, but may in addition to or instead be held solely by means of remote communication (including virtually) as described in Section 2.11 of these Bylaws in accordance with Section 211(a)(2) of the DGCL. The Board may postpone, reschedule or cancel any special meeting of stockholders previously scheduled by the Board or the Chairperson of the Board; provided, however, that with respect to any special meeting of stockholders previously scheduled by the Board or the Chairperson of the Board at the request of Pearl (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation), the Board shall not postpone, reschedule or cancel such special meeting without the prior written consent of Pearl.
Section 2.03 Notice of Stockholder Business and Nominations.
(A) Annual Meetings of Stockholders.
(1) Nominations of persons for election to the Board and the proposal of business other than nominations to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders only: (a) as provided in the Certificate of Incorporation; (b) pursuant to the Corporations notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto); (c) by or at the direction of the
Board or any duly authorized committee of the Board; or (d) by any stockholder of the Corporation who is entitled to vote at the meeting, who complied with the notice procedures set forth in paragraphs (A)(2) and (A)(3) of this Section 2.03 and who was a stockholder of record at the time such notice is delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation, at the time of the record date of the annual meeting and at the time of the annual meeting. This Section 2.03(A)(1) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations (other than pursuant to clause (a) of this Section 2.03(A)(1)) or submit other business before an annual meeting of stockholders (other than pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)).
(2) For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder of record pursuant to clause (d) of paragraph (A)(1) of this Section 2.03, the stockholder of record bringing the notice (the Noticing Stockholder) must have delivered timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Secretary of the Corporation and any such proposed business other than nominations of persons for election to the Board must constitute a proper matter for stockholder action or must be otherwise appropriate for stockholder action under the provisions of the laws of the State of Delaware. To be timely, the Noticing Stockholders notice must be delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the 90th day, nor earlier than the opening of business on the 120th day, prior to the first anniversary of the preceding years annual meeting (which date shall, for purposes of the Corporations first annual meeting of stockholders after its shares of Class A Common Stock (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation) are first publicly traded, be deemed to have occurred on [], 2024); provided, however, that if the date of the meeting is advanced by more than 30 days, or delayed by more than 70 days from such anniversary date, such notice shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the opening of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on which the public announcement (as defined below) of the date of such meeting is first made by the Corporation. An adjournment, recess, rescheduling or postponement of an annual meeting (or the public announcement of an adjournment, recess, rescheduling or postponement thereof) shall not commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a Noticing Stockholders notice. For the avoidance of doubt, a Noticing Stockholder shall not be entitled to make additional or substitute nominations following the expiration of the time periods set forth in these Bylaws. Notwithstanding anything in this paragraph (A)(2) of this Section 2.03 to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board is increased and there is no public announcement by the Corporation naming all of the nominees for director proposed by the Board or specifying the size of the increased Board at least ten days prior to the last day a Noticing Stockholder may deliver a notice of nominations in accordance with the second sentence of this paragraph (A)(2) of this Section 2.03, a Noticing Stockholders notice required by this Section 2.03(A) shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to proposed nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which a public announcement of such increase in the number of directors to be elected is first made by the Corporation.
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(3) To be in proper written form, such Noticing Stockholders notice delivered to the Secretary pursuant to this Section 2.03(A) shall set forth:
(a) as to each person whom the Noticing Stockholder proposes to nominate for election or re-election as a director:
(i) | the name, age, citizenship and address (business and residential) of such person; |
(ii) | a complete biography and statement of such persons qualifications, including the principal occupation or employment of such person (at present and for the past five years); |
(iii) | the Specified Information (as defined below) for such person as if such person were a Holder (as defined below) (except that no disclosure will be required hereunder with respect to any Related Person of any proposed nominee unless such Related Person is also a Related Person of any Holder); |
(iv) | a complete and accurate description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings between each Holder and any Related Person of such Holder, on the one hand, and such person, on the other hand, (at present and for the past three years) including, without limitation, a complete and accurate description of all direct and indirect compensation and other monetary agreements, arrangements and understandings at present and for the past three years between the person and such parties (including all biographical, related party transaction and other information that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to the federal and state securities laws, including Rule 404 promulgated under Regulation S-K (Regulation S-K) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act) (or any successor provision), if any Holder or such Related Person were the registrant for purposes of such rule and such person were a director or executive officer of such registrant); |
(v) | any other information relating to such person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or any other filings required to be made in connection with solicitation of proxies for the election of directors in a contested election or that is otherwise required pursuant to and in accordance with Section 14 of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (including such persons written consent to being named in proxy statements as a proposed nominee of the Noticing Stockholder and to serving as a director if elected); and |
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(vi) | a completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement and any and all other information required by paragraph (A)(3)(e) of this Section 2.03; |
(b) as to any other business that the Noticing Stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting:
(i) | a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting; |
(ii) | the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting; |
(iii) | any material interest of each Holder and each Related Person of such Holder, if any, in such business; |
(iv) | the text of the proposal or business (including the specific text of any resolutions or actions proposed for consideration and if such business includes a proposal to amend the Bylaws, the specific language of the proposed amendment); and |
(v) | a description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings between each Holder and any Related Person of such Holder and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by the Noticing Stockholder; |
(c) as to the Noticing Stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made or the other business is being proposed (collectively with the Noticing Stockholder, the Holders and each, a Holder):
(i) | the name and address of the Noticing Stockholder, as the name and address appear on the Corporations books; |
(ii) | the name and address of each other Holder, if any, and of each Related Person of each such Holder, if any; |
(iii) | as of the date of the notice (which information, for the avoidance of doubt, shall be updated and supplemented pursuant to paragraph (C)(3) of this Section 2.03): |
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(A) | the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are, directly or indirectly, held of record or owned beneficially by each Holder and any Related Person of such Holder (provided that, for the purposes of this Section 2.03(A), any such person shall in all events be deemed to beneficially own any shares of stock of the Corporation as to which such person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time in the future (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time or the fulfillment of a condition or both)); |
(B) | any Derivative Instrument (as defined below) directly or indirectly owned or held, including beneficially, by such Holder and any Related Person of such Holder and any Short Interest held by each Holder or any Related Person of such Holder within the last twelve months in any class or series of the shares or other securities of the Corporation; |
(C) | a description of any proxy, contract, arrangement, understanding, or relationship pursuant to which each Holder and any Related Person of such Holder has any right to vote or has granted a right to vote any shares of stock or any other security of the Corporation; |
(D) | a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding with respect to any rights to dividends or payments in lieu of dividends on the shares of the Corporation owned beneficially by each Holder or any Related Person of such Holder that are separated or separable pursuant to such agreement, arraignment or understanding from the underlying shares of stock or other security of the Corporation; |
(E) | any direct or indirect legal, economic or financial interest (including Short Interest) of each Holder and each Related Person, if any, of such Holder in the outcome of any (x) vote to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation or (y) any meeting of stockholders of any other entity with respect to any matter that is related, directly or indirectly, to any nomination or business proposed by any Holder under these Bylaws; and |
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(F) | any material pending or threatened action, suit or proceeding (whether civil, criminal, investigative, administrative or otherwise) in which any Holder or any Related Person of such Holder is, or is reasonably expected to be made, a party or material participant involving the Corporation or any of its officers, directors or employees, or any Affiliate of the Corporation, or any officer, director or employee of such Affiliate (the information required by this subclause (iii) shall be referred to as the Specified Information); |
(iv) | a representation by the Noticing Stockholder that such stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting on the matter proposed, that the Noticing Stockholder will continue to be a stockholder of record of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting on the matter proposed through the date of such meeting and that such Noticing Stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at such meeting to propose such nomination or other business; |
(v) | all information that would be required to be set forth in a Schedule 13D filed pursuant to Rule 13d-1(a) or an amendment pursuant to Rule 13d-2(a) if such a statement were required to be filed under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by each Holder and each Related Person, if any, of such Holder; |
(vi) | any other information relating to each Holder and each Related Person, if any, of such Holder that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement and form of proxy or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for, as applicable, the proposal and/or for the election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; |
(vii) | a representation by the Noticing Stockholder as to whether any Holder and/or any Related Person of such Holder intends or is part of a group which intends (A) to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporations outstanding capital stock required to elect the proposed nominee or approve or adopt the other business being proposed and/or (B) otherwise to solicit proxies or votes from stockholders in support of such nomination or other business; |
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(viii) | a certification by the Noticing Stockholder that each Holder and any Related Person of such Holder has complied with all applicable federal, state and other legal requirements in connection with its acquisition of shares of capital stock or other securities of the Corporation and/or such persons acts or omissions as a stockholder of the Corporation; |
(ix) | the information and statement required by Rule 14a-19(b) of the Exchange Act (or any successor provision); |
(x) | the names and addresses of other stockholders (including beneficial owners) known by any Holder or Related Person of such Holder to provide financial or otherwise material support with respect to such proposal(s) or nomination(s) (it being understood that delivery of a revocable proxy with respect to such proposal or nomination shall not in itself require disclosure under this subclause (x)) and, to the extent known, the class and number of all shares of the Corporations capital stock owned beneficially or of record by such other stockholder(s) or other beneficial owner(s); and |
(xi) | a representation by the Noticing Stockholder as to the accuracy of the information set forth in the notice. |
In addition, any Noticing Stockholder who submits a notice pursuant to this paragraph (A)(3) of this Section 2.03 is required to update and supplement the information disclosed in such notice in accordance with paragraph (C)(3) of this Section 2.03.
(d) The Corporation may also, as a condition to any such nomination or business being deemed properly brought before an annual meeting of stockholders, require any Holder or any proposed nominee to deliver to the Secretary, within five Business Days of any such request, such other information as may reasonably be requested by the Corporation, including: (i) such other information as may be reasonably required by the Board, in its sole discretion, to determine whether such proposed nominee is eligible under the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, the rules or regulations of any stock exchange applicable to the Corporation, or any law or regulation applicable to the Corporation to serve as a director of the Corporation; and (ii) such other information that the Board determines, in its sole discretion, could be material to a reasonable stockholders understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such proposed nominee.
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(e) In addition to the other requirements of this Section 2.03(A), each person who a Noticing Stockholder proposes to nominate for election or re-election as a director of the Corporation must deliver in writing (in accordance with the time periods prescribed for delivery of notice under this Section 2.03(A)) to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation: (i) a written questionnaire with respect to the background and qualification of such person and the background of any other person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made (which questionnaire shall be provided by the Secretary upon written request of any stockholder of record identified by name within five Business Days of such written request); and (ii) a written representation and agreement (in the form provided by the Secretary upon written request of any stockholder of record identified by name within five Business Days of such written request) that such person (A) is not and will not become a party to (x) any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether written or oral) with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such person, if elected as a director of the Corporation, will act or vote on any issue or question (a Voting Commitment) that has not been disclosed to the Corporation or (y) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such persons ability to comply, if elected as a director of the Corporation, with such persons fiduciary duties under applicable law, (B) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement or indemnification in connection with service or action as a director that has not been disclosed to the Corporation, (C) would be in compliance if elected as a director of the Corporation, and will comply with all applicable rules of the exchanges upon which the securities of the Corporation are listed and all applicable publicly disclosed corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of the Corporation and (D) intends to serve a full term if elected as a director of the Corporation.
(B) Special Meetings of Stockholders. Only such business (including the election of specific individuals to fill vacancies or newly created directorships on the Board of Directors) shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporations notice of meeting. At any time that stockholders are not prohibited from filling vacancies or newly created directorships on the Board of Directors, nominations of persons for election to the Board may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected pursuant to the Corporations notice of meeting only:
(1) as provided in the Certificate of Incorporation;
(2) by or at the direction of the Board or any duly authorized committee of the Board; or
(3) provided that the Board (or Pearl or NGP (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation) pursuant to Section 6.1 of Article VI of the Certificate of Incorporation) has determined that directors shall be elected at such special meeting, by any stockholder of the Corporation who (a) is entitled to vote at the meeting, (b) complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.03 and (c) is a stockholder of record at the time such notice is delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation, at the time of the record date of the special meeting of stockholders and at the time of the special meeting of stockholders.
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In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more directors to the Board, any Noticing Stockholder entitled to vote in such election of directors may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be) for election to such position(s) as specified in the Corporations notice of meeting, if the Noticing Stockholders notice in proper written form as required by paragraphs (A)(2) and (A)(3) of this Section 2.03 shall be timely delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation in proper written form not earlier than the opening of business on the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such special meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement is first made by the Corporation of the date of the special meeting at which directors are to be elected. In no event shall the adjournment, recess, rescheduling or postponement of a special meeting (or the public announcement of an adjournment, recess, rescheduling or postponement thereof) commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a Noticing Stockholders notice as described above.
(C) General.
(1) Except for directors who are appointed by the Board pursuant to these Bylaws, only such persons who are nominated in accordance and compliance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.03 or the Certificate of Incorporation shall be eligible for election to serve as directors at a meeting of stockholders and only such other business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.03. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the Board or a duly authorized committee thereof (in advance of the meeting) or Chairperson of the meeting (during the meeting) shall, in addition to making any other determination that may be appropriate for the conduct of the meeting of the Board shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any other business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Bylaws (including whether the Noticing Stockholder or other Holder, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made or other business is being proposed solicited (or is part of a group which solicited) or did not so solicit, as the case may be, proxies in support of such Noticing Stockholders nominee or other business in compliance with such stockholders representation as required by clause (c)(vi) of paragraph (A)(3) of this Section 2.03). If any proposed nomination or other business was not made or proposed in compliance with these Bylaws, the Chairperson of the meeting of stockholders shall have the power and duty to declare to the meeting that any such nomination or other business was not properly brought before the meeting and in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws, and that such nomination or other business not properly brought before the meeting shall be disregarded and/or shall not be transacted. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Bylaws, if the Noticing Stockholder (or a qualified representative of the Noticing Stockholder) does not appear at the annual or special meeting, as applicable, to present a nomination or other business, such nomination shall be disregarded and such other business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation. For purposes of this Section 2.03, to be considered a qualified representative of the Noticing Stockholder, a person must be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or must be authorized by a document authorizing another person or persons to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting of stockholders and such person must produce the document or a reliable reproduction of such document at the meeting of stockholders.
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(2) Exchange Act Compliance. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.03, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of state law and of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 2.03; provided, however, that any references in these Bylaws to the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit the requirements applicable to nominations or proposals as to any other business to be considered pursuant to this Section 2.03. Nothing in these Bylaws shall be deemed to affect any rights (a) of the holders of any class or series of stock having a preference over the Common Stock (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation) of the Corporation as to dividends or upon liquidation to elect directors under specified circumstances or (b) of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporations proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act or any other applicable federal or state securities law with respect to that stockholders request to include proposals in the Corporations proxy statement.
(3) Updates and Supplements. In addition, to be considered timely, a Noticing Stockholders notice shall further be updated and supplemented, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice shall be true and correct as of the record date for the meeting of stockholders and as of the date that is ten Business Days prior to the meeting of stockholders or any adjournment, recess, rescheduling or postponement thereof, and such update and supplement shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five Business Days after the record date for the meeting of stockholders in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of the record date, and not later than eight Business Days prior to the date for the meeting of stockholders or any adjournment, recess, rescheduling or postponement thereof in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of ten Business Days prior to the meeting of stockholders or any adjournment, recess, rescheduling or postponement thereof. In addition, if the Noticing Stockholder has delivered to the Corporation a notice relating to the nomination of directors, the Noticing Stockholder shall deliver to the Corporation not later than eight Business Days prior to the date of the meeting or any adjournment, recess, rescheduling or postponement thereof (or, if not practicable, on the first practicable date prior to the date to which the annual meeting has been adjourned or postponed) reasonable evidence that it has complied with the requirements of Rule 14a-19 of the Exchange Act (or any successor provision). For the avoidance of doubt, the obligation to update and supplement set forth in this paragraph or any other Section of these Bylaws shall not limit the Corporations rights with respect to any deficiencies in any notice provided by a stockholder, extend any applicable deadlines hereunder or enable or be deemed to permit a stockholder who has previously submitted notice hereunder to amend or update any proposal or to submit any new proposal, including by changing or adding nominees, matters, business and/or resolutions proposed to be brought before a meeting of the stockholders.
(D) Certain Definitions; Interpretations. For purposes of these Bylaws,
(1) Affiliate has the meaning attributed to such term in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act;
(2) Associate has the meaning attributed to such term in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act;
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(3) Business Day means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday that is not a day on which banking institutions in New York, NY are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close;
(4) close of business on a particular calendar day means 5:00 p.m. local time at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, whether or not the day is a Business Day;
(5) delivery of any notice or materials by a stockholder as required to be delivered means, both (a) hand delivery, overnight courier service, or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, in each case to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, and (b) electronic mail to the Secretary;
(6) Derivative Instrument means any short position, profits interest, option, warrant, convertible security, stock appreciation right, or similar right with an exercise or conversion privilege or a settlement payment or mechanism at a price related to any class or series of shares of the Corporation or with a value derived in whole or in part from the value of any class or series of shares of the Corporation, or any derivative or synthetic arrangement having the characteristics of a long position in any class or series of shares of the Corporation, or any contract, derivative, swap or other transaction or series of transactions designed to produce economic benefits and risks that correspond substantially to the ownership of any class or series of shares of the Corporation, including due to the fact that the value of such contract, derivative, swap or other transaction or series of transactions is determined by reference to the price, value or volatility of any class or series of shares of the Corporation, whether or not such instrument, contract or right shall be subject to settlement in the underlying class or series of shares of the Corporation, through the delivery of cash or other property, or otherwise, and without regard to whether the Holder and any Related Person of such Holder may have entered into transactions that hedge or mitigate the economic effect of such instrument, contract or right, or any other direct or indirect opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from any increase or decrease in the value of shares of the Corporation;
(7) public announcement means disclosure: (a) in a press release released by the Corporation, provided such press release is released by the Corporation following its customary procedures, as reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press, Business Wire, PR Newswire or a comparable news service, or is generally available on internet news sites, or (b) in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act;
(8) Related Person means, as to any Holder, (a) any participant (as defined in paragraphs (a)(ii)-(vi) of Instruction 3 to Item 4 of Schedule 14A, or any successor instructions) with any such Holder in a solicitation of proxies in respect of any business or director nomination proposed by such Holder, (b) any Affiliate or Associate of such Holder, and (c) any person who is a member of a group (as such term is used in Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act (or any successor provision)) with such Holder;
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(9) Short Interest means any agreement, arrangement, understanding relationship or otherwise, including any repurchase or similar so-called stock borrowing agreement or arrangement, involving any Holder or any Related Person, the purpose or effect of which is to mitigate loss to, reduce the economic risk (of ownership or otherwise) or any class or series of the shares of the Corporation by, manage the risk of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the voting power of, such Holder or any Related Person with respect to any class or series of the shares or other securities of the Corporation, or which provides, directly or indirectly, the opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from any decrease in the price or value of any class or series of the shares or other securities of the Corporation;
(10) Specified Information is defined in paragraph (A)(3)(c)(iii)(F) of Section 2.03; and
(11) For purposes of these Bylaws, the words include, includes or including is deemed to be followed by the words without limitation. Where a reference in these Bylaws is made to any statue or regulation, such reference shall be to (1) the statute or regulation as amended from time to time (except as context may otherwise require) and (2) any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder.
(E) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 2.03, for as long as Pearl has designation rights pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation, Pearl shall not be subject to the notice procedures set forth in paragraph (A)(2), paragraph (A)(3) or paragraph (B) of this Section 2.03 with respect to any annual or special meeting of stockholders.
Section 2.04 Notice of Meetings. Whenever stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, a timely notice in writing or by electronic transmission, in the manner provided in Section 232 of the DGCL, of the meeting, which shall state the place, if any, date and time of the meeting, the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, if such date is different from the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be mailed to or transmitted electronically by the Secretary of the Corporation to each stockholder of record entitled to vote thereat as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting. Unless otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the notice of any meeting shall be given not less than ten nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting.
Section 2.05 Quorum. Unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the rules of any stock exchange upon which the Corporations securities are listed, the holders of record of a majority of the voting power of the then-issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of stockholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, where a separate vote by a class or series or classes or series is required, a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of such class or series or classes or series, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to the vote on that matter. Once a quorum is present to organize a meeting, it shall not be broken by the subsequent withdrawal of any stockholders.
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Section 2.06 Voting. Except as otherwise provided by or pursuant to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, each stockholder entitled to vote at any meeting of the stockholders shall be entitled to one vote for each share of stock held by such stockholder that has voting power upon the matters in question. Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of the stockholders or to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy in any manner provided under Section 212(c) of the DGCL or as otherwise provided under applicable law, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. A proxy shall be irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable and if, and only as long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power. A stockholder may revoke any proxy that is not irrevocable by attending the meeting and voting in person or by delivering to the Secretary of the Corporation a revocation of the proxy or a new proxy bearing a later date. Unless required by the Certificate of Incorporation or applicable law, or determined by the Chairperson of the meeting to be advisable, the vote on any question need not be by ballot. On a vote by ballot, each ballot shall be signed by the stockholder voting, or by such stockholders proxy, if there be such proxy. When a quorum is present or represented at any meeting, the vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares of stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the subject matter shall decide any question brought before such meeting, unless the matter is one upon which, by express provision of applicable law, of the rules or regulations of any stock exchange applicable to the Corporation, of any regulation applicable to the Corporation or its securities, of the Certificate of Incorporation or of these Bylaws, a different or minimum vote is required, in which case such different or minimum vote shall be the required vote for such matter. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence and subject to the Certificate of Incorporation, all elections of directors shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast in respect of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors. Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, cumulative voting for the election of directors shall be prohibited.
Section 2.07 Chairperson of Meetings. The Chairperson of the Board, if one is elected, or, in his or her absence or disability, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, or in the absence of the Chairperson of the Board and the President and Chief Executive Officer, a director or officer designated by the Board shall be the Chairperson of the meeting and, as such, preside at all meetings of the stockholders.
Section 2.08 Secretary of Meetings. The Secretary of the Corporation shall act as secretary at all meetings of the stockholders. In the absence or disability of the Secretary, the Chairperson of the Board or the President and Chief Executive Officer shall appoint a person to act as Secretary at such meetings.
Section 2.09 Consent of Stockholders in Lieu of Meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote only to the extent permitted by and in the manner provided in the Certificate of Incorporation and in accordance with applicable law.
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Section 2.10 Adjournment. At any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation, if less than a quorum is present, the Chairperson of the meeting or stockholders holding a majority in voting power of the shares of stock of the Corporation, present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote thereon, shall have the power to adjourn the meeting from time to time in accordance with the following sentence. Any meeting of stockholders, annual or special, may adjourn from time to time to reconvene at the same or some other place, and notice need not be given of any such adjourned meeting if the time and place thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken or are provided in any other manner permitted by the DGCL. Any business may be transacted at the adjourned meeting that might have been transacted at the meeting originally noticed. If the adjournment is for more than 30 days, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. If after the adjournment a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, the Board shall fix as the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such adjourned meeting as of the record date so fixed for notice of such adjourned meeting.
Section 2.11 Remote Communication. If authorized by the Board in its sole discretion, and subject to such guidelines and procedures as the Board may adopt, stockholders and proxyholders not physically present at a meeting of stockholders may, by means of remote communication:
(A) participate in a meeting of stockholders; and
(B) be deemed present in person and vote at a meeting of stockholders whether such meeting is to be held at a designated place or solely by means of remote communication; provided that:
(1) the Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to verify that each person deemed present and permitted to vote at the meeting by means of remote communication is a stockholder or proxyholder;
(2) the Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to provide such stockholders and proxyholders a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the stockholders, including an opportunity to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting substantially concurrently with such proceedings; and
(3) if any stockholder or proxyholder votes or takes other action at the meeting by means of remote communication, a record of such vote or other action shall be maintained by the Corporation.
Section 2.12 Inspectors of Election. The Corporation may, and shall if required by law, in advance of any meeting of stockholders, appoint one or more inspectors of election, who may be employees of the Corporation, to act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof and to make a written report thereof. The Corporation may designate one or more persons as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. In the event that no inspector so appointed or designated is able to act at a meeting of stockholders, the Chairperson of the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of his or
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her duties, shall take and sign an oath to execute faithfully the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his or her ability. The inspector or inspectors so appointed or designated shall (A) ascertain the number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation outstanding and the voting power of each such share, (B) determine the shares of capital stock of the Corporation represented at the meeting and the validity of proxies and ballots, (C) count all votes and ballots, (D) determine and retain for a reasonable period a record of the disposition of any challenges made to any determination by the inspectors and (E) certify their determination of the number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation represented at the meeting and such inspectors count of all votes and ballots. Such certification and report shall specify such other information as may be required by law. In determining the validity and counting of proxies and ballots cast at any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation, the inspectors may consider such information as is permitted by applicable law. No person who is a candidate for an office at an election may serve as an inspector at such election.
Section 2.13 Conduct of Meetings. The date and time of the opening and the closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at a meeting shall be announced at the meeting by the Chairperson of the meeting. The Board may adopt by resolution such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meeting of stockholders as it shall deem appropriate. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and regulations as adopted by the Board, the Chairperson of any meeting of stockholders shall have the right and authority to convene and (for any or no reason) to recess and/or adjourn the meeting, to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such Chairperson, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether adopted by the Board or prescribed by the Chairperson of the meeting, may include, without limitation, the following: (A) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (B) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; (C) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as the Chairperson of the meeting shall determine; (D) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; (E) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants; and (F) restrictions on the use of cell phones, audio or video recording devices and other devices at the meeting. Unless and to the extent determined by the Board or the Chairperson of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.
ARTICLE III
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 3.01 Powers. Except as otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or the DGCL, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board. The Board may exercise all such authority and powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by the DGCL or the Certificate of Incorporation directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.
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Section 3.02 Number and Term; Chairperson. The number of directors shall be determined as set forth in Article VI, Section 6.1(A) of the Certificate of Incorporation. Directors shall be elected by the stockholders at their annual meeting, and the term of each director shall be as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation. Directors need not be stockholders. The Board shall elect from its ranks a Chairperson of the Board, who shall have the powers and perform such duties as provided in these Bylaws and as the Board may from time to time prescribe. The Chairperson of the Board shall preside at all meetings of the Board at which he or she is present. If the Chairperson of the Board is not present at a meeting of the Board, the President and Chief Executive Officer (if the President and Chief Executive Officer is a director and is not also the Chairperson of the Board) shall preside at such meeting, and, if the President and Chief Executive Officer is not present at such meeting or is not a director, a majority of the directors present at such meeting shall elect one of their members to preside over such meeting.
Section 3.03 Resignations. Any director may resign at any time upon notice given in writing or by electronic transmission to the Board, the Chairperson of the Board, the President and Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary of the Corporation. The resignation shall take effect at the time or upon the happening of any event specified therein, and if no specification is so made, at the time of its receipt. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise expressly provided in the resignation.
Section 3.04 Removal. Directors of the Corporation may be removed in the manner provided in the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law.
Section 3.05 Vacancies and Newly Created Directorships. Except as otherwise provided by law, vacancies occurring in any directorship (whether by death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal or other cause) and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors shall be filled in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation. Any director elected to fill a vacancy or newly created directorship shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor shall be elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal.
Section 3.06 Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board may be held at such places and times as shall be determined from time to time by the Board. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the Chairperson of the Board, and shall be called by the President and Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary of the Corporation if directed by a majority of the members of the Board and shall be at such places and times as they or he or she shall fix. Notice need not be given of regular meetings of the Board. At least 24 hours before, or at such shorter notice as those persons calling the meeting may deem reasonably appropriate in light of the circumstances, each special meeting of the Board, either written notice, notice by electronic transmission or oral notice (either in person or by telephone) notice of the time, date and place, if any, of the meeting shall be given to each director; provided, however, that if written notice is given only by United States mail, such notice be deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid at least five days before such special meeting of the Board. Unless otherwise indicated in the notice thereof, any and all business may be transacted at a special meeting.
Section 3.07 Quorum, Voting and Adjournment. Unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, a majority of the total number of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the act of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board. In the absence of a quorum, a majority of the directors present thereat may adjourn such meeting to another time and place. Notice of such adjourned meeting need not be given if the time and place of such adjourned meeting are announced at the meeting so adjourned.
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Section 3.08 Committees; Committee Rules. The Board may designate one or more committees, including but not limited to an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee, each such committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation. The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee to replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers that may require it; provided that no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to the following matters: (A) approving or adopting, or recommending to the stockholders, any action or matter (other than the election or removal of directors) expressly required by the DGCL to be submitted to stockholders for approval or (B) adopting, amending or repealing these Bylaws. Each committee of the Board may fix its own rules of procedure and shall hold its meetings as provided by such rules, except as may otherwise be provided by a resolution of the Board designating such committee. Unless otherwise provided in such a resolution, the presence of at least a majority of the members then serving on the committee shall be necessary to constitute a quorum unless the committee shall consist of one or two members, in which event one member shall constitute a quorum; and all matters shall be determined by a majority vote of the members present at a meeting of the committee at which a quorum is present. Unless otherwise provided in such a resolution, in the event that a member and that members alternate, if alternates are designated by the Board, of such committee is or are absent or disqualified, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board to act at the meeting in place of any such absent or disqualified member.
Section 3.09 Action Without a Meeting. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or any committee thereof, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission. After an action is taken, the consent or consents relating thereto shall be filed in the minutes of proceedings of the Board. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form or shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.
Section 3.10 Remote Meeting. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, members of the Board, or any committee designated by the Board, may participate in a meeting by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment in which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other. Participation in a meeting by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
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Section 3.11 Compensation. The Board shall have the authority to fix the compensation, including fees and reimbursement of expenses, of directors for services to the Corporation in any capacity.
Section 3.12 Reliance on Books and Records. A member of the Board, or a member of any committee designated by the Board shall, in the performance of such persons duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon records of the Corporation and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Corporation by any of the Corporations officers or employees, or committees of the Board, or by any other person as to matters the member reasonably believes are within such other persons professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
Section 4.01 Number. The officers of the Corporation shall include a President and Chief Executive Officer and a Secretary, each of whom shall be elected by the Board and who shall hold office for such terms as shall be determined by the Board and until their successors are elected and qualify or until their earlier resignation or removal. In addition, the Board may elect one or more Vice Presidents, including one or more Executive Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents, a Treasurer and one or more Assistant Treasurers and one or more Assistant Secretaries, who shall hold their office for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board. Any number of offices may be held by the same person.
Section 4.02 Other Officers and Agents. The Board and President and Chief Executive Officer may appoint such other officers and agents as it deems advisable, who shall hold their office for such terms and shall exercise and perform such powers and duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board or the President and Chief Executive Officer.
Section 4.03 President and Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer, who shall also be the President, subject to the determination of the Board, shall have general executive charge, management, and control of the properties and operations of the Corporation in the ordinary course of its business, with all such powers with respect to such properties and operations as may be reasonably incident to such responsibilities. If the Board has not elected a Chairperson of the Board or in the absence or inability to act as the Chairperson of the Board, the President and Chief Executive Officer shall exercise all of the powers and discharge all of the duties of the Chairperson of the Board, but only if the President and Chief Executive Officer is a director of the Corporation.
Section 4.04 Vice Presidents. Each Vice President, if any are elected, of whom one or more may be designated an Executive Vice President or Senior Vice President, shall have such powers and shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to him or her by the President and Chief Executive Officer or the Board.
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Section 4.05 Treasurer.
(A) The Treasurer shall have custody of the corporate funds, securities, evidences of indebtedness and other valuables of the Corporation and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation. The Treasurer shall deposit all moneys and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board or its designees selected for such purposes. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation, taking proper vouchers therefor. The Treasurer shall render to the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Board, upon their request, a report of the financial condition of the Corporation. If required by the Board, the Treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond for the faithful discharge of his or her duties in such amount and with such surety as the Board shall prescribe.
(B) In addition, the Treasurer shall have such further powers and perform such other duties incident to the office of Treasurer as from time to time are assigned to him or her by the President and Chief Executive Officer or the Board.
Section 4.06 Secretary. The Secretary shall: (A) cause minutes of all meetings of the stockholders and directors to be recorded and kept properly; (B) cause all notices required by these Bylaws or otherwise to be given properly; (C) see that the minute books, stock books, and other nonfinancial books, records and papers of the Corporation are kept properly; and (D) cause all reports, statements, returns, certificates and other documents to be prepared and filed when and as required. The Secretary shall have such further powers and perform such other duties as prescribed from time to time by the President and Chief Executive Officer or the Board.
Section 4.07 Assistant Treasurers and Assistant Secretaries. Each Assistant Treasurer and each Assistant Secretary, if any are elected, shall be vested with all the powers and shall perform all the duties of the Treasurer and Secretary, respectively, in the absence or disability of such officer, unless or until the President and Chief Executive Officer or the Board shall otherwise determine. In addition, Assistant Treasurers and Assistant Secretaries shall have such powers and shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them by the President and Chief Executive Officer or the Board.
Section 4.08 Corporate Funds and Checks. The funds of the Corporation shall be kept in such depositories as shall from time to time be prescribed by the Board or its designees selected for such purposes. All checks or other orders for the payment of money shall be signed by the President and Chief Executive Officer, a Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary or such other person or agent as may from time to time be authorized and with such countersignature, if any, as may be required by the Board.
Section 4.09 Contracts and Other Documents. The President and Chief Executive Officer and the Secretary, or such other officer or officers as may from time to time be authorized by the Board or any other committee given specific authority in the premises by the Board during the intervals between the meetings of the Board, shall have power to sign and execute on behalf of the Corporation deeds, conveyances and contracts, and any and all other documents requiring execution by the Corporation.
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Section 4.10 Ownership of Equity Interests or other Securities of Another Entity. Unless otherwise directed by the Board, the President and Chief Executive Officer, a Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary, or such other officer or agent as shall be authorized by the Board, shall have the power and authority, on behalf of the Corporation, to attend and to vote at any meeting of securityholders of any entity in which the Corporation holds securities or equity interests and may exercise, on behalf of the Corporation, any and all of the rights and powers incident to the ownership of such securities or equity interests at any such meeting, including the authority to execute and deliver proxies and consents on behalf of the Corporation.
Section 4.11 Delegation of Duties. In the absence, disability or refusal of any officer to exercise and perform his or her duties, the Board may delegate to another officer such powers or duties.
Section 4.12 Resignation and Removal. Any officer of the Corporation may be removed from office for or without cause at any time by the Board. Any officer may resign at any time in the same manner prescribed under Section 3.03 of these Bylaws.
Section 4.13 Vacancies. The Board shall have the power to fill vacancies occurring in any office.
ARTICLE V
STOCK
Section 5.01 Certificated Shares. The shares of stock of the Corporation may be represented by certificates; provided that the Board may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of the Corporations stock shall be uncertificated shares. Any such resolution shall not apply to shares represented by a certificate until such certificate is surrendered to the Corporation. Every holder of stock in the Corporation represented by certificates shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by any two authorized officers of the Corporation (it being understood that each of the Chairperson of the Board, the Vice Chairperson of the Board, the President and Chief Executive Officer, a Vice President, the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation shall be an authorized officer for such purpose), certifying the number and class of shares of stock of the Corporation owned by such holder. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile. The Board shall have the power to appoint one or more transfer agents and/or registrars for the transfer or registration of certificates of stock of any class, and may require stock certificates to be countersigned or registered by one or more of such transfer agents and/or registrars. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such person were such officer, transfer agent, or registrar at the date of issue.
Section 5.02 Transfer of Shares. Shares of stock of the Corporation represented by certificates shall be transferable upon its books by the holders thereof, in person or by their duly authorized attorneys or legal representatives, upon surrender to the Corporation by delivery thereof (to the extent evidenced by a physical stock certificate) to the person in charge of the stock and transfer books and ledgers. Certificates representing such shares, if any, shall be cancelled and
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new certificates, if the shares are to be certificated, shall thereupon be issued. Shares of capital stock of the Corporation that are not represented by a certificate shall be transferred in accordance with any procedures adopted by the Corporation or its agents and applicable law. A record shall be made of each transfer. Whenever any transfer of shares shall be made for collateral security, and not absolutely, it shall be so expressed in the entry of the transfer if, when the certificates are presented to the Corporation for transfer or uncertificated shares requested to be transferred, both the transferor and transferee request the Corporation do so. The Corporation shall, subject to applicable law, have power and authority to make such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary or proper concerning the issue, transfer and registration of certificates representing shares of stock of the Corporation and uncertificated shares.
Section 5.03 Lost, Stolen, Destroyed or Mutilated Certificates. A new certificate of stock or uncertificated shares may be issued in the place of any certificate previously issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, and the Corporation may, in its discretion, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or his or her legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond, in such sum as the Corporation may direct, in order to indemnify the Corporation against any claims that may be made against it in connection therewith. A new certificate or uncertificated shares of stock may be issued in the place of any certificate previously issued by the Corporation that has become mutilated upon the surrender by such owner of such mutilated certificate and, if required by the Corporation, the posting of a bond by such owner in an amount sufficient to indemnify the Corporation against any claim that may be made against it in connection therewith.
Section 5.04 List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote. The Corporation shall prepare, no later than the tenth day before each meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (provided, however, if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than ten days before the date of the meeting, the list shall reflect the stockholders entitled to vote as of the tenth day before the meeting date), arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting for a period of ten days ending on the day before the meeting date in the manner provided by law. In the event that the Corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the Corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the Corporation. Except as otherwise provided by law, the stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the list of stockholders required by this Section 5.04 or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.
Section 5.05 Fixing Date for Determination of Stockholders of Record.
(A) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which record date shall, unless otherwise required by law, not be more than 60 nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting. If the Board so fixes a date, such date shall also be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the Board determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the
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date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination. If no record date is fixed by the Board, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board may fix a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and in such case shall also fix as the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote in accordance herewith at the adjourned meeting.
(B) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall not be more than 60 days prior to such action. If no such record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution relating thereto.
(C) Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, in order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to express consent to corporate action without a meeting, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which record date shall not be more than ten days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board. If no record date for determining stockholders entitled to express consent to corporate action without a meeting is fixed by the Board, (i) when no prior action of the Board is required by law, the record date for such purpose shall be the first date on which a signed consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation in accordance with applicable law, and (ii) if prior action by the Board is required by law, the record date for such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution taking such prior action.
Section 5.06 Registered Stockholders. Prior to the surrender to the Corporation of the certificate or certificates for a share or shares of stock or notification to the Corporation of the transfer of uncertificated shares with a request to record the transfer of such share or shares, the Corporation may treat the registered owner of such share or shares as the person entitled to receive dividends, to vote, to receive notifications and otherwise to exercise all the rights and powers of an owner of such share or shares. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Corporation shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof.
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ARTICLE VI
NOTICE AND WAIVER OF NOTICE
Section 6.01 Notice. If mailed, notice to stockholders shall be deemed given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at such stockholders address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, and if given by any other form, including any form of electronic transmission permitted by the DGCL, shall be deemed given as provided in the DGCL. Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders, any notice to stockholders may be given by electronic transmission in the manner provided in Section 232 of the DGCL.
Section 6.02 Waiver of Notice. A written waiver of any notice, signed by a stockholder or director, or waiver by electronic transmission by such person, whether given before or after the time of the event for which notice is to be given, shall be deemed equivalent to the notice required to be given to such person. Neither the business nor the purpose of any meeting need be specified in such a waiver. Attendance at any meeting (in person or by remote communication) shall constitute waiver of notice except attendance for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
ARTICLE VII
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 7.01 Right to Indemnification. Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter, a proceeding), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or an officer of the Corporation or, while a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, agent or trustee of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (hereinafter, an indemnitee), whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee, agent or trustee or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee, agent or trustee, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such indemnitee in connection therewith; provided, however, that, except as provided in Section 7.03 with respect to proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification or advancement of expenses or with respect to any compulsory counterclaim brought by such indemnitee, the Corporation shall indemnify any such indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such indemnitee only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board.
Section 7.02 Right to Advancement of Expenses. In addition to the right to indemnification conferred in Section 7.01, an indemnitee shall also have the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses (including attorneys fees) incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition or in connection with a proceeding brought to establish or enforce a right to indemnification or advancement of expenses under this Article VII (which shall be governed by Section 7.03 (hereinafter, an advancement of expenses)); provided, however, that, if the DGCL requires or in the case of an advance made in a proceeding brought to establish or enforce a right to indemnification or advancement, an advancement of expenses incurred by an indemnitee pursuant to this Section 7.02 in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Corporation (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such indemnitee,
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including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) shall be made solely upon the delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking (hereinafter, an undertaking), which the delivery of an indemnification agreement shall satisfy, by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal (hereinafter, a final adjudication) that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified or entitled to advancement of expenses under Section 7.01 and Section 7.02 or otherwise.
Section 7.03 Right of Indemnitee to Bring Suit. If a claim under Section 7.01 or Section 7.02 is not paid in full by the Corporation within (i) 60 days after a written claim for indemnification has been received by the Corporation or (ii) 20 days after a claim for an advancement of expenses has been received by the Corporation, the indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim or to obtain advancement of expenses, as applicable. To the fullest extent permitted by law, if the indemnitee is successful in whole or in part in any such suit or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the indemnitee shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit. In (i) any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) it shall be a defense that, and (ii) any suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that, the indemnitee has not met any applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the DGCL. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including by its directors who are not parties to such action, a committee of such directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because the indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including by its directors who are not parties to such action, a committee of such directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of such a suit brought by the indemnitee, be a defense to such suit. In any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article VII or otherwise shall be on the Corporation.
Section 7.04 Indemnification Not Exclusive.
(A) The provision of indemnification to or the advancement of expenses to any indemnitee under this Article VII, or the entitlement of any indemnitee to indemnification or advancement of expenses under this Article VII, shall not limit or restrict in any way the power of the Corporation to indemnify or advance expenses to such indemnitee in any other way permitted by law or be deemed exclusive of, or invalidate, any right to which any indemnitee seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such indemnitees capacity as an officer, director, employee or agent of the Corporation and as to action in any other capacity.
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(1) Given that certain jointly indemnifiable claims (as defined below) may arise due to the service of the indemnitee as a director and/or officer of the Corporation at the request of the indemnitee-related entities (as defined below), the Corporation shall be fully and primarily responsible for the payment to the indemnitee in respect of indemnification or advancement of expenses in connection with any such jointly indemnifiable claims, pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of this Article VII, irrespective of any right of recovery the indemnitee may have from the indemnitee-related entities. Under no circumstance shall the Corporation be entitled to any right of subrogation or contribution by the indemnitee-related entities and no right of advancement or recovery the indemnitee may have from the indemnitee-related entities shall reduce or otherwise alter the rights of the indemnitee or the obligations of the Corporation hereunder. In the event that any of the indemnitee-related entities shall make any payment to the indemnitee in respect of indemnification or advancement of expenses with respect to any jointly indemnifiable claim, the indemnitee-related entity making such payment shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of the indemnitee against the Corporation. Each of the indemnitee-related entities shall be third-party beneficiaries with respect to this Section 7.04(A), entitled to enforce this Section 7.04(A).
(2) For purposes of this Section 7.04(A), the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(a) The term indemnitee-related entities means any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise (other than the Corporation or any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise for which the indemnitee has agreed, on behalf of the Corporation or at the Corporations request, to serve as a director, officer, employee or agent and which service is covered by the indemnity described herein) from whom an indemnitee may be entitled to indemnification or advancement of expenses with respect to which, in whole or in part, the Corporation also has an indemnification or advancement obligation.
(b) The term jointly indemnifiable claims shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, any action, suit or proceeding for which the indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification or advancement of expenses from both the indemnitee-related entities and the Corporation pursuant to applicable law, any agreement, certificate of incorporation, bylaws, partnership agreement, operating agreement, certificate of formation, certificate of limited partnership or comparable organizational documents of the Corporation or the indemnitee-related entities, as applicable.
Section 7.05 Nature of Rights. The rights conferred upon indemnitees in this Article VII shall be contract rights and such rights shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitees heirs, executors and administrators. Any amendment, alteration or repeal of this Article VII that adversely affects any right of an indemnitee or its successors shall be prospective only and shall not limit, eliminate, or impair any such right with respect to any proceeding involving any occurrence or alleged occurrence of any action or omission to act that took place prior to such amendment or repeal.
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Section 7.06 Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL.
Section 7.07 Indemnification of Employees and Agents of the Corporation. The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board, grant rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to any employee or agent of the Corporation to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Article VII with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of directors and officers of the Corporation.
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 8.01 Electronic Transmission. For purposes of these Bylaws, electronic transmission means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, including the use of, or participation in, one or more electronic networks or databases (including one or more distributed electronic networks or databases), that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved, and reviewed by a recipient thereof, and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by such a recipient through an automated process.
Section 8.02 Corporate Seal. The Board may provide a suitable seal, containing the name of the Corporation, which seal shall be in the charge of the Secretary. If and when so directed by the Board or a committee thereof, duplicates of the seal may be kept and used by the Treasurer or by an Assistant Secretary or Assistant Treasurer.
Section 8.03 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin on the first day of January and end on the thirty-first day of December of each year or at such other time as determined by the Board.
Section 8.04 Section Headings. Section headings in these Bylaws are for convenience of reference only and shall not be given any substantive effect in limiting or otherwise construing any provision herein.
Section 8.05 Inconsistent Provisions. In the event that any provision of these Bylaws is or becomes inconsistent with any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, the DGCL or any other applicable law, such provision of these Bylaws shall not be given any effect to the extent of such inconsistency but shall otherwise be given full force and effect.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS
Section 9.01 Amendments. The Board is authorized to make, repeal, alter, amend and rescind, in whole or in part, these Bylaws without the assent or vote of the stockholders in any manner not inconsistent with the laws of the State of Delaware or the Certificate of Incorporation. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Bylaws or any provision of law that might otherwise permit a lesser vote of the stockholders, at any time when Pearl beneficially owns, in the aggregate,
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less than 35% in voting power of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation required by the Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation)), these Bylaws or applicable law, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% in voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, shall be required in order for the stockholders of the Corporation to alter, amend, repeal or rescind, in whole or in part, any provision of these Bylaws (including, without limitation, this Section 9.01) or to adopt any provision inconsistent herewith.
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Exhibit 4.1
FORM OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
This Registration Rights Agreement (as may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this Agreement) is dated as of , 2024, by and among Infinity Natural Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), and the undersigned holders of Registrable Securities (as defined below), and such other holders of Registrable Securities that join this Agreement pursuant to the provisions herein. Such holders of Registrable Securities party hereto are collectively referred to herein as the Securityholders.
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
In this Agreement:
Affiliate has the meaning ascribed thereto in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act, as in effect on the date hereof.
Agreement has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
Board has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3 hereof.
Business Day means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized or required by applicable law to be closed in New York, New York.
Class A Common Stock means the shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company, and any other capital stock of the Company into which such common stock is reclassified or reconstituted.
Company has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
Control (including its correlative meanings, Controlled by and under common Control with) means possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities or partnership or other ownership interests, by contract or otherwise) of a Person.
Demand Notice has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a) hereof.
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time.
FINRA means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
Initial Public Offering means a transaction or action pursuant to which the Shares of Class A Common Stock are first listed on a national securities exchange in the United States.
INR LLC means Infinity Natural Resources, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
LLC Agreement means the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Infinity Natural Resources, LLC, dated as of the date hereof, as amended, restated, supplemented or modified, from time to time.
LLC Units means the units representing membership interests in INR LLC and any other class of units or interests that is established in INR LLC.
Lock-Up Period has the meaning set forth in the underwriting agreement entered into in connection with the Companys Initial Public Offering.
NGP means NGP XI US Holdings, L.P. and its Affiliates and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
Pearl means Pearl Energy Investments, L.P. and its Affiliates and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
Person means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, a cooperative, an unincorporated organization or other form of business organization, whether or not regarded as a legal entity under applicable law, or any governmental authority or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.
Potential Participant has the meaning set forth in Section 2.6.
Recognized Exchange means The New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Stock Market or any securities exchange on which similar securities of the Company are then listed.
Registrable Securities means shares of Class A Common Stock that may be delivered in exchange for LLC Units and other shares of Class A Common Stock otherwise held by Securityholders from time to time. For purposes of this Agreement, Registrable Securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when (a) a registration statement covering the resale of such Registrable Securities has been declared effective under the Securities Act by the SEC and such Registrable Securities have been sold, transferred, disposed of or exchanged pursuant to such effective registration statement; (b) such Registrable Securities have been sold pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 145 (or any successor rules or regulations then in force); (c) such Registrable Securities cease to be outstanding (or issuable upon exchange); or (d) such Registrable Securities become eligible for resale without volume or manner-of-sale restrictions and without current public information pursuant to Rule 144.
Registration Expenses means any and all expenses incurred in connection with the performance of or compliance with this Agreement, including:
(a) all SEC, stock exchange or FINRA registration and filing fees (including, if applicable, the fees and expenses of any qualified independent underwriter, as such term is defined in Rule 5121 of FINRA, and of its counsel);
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(b) all fees and expenses of complying with securities or blue sky laws (including fees and disbursements of counsel for the underwriters in connection with blue sky qualifications of the Registrable Securities);
(c) all printing, messenger and delivery expenses;
(d) all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Registrable Securities on any Recognized Exchange or FINRA and all rating agency fees;
(e) the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and of its independent public accountants, including the expenses of any special audits and/or comfort letters required by or incident to such performance and compliance (including, without limitation, any such audits and comfort letters relating to financial statements pursuant to Rule 3-05 of Regulation S-X and Article 11 thereunder);
(f) any fees and disbursements of underwriters customarily paid by the issuers or sellers of Securities, including liability or similar insurance if the Company so desires or if the underwriters so require, and the reasonable fees and expenses of any special experts retained in connection with the requested registration, but, for the avoidance of doubt, excluding underwriting discounts, selling commissions and transfer taxes, if any;
(g) the reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses of not more than one law firm (as selected by Pearl, if it is participating in such registration and otherwise, by NGP if it is participating in such registration (which may be the same counsel as selected for the Company));
(h) the costs and expenses of the Company relating to analyst and investor presentations or any road show undertaken in connection with the registration and/or marketing of the Registrable Securities (including the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of the Securityholders); and
(i) any other fees and disbursements customarily paid by the issuers of Securities.
SEC means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor agency.
Securities means capital stock, limited partnership interests, limited liability company interests, beneficial interests, warrants, options, notes, bonds, debentures and other securities, equity interests, ownership interests and similar obligations of every kind and nature of any Person.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time.
Securityholders has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
Shares means shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company. Shares held by or on behalf of a Securityholder, the certificate for which does not bear a Securities Act restrictive legend, which Shares may be resold freely without registration under the Securities Act, will not be considered Shares for purposes of the demand and piggyback provisions of this Agreement.
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Subsidiary means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity of which: (a) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, representatives or trustees thereof is at the time owned or Controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof; or (b) if a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity, a majority of the total voting power of stock (or equivalent ownership interest) of the limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity is at the time owned or Controlled, directly or indirectly, by any Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, a Person or Persons shall be deemed to have a majority ownership interest in a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity if such Person or Persons shall be allocated a majority of limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity gains or losses or shall be or Control the managing director or general partner of such limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity.
Underwritten Block Trade has the meaning set forth in Section 2.6.
WKSI means a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.
ARTICLE II
DEMAND AND PIGGYBACK RIGHTS
2.1 Right to Demand a Non-Shelf Registered Offering.
(a) Upon the written demand of Pearl or NGP made at any time and from time to time, in each case, after the expiration of the Lock-Up Period (a Demand Notice), the Company will facilitate in the manner described in this Agreement a non-shelf registered offering of the Registrable Securities requested by Pearl or NGP to be included in such offering provided that (i) the market value, based on the closing price of the Class A Common Stock of the Business Day immediately preceding the date of the Demand Notice, of the aggregate amount of Registrable Securities requested to be included in such non-shelf registered offering is at least $40 million, and (ii) the Company shall not be obligated to effect more than two such non-shelf registered offering demands in any twelve-month period.
(b) Any demanded non-shelf registered offering pursuant to Section 2.1(a) may, at the Companys option, include Shares to be sold by the Company for its own account and will also include Registrable Securities to be sold by Securityholders that exercise their related piggyback rights pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof and any other Registrable Securities to be sold by the holders of registration rights granted other than pursuant to this Agreement exercising such rights, in each case, to the extent exercising such rights on a timely basis. In order to be valid, the Demand Notice must provide the information described in Section 3.1 hereof (if applicable) and Section 4.5 hereof or be followed by such information, when requested as contemplated by Section 4.5 hereof.
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(c) Without limiting any other obligations of the Company hereunder, as soon as reasonably practicable, but in no event later than 60 days after receiving a valid Demand Notice satisfying the criteria set forth in this Section 2.1, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC a registration statement covering all of the Registrable Securities covered by such Demand Notice as well as any other Registrable Securities as to which registration is properly requested in accordance with Section 2.2 hereof (which other Registrable Securities may be included by means of a pre-effective amendment) and any other registrable securities properly requested in accordance with other registration rights agreements with the Company, but subject in each case to any cutbacks imposed in accordance with Section 3.5 hereof and the limitations set forth in Section 2.5 hereof.
2.2 Right to Piggyback on a Non-Shelf Registered Offering. In connection with any registered offering of Shares covered by a non-shelf registration statement (whether pursuant to the exercise of demand rights or at the initiative of the Company), the Securityholders may exercise piggyback rights to have included in such offering Registrable Securities held by them, subject in each case to any cutbacks imposed in accordance with Section 3.5 hereof and the limitations set forth in Section 2.5 hereof. The Company will facilitate in the manner described in this Agreement any such non-shelf registered offering.
2.3 Right to Demand and be Included in a Shelf Registration. Upon the receipt of a Demand Notice from Pearl or NGP made at any time when the Company is eligible to utilize Form S-3 or a successor form to sell Shares in a secondary offering on a delayed or continuous basis in accordance with Rule 415 under the Securities Act, the Company will use its commercially reasonable efforts to facilitate in the manner described in this Agreement a shelf registration of Registrable Securities held by the Securityholders. Any shelf registration filed pursuant to this Section 2.3 by the Company covering Shares (whether pursuant to a demand by Pearl or NGP or at the initiative of the Company) will cover Registrable Securities held by each of the Securityholders (regardless of whether they demanded the filing of such shelf or not) equal to the percentage of their original respective holdings as is requested by Pearl or NGP with respect to the Registrable Securities of Pearl or NGP, respectively, to be included in such shelf. Within five Business Days after the receipt of the Demand Notice, the Company shall give written notice of such Demand Notice to all Securityholders. Each Securityholder agrees to deliver such information as the Company may reasonably request in writing, if any, to the Company at least three Business Days prior to the anticipated filing date of the shelf registration statement as set forth in the Demand Notice. If a Securityholder does not timely provide the information, the Company may reasonably request that such Securityholder will not be named as a selling securityholder in the shelf registration statement and will not be permitted to sell its securities under the shelf registration statement. A Securityholder may withdraw all or any portion of its Registrable Securities included on a shelf registration statement from such shelf registration statement at any time prior to the filing of such registration statement. If at the time of such request the Company is eligible for WKSI status, such shelf registration may, upon the approval of the board of directors of the Company (the Board), cover an unspecified number of Registrable Securities to be sold by the Company and its Securityholders.
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2.4 Demand and Piggyback Rights for Shelf Takedowns. Upon the receipt of a Demand Notice from Pearl or NGP made at any time after a shelf registration statement filed pursuant to Section 2.3 has become effective, the Company will facilitate in the manner described in this Agreement an underwritten offering of Registrable Securities off of an effective shelf registration statement; provided that (a) the market value, based on the closing price of the Class A Common Stock of the Business Day immediately preceding the date of the Demand Notice, of the aggregate amount of Registrable Securities requested to be included in such shelf registered offering is at least $40 million, and (b) the Company shall not be obligated to effect more than four such registered offering demands in any twelve-month period (inclusive of any non-shelf registered offering demands). In connection with any underwritten shelf takedown (whether pursuant to the exercise of such demand rights by any of Pearl or NGP or at the initiative of the Company), the Securityholders may exercise piggyback rights to have included in such takedown Registrable Securities held by them that are registered on such shelf.
2.5 Limitations on Demand and Piggyback Rights.
(a) Any demand for the filing of a registration statement or for a registered offering or takedown, and the exercise of any piggyback registration rights, will be subject to the constraints of any applicable lockup arrangements, and any such demand must be deferred until such lockup arrangements no longer apply. If a demand has been made for a non-shelf registered offering or for an underwritten takedown, no further demands may be made so long as the related offering is still being pursued. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Securityholders will not have piggyback or other registration rights with respect to the following registered primary offerings by the Company: (i) a registration relating solely to employee benefit plans; (ii) a registration on Form S-4 or Form S-8 (or other similar successor forms then in effect under the Securities Act); (iii) a registration pursuant to which the Company is offering to exchange its own Securities for other Securities; (iv) a registration statement relating solely to dividend reinvestment or similar plans; (v) a shelf registration statement pursuant to which only the initial purchasers and subsequent transferees of debt securities of the Company or any Subsidiary that are convertible for common equity and that are initially issued pursuant to Rule 144A and/or Regulation S of the Securities Act may resell such notes and sell the common equity into which such notes may be converted; (vi) a registration where the Registrable Securities are not being sold for cash; (vii) an exchange registration; or (viii) a registration of Securities where the offering is a bona fide offering of debt securities, even if such Securities are convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Shares.
(b) The Company may postpone the filing of a demanded registration statement or suspend the effectiveness of any shelf registration statement for a reasonable blackout period not in excess of 90 days if the Board determines in good faith that such registration or offering could (i) materially interfere with a bona fide business, reorganization, acquisition or divestiture or financing transaction of the Company or its Subsidiaries; (ii) require disclosure of material, non-public information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential; or (iii) or is reasonably likely to require premature disclosure of information, the premature disclosure of which could materially and adversely affect the Company; provided that the Company shall not delay the filing of any demanded registration statement more than once in any 12-month period (except that the Company shall be able to use this right more than once in any 12-month period if the Company is exercising such right during the 15-day period prior to the Companys regularly scheduled quarterly earnings announcement and the total number of days of postponement in such 12-month period does not exceed 90 days). The blackout period will end upon the earlier to occur of, (i) in the case of a bona fide business, acquisition or divestiture or financing transaction, a date not later than 90 days from the date such deferral commenced, and (ii) in the case of disclosure of non-public information, the earlier to occur of (x) the filing by the Company of its next succeeding Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, or (y) the date upon which such information is otherwise disclosed or becomes public knowledge.
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2.6 Block Trades. If Pearl or NGP desires to engage in an underwritten block trade or bought deal pursuant to a shelf registration statement (either through filing an automatic shelf registration statement or through a take-down from an already existing shelf registration statement) (each, an Underwritten Block Trade), then, notwithstanding the time periods set forth in Section 2.1(c), Pearl or NGP, as applicable, shall notify the Company of the Underwritten Block Trade not less than three Business Days prior to the day such offering is first anticipated to commence. The Company will use its commercially reasonable efforts to promptly notify the other Securityholders of such Underwritten Block Trade at the address provided in writing to the Company prior to such trade and such notified Securityholders (each, a Potential Participant) may elect whether or not to participate no later than the next Business Day (i.e., two Business Days prior to the day such offering is to commence) (unless a longer period is agreed to by Pearl or NGP, as applicable), and the Company will as expeditiously as possible use its commercially reasonable efforts to facilitate such Underwritten Block Trade (which may close as early as one Business Day after the date it commences). The Securityholders wishing to engage in the Underwritten Block Trade shall, to the extent practicable, use commercially reasonable efforts to work with the Company and any underwriters in order to facilitate preparation of any registration statement, prospectus and other offering documentation related to the Underwritten Block Trade. Any Potential Participants request to participate in an Underwritten Block Trade shall be binding on the Potential Participant. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any Underwritten Block Trade requested hereunder must be for an aggregate expected proceeds of at least $20 million.
ARTICLE III
NOTICES, CUTBACKS AND OTHER MATTERS
3.1 Notifications Regarding Registration Statements. In order for Pearl or NGP to exercise their right to demand pursuant to Article II that a registration statement be filed, they must include in their Demand Notice the number of Registrable Securities sought to be registered and the proposed plan of distribution.
3.2 Notifications Regarding Registration Piggyback Rights.
(a) In the event that the Company receives (i) any demand pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof; or (ii) if the Company files a registration statement with respect to a non-shelf registered offering, the Company will promptly give to each of the Securityholders a written notice thereof no later than 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the fifth Business Day (1) following receipt by the Company of such demand, or (2) prior to the proposed filing of such registration statement, as applicable. Any Securityholder wishing to exercise its piggyback rights with respect to any such non-shelf registration statement must notify the Company and the other Securityholders of the number of Registrable Securities it seeks to have included in such registration statement in a written notice. Such notice must be given as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the third Business Day prior to the date on which the preliminary prospectus intended to be used in connection with pre-effective marketing efforts for the relevant offering is expected to be finalized.
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(b) Pending any required public disclosure and subject to applicable legal requirements, the parties will maintain appropriate confidentiality of their discussions regarding a prospective non-shelf registration.
3.3 Notifications Regarding Demanded Underwritten Takedowns.
(a) The Company will keep the Securityholders reasonably apprised of all pertinent aspects of any underwritten shelf takedown demanded by Pearl or NGP in order that Securityholders may have a reasonable opportunity to exercise their related piggyback rights. Without limiting the Companys obligation as described in the preceding sentence and except as otherwise required by Section 2.6, having a reasonable opportunity requires that the Securityholders be notified by the Company of an anticipated underwritten takedown (whether pursuant to a demand made by Pearl or NGP or made at the Companys own initiative) no later than 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on (i) if applicable, the second Business Day prior to the date on which the preliminary prospectus or prospectus supplement intended to be used in connection with pre-pricing marketing efforts for such takedown is finalized, and (ii) in all other cases, the second Business Day prior to the date on which the pricing of the relevant takedown occurs.
(b) Any Securityholder wishing to exercise its piggyback rights with respect to an underwritten shelf takedown must notify the Company and the other Securityholders of the number of Registrable Securities it seeks to have included in such takedown. Except as otherwise required by Section 2.6, such notice must be given as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on (i) if applicable, the Business Day prior to the date on which the preliminary prospectus or prospectus supplement intended to be used in connection with marketing efforts for the relevant offering is expected to be finalized, and (ii) in all cases, the Business Day prior to the date on which the pricing of the relevant takedown occurs.
(c) Pending any required public disclosure and subject to applicable legal requirements, the parties will maintain appropriate confidentiality of their discussions regarding a prospective underwritten takedown.
3.4 Plan of Distribution, Underwriters and Advisors. If a majority of the Registrable Securities proposed to be sold in an underwritten offering through a non-shelf registration statement or through a shelf takedown is being sold by the Company for its own account, the Company will be entitled to determine the plan of distribution and select the managing underwriters and any provider of advisory services for such offering. Otherwise, Securityholders holding a majority of the Shares requested to be included will be entitled to determine the plan of distribution and select the managing underwriters and any provider of advisory services; provided that such investment banker or bankers, managers and providers of advisory services shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company.
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3.5 Cutbacks. If the managing underwriters advise the Company and the selling Securityholders that, in their opinion, the number of Registrable Securities requested to be included in an underwritten offering exceeds the amount that can be sold in such offering without adversely affecting the distribution of the Registrable Securities being offered, the price that will be paid in such offering or the marketability thereof, such offering will include only the number of Registrable Securities that the underwriters advise can be sold in such offering in the following order of priority:
(a) If such underwritten offering is initiated by the Securityholders pursuant to Article II, then, with respect to each class proposed to be registered:
(i) first, the Registrable Securities beneficially owned by Securityholders requested to be included in such demand registration, allocated pro rata among the respective Securityholders beneficially owning such Registrable Securities on the basis of the number of Registrable Securities beneficially owned by each such Securityholder;
(ii) second, any Securities to be sold by the Company for its own account; and
(iii) third, other Securities held by any other third parties requested to be included in such demand registration pursuant to registration rights granted to such third-party holder.
(b) If such underwritten offering is initiated by the Company, then, with respect to each class proposed to be registered:
(i) first, any Securities to be sold by the Company for its own account;
(ii) second, the Registrable Securities beneficially owned by Securityholders requested to be included pursuant to this Agreement, allocated pro rata among the respective Securityholders beneficially owning such Registrable Securities on the basis of the number of Registrable Securities beneficially owned by each such Securityholder; and
(iii) third, other Securities held by any other third parties requested to be included pursuant to registration rights granted to such third-party holder.
(c) If such underwritten offering is initiated by any third-party holder, then, with respect to each class proposed to be registered:
(i) first, Securities held by demanding third parties requested to be included pursuant to registration rights granted to such third-party holder and the Registrable Securities beneficially owned by Securityholders requested to be included, allocated pro rata among the respective third-party Securityholders beneficially owning such Securities or Registrable Securities, respectively on the basis of the number of Registrable Securities or Securities beneficially owned by each such Securityholder or third party, respectively;
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(ii) second, any Securities to be sold by the Company for its own account; and
(iii) third, other Securities held by any other third parties requested to be included pursuant to registration rights granted to such third-party holder.
3.6 Withdrawals. Even if Registrable Securities held by a Securityholder have been part of a registered underwritten offering, such Securityholder may, no later than the time at which the public offering price and underwriters discount are determined with the managing underwriter, decline to sell all or any portion of the Registrable Securities being offered for its account.
3.7 Lockups. In connection with any underwritten offering of Shares, the Company and each Securityholder that holds Registrable Securities or that participates in such offering will agree (in the case of Securityholders, with respect to Registrable Securities respectively beneficially owned by them) to be bound by the underwriting agreements lockup restrictions (which must apply in like manner to all of them) that are agreed to by the Company for so long as such Securityholders hold Registrable Securities. In addition, the Securityholders shall be bound by their obligations with respect to any lockup arrangements or other restrictions on transfer of Registrable Securities set forth in the LLC Agreement.
ARTICLE IV
FACILITATING REGISTRATIONS AND OFFERINGS
4.1 General. If the Company becomes obligated under this Agreement to facilitate a registration and offering of Registrable Securities on behalf of Securityholders, the Company will do so with the same degree of care and dispatch as would reasonably be expected in the case of a registration and offering by the Company of Registrable Securities for its own account. Without limiting this general obligation, the Company will fulfill its specific obligations as described in this Article IV.
4.2 Registration Statements. In connection with each registration statement that is demanded by Securityholders in accordance with this Agreement or as to which piggyback rights otherwise apply, the Company will:
(a) (i) prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement on the appropriate form covering the applicable Registrable Securities; (ii) file amendments thereto as warranted; (iii) seek the effectiveness thereof; and (iv) file with the SEC prospectuses and prospectus supplements as may be required, all in consultation with Pearl and NGP, as applicable, and as reasonably necessary in order to permit the offer and sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the applicable plan of distribution;
(b) (i) within a reasonable time prior to the filing of any registration statement, any prospectus, any amendment to a registration statement, amendment or supplement to a prospectus or any free writing prospectus (in each case including all exhibits filed therewith),provide copies of such documents to the selling Securityholders and to the underwriter or underwriters of an underwritten offering, if applicable, and to their respective counsel; and fairly consider such reasonable changes in any such documents prior to or after the filing thereof as the
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counsel to the Securityholders or the underwriter or the underwriters may request; and make such of the representatives of the Company as shall be reasonably requested by the selling Securityholders or any underwriter available for discussion of such documents; and (ii) within a reasonable time prior to the filing of any document which is to be incorporated by reference into a registration statement or a prospectus: provide copies of such document to counsel for the Securityholders and underwriters; fairly consider such reasonable changes in such document prior to or after the filing thereof as counsel for such Securityholders or such underwriter shall request; and make such of the representatives of the Company as shall be reasonably requested by such counsel available for discussion of such document;
(c) use commercially reasonable efforts to cause each registration statement and the related prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, as of the effective date of such registration statement, amendment or supplement and during the distribution of the registered Registrable Securities (i) to comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act (including the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) and (ii) not to contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;
(d) notify each Securityholder promptly, and, if requested by such Securityholder, confirm such advice in writing, (i) when a registration statement has become effective and when any post-effective amendments and supplements thereto become effective if such registration statement or post-effective amendment is not automatically effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462 under the Securities Act; (ii) of the issuance by the SEC or any state securities authority of any stop order, injunction or other order or requirement suspending the effectiveness of a registration statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose; (iii) if, between the effective date of a registration statement and the closing of any sale of securities covered thereby pursuant to any agreement to which the Company is a party, the representations and warranties of the Company contained in such agreement cease to be true and correct in all material respects or if the Company receives any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation of any proceeding for such purpose; and (iv) of the happening of any event during the period a registration statement is effective as a result of which such registration statement or the related prospectus contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;
(e) furnish counsel for each underwriter, if any, and for the Securityholders copies of any correspondence with the SEC or any state securities authority relating to the registration statement or prospectus;
(f) otherwise use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, including making available to its security holders an earnings statement covering at least twelve months which shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder (or any similar provision then in force); and
(g) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of a registration statement at the earliest possible time.
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4.3 Non-Shelf Registered Offerings and Shelf Takedowns. In connection with any non-shelf registered offering or shelf takedown that is demanded by Securityholders or as to which piggyback rights otherwise apply, the Company will:
(a) cooperate with the selling Securityholders and the sole underwriter or managing underwriter of an underwritten offering, if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing the Registrable Securities to be sold and not bearing any restrictive legends; and enable such Registrable Securities to be in such denominations (consistent with the provisions of the governing documents thereof) and registered in such names as the selling Securityholders or the sole underwriter or managing underwriter of an underwritten offering of Registrable Securities, if any, may reasonably request at least five days prior to any sale of such Registrable Securities;
(b) furnish to each Securityholder and to each underwriter, if any, participating in the relevant offering, without charge, as many copies of the applicable prospectus, including each preliminary prospectus, and any amendment or supplement thereto and such other documents as such Securityholder or underwriter may reasonably request in order to facilitate the public sale or other disposition of the Registrable Securities; the Company hereby consents to the use of the prospectus, including each preliminary prospectus, by each such Securityholder and underwriter in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities covered by the prospectus or the preliminary prospectus;
(c) (i) use commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify the Registrable Securities being offered and sold, no later than the time the applicable registration statement becomes effective, under all applicable state securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as each underwriter, if any, or any Securityholder holding Registrable Securities covered by a registration statement, shall reasonably request; (ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to keep each such registration or qualification effective during the period such registration statement is required to be kept effective; and (iii) do any and all other acts and things which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable each such underwriter, if any, and Securityholder to consummate the disposition in each such jurisdiction of such Registrable Securities owned by such Securityholder; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to qualify as a foreign corporation or as a dealer in securities in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or to consent to be subject to general service of process (other than service of process in connection with such registration or qualification or any sale of Registrable Securities in connection therewith) in any such jurisdiction;
(d) cause all Registrable Securities being sold to be qualified for inclusion in or listed on any Recognized Exchange on which Registrable Securities issued by the Company are then so qualified or listed if so requested by the Securityholders, or if so requested by the underwriter or underwriters of an underwritten offering of Registrable Securities, if any;
(e) cooperate and assist in any filings required to be made with FINRA and in the performance of any due diligence investigation by any underwriter in an underwritten offering;
(f) use commercially reasonable efforts to facilitate the distribution and sale of any Registrable Securities to be offered pursuant to this Agreement, including without limitation by making road show presentations, holding meetings with and making calls to potential investors and taking such other actions as shall be requested by the Securityholders or the lead managing underwriter of an underwritten offering; and
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(g) enter into customary agreements (including, in the case of an underwritten offering, underwriting agreements in customary form, and including provisions with respect to indemnification and contribution in customary form and consistent with the provisions relating to indemnification and contribution contained herein) and take all other customary and appropriate actions in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities and in connection therewith:
(i) make such representations and warranties to the selling Securityholders and the underwriters, if any, in form, substance and scope as are customarily made by issuers to underwriters in similar underwritten offerings;
(ii) obtain opinions of counsel to the Company covering the matters customarily covered in opinions requested in sales of securities or underwritten offerings;
(iii) obtain cold comfort letters and updates thereof (including, without limitation, any such audits and comfort letters relating to financial statements pursuant to Rule 3-05 of Regulation S-X and Article 11 thereunder) from the Companys independent certified public accountants addressed to the selling Securityholders, if permissible, and the underwriters, if any, which letters shall be customary in form and shall cover matters of the type customarily covered in cold comfort letters to underwriters in connection with primary underwritten offerings; and
(h) to the extent requested and customary for the relevant transaction, enter into a securities sales agreement with the Securityholders providing for, among other things, the appointment of such representative as agent for the selling Securityholders for the purpose of soliciting purchases of Registrable Securities, which agreement shall be customary in form, substance and scope and shall contain customary representations, warranties and covenants.
The above shall be done at such times as customarily occur in similar registered offerings or shelf takedowns.
4.4 Due Diligence. In connection with each registration and offering of Registrable Securities to be sold by Securityholders, the Company will, in accordance with customary practice, make available for inspection by underwriters and any counsel or accountant retained by such underwriters all relevant financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company and cause appropriate officers, managers, employees, outside counsel and accountants of the Company to supply all information reasonably requested by any such underwriter, counsel or accountant in connection with their due diligence exercise, including through in-person meetings, but subject to customary privilege constraints.
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4.5 Information from Securityholders. Each Securityholder that holds Registrable Securities covered by any registration statement will promptly furnish to the Company such information regarding itself as is required to be included in the registration statement or is otherwise required by FINRA or the SEC in connection with such registration statement, the ownership of Registrable Securities by such Securityholder and the proposed distribution by such Securityholder of such Registrable Securities as the Company may from time to time reasonably request in writing.
4.6 Expenses. All Registration Expenses incurred in connection with any registration statement or registered offering covering Registrable Securities held by the Securityholders will be borne by the Company. However, underwriters, brokers and dealers discounts and commissions applicable to and all transfer taxes (if any) attributable to the sale of Registrable Securities sold for the account of a Securityholder will be borne by such Securityholder.
ARTICLE V
INDEMNIFICATION
5.1 Indemnification by the Company. In the event of any registration under the Securities Act by any registration statement pursuant to rights granted in this Agreement of Registrable Securities held by Securityholders, the Company will indemnify and hold harmless Securityholders, their officers, directors and affiliates, and each underwriter of such securities and each other Person, if any, who Controls any Securityholder or such underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act, against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (including reasonable documented legal fees and costs of court), joint or several, to which Securityholders or such underwriter or controlling Person may become subject under the Securities Act or otherwise, including any amount paid in settlement of any litigation commenced or threatened, and shall promptly reimburse such Persons, as and when incurred, for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating any claims and defending any actions, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or any actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any violation or alleged violation by the Company of the Securities Act, any blue sky laws, securities laws or other applicable laws of any state or country in which such Shares are offered and relating to action taken or action or inaction required of the Company in connection with such offering, or arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact (a) contained, on its effective date, in any registration statement under which such securities were registered under the Securities Act or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing, or which arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; or (b) contained in any preliminary prospectus, if used prior to the effective date of such registration statement, or in the final prospectus (as amended or supplemented if the Company shall have filed with the SEC any amendment or supplement to the final prospectus), or which arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated in such prospectus or necessary to make the statements in such prospectus not misleading; and will reimburse Securityholders and each such underwriter and each such controlling Person for any legal or any other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage or liability; provided, however, that the Company shall not be liable to any Securityholder or its underwriters or controlling Persons in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in such registration statement or such amendment or supplement, in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Company through a written instrument duly executed by Securityholders or such underwriter specifically for use in the preparation thereof.
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5.2 Indemnification by Securityholders. Each Securityholder as a condition to including Registrable Securities in such registration statement will indemnify and hold harmless (in the same manner and to the same extent as set forth in Section 5.1 hereof) the Company, each director of the Company, each officer of the Company who shall sign the registration statement, and any Person who Controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act, (a) with respect to any statement or omission from such registration statement, or any amendment or supplement to it, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Company through a written instrument duly executed by such Securityholder specifically regarding such Securityholder for use in the preparation of such registration statement or amendment or supplement, and (b) with respect to compliance by such Securityholder with applicable laws in effecting the sale or other disposition of the securities covered by such registration statement.
5.3 Indemnification Procedures. Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party of notice of the commencement of any action involving a claim referred to in Section 5.1 and Section 5.2 hereof, the indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made or may be made against an indemnifying party, give written notice to such indemnifying party of the commencement of the action. The failure of any indemnified party to give notice shall not relieve the indemnifying party of its obligations in this Article V, except to the extent that the indemnifying party is actually prejudiced by the failure to give notice. If any such action is brought against an indemnified party, the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate in and to assume the defense of the action with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party, and after notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election to assume defense of the action, the indemnifying party will not be liable to such indemnified party for any legal or other expenses incurred by the latter in connection with the actions defense other than reasonable costs of investigation. An indemnified party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any action or proceeding and participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at such indemnified partys expense unless (a) the employment of such counsel has been specifically authorized in writing by the indemnifying party, which authorization shall not be unreasonably withheld; (b) the indemnifying party has not assumed the defense and employed counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party within thirty (30) days after notice of any such action or proceeding; or (c) the named parties to any such action or proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include the indemnified party and the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have been advised by such counsel that there may be one or more legal defenses available to the indemnified party that are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party (in which case the indemnifying party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such action or proceeding on behalf of the indemnified party), it being understood, however, that the indemnifying party shall not, in connection with any one such action or separate but substantially similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances, be liable for the reasonable fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys (in addition to all local counsel which is necessary, in the good faith opinion of both counsel for the indemnifying party and counsel for the indemnified party in order
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to adequately represent the indemnified parties) for the indemnified party and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred upon written request and presentation of invoices. Whether or not a defense is assumed by the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party will not be subject to any liability for any settlement made without its consent (not to be unreasonably withheld). No indemnifying party will consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which (a) does not include as an unconditional term the giving by the claimant or plaintiff, to the indemnified party, of a release from all liability in respect of such claim or litigation; or (b) involves the imposition of equitable remedies or the imposition of any non-financial obligations on the indemnified party.
5.4 Contribution. If the indemnification required by this Article V from the indemnifying party is unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any indemnifiable losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, then the indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect (a) the relative benefit of the indemnifying and indemnified parties, and (b) if the allocation in clause (i) is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefit referred to in clause (i) and also the relative fault of the indemnified and indemnifying parties, in connection with the actions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by a party shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the offering (before deducting expenses) received by it bear to the total amounts (including, in the case of any underwriter, any underwriting commissions and discounts) received by each other party. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact, has been made by, or relates to information supplied by, such indemnifying party or parties, and the parties relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such action. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses, claims, damage, liabilities and expenses referred to above shall be deemed to include any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with any investigation or proceeding. The Company and Securityholders agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 5.4 were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in the prior provisions of this Section 5.4.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 5.4, no indemnifying party shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the securities were offered to the public by such indemnifying party exceeds the amount of any damages which such indemnifying party has otherwise been required to pay by reason of an untrue statement or omission. No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such a fraudulent misrepresentation.
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ARTICLE VI
OTHER AGREEMENTS
6.1 Assignment. (a) No Securityholder shall assign all or any part of this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Company (which such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), and (b) the Company shall not assign all or any part of this Agreement without the prior written consent of Pearl (which such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided, however, that without the prior written consent of the Company, Pearl and NGP may assign their respective rights and obligations under this Agreement in whole or in part to (x) any of their respective Affiliates and/or (y) any Person who becomes a holder of Registrable Securities upon a distribution by Pearl or NGP, as applicable, of shares of Class A Common Stock or LLC Units to their respective direct or indirect members, limited partners or stockholders that becomes a party hereto by executing and delivering an assignment and joinder agreement to the Company, substantially in the form of Exhibit A to this Agreement; provided that unless otherwise agreed to in advance by the Company, Pearl and NGP in writing, in no event shall any Securityholder (other than Pearl, NGP and their respective Affiliates) be entitled to any demand rights under this Agreement pursuant to an assignment under this Section 6.1. Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding on the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
6.2 Merger or Consolidation. In the event the Company engages in a merger or consolidation in which the Registrable Securities are converted into securities of another company, appropriate arrangements will be made so that the registration rights provided under this Agreement continue to be provided to Securityholders by the issuer of such securities.
6.3 Limited Liability. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, neither the members, general partners, limited partners or managing directors, or any directors or officers of any members, general or limited partner, advisory director, nor any future members, general partners, limited partners, advisory directors or managing directors, if any, of any Securityholder shall have any personal liability for performance of any obligation of such Securityholder under this Agreement in excess of the respective capital contributions of such members, general partners, limited partners, advisory directors or managing directors to such Securityholder.
6.4 Rule 144. If the Company is subject to the requirements of Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company covenants that it will file any reports required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (or, if the Company is subject to the requirements of Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act but is not required to file such reports, it will, upon the request of any Securityholder, make publicly available such information), and it will take such further action as any Securityholder may reasonably request, so as to enable such Securityholder to sell Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitations of the exemptions provided by (a) Rule 144 under the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or (b) any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC. Upon the request of any Securityholder, the Company will deliver to such Securityholder a written statement as to whether it has complied with such requirements, including using commercially reasonable efforts to cause counsel to the Company to deliver customary legal opinions in connection with the removal of any restrictive legends in connection with a sale of such Registrable Securities. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 6.4 shall not in any way limit or otherwise modify any applicable restrictions on transfer set forth in the LLC Agreement.
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6.5 In-Kind Distributions. If any Securityholder seeks to effectuate an in-kind distribution of all or part of its Registrable Securities to its direct or indirect equityholders, the Company will, subject to applicable lockups, work with such Securityholder and the Companys transfer agent to facilitate such in-kind distribution in the manner reasonably requested by such Securityholder.
ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS
7.1 Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, registered first-class mail, telex, fax or air courier guaranteeing delivery to the Persons at the respective addresses set forth below or pursuant to such other instructions as may be designated in writing by the party to receive such notice.
(a) | If to the Company, to: |
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc.
2605 Cranberry Square
Morgantown, WV 26508
Attention: Raleigh Wolfe, General Counsel
Email: legal@infinitynr.com
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
609 Main Street
Houston, Texas 77002
Attention: Matthew R. Pacey, P.C. and Michael W. Rigdon, P.C.
Email: matt.pacey@kirkland.com; michael.rigdon@kirkland.com
(b) | If to Pearl, to: |
Pearl Energy Investments, L.P.
2100 McKinney Ave., Suite 1675
Dallas, TX 75201
Attention: David Levinson
Email: dlevinson@pearl-energy.com
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
609 Main Street
Houston, Texas 77002
Attention: Matthew R. Pacey, P.C. and Michael W. Rigdon, P.C.
Email: matt.pacey@kirkland.com; michael.rigdon@kirkland.com
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(c) | If to NGP, to: |
NGP XI US Holdings, L.P.
2850 N. Harwood Street, 19th Floor
Dallas, TX 75201
Attention: Brian Seline
Email: bseline@ngpenergy.com
Any such notice, request, demand or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) on the date of delivery if delivered personally or by facsimile or electronic transmission; (b) on the first Business Day after being sent if delivered by nationally recognized overnight delivery service; and (c) upon the earlier of actual receipt thereof or five Business Days after the date of deposit in the United States mail if delivered by mail.
7.2 Section Headings. The article and section headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. References in this Agreement to a designated Article or Section refer to an Article or Section of this Agreement unless otherwise specifically indicated.
7.3 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware.
7.4 Consent to Jurisdiction and Service of Process; Waiver of Jury Trial.
(a) The parties to this Agreement hereby agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware, the courts of the United States of America for the District of Delaware, and appellate courts from any thereof in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement.
(b) EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
7.5 Amendments.
(a) This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument in writing executed by the Company and Securityholders holding at least a two-thirds of the Registrable Securities collectively held by them; provided that any amendment that would adversely impact the rights hereunder of Pearl or NGP shall require the prior written consent of Pearl and NGP, respectively; provided, further, that any amendment that would disproportionately and adversely impact (i) the rights hereunder of the Securityholders party hereto other than Pearl and NGP without similarly affecting the rights hereunder of Pearl or NGP (other than the granting of demand rights to any new party to become a Securityholder hereunder and rights incidental thereto) shall require the prior approval of a such Securityholders other than Pearl and NGP holding a majority of the Registrable Securities held by such Securityholders, and (ii) the rights hereunder of any Securityholder other than Pearl and NGP without similarly affecting the rights hereunder of all other Securityholders other than Pearl and NGP shall require the prior written consent of such Securityholder. This Agreement will terminate as to any Securityholder when it no longer holds any Registrable Securities.
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(b) Notwithstanding anything in Section 7.5(a) hereof to the contrary, if the Company at any time after the date of this Agreement grants to any other holders of its securities (other than any Affiliates of Pearl or NGP becoming party hereto after the date hereof) any rights to request or cause the Company to effect the registration under the Securities Act or offering or sale of any such securities on any terms materially more favorable to such holders than the terms set forth in this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall, upon the request of Pearl or NGP, be deemed amended or supplemented to the extent necessary to provide Pearl and NGP such more favorable rights and benefits, and, at the election and discretion of Pearl or NGP (as evidenced by a written notice to the Company), shall be deemed amended or supplemented to the extent necessary to provide to the Securityholders party hereto other than Pearl and NGP those more favorable rights and benefits as selected by Pearl or NGP to be provided to such other Securityholders and set forth in such written notice.
7.6 Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. The registration rights granted under this Agreement supersede any registration, qualification or similar rights with respect to any of the Registrable Securities granted under any other agreement, and any of such preexisting registration rights are hereby terminated.
7.7 Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any specific provision of this Agreement shall not invalidate or render unenforceable any of its other provisions. Any provision of this Agreement held invalid or unenforceable shall be deemed reformed, if practicable, to the extent necessary to render it valid and enforceable and to the extent permitted by law and consistent with the intent of the parties to this Agreement.
7.8 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, including by electronic mail, in .pdf or any other form of electric delivery (including any electronic signature complying with U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000), each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute the same instrument.
7.9 Additional Holders. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company may from time to time add additional holders of Registrable Securities of the Company as parties to this Agreement with the consent of Pearl and without the consent or additional signatures of any other holders of Registrable Securities hereunder. In order to become a party to this Agreement, such additional party must execute a signature page evidencing such partys agreement to be bound hereby as a Securityholder (but not Pearl, unless Pearl consents in writing thereto), and upon the Companys receipt of any such additional holders executed signature page hereto, such additional holder shall be deemed to be a party hereto and such additional signature pages shall be a part of this Agreement.
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7.10 Equitable Remedies. The parties hereto agree that irreparable harm would occur in the event that any of the agreements and provisions of this Agreement were not performed fully by the parties hereto in accordance with their specific terms or conditions or were otherwise breached, and that money damages are an inadequate remedy for breach of this Agreement because of the difficulty of ascertaining and quantifying the amount of damage that will be suffered by the parties hereto in the event that this Agreement is not performed in accordance with its terms or conditions or is otherwise breached. It is accordingly hereby agreed that the parties hereto shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to restrain, enjoin and prevent breaches of this Agreement by the other parties and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof in any court of the United States or any state having jurisdiction, such remedy being in addition to and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies to which the other parties are entitled to at law or in equity.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
COMPANY: | ||
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
Signature Page to Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. Registration Rights Agreement
PEARL ENERGY INVESTMENTS, L.P.: | ||
By: Pearl Energy Investment GP, LP., its general partner | ||
By: Pearl Energy Investment UGP, LLC, its general partner | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: Authorized Person |
Signature Page to Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. Registration Rights Agreement
NATURAL GAS PARTNERS LP: | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
Signature Page to Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. Registration Rights Agreement
OTHER SECURITYHOLDERS: | ||
By: |
| |
Name: Zack Arnold | ||
By: |
| |
Name: David Sproule | ||
By: |
| |
Name: Ian Costello | ||
By: |
| |
Name: Ryan Warner | ||
By: |
| |
Name: Britney Crookshanks | ||
By: |
| |
Name: Michael Sproule | ||
By: |
| |
Name: Steven D. Gray |
Signature Page to Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. Registration Rights Agreement
SD Gray Family Partnership LP | ||
By: SD Gray Management Co., its general partner | ||
By: |
| |
Name: Steven D. Gray | ||
Title: Manager |
Signature Page to Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. Registration Rights Agreement
Exhibit A
FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND JOINDER
[ ], 20__
Reference is made to the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of [ ] 20__, by and among Infinity Natural Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), and certain holders which hold Registrable Securities (as defined below) that become party thereto (the Registration Rights Agreement). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Registration Rights Agreement.
Pursuant to Section 6.1 of the Registration Rights Agreement, [ ] (the Assignor) hereby assigns [in part][or: in full] its rights and obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement to each of [ ], [ ] and [ ] (each, an Assignee and collectively, the Assignees). [For the avoidance of doubt, the Assignor will remain a party to the Registration Rights Agreement following the assignment in part of its rights and obligations thereunder to the undersigned Assignees.]
Each undersigned Assignee hereby agrees to and does become party to the Registration Rights Agreement. This assignment and joinder shall serve as a counterpart signature page to the Registration Rights Agreement and by executing below each undersigned Assignee is deemed to have executed the Registration Rights Agreement with the same force and effect as if originally named a party thereto and each Assignees shares of Class A Common Stock shall be included as Registrable Securities under the Registration Rights Agreement.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this assignment and joinder as of date first set forth above.
ASSIGNOR: | ||
[____________] | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
ASSIGNEE(S): | ||
[____________] | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
Signature Page to Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. Form of Assignment and Joinder
Exhibit 4.2
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
Dated as of [], 2024
THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INTERESTS REPRESENTED BY THIS SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNDER ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS. SUCH LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INTERESTS MAY NOT BE SOLD, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF AT ANY TIME WITHOUT EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH ACT AND LAWS OR EXEMPTION THEREFROM, AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE OTHER SUBSTANTIAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERABILITY SET FORTH HEREIN.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
2 | |||||
ARTICLE II ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS |
13 | |||||
Section 2.01 |
Formation of Company | 13 | ||||
Section 2.02 |
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement | 14 | ||||
Section 2.03 |
Name | 14 | ||||
Section 2.04 |
Purpose; Powers | 14 | ||||
Section 2.05 |
Principal Office; Registered Office | 14 | ||||
Section 2.06 |
Term | 14 | ||||
Section 2.07 |
No State-Law Partnership | 14 | ||||
ARTICLE III MEMBERS; UNITS; CAPITALIZATION |
15 | |||||
Section 3.01 |
Members | 15 | ||||
Section 3.02 |
Units | 15 | ||||
Section 3.03 |
Recapitalization; Common Unit Purchase | 16 | ||||
Section 3.04 |
Authorization and Issuance of Additional Units | 16 | ||||
Section 3.05 |
Repurchases or Redemptions | 17 | ||||
Section 3.06 |
Certificates Representing Units; Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates; Registration and Transfer of Units | 18 | ||||
Section 3.07 |
Negative Capital Accounts | 19 | ||||
Section 3.08 |
No Withdrawal | 19 | ||||
Section 3.09 |
Loans From Members | 19 | ||||
Section 3.10 |
Tax Treatment of Corporate Equity Plans | 19 | ||||
Section 3.11 |
Dividend Reinvestment Plan, Cash Option Purchase Plan, Stock Incentive Plan or Other Plan | 21 | ||||
ARTICLE IV DISTRIBUTIONS |
22 | |||||
Section 4.01 |
Distributions | 22 | ||||
Section 4.02 |
Restricted Distributions | 22 | ||||
ARTICLE V CAPITAL ACCOUNTS; ALLOCATIONS; TAX MATTERS |
23 | |||||
Section 5.01 |
Capital Accounts | 23 | ||||
Section 5.02 |
Allocations | 24 | ||||
Section 5.03 |
Regulatory and Special Allocations | 24 | ||||
Section 5.04 |
Tax Allocations | 26 | ||||
Section 5.05 |
Withholding; Indemnification and Reimbursement for Payments on Behalf of a Member | 28 | ||||
ARTICLE VI MANAGEMENT |
29 | |||||
Section 6.01 |
Authority of Manager | 29 | ||||
Section 6.02 |
Actions of the Manager | 30 | ||||
Section 6.03 |
Resignation; No Removal | 30 |
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Section 6.04 |
Vacancies | 30 | ||||
Section 6.05 |
Transactions Between Company and Manager | 30 | ||||
Section 6.06 |
Reimbursement for Expenses | 30 | ||||
Section 6.07 |
Delegation of Authority | 31 | ||||
Section 6.08 |
Limitation of Liability of Manager | 31 | ||||
Section 6.09 |
Investment Company Act | 32 | ||||
Section 6.10 |
Outside Activities of the Manager | 32 | ||||
Section 6.11 |
Standard of Care | 33 | ||||
ARTICLE VII RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS |
33 | |||||
Section 7.01 |
Limitation of Liability and Duties of Members; Investment Opportunities | 33 | ||||
Section 7.02 |
Lack of Authority | 35 | ||||
Section 7.03 |
No Right of Partition | 35 | ||||
Section 7.04 |
Indemnification | 35 | ||||
Section 7.05 |
Members Right to Act | 37 | ||||
Section 7.06 |
Inspection Rights | 37 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS, AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS |
38 | |||||
Section 8.01 |
Records and Accounting | 38 | ||||
Section 8.02 |
Fiscal Year | 38 | ||||
ARTICLE IX TAX MATTERS |
38 | |||||
Section 9.01 |
Preparation of Tax Returns | 38 | ||||
Section 9.02 |
Tax Elections | 39 | ||||
Section 9.03 |
Tax Controversies | 39 | ||||
ARTICLE X RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF UNITS |
40 | |||||
Section 10.01 |
Transfers by Members | 40 | ||||
Section 10.02 |
Permitted Transfers | 40 | ||||
Section 10.03 |
Restricted Units Legend | 41 | ||||
Section 10.04 |
Transfer | 41 | ||||
Section 10.05 |
Assignees Rights | 42 | ||||
Section 10.06 |
Assignors Rights and Obligations | 42 | ||||
Section 10.07 |
Overriding Provisions | 43 | ||||
ARTICLE XI REDEMPTION AND EXCHANGE RIGHTS |
44 | |||||
Section 11.01 |
Redemption Right of a Member | 44 | ||||
Section 11.02 |
Contribution of the Corporation | 48 | ||||
Section 11.03 |
Exchange Right of the Corporation | 48 | ||||
Section 11.04 |
Reservation of Shares of Class A Common Stock; Listing; Certificate of the Corporation | 49 | ||||
Section 11.05 |
Effect of Exercise of Redemption or Exchange Right | 49 | ||||
Section 11.06 |
Tax Treatment | 49 | ||||
ARTICLE XII ADMISSION OF MEMBERS |
50 |
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Section 12.01 |
Substituted Members | 50 | ||||
Section 12.02 |
Additional Members | 50 | ||||
ARTICLE XIII WITHDRAWAL AND RESIGNATION; TERMINATION OF RIGHTS |
50 | |||||
Section 13.01 |
Withdrawal and Resignation of Members | 50 | ||||
ARTICLE XIV DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION |
50 | |||||
Section 14.01 |
Dissolution | 50 | ||||
Section 14.02 |
Liquidation and Termination | 51 | ||||
Section 14.03 |
Deferment; Distribution in Kind | 51 | ||||
Section 14.04 |
Cancellation of Certificate | 52 | ||||
Section 14.05 |
Reasonable Time for Winding Up | 52 | ||||
Section 14.06 |
Return of Capital | 52 | ||||
ARTICLE XV VALUATION |
52 | |||||
Section 15.01 |
Determination | 52 | ||||
Section 15.02 |
Dispute Resolution | 53 | ||||
ARTICLE XVI GENERAL PROVISIONS |
53 | |||||
Section 16.01 |
Power of Attorney | 53 | ||||
Section 16.02 |
Confidentiality | 54 | ||||
Section 16.03 |
Amendments | 54 | ||||
Section 16.04 |
Title to Company Assets | 55 | ||||
Section 16.05 |
Addresses and Notices | 55 | ||||
Section 16.06 |
Binding Effect; Intended Beneficiaries | 56 | ||||
Section 16.07 |
Creditors | 56 | ||||
Section 16.08 |
Waiver | 56 | ||||
Section 16.09 |
Counterparts | 56 | ||||
Section 16.10 |
Applicable Law | 56 | ||||
Section 16.11 |
Severability | 57 | ||||
Section 16.12 |
Further Action | 57 | ||||
Section 16.13 |
Delivery by Electronic Transmission | 57 | ||||
Section 16.14 |
Right of Offset | 57 | ||||
Section 16.15 |
Effectiveness | 57 | ||||
Section 16.16 |
Entire Agreement | 57 | ||||
Section 16.17 |
Remedies | 58 | ||||
Section 16.18 |
Descriptive Headings; Interpretation | 58 |
Schedules
Schedule 1 Schedule of Members
Exhibits
Exhibit A Form of Joinder Agreement
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INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
This SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT (this Agreement), dated as of [], 2024, is entered into by and among Infinity Natural Resources, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Company), and its Members (as defined herein).
WHEREAS, the Company was formed as a limited liability company pursuant to and in accordance with the Delaware Act (as defined herein) by (i) the filing of the Certificate (as defined herein) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware pursuant to Section 18-201 of the Delaware Act on May 31, 2017, and (ii) the adoption of that certain Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Company, dated June 6, 2017 (the Original LLC Agreement), with the members and managers of the Company party thereto;
WHEREAS, the Company amended and restated the Original LLC Agreement in its entirety pursuant to that certain Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Company, dated as of August 4, 2023 (the Prior LLC Agreement), with the members and managers of the Company party thereto;
WHEREAS, pursuant to (a) Section 11.2(a) of the Prior LLC Agreement, any change, modification or amendment to the Prior LLC Agreement shall be effective if made by an instrument in writing that has been duly approved by the Board and a Super Majority Interest of the Members and (b) Section 11.2(c) of the Prior LLC Agreement, certain changes, modifications or amendments to the Prior LLC Agreement specified therein shall not be binding on any Infinity Members unless contained in a written instrument duly executed by the Infinity Members holding Company Interests representing more than 50% of the Aggregate Sharing Ratios of the Company Interests held by all Infinity Members who are Employees at such time (such Members whose consent is required as set forth in this recital, collectively, the Requisite Members) (capitalized terms used but not defined in this recital shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in the Prior LLC Agreement);
WHEREAS, immediately prior to the Effective Time, the Pre-IPO Members held the Pre-IPO Interests (as defined herein);
WHEREAS, the Company, Infinity Natural Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Corporation), and the Requisite Members desire to amend and restate the Prior LLC Agreement as of the Effective Time to reflect (a) the Recapitalization (as defined herein), (b) the Common Unit Purchase (as defined herein), (c) the Corporations designation as the Manager (as defined herein), (d) the rights and obligations of the Members that are enumerated and agreed upon in the terms of this Agreement effective as of the Effective Time, at which time the Prior LLC Agreement shall be superseded entirely by this Agreement, and (e) each of the other terms set forth in this Agreement;
WHEREAS, in connection with the Recapitalization and the Common Unit Purchase, as of the Effective Time, the Pre-IPO Interests will be converted to Common Units (as defined herein) as contemplated by this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Board (as defined in the Prior LLC Agreement) has approved the amendment and restatement of the Prior LLC Agreement in the form of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Members, intending to be legally bound, hereby continue the Company without dissolution and agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall be applied to the terms used in this Agreement for all purposes, unless otherwise clearly indicated to the contrary.
Additional Member has the meaning set forth in Section 12.02.
Adjusted Capital Account Deficit means with respect to the Capital Account of any Member as of the end of any Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period, the amount by which the balance in such Capital Account is less than zero. For this purpose, such Members Capital Account balance shall be:
(a) reduced for any items described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5), and (6); and
(b) increased for any amount such Member is obligated to contribute or is treated as being obligated to contribute to the Company pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c) (relating to partner liabilities to a partnership) or 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5) (relating to minimum gain).
The foregoing definition is intended to comply with the provisions of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and 1.704-2 and will be interpreted consistently therewith.
Admission Date has the meaning set forth in Section 10.06.
Affiliate means, with respect to a specified Person, each other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Person specified. As used in this definition and the definition of Supermajority Members, control (including with correlative meanings, controlled by and under common control with) means possession, directly or indirectly, of power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of voting securities or by contract or other agreement). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, with respect to the Members of the Company (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries), Affiliate shall not include any portfolio companies of Pearl Energy Investments or NGP Energy Capital.
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Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.
Appraisers has the meaning set forth in Section 15.02.
Assignee means a Person to whom a Company Interest has been transferred but who has not become a Member pursuant to Article XII.
Base Rate means, on any date, a variable rate per annum equal to the rate of interest most recently published by The Wall Street Journal as the prime rate at large U.S. money center banks.
Black-Out Period means any black-out or similar period under the Corporations policies covering trading in the Corporations securities to which the applicable Redeemed Member is subject, which period restricts the ability of such Redeemed Member to immediately resell shares of Class A Common Stock to be delivered to such Redeemed Member in connection with a Share Settlement.
Book Value means, with respect to any Company property, the Companys adjusted basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, adjusted from time to time to reflect the adjustments required or permitted by Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(d)-(g) and 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(s); provided, that if any noncompensatory options are outstanding upon the occurrence of any adjustment described herein, the Company shall adjust the Book Values of its properties in accordance with Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f)(1) and 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(h)(2).
Business Day means any day other than a Saturday or a Sunday or a day on which banks located in New York City, New York generally are authorized or required by Law to close.
Capital Account means the capital account maintained for a Member in accordance with Section 5.01.
Capital Contribution means, with respect to any Member, the amount of any cash, cash equivalents, promissory obligations or the Fair Market Value of other property that such Member contributes (or is deemed to contribute) to the Company pursuant to Article III hereof.
Cash Settlement means immediately available funds in U.S. dollars in an amount equal to the product of (a) the Share Settlement and (b) the Common Unit Redemption Price.
Certificate means the Companys Certificate of Formation as filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware.
Change of Control Transaction means (a) a sale of all or substantially all of the Companys assets determined on a consolidated basis, (b) a sale of a majority of the Companys outstanding Units (other than (i) to the Corporation or (ii) in connection with a Redemption or Direct Exchange in accordance with Article XI) or (c) a sale of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of any Material Subsidiary of the Company; in any such case, whether by merger, recapitalization, consolidation, reorganization, combination or otherwise; provided, however, that neither (w) a transaction solely between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on the other hand, nor (x) a transaction solely for the
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purpose of changing the jurisdiction of domicile of the Company, nor (y) a transaction solely for the purpose of changing the form of entity of the Company, nor (z) a sale of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, whether by merger, recapitalization, consolidation, reorganization, combination or otherwise, shall in each case of clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z) constitute a Change of Control Transaction.
Class A Common Stock means the Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Corporation.
Class B Common Stock means the Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Corporation.
Code means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
Common Stock means all classes and series of common stock of the Corporation, including the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock.
Common Unit means a Unit designated as a Common Unit and having the rights and obligations specified with respect to the Common Units in this Agreement.
Common Unit Purchase has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(b).
Common Unit Redemption Price means, with respect to any Redemption, the arithmetic average of the volume-weighted closing price for a share of Class A Common Stock (or any class of stock into which it has been converted) on the Stock Exchange, or any other exchange or automated or electronic quotation system on which the Class A Common Stock trades, as reported by Bloomberg, L.P., or its successor, for each of the five (5) consecutive full Trading Days ending on and including the last full Trading Day immediately prior to the Redemption Notice Date, subject to appropriate and equitable adjustment for any stock splits, reverse splits, stock dividends or similar events affecting the Class A Common Stock. If the Class A Common Stock (or such other class of stock into which it has been converted) no longer trades on a securities exchange or automated or electronic quotation system, then the Common Unit Redemption Price shall be the fair market value of one share of Class A Common Stock, as determined by a majority of the Independent Directors in good faith, that would be obtained in an arms-length transaction between an informed and willing buyer and an informed and willing seller, with neither party having any compulsion to buy or sell, and without regard to the particular circumstances of the buyer or seller.
Company has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.
Company Interest means the interest of a Member in Profits, Losses and Distributions.
Company Minimum Gain means partnership minimum gain determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(d).
Corporate Board means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
Corporation has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement, together with its successors and assigns.
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Corporation Group means the Corporation and each Subsidiary of the Corporation (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries).
Corporation Tax Liabilities means (a) any U.S. federal, state and local and non-U.S. tax obligations (including any U.S. federal, state or local taxes, additions to tax, penalties and interest payable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as a result of any examination of the Companys or any of its Subsidiaries affairs by any U.S. federal, state or local tax authorities, including resulting administrative and judicial proceedings under the Partnership Audit Provisions for which the Corporation Group is liable hereunder) owed by the Corporation Group (other than any obligations to remit any withholdings withheld from payments to third parties) and (b) any obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement payable by the Corporation Group.
Credit Agreement means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of [], 2024, by and among the Company, as borrower, the Corporation, as Parent, and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto from time to time (including any one or more refinancings or replacements thereof, in whole or in part, with any other debt facility or debt obligation).
Delaware Act means the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. § 18-101, et seq.
Depletable Property means each separate oil and gas property as defined in Code Section 614.
Depreciation means, for each Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period, an amount equal to the depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deduction (excluding depletion) allowable for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to property for such Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period, except that (a) with respect to any such property the Book Value of which differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes and which difference is being eliminated by use of the remedial method pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3(d), Depreciation for such Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period shall be the amount of book basis recovered for such Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period under the rules prescribed by Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3(d)(2), and (b) with respect to any other such property, the Book Value of which differs from its adjusted tax basis at the beginning of such Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period, Depreciation for such Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period shall be an amount which bears the same ratio to such beginning Book Value as the U.S. federal income tax depreciation, amortization, or other cost recovery deduction for such Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period bears to such beginning adjusted tax basis; provided, however, that if the adjusted tax basis of any property at the beginning of such Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period is zero dollars ($0.00), Depreciation with respect to such property shall be determined with reference to such beginning Book Value using any reasonable method selected by the Manager.
Direct Exchange has the meaning set forth in Section 11.03(a).
Discount has the meaning set forth in Section 6.06.
Distributable Cash means, as of any relevant date on which a determination is being made by the Manager regarding a potential distribution pursuant to Section 4.01(a), the amount of cash that could be distributed by the Company for such purposes in accordance with the Credit Agreement (and without otherwise violating any applicable provisions of the Credit Agreement).
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Distribution (and, with a correlative meaning, Distribute) means each distribution made by the Company to a Member with respect to such Members Units, whether in cash, property or securities of the Company and whether by liquidating distribution or otherwise; provided, however, that none of the following shall be a Distribution: (a) any recapitalization that does not result in the distribution of cash or property to Members or any exchange of securities of the Company, and any subdivision (by Unit split or otherwise) or any combination (by reverse Unit split or otherwise) of any outstanding Units, (b) any other payment made by the Company to a Member in redemption of all or a portion of such Members Units or (c) any amounts payable pursuant to Section 6.06.
Effective Time has the meaning set forth in Section 16.15.
Equity Plan means any stock or equity purchase plan, restricted stock or equity plan, stock option plan, or other similar equity compensation plan now or hereafter adopted by the Company or the Corporation, including the Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan.
Equity Securities means (i) with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (a) Units or other equity interests in the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company (including other classes or groups thereof having such relative rights, powers and duties as may from time to time be established by the Manager pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including rights, powers and/or duties senior to existing classes and groups of Units and other equity interests in the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company), (b) obligations, evidences of indebtedness or other securities or interests convertible or exchangeable into Units or other equity interests in the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, and (c) warrants, options or other rights to purchase or otherwise acquire Units or other equity interests in the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company and (ii) with respect to the Corporation, any and all shares, interests, participation or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock, including all common stock and preferred stock, or warrants, options or other rights to acquire any of the foregoing, including any debt instrument convertible or exchangeable into any of the foregoing.
Event of Withdrawal means the expulsion, bankruptcy or dissolution of a Member or the occurrence of any other event that terminates the continued membership of a Member in the Company. Event of Withdrawal shall not include an event that does not terminate the existence of such Member under applicable state law (or, in the case of a trust that is a Member, does not terminate the trusteeship of the fiduciaries under such trust with respect to all the Company Interests of such trust that is a Member).
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Exchange Election Notice has the meaning set forth in Section 11.03(b).
Fair Market Value means, with respect to any asset, its fair market value determined according to Article XV.
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Fiscal Period means any interim accounting period within a Taxable Year established by the Company and which is permitted or required by Section 706 of the Code.
Fiscal Year means the Companys annual accounting period established pursuant to Section 8.02.
Governmental Entity means (a) the United States of America, (b) any other sovereign nation, (c) any state, province, district, territory or other political subdivision of (a) or (b) of this definition, including any county, municipal or other local subdivision of the foregoing, or (d) any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of government on behalf of (a), (b) or (c) of this definition.
Indemnified Person has the meaning set forth in Section 7.04(a).
Independent Directors means the members of the Corporate Board who are independent under the standards set forth in Rule 10A-3 promulgated under the Securities Act and the corresponding rules of the applicable exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is traded or quoted.
IPO has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(b).
Investment Company Act means the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940.
Joinder means a joinder to this Agreement, in form and substance substantially similar to Exhibit A to this Agreement.
Law means all laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations of the United States, any foreign country and each state, commonwealth, city, county, municipality, regulatory body, agency or other political subdivision thereof.
LLC Employee means an employee of (including any such employee who is a Member, whether or not treated as an employee for U.S. federal income tax purposes), or other service provider to, the Company or any Subsidiary, in each case acting in such capacity.
Losses means items of Company loss or deduction determined according to Section 5.01(b).
Manager has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01(a).
Manager Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred if or upon:
(a) both the stockholders of the Corporation and the Corporate Board approve, in accordance with the Corporations certificate of incorporation and applicable law, the sale, lease or transfer, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the Corporations assets (determined on a consolidated basis), including a sale of all of the equity interests in the Company, to any Person or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), other than to any directly or indirectly wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation, and such sale, lease or transfer is consummated;
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(b) both the stockholders of the Corporation and the Corporate Board approve, in accordance with the Corporations certificate of incorporation and applicable law, a merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any other Person, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the Voting Securities of the Corporation outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into Voting Securities of the surviving entity) at least 50.01% of the total voting power represented by the Voting Securities of the Corporation or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, and such merger or consolidation is consummated; or
(c) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any Person or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) (other than (a) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Corporation, or (b) a corporation or other entity owned, directly or indirectly, by all of the stockholders of the Corporation in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Corporation) of beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of at least 50.01% of the aggregate voting power of the Voting Securities of the Corporation; provided, that the Corporate Board recommends or otherwise approves or determines that such acquisition is in the best interests of the Corporation and its stockholders.
Market Price means, with respect to a share of Class A Common Stock as of a specified date, the last sale price per share of Class A Common Stock, regular way, or if no such sale took place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices per share of Class A Common Stock, regular way, in either case as reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed or admitted to trading on the Stock Exchange or, if the Class A Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on the Stock Exchange, as reported on the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed on the principal national securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading or, if the Class A Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, the last quoted price, or, if not so quoted, the average of the high bid and low asked prices in the over-the-counter market, as reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation System or, if such system is no longer in use, the principal other automated quotation system that may then be in use or, if the Class A Common Stock is not quoted by any such organization, the average of the closing bid and asked prices as furnished by a professional market maker making a market in the Class A Common Stock selected by the Corporate Board or, in the event that no trading price is available for the shares of Class A Common Stock, the fair market value of a share of Class A Common Stock, as determined in good faith by the Corporate Board.
Material Subsidiary means any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company that, as of any date of determination, represents more than (a) 50% of the consolidated net tangible assets of the Company or (b) 50% of the consolidated net income of the Company before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (calculated in a manner substantially consistent with the definition of Consolidated Net Income and EBITDAX or similar definition(s) appearing in the Credit Agreement, including such additional adjustments that are permitted to be made to such measure as described in EBITDAX or a similar definition appearing in the Credit Agreement) measured over the four most recent consecutive fiscal quarters ending prior to such date of determination.
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Member means, as of any date of determination, (a) each of the members of the Company named on the Schedule of Members and (b) any Person admitted to the Company as a Substituted Member or Additional Member in accordance with Article XII, but in each case only so long as such Person is shown on the Companys books and records as the owner of one or more Units, in each case, in such Persons capacity as a member of the Company.
Member Minimum Gain means partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(3).
NGP Unitholder means NGP XI US Holdings, L.P., in its capacity as a holder of Units.
Officer has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01(b).
Optionee means a Person to whom a stock option is granted under any Equity Plan.
Original LLC Agreement has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.
Other Agreements has the meaning set forth in Section 10.04.
Partnership Audit Provisions means Sections 6221 through 6241 of the Code, together with any guidance issued thereunder or successor provisions and any similar provision of state or local tax laws.
Partnership Representative has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(a).
Pearl Unitholders means, collectively, Pearl Energy Investments, L.P., Pearl Energy Investments III, L.P., Pearl INR Holdings, L.P., PEI Infinity-S, L.P. and PEI INR Co-Invest-B, Corp, in their capacity as holders of Units.
Percentage Interest means, with respect to a Member at a particular time, such Members percentage interest in the Company determined by dividing such Members Units by the total Units of all Members at such time. The Percentage Interest of each Member shall be calculated to the 4th decimal place.
Permitted Transfer has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02.
Person means an individual or any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated organization, association, joint venture or any other organization or entity, whether or not a legal entity.
Pre-IPO Interests means, collectively, the Tier I-A Units, Tier I-B Units, Tier II-A Units, Tier II-B Units, Tier III-A Units, Tier III-B Units, Tier IV-A Units and Tier IV-B Units (each as defined in the Prior LLC Agreement) of the Company.
Pre-IPO Members means, collectively, the Pearl Unitholders, the NGP Unitholder, members of management and certain other individuals that were admitted as members of the Company prior to the IPO.
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Prior LLC Agreement has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.
Pro rata, proportional, in proportion to, and other similar terms, means, with respect to the holder of Units, pro rata based upon the number of such Units held by such holder as compared to the total number of Units outstanding.
Profits means items of Company income and gain determined according to Section 5.01(b).
Recapitalization has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(a).
Reclassification Event means any of the following: (a) any reclassification or recapitalization of Common Stock (other than a change in par value, or from par value to no par value, or from no par value to par value, or as a result of a subdivision or combination or any transaction subject to Section 3.04), (b) any merger, consolidation or other combination involving the Corporation, or (c) any sale, conveyance, lease, or other disposal of all or substantially all the properties and assets of the Corporation to any other Person, in each of clauses (a), (b) or (c), as a result of which holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive cash, securities or other property for their shares of Common Stock.
Redeemed Member has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).
Redeemed Units has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).
Redemption has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).
Redemption Date means a Regular Redemption Date, a Special Redemption Date or a Specified Redemption Date.
Redemption Notice has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).
Redemption Notice Date means, except as otherwise specified by the Manager to the extent necessary for the Corporation to comply with the Registration Rights Agreement, with respect to any Regular Redemption Date or Special Redemption Date, the date that is ten (10) Business Days before such Redemption Date, and for any Specified Redemption Date, the date the Redemption Notice with respect to such Redemption Date is delivered by a Specified Member, which date shall not be less than ten (10) Business Days before such Redemption Date.
Redemption Right has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).
Registered Offering means any secondary securities offering (which may include a bought deal or overnight offering), and any primary securities offering for which piggyback rights are offered, pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.
Registration Rights Agreement means that certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Corporation, the Pearl Unitholders, the NGP Unitholder and the other parties named therein (together with any joinder thereto from time to time by any successor or assign to any party to such Agreement).
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Regular Redemption Date means a date within each fiscal quarter specified by the Manager from time to time.
Related Person has the meaning set forth in Section 7.01(c).
Relative means, with respect to any natural person: (a) such natural persons spouse; (b) any lineal descendant, parent, grandparent, great grandparent or sibling or any lineal descendant of such sibling (in each case whether by blood or legal adoption); and (c) the spouse of a natural person described in clause (b) of this definition.
Requisite Members has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
Retraction Notice has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(b).
Schedule of Members has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(b).
SEC means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including any governmental body or agency succeeding to the functions thereof.
Securities Act means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and applicable rules and regulations thereunder.
Settlement Method Notice has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(b).
Share Settlement means a number of shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the number of Redeemed Units.
Simulated Basis means, with respect to each Depletable Property, the Book Value of such property. For purposes of such computation, the Simulated Basis of each Depletable Property (including any additions to such Simulated Basis resulting from expenditures required to be capitalized in such Simulated Basis) shall be allocated to each Member in accordance with such Members relative Percentage Interest as of the time such Depletable Property (or such addition to such Simulated Basis resulting from expenditures required to be capitalized in such Simulated Basis) is acquired (or expended) by the Company, and shall be reallocated among the Members in accordance with the such Members Percentage Interest as determined immediately following the occurrence of an event giving rise to an adjustment to the Book Value of the Companys Depletable Properties pursuant to the definition of Book Value. Upon a transfer by a Member of any Units, a portion of the Simulated Basis allocated to such Member shall be reallocated to the transferee in accordance with the relative Percentage Interest transferred.
Simulated Depletion means, with respect to each Depletable Property, a depletion allowance computed in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles and in a manner specified in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(k)(2). For purposes of computing Simulated Depletion with respect to any Depletable Property, in no event shall such allowance, in the aggregate, exceed the Simulated Basis of such Depletable Property. If the Book Value of a Depletable Property is adjusted pursuant to the definition of Book Value during a Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period, following such adjustment Simulated Depletion shall thereafter be calculated under the foregoing provisions based upon such adjusted Book Value.
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Simulated Gain means the excess, if any, of the amount realized from the sale or other disposition of a Depletable Property over the Book Value of such Depletable Property and determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(k)(2).
Simulated Loss means the excess, if any, of the Book Value of a Depletable Property over the amount realized from the sale or other disposition of such Depletable Property and determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(k)(2).
Special Redemption Date means a date specified by the Manager in addition to or in lieu of the Regular Redemption Date during the same fiscal quarter. The Manager must specify a Special Redemption Date effective with any Registered Offering.
Specified Members means, collectively, (i) the Pearl Unitholders, (ii) the NGP Unitholder and (iii) each Member that holds greater than 1% percent of the Common Units outstanding as of the applicable time of determination.
Specified Redemption Date means the date on which a Specified Member elects to have its Common Units redeemed in connection with a Redemption permitted pursuant to Section 11.01(i).
Sponsor Person has the meaning set forth in Section 7.04(d).
Stock Exchange means the New York Stock Exchange.
Subsidiary means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or business entity of which (a) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, or (b) if a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity (other than a corporation), a majority of the voting interests thereof are at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, references to a Subsidiary of the Company shall be given effect only at such times that the Company has one or more Subsidiaries, and, unless otherwise indicated, the term Subsidiary refers to a Subsidiary of the Company.
Substituted Member means a Person that is admitted as a Member to the Company pursuant to Section 12.01.
Supermajority Members means the Members (which may include the Manager) holding at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Units then outstanding; provided that, if as of any date of determination, at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Units are then held by the Manager or any Affiliates controlled by the Manager, then Supermajority Members shall mean the Manager together with Members holding at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Units (excluding Units held by the Manager and its controlled Affiliates) then outstanding.
Taxable Year means the Companys accounting period for U.S. federal income tax purposes determined pursuant to Section 9.02.
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Tax Receivable Agreement means that certain Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as the date hereof, by and among the Corporation and the Company, on the one hand, and the TRA Parties (as such term is defined in the Tax Receivable Agreement) party thereto, on the other hand (together with any joinder thereto from time to time by any successor or assign to any party to such agreement).
Trading Day means a day on which the Stock Exchange or such other principal United States securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading is open for the transaction of business (unless such trading shall have been suspended for the entire day).
Transfer (and, with a correlative meaning, Transferring) means any sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or other disposition of (whether directly or indirectly, whether with or without consideration and whether voluntarily or involuntarily or by operation of Law) (a) any interest (legal or beneficial) in any Equity Securities of the Company or (b) any equity or other interest (legal or beneficial) in any Member if substantially all of the assets of such Member consist solely of Units.
Treasury Regulations means the regulations promulgated under the Code and any corresponding provisions of succeeding regulations.
Unit means a Company Interest of a Member or a permitted Assignee in the Company representing a fractional part of the Company Interests of all Members and Assignees as may be established by the Manager from time to time in accordance with Section 3.02; provided, however, that any class or group of Units issued shall have the relative rights, powers and duties set forth in this Agreement, and the Company Interest represented by such class or group of Units shall be determined in accordance with such relative rights, powers and duties.
Value means (a) for any stock option granted under an Equity Plan, the Market Price for the trading day immediately preceding the date of exercise of a stock option and (b) for any award other than a stock option granted under an Equity Plan, the Market Price for the trading day immediately preceding the Vesting Date.
Vesting Date has the meaning set forth in Section 3.10(c)(ii).
Voting Securities means any Equity Securities of the Corporation that are entitled to vote generally in matters submitted for a vote of the Corporations stockholders or generally in the election of the Corporate Board.
ARTICLE II
ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS
Section 2.01 Formation of Company. The Company was formed effective as of May 31, 2017 pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Act and is hereby continued without dissolution.
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Section 2.02 Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement. The Members hereby execute this Agreement for the purpose of amending, restating and superseding the Prior LLC Agreement in its entirety and otherwise establishing the affairs of the Company and the conduct of its business in accordance with the provisions of the Delaware Act. The Members hereby agree that during the term of the Company set forth in Section 2.06, the rights and obligations of the Members with respect to the Company will be determined in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Delaware Act. On any matter upon which this Agreement is silent, the Delaware Act shall control. No provision of this Agreement shall be in violation of the Delaware Act and to the extent any provision of this Agreement is in violation of the Delaware Act, such provision shall be void and of no effect to the extent of such violation without affecting the validity of the other provisions of this Agreement; provided, however, that where the Delaware Act provides that a provision of the Delaware Act shall apply unless otherwise provided in a limited liability company agreement or words of similar effect, the provisions of this Agreement shall in each instance control; provided further, that notwithstanding the foregoing, Section 18-210 of the Delaware Act shall not apply or be incorporated into this Agreement.
Section 2.03 Name. The name of the Company shall be Infinity Natural Resources, LLC. The Manager in its sole discretion may change the name of the Company at any time and from time to time. To the extent the Manager elects to change the name, the Manager shall cause the filing of a certificate of amendment to the Certificate evidencing such change. Notification of any such change shall be given to all of the Members and, to the extent practicable, to all of the holders of any Equity Securities then outstanding. The Companys business may be conducted under its name and/or any other name or names deemed advisable by the Manager.
Section 2.04 Purpose; Powers. The primary business and purpose of the Company shall be to engage in such activities as are permitted under the Delaware Act and determined from time to time by the Manager in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The Company shall have the power and authority to take (directly or indirectly through its Subsidiaries) any and all actions and engage in any and all activities necessary, appropriate, desirable, advisable, ancillary or incidental to accomplish the foregoing purpose.
Section 2.05 Principal Office; Registered Office. The principal office of the Company shall be located at such place or places as the Manager may from time to time designate. The address of the registered office of the Company in the State of Delaware shall be 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, County of New Castle, DE 19808, and the registered agent for service of process on the Company in the State of Delaware at such registered office shall be Corporation Service Company. The Manager may from time to time change the Companys registered agent and registered office in the State of Delaware. To implement such change, the Manager shall cause the filing of a certificate of amendment to the Certificate evidencing such change.
Section 2.06 Term. The term of the Company commenced upon the filing of the Certificate in accordance with the Delaware Act and shall continue until the Company is dissolved in accordance with the provisions of Article XIV.
Section 2.07 No State-Law Partnership. The Members intend that the Company not be a partnership (including a limited partnership) or joint venture, and that no Member be a partner or joint venturer of any other Member by virtue of this Agreement, for any purposes other than as set forth in the last sentence of this Section 2.07, and neither this Agreement nor any other document entered into by the Company or any Member relating to the subject matter hereof shall be construed to suggest otherwise. The Members intend that the Company shall be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal (and applicable state and local) income tax purposes, and that each Member and the Company shall file all tax returns and shall otherwise take all tax and financial reporting positions in a manner consistent with such treatment.
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ARTICLE III
MEMBERS; UNITS; CAPITALIZATION
Section 3.01 Members.
(a) Each Pre-IPO Member was previously admitted as a Member and shall remain a Member at the Effective Time, with such Members Pre-IPO Interests being converted into Common Units at the Effective Time pursuant to the Recapitalization. At the Effective Time and concurrently with the Common Unit Purchase, the Corporation shall be automatically admitted as a Member.
(b) The Company shall maintain a schedule setting forth: (i) the name and address of each Member; (ii) the aggregate number of outstanding Units and the number and class of Units held by each Member; (iii) the aggregate amount of cash Capital Contributions that has been made by the Members with respect to their Units; and (iv) the Fair Market Value of any property other than cash contributed by the Members with respect to their Units (including, if applicable, a description and the amount of any liability assumed by the Company or to which contributed property is subject) (such schedule, the Schedule of Members). The applicable Schedule of Members in effect as of the Effective Time (after giving effect to the Recapitalization and the Common Unit Purchase) is set forth as Schedule 1 to this Agreement. The Schedule of Members shall be the definitive record of ownership of each Unit of the Company and all relevant information with respect to each Member. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a Person registered on its records as the owner of Units for all purposes and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in Units on the part of any other Person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the Delaware Act.
(c) No Member shall be required or, except as approved by the Manager pursuant to Section 6.01 and in accordance with the other provisions of this Agreement, permitted to loan any money or property to the Company or borrow any money or property from the Company.
Section 3.02 Units. Interests in the Company shall be represented by Units, or such other securities of the Company, in each case as the Manager may establish in its discretion in accordance with the terms and subject to the restrictions hereof. Immediately after the Effective Time, the Units will be comprised of a single class of Common Units. To the extent required pursuant to Section 3.04(a), the Manager may create one or more classes or series of Common Units or preferred Units solely to the extent they are in the aggregate substantially equivalent to a class of common stock of the Corporation or class or series of preferred stock of the Corporation. Such additional classes or series of Common Units or preferred Units created by the Manager may include rights, powers and/or duties senior to any existing Units or class or group of Units.
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Section 3.03 Recapitalization; Common Unit Purchase.
(a) Recapitalization. The Pre-IPO Interests that were issued and outstanding and held by the Pre-IPO Members prior to the Effective Time are hereby converted, as of the Effective Time, into the number of Common Units set forth opposite the Pre-IPO Members respective names on Schedule 1 hereto, which are hereby issued and outstanding as of the Effective Time (the Recapitalization).
(b) Common Unit Purchase. Effective as of the Effective Time and concurrently with the Recapitalization, the Corporation hereby contributes cash in the aggregate amount of $[], representing all of the net proceeds from the sale of the Class A Common Stock to the public in the Corporations initial public offering (the IPO) as of the date hereof, to the Company. In exchange for such contribution, the Company hereby issues to the Corporation the Common Units set forth opposite the Corporations name on Schedule 1 hereto (the Common Unit Purchase).
Section 3.04 Authorization and Issuance of Additional Units.
(a) If at any time the Corporation issues a share of its Class A Common Stock or any other Equity Security of the Corporation, (i) the Company shall concurrently issue to the Corporation one Common Unit (if the Corporation issues a share of Class A Common Stock), or such other Equity Security of the Company (if the Corporation issues Equity Securities other than Class A Common Stock) corresponding to the Equity Securities issued by the Corporation, and with substantially the same rights to dividends and distributions (including distributions upon liquidation) and other economic rights as those of such Equity Securities of the Corporation and (ii) the net proceeds received by the Corporation with respect to the corresponding share of Class A Common Stock or other Equity Security, if any, shall be concurrently contributed by the Corporation to the Company as a Capital Contribution; provided, that if the Corporation issues any shares of Class A Common Stock in a Direct Exchange pursuant to Section 11.03(a), then the Company shall not issue any new Common Units in connection therewith and the Corporation shall not be required to transfer such net proceeds to the Company (it being understood that such net proceeds shall instead be transferred to such other Member as consideration for such purchase). Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 3.04(a) shall not apply to (i) (A) the issuance and distribution to holders of shares of Class A Common Stock of rights to purchase Equity Securities of the Corporation under a poison pill or similar shareholders rights plan or (B) the issuance under the Corporations Equity Plans of any warrants, options, other rights to acquire Equity Securities of the Corporation or rights or property that may be converted into or settled in Equity Securities of the Corporation, unless and until in each of the foregoing cases the Equity Securities of the Corporation in connection with the exercise or settlement of such rights, warrants, options or other rights or property are actually issued by the Corporation or (ii) the issuance of Equity Securities pursuant to any Equity Plan (other than a stock option plan) that are restricted, subject to forfeiture or otherwise unvested upon issuance, unless and until the applicable Vesting Date with respect to such Equity Securities. Except pursuant to Article XI, (x) the Company may not issue any additional Common Units to the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries unless substantially simultaneously the Corporation or such
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Subsidiary issues or sells an equal number of shares of the Corporations Class A Common Stock to another Person, and (y) the Company may not issue any other Equity Securities of the Company to the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries unless substantially simultaneously the Corporation or such Subsidiary issues or sells, to another Person, an equal number of shares of a new class or series of Equity Securities of the Corporation or such Subsidiary with substantially the same rights to dividends and distributions (including distributions upon liquidation) and other economic rights as those of such Equity Securities of the Company.
(b) The Company shall only be permitted to issue additional Units or other Equity Securities in the Company to the Persons and on the terms and conditions provided for in Section 3.02, this Section 3.04 and Section 3.11.
(c) The Company shall not in any manner effect any subdivision (by equity split, equity distribution, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse equity split, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) of the outstanding Common Units unless the Corporation simultaneously effects an identical subdivision or combination, as applicable, of the outstanding Common Stock, with corresponding changes made with respect to any other exchangeable or convertible securities. The Corporation shall not in any manner effect any subdivision (by stock split, stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse stock split, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) of the outstanding Common Stock unless the Corporation simultaneously effects an identical subdivision or combination, as applicable, of the outstanding Common Units, with corresponding changes made with respect to any other exchangeable or convertible securities. The Company shall not in any manner effect any subdivision (by equity split, equity distribution, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse equity split, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) of any outstanding Equity Securities of the Company (other than the Common Units) unless accompanied by an identical subdivision or combination, as applicable, of the corresponding Equity Securities of the Corporation, with corresponding changes made with respect to any other exchangeable or convertible securities. The Corporation shall not in any manner effect any subdivision (by stock split, stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse stock split, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) of any outstanding Equity Securities of the Corporation (other than the Common Stock) unless the Company effects an identical subdivision or combination, as applicable, of the corresponding Equity Securities of the Company, with corresponding changes made with respect to any other exchangeable or convertible securities.
Section 3.05 Repurchases or Redemptions. The Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries may not redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire (i) any shares of Class A Common Stock unless substantially simultaneously the Company redeems, repurchases or otherwise acquires from the Corporation an equal number of Common Units for the same price per security or (ii) any other Equity Securities of the Corporation unless substantially simultaneously the Company redeems, repurchases or otherwise acquires from the Corporation an equal number of Equity Securities of the Company of a corresponding class or series with substantially the same rights to dividends and distributions (including distributions upon liquidation) and other economic rights as those of such
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Equity Securities of the Corporation for the same price per security. The Company may not redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire (A) any Common Units from the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries unless substantially simultaneously the Corporation or such Subsidiary redeems, repurchases or otherwise acquires an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock for the same price per security from holders thereof, or (B) any other Equity Securities of the Company from the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries unless substantially simultaneously the Corporation or such Subsidiary redeems, repurchases or otherwise acquires for the same price per security an equal number of Equity Securities of the Corporation of a corresponding class or series with substantially the same rights to dividends and distributions (including distribution upon liquidation) and other economic rights as those of such Equity Securities of the Corporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any consideration payable by the Corporation in connection with the redemption or repurchase of any shares of Class A Common Stock or other Equity Securities of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries consists (in whole or in part) of shares of Class A Common Stock or such other Equity Securities (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with the cashless exercise of an option or warrant), then the redemption or repurchase of the corresponding Common Units or other Equity Securities of the Company shall be effectuated in an equivalent manner. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Company shall not make a distribution or any other payment to a Member in connection with a redemption or repurchase of any Units if such distribution or payment would violate Section 18-607 or 18-804 of the Delaware Act or any other applicable law.
Section 3.06 Certificates Representing Units; Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates; Registration and Transfer of Units.
(a) Units shall not be certificated unless otherwise determined by the Manager. If the Manager determines that one or more Units shall be certificated, each such certificate shall be signed by or in the name of the Company, by any authorized officer designated by the Manager, representing the number of Units held by such holder. Such certificate shall be in such form (and shall contain such legends) as the Manager may determine. Any or all of such signatures on any certificate representing one or more Units may be a facsimile, engraved or printed, to the extent permitted by applicable Law. The Manager agrees that it shall not elect to treat any Unit as a security within the meaning of Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code unless thereafter all Units then outstanding are represented by one or more certificates.
(b) If Units are certificated, the Manager may direct that a new certificate representing one or more Units be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Company alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon delivery to the Manager of an affidavit of the owner or owners of such certificate, setting forth such allegation. The Manager may require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or such owners legal representative, to give the Company a bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of any such new certificate.
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(c) If Units are certificated, upon surrender to the Company or the transfer agent of the Company, if any, of a certificate for one or more Units, duly endorsed or accompanied by appropriate evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, in compliance with the provisions hereof, the Company shall issue a new certificate representing one or more Units to the Person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate (although the limited liability company interests in the Company represented by such certificate shall remain outstanding) and record the transaction upon its books. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Manager may prescribe such additional rules and regulations as it may deem appropriate relating to the issue, Transfer and registration of Units.
Section 3.07 Negative Capital Accounts. No Member shall be required to pay to any other Member or the Company any deficit or negative balance which may exist from time to time in such Members Capital Account (including upon and after dissolution of the Company).
Section 3.08 No Withdrawal. No Person shall be entitled to withdraw any part of such Persons Capital Contribution or Capital Account or to receive any Distribution from the Company, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.
Section 3.09 Loans From Members. Loans by Members to the Company shall not be considered Capital Contributions. Subject to the provisions of Section 3.01(c), the amount of any such advances shall be a debt of the Company to such Member and shall be payable or collectible in accordance with the terms and conditions upon which such advances are made.
Section 3.10 Tax Treatment of Corporate Equity Plans.
(a) Options Granted to Persons other than LLC Employees. If at any time or from time to time, in connection with any Equity Plan, a stock option granted over shares of Class A Common Stock to a Person other than an LLC Employee is duly exercised, solely for U.S. federal (and applicable state and local) income tax purposes, the following events shall be deemed to have occurred:
(i) The Corporation shall, as soon as practicable after such exercise, make a Capital Contribution to the Company in an amount equal to the exercise price paid to the Corporation by such exercising Person in connection with the exercise of such stock option;
(ii) Notwithstanding the amount of the Capital Contribution actually made pursuant to Section 3.10(a)(i), the Corporation shall be deemed to have contributed to the Company as a Capital Contribution, in lieu of the Capital Contribution actually made and in consideration of additional Common Units, an amount equal to the Value of a share of Class A Common Stock as of the date of such exercise multiplied by the number of shares of Class A Common Stock then being issued by the Corporation in connection with the exercise of such stock option; and
(iii) The Corporation shall receive in exchange for such Capital Contribution (as deemed made under Section 3.10(a)(ii)), a number of Common Units equal to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock for which such stock option was exercised.
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(b) Options Granted to LLC Employees. If at any time or from time to time, in connection with any Equity Plan, a stock option granted over shares of Class A Common Stock to an LLC Employee is duly exercised, solely for U.S. federal (and applicable state and local) income tax purposes, the following events shall be deemed to have occurred:
(i) The Corporation shall sell to the Optionee, and the Optionee shall purchase from the Corporation, for a cash price per share equal to the Value of a share of Class A Common Stock at the time of the exercise, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the quotient of (x) the exercise price payable by the Optionee in connection with the exercise of such stock option divided by (y) the Value of a share of Class A Common Stock at the time of such exercise;
(ii) The Corporation shall sell to the Company (or if the Optionee is an employee of, or other service provider to, a Subsidiary, the Corporation shall sell to such Subsidiary), and the Company (or such Subsidiary, as applicable) shall purchase from the Corporation, a number of shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the excess of (x) the number of shares of Class A Common Stock as to which such stock option is being exercised over (y) the number of shares of Class A Common Stock sold pursuant to Section 3.10(b)(i) hereof. The purchase price per share of Class A Common Stock for such sale of shares of Class A Common Stock to the Company (or such Subsidiary) shall be the Value of a share of Class A Common Stock as of the date of exercise of such stock option;
(iii) The Company shall transfer to the Optionee (or if the Optionee is an employee of, or other service provider to, a Subsidiary, the Subsidiary shall transfer to the Optionee) at no additional cost to such LLC Employee and as additional compensation (and not a distribution) to such LLC Employee, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock described in Section 3.10(b)(ii); and
(iv) The Corporation shall, as soon as practicable after such exercise, make a Capital Contribution to the Company in an amount equal to all proceeds received (from whatever source, but excluding any payment in respect of payroll taxes or other withholdings) by the Corporation in connection with the exercise of such stock option. The Corporation shall receive for such Capital Contribution, a number of Common Units equal to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock for which such stock option was exercised.
The transactions described in this Section 3.10(b) are intended to comply with the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.1032-3 and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
(c) Equity Awards Other than Options. If at any time or from time to time, in connection with any Equity Plan, any shares of Class A Common Stock are issued to an LLC Employee (including any shares of Class A Common Stock that are subject to forfeiture in the event such LLC Employee terminates his or her employment with the Company or any Subsidiary) in consideration for services performed for the Company or any Subsidiary:
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(i) The Corporation shall issue such number of shares of Class A Common Stock as are to be issued to such LLC Employee in accordance with the Equity Plan and the applicable award agreement or grant documentation;
(ii) On the date (such date, the Vesting Date) that the Value of such shares is includible in taxable income of such LLC Employee, the following events will be deemed to have occurred solely for U.S. federal (and applicable state and local) income tax purposes: (A) the Corporation shall be deemed to have sold such shares of Class A Common Stock to the Company (or if such LLC Employee is an employee of, or other service provider to, a Subsidiary, to such Subsidiary) for a purchase price equal to the Value of such shares of Class A Common Stock, (B) the Company (or such Subsidiary) shall be deemed to have delivered such shares of Class A Common Stock to such LLC Employee, (C) the Corporation shall be deemed to have contributed the purchase price for such shares of Class A Common Stock to the Company as a Capital Contribution, and (D) in the case where such LLC Employee is an employee of a Subsidiary, the Company shall be deemed to have contributed such amount to the capital of the Subsidiary; and
(iii) The Company shall issue to the Corporation on the Vesting Date a number of Common Units equal to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock issued under Section 3.10(c)(i) in consideration for a Capital Contribution that the Corporation is deemed to make to the Company pursuant to clause (3) of Section 3.10(c)(ii) above.
(d) Future Stock Incentive Plans. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed or applied to preclude or restrain the Corporation from adopting, modifying or terminating stock incentive plans for the benefit of employees, directors or other business associates of the Corporation, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates. The Members acknowledge and agree that, in the event that any such plan is adopted, modified or terminated by the Corporation, amendments to this Section 3.10 may become necessary or advisable and that any approval or consent to any such amendments requested by the Corporation may be approved by the Manager and the Members, as applicable, without the requirement of any further consent or acknowledgement of any other Member notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement (including Section 16.03).
(e) Anti-Dilution Adjustments. For all purposes of this Section 3.10, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock and the corresponding number of Common Units shall be determined after giving effect to all anti-dilution or similar adjustments that are applicable, as of the date of exercise or vesting, to the option, warrant, restricted stock or other equity interest that is being exercised or becomes vested under the applicable Equity Plan and applicable award agreement or grant documentation.
Section 3.11 Dividend Reinvestment Plan, Cash Option Purchase Plan, Stock Incentive Plan or Other Plan. Except as may otherwise be provided in this Article III, all amounts received or deemed received by the Corporation in respect of any dividend reinvestment plan, cash option purchase plan, stock incentive or other stock or subscription plan or agreement, shall either be (a) utilized by the Corporation to effect open market purchases of shares of Class A Common Stock, or (b) if the Corporation elects instead to issue new shares of Class A Common Stock with respect to such amounts, contributed by the Corporation to the Company in exchange for additional Common Units. Upon such contribution, the Company will issue to the Corporation a number of Common Units equal to the number of new shares of Class A Common Stock so issued.
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ARTICLE IV
DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 4.01 Distributions.
(a) Distributable Cash; Other Distributions. To the extent permitted by applicable Law and hereunder, Distributions to Members may be declared by the Manager out of Distributable Cash or other funds or property legally available therefor in such amounts and on such terms (including the payment dates of such Distributions) as the Manager shall determine using such record date as the Manager may designate; such Distributions shall be made to the Members as of the close of business on such record date on a pro rata basis in accordance with each Members Percentage Interest as of the close of business on such record date; provided, however, that the Manager shall have the obligation to make Distributions as set forth in Sections 4.01(b) and 14.02; and provided further that, notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, no Distribution shall be made to any Member to the extent such Distribution would violate Section 18-607 or Section 18-804 of the Delaware Act. Promptly following the designation of a record date and the declaration of a Distribution pursuant to this Section 4.01(a), the Manager shall give notice to each Member of the record date, the amount and the terms of the Distribution and the payment date thereof. In furtherance of the foregoing, it is intended that the Manager shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law and hereunder, have the right in its sole discretion to make Distributions to the Members pursuant to this Section 4.01(a) in such amounts as shall enable the Corporation to pay dividends or to meet its obligations.
(b) Tax Distributions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Manager shall cause Distributable Cash to be distributed pro rata to all Members in accordance with each Members Percentage Interest pursuant to Section 4.01(a) at such times and in such amounts as the Manager determines in its sole discretion is necessary to cause the Corporation to be able to timely satisfy any and all Corporation Tax Liabilities (and, for avoidance of doubt, taking into account all other distributions to the Manager in the relevant period or periods); provided that, notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, no Distribution would violate Section 18-607 or Section 18-804 of the Delaware Act.
Section 4.02 Restricted Distributions. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Company shall not make any Distribution to any Member on account of any Company Interest if such Distribution would violate any applicable Law or the terms of the Credit Agreement.
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ARTICLE V
CAPITAL ACCOUNTS; ALLOCATIONS; TAX MATTERS
Section 5.01 Capital Accounts.
(a) The Company shall maintain a separate Capital Account for each Member according to the rules of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv). For this purpose, the Company may (in the discretion of the Manager), upon the occurrence of the events specified in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), increase or decrease the Capital Accounts in accordance with the rules of such Treasury Regulations and Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(g) to reflect a revaluation of Company property.
(b) For purposes of computing the amount of any item of Company income, gain, loss or deduction to be allocated pursuant to this Article V and to be reflected in the Capital Accounts of the Members, the determination, recognition and classification of any such item shall be the same as its determination, recognition and classification for U.S. federal income tax purposes (including any method of depreciation, cost recovery or amortization used for this purpose); provided, however, that:
(i) The computation of all items of income, gain, loss and deduction shall include those items described in Code Section 705(a)(l)(B) or Code Section 705(a)(2)(B) and Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(i), without regard to the fact that such items are not includable in gross income or are not deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
(ii) If the Book Value of any Company property is adjusted pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(e) or (f), the amount of such adjustment shall be taken into account as gain or loss from the disposition of such property.
(iii) Items of income, gain, loss or deduction attributable to the disposition of Company property having a Book Value that differs from its adjusted basis for tax purposes shall be computed by reference to the Book Value of such property.
(iv) In lieu of the depreciation, amortization and other cost recovery deductions taken into account in computing Profits or Losses (excluding depletion with respect to a Depletable Property), there shall be taken into account Depreciation for such Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period.
(v) To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Company asset pursuant to Code Sections 732(d), 734(b) or 743(b) is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts, the amount of such adjustment to the Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis).
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(vi) Simulated Gains with respect to Depletable Properties shall be taken into account in computing Profits and Losses in lieu of actual gains on such Depletable Properties.
(vii) Items specifically allocated under Section 5.03 shall be excluded from the computation of Profits and Losses.
Section 5.02 Allocations. After giving effect to the allocations under Section 5.03, and subject to Section 5.04, Profits and Losses for any Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period shall be allocated among the Capital Accounts of the Members in such a manner that, after giving effect to the special allocations set forth in Section 5.03 and all other distributions through the end of such Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period, the Capital Account balance of each Member, immediately after making such allocation, is as nearly as possible equal to (a) the amount such Member would receive pursuant to Section 14.02(d) if all of the assets of the Company on hand at the end of such Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period were sold for cash equal to their Book Values, all liabilities of the Company were satisfied in cash in accordance with their terms (limited with respect to each nonrecourse liability to the Book Value of the assets securing such liability), and all remaining or resulting cash were distributed, in accordance with Section 14.02(d), to the Members immediately after making such allocation, minus (b) such Members share of the Company Minimum Gain and Member Minimum Gain, computed immediately prior to the hypothetical sale of assets, and the amount any such Member is treated as obligated to contribute to the Company, computed immediately after the hypothetical sale of assets.
Section 5.03 Regulatory and Special Allocations.
(a) Losses attributable to partner nonrecourse debt (as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(4)) shall be allocated in the manner required by Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i) to the Member that bears the economic risk of loss (within the meaning of Regulations § 1.752-2). If there is a net decrease during a Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period in Member Minimum Gain, Profits for such Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period (and, if necessary, for subsequent Taxable Years or other Fiscal Periods) shall be allocated to the Members in the amounts and of such character as determined according to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4).
(b) Nonrecourse deductions (as determined according to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(1)) for any Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period shall be allocated pro rata among the Members in accordance with their Percentage Interests. Except as otherwise provided in Section 5.03(g), if there is a net decrease in the Company Minimum Gain during any Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period, each Member shall be allocated Profits for such Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period (and, if necessary, for subsequent Taxable Years or other Fiscal Periods) in the amounts and of such character as determined according to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). This Section 5.03(b) is intended to be a minimum gain chargeback provision that complies with the requirements of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f), and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent therewith.
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(c) If any Member that unexpectedly receives an adjustment, allocation or Distribution described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) and (6) has an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit as of the end of any Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period, computed after the application of Sections 5.03(a) and 5.03(b) but before the application of any other provision of this Article V, then Profits for such Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period shall be allocated to such Member in proportion to, and to the extent of, such Adjusted Capital Account Deficit. This Section 5.03(c) is intended to be a qualified income offset provision as described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent therewith.
(d) In the event that any Member has an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit at the end of any Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period, such Member shall be allocated Profit in the amount of such deficit as quickly as possible; provided, however, that an allocation pursuant to this Section 5.03(d) shall be made only if and to the extent that such Member would have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit after all other allocations provided for in this Article V have been tentatively made as if Section 5.03(c) and this Section 5.03(d) were not in this Agreement.
(e) If the allocation of Losses to a Member as provided in Section 5.02 would create or increase an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit, there shall be allocated to such Member only that amount of Losses as will not create or increase an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit. The Losses that would, absent the application of the preceding sentence, otherwise be allocated to such Member shall be allocated to the other Members in accordance with their relative Percentage Interests, subject to this Section 5.03(e).
(f) Profits and Losses described in Section 5.01(b)(v) shall be allocated in a manner consistent with the manner that the adjustments to the Capital Accounts are required to be made pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(j) and (m).
(g) Simulated Depletion for each Depletable Property and Simulated Loss upon the disposition of a Depletable Property shall be allocated among the Members in proportion to their shares of the Simulated Basis in such Depletable Property.
(h) The allocations set forth in Section 5.03(a) through and including Section 5.03(e) (the Regulatory Allocations) are intended to comply with certain requirements of Sections 1.704-1(b) and 1.704-2 of the Treasury Regulations. The Regulatory Allocations may not be consistent with the manner in which the Members intend to allocate Profit and Loss of the Company or make Distributions. Accordingly, notwithstanding the other provisions of this Article V, but subject to the Regulatory Allocations, income, gain, deduction and loss shall be reallocated among the Members so as to eliminate the effect of the Regulatory Allocations and thereby cause the respective Capital Accounts of the Members to be in the amounts (or as close thereto as possible) they would have been if Profit and Loss (and such other items of income, gain, deduction and loss) had been allocated without reference to the Regulatory Allocations. In general, the Members anticipate that this will be accomplished by specially allocating other Profit and Loss (and such other items of income, gain, deduction and loss) among the Members so that the net amount of the Regulatory Allocations and such special allocations to each such Member is zero. In addition, if in any Taxable Year or other Fiscal Period there is a decrease in Company Minimum Gain, or in Member Minimum Gain, and application of
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the minimum gain chargeback requirements set forth in Section 5.03(a) or Section 5.03(b) would cause a distortion in the economic arrangement among the Members, the Members may, if they do not expect that the Company will have sufficient other income to correct such distortion, request the Internal Revenue Service to waive either or both of such minimum gain chargeback requirements. If such request is granted, this Agreement shall be applied in such instance as if it did not contain such minimum gain chargeback requirement.
Section 5.04 Tax Allocations.
(a) The income, gains, losses, deductions and credits of the Company will be allocated, for U.S. federal (and applicable state and local) income tax purposes, among the Members in accordance with the allocation of such income, gains, losses, deductions and credits among the Members for computing their Capital Accounts; provided that if any such allocation is not permitted by the Code or other applicable Law, the Companys subsequent income, gains, losses, deductions and credits will be allocated among the Members so as to reflect as nearly as possible the allocation set forth herein in computing their Capital Accounts.
(b) Cost and percentage depletion deductions with respect each Depletable Property shall be computed separately by the Members rather than the Company. For purposes of such computations, the U.S. federal income tax basis of each Depletable Property shall be allocated to each Member in accordance with such Members Percentage Interest as of the time such Depletable Property is acquired by the Company, and shall be reallocated among the Members in accordance with such Members Percentage Interest as determined immediately following the occurrence of an event giving rise to an adjustment to the Book Values of the Companys Depletable Properties pursuant to the definition of Book Value (or at the time of any material additions to the U.S. federal income tax basis of such Depletable Property). The Company shall inform each Member of such Members allocable share of the U.S. federal income tax basis of each Depletable Property promptly following the acquisition of such Depletable Property by the Company, any adjustment resulting from expenditures required to be capitalized in such basis, and any reallocation of such basis as provided in the previous sentence. Such allocations are intended to be applied in accordance with the partners interests in partnership capital under Section 613A(c)(7)(D) of the Code; provided that the Members understand and agree that the Manager may authorize special allocations of tax basis, income, gain, deduction or loss, as computed for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in order to eliminate differences between Simulated Basis and adjusted U.S. federal income tax basis with respect to Depletable Properties, in such manner as determined consistent with the principles of Section 704(c) of the Code, the Treasury Regulations thereunder and the portions of the Treasury Regulations under Section 704(b) that apply the principles of Section 704(c). For the purposes of applying the remedial allocation method to Depletable Properties (i) the amount by which any Members Capital Account is adjusted for Simulated Depletion shall be treated as an amount of book depletion allocated to such Member and (ii) the amount of cost depletion computed by such Member under section 613A(c)(7)(D) of the Code shall be treated as an amount of tax depletion allocated to such Member.
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(c) For purposes of the separate computation of gain or loss by each Member on a taxable disposition of Depletable Property, the amount realized from such disposition shall be allocated (i) first, to the Members in an amount equal to the Simulated Basis in such Depletable Property and in the same proportion as their shares thereof were allocated and (ii) second, any remaining amount realized shall be allocated consistent with the allocation of Simulated Gains; provided, however, that the Members understand and agree that the Manager may authorize special allocations of tax basis, income, gain, deduction or loss, as computed for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in order to eliminate differences between Simulated Basis and adjusted U.S. federal income tax basis with respect to Depletable Properties, in such manner as determined consistent with the principles of Section 704(c) of the Code, the Treasury Regulations thereunder and the portions of the Treasury Regulations under Section 704(b) that apply the principles of Section 704(c). The provisions of this Section 5.04(c) and the other provisions of this Agreement relating to allocations under Section 613A(c)(7)(D) of the Code are intended to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(v) and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with such Treasury Regulations.
(d) Each Member shall, in a manner consistent with this Article V, separately keep records of its share of the adjusted tax basis in each Depletable Property, adjust such share of the adjusted tax basis for any cost or percentage depletion allowable with respect to such property and use such adjusted tax basis in the computation of its cost depletion or in the computation of its gain or loss on the disposition of such property by the Company. Upon the request of the Company, each Member may advise the Company of its adjusted tax basis in each Depletable Property and any depletion computed with respect thereto, both as computed in accordance with the provisions of this subsection. The Company may rely on such information and, if it is not provided by the Member, may make such reasonable assumptions as it shall determine with respect thereto.
(e) Items of Company taxable income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to any property contributed or deemed contributed to the capital of the Company shall be allocated among the Members in accordance with Code Section 704(c) so as to take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such property to the Company for U.S. federal income tax purposes and its Book Value as of the date of the applicable contribution using any method set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3 as determined by the Manager.
(f) If the Book Value of any Company asset is adjusted pursuant to Section 5.01(b), subsequent allocations of items of taxable income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to such asset shall take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such asset for U.S. federal income tax purposes and its Book Value in the same manner as under Code Section 704(c) using any method set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3 as determined by the Manager.
(g) If, as a result of an exercise of a noncompensatory option to acquire an interest in the Company, a Capital Account reallocation is required under Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(s)(3), the Company shall make corrective allocations pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(x).
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(h) Allocations of tax credits, tax credit recapture, and any items related thereto shall be allocated to the Members pro rata as determined by the Manager taking into account the principles of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(ii).
(i) For purposes of determining a Members pro rata share of the Companys excess nonrecourse liabilities within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-3(a)(3), the Manager shall reasonably determine each Members share of the Companys profits.
(j) Allocations pursuant to this Section 5.05 are solely for purposes of U.S. federal (and applicable state and local) income taxes and shall not affect, or in any way be taken into account in computing, any Members Capital Account or share of Profits, Losses, Distributions or other Company items pursuant to any provision of this Agreement.
Section 5.05 Withholding; Indemnification and Reimbursement for Payments on Behalf of a Member. If requested by the Manager, each Member shall, if able to do so, deliver to the Manager: (A) an affidavit in form satisfactory to the Company, such as an IRS Form W-9 or applicable IRS Form W-8, that the applicable Member (or its beneficial owners, as the case may be) is not subject to withholding under the provisions of any U.S. federal, state, local, foreign or other Law; (B) any certificate that the Company may reasonably request with respect to any such Laws; and/or (C) any other form or instrument reasonably requested by the Company relating to any Members status under such Law. In the event that a Member fails or is unable to deliver to the Company an affidavit described in subclause (A), for the avoidance of doubt, the Company may withhold amounts from such Member in accordance with this Section 5.05. To the extent the Corporation, the Company and its Subsidiaries is required by Law to withhold or to make tax payments on behalf of or with respect to any Member (including the delivery of consideration in connection with a Redemption or Direct Exchange, backup withholding, Section 1445 of the Code, Section 1446 of the Code or any imputed underpayment within the meaning of the Code or, in each case, similar provisions of state, local or other tax Law) the Corporation, the Company or the applicable Subsidiary, as the case may be, may withhold such amounts and make such tax payments as so required, and each Member hereby authorizes the Corporation, the Company and its Subsidiaries to withhold or pay on behalf of or with respect to such Member any amount of U.S. federal, state, or local or non-U.S. taxes that the Manager determines, in good faith, that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is required to withhold or pay with respect to any amount distributable, allocable or payable by or with respect to such Member pursuant to this Agreement. In addition, if the Company is obligated to pay any other amount to a Governmental Entity (or otherwise makes a payment to a Governmental Entity) that is specifically attributable to a Member (including U.S. federal income taxes as a result of Company obligations pursuant to the Partnership Audit Provisions with respect to items of income, gain, loss deduction or credit allocable or attributable to such Member, state personal property taxes and state unincorporated business taxes, but excluding payments such as professional association fees and the like made voluntarily by the Company on behalf of any Member based upon such Members status as an employee of the Company), then such tax shall be treated as an amount of taxes withheld or paid with respect to such Member pursuant to this Section 5.05. For all purposes under this Agreement, any amounts withheld or paid with respect to a Member pursuant to this Section 5.05 shall be treated as having been distributed to such Member at the time such withholding or payment is made. Further, to the extent that the cumulative amount of such withholding or payment for any period exceeds the
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distributions to which such Member is entitled for such period, such Member shall indemnify the Company in full for the amount of such excess. The Manager may offset Distributions to which a Person is otherwise entitled under this Agreement against such Persons obligation to indemnify the Company under this Section 5.05. A Members obligation to indemnify the Company under this Section 5.05 shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, survive the dissolution, liquidation, winding up and termination of the Company, and for purposes of this Section 5.05, the Company shall be treated as continuing in existence. The Company may pursue and enforce all rights and remedies it may have against each Member under this Section 5.05, including instituting a lawsuit to collect amounts owed under such indemnity with interest accruing from the date such withholding or payment is made by the Company at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the Base Rate (but not in excess of the highest rate per annum permitted by Law). Any income from such indemnity (and interest) shall not be allocated to or distributed to the Member paying such indemnity (and interest). Each Member hereby agrees to furnish to the Company such information and forms as required or reasonably requested in order to comply with any laws and regulations governing withholding of tax or in order to claim any reduced rate of, or exemption from, withholding to which the Member is legally entitled.
ARTICLE VI
MANAGEMENT
Section 6.01 Authority of Manager.
(a) Except for situations in which the approval of any Member(s) is specifically required by this Agreement, (i) all management powers over the business and affairs of the Company shall be exclusively vested in the Corporation, as the sole managing member of the Company (the Corporation, in such capacity, the Manager) and (ii) the Manager shall conduct, direct and exercise full control over all activities of the Company. The Manager shall be the manager of the Company for the purposes of the Delaware Act. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein and subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the Members hereby consent to the exercise by the Manager of all such powers and rights conferred on the Members by the Delaware Act with respect to the management and control of the Company. Any vacancies in the position of Manager shall be filled in accordance with Section 6.04.
(b) Without limiting the authority of the Manager to act on behalf of the Company, the day-to-day business and operations of the Company shall be overseen and implemented by officers of the Company (each, an Officer and collectively, the Officers), subject to the limitations imposed by the Manager. An Officer may, but need not, be a Member. Each Officer shall be appointed by the Manager and shall hold office until his or her successor shall be duly designated and shall qualify or until his or her death or until he shall resign or shall have been removed in the manner hereinafter provided. Any one Person may hold more than one office. Subject to the other provisions in this Agreement (including in Section 6.07 below), the salaries or other compensation, if any, of the Officers of the Company shall be fixed from time to time by the Manager. The authority and responsibility of the Officers shall include, but not be limited to, such duties as the Manager may, from time to time, delegate to them and the carrying out of the Companys business and affairs on a day-to-day basis. An Officer may also perform one or more roles as an officer of the Manager.
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(c) The Manager shall have the power and authority, acting alone and without the approval of any other Person (including any Member), to effectuate the sale, lease, transfer, exchange or other disposition of any, all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (including the exercise or grant of any conversion, option, privilege or subscription right or any other right available in connection with any assets at any time held by the Company) or the merger, consolidation, conversion, division, reorganization or other combination of the Company with or into another entity.
Section 6.02 Actions of the Manager. The Manager may act through any Officer or through any other Person or Persons to whom authority and duties have been delegated pursuant to Section 6.07.
Section 6.03 Resignation; No Removal. The Manager may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Members. Unless otherwise specified in the notice, the resignation shall take effect upon receipt thereof by the Members, and the acceptance of the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. For the avoidance of doubt, the Members have no right under this Agreement to remove or replace the Manager.
Section 6.04 Vacancies. Vacancies in the position of Manager occurring for any reason shall be filled by the Corporation (or, if the Corporation has ceased to exist without any successor or assign, then by the holders of a majority in interest of the voting capital stock of the Corporation immediately prior to such cessation). For the avoidance of doubt, the Members (other than the Corporation and its wholly owned Subsidiaries) have no right under this Agreement to fill any vacancy in the position of Manager.
Section 6.05 Transactions Between Company and Manager. The Manager may cause the Company to contract and deal with the Manager, or any Affiliate of the Manager, provided such contracts and dealings are on terms comparable to and competitive with those available to the Company from others dealing at arms length or are approved by the Members holding a majority of the Units (excluding Units held by the Manager and its controlled Affiliates) then outstanding and otherwise are permitted by the Credit Agreement.
Section 6.06 Reimbursement for Expenses. The Manager shall not be compensated for its services as Manager of the Company except as expressly provided in this Agreement. The Members acknowledge and agree that the Managers Class A Common Stock is and will continue to be publicly traded and therefore the Manager will have access to the public capital markets and that such status and the services performed by the Manager will inure to the benefit of the Company and all Members; therefore, the Manager shall be reimbursed by the Company for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the Company, including all fees, expenses and costs of being a public company (including public reporting obligations, proxy statements, stockholder meetings, stock exchange fees, transfer agent fees, SEC and FINRA filing fees and offering expenses) and maintaining its corporate existence. In the event that (i) shares of Class A Common Stock were sold to underwriters in the IPO or are sold to underwriters in any public offering after the Effective Time, in each case, at a price per share that is lower than the price per share for which
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such shares of Class A Common Stock are sold to the public in such public offering after taking into account underwriters discounts or commissions and brokers fees or commissions (such difference, the Discount) and (ii) the proceeds from such public offering are used to fund the Cash Settlement for any Redeemed Units or otherwise contributed to the Company, the Company shall reimburse the Manager for such Discount by treating such Discount as an additional Capital Contribution made by the Manager to the Company, issuing Common Units in respect of such deemed Capital Contribution in accordance with Section 11.02, and increasing the Managers Capital Account by the amount of such Discount. To the extent practicable, expenses incurred by the Manager on behalf of or for the benefit of the Company shall be billed directly to and paid by the Company and, if and to the extent any reimbursements to the Manager or any of its Affiliates by the Company pursuant to this Section 6.06 constitute gross income to such Person (as opposed to the repayment of advances made by such Person on behalf of the Company), such amounts shall be treated as guaranteed payments within the meaning of Code Section 707(c) and shall not be treated as distributions for purposes of computing the Members Capital Accounts. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not bear any income tax obligations of the Manager or any payments made pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Section 6.07 Delegation of Authority. The Manager (a) may, from time to time, delegate to one or more Persons such authority and duties as the Manager may deem advisable, and (b) may assign titles (including chief executive officer, president, chief executive officer, chief financial officers, chief operating officer, vice president, secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer or assistant treasurer) and delegate certain authority and duties to such Persons as the same may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time. Any number of titles may be held by the same individual. The salaries or other compensation, if any, of such agents of the Company shall be fixed from time to time by the Manager, subject to the other provisions in this Agreement.
Section 6.08 Limitation of Liability of Manager.
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein or in an agreement entered into by such Person and the Company, neither the Manager nor any of the Managers Affiliates nor any of its or their respective officers, employees or other agents shall be liable to the Company, to any Member or to any other Person bound by this Agreement for any act or omission performed or omitted by the Manager or such Person in its capacity as the sole managing member of the Company, as an Affiliate of the Manager or as an officer, employee or other agent of the Manager or any of its Affiliates, as applicable, pursuant to authority granted to the Manager by this Agreement; provided, however, that, except as otherwise provided herein, such limitation of liability shall not apply to the extent the act or omission was attributable to the Managers willful misconduct or knowing violation of Law or for any present or future material breaches of any representations, warranties or covenants by the Manager, its Affiliates or its or their respective officers, employees or other agents contained herein or in the other agreements with the Company. The Manager may exercise any of the powers granted to it by this Agreement and perform any of the duties imposed upon it hereunder either directly or by or through its agents, and shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent (so long as such agent was selected in good faith and with reasonable care). The Manager, its Affiliates and each of its and their respective officers, employees and other agents shall be entitled to rely upon the advice of legal counsel, independent public accountants and other experts, including
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financial advisors, as to matters such Person reasonably believes are within such other Persons professional or expert competence and any act of or failure to act by the Manager or such other Person in good faith reliance on such advice shall in no event subject the Manager or such other Person to liability to the Company or any Member or to any other Person bound by this Agreement.
(b) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, whenever this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated herein provides that the Manager shall act in a manner which is, or provide terms which are, fair and reasonable to the Company or any Member that is not the Manager, the Manager shall determine such appropriate action or provide such terms considering, in each case, the relative interests of each party to such agreement, transaction or situation and the benefits and burdens relating to such interests, any customary or accepted industry practices, and any applicable United States generally accepted accounting practices or principles, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or in any agreement contemplated herein or applicable provisions of Law or equity or otherwise.
(c) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law and notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or in any agreement contemplated herein or applicable provisions of Law or equity or otherwise, whenever in this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated herein, the Manager is permitted or required to take any action or to make a decision in its sole discretion or discretion, with complete discretion, with its approval or consent or under a grant of similar authority or latitude, the Manager shall be entitled to consider such interests and factors as it desires, including its own interests, and shall have no duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of or factors affecting the Company, other Members or any other Person.
(d) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law and notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or in any agreement contemplated herein or applicable provisions of law or equity or otherwise, (i) whenever in this Agreement the Manager is permitted or required to take any action or to make a decision in good faith or under another express standard, the Manager shall act under such express standard and shall not be subject to any other or different standards imposed by this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated herein, and (ii) so long as the Manager acts in good faith or in accordance with such other express standard, the resolution, action or terms so made, taken or provided by the Manager shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement or impose liability upon the Manager, any of the Managers Affiliates or any of its or their respective officers, employees or other agents and shall be deemed approved by all Members.
Section 6.09 Investment Company Act. The Manager shall use its best efforts to ensure that the Company shall not be subject to registration as an investment company pursuant to the Investment Company Act.
Section 6.10 Outside Activities of the Manager. The Manager shall not, directly or indirectly, enter into or conduct any business or operations, other than in connection with (a) the ownership, acquisition and disposition of Common Units, (b) the management of the business and affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries, (c) the operation of the Manager as a reporting
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company with a class (or classes) of securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act and listed on a securities exchange, (d) the offering, sale, syndication, private placement or public offering of stock, bonds, securities or other interests, (e) financing or refinancing of any type related to the Company, its Subsidiaries or their assets or activities, and (f) such activities as are incidental to the foregoing; provided, however, that, except as otherwise provided herein, the net proceeds of any sale of Equity Securities of the Corporation pursuant to the preceding clauses (d) and (e) shall be made available to the Company as Capital Contributions and the proceeds of any other financing raised by the Manager pursuant to the preceding clauses (d) and (e) shall be made available to the Company as loans or otherwise as appropriate and, provided further, that the Manager may, in its sole and absolute discretion, from time to time hold or acquire assets in its own name or otherwise other than through the Company and its Subsidiaries so long as the Manager takes all necessary measures to ensure that the economic benefits and burdens of such assets are otherwise vested in the Company or its Subsidiaries, through assignment, mortgage loan or otherwise. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to prohibit the Manager from executing any guarantee of indebtedness of the Company or its Subsidiaries.
Section 6.11 Standard of Care. Except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, the Manager shall, in connection with the performance of its duties in its capacity as the Manager, have the same fiduciary duties to the Company and the Members as would be owed to a Delaware corporation and its stockholders by its directors, and shall be entitled to the benefit of the same presumptions in carrying out such duties as would be afforded to a director of a Delaware corporation (as such duties and presumptions are defined, described and explained under the Laws of the State of Delaware as in effect from time to time). The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they restrict or eliminate the duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities of the Manager otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Members to replace, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, such other duties and liabilities of the Manager. Further, the provisions of this Article VI and any other exculpation or indemnification provisions of this Agreement do not restore or create, whether in contract or otherwise, any such duties or liabilities.
ARTICLE VII
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS
Section 7.01 Limitation of Liability and Duties of Members; Investment Opportunities.
(a) Except as provided in this Agreement or in the Delaware Act, the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, shall be solely the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company and neither any Member nor the Manager shall be obligated personally for any such debts, obligations, contracts or liabilities of the Company solely by reason of being a Member or the Manager; provided that, in the case of the Manager, this sentence shall not in any manner limit the liability of the Manager to the Company or any Member (other than the Manager) attributable to a breach by the Manager of any obligations of the Manager under this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, the failure of the Company to observe any formalities or requirements relating to the exercise of its powers or management of its business and affairs under this Agreement or the Delaware Act shall not be grounds for imposing personal liability on the Members or the Manager for liabilities of the Company.
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(b) In accordance with the Delaware Act and the laws of the State of Delaware, a Member may, under certain circumstances, be required to return amounts previously distributed to such Member. It is the intent of the Members that no Distribution to any Member pursuant to Article IV shall be deemed a return of money or other property paid or distributed in violation of the Delaware Act. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the payment of any such money or Distribution of any such property to a Member shall be deemed to be a compromise within the meaning of Section 18-502(b) of the Delaware Act that shall not require the consent of any other Member, and any Member receiving any such money or property shall not be required to return any such money or property to the Company or any other Person, unless such Distribution was made by the Company to such Member in clerical error. However, if any court of competent jurisdiction holds that, notwithstanding the provisions of this Agreement, any Member is obligated to make any such payment, such obligation shall be the obligation of such Member and not of the Company or any other Member.
(c) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, including Section 18-1101(c) of the Delaware Act, and notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement (but subject, and without limitation, to Section 6.08 with respect to the Manager) or in any agreement contemplated herein or applicable provisions of Law or equity or otherwise, the parties hereto hereby agree that to the extent that any Member (other than the Manager in its capacity as such) (or such Members Affiliate or any manager, managing member, general partner, director, officer, employee, agent, fiduciary or trustee of any Member or of any Affiliate of such Member (each Person described in this parenthetical, a Related Person)) has duties (including fiduciary duties) to the Company, to the Manager, to another Member, to any Person who acquires an interest in a Unit or to any other Person bound by this Agreement, all such duties (including fiduciary duties) are hereby eliminated, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, and replaced with the duties or standards expressly set forth herein, if any; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not eliminate the implied contractual covenant of good faith and fair dealing. The elimination of duties (including fiduciary duties) to the Company, the Manager, each of the Members, each other Person who acquires an interest in a Unit and each other Person bound by this Agreement and replacement thereof with the duties or standards expressly set forth herein, if any, are approved by the Company, the Manager, each of the Members, each other Person who acquires an interest in a Unit and each other Person bound by this Agreement.
(d) Notwithstanding any duty (including any fiduciary duty) otherwise applicable at law or in equity, the doctrine of corporate opportunity, or any analogous doctrine, will not apply to any Member (including the Manager) or to any Related Person of such Member, and no Member (or any Related Person of such Member) that acquires knowledge of a potential transaction, agreement, arrangement or other matter that may be an opportunity for the Company or the Members will have any duty to communicate or offer such opportunity to the Company or the Members, or to develop any particular investment, and such Person will not be liable to the Company or the Members for breach of any fiduciary or other duty by reason of the fact that such Person pursues or acquires
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for, or directs such opportunity to, another Person or does not communicate such investment opportunity to the Members. Notwithstanding any duty (including any fiduciary duty) otherwise applicable at law or in equity, neither the Company nor any Member has any rights or obligations by virtue of this Agreement or the relationships created hereby in or to such independent ventures or the income or profits or losses derived therefrom, and the pursuit of any such ventures outside the Company, even if competitive with the activities of the Company or the Members, will not be deemed wrongful or improper.
Section 7.02 Lack of Authority. No Member, other than the Manager or a duly appointed Officer, in each case in its capacity as such, has the authority or power to act for or on behalf of the Company, to do any act that would be binding on the Company or to make any expenditure on behalf of the Company. In addition, the Members shall not have any voting rights under the Delaware Act to approve any actions of the Company. The Members hereby consent to the exercise by the Manager of the powers conferred on them by Law and this Agreement.
Section 7.03 No Right of Partition. No Member, other than the Manager, shall have the right to seek or obtain partition by court decree or operation of Law of any Company property, or the right to own or use particular or individual assets of the Company.
Section 7.04 Indemnification.
(a) Subject to Section 5.05, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless any Person (each an Indemnified Person) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law (including as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, substituted or replaced but, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, in the case of any such amendment, substitution or replacement only to the extent that such amendment, substitution or replacement permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights than such Law permitted the Company to provide immediately prior to such amendment, substitution or replacement), against all expenses, liabilities and losses (including attorneys fees, judgments, fines, excise taxes or penalties, and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such Person by reason of the fact that such Person is or was a Member or an Affiliate thereof (other than as a result of an ownership interest in the Corporation) or is or was serving as the Manager or a director, officer, employee or other agent of the Manager, or a director, manager, Officer, employee or other agent of the Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a manager, officer, director, principal, member, employee or agent of another Person; provided, however, that no Indemnified Person shall be indemnified for any expenses, liabilities and losses suffered that are attributable to such Indemnified Persons or its Affiliates bad faith, willful misconduct or knowing violation of Law or for any present or future breaches of any representations, warranties or covenants by such Indemnified Person or its Affiliates contained herein or in the other agreements with the Company. Reasonable expenses, including out-of-pocket attorneys fees, incurred by any such Indemnified Person in defending a proceeding shall be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of such proceeding, including any appeal therefrom, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Indemnified Person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such Indemnified Person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company.
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(b) The right to indemnification and the advancement of expenses conferred in this Section 7.04 shall not be exclusive of any other right which any Person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, agreement, bylaw, action by the Manager or otherwise.
(c) The Company shall maintain directors and officers liability insurance, or substantially equivalent insurance, at its expense, to protect any Indemnified Person (and the investment funds, if any, they represent) against any expense, liability or loss described in Section 7.04(a) whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such Indemnified Person against such expense, liability or loss under the provisions of this Section 7.04. The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to purchase and maintain property, casualty and liability insurance in types and at levels customary for companies of similar size engaged in similar lines of business, as determined in good faith by the Manager, and the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to purchase directors and officers liability insurance (including employment practices coverage) with a carrier and in an amount determined necessary or desirable as determined in good faith by the Manager.
(d) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary (including in this Section 7.04), the Company agrees that any indemnification and advancement of expenses available to any current or former Indemnified Person from any investment fund that is an Affiliate of the Company who served as a director of the Company or as a Member of the Company by virtue of such Persons service as a member, director, partner or employee of any such fund prior to or following the Effective Time (any such Person, a Sponsor Person) shall be secondary to the indemnification and advancement of expenses to be provided by the Company pursuant to this Section 7.04 which shall be provided out of and to the extent of Company assets only and no Member (unless such Member otherwise agrees in writing or is found in a final decision by a court of competent jurisdiction to have personal liability on account thereof) shall have personal liability on account thereof or shall be required to make additional Capital Contributions to help satisfy such indemnity of the Company and the Company (i) shall be the primary indemnitor of first resort for such Sponsor Person pursuant to this Section 7.04 and (ii) shall be fully responsible for the advancement of all expenses and the payment of all damages or liabilities with respect to such Sponsor Person which are addressed by this Section 7.04.
(e) If this Section 7.04 or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Company shall nevertheless indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person pursuant to this Section 7.04 to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Section 7.04 that shall not have been invalidated and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law.
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Section 7.05 Members Right to Act. For matters that require the approval of the Members, the Members shall act through meetings and written consents as described in paragraphs (a) and (b) below:
(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided by this Agreement, acts by the Supermajority Members, voting together as a single class, shall be the acts of the Members. Any Member entitled to vote at a meeting of Members may authorize another person or persons to act for it by proxy. An electronic mail or similar transmission by the Member, or a photographic, photostatic or similar reproduction of a writing executed by the Member shall (if stated thereon) be treated as a proxy executed in writing for purposes of this Section 7.05(a). No proxy shall be voted or acted upon after eleven months from the date thereof, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. A proxy shall be revocable unless the proxy form conspicuously states that the proxy is irrevocable and that the proxy is coupled with an interest. Should a proxy designate two or more Persons to act as proxies, unless that instrument shall provide to the contrary, a majority of such Persons present at any meeting at which their powers thereunder are to be exercised shall have and may exercise all the powers of voting or giving consents thereby conferred, or, if only one be present, then such powers may be exercised by that one; or, if an even number attend and a majority do not agree on any particular issue, the Company shall not be required to recognize such proxy with respect to such issue if such proxy does not specify how the votes that are the subject of such proxy are to be voted with respect to such issue.
(b) The actions by the Members permitted hereunder may be taken at a meeting called by the Manager or by the Supermajority Members on at least 48 hours prior written notice to the other Members entitled to vote, which notice shall state the purpose or purposes for which such meeting is being called. The actions taken by the Members entitled to vote or consent at any meeting (as opposed to by written consent), however called and noticed, shall be as valid as though taken at a meeting duly held after regular call and notice if (but not until), either before, at or after the meeting, the Members entitled to vote or consent as to whom it was improperly held signs a written waiver of notice or a consent to the holding of such meeting or an approval of the minutes thereof. The actions by the Members entitled to vote or consent may be taken by vote of the Members entitled to vote or consent at a meeting or by written consent, so long as such consent is signed by Members having not less than the minimum number of Units that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all Members entitled to vote thereon were present and voted. Prompt notice of the action so taken, which shall state the purpose or purposes for which such consent is required and may be delivered via email, without a meeting shall be given to those Members entitled to vote or consent who have not consented in writing; provided, however, that the failure to give any such notice shall not affect the validity of the action taken by such written consent. Any action taken pursuant to such written consent of the Members shall have the same force and effect as if taken by the Members at a meeting thereof.
Section 7.06 Inspection Rights. The Company shall permit each Member that holds greater than 1% of the outstanding Common Units as of the applicable time of determination and each of its designated representatives to (a) visit and inspect any of the properties of the Company and its Subsidiaries, all at reasonable times and upon reasonable notice, (b) examine the corporate and financial records of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and make copies thereof or extracts therefrom and (c) consult with the managers, officers, employees and independent accountants of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries concerning the affairs, finances and accounts of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. The presentation of an executed copy of this Agreement by such Member holding greater than 1% of the outstanding Common Units as of the applicable time of determination to the Companys independent accountants shall constitute the Companys permission to its independent accountants to participate in discussions with such Persons and their respective designated representatives.
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ARTICLE VIII
BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS, AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
Section 8.01 Records and Accounting. The Company shall keep, or cause to be kept, appropriate books and records with respect to the Companys business, including all books and records necessary to provide any information, lists and copies of documents required to be provided pursuant to applicable Laws. All matters concerning (a) the determination of the relative amount of allocations and Distributions among the Members pursuant to Articles III and IV and (b) accounting procedures and determinations, and other determinations not specifically and expressly provided for by the terms of this Agreement, shall be determined by the Manager, whose determination shall be final and conclusive as to all of the Members absent manifest clerical error.
Section 8.02 Fiscal Year. The Fiscal Year of the Company shall end on December 31 of each year or such other date as may be established by the Manager; provided that the Company shall have the same Fiscal Year for accounting purposes as its Taxable Year for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
ARTICLE IX
TAX MATTERS
Section 9.01 Preparation of Tax Returns. The Manager shall arrange, at the Companys expense, for the preparation and timely filing of all tax returns required to be filed by the Company. On or before March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15 of each Taxable Year, the Company shall send to each Person who was a Member at any time during the prior quarter, an estimate of such Members state tax apportionment information and allocations to the Members of taxable income, gains, losses, deductions and credits for the prior quarter, which estimate shall have been reviewed by the Companys outside tax accountants. For so long as any Member owns 10% or more of the outstanding Common Units as of the applicable time of determination, the Company shall (a) send a draft of any income tax return of the Company to such Member, at least fifteen days prior to filing, for review and comment, and (b) consider in good faith all reasonable comments received from such Member at least five days prior to the due date for the filing of any such tax return. In addition, no later than August 1 of the following Taxable Year, the Company shall send to each Person who was a Member at any time during such Taxable Year, a statement showing such Members (A) final state tax apportionment information, and (B) a completed IRS Schedule K-1. The Company shall endeavor in good faith to provide all other information reasonably requested and necessary for the preparation of such Persons U.S. federal (and applicable state and local) income tax returns. Each Member shall notify the Company, and the Company shall take reasonable efforts to notify each of the other Members, upon receipt of any notice of tax examination of the Company by U.S. federal, state or local authorities. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in its capacity as Partnership Representative, the Corporation shall have the authority to prepare the tax returns of the Company using the elections set forth in Section 9.02 and such other permissible methods and elections as it determines in its reasonable discretion.
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Section 9.02 Tax Elections. The Company and any eligible Subsidiary shall make an election pursuant to Section 754 of the Code and shall not thereafter revoke such election. In addition, the Company (and any eligible Subsidiary) shall make the following elections on the appropriate forms or tax returns:
(a) to adopt the calendar year as the Companys Taxable Year, if permitted under the Code;
(b) to adopt the accrual method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes; and
(c) to elect to amortize the organizational expenses of the Company as permitted by Code Section 709(b).
Each Member will upon request supply any information reasonably necessary to give proper effect to any such elections.
Section 9.03 Tax Controversies.
(a) The Corporation shall be designated and may, on behalf of the Company, at any time, and without further notice to or consent from any Member, act as the partnership representative of the Company, within the meaning given to such term in Section 6223 of the Code and any corresponding or similar role for relevant state and local tax purposes (the Corporation, in such capacity, the Partnership Representative). For any period in which the Partnership Representative is not a natural person, the Partnership Representative shall designate a designated individual in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 301.6223-1(b)(3)(i). The Company and the Members (including any Member designated as the Partnership Representative prior to the date hereof) shall reasonably cooperate with each other and shall use reasonable best efforts to cause the Manager (or any Person subsequently designated) to become the Partnership Representative with respect to any taxable period of the Company beginning at or after the Effective Time, including (as applicable) by filing certifications pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 301.6231(a)(7)-1(d). The Partnership Representative may retain, at the Companys expense, such outside counsel, accountants and other professional consultants as it may reasonably deem necessary in the course of fulfilling its obligations as the Partnership Representative. Subject to the other terms of this Agreement, the Partnership Representative is authorized to take such actions and execute and file all statements and forms on behalf of the Company that are approved by the Manager and are permitted or required by the applicable provisions of the Partnership Audit Provisions. The Partnership Representative will have discretion to determine whether the Company (either in its own behalf or on behalf of the Members) will contest or continue to contest any tax deficiencies assessed or proposed to be assessed by any taxing authority. Each Member agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Partnership Representative and to use commercially reasonable efforts to do or refrain from doing any or all things requested by the Partnership Representative (including paying any and all resulting taxes, additions to tax, penalties and interest in a timely fashion) in connection with any examination of the Companys affairs by any U.S. federal, state, or local tax authorities, including resulting
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administrative and judicial proceedings. Any deficiency for taxes imposed on any Member (including penalties, additions to tax or interest imposed with respect to such taxes) will be paid by such Member, and if required to be paid (and actually paid) by the Company, will be recoverable from such Member as provided in Section 5.06. The Partnership Representative shall be entitled to cause the Company to elect the application of Section 6226 of the Code with respect to any imputed underpayment or make any other decision or election, or take any action pursuant to Sections 6221 through 6235 and 6241 of the Code. The Partnership Representative shall keep the Members reasonably informed of any material audit or administrative or judicial proceedings and any decisions or elections described in the previous sentence that are material in nature. The Company shall reimburse the Partnership Representative for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Partnership Representative, including reasonable fees of any professional attorneys, in carrying out its duties as the Partnership Representative. In the event that the Manager determines that the foregoing provisions are no longer applicable to the Company, either due to a change of controlling law or the enactment of applicable Treasury Regulations, the Manager is authorized to take any reasonable actions as may be required concerning tax matters of the Company not otherwise addressed in this Section 9.03(a). The provisions of this Section 9.03(a) shall survive the termination of any Members interest in the Company, the termination of this Agreement and the termination of the Company and shall remain binding on each Member for the period of time necessary to resolve with any applicable taxing authority any income tax matters relating to the Company. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Partnership Representative shall not settle any tax controversy that would reasonably be expected to have a disproportionate and adverse impact on any Member (or subset of Members) without the prior written consent of such Member (or subset of Members), such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.
ARTICLE X
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF UNITS
Section 10.01 Transfers by Members. No holder of Units may Transfer any interest in any Units, except Transfers (a) pursuant to and in accordance with Section 10.02 or (b) approved in writing by the Manager. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Transfer shall not include a transfer that occurs by operation of applicable state law but does not terminate the existence of such Member under applicable state law (or, in the case of a trust that is a Member, does not terminate the trusteeship of the fiduciaries under such trust with respect to all the Company Interests of such trust that is a Member).
Section 10.02 Permitted Transfers. Subject to Section 10.07, the restrictions contained in Section 10.01 shall not apply to any Transfer (each, a Permitted Transfer) (i) by a Member to an Affiliate of such Member, (ii) by a Member to an investment vehicle wholly-owned and controlled by such Member and/or such Members family members, (iii) by the Corporation to the holders of equity interests in the Corporation in connection with the dissolution of the Corporation, or (iv) pursuant to a Redemption or Direct Exchange in accordance with Article XI hereof; provided, however, that (A) the restrictions contained in this Agreement will continue to apply to Units after any Permitted Transfer of such Units and (B) in the case of the foregoing clauses (i) through (iii), the transferees of the Units so Transferred shall agree in writing to be bound by the
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provisions of this Agreement (to the extent such transferees are not already Members), and the transferor will deliver a written notice to the Company and the Members, which notice will disclose in reasonable detail the identity of the proposed transferee. In the case of a Permitted Transfer (other than a Redemption or Direct Exchange) by the Corporation of Common Units to a transferee in accordance with this Section 10.02, the Corporation shall be required to also transfer a number of shares of Class B Common Stock corresponding to the number of such Members (or subsequent transferees) Common Units that were transferred in the transaction to such transferee; and, in the case of a Redemption or Direct Exchange, a number of shares of Class B Common Stock corresponding to the number of such Members Common Units that were transferred in such Redemption or Direct Exchange shall be cancelled. All Permitted Transfers are subject to the additional limitations set forth in Section 10.07(b).
Section 10.03 Restricted Units Legend. The Units have not been registered under the Securities Act and, therefore, in addition to the other restrictions on Transfer contained in this Agreement, cannot be sold unless subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is then available. To the extent such Units have been certificated, each certificate evidencing Units and each certificate issued in exchange for or upon the Transfer of any Units (if such securities remain Units as defined herein after such Transfer) shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in substantially the following form:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE WERE ORIGINALLY ISSUED ON [], AND HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933(THE ACT), AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION THEREUNDER. THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER SPECIFIED IN THE SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT OF INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC AND INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE THE TRANSFER OF SUCH SECURITIES UNTIL SUCH CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN FULFILLED WITH RESPECT TO ANY TRANSFER. A COPY OF SUCH CONDITIONS SHALL BE FURNISHED BY INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC TO THE HOLDER HEREOF UPON WRITTEN REQUEST AND WITHOUT CHARGE.
The Company shall imprint such legend on certificates (if any) evidencing Units. The legend set forth above shall be removed from the certificates (if any) evidencing any units which cease to be Units in accordance with the definition thereof.
Section 10.04 Transfer. Prior to Transferring any Units (other than (a) in connection with a Redemption or Direct Exchange in accordance with Article XI or (b) pursuant to a Change of Control Transaction), the Transferring holder of Units shall cause the prospective transferee to be bound by this Agreement and any other agreements executed by the holders of Units and relating to such Units in the aggregate (collectively, the Other Agreements), and shall cause the prospective transferee to execute and deliver to the Company and the other holders of Units a Joinder (or other counterpart to this Agreement acceptable to the Manager) and counterparts of any applicable Other Agreements. Any Transfer or attempted Transfer of any Units in violation of any provision of this Agreement (including any prohibited indirect Transfers) (a) shall be void, and (b) the Company shall not record such Transfer on its books or treat any purported transferee of such Units as the owner of such securities for any purpose.
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Section 10.05 Assignees Rights.
(a) The Transfer of a Company Interest in accordance with this Agreement shall be effective as of the date of its assignment (assuming compliance with all of the conditions to such Transfer set forth herein), and such Transfer shall be shown on the books and records of the Company. Profits, Losses and other Company items shall be allocated between the transferor and the Assignee according to Code Section 706, using any permissible method as determined in the reasonable discretion of the Manager. Distributions made before the effective date of such Transfer shall be paid to the transferor, and Distributions made after such date shall be paid to the Assignee.
(b) Unless and until an Assignee becomes a Member pursuant to Article XII, the Assignee shall not be entitled to any of the rights granted to a Member hereunder or under applicable Law, other than the rights granted specifically to Assignees pursuant to this Agreement; provided, however, that, without relieving the transferring Member from any such limitations or obligations as more fully described in Section 10.06, such Assignee shall be bound by any limitations and obligations of a Member contained herein that a Member would be bound on account of the Assignees Company Interest (including the obligation to make Capital Contributions on account of such Company Interest).
Section 10.06 Assignors Rights and Obligations. Any Member who shall Transfer any Company Interest in a manner in accordance with this Agreement shall cease to be a Member with respect to such Units or other interest and shall no longer have any rights or privileges, or, except as set forth in this Section 10.06, duties, liabilities or obligations, of a Member with respect to such Units or other interest (it being understood, however, that the applicable provisions of Section 6.08, Section 7.01 and Section 7.04 shall continue to inure to such Persons benefit), except that unless and until the Assignee (if not already a Member) is admitted as a Substituted Member in accordance with the provisions of Article XII (the Admission Date), (a) such assigning Member shall retain all of the duties, liabilities and obligations of a Member with respect to such Units or other interest, and (b) the Manager may, in its sole discretion, reinstate all or any portion of the rights and privileges of such Member with respect to such Units or other interest for any period of time prior to the Admission Date. Nothing contained herein shall relieve any Member who Transfers any Units or other interest in the Company from any liability of such Member to the Company with respect to such Company Interest that may exist on the Admission Date or that is otherwise specified in the Delaware Act and incorporated into this Agreement or for any liability to the Company or any other Person for any materially false statement made by such Member (in its capacity as such) or for any present or future breaches of any representations, warranties or covenants by such Member (in its capacity as such) contained herein or in the other agreements with the Company.
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Section 10.07 Overriding Provisions.
(a) Any Transfer in violation of this Article X shall be null and void ab initio, and the provisions of Sections 10.05 and 10.06 shall not apply to any such Transfers. For the avoidance of doubt, any Person to whom a Transfer is made or attempted in violation of this Article X shall not become a Member, shall not be entitled to vote on any matters coming before the Members and shall not have any other rights in or with respect to any rights of a Member of the Company. The approval of any Transfer in any one or more instances shall not limit or waive the requirement for such approval in any other or future instance. The Manager shall promptly amend the Schedule of Members to reflect any Permitted Transfer pursuant to this Article X.
(b) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of Section 10.01, Section 10.02 and Article XI and Article XII), in no event shall any Member Transfer any Units to the extent such Transfer would:
(i) result in the violation of the Securities Act, or any other applicable U.S. federal or state or non-U.S. Laws;
(ii) subject the Company to registration as an investment company under the Investment Company Act;
(iii) in the reasonable determination of the Manager, be a violation of or a default (or an event that, with notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in an acceleration of any indebtedness under, any promissory note, mortgage, loan agreement, indenture or similar instrument or agreement to which the Company or the Manager is a party; provided that the payee or creditor to whom the Company or the Manager owes such obligation is not an Affiliate of the Company or the Manager;
(iv) in the reasonable determination of the Manager, cause the Company to lose its status as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes or, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, cause the Company to be treated as a publicly traded partnership or to be taxed as a corporation pursuant to Section 7704 of the Code and any applicable Treasury Regulations issued thereunder, or any successor provision of the Code;
(v) be a Transfer to a Person who is not legally competent or who has not achieved his or her majority under applicable Law (excluding trusts for the benefit of minors); or
(vi) in the reasonable determination of the Manager, result in the Company having more than one hundred (100) partners, within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1(h)(1) (determined pursuant to the rules of Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1(h)(3)).
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ARTICLE XI
REDEMPTION AND EXCHANGE RIGHTS
Section 11.01 Redemption Right of a Member.
(a) Each Member (other than the Corporation and its wholly owned Subsidiaries) shall be entitled to cause the Company to redeem (a Redemption) all or any portion of its Common Units (the Redemption Right) upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 11.01. A Member desiring to exercise its Redemption Right (the Redeemed Member) shall exercise such right by giving written notice (the Redemption Notice) to the Company with a copy to the Corporation on or before the applicable Redemption Notice Date. The Redemption Notice shall specify the number of Common Units (the Redeemed Units) that the Redeemed Member intends to have the Company redeem on the applicable Redemption Date. Except as provided in Section 11.01(b) or (c), upon delivery of any Redemption Notice by any Member on or before any Redemption Notice Date, such Member may not revoke or rescind such Redemption Notice after such Redemption Notice Date. Any Redemption Notice delivered for a Redemption on a Regular Redemption Date may not be contingent. Any Redemption Notice delivered for a Redemption on a Special Redemption Date may be made contingent on the consummation of the Registered Offering or other transaction described in the notice of the Manager specifying such Special Redemption Date. Any notice by any Member pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement to demand or participate in any Registered Offering shall be deemed to constitute a Redemption Notice for the related Special Redemption Date. Unless the Redeemed Member timely has delivered a Retraction Notice as provided in Section 11.01(b) or has delayed a Redemption as provided in Section 11.01(c) or the Corporation has elected to effect a Direct Exchange as provided in Section 11.03, on the Redemption Date (to be effective immediately prior to the close of business on the Redemption Date) (i) the Redeemed Member shall transfer and surrender the Redeemed Units to the Company and a corresponding number of shares of Class B Common Stock to the Corporation, in each case free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, (ii) the Company shall (x) cancel the Redeemed Units, (y) transfer to the Redeemed Member the consideration to which the Redeemed Member is entitled under Section 11.01(b), and (z) if the Common Units are certificated, issue to the Redeemed Member a certificate for a number of Common Units equal to the difference (if any) between the number of Common Units evidenced by the certificate surrendered by the Redeemed Member pursuant to clause (i) of this Section 11.01(a) and the Redeemed Units and (iii) the Corporation shall cancel such shares of Class B Common Stock.
(b) In exchange for its Redeemed Units, a Redeemed Member shall be entitled to receive the Share Settlement or, at the Companys election, the Cash Settlement from the Company. Within two (2) Business Days of the Redemption Notice Date, the Company shall give written notice (the Settlement Method Notice) to the Redeemed Member (with a copy to the Corporation) of its intended settlement method; provided that if the Company does not timely deliver a Settlement Method Notice, the Company shall be deemed to have elected the Share Settlement method. The Redeemed Member may retract its Redemption Notice by giving written notice (the Retraction Notice) to the Company (with a copy to the Corporation) at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Business Day after delivery of the Settlement Method Notice. The timely delivery of a Retraction Notice shall terminate all of the Redeemed Members, the Companys and the Corporations rights and obligations under this Section 11.01 arising from the retracted Redemption Notice.
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(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 11.01(a) or (b), in the event the Company elects a Share Settlement in connection with a Redemption, a Redeemed Member shall be entitled, at any time prior to the consummation of a Redemption, to revoke its Redemption Notice or delay the consummation of a Redemption if any of the following conditions exists: (i) any registration statement pursuant to which the resale of the Class A Common Stock to be registered for such Redeemed Member at or immediately following the consummation of the Redemption shall have ceased to be effective pursuant to any action or inaction by the SEC or no such resale registration statement has yet become effective; (ii) the Corporation shall have failed to cause any related prospectus to be supplemented by any required prospectus supplement necessary to effect such Redemption; (iii) the Corporation shall have exercised its right to defer, delay or suspend the filing or effectiveness of a registration statement and such deferral, delay or suspension shall affect the ability of such Redeemed Member to have the resale of its Class A Common Stock registered at or immediately following the consummation of the Redemption; (iv) the Corporation shall have disclosed to such Redeemed Member any material non-public information concerning the Corporation, the receipt of which results in such Redeemed Member being prohibited or restricted from selling Class A Common Stock at or immediately following the Redemption without disclosure of such information (and the Corporation does not permit disclosure); (v) any stop order relating to the registration statement pursuant to which the Class A Common Stock was to be registered by such Redeemed Member at or immediately following the Redemption shall have been issued by the SEC; (vi) there shall have occurred a material disruption in the securities markets generally or in the market or markets in which the Class A Common Stock is then traded; (vii) there shall be in effect an injunction, a restraining order or a decree of any nature of any Governmental Entity that restrains or prohibits the Redemption; (viii) the Corporation shall have failed to comply in all material respects with its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement, and such failure shall have affected the ability of such Redeemed Member to consummate the resale of Class A Common Stock to be received upon such redemption pursuant to an effective registration statement; or (ix) the Redemption Date would occur three (3) Business Days or less prior to, or during, a Black-Out Period; provided further, that in no event shall the Redeemed Member seeking to delay the consummation of such Redemption and relying on any of the matters contemplated in clauses (i) through (ix) above have controlled or intentionally materially influenced any facts, circumstances, or Persons in connection therewith (except in the good faith performance of his or her duties as an officer or director of the Corporation) in order to provide such Redeemed Member with a basis for such delay or revocation. If a Redeemed Member delays the consummation of a Redemption pursuant to this Section 11.01(c), (A) the Redemption Date shall occur on the third Business Day following the date on which the conditions giving rise to such delay cease to exist (or such earlier day as the Corporation, the Company and such Redeemed Member may agree in writing) and (B) notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 7.01(b), the Redeemed Member may retract its Redemption Notice by giving a Retraction Notice to the Company (with a copy to the Corporation) at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the second Business Day following the date on which the conditions giving rise to such delay cease to exist.
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(d) Unless otherwise approved in advance by the Manager, each Members Redemption Right shall be subject to the following limitations and qualifications:
(i) except (A) Redemptions pre-approved by the Manager, including Redemptions in connection with Rule 10b5-1 plans previously approved by the Manager, and (B) as otherwise provided herein, Redemptions shall only be permitted on a Redemption Date;
(ii) a Redeemed Member shall only be permitted to redeem less than all of its Common Units if (A) prior to such Redemption it holds at least [] Units and (B) it redeems not less than [] Common Units in such Redemption; and
(iii) any Redemption of Common Units issued after the date hereof (other than in connection with any recapitalization), including such Common Units issued to Members as of the date hereof, may be limited in accordance with the terms of any agreements or instruments entered into in connection with such issuance, as deemed necessary or desirable in the discretion of the Manager.
(e) The amount of the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement that a Redeemed Member is entitled to receive under Section 11.01(b) shall not be adjusted on account of any Distributions previously made with respect to the Redeemed Units or dividends previously paid with respect to Class A Common Stock; provided, however, that if a Redeemed Member causes the Company to redeem Redeemed Units and the Redemption Date occurs subsequent to the record date for any Distribution with respect to the Redeemed Units but prior to payment of such Distribution, the Redeemed Member shall be entitled to receive such Distribution with respect to the Redeemed Units on the date that it is made notwithstanding that the Redeemed Member transferred and surrendered the Redeemed Units to the Company prior to such date.
(f) In the event of a distribution (by dividend or otherwise) by the Corporation to all holders of Class A Common Stock of evidences of its indebtedness, securities, or other assets (including Equity Securities of the Corporation), but excluding any cash dividend or distribution of any such assets received by the Corporation in respect of its Units, then in exchange for its Redeemed Units, a Redeemed Member shall be entitled to receive, in addition to the consideration set forth in Section 11.01(b), the amount of such security, securities or other property that the Redeemed Member would have received if such Redemption Right had been exercised and the Redemption Date had occurred immediately prior to the record date or effective time of any such transaction, taking into account any adjustment as a result of any subdivision (by any split, distribution or dividend, reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse split, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) of such security, securities or other property that occurs after such record date or effective time. For the avoidance of doubt, subsequent to any such transaction, this Article XI shall apply mutatis mutandis with respect to any such security, securities or other property received by holders of Class A Common Stock in such transaction.
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(g) If a Reclassification Event occurs, the Manager or its successor, as the case may be, shall, as and to the extent necessary, amend this Agreement in compliance with Section 16.03, and enter into any necessary supplementary or additional agreements, to ensure that, following the effective date of the Reclassification Event: (i) the rights of holders of Common Units (other than the Corporation and its wholly owned Subsidiaries) set forth in this Section 11.01 provide that each Common Unit is redeemable for the same amount and same type of property, securities or cash (or combination thereof) that one share of Class A Common Stock becomes exchangeable for or converted into as a result of the Reclassification Event (taking into account any adjustment as a result of any subdivision (by any split, distribution or dividend, reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse split, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) of such security, securities or other property that occurs after the record date or effective time for such Reclassification Event) and (ii) the Corporation or the successor to the Corporation, as applicable, is obligated to deliver such property, securities or cash upon such redemption. The Corporation shall not consummate or agree to consummate any Reclassification Event unless the successor Person, if any, becomes obligated to comply with the obligations of the Corporation (in whatever capacity) under this Agreement.
(h) In connection with a Manager Change of Control, the Corporation shall have the right to require each Member (other than the Corporation and its wholly owned Subsidiaries) to effect a Redemption of some or all of such Members Common Units and a corresponding number of shares of Class B Common Stock. Any Redemption pursuant to this Section 11.01(h) shall be effective immediately prior to the consummation of the Manager Change of Control (and, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not be effective if such Manager Change of Control is not consummated) (the Change of Control Redemption Date). From and after the Change of Control Redemption Date, (i) the Common Units and shares of Class B Common Stock subject to such Redemption shall be deemed to be transferred to the Corporation on the Change of Control Redemption Date and (ii) such Member shall cease to have any rights with respect to the Common Units and shares of Class B Common Stock subject to such Redemption (other than the right to receive shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to such Redemption). The Corporation shall provide written notice of an expected Manager Change of Control to all Members within the earlier of (x) five (5) Business Days following the execution of the agreement with respect to such Manager Change of Control and (y) ten (10) Business Days before the proposed date upon which the contemplated Manager Change of Control is to be effected, indicating in such notice such information as may reasonably describe the Manager Change of Control transaction, subject to applicable law, including the date of execution of such agreement or such proposed effective date, as applicable, the amount and types of consideration to be paid for shares of Class A Common Stock in the Manager Change of Control, any election with respect to types of consideration that a holder of shares of Class A Common Stock, as applicable, shall be entitled to make in connection with such Manager Change of Control, and the number of Common Units and shares of Class B Common Stock held by such Member that the Corporation intends to require to be subject to such Redemption. Following delivery of such notice and on or prior to the Change of Control Redemption Date, the Members shall take all actions reasonably requested by the Corporation to effect such Redemption, including taking any action and delivering any document required pursuant to Section 11.01(a) to effect a Redemption.
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(i) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, but subject to Section 11.01(d), a Specified Member may exercise its Redemption Right with respect to all or at least [] of its Common Units (as adjusted for any Unit splits, combinations, subdivisions, reclassifications or similar actions or events) at any time.
(j) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not effect a Redemption in connection with this Section 11.01 if effecting such Redemption would violate Section 18-607 or Section 18-804 of the Delaware Act.
Section 11.02 Contribution of the Corporation. Subject to Section 11.03, in connection with the exercise of a Redeemed Members Redemption Rights under Section 11.01(a), the Corporation shall contribute to the Company the consideration the Redeemed Member is entitled to receive under Section 11.01(b). Unless the Redeemed Member has timely delivered a Retraction Notice as provided in Section 11.01(b) or has delayed a Redemption as provided in Section 11.01(c), or the Corporation has elected to effect a Direct Exchange as provided in Section 11.03, on the Redemption Date (to be effective immediately prior to the close of business on the Redemption Date) (a) the Corporation shall make its Capital Contribution to the Company (in the form of the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement) required under this Section 11.02, and (b) the Company shall issue to the Corporation a number of Common Units equal to the number of Redeemed Units surrendered by the Redeemed Member. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that the Company elects a Cash Settlement, the Corporation shall only be obligated to contribute to the Company an amount in respect of such Cash Settlement equal to the net proceeds (after deduction of any underwriters discounts or commissions and brokers fees or commissions) from the sale by the Corporation of a number of shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the number of Redeemed Units to be redeemed with such Cash Settlement; provided that the Corporations Capital Account shall be increased by an amount equal to any such discounts, commissions and fees relating to such sale of shares of Class A Common Stock in accordance with Section 6.06.
Section 11.03 Exchange Right of the Corporation.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article XI, the Corporation may, in its sole and absolute discretion, elect to effect on the Redemption Date the exchange of Redeemed Units for the Share Settlement or Cash Settlement, at the Corporations option, through a direct exchange of such Redeemed Units and such consideration between the Redeemed Member and the Corporation (a Direct Exchange). Upon such Direct Exchange pursuant to this Section 11.03, the Corporation shall acquire the Redeemed Units and shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as the owner of such Redeemed Units.
(b) The Corporation may, at any time prior to a Redemption Date, deliver written notice (an Exchange Election Notice) to the Company and the Redeemed Member setting forth its election to exercise its right to consummate a Direct Exchange; provided that such election does not prejudice the ability of the parties to consummate a
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Redemption or Direct Exchange on the Redemption Date. An Exchange Election Notice may be revoked by the Corporation at any time; provided that any such revocation does not prejudice the ability of the parties to consummate a Redemption on the Redemption Date. The right to consummate a Direct Exchange in all events shall be exercisable for all the Redeemed Units that would have otherwise been subject to a Redemption. Except as otherwise provided by this Section 11.03, a Direct Exchange shall be consummated pursuant to the same timeframe and in the same manner as the relevant Redemption would have been consummated if the Corporation had not delivered an Exchange Election Notice.
Section 11.04 Reservation of Shares of Class A Common Stock; Listing; Certificate of the Corporation. At all times the Corporation shall reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued Class A Common Stock, solely for the purpose of issuance upon a Redemption or Direct Exchange, such number of shares of Class A Common Stock as shall be issuable upon any such Redemption or Direct Exchange pursuant to Share Settlements; provided that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude the Corporation from satisfying its obligations in respect of any such Redemption or Direct Exchange by delivery of purchased Class A Common Stock (which may or may not be held in the treasury of the Corporation) or the delivery of cash pursuant to a Cash Settlement. The Corporation shall deliver Class A Common Stock that has been registered under the Securities Act with respect to any Redemption or Direct Exchange to the extent a registration statement is effective and available for such shares. The Corporation shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to list the Class A Common Stock required to be delivered upon any such Redemption or Direct Exchange prior to such delivery upon each national securities exchange upon which the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock are listed at the time of such Redemption or Direct Exchange (it being understood that any such shares may be subject to transfer restrictions under applicable securities Laws). The Corporation covenants that all Class A Common Stock issued upon a Redemption or Direct Exchange will, upon issuance, be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. The provisions of this Article XI shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with the corresponding provisions of the Corporations certificate of incorporation.
Section 11.05 Effect of Exercise of Redemption or Exchange Right. This Agreement shall continue notwithstanding the consummation of a Redemption or Direct Exchange and all governance or other rights set forth herein shall be exercised by the remaining Members and the Redeemed Member (to the extent of such Redeemed Members remaining interest in the Company). No Redemption or Direct Exchange shall relieve such Redeemed Member of any prior breach of this Agreement.
Section 11.06 Tax Treatment. Unless otherwise required by applicable Law, the parties hereto acknowledge and agree that a Redemption or a Direct Exchange, as the case may be, shall be treated as a direct exchange between the Corporation and the Redeemed Member for U.S. federal (and applicable state and local) income tax purposes and no party shall take a position inconsistent with such intended tax treatment on any tax return, amendment thereof or any other communication with a taxing authority, in each case unless otherwise required by a determination within the meaning of Section 1313 of the Code. The issuance of shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities upon a Redemption or Direct Exchange shall be made without charge to the Redeemed Member for any stamp or other similar tax in respect of such issuance.
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ARTICLE XII
ADMISSION OF MEMBERS
Section 12.01 Substituted Members. Subject to the provisions of Article X, in connection with the Permitted Transfer of a Company Interest hereunder, the transferee shall become a substituted Member (Substituted Member) on the effective date of such Transfer, which effective date shall not be earlier than the date of compliance with the conditions to such Transfer, and such admission shall be shown on the books and records of the Company, including the Schedule of Members.
Section 12.02 Additional Members. Subject to the provisions of Article III and Article X, any Person that is not the Corporation or any Member as of the date hereof may be admitted to the Company as an additional Member (any such Person, an Additional Member) only upon furnishing to the Manager (a) a Joinder (or other counterpart to this Agreement acceptable to the Manager) and counterparts of any applicable Other Agreements and (b) such other documents or instruments as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to effect such Persons admission as a Member (including entering into such documents as the Manager may deem appropriate in its reasonable discretion). Such admission shall become effective on the date on which the Manager determines in its reasonable discretion that such conditions have been satisfied and when any such admission is shown on the books and records of the Company.
ARTICLE XIII
WITHDRAWAL AND RESIGNATION; TERMINATION OF RIGHTS
Section 13.01 Withdrawal and Resignation of Members. No Member shall have the power or right to withdraw or otherwise resign as a Member from the Company prior to the dissolution and winding up of the Company pursuant to Article XIV. Any Member, however, that attempts to withdraw or otherwise resign as a Member from the Company without the prior written consent of the Manager upon or following the dissolution and winding up of the Company pursuant to Article XIV, but prior to such Member receiving the full amount of Distributions from the Company to which such Member is entitled pursuant to Article XIV, shall be liable to the Company for all damages (including all lost profits and special, indirect and consequential damages) directly or indirectly caused by the withdrawal or resignation of such Member. Upon a Transfer of all of a Members Units in a Transfer permitted by this Agreement, subject to the provisions of Section 10.06, such Member shall cease to be a Member.
ARTICLE XIV
DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION
Section 14.01 Dissolution. The Company shall not be dissolved in and of itself by the admission of Additional Members or Substituted Members or the attempted withdrawal or resignation of a Member. The Company shall dissolve, and its affairs shall be wound up, upon:
(a) the decision of the Manager together with the Supermajority Members to dissolve the Company;
(b) a Change of Control Transaction that is not approved by the Supermajority Members;
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(c) a dissolution of the Company under Section 18-801 (a)(4) of the Delaware Act; or
(d) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the Company under Section 18-802 of the Delaware Act.
Except as otherwise set forth in this Article XIV, the Company is intended to have perpetual existence. An Event of Withdrawal shall not cause a dissolution of the Company and the Company shall continue in existence subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Section 14.02 Liquidation and Termination. On dissolution of the Company, the Manager shall act as liquidating trustee or may appoint one or more Persons as liquidating trustee. The liquidating trustees shall proceed diligently to wind up the affairs of the Company and make final distributions as provided herein and in the Delaware Act. The costs of liquidation shall be borne as a Company expense. Until final distribution, the liquidating trustees shall continue to operate the Company properties with all of the power and authority of the Manager. The steps to be accomplished by the liquidating trustees are as follows:
(a) as promptly as possible after dissolution and again after final liquidation, the liquidating trustees shall cause a proper accounting to be made by a recognized firm of certified public accountants of the Companys assets, liabilities and operations through the last day of the calendar month in which the dissolution occurs or the final liquidation is completed, as applicable;
(b) the liquidating trustees shall pay, satisfy or discharge from Company funds, or otherwise make adequate provision for payment and discharge thereof (including the establishment of a cash fund for contingent liabilities in such amount and for such term as the liquidating trustees may reasonably determine): all of the debts, liabilities and obligations of the Company (including all expenses incurred in liquidation); and
(c) all remaining assets of the Company shall be distributed to the Members in accordance with Article IV by the end of the Taxable Year during which the liquidation of the Company occurs (or, if later, by ninety (90) days after the date of the liquidation or such other date as reasonably determined by the Manager). The distribution of cash and/or property to the Members in accordance with the provisions of this Section 14.02 and Section 14.03 below constitutes a complete return to the Members of their Capital Contributions, a complete distribution to the Members of their interest in the Company and all the Companys property and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, constitutes a compromise to which all Members have consented within the meaning of the Delaware Act. To the extent that a Member returns funds to the Company, it has no claim against any other Member for those funds.
Section 14.03 Deferment; Distribution in Kind. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 14.02, but subject to the order of priorities set forth therein, if upon dissolution of the Company the liquidating trustees determine that an immediate sale of part or all of the Companys assets would be impractical or would cause undue loss (or would otherwise not be beneficial) to the Members, the liquidating trustees may, in their sole discretion, defer for a reasonable time the
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liquidation of any assets except those necessary to satisfy Company liabilities (other than loans to the Company by Members), including reserves. Subject to the order of priorities set forth in Section 14.02, the liquidating trustees may, in their sole discretion, distribute to the Members, in lieu of cash, either (a) all or any portion of such remaining Company assets in-kind in accordance with the provisions of Section 14.02(d), (b) as tenants in common and in accordance with the provisions of Section 14.02(d), undivided interests in all or any portion of such Company assets or (c) a combination of the foregoing. Any such Distributions in kind shall be subject to (x) such conditions relating to the disposition and management of such assets as the liquidating trustees deem reasonable and equitable and (y) the terms and conditions of any agreements governing such assets (or the operation thereof or the holders thereof) at such time. Any Company assets distributed in kind will first be written up or down to their Fair Market Value, thus creating Profit or Loss (if any), which shall be allocated in accordance with Article V. The liquidating trustees shall determine the Fair Market Value of any property distributed in accordance with the valuation procedures set forth in Article XV.
Section 14.04 Cancellation of Certificate. On completion of the winding up of Company assets as provided herein, the Manager (or such other Person or Persons as the Delaware Act may require or permit) shall file a certificate of cancellation with the Secretary of State of Delaware, cancel any other filings made pursuant to this Agreement that are or should be canceled and take such other actions as may be necessary to terminate the Company. The Company shall be terminated by the filing of the certificate of cancellation of the Certificate in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (and the Company shall not be terminated prior to such time). The Company shall be deemed to continue in existence for all purposes of this Agreement until it is terminated pursuant to this Section 14.04.
Section 14.05 Reasonable Time for Winding Up. A reasonable time shall be allowed for the orderly winding up of the business and affairs of the Company and the liquidation of its assets pursuant to Sections 14.02 and 14.03 in order to minimize any losses otherwise attendant upon such winding up.
Section 14.06 Return of Capital. The liquidating trustees shall not be personally liable for the return of Capital Contributions or any portion thereof to the Members (it being understood that any such return shall be made solely from Company assets).
ARTICLE XV
VALUATION
Section 15.01 Determination. Fair Market Value of a specific Company asset will mean the amount which the Company would receive in an all-cash sale of such asset in an arms-length transaction with a willing unaffiliated third party, with neither party having any compulsion to buy or sell, consummated on the day immediately preceding the date on which the event occurred which necessitated the determination of the Fair Market Value (and after giving effect to any transfer taxes payable in connection with such sale), as such amount is determined by the Manager (or, if pursuant to Section 14.02, the liquidating trustees) in its good faith judgment using all factors, information and data it deems to be pertinent.
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Section 15.02 Dispute Resolution. If any Member or Members dispute the accuracy of any determination of Fair Market Value in accordance with Section 15.01, and the Manager and such Member(s) are unable to agree on the determination of the Fair Market Value of any asset of the Company, the Manager and such Member(s) shall each select a nationally recognized investment banking firm experienced in valuing securities of closely-held companies such as the Company in the Companys industry (the Appraisers), who shall each determine the Fair Market Value of the asset or the Company (as applicable) in accordance with the provisions of Section 15.01. The Appraisers shall be instructed to give written notice of their determination of the Fair Market Value of the asset or the Company (as applicable) within thirty (30) days of their appointment as Appraisers. If Fair Market Value as determined by an Appraiser is higher than Fair Market Value as determined by the other Appraiser by 10% or more, and the Manager and such Member(s) do not otherwise agree on a Fair Market Value, the original Appraisers shall designate a third Appraiser meeting the same criteria used to select the original two. If Fair Market Value as determined by an Appraiser is within 10% of the Fair Market Value as determined by the other Appraiser (but not identical), and the Manager and such Member(s) do not otherwise agree on a Fair Market Value, the Manager shall select the Fair Market Value of one of the Appraisers. The fees and expenses of the Appraisers shall be borne by the Company.
ARTICLE XVI
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 16.01 Power of Attorney.
(a) Each Member who is an individual hereby constitutes and appoints the Manager (or the liquidating trustees, if applicable) with full power of substitution, as his or her true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact, with full power and authority in his, her or its name, place and stead, to:
(i) execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record in the appropriate public offices (A) this Agreement, all certificates and other instruments and all amendments thereof which the Manager deems appropriate or necessary to form, qualify, or continue the qualification of, the Company as a limited liability company in the State of Delaware and in all other jurisdictions in which the Company may conduct business or own property; (B) all instruments which the Manager deems appropriate or necessary to reflect any amendment, change, modification or restatement of this Agreement in accordance with its terms; (C) all conveyances and other instruments or documents which the Manager deems appropriate or necessary to reflect the dissolution and liquidation of the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including a certificate of cancellation; and (D) all instruments relating to the admission, withdrawal or substitution of any Member pursuant to Article XII or Article XIII; and
(ii) sign, execute, swear to and acknowledge all ballots, consents, approvals, waivers, certificates and other instruments appropriate or necessary, in the reasonable judgment of the Manager, to evidence, confirm or ratify any vote, consent, approval, agreement or other action which is made or given by the Members hereunder or is consistent with the terms of this Agreement, in the reasonable judgment of the Manager, to effectuate the terms of this Agreement.
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(b) The foregoing power of attorney is irrevocable and coupled with an interest, and shall survive the death, disability, incapacity, dissolution, bankruptcy, insolvency or termination of any Member who is an individual and the transfer of all or any portion of his, her or its Company Interest and shall extend to such Members heirs, successors, assigns and personal representatives.
Section 16.02 Confidentiality. The Manager and each of the Members agree to hold the Companys Confidential Information in confidence and may not use such information except in furtherance of the business of the Company or as otherwise authorized separately in writing by the Manager. Confidential Information as used herein includes, but is not limited to, ideas, financial product structuring, business strategies, innovations and materials, all aspects of the Companys business plan, proposed operation and products, corporate structure, financial and organizational information, analyses, proposed partners, software code and system and product designs, employees and their identities, equity ownership, the methods and means by which the Company plans to conduct its business, all trade secrets, trademarks, tradenames and all intellectual property associated with the Companys business, in each case obtained by a Member from the Company or any of its Affiliates or representatives. With respect to the Manager and each Member, Confidential Information does not include information or material that: (a) is rightfully in the possession of the Manager or each Member at the time of disclosure by the Company; (b) before or after it has been disclosed to the Manager or each Member by the Company, becomes part of public knowledge, not as a result of any action or inaction of the Manager or such Member, respectively, in violation of this Agreement; (c) is approved for release by written authorization of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company or of the Corporation; (d) is disclosed to the Manager or such Member or their representatives by a third party not, to the knowledge of the Manager or such Member, respectively, in violation of any obligation of confidentiality owed to the Company with respect to such information; (e) is or becomes independently developed by the Manager or such Member or their respective representatives without use or reference to the Confidential Information; or (f) is required to be disclosed in legal proceedings or other applicable law.
Section 16.03 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified solely by the Manager, subject to the prior written consent of the Supermajority Members; provided, that, solely for purposes of this Section 16.03, the third reference to at least two-thirds (2/3) in the definition of Supermajority Members shall be deemed to be thirty-three percent (33%) or more. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment or modification (a) to this Section 16.03 may be made without the prior written consent of each of the Members, (b) that modifies the limited liability of any Member, or increases the liabilities or obligations of any Member, in each case, may be made without the consent of each such affected Member, (c) that materially alters or changes any rights, preferences or privileges of any Company Interests in a manner that is different or prejudicial relative to any other Company Interests, may be made without the approval of a majority in interest of the Members holding the Company Interests affected in such a different or prejudicial manner, (d) that materially alters or changes any rights, preferences or privileges of a holder of any class of Company Interests in a manner that is different or prejudicial relative to any other holder of the same class of Company Interests, may be made without the approval of the holder of Company Interests affected in such a different or prejudicial manner and (e) to any of
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the terms and conditions of this Agreement which terms and conditions expressly require the approval or action of certain Persons may be made without obtaining the consent of the requisite number or specified percentage of such Persons who are entitled to approve or take action on such matter; provided, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 16.03, the Manager, acting alone, may amend this Agreement to reflect (v) the issuance of additional Units or Equity Securities in accordance with Section 3.04, (w) the Transfer of any Units or Equity Securities in accordance herewith, including to Substituted Members or Additional Members pursuant to Article XII, (x) a change in the name of the Company pursuant to Section 2.03, (y) matters contemplated by Section 3.10(d) or (z) any change that is of an inconsequential nature, or to cure any ambiguity, correct or supplement any provision in this Agreement not inconsistent with applicable Law or with other provisions of this Agreement and does not adversely affect any Member in any material respect.
Section 16.04 Title to Company Assets. Company assets shall be deemed to be owned by the Company as an entity, and no Member, individually or collectively, shall have any ownership interest in such Company assets or any portion thereof. The Company shall hold title to all of its property in the name of the Company and not in the name of any Member. All Company assets shall be recorded as the property of the Company on its books and records, irrespective of the name in which legal title to such Company assets is held. The Companys credit and assets shall be used solely for the benefit of the Company, and no asset of the Company shall be transferred or encumbered for, or in payment of, any individual obligation of any Member.
Section 16.05 Addresses and Notices. Any notice, request, demand or instruction specified or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be either personally delivered, or received by certified mail, return receipt requested, or sent by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) to the Company or by electronic mail at the address set forth below and to any other recipient and to any Member at such address as indicated by the Companys records, or at such address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Notices shall be deemed to have been given hereunder when delivered personally or sent by telecopier (provided confirmation of transmission is received), three (3) days after deposit in the U.S. mail and one (1) day after deposit with a reputable overnight courier service or if sent by electronic mail, upon confirmed receipt. Whenever any notice is required to be given by Law or this Agreement, a written waiver thereof signed by the Person entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated at which such notice is required to be given, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. The Companys address is:
to the Company:
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC
2605 Cranberry Square
Morgantown, West Virginia 26508
Attn: General Counsel
Email: legal@infinitynr.com
with a copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
55
4550 Travis Street
Dallas, Texas 75205
Attn: | Thomas K. Laughlin, P.C. |
KJ Pedersen |
E-mail: | thomas.laughlin@kirkland.com |
kj.pedersen@kirkland.com |
Section 16.06 Binding Effect; Intended Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns.
Section 16.07 Creditors. None of the provisions of this Agreement are intended to be for the benefit of or enforceable by any creditors of the Company or any of its Affiliates, and no creditor who makes a loan to the Company or any of its Affiliates may have or acquire (except pursuant to the terms of a separate agreement executed by the Company in favor of such creditor) at any time as a result of making the loan any direct or indirect interest in Company Profits, Losses, Distributions, capital or property other than as a secured creditor.
Section 16.08 Waiver. To the fullest extent permitted by law, no failure by any party to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant, duty, agreement or condition of this Agreement or to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or any other covenant, duty, agreement or condition.
Section 16.09 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which will be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement binding on all the parties hereto.
Section 16.10 Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware. Any suit, dispute, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with, this Agreement shall be heard in the state or federal courts of the State of Delaware, and the parties hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of such court (and of the appropriate appellate courts) in any such suit, action or proceeding and waives any objection to venue laid therein. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, PROCESS IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE SERVED ON ANY PARTY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHETHER WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE JURISDICTION OF ANY SUCH COURT (INCLUDING BY PREPAID CERTIFIED MAIL WITH A VALIDATED PROOF OF MAILING RECEIPT) AND SHALL HAVE THE SAME LEGAL FORCE AND EFFECT AS IF SERVED UPON SUCH PARTY PERSONALLY WITHIN THE STATE OF DELAWARE. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT SERVICE OF PROCESS UPON SUCH PARTY AT THE ADDRESS REFERRED TO IN SECTION 16.05 (INCLUDING BY PREPAID CERTIFIED MAIL WITH A VALIDATED PROOF OF MAILING RECEIPT), TOGETHER WITH WRITTEN NOTICE OF SUCH SERVICE TO SUCH PARTY, SHALL BE DEEMED EFFECTIVE SERVICE OF PROCESS UPON SUCH PARTY.
56
Section 16.11 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable Law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable Law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or the effectiveness or validity of any provision in any other jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
Section 16.12 Further Action. The parties shall execute and deliver all documents, provide all information and take or refrain from taking such actions as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Agreement.
Section 16.13 Delivery by Electronic Transmission. This Agreement and any signed agreement or instrument entered into in connection with this Agreement or contemplated hereby, or entered into by the Company in accordance herewith, and any amendments hereto or thereto, to the extent signed and delivered by means of an electronic signature and/or an electronic transmission, including via email, shall be treated in all manner and respects as an original agreement or instrument and shall be considered to have the same binding legal effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person. At the request of any party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument, each other party hereto or thereto shall re-execute original forms thereof and deliver them to all other parties. No party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument shall raise the use of electronic signature or electronic transmission to execute and/or deliver a document or the fact that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated through such electronic transmission as a defense to the formation of a contract and each such party forever waives any such defense.
Section 16.14 Right of Offset. Whenever the Company is to pay any sum (other than pursuant to Article IV) to any Member, any amounts that such Member owes to the Company which are not the subject of a good faith dispute may be deducted from that sum before payment. For the avoidance of doubt, the distribution of Units to the Corporation shall not be subject to this Section 16.14.
Section 16.15 Effectiveness. This Agreement shall be effective immediately prior to the time at which the IPO closes on the date hereof (the Effective Time). The Prior LLC Agreement shall govern the rights and obligations of the Company and the other parties to this Agreement in their capacity as Members prior to the Effective Time.
Section 16.16 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, those documents expressly referred to herein (including the Registration Rights Agreement and the Tax Receivable Agreement), and other documents of even date herewith embody the complete agreement and understanding among the parties and supersede and preempt any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way. For the avoidance of doubt, the Prior LLC Agreement is superseded by this Agreement as of the Effective Time and shall be of no further force and effect thereafter.
57
Section 16.17 Remedies. Each Member shall have all rights and remedies set forth in this Agreement and all rights and remedies which such Person has been granted at any time under any other agreement or contract and all of the rights which such Person has under any Law. Any Person having any rights under any provision of this Agreement or any other agreements contemplated hereby shall be entitled to enforce such rights specifically (without posting a bond or other security), to recover damages by reason of any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights granted by Law.
Section 16.18 Descriptive Headings; Interpretation. The descriptive headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a substantive part of this Agreement. Whenever required by the context, any pronoun used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns, pronouns and verbs shall include the plural and vice versa. The use of the word including in this Agreement shall be by way of example rather than by limitation. Unless the context requires otherwise, reference to any agreement, document, instrument or Law means such agreement, document, instrument or Law as amended, restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified from time to time, and reference to any particular provision of Law includes a reference to the corresponding provision of any succeeding Law. Without limiting the generality of the immediately preceding sentence, no amendment or other modification to any agreement, document or instrument that requires the consent of any Person pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other agreement will be given effect hereunder unless such Person has consented in writing to such amendment or modification. Wherever required by the context, references to a Fiscal Year shall refer to a portion thereof. The use of the words or, either and any shall not be exclusive. The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. To the fullest extent permitted by Law, in the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement. Wherever a conflict exists between this Agreement and any other agreement, this Agreement shall control but solely to the extent of such conflict.
[Signature Pages Follow]
58
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed or caused to be executed on their behalf this Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement as of the date first written above.
COMPANY: | ||
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC]
MEMBERS: |
|
Zack Arnold |
[Signature Page to
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC]
MEMBERS: |
|
David Sproule |
[Signature Page to
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC]
MEMBERS: |
|
Ian Costello |
[Signature Page to
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC]
MEMBERS: |
|
Ryan Warner |
[Signature Page to
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC]
MEMBERS: |
|
Britney Crookshanks |
[Signature Page to
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC]
MEMBERS: |
|
Michael E. Sproule |
[Signature Page to
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC]
MEMBERS: |
|
Gregory Pipkin |
[Signature Page to
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC]
SD GRAY FAMILY PARTNERSHIP LP | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: Authorized Person |
[Signature Page to
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC]
PEARL ENERGY INVESTMENTS, L.P. | ||
By: Pearl Energy Investment GP, LP., its general partner | ||
By: Pearl Energy Investment UGP, LLC, its general partner | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: Authorized Person |
[Signature Page to
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC]
PEARL ENERGY INVESTMENTS III, L.P. | ||
By: Pearl Energy Investment III GP, L.P., its general partner | ||
By: Pearl Energy Investment III UGP, LLC, its general partner | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: Authorized Person |
[Signature Page to
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC]
PEARL INR HOLDINGS, L.P. | ||
By: Pearl Energy Investment III GP, L.P., its general partner | ||
By: Pearl Energy Investment III UGP, LLC, its general partner | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: Authorized Person |
[Signature Page to
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC]
PEI INFINITY-S, L.P. | ||
By: Pearl Energy Investment III GP, L.P., its general partner | ||
By: Pearl Energy Investment III UGP, LLC, its general partner | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: Authorized Person |
[Signature Page to
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC]
PEI INR CO-INVEST-B, CORP | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: Authorized Person |
[Signature Page to
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC]
NGP XI US HOLDINGS, L.P. | ||
By: NGP XI Holdings GP, L.L.C., its general partner | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: Authorized Person |
[Signature Page to
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC]
SCHEDULE 11
SCHEDULE OF MEMBERS
[See attached.]
1 | This Schedule of Members shall be updated from time to time to reflect any adjustment with respect to any subdivision (by Unit split or otherwise) or any combination (by reverse Unit split or otherwise) of any outstanding Common Units, to reflect any additional issuances of Common Units pursuant to this Agreement or to reflect the addition of any subsequent Member pursuant to the execution by such person of a Joinder. |
[Signature Page to
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC]
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT
This JOINDER AGREEMENT, dated as of [] (this Joinder), is delivered pursuant to that certain Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of [], 2024 (the LLC Agreement) by and among Infinity Natural Resources, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Company), Infinity Natural Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the managing member of the Company (the Manager), the other Members party thereto, and each of the Members from time to time party thereto. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the LLC Agreement.
1. Joinder to the LLC Agreement. Upon the execution of this Joinder by the undersigned and delivery hereof to the Manager, the undersigned hereby is and hereafter will be a Member under the LLC Agreement and a party thereto, with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of a Member thereunder. The undersigned hereby agrees that it shall comply with and be fully bound by the terms of the LLC Agreement as if it had been a signatory thereto as of the date thereof.
2. Incorporation by Reference. All terms and conditions of the LLC Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference in this Joinder as if set forth herein in full.
3. Address. All notices under the LLC Agreement to the undersigned shall be direct to:
[Name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Attn:
E-mail:
[Signature pages follow.]
[Exhibit A-1]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Joinder as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW MEMBER] | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Exhibit A-2]
Acknowledged and agreed | ||
as of the date first set forth above: | ||
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC | ||
By: | INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, INC., | |
its Manager | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Exhibit A-3]
Exhibit 5.1
609 Main Street Houston, TX 77002 United States +1 713 836 3600 www.kirkland.com |
Facsimile: +1 713 836 3600 |
, 2024
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc.
2605 Cranberry Square
Morgantown, WV 26508
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are acting as special counsel to Infinity Natural Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), in connection with the preparation and filing of a Registration Statement on Form S-1, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) on October 4, 2024, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Act) (such Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented, is hereinafter referred to as the Registration Statement), relating to the proposed registration by the Company of up to shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (Class A Common Stock), including shares of Class A Common Stock to cover the underwriters option to purchase additional shares, if any. The shares of Class A Common Stock to be sold by the Company identified in the Registration Statement are referred to herein as the Shares, and the issuance of the Shares is referred to herein as the Issuance.
In that connection, we have examined originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records and other instruments as we have deemed necessary for the purposes of this opinion, including (i) the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company in the form filed as Exhibit 3.3 to the Registration Statement and to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware at the closing of the initial public offering; (ii) the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company in the form filed as Exhibit 3.4 to the Registration Statement; (iii) the form of Underwriting Agreement in the form filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Registration Statement (the Underwriting Agreement); (iv) resolutions of the board of directors of the Company with respect to the Issuance and (v) the Registration Statement.
For purposes of this opinion, we have assumed the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies and the authenticity of the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies. We have also assumed the legal capacity of all natural persons, the genuineness of the signatures of persons signing all documents in connection with which this opinion is rendered and the due authorization,
Austin Bay Area
Beijing Boston Brussels Chicago Hong Kong Houston London Los Angeles Miami Munich New York Paris Riyadh Salt Lake City
Shanghai Washington, D.C.
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc.
, 2024
Page 2
execution and delivery of all documents by the parties thereto other than the Company. We have not independently established or verified any facts relevant to the opinion expressed herein, but have relied upon statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company and others as to factual matters.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing qualifications, assumptions and limitations and the further limitations set forth below, we are of the opinion that, when (i) the final Underwriting Agreement is duly executed and delivered by the parties thereto and (ii) the Registration Statement becomes effective under the Act, the Shares have been duly authorized and will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the heading Legal Matters in the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission.
We do not find it necessary for the purposes of this opinion, and accordingly we do not purport to cover herein, the application of the securities or Blue Sky laws of the various states to the Issuance.
This opinion is limited to the specific issues addressed herein, and no opinion may be inferred or implied beyond that expressly stated herein. We assume no obligation to revise or supplement this opinion should the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware be changed by legislative action, judicial decision or otherwise.
This opinion is furnished to you in connection with the filing of the Registration Statement.
Sincerely, |
Kirkland & Ellis LLP |
Exhibit 10.1
Execution Version
CREDIT AGREEMENT
Dated as of September 25, 2024
among
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC
as the Borrower,
The Several Lenders
from Time to Time Parties Hereto,
and
CITIBANK, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent and an Issuing Bank
CITIBANK, N.A., BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., BOKF, NA, CAPITAL ONE, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, ROYAL BANK OF CANADA, TRUIST BANK and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Co-Syndication Agents
CITIBANK, N.A., BOFA SECURITIES, INC., BOKF, NA, CAPITAL ONE, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, RBC CAPITAL MARKETS, TRUIST SECURITIES, INC. and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||
SECTION 1. |
DEFINITIONS | 1 | ||||
1.1 |
Defined Terms | 1 | ||||
1.2 |
Other Interpretive Provisions | 53 | ||||
1.3 |
Accounting Terms | 54 | ||||
1.4 |
Rounding | 54 | ||||
1.5 |
References to Agreements, Laws, Etc | 54 | ||||
1.6 |
Times of Day | 54 | ||||
1.7 |
Timing of Payment or Performance | 54 | ||||
1.8 |
Classification of Loans and Borrowings | 54 | ||||
1.9 |
Hedging Requirements Generally | 55 | ||||
1.10 |
Certain Determinations | 55 | ||||
1.11 |
Pro Forma and Other Calculations | 55 | ||||
1.12 |
Rates | 55 | ||||
1.13 |
Divisions | 56 | ||||
SECTION 2. |
AMOUNT AND TERMS OF CREDIT | 56 | ||||
2.1 |
Commitments | 56 | ||||
2.2 |
Minimum Amount of Each Borrowing; Maximum Number of Borrowings | 57 | ||||
2.3 |
Notice of Borrowing | 57 | ||||
2.4 |
Disbursement of Funds | 57 | ||||
2.5 |
Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt | 58 | ||||
2.6 |
Conversions and Continuations | 59 | ||||
2.7 |
Pro Rata Borrowings | 60 | ||||
2.8 |
Interest | 60 | ||||
2.9 |
Interest Periods | 61 | ||||
2.10 |
Increased Costs, Illegality, Changed Circumstances, Etc | 61 | ||||
2.11 |
Compensation | 64 | ||||
2.12 |
Change of Lending Office | 65 | ||||
2.13 |
Notice of Certain Costs | 65 | ||||
2.14 |
Borrowing Base | 65 | ||||
2.15 |
Defaulting Lenders | 69 | ||||
2.16 |
Termination, Revision and Reduction of Commitments and Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts; Increase, Reduction and Termination of Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount | 71 | ||||
SECTION 3. |
LETTERS OF CREDIT | 74 | ||||
3.1 |
Letters of Credit | 74 | ||||
3.2 |
Letter of Credit Applications | 75 | ||||
3.3 |
Letter of Credit Participations | 76 | ||||
3.4 |
Agreement to Repay Letter of Credit Drawings | 78 | ||||
3.5 |
New or Successor Issuing Bank | 79 | ||||
3.6 |
Role of Issuing Bank | 80 |
-i-
3.7 |
Cash Collateral | 81 | ||||
3.8 |
Applicability of ISP and UCP | 81 | ||||
3.9 |
Conflict with Issuer Documents | 82 | ||||
3.10 |
Letters of Credit Issued for Subsidiaries | 82 | ||||
3.11 |
Increased Costs | 82 | ||||
3.12 |
Independence | 82 | ||||
SECTION 4. |
FEES | 82 | ||||
4.1 |
Fees | 82 | ||||
SECTION 5. |
PAYMENTS | 83 | ||||
5.1 |
Voluntary Prepayments | 83 | ||||
5.2 |
Mandatory Prepayments | 84 | ||||
5.3 |
Method and Place of Payment | 86 | ||||
5.4 |
Net Payments | 86 | ||||
5.5 |
Computations of Interest and Fees | 90 | ||||
5.6 |
Limit on Rate of Interest | 90 | ||||
SECTION 6. |
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO INITIAL BORROWING | 91 | ||||
SECTION 7. |
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO ALL SUBSEQUENT CREDIT EVENTS | 94 | ||||
SECTION 8. |
REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS | 94 | ||||
8.1 |
Existence, Qualification and Power | 94 | ||||
8.2 |
Corporate Power and Authority; Enforceability; Binding Effect | 95 | ||||
8.3 |
No Violation | 95 | ||||
8.4 |
Litigation | 95 | ||||
8.5 |
Margin Regulations | 95 | ||||
8.6 |
Governmental Authorization | 95 | ||||
8.7 |
Investment Company Act | 95 | ||||
8.8 |
True and Complete Disclosure | 96 | ||||
8.9 |
Tax Matters | 96 | ||||
8.10 |
Compliance with ERISA | 96 | ||||
8.11 |
Subsidiaries | 97 | ||||
8.12 |
Intellectual Property | 97 | ||||
8.13 |
Environmental Laws | 97 | ||||
8.14 |
Properties | 98 | ||||
8.15 |
Solvency | 98 | ||||
8.16 |
Security Documents; Restrictions on Liens | 98 | ||||
8.18 |
Marketing of Production | 99 | ||||
8.19 |
Financial Statements | 99 | ||||
8.20 |
OFAC; Patriot Act; FCPA; Use of Proceeds | 99 | ||||
8.21 |
Hedge Agreements | 100 | ||||
8.22 |
Affected Financial Institutions | 100 |
-ii-
8.23 |
Compliance with Laws and Agreements; No Default | 100 | ||||
8.24 |
Insurance | 100 | ||||
8.25 |
Foreign Operations | 100 | ||||
8.26 |
Qualified ECP Guarantor | 100 | ||||
SECTION 9. |
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS | 101 | ||||
9.1 |
Information Covenants | 101 | ||||
9.2 |
Books, Records and Inspections | 106 | ||||
9.3 |
Maintenance of Insurance | 107 | ||||
9.4 |
Payment of Obligations; Performance of Obligations under Credit Documents | 107 | ||||
9.5 |
Preservation of Existence, Compliance, Etc | 107 | ||||
9.6 |
Compliance with Requirements of Law | 107 | ||||
9.7 |
ERISA | 108 | ||||
9.8 |
Maintenance of Properties | 108 | ||||
9.9 |
Compliance with Environmental Laws | 109 | ||||
9.10 |
Additional Guarantors and Collateral | 109 | ||||
9.11 |
Use of Proceeds | 110 | ||||
9.12 |
Further Assurances | 111 | ||||
9.13 |
Reserve Reports | 111 | ||||
9.14 |
Reserved | 113 | ||||
9.15 |
Title Information | 113 | ||||
9.16 |
Deposit Account, Securities Account and Commodity Account Control Agreements | 114 | ||||
9.17 |
Minimum Hedged Volumes | 115 | ||||
9.18 |
Unrestricted Subsidiaries | 115 | ||||
9.19 |
Marketing Activities | 115 | ||||
9.20 |
Keepwell | 116 | ||||
9.21 |
Post-Closing Matters | 116 | ||||
SECTION 10. |
NEGATIVE COVENANTS | 117 | ||||
10.1 |
Limitation on Indebtedness | 117 | ||||
10.2 |
Limitation on Liens | 120 | ||||
10.3 |
Limitation on Fundamental Changes | 123 | ||||
10.4 |
Limitation on Sale of Assets | 125 | ||||
10.5 |
Limitation on Investments | 128 | ||||
10.6 |
Limitation on Restricted Payments | 131 | ||||
10.7 |
Limitations on Debt Payments and Amendments | 133 | ||||
10.8 |
Negative Pledge Agreements | 134 | ||||
10.9 |
Limitation on Subsidiary Distributions | 136 | ||||
10.10 |
Hedge Agreements | 137 | ||||
10.11 |
Financial Covenants | 139 | ||||
10.12 |
Accounting Changes; Amendments to Organization Documents | 139 | ||||
10.13 |
Change in Business | 139 | ||||
10.14 |
Transactions with Affiliates | 139 |
-iii-
10.15 |
Sale or Discount of Receivables | 141 | ||||
10.16 |
Gas Imbalances | 141 | ||||
10.17 |
ERISA Compliance | 141 | ||||
SECTION 11. |
EVENTS OF DEFAULT | 141 | ||||
11.1 |
Payments | 141 | ||||
11.2 |
Representations, Etc | 141 | ||||
11.3 |
Covenants | 142 | ||||
11.4 |
Default Under Other Agreements | 142 | ||||
11.5 |
Bankruptcy, Etc | 142 | ||||
11.6 |
ERISA | 143 | ||||
11.7 |
Credit Documents | 143 | ||||
11.8 |
Security Documents | 143 | ||||
11.9 |
Judgments | 143 | ||||
11.10 |
Change of Control | 143 | ||||
11.11 |
Intercreditor Agreements | 143 | ||||
11.12 |
Application of Proceeds | 144 | ||||
11.13 |
Equity Cure | 145 | ||||
SECTION 12. |
THE AGENTS | 146 | ||||
12.1 |
Appointment | 146 | ||||
12.2 |
Delegation of Duties | 147 | ||||
12.3 |
Exculpatory Provisions | 147 | ||||
12.4 |
Reliance by Agents | 148 | ||||
12.5 |
Notice of Default | 148 | ||||
12.6 |
Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent and Other Lenders | 148 | ||||
12.7 |
Indemnification | 149 | ||||
12.8 |
Agents in Its Individual Capacities | 150 | ||||
12.9 |
Successor Agents | 150 | ||||
12.10 |
Security Documents and Collateral Agent under Security Documents and Guarantee | 151 | ||||
12.11 |
Right to Realize on Collateral and Enforce Guarantee | 151 | ||||
12.12 |
Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim | 151 | ||||
12.13 |
Certain ERISA Matters | 152 | ||||
12.14 |
Credit Bidding | 153 | ||||
12.15 |
Erroneous Payments | 154 | ||||
SECTION 13. |
MISCELLANEOUS | 157 | ||||
13.1 |
Amendments, Waivers and Releases | 157 | ||||
13.2 |
Notices | 159 | ||||
13.3 |
No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies | 160 | ||||
13.4 |
Survival of Representations and Warranties | 160 | ||||
13.5 |
Payment of Expenses; Indemnification | 161 |
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13.6 |
Successors and Assigns; Participations and Assignments | 162 | ||||
13.7 |
Replacements of Lenders under Certain Circumstances | 167 | ||||
13.8 |
Adjustments; Set-off | 168 | ||||
13.9 |
Counterparts | 169 | ||||
13.10 |
Severability | 169 | ||||
13.11 |
Integration | 169 | ||||
13.12 |
GOVERNING LAW | 169 | ||||
13.13 |
Submission to Jurisdiction; Waivers | 169 | ||||
13.14 |
Acknowledgments | 170 | ||||
13.15 |
WAIVERS OF JURY TRIAL | 170 | ||||
13.16 |
Confidentiality | 171 | ||||
13.17 |
Release of Collateral and Guarantee Obligations | 172 | ||||
13.18 |
Patriot Act | 173 | ||||
13.19 |
Payments Set Aside | 173 | ||||
13.20 |
Reinstatement | 173 | ||||
13.21 |
Disposition of Proceeds | 173 | ||||
13.22 |
Collateral Matters; Hedge Agreements | 173 | ||||
13.23 |
Agency of the Borrower for the Other Credit Parties | 174 | ||||
13.24 |
Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions | 174 | ||||
13.25 |
Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs | 174 |
EXHIBITS | ||
Exhibit A | Form of Reserve Report Certificate | |
Exhibit B | Form of Notice of Borrowing | |
Exhibit C | Form of Guarantee | |
Exhibit D | Form of Mortgage/Deed of Trust | |
Exhibit E | Form of Collateral Agreement | |
Exhibit F | Form of Assignment and Assumption | |
Exhibit G | Form of Promissory Note (Loan) | |
Exhibit H | Form of Solvency Certificate | |
Exhibit I | Form of Non-Bank Tax Certificate | |
Exhibit J | Form of Intercompany Note | |
Exhibit K | Form of Elected Commitment Increase Certificate | |
Exhibit L | Form of Additional Lender Certificate | |
SCHEDULES | ||
Schedule 1.1(a) | Commitments | |
Schedule 1.1(b) | Closing Date Specified Hedge Agreements | |
Schedule 1.1(c) | Closing Date Subsidiaries | |
Schedule 8.4 | Litigation | |
Schedule 8.10(a) | Closing Date ERISA Matters | |
Schedule 8.14 | Properties | |
Schedule 8.17 | Closing Date Gas Imbalance | |
Schedule 8.18 | Closing Date Marketing Agreements | |
Schedule 8.21 | Closing Date Hedge Agreements | |
Schedule 9.21 | Post-Closing Matters | |
Schedule 10.1 | Closing Date Indebtedness |
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Schedule 10.2(d) | Closing Date Liens | |
Schedule 10.5(d) | Closing Date Investments | |
Schedule 10.8 | Closing Date Negative Pledge Agreements | |
Schedule 10.14 | Closing Date Affiliate Transactions | |
Schedule 10.17(c) | Continuing ERISA Plans | |
Schedule 13.2 | Notice Addresses |
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This CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of September 25, 2024, is among Infinity Natural Resources, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower), the banks, financial institutions and other lending institutions from time to time parties as lenders hereto (each a Lender and, collectively, the Lenders), Citibank, N.A. (Citi), as administrative agent and collateral agent for the Lenders and an Issuing Bank, and each other Issuing Bank from time to time party hereto.
WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that (i) at any time and from time to time from and after the Closing Date and prior to the Maturity Date, the Lenders provide Loans to the Borrower subject to the Available Commitment and (ii) at any time and from time to time after the Closing Date and prior to the L/C Maturity Date, each Issuing Bank issue Letters of Credit (subject to the Available Commitment); and
WHEREAS, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks are willing to make available to the Borrower such revolving credit and letter of credit facilities, in each case, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS.
1.1 Defined Terms.
As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings specified below:
ABR shall mean for any day a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 1⁄2 of one percent (1.0%), (b) the Prime Rate in effect on such day and (c) Adjusted Term SOFR for a one-month tenor in effect on such day plus one percent (1.00%). Any change in the ABR due to a change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Rate or Adjusted Term SOFR shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Rate or Adjusted Term SOFR, respectively. If the ABR is being used as an alternate rate of interest pursuant to Section 2.10 (for the avoidance of doubt, only until any amendment has become effective pursuant to Section 2.10(d)), then the ABR shall be the greater of clauses (a) and (b) above and shall be determined without reference to clause (c) above; provided further, that if ABR shall be less than one percent (1.00%), such rate shall be deemed to be one percent (1.00%) for purposes of this Agreement.
ABR Loan shall mean each Loan bearing interest based on the ABR.
ABR Term SOFR Determination Day shall have the meaning specified in the definition of Term SOFR.
Acceptable Commodity Hedge Agreements shall mean Hedge Agreements entered into with Approved Counterparties in respect of Hydrocarbons for the purpose of reducing the Credit Parties commodity price risk in respect of crude oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids or other Hydrocarbons.
Acceptable Security Interest shall mean with respect to Mortgaged Properties, a first priority, perfected Mortgage; provided that Permitted Liens may exist and have whatever priority such Liens have at such time under applicable law.
Additional Lender shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.16(c)(i).
Adjusted Term SOFR shall mean, for purposes of any calculation, the rate per annum equal to (a) Term SOFR for such calculation plus (b) the Term SOFR Adjustment; provided that if Adjusted Term SOFR as so determined shall ever be less than the Floor, then Adjusted Term SOFR shall be deemed to be the Floor.
Adjusted Total Commitment shall mean, at any time, the Total Commitment less the aggregate amount of Commitments of all Defaulting Lenders.
Administrative Agent shall mean Citi, as the administrative agent for the Lenders under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, or any successor administrative agent appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 12.9.
Administrative Agents Office shall mean the Administrative Agents address and, as appropriate, account as set forth on Schedule 13.2, or such other address or account as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify in writing to the Borrower and the Lenders.
Administrative Questionnaire shall mean, for each Lender, an administrative questionnaire in a form approved by the Administrative Agent.
Affected Financial Institution shall mean (a) any EEA Financial Institution or (b) any UK Financial Institution.
Affiliate shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under direct or indirect common control with such Person. A Person shall be deemed to control another Person if such Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such other Person, whether through the ownership of Voting Equity, by contract or otherwise. Controlling and controlled shall have meanings correlative thereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Person (or any of its Subsidiaries) whose Equity Interests are publicly traded shall be considered an Affiliate of another Person (or any of its Subsidiaries) whose Equity Interests are publicly traded.
Agent-Related Party shall mean, with respect to any Agent, its Affiliates and the officers, directors, employees, agents, attorney-in-fact, partners, trustees and advisors of such Agent and of such Agents Affiliates.
Agents shall mean the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent.
Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount shall mean, at any time, an amount equal to the sum of the Elected Commitments, as the same may be increased, reduced or terminated pursuant to Section 2.16. The Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount as of the Closing Date is $325,000,000.
Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts shall mean, at any time, an amount equal to the sum of the Maximum Credit Amounts, as the same may be reduced or terminated pursuant to Section 2.16. The Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts of the Lenders as of the Closing Date is $1,500,000,000.
Agreement shall mean this Credit Agreement, as may be amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, replaced, exchanged, refinanced, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
Applicable Margin shall mean, for any day, with respect to any ABR Loan or SOFR Loan, as the case may be, or the Commitment Fee Rate, the rate per annum set forth in the grid below based upon the Utilization Percentage in effect on such day:
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Utilization Grid | ||||||||||
Utilization Percentage |
X < 25% | 25% < X < 50% | 50% < X < 75% | 75% < X < 90% | X > 90% | |||||
SOFR Loans |
2.750% | 3.000% | 3.250% | 3.500% | 3.750% | |||||
ABR Loans |
1.750% | 2.000% | 2.250% | 2.500% | 2.750% | |||||
Commitment Fee Rate |
0.375% | 0.375% | 0.500% | 0.500% | 0.500% |
Each change in the Commitment Fee Rate or Applicable Margin shall apply during the period commencing on the effective date of such change and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change.
Approved Bank shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of Permitted Investments.
Approved Counterparty shall mean (a) any Hedge Bank and (b) any Person (other than a Hedge Bank) whose long term senior unsecured debt rating is BBB/Baa2 by S&P or Moodys (or their equivalent) or higher at the time of entering into any Hedge Agreement (or whose obligations under such Hedge Agreement are guaranteed by an Affiliate of such Person meeting such rating standards) and whose Hedge Agreements remain unsecured and do not contain margin call rights.
Approved Petroleum Engineers shall mean (a) Wright & Company, Inc. and (b) any other nationally recognized independent petroleum engineering company that is designated by the Borrower with the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed).
Arrangers shall mean Citi, BofA Securities, Inc., BOKF, NA, Capital One, National Association, Fifth Third Bank, National Association, RBC Capital Markets, Truist Securities, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, each in its capacity as a joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner in respect of the Facility.
Assignment and Assumption shall mean an assignment and assumption substantially in the form of Exhibit F or such other form as may be approved by the Administrative Agent.
Attorney Costs shall mean all reasonable and documented fees, expenses and disbursements of any law firm or other external legal counsel.
Authorized Officer shall mean as to any Person, the President, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Treasurer, the Assistant or Vice Treasurer, the Vice President-Finance, the General Counsel, any Senior Vice President, any Executive Vice President and any manager, managing member or general partner, in each case, of such Person, and any other senior officer designated as such in writing to the Administrative Agent by such Person. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by an Authorized Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, limited liability company, partnership and/or other action on the part of the Borrower or any other Credit Party and such Authorized Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Person.
Auto-Extension Letter of Credit shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.2(b).
Available Commitment shall mean, at any time, (a) the Total Commitment at such time minus (b) the aggregate Total Exposures of all Lenders at such time.
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Available Tenor shall mean, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark, as applicable, (x) if such Benchmark is a term rate, any tenor for such Benchmark (or component thereof) that is or may be used for determining the length of an interest period pursuant to this Agreement or (y) otherwise, any payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark (or component thereof) that is or may be used for determining any frequency of making payments of interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark pursuant to this Agreement, in each case, as of such date and not including, for the avoidance of doubt, any tenor for such Benchmark that is then-removed from the definition of Interest Period pursuant to Section 2.10(d)(iv).
Bail-In Action shall mean the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an Affected Financial Institution.
Bail-In Legislation shall mean (a) with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law, regulation rule or requirement for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, Part I of the United Kingdom Banking Act 2009 (as amended from time to time) and any other law, regulation or rule applicable in the United Kingdom relating to the resolution of unsound or failing banks, investment firms or other financial institutions or their affiliates (other than through liquidation, administration or other insolvency proceedings).
Bank Price Deck shall mean the Administrative Agents most recent internal price deck on a forward curve basis for each of oil, natural gas and other Hydrocarbons, as applicable, furnished to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
Bankruptcy Code shall have the meaning provided in Section 11.5.
Benchmark shall mean, initially, the Term SOFR Reference Rate; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event has occurred with respect to the Term SOFR Reference Rate or the then-current Benchmark, then Benchmark shall mean the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate pursuant to Section 2.10(d)(i).
Benchmark Replacement shall mean, with respect to any Benchmark Transition Event, the sum of: (a) the alternate benchmark rate that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a replacement benchmark rate or the mechanism for determining such a rate by the Relevant Governmental Body or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a benchmark rate as a replacement to the then-current Benchmark for Dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; provided that, if such Benchmark Replacement as so determined would be less than the Floor, such Benchmark Replacement will be deemed to be the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents.
Benchmark Replacement Adjustment shall mean, with respect to any replacement of the then-current Benchmark with an Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement, the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower giving due consideration to (a) any selection or recommendation of a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement by the Relevant Governmental Body or (b) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for Dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time.
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Benchmark Replacement Date shall mean the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:
(a) in the case of clause (a) or (b) of the definition of Benchmark Transition Event, the later of (i) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (ii) the date on which the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or
(b) in the case of clause (c) of the definition of Benchmark Transition Event, the first date on which such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) has been determined and announced by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) to be non-representative; provided that such non-representativeness will be determined by reference to the most recent statement or publication referenced in such clause (c) and even if any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) continues to be provided on such date.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred in the case of clause (a) or (b) with respect to any Benchmark upon the occurrence of the applicable event or events set forth therein with respect to all then-current Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).
Benchmark Transition Event shall mean the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:
(a) a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof), permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof);
(b) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof), the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component) or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), which states that the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component) has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or
(c) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) are not, or as of a specified future date will not be, representative.
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For the avoidance of doubt, a Benchmark Transition Event will be deemed to have occurred with respect to any Benchmark if a public statement or publication of information set forth above has occurred with respect to each then-current Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).
Benchmark Transition Start Date shall mean, in the case of a Benchmark Transition Event, the earlier of (a) the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date and (b) if such Benchmark Transition Event is a public statement or publication of information of a prospective event, the ninetieth (90th) day prior to the expected date of such event as of such public statement or publication of information (or if the expected date of such prospective event is fewer than ninety (90) days after such statement or publication, the date of such statement or publication).
Benchmark Unavailability Period shall mean, the period (if any) (a) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Credit Document in accordance with Section 2.10(d) and (b) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Credit Document in accordance with Section 2.10(d).
Beneficial Ownership Certification shall mean a certification regarding beneficial ownership as required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.
Beneficial Ownership Regulation shall mean 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230.
Benefit Plan shall mean any of (a) an employee benefit plan (as defined in ERISA) that is subject to Title I of ERISA, (b) a plan as defined in and subject to Section 4975 of the Code or (c) any Person whose assets include (for purposes of ERISA Section 3(42) or otherwise for purposes of Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) the assets of any such employee benefit plan or plan.
Benefited Lender shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.8(a).
BHC Act Affiliate of a party shall mean an affiliate (as such term is defined under, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 1841(k)) of such party.
Board shall mean the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America (or any successor).
Board of Directors shall mean, as to any Person, the board of directors or other governing body of such Person, or if such Person is owned or managed by a single entity, the board of directors or other governing body of such entity.
Borrower shall have the meaning provided in the introductory paragraph hereto.
Borrowing shall mean the incurrence of one Type of Loan on a given date (or resulting from conversions on a given date) having, in the case of SOFR Loans, the same Interest Period (provided that ABR Loans incurred pursuant to Section 2.10(b) shall be considered part of any related Borrowing of SOFR Loans).
Borrowing Base shall mean, at any time, an amount determined in accordance with Section 2.14, as may be adjusted from time to time pursuant to Section 2.14. As of the Closing Date, the Borrowing Base will be $325,000,000.
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Borrowing Base Properties shall mean the Oil and Gas Properties of the Credit Parties constituting Proved Reserves as set forth in the most recently delivered Reserve Report.
Borrowing Base Reduction Debt shall mean Permitted Additional Debt issued or incurred in accordance with Sections 10.1(j) or (n), as applicable.
Borrowing Base Value shall mean, (a) with respect to any Oil and Gas Property of the Credit Parties, the value attributed to such Oil and Gas Property in the Borrowing Base then in effect, as determined by the Administrative Agent and (b) with respect to any Hedge Agreement of the Credit Parties in respect of commodities, the value attributable to such Hedge Agreement in the Borrowing Base then in effect, as determined by the Administrative Agent; provided that (x) any Borrowing Base Value calculation by the Administrative Agent that would result in a reduction of the Borrowing Base pursuant to Section 2.14(f) shall be submitted to the Lenders for approval and (y) the failure of the Required Lenders to object to such Borrowing Base Value within five (5) Business Days shall be deemed to be an approval of such Borrowing Base Value by the Lenders.
Budget shall have the meaning provided in Section 9.1(p).
Building shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the applicable Flood Insurance Regulation.
Business Day shall mean any day excluding Saturday, Sunday and any other day on which banking institutions in New York City, New York or Morgantown, West Virginia are authorized by law or other governmental actions to close.
Capitalized Lease shall mean, as applied to any Person, any lease of any property (whether real, personal or mixed) by that Person as lessee that, in conformity with GAAP, is, or is required to be, accounted for as a capital lease on the balance sheet of that Person; provided that for all purposes hereunder the amount of obligations under any Capitalized Lease shall be the amount thereof accounted for as a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP; provided, further, that for purposes of calculations made pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, GAAP will be deemed to treat leases in a manner consistent with its treatment under generally accepted accounting principles as of January 1, 2018, notwithstanding any modifications or interpretative changes thereto that may occur. For the avoidance of doubt, any lease that would have been characterized as an operating lease in accordance with GAAP as of January 1, 2018 (whether or not such operating lease was in effect on such date) shall continue to be accounted for as an operating lease (and not as a Capitalized Lease) for purposes of this Agreement regardless of any change in GAAP following January 1, 2018 that would otherwise require such lease to be re-characterized (on a prospective or retroactive basis or otherwise) as a Capitalized Lease.
Cash Collateralize shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.7(c).
Cash Management Agreement shall mean any agreement entered into from time to time by the Borrower or any of the Borrowers Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with cash management services for collections, other Cash Management Services and for operating, payroll and trust accounts of such Person, including automatic clearing house services, controlled disbursement services, electronic funds transfer services, lockbox services, stop payment services and wire transfer services.
Cash Management Bank shall mean any Person that either (a) at the time it provides Cash Management Services or (b) at any time after it has provided any Cash Management Services, is a Lender or an Agent or an Affiliate of a Lender or an Agent.
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Cash Management Obligations shall mean obligations owed by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to any Cash Management Bank in connection with, or in respect of, any Cash Management Services.
Cash Management Services shall mean (a) commercial credit cards, merchant card services, purchase or debit cards, including non-card e-payables services, (b) treasury management services (including controlled disbursement, overdraft, automated clearing house fund transfer services, return items and interstate depository network services) and (c) any other demand deposit or operating account relationships or other cash management services, including any Cash Management Agreement.
Casualty Event shall mean, with respect to any Collateral, (a) any damage to, destruction of, or other casualty or loss involving, any property or asset or (b) any seizure, condemnation, confiscation or taking under the power of eminent domain of, or any requisition of title or use of, or relating to, or any similar event in respect of, any property or asset.
CFC shall mean a controlled foreign corporation within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code.
Change in Law shall mean (a) the adoption of any law, treaty, order, policy, rule or regulation after the Closing Date, (b) any change in any law, treaty, order, policy, rule or regulation or in the interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority after the Closing Date or (c) compliance by any Lender with any guideline, request, directive or order enacted or promulgated after the Closing Date by any central bank or other governmental or quasi-governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law); provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the Basel Committee on Banking Regulations and Supervisory Practices (or any successor or similar authority) and all guidelines, requests, directives, orders, rules and regulations adopted, enacted or promulgated in connection therewith shall be deemed to have gone into effect after the Closing Date regardless of the date adopted, enacted or promulgated and shall be included as a Change in Law but solely for such costs that would have been included if they would have otherwise been imposed under clauses (a)(ii) and (c) of Section 2.10 or Section 3.11 and only to the extent a Lender is imposing applicable increased costs or costs in connection with capital adequacy requirements similar to those described in clauses (a)(ii) and (c) of Section 2.10 or Section 3.11 generally on other borrowers of comparable loans under United States reserve based credit facilities under credit agreements having similar reimbursement provisions.
Change of Control shall mean and be deemed to have occurred if:
(a) prior to the occurrence of a Qualifying IPO, the Permitted Holders shall in the aggregate be the beneficial owner (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act as in effect on the Closing Date) of (i) if the Borrower is a Subsidiary of any Parent Entity, Voting Equity having less than 50.01% of the total voting power of all outstanding shares of such Parent Entity (other than a Parent Entity that is a Subsidiary of another Parent Entity) and (ii) if the Borrower is not a Subsidiary of any Parent Entity, Voting Equity having less than 50.01% of the total voting power of all outstanding shares of the Borrower;
(b) from and after the occurrence of a Qualifying IPO, any person or group (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act as in effect on the Closing Date), other than one or more Permitted Holders, shall be the beneficial owner of (i) if the Borrower is a Subsidiary of any Parent Entity, shares or units of Voting Equity having more than 50.0% of the total voting power of all outstanding shares of such Parent Entity (other than a Parent Entity that is a Subsidiary of another Parent Entity) and (ii) if the Borrower is not a Subsidiary of any Parent Entity, shares or units of Voting Equity having more than 50.0% of the total voting power of all outstanding shares of the Borrower; or
8
(c) a change of control (or any other defined term describing a similar event or having a similar purpose or meaning) shall occur under any Material Indebtedness.
Notwithstanding the preceding or any provision of Section 13d-3 of the Exchange Act, a Person or group shall not be deemed to beneficially own Equity Interests subject to a stock or asset purchase agreement, merger agreement, option agreement, warrant agreement or similar agreement (or voting or option or similar agreement related thereto) until the consummation of the acquisition of the Equity Interests in connection with the transactions contemplated by such agreement.
Citi shall have the meaning provided in the introductory paragraph hereto.
Closing Date shall mean the date on which the conditions precedent of Section 6 have been satisfied except as otherwise agreed or waived pursuant to Section 13.1.
Code shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
Collateral shall have the meaning provided for such term in each of the Security Documents and shall include any and all assets securing or intended to secure any or all of the Obligations; provided that with respect to any Mortgages, Collateral (as defined herein), shall include Property (as defined therein).
Collateral Agent shall mean Citi, as collateral agent under the Security Documents, or any successor collateral agent appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 12.9.
Collateral Agreement shall mean that certain Collateral Agreement dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Borrower, the other grantors party thereto and the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, substantially in the form of Exhibit E hereto.
Collateral Coverage Minimum shall mean that the Mortgaged Properties shall represent at least eighty-five percent (85%) of the PV-9 of the Borrowing Base Properties, in each case, included in the most recent Reserve Report delivered to the Administrative Agent.
Commitment shall mean, with respect to each Lender, the commitment of such Lender to make Loans and to acquire participations in Letters of Credit hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) modified from time to time pursuant to Section 2.16, (b) modified from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 13.6(b) or (c) modified by any other amendment or modification of such commitment permitted under this Agreement. The amount representing each Lenders Commitment shall at any time be the least of (i) such Lenders Maximum Credit Amount, (ii) such Lenders Commitment Percentage of the then-effective Borrowing Base and (iii) such Lenders Elected Commitment.
Commitment Fee shall have the meaning provided in Section 4.1(a).
Commitment Fee Rate shall mean, for any day, with respect to the Available Commitment on such day, the applicable rate per annum set forth next to the row heading Commitment Fee Rate in the definition of Applicable Margin and based upon the Utilization Percentage in effect on such day.
Commitment Percentage shall mean, at any time, for each Lender, the percentage obtained by dividing (a) such Lenders Maximum Credit Amount at such time by (b) the amount of the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts at such time; provided that at any time when the Total Commitment shall have
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been terminated, each Lenders Commitment Percentage shall be the percentage obtained by dividing (i) such Lenders Total Exposure at such time by (ii) the aggregate Total Exposures of all Lenders at such time (with such Total Exposure, and the components thereof, calculated using (x) any applicable Lenders outstanding principal amount of Loans plus (y) such Lenders Letter of Credit Exposure based on the Commitment Percentage of such Lender immediately prior to the termination of the Total Commitment).
Commodity Account shall mean any commodity account maintained by the Credit Parties, including any commodity accounts under Article 9 of the UCC. All funds in such Commodity Accounts (other than Excluded Accounts) shall be conclusively presumed to be Collateral and proceeds of Collateral and the Agents and the Lenders shall have no duty to inquire as to the source of the amounts on deposit in the Commodity Accounts.
Commodity Account Control Agreement has the meaning specified in Section 9.16(a).
Commodity Exchange Act shall mean the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute, and any regulations promulgated thereunder.
Communications shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.2(c).
Confidential Information shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.16.
Conforming Changes shall mean, with respect to either the use or administration of Term SOFR or the use, administration, adoption or implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of ABR, the definition of Business Day, the definition of U.S. Government Securities Business Day, the definition of Interest Period or any similar or analogous definition (or the addition of a concept of interest period), timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices, the applicability and length of lookback periods, the applicability of Section 2.11 and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that the Administrative Agent decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of any such rate or to permit the use and administration thereof by the Administrative Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Administrative Agent decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Administrative Agent determines that no market practice for the administration of any such rate exists, in such other manner of administration as the Administrative Agent decides is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents).
Connection Income Taxes shall mean Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.
Consolidated Current Assets shall mean, as at any date of determination, without duplication, the sum of all amounts that would, in conformity with GAAP, be set forth opposite the caption total current assets (or any like caption) on a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on such date, plus the Available Commitment then available to be borrowed under this Agreement, including under Section 7, but excluding the amount of any non-cash asset under Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 410 and Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 815.
Consolidated Current Liabilities shall mean, as at any date of determination, without duplication, the sum of all amounts that would, in conformity with GAAP, be set forth opposite the caption total current liabilities (or any like caption) on a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on such date, but excluding, without duplication, (a) the amount of any non-cash liabilities
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under Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 410 and Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 815, (b) the current portion of current and deferred income taxes (c) the current portion of any Loans and other long-term liabilities and (d) any non-cash liabilities recorded in connection with stock-based or similar incentive-based compensation awards or arrangements.
Consolidated EBITDAX shall mean, for any period, for the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, an amount equal to Consolidated Net Income for such period plus (a) the following to the extent deducted (and not added back) in calculating such Consolidated Net Income: (i) Consolidated Interest Expenses for such period, (ii) an amount equal to the provision for federal, state, and local income and franchise taxes, (iii) depletion, depreciation, amortization and exploration expense for such period (including all drilling, completion, geological and geophysical costs), (iv) losses from asset Dispositions (excluding Hydrocarbons Disposed of in the ordinary course of business), (v) all other non-cash items reducing such Consolidated Net Income for such period, (vi) all transaction costs, expenses, and charges with respect to acquisitions, Investments, Dispositions, equity issuances and incurrences of Indebtedness, in each case, permitted by this Agreement (but excluding all transactions costs, expenses, and charges incurred with regard to the negotiation, execution and delivery of the Credit Documents) in an aggregate amount not to exceed $2,000,000.00 for such period, (vii) extraordinary, unusual and non-recurring losses, and (viii) fees, costs, expenses incurred with regard to negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents; all determined on a consolidated basis with respect to the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, using the results of the twelve-month period ending with that reporting period, and minus (b) the following to the extent included in (and not deducted from) calculating such Consolidated Net Income: (i) federal, state and local income tax credits of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, (ii) gains from asset Dispositions (excluding Hydrocarbons Disposed of in the ordinary course of business), (iii) all other non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period and (iv) extraordinary, unusual and non-recurring gains; provided that, with respect to the determination of the Borrowers compliance with the Financial Performance Covenants set forth in Section 10.11 for any period, Consolidated EBITDAX shall be adjusted to give effect, on a pro forma basis, to any Qualified Acquisition or Qualified Disposition made during such period, as if such acquisition or Disposition had occurred on the first (1st) day of such period.
Consolidated EBITDAX shall be calculated for each four-fiscal quarter period using the Consolidated EBITDAX for the four most recently ended fiscal quarters.
For the avoidance of doubt, Consolidated EBITDAX shall be calculated in accordance with Section 1.11.
Consolidated Interest Expense shall mean, with respect to any Person for any period, without duplication, the sum of:
(i) consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent such expense was deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income (including (A) amortization of original issue discount resulting from the issuance of Indebtedness at less than par, (B) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit or bankers acceptances, (C) non-cash interest payments (but excluding any non-cash interest expense attributable to the movement in the mark to market valuation of Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments pursuant to GAAP), (D) the interest component of obligations under any Capitalized Lease, and (E) net payments, if any, made (less net payments, if any, received), pursuant to interest rate Hedge Agreements with respect to Indebtedness, and excluding (F) costs associated with obtaining Hedge Agreements and breakage costs in respect of Hedge Agreements related to interest rates, (G) any expense resulting from the discounting of any Indebtedness in connection with the application of recapitalization accounting
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or, if applicable, recapitalization or purchase accounting in connection with the Transactions or any acquisition, (H) penalties and interest relating to income taxes, (I) any additional interest or liquidated damages with respect to other securities for failure to timely comply with registration rights obligations, (J) amortization or expensing of deferred financing fees, amendment and consent fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and discounted liabilities, (K) any expensing of bridge, commitment and other financing fees and any other fees related to the Transactions or any acquisitions after the Closing Date, (L) any accretion of accrued interest on discounted liabilities and any prepayment premium or penalty (other than Indebtedness except to the extent arising from the application of purchase or recapitalization accounting) and (M) annual agency fees paid to the administrative agents and collateral agents under any credit facilities or other debt instruments or document); plus
(ii) consolidated capitalized interest of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued; less
(iii) interest income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period.
For purposes of this definition, interest on obligations in respect of Capitalized Leases shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by such Person to be the rate of interest implicit in such obligations in accordance with GAAP.
Consolidated Net Income shall mean, for any period, for the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, the net income (loss) of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries (excluding extraordinary gains and extraordinary losses and the net income (loss) of any Person (other than the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary) in which the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries own any Equity Interests for that period, except to the extent of the amount of dividends and distributions actually received by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary), provided that the calculation of Consolidated Net Income shall exclude any non-cash charges or losses and any non-cash income or gains, in each case, required to be included in net income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as a result of the application of FASB Accounting Standards Codifications 718, 815, 410 and 360, but shall expressly include any cash charges or payments that have been incurred as a result of the termination of any Hedge Agreement.
Consolidated Total Assets shall mean the total assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, as shown on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower delivered pursuant to Section 9.1(a) or (b) (and, in the case of any determination relating to any incurrence of Indebtedness or any Investment or other acquisition, on a pro forma basis including any property or assets being acquired in connection therewith).
Consolidated Total Debt shall mean, as of any date of determination, (a) the sum of (without duplication) all Indebtedness of the types described in clause (a) and clause (b) (other than intercompany Indebtedness owing to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary), clause (d) (but, in the case of clause (d), only to the extent of any unreimbursed drawings under any letter of credit that has not been cash collateralized), clause (e), clauses (h) through (i) and clause (k) (but, in the case of clause (k) only to the extent of Guarantee Obligations with respect to Indebtedness otherwise included in this definition of Consolidated Total Debt) of the definition thereof, in each case actually owing by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries on such date and to the extent appearing on the balance sheet of the Borrower determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, minus (b) the aggregate amount of all Unrestricted Cash and cash equivalents included on the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date; provided that (i) clause (a) above shall not include Indebtedness (A) in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees and performance or similar bonds except to the extent of unreimbursed amounts thereunder and (B) of Unrestricted Subsidiaries (other than Indebtedness of Unrestricted
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Subsidiaries in respect of which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary has Guarantee Obligations); and (ii) if as of any date of determination, the Total Exposure (other than Letter of Credit Exposure) is greater than $0, the amount of Unrestricted Cash and cash equivalents deducted pursuant to clause (b) above shall not exceed the greater of (x) $35,000,000 and (y) ten percent (10%) of the then effective Borrowing Base.
Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio shall mean, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total Debt as of the last day of the most recent Test Period to (b) Consolidated EBITDAX of the Borrower for such Test Period.
Contractual Requirement shall have the meaning provided in Section 8.3.
Controlled Account shall mean a Deposit Account, a Securities Account or a Commodity Account that is subject to a Deposit Account Control Agreement, a Securities Account Control Agreement or a Commodity Account Control Agreement, as the case may be.
Covered Entity shall mean any of the following:
(a) a covered entity as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b);
(b) a covered bank as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or
(c) a covered FSI as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).
Covered Party shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.25.
Credit Documents shall mean this Agreement, the Guarantee, the Security Documents, each Letter of Credit Application, any Notes issued by the Borrower to a Lender under this Agreement and any other document, instrument or agreement (other than Secured Hedge Agreements or Secured Cash Management Agreements) now or hereafter delivered by or on behalf of a Credit Party in connection with this Agreement.
Credit Event shall mean and include the making (but not the conversion or continuation) of a Loan and the issuance of a Letter of Credit.
Credit Party shall mean each of the Borrower and the Guarantors.
Cure Amount shall have the meaning provided in Section 11.13(a).
Cure Deadline shall have the meaning provided in Section 11.13(a)
Cure Right shall have the meaning provided in Section 11.13(a).
Current Ratio shall mean, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Current Assets to (b) Consolidated Current Liabilities.
Current Ratio Covenant shall mean the covenant of the Borrower set forth in Section 10.11(b).
December 31 Reserve Report shall have the meaning provided in Section 9.13(a).
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Debtor Relief Laws shall mean the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally.
Default shall mean any event, act or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.
Default Rate shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.8(c).
Defaulting Lender shall mean any Lender whose acts or failure to act, whether directly or indirectly, cause it to meet any part of the definition of Lender Default.
Deposit Account shall mean any checking or other demand deposit account maintained by the Credit Parties, including any deposit accounts under Article 9 of the UCC. All funds in such Deposit Accounts (other than Excluded Accounts) shall be conclusively presumed to be Collateral and proceeds of Collateral and the Agents and the Lenders shall have no duty to inquire as to the source of the amounts on deposit in the Deposit Accounts.
Deposit Account Control Agreement shall have the meaning provided in Section 9.16(a).
Dispose or Disposed of shall have a correlative meaning to the defined term of Disposition.
Disposition shall have the meaning provided in Section 10.4.
Disqualified Stock shall mean any Equity Interest that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security or other Equity Interests into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event or condition (a) matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely for Qualified Equity Interests), pursuant to a sinking fund obligation, scheduled redemption or otherwise (except as a result of a change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior Payment in Full), (b) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely for Qualified Equity Interests and other than as a result of a change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior Payment in Full), (c) provides for the scheduled payments of dividends in cash that are not subject to Restricted Payment Conditions being satisfied, or (d) is or becomes convertible into or exchangeable for Indebtedness or any other Equity Interests that would constitute Disqualified Stock, in the case of each of clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d), prior to the date that is one hundred eighty-one (181) days after the Maturity Date; provided, that if such Equity Interests are issued pursuant to any plan for the benefit of future, current or former employees, directors, officers, members of management or consultants of the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, directors, officers, members of management or consultants, such Equity Interests shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because they may be required to be repurchased by the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations or as a result of such employees, directors, officers, management members or consultants termination, death or disability; provided, further, that any Equity Interests held by any future, current or former employee, director, officer, member of management or consultant of the Borrower, any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any other entity in which the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary has an Investment and is designated in good faith as an affiliate by the Board of Directors of the Borrower (or the compensation committee thereof), in each case pursuant to any stock subscription or shareholders agreement, management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations or as a result of such employees, directors, officers, management members or consultants termination, death or disability.
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Distressed Person shall have the meaning provided in the definition of Lender-Related Distress Event.
Distributable Free Cash Flow shall mean, as of any time of determination, an amount equal to (a) Free Cash Flow as of the last day of the most recently ended Test Period for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to clause (a) or (b) of Section 9.1 minus (b) the positive difference, if any, between (i) aggregate amount of the Free Cash Flow Utilizations that occur during such Test Period and through such time of determination minus (ii) aggregate amount of Free Cash Flow Utilizations that occurred during such Test Period and which are attributable to Free Cash Flow generated during the four fiscal quarter period ending immediately prior to such Test Period. For the avoidance of doubt, any amount deducted in calculating Distributable Free Cash Flow as of any time of determination shall be without duplication of amounts deducted in calculating Free Cash Flow for purposes of such calculation of Distributable Free Cash Flow.
Dollars and $ shall mean dollars in lawful currency of the United States of America.
Domestic Subsidiary shall mean each Subsidiary of the Borrower that is organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, or the District of Columbia.
Drawing shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.4(b).
ECP shall mean any Person who qualifies as an eligible contract participant under Section 2(e) of the Commodity Exchange Act.
EEA Financial Institution shall mean (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clauses (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.
EEA Member Country shall mean any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
EEA Resolution Authority shall mean any public administrative authority or any person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution.
Elected Commitment shall mean, as to each Lender, the amount set forth opposite such Lenders name on Schedule 1.1(a) under the caption Elected Commitment, as the same may be increased, reduced or terminated from time to time in connection with an optional increase, reduction or termination of the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount pursuant to Section 2.16(b) or (c).
Elected Commitment Increase Certificate shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 2.16(c)(ii)(F).
Energy Business shall mean:
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(a) the business of acquiring, exploring, exploiting, developing, producing, operating and disposing of interests in oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids, liquefied natural gas and other Hydrocarbons and mineral properties or products produced in association with any of the foregoing;
(b) the business of gathering, marketing, distributing, treating, processing, storing, refining, selling and transporting of any production from interests in oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids, liquefied natural gas and other Hydrocarbons and mineral properties or products produced in association therewith; and the marketing of oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids, liquefied natural gas and other Hydrocarbons and minerals obtained from unrelated Persons;
(c) the business of developing, constructing, owning, operating and maintaining (i) low carbon, carbon management, carbon sequestration and/or carbon offsetting technologies, assets, infrastructure and businesses, including carbon dioxide and associated gases capture (including direct air capture and pre- and post-combustion capture processes), transportation, utilization and/or sequestration technologies, facilities or assets, (ii) solar, wind, geothermal or other renewable power generation or deployment technologies, facilities or assets, (iii) the production, storage, or transportation of hydrogen, ammonia or other substances, and (iv) energy storage or other clean energy technologies, facilities or assets; and
(d) any business or activity relating to, arising from, or necessary, appropriate, incidental or ancillary to the activities described in the foregoing clauses (a), (b) or (c) of this definition.
Engineering Reports shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.14(c)(i).
Environmental Claims shall mean any and all written actions, suits, orders, decrees, demands, demand letters, claims, liens, notices of liability, noncompliance, violation or proceedings arising under or based upon any Environmental Law or any Environmental Permit (hereinafter, Claims), including, without limitation, (i) any and all Claims by any Governmental Authority for enforcement, investigation, cleanup, removal, response, remedial, reclamation, closure, plugging and abandonment, or other actions, damages, or civil or criminal sanctions pursuant to any applicable Environmental Law and (ii) any and all Claims by any third party seeking damages, contribution, indemnification, cost recovery, compensation or injunctive relief regarding the presence or Release of Hazardous Materials or arising from alleged injury or threat of injury to health or safety (to the extent relating to human exposure to Hazardous Materials), or the environment including, without limitation, air, surface water, groundwater, land surface and subsurface strata and natural resources such as wetlands or pertaining to alleged public or private nuisance.
Environmental Law shall mean any applicable federal, state, foreign or local statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, code, guidance, and common law now or hereafter in effect and in each case as amended, and any binding judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, including any binding judicial or administrative order, consent decree or judgment, as well as any permit or approval, relating to the pollution or protection of the environment, including, without limitation, ambient or indoor air, surface water, groundwater, greenhouse gases or climate change, endangered species, land surface and subsurface strata and natural resources such as wetlands, or human health or safety (to the extent relating to human exposure to, or the Release of, Hazardous Materials).
Environmental Permit shall mean any permit, approval, identification number, registration, license or other authorization required under any applicable Environmental Law.
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Equity Interests of any person shall mean any and all shares, interests, rights to purchase or otherwise acquire, warrants, options, participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) equity or ownership of such person, including any preferred stock, any limited or general partnership interest and any limited liability company membership interest, and any securities or other rights or interests convertible into or exchangeable for any of the foregoing, excluding any debt security that is convertible or exchangeable into any Equity Interests; provided that (i) any instrument evidencing Indebtedness convertible or exchangeable into Equity Interests (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any Permitted Convertible Debt), whether or not such debt securities include any right of participation with Equity Interests, shall not be deemed to be Equity Interests unless and until such instrument is so converted or exchanged and (ii) Equity Interests shall not include any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction or Permitted Warrant Transaction until any Equity Interests have been issued pursuant to the terms thereof.
ERISA shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
ERISA Affiliate shall mean each person (as defined in Section 3(9) of ERISA) that together with any Credit Party would be deemed to be a single employer within the meaning of Section 4001(b)(1) of ERISA or Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.
ERISA Event shall mean (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) a withdrawal by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) the failure of a Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate to make by its due date a required installment under Section 430(j) of the Code with respect to any Pension Plan; (d) a failure to satisfy the minimum funding standard under Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, or the filing pursuant to Section 412(c) of the Code or Section 302(c) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard, in each case with respect to a Pension Plan, whether or not waived, or a failure to make any required contribution to a Multiemployer Plan; (e) a complete or partial withdrawal by a Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or notification that a Multiemployer Plan is insolvent within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA or is in endangered or critical status, within the meaning of Section 305 of ERISA; (f) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate, the treatment of a Pension Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 or 4041A of ERISA, respectively, or the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan; (g) the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan; (h) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, including the imposition of a lien under Section 412 or 430(k) of the Code or Section 303 or 4068 of ERISA on any property (or rights to property, whether real or personal) of a Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate, but excluding PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon such Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate; (i) a determination that any Pension Plan is, or is expected to be, in at-risk status (within the meaning of Section 303(i)(4)(A) of ERISA or Section 430(i)(4)(A) of the Code) or (j) the occurrence of a non-exempt prohibited transaction with respect to any Pension Plan maintained or contributed to by any Credit Party (within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA) which could reasonably be excepted to result in material liability to such Credit Party.
Erroneous Payment shall have the meaning provided in Section 12.15(a).
Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment shall have the meaning provided in Section 12.15(d)(i).
Erroneous Payment Impacted Class shall have the meaning provided in Section 12.15(d)(i).
Erroneous Payment Return Deficiency shall have the meaning provided in Section 12.15(d)(i).
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Erroneous Payment Subrogation Rights shall have the meaning provided in Section 12.15(e).
EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule shall mean the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor person), as in effect from time to time.
Event of Default shall have the meaning provided in Section 11.
Excess Cash shall mean, as of any date of determination, cash and cash equivalents of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries other than (a) any cash allocated for, reserved or otherwise set aside to pay royalty obligations, working interest obligations, vendor payments, suspense payments, similar payments as are customary in the oil and gas industry, severance and ad valorem taxes, payroll, payroll taxes, other taxes and employee wage and benefit payment obligations of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary then due and owing (or to be due and owing within fifteen (15) days of such date), in each case other than such payments that would be due and owing in connection with or in contemplation of the commencement of proceedings under Debtor Relief Laws, and for which the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary either (x) has issued checks or has initiated wires or ACH transfers or (y) reasonably anticipates in good faith that it will issue checks or initiate wires or ACH transfers within five (5) days of such date, (b) any cash allocated for, reserved or otherwise set aside to pay other amounts permitted to be paid by the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with this Agreement and other Credit Documents due and owing as of such date (or to be due and owing within five (5) days of such date), in each case other than such payments that would be due and owing in connection with or in contemplation of the commencement of proceedings under Debtor Relief Laws, to Persons who are not Affiliates of the Credit Parties and for which obligations the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries have (x) issued checks or have initiated wires or ACH transfers or (y) reasonably anticipates in good faith that it will issue checks or initiate wires or ACH transfers within five (5) days of such date, as certified by the Borrower in any Notice of Borrowing with sufficient detail as is reasonably acceptable to the Agent, (c) any cash of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries constituting pledges and/or deposits securing any binding and enforceable purchase and sale agreement for the benefit of unaffiliated third parties, in each case to the extent permitted by this Agreement, (d) cash deposited with the Issuing Bank to cash collateralize Letters of Credit and (e) any cash allocated for, reserved or otherwise set aside and used soley to pay Permitted Tax Distributions, solely to the extent the Borrower has provided to the Administrative Agent the amount of such cash as of the last day of the previous fiscal quarter.
Exchange Act shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.
Excluded Accounts shall mean (a) each Deposit Account all of the deposits in which consist solely of amounts set aside to fund payroll, employee benefit or payroll tax obligations of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, (b) each Deposit Account solely holding cash of the Credit Parties used solely as an escrow account or as a fiduciary or trust account that is contractually obligated to be segregated from the other assets of the Credit Parties, in each case, for the benefit of unaffiliated third parties, (c) each Deposit Account of a Credit Party all of the deposits in which consist solely of royalty obligations, suspense funds, royalty payments, net profits interest payments and other similar payments, in each case, constituting property of an unaffiliated third party, (d) each Deposit Account solely holding cash of the Credit Parties constituting pledges and/or deposits securing any binding and enforceable purchase and sale agreement for the benefit of unaffiliated third parties, in each case to the extent permitted by this Agreement, (e) each Deposit Account of a Credit Party that is a zero balance account or is a Deposit Account for which the balance of such Deposit Account is transferred at the end of each date to a Deposit Account of a Credit Party that is not an Excluded Account and (f) other accounts selected by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries so long as the balance in each such account, individually, does not exceed $250,000 at any time; provided that the aggregate daily maximum balance for all such bank accounts excluded pursuant to this clause (f) on any day shall not exceed $1,500,000.
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Excluded Assets shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Collateral Agreement.
Excluded Equity Interests shall mean (a) any Equity Interests with respect to which, in the reasonable judgment of the Administrative Agent (confirmed in writing by notice to the Borrower), the cost or other consequences of pledging such Equity Interests in favor of the Secured Parties under the Security Documents shall be excessive in view of the benefits to be obtained by the Secured Parties therefrom, (b) any Equity Interests to the extent the pledge thereof would be prohibited by any Requirement of Law, (c) in the case of any Equity Interests of any Subsidiary to the extent the pledge of such Equity Interests is prohibited by Contractual Requirements at the time such Subsidiary is acquired (provided that such Contractual Requirements have not been entered into in contemplation of this Agreement or such Subsidiary being acquired), any Equity Interests of each such Subsidiary to the extent (A) that a pledge thereof to secure the Obligations is prohibited by such Contractual Requirement (other than (x) with respect to any Wholly owned Subsidiary, the applicable Organization Documents and (y) customary non-assignment provisions which are ineffective under the UCC or other applicable Requirements of Law), (B) such Contractual Requirement prohibits such a pledge without the consent of any other party other than if (1) such other party is a Credit Party or a Subsidiary, (2) such consent is solely contingent or conditioned upon a commercially reasonable undertaking by the Borrower or any Subsidiary which is in its reasonable control or (3) such consent has been obtained (it being understood that this clause (3) shall not be deemed to obligate the Borrower or any Subsidiary to obtain any such consent) and only for so long as such Contractual Requirement is in effect, or (C) a pledge thereof to secure the Obligations would give any other party (other than a Credit Party or a Subsidiary) to such Contractual Requirement the right to terminate its obligations thereunder (in each case under clauses (A), (B) and (C), other than customary non-assignment provisions that are ineffective under the UCC or other applicable Requirement of Law), (d) the Equity Interests of any Unrestricted Subsidiary, (e) Margin Stock and (f) solely in the case of any pledge of Equity Interests of any CFC or FSHCO to secure the Obligations, any Equity Interests in excess of sixty-five percent (65%) of the outstanding Voting Equity of such CFC or FSHCO (such percentages to be adjusted upon any change of law as may be required to avoid adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any direct or indirect owner of the Borrower). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, none of the Equity Interests of a Subsidiary Guarantor shall be Excluded Equity Interests.
Excluded Subsidiary shall mean (a) each Immaterial Subsidiary, for so long as any such Subsidiary constitutes an Immaterial Subsidiary pursuant to the terms hereof, (b) each Domestic Subsidiary that is not a Wholly owned Subsidiary (for so long as such Subsidiary remains a non-Wholly owned Subsidiary), (c) each Domestic Subsidiary that is prohibited by any applicable Contractual Requirement (other than (x) with respect to any Wholly owned Subsidiary, the applicable Organization Documents and (y) customary non-assignment provisions that are ineffective under the UCC or other applicable Requirement of Law or any term, covenant, condition or provision that would be waived by the Borrower or its Affiliates) not entered into in contemplation of this Agreement or of such Subsidiary becoming a Subsidiary or a Restricted Subsidiary or Requirement of Law from guaranteeing or granting Liens to secure the Obligations at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary or Restricted Subsidiary, and for so long as such restriction is in effect and was not entered into in contemplation of this Agreement or such Person becoming a Subsidiary or a Restricted Subsidiary or that would require a consent, approval, license or authorization of a Governmental Authority to guarantee or grant Liens to secure the Obligations at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary or a Restricted Subsidiary (unless such consent, approval, license or authorization has been received), (d) (i) any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Borrower that is a FSHCO or CFC and (ii) any direct or indirect Subsidiary of a Subsidiary of the Borrower that is a CFC and (e) each Unrestricted Subsidiary. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, no Excluded Subsidiary shall own Borrowing Base Properties or incur or guarantee any obligations under any Material Indebtedness.
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Excluded Swap Obligation shall mean with respect to any Guarantor, any Hedging Obligation if, and to the extent that, and only for so long as, all or a portion of the guarantee of such Guarantor of, or the grant by such Guarantor of a security interest to secure, as applicable, such Hedging Obligation (or any guarantee thereof) is or becomes illegal or unlawful 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) or any other applicable Requirement of Law. If a Hedging Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one Hedge Agreement, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Hedging Obligation that is attributable to Hedge Agreements for which such guarantee or security interest is or becomes illegal.
Excluded Taxes shall mean any (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrower under Section 13.7) or (ii) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 5.4 amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lenders assignor immediately before such Lender became a party hereto or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office, (c) Taxes attributable to such recipients failure to comply with Section 5.4(f) and (d) any withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA, in each case of the foregoing clauses (a)-(d), which Taxes are imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient.
Existing Credit Agreement means that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 4, 2023, among the Borrower, BOKF, NA, as Administrative Agent and LC Issuer (as each such term is defined therein) and the lenders party thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the date hereof.
Expected Cure Amount shall have the meaning provided in Section 11.13(a)(iii).
Facility shall mean this Agreement and the Commitments and the extensions of credit made hereunder.
Fair Market Value shall mean, with respect to any asset or group of assets on any date of determination, the value of the consideration obtainable in a Disposition of such asset at such date of determination assuming a Disposition by a willing seller to a willing purchaser dealing at arms length and arranged in an orderly manner over a reasonable period of time having regard to the nature and characteristics of such asset, as reasonably determined by the Borrower in good faith.
Farm-In Agreement shall mean an agreement, joint venture or contractual relationship whereby a Person agrees, among other things, to pay all or a share of the drilling, completion or other expenses of one or more wells or perform the drilling, completion or other operation on such well or wells as all or a part of the consideration provided in exchange for an ownership interest in an Oil and Gas Property or which has been formed for the purpose of exploring for and/or developing Oil and Gas Properties, where each of the parties thereto has either contributed or agreed to contribute cash, services, Oil and Gas Properties, other assets, or any combination of the foregoing.
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Farm-Out Agreement shall mean a Farm-In Agreement, viewed from the standpoint of the party that grants to another party the right to earn an ownership interest in an Oil and Gas Property.
FATCA shall mean Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version to the extent it is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code, and any applicable intergovernmental agreement, treaty or convention with respect to the foregoing (including any legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to such agreement, treaty or convention).
February 2025 Reserve Report shall have the meaning provided in Section 9.13(a).
Federal Funds Rate shall mean, for any day, the weighted average of the per annum rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by federal funds brokers on such day, as published on the next succeeding Business Day on the Federal Reserve Bank of New Yorks Website or, (a) if such rate is not so published for any date that is a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the immediately preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day and 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 on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent; provided that if the Federal Funds Rate as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for the purposes of this Agreement.
Federal Reserve Bank of New Yorks Website shall mean the website of the NYFRB at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source.
Financial Officer of any Person shall mean the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, principal accounting officer, Controller, Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer of such Person.
Financial Performance Covenants shall mean the covenants of the Borrower set forth in Section 10.11.
Flood Insurance Regulations shall mean (a) the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, (b) the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, (c) the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 (amending 42 USC § 4001, et seq.), as the same may be amended or recodified from time to time or any successor statute thereto, (d) the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, and (e) the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, together with all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing, implementing or interpreting any of the foregoing, as amended or modified from time to time.
Floor shall mean a rate of interest equal to zero percent (0.00%) per annum.
Foreign Lender shall mean a Lender that is not a U.S. Person.
Foreign Plan shall mean any employee benefit plan, program, policy, arrangement or agreement maintained or contributed to by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to employees employed outside the United States.
Foreign Subsidiary shall mean each Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Domestic Subsidiary.
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Free Cash Flow shall mean, for any Test Period, Consolidated EBITDAX of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries minus the increase (or plus the decrease) in non-cash Working Capital (without duplication of any working capital changes already considered elsewhere and excluding the Available Commitment from the calculation of Consolidated Current Assets) from the previous Test Period minus the sum, in each case without duplication, of the following amounts in respect of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period: (a) voluntary and scheduled cash prepayments and repayments of Indebtedness (other than the Loans) which cannot be reborrowed pursuant to the terms of such Indebtedness (other than any repayments of Other Debt and other transactions contemplated by Section 10.7(a)(iii)), (b) cash paid for capital expenditures, (c)(i) cash payments for amounts described in clauses (i) and (ii) of the definition of Consolidated Interest Expense minus (ii) amounts described in clause (iii) of the definition of Consolidated Interest Expense, (d) income and franchise taxes paid in cash by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, (e) exploration expenses paid in cash, (f)(i) Investments made in cash during such period (other than those made in reliance on Section 10.5(i)) and (ii) Restricted Payments made in cash during such period (other than those made in reliance on Section 10.6(i)) and (g) to the extent not included in the foregoing and added back in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDAX, any other cash charge that reduces the earnings of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, except (i) in the case of each of the forgoing clauses in this definition, to the extent financed with proceeds of any Qualified Equity Interests (excluding any Cure Amount) and (ii) in the case of the foregoing clauses (a), (b), (e), and (f)(i) (except to the extent made in reliance on Section 10.5(k)), to the extent financed with long term Indebtedness permitted in the Credit Documents (other than the Loans), plus aggregate Net Cash Proceeds from Dispositions not required to be applied to repay the Loans under Section 5.2 so long as no Loans are outstanding at the time of determination of Free Cash Flow.
Free Cash Flow Utilizations shall mean each of the following transactions that occur in reliance on clause (a)(iv) of the definition of Restricted Payment Conditions: (a) Investments made in reliance on Section 10.5(i) and clause (a) of the definition of Restricted Payment Conditions, (b) Investments made in reliance on Section 10.5(aa) and clause (a) of the definition of Restricted Payment Conditions, (c) Restricted Payments made in reliance on Section 10.6(i) and clause (a) of the definition of Restricted Payment Conditions and (d) repayments of Other Debt and other transactions contemplated by Section 10.7(a)(iii).
Fronting Fee shall have the meaning provided in Section 4.1(c).
FSHCO shall mean any Domestic Subsidiary substantially all of the assets of which (either held directly or through one or more subsidiaries) consists of (i) Equity Interests (including instruments treated as equity for U.S. federal income Tax purposes) and/or Indebtedness of one or more (x) CFCs and/or (y) Persons described in clause (i) of this definition and (ii) cash or cash equivalents.
Fund shall mean 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.
GAAP shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, as in effect from time to time; provided, however, that (i) if the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent that the Borrower requests that any provision hereof be applied in a way to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the Closing Date in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of such provision (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith, (ii) GAAP shall
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be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made, without giving effect to any election under Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 825 (or any other Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any Indebtedness or other liabilities of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries at fair value, as defined therein, and Indebtedness shall be measured at the aggregate principal amount thereof, and (iii) the accounting for operating leases and capital leases shall be determined in compliance with the definition of Capitalized Lease.
Governmental Authority shall mean any nation, sovereign or government, any state, province, city, territory or other political subdivision thereof, and any entity or authority exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, including a central bank or stock exchange (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank) and any port authority.
Granting Lender shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.6(g).
Guarantee shall mean that certain Guarantee dated as of the date hereof, by the Borrower and the Guarantors from time to time party thereto in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, substantially in the form of Exhibit C.
Guarantee Obligations shall mean, as to any Person, any obligation of such Person guaranteeing or intended to guarantee any Indebtedness of any other Person (the primary obligor) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent, (a) to purchase any such Indebtedness or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor, (b) to advance or supply funds (i) for the purchase or payment of any such Indebtedness or (ii) to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain financial condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness, (c) to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such Indebtedness of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such Indebtedness or (d) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the owner of such Indebtedness against loss in respect thereof; provided, however, that the term Guarantee Obligations shall not include endorsements of instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business or customary and reasonable indemnity obligations in effect on the Closing Date or entered into in connection with any acquisition or Disposition of assets permitted under this Agreement (other than such obligations with respect to Indebtedness). The amount of any Guarantee Obligation shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the Indebtedness in respect of which such Guarantee Obligation is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by such Person in good faith.
Guarantors shall mean (a) each Restricted Subsidiary listed on Schedule 1.1(c) that becomes a party to the Guarantee on the Closing Date (except to the extent such subsidiary is released from the Guarantee in accordance with the terms hereof); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, each Restricted Subsidiary listed on Schedule 1.1(c) shall be required to become a party to the Guarantee on the Closing Date (other than an Excluded Subsidiary (except to the extent provided below)), and (b) each other Restricted Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary (except to the extent provided below)) that becomes a party to the Guarantee after the Closing Date pursuant to Section 9.10 or otherwise; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the Borrower in its sole discretion may cause any Restricted Subsidiary or any other Person that is not required to be a Guarantor hereunder or pursuant to the Security Documents to provide a Guarantee by causing such Restricted Subsidiary or other Person to execute a Guarantee and such Restricted Subsidiary or other Person, as applicable, shall be a Guarantor and Credit Party for all purposes hereunder except to the extent released from the Guarantee in accordance with the terms hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the terms Guarantor and Credit Party shall not include any Parent Entity that guarantees the Obligations.
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Hazardous Materials shall mean (a) any petroleum or petroleum products, natural gas or natural gas liquids, radioactive materials, friable asbestos, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, polychlorinated biphenyls, and radon gas and (b) any chemicals, materials, substances, or wastes defined as or included in the definition of or otherwise classified or regulated as hazardous substances, hazardous waste, hazardous materials, extremely hazardous waste, restricted hazardous waste, toxic substances, toxic pollutants, contaminants, or pollutants, or words of similar import, under any applicable Environmental Law or that would otherwise reasonably be expected to result in liability under any Environmental Law.
Hedge Agreements shall mean (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, future contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, total return swap, credit spread transaction, repurchase transaction, reserve repurchase transaction, securities lending transaction, weather index transaction, spot contracts, fixed-price physical delivery contracts of crude oil with a tenor ending over ninety (90) days from the date of execution (it being understood that such contracts with a tenor of ninety (90) days or shorter shall not be Hedge Agreements for purposes of this clause (a)), fixed-price physical delivery contracts of natural gas or natural gas liquids with a tenor ending over thirty (30) months from the date of execution (it being understood that such contracts with a tenor of thirty (30) months or shorter shall not be Hedge Agreements for purposes of this clause (a)), in each case whether or not exchange traded, or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., or any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a Master Agreement), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, agreements or obligations to physically sell any commodity at any index-based price shall not be considered Hedge Agreements. For the avoidance of doubt, any agreement entered into in connection with any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction or Permitted Warrant Transaction will not constitute a Hedge Agreement.
Hedge Bank shall mean (a) any Person that (i) at the time it enters into a Hedge Agreement with the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is an Agent, Lender or an Affiliate of an Agent or Lender or (ii) at any time after it has entered into a Hedge Agreement with the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries becomes an Agent, Lender or an Affiliate of an Agent or Lender and (b) solely with respect to the Specified Hedge Agreements, East West Bank.
Hedging Compliance Certificate shall have the meaning provided in Section 9.1(g).
Hedging Obligations shall mean, with respect to any Person, the obligations of such Person under Hedge Agreements.
Highest Lawful Rate shall mean, with respect to each Lender, the maximum nonusurious interest rate, if any, that at any time or from time to time may be contracted for, taken, reserved, charged or received on the Loans under laws applicable to such Lender which are presently in effect or, to the extent allowed by law, under such applicable laws which may hereafter be in effect and which allow a higher maximum nonusurious interest rate than applicable laws allow as of the date hereof.
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Hydrocarbon Interests shall mean all rights, titles, interests and estates now or hereafter acquired in and to oil and gas leases, oil, gas and mineral leases, or other liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon leases, mineral fee interests, overriding royalty and royalty interests, net profit interests and production payment interests, including any reserved or residual interests of whatever nature.
Hydrocarbons shall mean oil, gas, casinghead gas, drip gasoline, natural gasoline, condensate, distillate, liquid hydrocarbons, gaseous hydrocarbons and all products refined or separated therefrom.
ICC shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.8.
ICC Rule shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.8.
Immaterial Subsidiary shall mean any Subsidiary that is not a Material Subsidiary. As of the Closing Date, INR Inc., is the only Immaterial Subsidiary.
Indebtedness of any Person shall mean (a) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments, (c) the deferred purchase price of assets or services that in accordance with GAAP would be included as a liability on the balance sheet of such Person (other than (i) any earn-out obligation until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP, and (ii) obligations resulting under firm transportation contracts, supply agreements, take or pay contracts or other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business), (d) the maximum amount (after giving effect to any prior drawings or reductions which may have been reimbursed) of all outstanding letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds, performance bonds and similar instruments issued or created by or for the account of such Person, (e) the principal component of all obligations in respect of Capitalized Leases of such Person, (f) net Hedging Obligations of such Person, (g) obligations to deliver commodities, goods or services, including Hydrocarbons, in consideration of one or more advance payments received by such Person, made more than one (1) month in advance of the month in which the commodities, good or services are to be delivered, other than obligations relating to net oil, natural gas liquids or natural gas balancing arrangements arising in the ordinary course of business, (h) all indebtedness (excluding prepaid interest thereon) of any other Person secured by any Lien on any property owned by such Person, whether or not such indebtedness has been assumed by such Person or is limited in recourse, (i) the amount of all obligations of such Person with respect to the redemption, repayment or other repurchase in respect of Disqualified Stock (excluding accrued dividends that have not increased the liquidation preference of such Disqualified Stock), (j) the undischarged balance of any Production Payments and Reserve Sales created by such Person or for the creation of which such Person directly or indirectly received payment and (k) without duplication, all Guarantee Obligations of such Person in respect of the items described in clauses (a) through (j) above; provided that Indebtedness shall not include (i) trade and other ordinary-course payables (including payroll) and accrued expenses (which are not more than one hundred twenty (120) days past the due date of payment unless the subject of a good faith dispute, (ii) deferred or prepaid revenues, (iii) purchase price holdbacks in respect of a portion of the purchase price of an asset to satisfy warranty or other unperformed obligations of the respective seller, (iv) in the case of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, all intercompany Indebtedness made in the ordinary course of business, (v) guaranties, bonds and surety obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business and required by governmental requirements in connection with the exploration, development or operation of Oil and Gas Properties, (vi) in-kind obligations relating to net oil, natural gas liquids or natural gas balancing positions arising in the ordinary course of business, (vii) any obligation in respect of a Farm-In Agreement or similar arrangement whereby such Person agrees to pay all or a share of the drilling, completion or other expenses of an exploratory or development well (which agreement may be subject to a maximum payment obligation, after which expenses are shared in accordance with the working or participation interest therein or in accordance with the agreement of the parties) or
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perform the drilling, completion or other operation on such well in exchange for an ownership interest in an oil or gas property, (viii) operating leases or sale and leaseback transactions (except any resulting obligations under any Capitalized Lease), (ix) any Guarantee Obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business to the extent not guaranteeing Indebtedness, (x) [reserved] and (xi) obligations to deliver commodities or pay royalties or other payments in connection with and obligations arising from net profits interests, working interests, overriding, non-participating or other royalty interests or similar real property interests. The amount of any net Hedging Obligations on any date shall be deemed to be the Swap Termination Value thereof as of such date. The amount of Indebtedness of any Person for purposes of clause (h) above shall be deemed to be equal to the lesser of (i) the aggregate unpaid amount of such Indebtedness and (ii) the fair market value of the property encumbered thereby as determined by such Person in good faith. Notwithstanding anything in this definition to the contrary, Indebtedness shall be calculated without giving effect to the effects of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 815 and related interpretations to the extent such effects would otherwise increase or decrease an amount of Indebtedness for any purpose hereunder as a result of accounting for any embedded derivatives created by the terms of such Indebtedness.
Indemnified Liabilities shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.5(b).
Indemnified Taxes shall mean (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower or any Guarantor under any Credit Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in clause (a), Other Taxes.
Indemnitees shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.5(b).
Industry Investments shall mean Investments and/or expenditures made in the ordinary course of, and of a nature that is or shall have become customary in, the Energy Business as a means of actively engaging therein through agreements, transactions, interests or arrangements that permit one to share risks or costs, comply with regulatory requirements regarding local ownership or satisfy other objectives customarily achieved through the conduct of Energy Business jointly with third parties, including: (1) direct ownership interests in Oil and Gas Properties or gathering, transportation, processing, or related systems or assets or other interests related to Energy Business; and (2) Investments and/or expenditures in the form of or pursuant to operating agreements, processing agreements, Farm-In Agreements, Farm-Out Agreements, development agreements, area of mutual interest agreements, unitization agreements, pooling arrangements, joint bidding agreements, service contracts, joint venture agreements, carbon management agreements and other similar agreements (including for limited liability companies) with third parties (other than a joint venture in the form of a partnership, corporation or limited liability company).
Information shall have the meaning provided in Section 8.8(a).
Initial Reserve Report shall mean the reserve engineers report evaluating the Proved Developed Producing Reserves of the Credit Parties prepared by an Approved Petroleum Engineer as of December 31, 2023, delivered to the Administrative Agent prior to the date hereof.
INR Inc. shall mean Infinity Natural Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
Intercompany Note shall mean a promissory note substantially in the form of Exhibit J hereto.
Interest Period shall mean, with respect to any Loan, the interest period applicable thereto, as determined pursuant to Section 2.9.
Interim Redetermination shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.14(b).
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Investment shall have the meaning provided in Section 10.5.
Investment Grade Rating shall mean a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moodys and BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P, or an equivalent rating by any other rating agency selected by the Borrower.
IPO Vehicle shall mean (a) an entity formed or designated for the purpose of facilitating an issuance or sale of common equity interests (which represent an indirect economic and/or voting interest in the Borrower or a Parent Entity and through which investors shall indirectly hold their equity interests in the Borrower or a Parent Entity) in an underwritten public offering (other than a public offering pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8) pursuant to an effective registration statement filed with the SEC in accordance with the Securities Act (whether alone or in connection with a secondary public offering) and such equity interests are listed on a nationally-recognized stock exchange in the U.S. and (b) any Wholly owned Subsidiary of the entity referred to in clause (a) above other than a Parent Entity or any Subsidiary of a Parent Entity (unless the entity in clause (a) is a Parent Entity, in which case other than the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof).
IRS shall mean the United States Internal Revenue Service.
ISP shall mean, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the International Standby Practices 1998 published by the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance).
ISP 98 shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.8.
Issuer Documents shall mean, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the Letter of Credit Application, and any other document, agreement and instrument entered into by the applicable Issuing Bank and the Borrower (or any Restricted Subsidiary) or in favor of the applicable Issuing Bank and relating to such Letter of Credit.
Issuing Bank shall mean (a) each of Citi, Bank of America, N.A., BOKF, NA, Capital One, National Association, Fifth Third Bank, National Association, Royal Bank of Canada, Truist Bank, U.S. Bank National Association and any of their respective Affiliates and (b) if requested by the Borrower and reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, any other Person who is a Lender at the time of such request and who accepts such appointment (it being understood that, if any such Person ceases to be a Lender hereunder, such Person will remain an Issuing Bank with respect to any Letter of Credit issued by such Person that remained outstanding as of the date such Person ceased to be a Lender). References herein and in the other Credit Documents to an Issuing Bank shall be deemed to refer to the Issuing Bank in respect of the applicable Letter of Credit or to all Issuing Banks, as the context requires. Any Lender may, from time to time, become an Issuing Bank under this Agreement with the protections and rights afforded to Issuing Banks hereunder by executing a joinder, in a form reasonably satisfactory to (and acknowledged and accepted by) the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, indicating such Lenders Letter of Credit Commitment and upon the execution and delivery of any such joinder, such Lender shall be an Issuing Bank for all purposes hereof.
L/C Borrowing shall mean an extension of credit resulting from a drawing under any Letter of Credit which has not been reimbursed on the date when made or refinanced as a Borrowing. All L/C Borrowings shall be denominated in Dollars.
L/C Maturity Date shall mean the date that is five (5) Business Days prior to the Maturity Date.
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L/C Obligations shall mean, as at any date of determination, the aggregate amount available to be drawn under all outstanding Letters of Credit plus the aggregate of all Unpaid Drawings, including all L/C Borrowings. For all purposes of this Agreement, if on any date of determination a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of Rule 3.14 of the ISP, such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be outstanding in the amount so remaining available to be drawn.
L/C Participant shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.3(a).
L/C Participation shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.3(a).
Lender shall have the meaning provided in the introductory paragraph hereto. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term Lenders includes the Issuing Banks. For avoidance of doubt, each Additional Lender shall be deemed a Lender for purposes of this Agreement and each other Credit Document.
Lender Default shall mean (i) the refusal (which may be given verbally or in writing and has not been retracted) or failure of any Lender to make available its portion of any incurrence of Loans or participations in Letters of Credit or reimbursement obligations required to be made by it, which refusal or failure is not cured within one (1) Business Day after the date of such refusal or failure, unless such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing that such failure is the result of such Lenders determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding (each of which conditions precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing) has not been satisfied; (ii) the failure of any Lender to pay over to the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within two (2) Business Days of the date when due; (iii) a Lender has notified the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or any Issuing Bank in writing that it does not intend or expect to comply with any of its funding obligations, or has made a public statement to that effect with respect to its funding obligations under the Facility (unless such writing or public statement relates to such Lenders obligation to fund a Loan hereunder and states that such position is based on such Lenders determination that a condition precedent to funding (which condition precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing or public statement) cannot be satisfied); (iv) a Lender has failed, within three (3) Business Days after a written request by the Administrative Agent, to confirm in writing that it will comply with its funding obligations under the Facility (provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (iv) upon receipt of such written confirmation by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower) or (v) a Distressed Person has admitted in writing that it is insolvent or such Distressed Person becomes subject to a Lender-Related Distress Event or a Bail-In Action. Any determination by the Administrative Agent that a Lender Default has occurred under any one or more of clauses (i) through (v) above shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and the applicable Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender upon delivery of written notice of such determination to the Borrower, each Issuing Bank and each Lender.
Lender-Related Distress Event shall mean, with respect to any Lender, that such Lender or any Person that directly or indirectly controls such Lender (each, a Distressed Person), as the case may be, is or becomes subject to a voluntary or involuntary case with respect to such Distressed Person under any Debtor Relief Law, or a custodian, conservator, receiver or similar official is appointed for such Distressed Person or any substantial part of such Distressed Persons assets, or such Distressed Person or any Person that directly or indirectly controls such Distressed Person is subject to a forced liquidation, or such Distressed Person makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or is otherwise adjudicated as, or determined by any Governmental Authority having regulatory authority over such Distressed Person or its assets to be, insolvent or bankrupt; provided that a Lender-Related Distress Event shall not be deemed to have occurred solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any equity interests in any Lender or any Person that directly or indirectly controls such Lender by a Governmental Authority or an instrumentality
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thereof, so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Lender (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Lender.
Letter of Credit shall mean (a) any standby letter of credit issued pursuant to this Agreement and (b) at the election of Borrower by written notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the closing date of an acquisition of Equity Interests of a Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary that is permitted under this Agreement (which written notice shall, with respect to each letter of credit covered thereby, specify (i) the date on which such letter of credit is to expire (which shall comply with Section 3.1(b)), (ii) the amount of such letter of credit, (iii) the name and address of the beneficiary thereof and (iv) the amount of the then-effective Borrowing Base, the amount of the then-effective Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount, the current aggregate Total Exposures of all Lenders (without regard to such letters of credit) and the pro forma aggregate Total Exposures of all Lenders (giving effect to the deemed issuance or inclusion of such letters of credit as Letters of Credit hereunder), any outstanding letters of credit issued for the account of such Person under any credit facilities of such Person that are terminated on or prior to the applicable acquisition closing date may be deemed to be Letters of Credit hereunder from and after such acquisition closing date; provided that (1) each such letter of credit was issued by an Issuing Bank, including any entity that becomes an Issuing Bank on such date, and the aggregate stated amount of such letters of credit, when added to the stated amount of all other Letters of Credit issued (or deemed issued) by such Issuing Bank, would not result in such Issuing Banks Letter of Credit Commitment being exceeded (unless such Issuing Bank so consents), (2) the aggregate stated amount of such letters of credit, when added to the aggregate stated amount of all other Letters of Credit outstanding, does not exceed the Letter of Credit Commitment, (3) the Total Exposures do not exceed the Total Commitment (after giving effect to the deemed issuance or inclusion of such letters of credit as Letters of Credit hereunder), (4) such letters of credit would be permitted to be issued under Section 2.08 on the date such letters of credit are to be deemed issued or included as Letters of Credit hereunder and otherwise satisfy all of the other terms and conditions contained in Section 3.1(a) and applicable to Letters of Credit issued under this Agreement and (5) the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank of such letter of credit has approved in writing the deemed issuance or inclusion of such letter of credit as a Letter of Credit under this Agreement.
Letter of Credit Application shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.2(a).
Letter of Credit Commitment shall mean the lesser of (x) ten percent (10%) of the then effective Borrowing Base, as the same may be reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 3.1 and (y) the Total Commitment; provided, that to the extent any Letters of Credit are outstanding as of any date on which the Borrowing Base is decreased, the Letter of Credit Commitment shall not decrease below the lesser of (a) the amount of the Letters of Credit Outstanding as of such date and (b) the aggregate Commitments (after giving effect to such Borrowing Base decrease); provided further that the Letter of Credit Commitment with respect to Letters of Credit shall be allocated to the Issuing Banks in accordance with the following table:
Issuing Bank |
Letter of Credit Commitment | |
Citi |
$4,804,347.83 | |
Bank of America, N.A. |
$3,956,521.74 | |
BOKF, NA |
$3,956,521.74 |
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Capital One, National Association |
$3,956,521.74 | |
Fifth Third Bank, National Association |
$3,956,521.74 | |
Royal Bank of Canada |
$3,956,521.74 | |
Truist Bank |
$3,956,521.74 | |
U.S. Bank National Association |
$3,956,521.74 |
Letter of Credit Exposure shall mean, with respect to any Lender, at any time, the sum of (a) the principal amount of any Unpaid Drawings in respect of which such Lender has made (or is required to have made) payments to the applicable Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 3.4(a) at such time and (b) such Lenders Commitment Percentage of the Letters of Credit Outstanding at such time (excluding the portion thereof consisting of Unpaid Drawings in respect of which the Lenders have made (or are required to have made) payments to the applicable Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 3.4(a)) minus the amount of cash or deposit account balances held by the Administrative Agent to Cash Collateralize outstanding Letters of Credit and Unpaid Drawings under Section 3.7.
Letter of Credit Fee shall have the meaning provided in Section 4.1(b).
Letters of Credit Outstanding shall mean, at any time, the sum of, without duplication, (a) the aggregate Stated Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit and (b) the aggregate principal amount of all Unpaid Drawings in respect of all Letters of Credit.
Leverage Ratio Covenant shall mean the covenant of the Borrower set forth in Section 10.11(a).
Lien shall mean, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, preferred mortgage, deed of trust, lien, notice of claim of lien, hypothecation, pledge, charge, security interest or similar encumbrance in or on such asset, (b) production payments and the like payable out of Oil and Gas Properties or (c) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset; provided that in no event shall an operating lease be deemed to be a Lien under GAAP.
Loan Limit Deficiency occurs if, at any time, the aggregate Total Exposure of all Lenders exceeds the Total Commitment then in effect. The amount of the Loan Limit Deficiency is the amount by which the aggregate Total Exposure of all Lenders exceeds the Total Commitment then in effect.
Loans shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.1(a).
Majority Lenders shall mean, at any date, (a) Non-Defaulting Lenders having or holding more than fifty percent (50.0%) of the Adjusted Total Commitment at such date, or (b) if the Total Commitment has been terminated or for the purposes of acceleration pursuant to Section 11, Non-Defaulting Lenders having or holding more than fifty percent (50.0%) of the outstanding principal amount of the Loans and Letter of Credit Exposure (excluding the Loans and Letter of Credit Exposure of Defaulting Lenders) in the aggregate at such date.
Manufactured (Mobile) Home shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the applicable Flood Insurance Regulation.
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Margin Stock shall have the meaning assigned to such terms in Regulation U.
Master Agreement shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of Hedge Agreements.
Material Adverse Effect shall mean a circumstance or condition affecting the business, assets, operations, properties or financial condition of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, that, individually or in the aggregate, would materially adversely affect (a) the business, assets, operations, properties or financial condition of the Borrower and the other Credit Parties, taken as a whole, (b) the ability of the Borrower and the other Credit Parties, taken as a whole, to perform their material obligations under the Credit Documents, or (c) the rights and remedies of the Agents and the Lenders under the Credit Documents.
Material Indebtedness shall mean any Indebtedness (other than Loans and Letters of Credit) of any one or more of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in an aggregate principal amount exceeding the Threshold Amount.
Material Subsidiary shall mean, at any date of determination (a) each Wholly owned Subsidiary (directly or indirectly) that is a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower such that the Consolidated Total Assets of the Immaterial Subsidiaries (when combined with the assets of each such Subsidiarys Subsidiaries, after eliminating intercompany obligations) at the last day of the Test Period for which financial statements have been delivered, or required to be delivered, pursuant to Section 9.1(a) or Section 9.1(b) are equal to or less than five percent (5.0%) of the Consolidated Total Assets of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries at such date, determined in accordance with GAAP and (b) any Subsidiary that (x) owns any Borrowing Base Properties or (y) incurs or guarantees any obligations under any Material Indebtedness.
Maturity Date shall mean September 25, 2028.
Maximum Credit Amount shall mean, as to each Lender, the amount set forth opposite such Lenders name on Schedule 1.1(a) under the caption Maximum Credit Amounts, as the same may be (a) reduced or terminated from time to time in connection with a reduction or termination of the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts pursuant to Section 2.16(b), (b) modified from time to time pursuant to Section 2.16(c) or (c) increased, created or modified from time to time pursuant to any assignment permitted by Section 13.6(b) or amendment or other modification to this Agreement.
Minimum Borrowing Amount shall mean, with respect to any Borrowing of Loans, $500,000 (or, if less, the entire remaining Commitments at the time of such Borrowing).
Minimum Hedging Requirement Date shall have the meaning provided in Section 9.17(a).
Minority Investment shall mean any Person (other than a Subsidiary) in which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary owns Equity Interests.
Moodys shall mean Moodys Investors Service, Inc. or any successor by merger or consolidation to its business.
Mortgage shall mean a mortgage or a deed of trust, deed to secure debt, trust deed, assignment of as-extracted collateral, fixture filing or other security document entered into by the owner of a Mortgaged Property and the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties in respect of that Mortgaged Property, substantially in the form of Exhibit D (with such changes thereto as may be necessary to account
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for local law matters) or otherwise in such form as agreed between the Borrower and the Collateral Agent; provided, that any Mortgage encumbering Oil and Gas Properties shall exclude any Building or Manufactured (Mobile) Home (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the contents thereof) that is located on any such Oil and Gas Property covered by (or intended to be covered by) such Mortgage.
Mortgaged Property shall mean, at any time, all Borrowing Base Properties with respect to which a Mortgage has been granted and/or which are subject to an Acceptable Security Interest, in each case, pursuant to the Credit Documents. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement or any other Credit Document to the contrary, in no event is any Building or Manufactured (Mobile) Home included in this definition and no Building or Manufactured (Mobile) Home is hereby encumbered by this Agreement or any other Credit Document.
Multiemployer Plan shall mean a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.
Necessary Cure Amount shall have the meaning provided in Section 11.13(a)(iii).
Net Cash Proceeds shall mean (a) with respect to any Disposition, the cash proceeds thereof (including cash proceeds subsequently received (as and when received) in respect of noncash consideration initially received), net of, in respect of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries (i) selling expenses (including reasonable brokers fees or commissions, legal, accounting and investment banking fees and expenses, title insurance premiums, survey costs, transfer and similar taxes and the Borrowers good faith estimate of income or similar taxes and (without duplication) Permitted Tax Distributions that are or will be paid or payable in connection with such sale), (ii) amounts provided as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities under any indemnification obligations or purchase price adjustment associated with such Disposition (provided that, to the extent and at the time any such amounts are released from such reserve, such amounts shall constitute Net Cash Proceeds), and (iii) the principal amount, premium or penalty, if any, interest and other amounts on any Indebtedness permitted hereunder that is secured by a Lien permitted hereunder (other than any Lien pursuant to a Security Document) on the asset disposed of in such Disposition and required to be repaid with such proceeds (other than any such Indebtedness assumed by the purchaser of such asset), (b) with respect to any Casualty Event, the cash proceeds received pursuant to any casualty insurance policy in respect of a covered loss thereunder of any assets of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, net of any actual out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with the adjustment, settlement or collection of any claims of the Borrower or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary in respect thereof and the Borrowers good faith estimate of income or similar taxes and (without duplication) Permitted Tax Distributions that are or will be paid or payable in connection with such Casualty Event and (c) with respect to any issuance or incurrence of Indebtedness, the cash proceeds thereof, net of all taxes and attorneys fees, accountants fees, underwriters or placement agents fees, listing fees, commissions and brokerage, consultant and other customary fees and charges actually incurred by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such issuance.
New Borrowing Base Notice shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.14(d).
Non-Consenting Lender shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.7(b).
Non-Defaulting Lender shall mean and include each Lender other than a Defaulting Lender.
Non-Extension Notice Date shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.2(b).
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Notes shall mean the promissory notes of the Borrower described in Section 2.5(e) and being substantially in the form of Exhibit G, together with all amendments, modifications, replacements, extensions and rearrangements thereof.
Notice of Borrowing shall mean a request of the Borrower in accordance with the terms of Section 2.3(a) and substantially in the form of Exhibit B or such other form as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent (acting reasonably).
Notice of Conversion or Continuation shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.6(a).
NYFRB shall mean the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Obligations shall mean all advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, any Credit Party arising under any Credit Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan or Letter of Credit or under any Secured Cash Management Agreement or Secured Hedge Agreement, in each case, entered into with the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Credit Party or any Affiliate thereof in any proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency law naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Obligations of the Credit Parties under the Credit Documents (and any of their Restricted Subsidiaries to the extent they have obligations under the Credit Documents) include the obligation (including Guarantee Obligations) to pay principal, interest, charges, expenses, fees, attorney costs, indemnities and other amounts payable by any Credit Party under any Credit Document. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) Excluded Swap Obligations shall not constitute Obligations, (b) the obligations of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary under any Secured Hedge Agreement and under any Secured Cash Management Agreement shall be secured and guaranteed pursuant to the Security Documents and the Guarantee only to the extent that, and for so long as, the other Obligations are so secured and guaranteed and (c) any release of Collateral or Guarantors effected in the manner permitted by this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, except as otherwise provided herein, shall not require the consent of the holders of Hedging Obligations under Secured Hedge Agreements or of the holders of Cash Management Obligations under Secured Cash Management Agreements.
OFAC shall mean the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Oil and Gas Properties shall mean (a) Hydrocarbon Interests, (b) the properties now or hereafter pooled or unitized with Hydrocarbon Interests, (c) all presently existing or future unitization agreements, pooling agreements and declarations of pooled or unitized units and the units created thereby (including all units created under orders, regulations and rules of any Governmental Authority) which may affect all or any portion of any Hydrocarbon Interests, (d) all operating agreements, contracts and other agreements, including production sharing contracts and agreements, which relate to any Hydrocarbon Interests or the production, sale, purchase, exchange or processing of Hydrocarbons from or attributable to such Hydrocarbon Interests, (e) all Hydrocarbons in and under and which may be produced and saved or attributable to Hydrocarbon Interests, including all oil in tanks, and all rents, issues, profits, proceeds, products, revenues and other incomes from or attributable to Hydrocarbon Interests, (f) all tenements, hereditaments, appurtenances and properties in any manner appertaining, belonging, affixed or incidental to Hydrocarbon Interests and (g) all properties, rights, titles, interests and estates described or referred to above, including any and all property, real or personal, now owned or hereafter acquired and situated upon, used, held for use or useful in connection with the operating, working or development of any Hydrocarbon Interests or property (excluding drilling rigs, automotive equipment, rental equipment or other personal property which may be on such premises for the purpose of drilling a well or for other similar temporary
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uses) and including any and all oil wells, gas wells, injection wells or other wells, structures, fuel separators, liquid extraction plants, plant compressors, pumps, pumping units, field gathering systems, gas processing plants and pipeline systems, power and cogeneration facilities, steam flood facilities and any related infrastructure to any thereof, tanks and tank batteries, fixtures, valves, fittings, machinery and parts, engines, boilers, meters, apparatus, equipment, appliances, tools, implements, cables, wires, towers, casing, tubing and rods, surface leases, rights-of-way, easements and servitudes together with all additions, substitutions, replacements, accessions and attachments to any and all of the foregoing.
Ongoing Hedges shall have the meaning provided in Section 10.10(a).
Organization Documents shall mean (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.
Other Connection Taxes shall mean, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising solely from such Recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced under any Credit Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan, Commitment or any other interest under any Credit Document).
Other Debt shall have the meaning provided in Section 10.7(a).
Other Parent shall mean a Person (which may be an IPO Vehicle) of which the Borrower is or becomes a Subsidiary after the Closing Date that is designated by the Borrower as an Other Parent; provided that either (x) immediately after the Borrower first becomes a Subsidiary of such Person, more than 50.0% of the Voting Equity of such Person shall be held by one or more Persons that held more than 50.0% of the Voting Equity of the Borrower or a Parent Entity of the Borrower immediately prior to the Borrower first becoming such Subsidiary, (y) such Person shall be deemed not to be an Other Parent for the purpose of determining whether a Change of Control shall have occurred by reason of the Borrower first becoming a Subsidiary of such Person or (z) in the case of an IPO Vehicle, no Change of Control shall have occurred in treating such IPO Vehicle as if it were a Parent Entity both before and after giving effect to the Borrower becoming a Subsidiary of such IPO Vehicle. The Borrower shall not in any event be deemed to be a Parent Entity.
Other Taxes shall mean all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Credit Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 13.7(a)).
Overnight Rate shall mean, for any day, the greater of (a) the Federal Funds Rate and (b) an overnight rate determined by the Administrative Agent or the applicable Issuing Bank, as the case may be, in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.
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Parent Entity shall mean any Other Parent and any other Person that is a Subsidiary of any Other Parent and of which the Borrower is a Subsidiary, in each case, solely for so long as the Borrower remains a Subsidiary of such Person.
Participant shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.6(c)(i).
Participant Register shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.6(c)(ii).
Patriot Act shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.18.
Payment in Full shall mean the day the Total Commitment and each Letter of Credit have terminated (unless such Letters of Credit have been collateralized on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to each applicable Issuing Bank following the termination of the Total Commitment) and the Loans and Unpaid Drawings, together with interest, fees and all other Obligations incurred hereunder (other than contingent indemnification obligations not then due and payable and Cash Management Obligations under Secured Cash Management Agreements) and Hedging Obligations under Secured Hedge Agreements (except as to which arrangements satisfactory to the applicable Hedge Bank shall have been made), are paid in full in cash and all transactions thereunder terminated.
Payment Recipient shall have the meaning provided in Section 12.15(a).
PBGC shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation established pursuant to Section 4002 of ERISA, or any successor thereto.
Pension Plan shall mean any employee pension benefit plan (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, that is subject to Title IV of ERISA and is sponsored or maintained by any Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate or to which any Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate contributes or has an obligation to contribute, or in the case of a multiple employer or other plan described in Section 4064(a) of ERISA, has made contributions at any time during the immediately preceding six (6) years.
Periodic Term SOFR Determination Day shall have the meaning specified in the definition of Term SOFR.
Permitted Acquisition shall mean the acquisition, by merger or otherwise, by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries of assets (including any assets constituting a business unit, line of business or division) or Equity Interests, so long as (a) if such acquisition involves the acquisition of Equity Interests of a Person that upon such acquisition would become a Subsidiary, such acquisition shall result in the issuer of such Equity Interests becoming a Restricted Subsidiary and, to the extent required by Section 9.10, a Guarantor; (b) such acquisition shall result in the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, being granted a security interest in any Equity Interests or any assets so acquired to the extent required by Section 9.10; (c) immediately after giving effect to such acquisition, the Restricted Payment Conditions shall have been satisfied; and (d) immediately after giving effect to such acquisition, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall be in compliance with Section 10.13.
Permitted Additional Debt shall mean any Permitted Convertible Debt, any Disqualified Stock and any unsecured senior, unsecured senior subordinated or unsecured subordinated loans or notes issued by the Borrower or a Guarantor after the Closing Date (a) the terms of which do not provide for any scheduled repayment, mandatory redemption or sinking fund obligation prior to the 181st day after the Maturity Date (other than customary offers to purchase upon a change of control (including customary offers to repurchase any Permitted Convertible Debt in connection with fundamental change), AHYDO
35
payments, customary asset sale or casualty or condemnation event prepayments and customary acceleration rights after an event of default prior to the 181st day after the Maturity Date, any right of any holder of any Permitted Convertible Debt to convert, exchange or exercise such Permitted Convertible Debt, or any actual conversion, exchange or exercise of any Permitted Convertible Debt, in each case into or for common stock or other common equity interests of the Borrower and/or cash (in an amount determined by reference to the price of such common stock or other common equity interest), any optional right of the issuer of Permitted Convertible Debt to call such Permitted Convertible Debt for redemption or in the case of any loans or notes or other Indebtedness that are convertible into Qualified Equity Interests (including any Permitted Convertible Debt), payments in respect of any fractional shares that would otherwise be issued upon such conversion) and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Facility, if applicable, (b) if such Indebtedness is subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations, the terms of such Indebtedness provide for customary subordination of such Indebtedness to the Obligations and is subject to a Subordination Agreement, (c) no Subsidiary of the Borrower (other than a Guarantor) is a borrower or guarantor with respect to such Indebtedness, (d) that does not restrict, by its terms, the prepayment or repayment of the Obligations, (e) the covenants, events of default, guarantees and other terms of which (other than interest rate, fees, funding discounts and redemption or prepayment premiums reasonably determined by the Borrower to be market rates, fees, discounts and premiums at the time of issuance or incurrence of any such Indebtedness), taken as a whole, shall be customary for high yield debt securities (or in the case of any Permitted Convertible Debt, taken as a whole, shall be customary for convertible debt securities of such nature) and are determined by the Borrower to be no more restrictive on or less favorable to the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries than the terms of this Agreement (as in effect at the time of such issuance or incurrence), taken as a whole, except to the extent this Agreement is amended to incorporate any terms more restrictive than this Agreement and (f) shall not include any financial maintenance covenants nor prohibit prior repayment or prepayment of the Loans; provided that a certificate of an Authorized Officer of the Borrower delivered to the Administrative Agent at least five (5) Business Days prior to the incurrence or issuance of such Indebtedness (or such later date as may be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent), together with a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of such Indebtedness or drafts of the documentation relating thereto, stating that the Borrower has determined in good faith that such terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirements shall be conclusive evidence that such terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirements.
Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction(s) means any call or capped call option (or substantively equivalent derivative transaction) entered into by the Borrower in connection with the issuance of any Permitted Convertible Debt and requiring the counterparty thereto to deliver to the Borrower (i) shares of common stock of the Borrower (or other securities or property following a merger event or other change of the common stock of the Borrower), (ii) the cash value thereof or (iii) a combination thereof, in each case, from time to time upon exercise of such option; provided that (a) the purchase price for such Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction, less the proceeds received by the Borrower from the sale of any related Permitted Warrant Transaction, does not exceed the net proceeds received by the Borrower from the sale of such Permitted Convertible Debt issued in connection with the Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction and (b) the terms, conditions and covenants of each such transaction shall be such as are reasonable and customary for transactions of such type (as determined by Borrower in good faith and in its reasonable discretion).
Permitted Convertible Debt means Indebtedness that is either (i) convertible into a fixed number (subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, make-whole increases and other customary changes thereto) of shares of common stock of Borrower (and cash in lieu of fractional shares) (or other securities or property following a merger event or other change of the common stock of the Borrower), cash or any combination thereof (with the amount of such cash or such combination determined by reference to the market price of such common stock or such other securities) or (ii) sold as units with call options, warrants or rights to purchase (or substantially equivalent derivative transactions) that are exercisable for shares of
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common stock of the Borrower (and cash in lieu of fractional shares) (or other securities or property following a merger event or other change of the common stock of Borrower), cash or any combination thereof (with the amount of such cash or such combination determined by reference to the market price of such common stock or such other securities).
Permitted Holders means, collectively, (a) Pearl Energy Investments, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, (b) NGP XI US Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, (c) any of the equity-holding members of the management of the Borrower, whether by trust or otherwise, and (d) any Affiliates and investment funds, co-investment vehicles and/or similar vehicles or accounts of any of the foregoing that are advised or managed by any of the foregoing; provided that in no event shall any portfolio company of any Permitted Holder be included in the definition of Permitted Holders.
Permitted Intercompany Activities shall mean any transactions between or among the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or Affiliates (for the avoidance of doubt, including Unrestricted Subsidiaries) that (x) in respect of clause (i) through (iii) below, are entered into in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and (y) in the good faith judgment of the Borrower, are necessary or advisable in connection with the ownership or operation of the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, including (i) payroll, cash management, purchasing, insurance, indemnity and liability sharing and hedging arrangements (other than the hedging arrangements of any Unrestricted Subsidiaries), (ii) management, technology and licensing arrangements and (iii) purchase and sale of Hydrocarbons in connection with marketing activities.
Permitted Investments shall mean:
(a) Dollars;
(b) securities issued or directly and fully and unconditionally guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof the securities of which are unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of such government with maturities of twenty-four (24) months or less from the date of acquisition;
(c) certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of twenty-four (24) months or less from the date of acquisition, demand deposits, bankers acceptances with maturities not exceeding three (3) years and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any domestic or foreign commercial bank having capital and surplus of not less than $250,000,000 in the case of U.S. banks and $100,000,000 (or the Dollar equivalent as of the date of determination) in the case of non-U.S. banks (any such bank in the forgoing an Approved Bank);
(d) repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (b) and (c) above or clauses (f) and (g) below entered into with any financial institution or recognized securities dealer meeting the qualifications specified in clause (c) above;
(e) commercial paper and variable or fixed rate notes issued by an Approved Bank (or by the parent company thereof) or any variable or fixed rate note issued by, or guaranteed by, a corporation by, a corporation (other than structured investment vehicles and other than corporations used in structured financing transactions) rated at least A-2 (or the equivalent thereof) by S&P or at least P-2 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moodys (or, if at any time neither Moodys nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency selected by the Borrower) and in each case maturing within twelve (12) months after the date of acquisition thereof;
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(f) marketable short-term money market and similar liquid funds having a rating of at least P-2 (or the equivalent thereof) or A-2 (or the equivalent thereof) from either Moodys or S&P, respectively (or, if at any time neither Moodys nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency selected by the Borrower);
(g) readily marketable direct obligations issued or fully guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof; provided, that each such readily marketable direct obligation shall have an Investment Grade Rating from either Moodys or S&P or Moodys (or the equivalent thereof) (or, if at any time neither Moodys nor S&P or Moodys (or the equivalent thereof) shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency selected by the Borrower) with maturities of thirty-six (36) months or less from the date of acquisition;
(h) Investments with average maturities of twelve (12) months or less from the date of acquisition in money market funds rated AAA- (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or Aaa3 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moodys (or, if at any time neither Moodys nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency selected by the Borrower); and
(i) investment funds investing substantially all of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (a) through (h) above.
Permitted Liens shall mean:
(a) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or claims not yet overdue for a period of more than thirty (30) days or that are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, for which appropriate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP (or in the case of any Foreign Subsidiary, the comparable accounting principles in the relevant jurisdiction), or for property taxes on property that the Borrower or one of its Subsidiaries has determined to abandon if the sole recourse for such tax, assessment, charge or claim is to such property;
(b) Liens in respect of property or assets of the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries imposed by law, such as landlords, sublandlords, vendors, operators, suppliers, carriers, warehousemens, repairmens, construction contractors, workers, materialmens and mechanics Liens and other similar Liens arising in the ordinary course of business or incident to the exploration, development, operation or maintenance of Oil and Gas Properties, in each case so long as such Liens arise in the ordinary course of business and do not individually or in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect and (i) are not overdue for a period of more than sixty (60) days or (ii) are being contested in good faith by appropriate action and for which adequate reserves have been maintained in accordance with GAAP;
(c) Liens arising from judgments or decrees in circumstances not constituting an Event of Default under Section 11.9;
(d) Liens incurred or pledges or deposits made in connection with workers compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social security, old age pension, public liability obligations or similar legislation, and deposits securing liabilities to insurance carriers under insurance or self-insurance arrangements in respect of such obligations, or to secure (or secure the Liens securing) liability for reimbursement or indemnification obligations of (including obligations in respect of letters of credit or bank guarantees for the benefit of) insurance carriers providing property, casualty or liability insurance to the Borrower or any Subsidiary;
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(e) deposits and other Liens securing (or securing the bonds or similar instruments securing) the performance of tenders, statutory obligations, plugging and abandonment or decommissioning obligations, surety, stay, customs and appeal bonds, bids, leases, government contracts, trade contracts, performance and return-of-money bonds and other similar obligations (including letters of credit issued in lieu of such bonds or to support the issuance thereof) incurred in the ordinary course of business or in a manner consistent with past practice or industry practice including those incurred to secure health, safety and environmental obligations in the ordinary course of business, or otherwise constituting Investments permitted by Section 10.5;
(f) ground leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses in respect of real property (other than any Oil and Gas Properties) on which facilities owned or leased by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries are located;
(g) easements, rights-of-way, restrictive covenants, licenses, restrictions (including zoning restrictions), title defects, exceptions, reservations, deficiencies or irregularities in title, encroachments, protrusions, servitudes, rights, eminent domain or condemnation rights, permits, conditions and covenants and other similar charges or encumbrances (including in any rights-of-way or other property of the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries for the purpose of roads, pipelines, transmission lines, transportation lines, distribution lines for the removal of gas, oil or other minerals or timber, and other like purposes, or for joint or common use of real estate, rights of way, facilities and equipment) not (i) interfering in any material respect with the business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (ii) securing monetary obligations or (iii) materially impairing the value of the affected Borrowing Base Properties, taken as a whole and, to the extent reasonably agreed by the Administrative Agent, any exception on the title reports issued in connection with any Borrowing Base Property;
(h) (i) any interest or title of a lessor, sublessor, licensor or sublicensor under any lease, liens reserved in oil, gas or other Hydrocarbons, minerals, leases for bonus, royalty or rental payments and for compliance with the terms of such lease and (ii) any interest or title of a lessor, sublessor, licensor or sublicensor or secured by a lessors, sublessors, licensors or sublicensors interest under any lease, sublease, license or sublicense entered into by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business or otherwise permitted by this Agreement and not securing Indebtedness;
(i) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods;
(j) Liens on goods or inventory the purchase, shipment or storage price of which is financed by a documentary letter of credit or bankers acceptance issued for the account of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that such Lien secures only the obligations of the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of such letter of credit or bankers acceptance to the extent permitted under Section 10.1;
(k) leases, licenses, subleases or sublicenses granted to others not (i) interfering in any material respect with the business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole or (ii) securing any Indebtedness for borrowed money;
(l) Liens arising from precautionary UCC financing statement or similar filings made in respect of operating leases entered into by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;
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(m) Liens created in the ordinary course of business in favor of banks and other financial institutions over credit balances of any bank accounts, commodity trading accounts or other brokerage accounts of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries held at such banks or financial institutions, as the case may be, in the ordinary course of business;
(n) Liens which arise in the ordinary course of business under operating agreements (including preferential purchase rights, consents to assignment and other restraints on alienation), joint operating agreements, joint venture agreements, oil and gas partnership agreements, oil and gas leases, Farm-Out Agreements, Farm-In Agreements, division orders, contracts for the sale, gathering, transportation or exchange of oil and natural gas, unitization and pooling declarations and agreements, area of mutual interest agreements, royalty and overriding royalty agreements, reversionary interests, marketing agreements, processing agreements, net profits agreements, development agreements, gas balancing or deferred production agreements, injection, repressuring and recycling agreements, salt water or other disposal agreements, seismic or other geophysical permits or agreements, and other agreements that are usual or customary in the Energy Business and are for claims which are not delinquent or that are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings for which appropriate reserves have been established to the extent required by and in accordance with GAAP; provided that any such Lien referred to in this clause does not materially impair the use of the property covered by such Lien for the purposes for which such property is held by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or materially impair the value of the affected Borrowing Base Properties, taken as a whole;
(o) Liens on pipelines, pipeline facilities and other midstream assets or facilities that arise by operation of law or other like Liens arising by operation of law in the ordinary course of business and incidental to the exploration, development, operation and maintenance of Oil and Gas Properties;
(p) (i) zoning, building, entitlement and other land use regulations by Governmental Authorities with which the normal operation of the business complies and (ii) any zoning or similar law or right reserved to or vested in any Governmental Authority to control or regulate the use of any real property that does not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
(q) Liens on equipment of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary granted in the ordinary course of business to the Borrowers or such Restricted Subsidiarys client at which such equipment is located;
(r) security given to a public utility or any municipality or governmental authority when required by such utility or authority in connection with the operations of that Person in the ordinary course of business;
(s) Liens arising under statutory provisions of applicable law with respect to production purchased from others; and
(t) deposits of cash with the owner or lessor of premises leased and operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to secure the performance of the Borrowers or such Subsidiarys obligations under the terms of the lease for such premises;
provided that the term Permitted Liens shall not include any Lien securing Indebtedness for borrowed money other than the Obligations.
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Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall mean, with respect to any Indebtedness (the Refinanced Indebtedness), any Indebtedness issued or incurred in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to modify, extend, refinance, renew, replace or refund (collectively to Refinance or a Refinancing or Refinanced), such Refinanced Indebtedness (or previous refinancing thereof constituting Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness); provided that (A) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of any such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of the Refinanced Indebtedness outstanding immediately prior to such Refinancing except by an amount equal to the unpaid accrued interest and premium thereon and other amounts paid in connection with the defeasance or discharge of such Indebtedness plus other amounts paid consisting of original issue discount or fees and expenses incurred in connection with such Refinancing, (B) the direct and contingent obligors with respect to such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness immediately prior to such Refinancing are not changed as a result of such Refinancing (except that a Guarantor may be added as an additional obligor and except as may change pursuant to subclause (G) below), (C) other than with respect to a Refinancing in respect of Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 10.1(g), such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall have a final maturity date equal to or later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Refinanced Indebtedness, (D) subject to clause (G) below, the terms and conditions of any such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness, taken as a whole, are not materially less favorable to the Lenders than the terms and conditions of the Refinanced Indebtedness being Refinanced (including, if applicable, as to collateral priority and subordination, but excluding as to interest rates, fees, floors, funding discounts and redemption or prepayment premiums) or are customary for similar Indebtedness in light of current market conditions, (E) if the Refinanced Indebtedness is subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall be subordinated to the Obligations, subject to a Subordination Agreement on terms no less favorable to the Secured Parties than such Refinanced Indebtedness, (F) [reserved] and (G) if the Refinanced Indebtedness is secured as permitted by Section 10.2(f), such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall be unsecured. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of Permitted Additional Debt must constitute Permitted Additional Debt. A certificate of an Authorized Officer of the Borrower delivered to the Administrative Agent at least five (5) Business Days prior to the incurrence or issuance of such Indebtedness (or such later date as may be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent), together with a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of such Indebtedness or drafts of the documentation relating thereto, stating that the Borrower has determined in good faith that such terms and conditions satisfy the requirements set forth in the definition of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall be conclusive evidence that such terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirements.
Permitted Tax Distributions shall mean (x) tax distributions to the members of the Borrower in an aggregate amount equal to (a) the sum of the highest marginal United States federal, state and local income tax rates applicable to individuals or corporations (whichever is higher) resident in New York City, New York, multiplied by (b) the Borrowers net taxable income for federal income tax purposes; provided that such distributions will be determined (i) by taking into account (A) any loss carryforwards of such member attributable to its direct or indirect ownership of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for prior taxable periods to the extent such loss is of a character that would allow such loss to be available to reduce taxes in the current taxable period and (B) any adjustments available to such member under Section 743(b) of the Code and (ii) without regard to (A) any available deduction under Section 199A of the Code and (B) absent a change in U.S. federal income tax law, the deductibility of state and local income taxes for U.S. federal income tax purposes and (y) for any taxable year ending after a Qualifying IPO, if any Parent Entity shall be subject to a Tax Receivable Agreement with respect to such taxable year, distributions or other Restricted Payments by the Borrower to its owners in an amount not to exceed the amount necessary to pay a pro rata distribution to holders of its Equity Interests such that such Parent Entitys direct or indirect share of such distribution is equal to such Parent Entitys payment obligations under such Tax Receivable Agreement with respect to such taxable year. Permitted Tax Distributions may be made quarterly, based on the Borrowers estimated income for each such quarterly period, and annually, based on the Borrowers annual federal income tax filing; provided that if the aggregate quarterly estimates for any tax year exceed the
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actual annual amount for such tax year, such excess shall be deducted from the next quarterly distribution(s) to occur after such annual federal income tax filing, and if the aggregate quarterly estimates for any tax year is less than the actual annual amount for such tax year, such deficit may be distributed to the members of the Borrower as a Permitted Tax Distribution.
Permitted Warrant Transaction(s) means any call option, warrant or right to purchase (or substantively equivalent derivative transaction) relating to the Borrowers common stock (or other securities or property following a merger event or other change of the common stock of the Borrower) and/or cash (in an amount determined by reference to the price of such common stock or such other securities) sold by the Borrower substantially concurrently with any purchase by the Borrower of a related Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction; provided that the terms, conditions and covenants of each such transaction shall be such as are reasonable and customary for transactions of such type (as determined by Borrower in good faith and in its reasonable discretion).
Person shall mean any individual, partnership, joint venture, firm, corporation, limited liability company, association, trust or other enterprise or any Governmental Authority.
Petroleum Industry Standards shall mean the Definitions for Oil and Gas Reserves promulgated by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (or any generally recognized successor) as in effect at the time in question.
Plan shall mean any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, that is or was within any of the preceding six plan years sponsored, maintained for or contributed to by (or to which there is or was an obligation to contribute or to make payments to) any Credit Party, or with respect to which any Credit Party has any actual or contingent liability.
Platform shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.2(c).
Prime Rate shall mean the rate of interest per annum determined and publicly announced by Citi from time to time as its prime commercial lending rate for Dollar loans in the United States for such day. The Prime Rate is not necessarily the lowest rate that Citi is charging any corporate customer.
Proceeding shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.5(b).
Production Payments and Reserve Sales shall mean the grant or transfer by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to any Person of the right to receive all or a portion of the production or the proceeds from the sale of production attributable to such properties where the holder of such interest has recourse solely to such production or proceeds of production, subject to the obligation of the grantor or transferor to operate and maintain, or cause the subject interests to be operated and maintained, in a reasonably prudent manner or other customary standard or subject to the obligation of the grantor or transferor to indemnify for environmental, title or other matters customary in the oil and gas exploration and development business, including any such grants or transfers.
Projections shall mean financial estimates, forecasts and other forward-looking information prepared by or on behalf of the Borrower or any of its representatives and that have been made available to any Lenders or the Administrative Agent in connection with the Transactions or the other transactions contemplated hereby.
Proposed Acquisition shall have the meaning provided in Section 10.10(a).
Proposed Borrowing Base shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.14(c)(i).
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Proposed Borrowing Base Notice shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.14(c)(ii).
Proved Developed Producing Reserves shall mean oil and gas mineral interests that, in accordance with Petroleum Industry Standards, are classified as both Proved Reserves and Developed Producing Reserves.
Proved Developed Reserves shall mean oil and gas mineral interests that, in accordance with Petroleum Industry Standards, are classified as both Proved Reserves and one of the following: (a) Developed Producing Reserves or (b) Developed Non-Producing Reserves.
Proved Reserves shall mean oil and gas mineral interests that, in accordance with Petroleum Industry Standards, are classified as both Proved Reserves and one of the following: (a) Developed Producing Reserves, (b) Developed Non-Producing Reserves or (c) Undeveloped Reserves.
PTE shall mean a prohibited transaction class exemption issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, as any such exemption may be amended from time to time.
PV-9 shall mean, with respect to any Proved Reserves expected to be produced from any Borrowing Base Properties, the net present value, discounted at nine percent (9%) per annum, of the future net revenues expected to accrue to the Credit Parties collective interests in such reserves during the remaining expected economic lives of such reserves, calculated in accordance with the Bank Price Deck.
QFC shall have the meaning assigned to the term qualified financial contract in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 5390(c)(8)(D).
QFC Credit Support shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.25.
Qualified Acquisition shall mean an acquisition or a series of related acquisitions in which the consideration paid by the Credit Parties is equal to or greater than $10,000,000.
Qualified Disposition shall mean a Disposition or a series of related Dispositions in which the consideration received by the Credit Parties is equal to or greater than $10,000,000.
Qualified ECP Guarantor shall mean, in respect of any Swap Obligation, each of the Borrower, any Restricted Subsidiary and any Guarantor that has total assets exceeding $10,000,000 at the time such Swap Obligation is incurred or such other person as constitutes an ECP under the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder.
Qualified Equity Interests shall mean any Equity Interests of the Borrower other than Disqualified Stock.
Qualifying IPO means the sale of common Equity Interests of any Parent Entity in an underwritten primary public offering (other than a public offering pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8) pursuant to an effective registration statement filed with the SEC in accordance with the Exchange Act (whether alone or in connection with a secondary public offering).
Recipient shall mean (a) any Agent or (b) any Lender, as applicable.
Redetermination Date shall mean, with respect to any Scheduled Redetermination or any Interim Redetermination, the date that the redetermined Borrowing Base related thereto becomes effective pursuant to Section 2.14(d).
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Refinance shall have the meaning provided in the definition of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness.
Refinanced Indebtedness shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness.
Register shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.6(b)(iv).
Regulation T shall mean Regulation T of the Board as from time to time in effect and any successor to all or a portion thereof establishing margin requirements.
Regulation U shall mean Regulation U of the Board as from time to time in effect and any successor to all or a portion thereof establishing margin requirements.
Regulation X shall mean Regulation X of the Board as from time to time in effect and any successor to all or a portion thereof establishing margin requirements.
Reimbursement Date shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.4(a).
Related Indemnified Person shall mean, with respect to an Indemnitee, (1) any controlling Person or controlled Affiliate of such Indemnitee, (2) the respective directors, officers, or employees of such Indemnitee or any of its controlling Persons or controlled Affiliates and (3) the respective agents and representatives of such Indemnitee or any of its controlling Persons or controlled Affiliates, in the case of this clause (3), acting at the instructions of such Indemnitee, controlling Person or such controlled Affiliate.
Related Party shall mean, with respect to any Agent or any Lender, its Affiliates and the officers, directors, employees, agents, attorney-in-fact, attorneys, representatives, partners, members, trustees and advisors of such Agent or Lender and of such Agents or Lenders Affiliates.
Release shall mean any release, spill, emission, discharge, disposal, leaking, pumping, pouring, dumping, emitting, migrating, emptying, injecting or leaching into, through, or from the air, surface water, groundwater, sediment, land surface or subsurface strata.
Relevant Governmental Body shall mean the Board or the NYFRB, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by Board or the NYFRB, or any successor thereto.
Reportable Event shall mean an event described in Section 4043(c) of ERISA and the regulations thereunder, other than any event as to which the thirty (30) day notice period has been waived.
Required Cash Collateral Amount shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.7(c).
Required Lenders shall mean, at any date, (a) Non-Defaulting Lenders having or holding at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66.67%) of the Adjusted Total Commitment at such date or (b) if the Total Commitment has been terminated, Non-Defaulting Lenders having or holding at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66.67%) of the outstanding principal amount of the Loans and Letter of Credit Exposure (excluding the Loans and Letter of Credit Exposure of Defaulting Lenders) in the aggregate at such date.
Requirement of Law shall mean, as to any Person, any law, treaty, rule, regulation, statute, order, ordinance, decree, judgment, consent decree, writ, injunction, settlement agreement or governmental requirement enacted, promulgated or imposed or entered into or agreed by any Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or assets or to which such Person or any of its property or assets is subject.
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Reserve Report shall mean (a) the Initial Reserve Report, (b) any other subsequent report, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, or (c) any other engineering data reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, setting forth, as of each December 31 or June 30 (or such other date as contemplated by this Agreement with respect to Interim Redeterminations or otherwise reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent) the Proved Reserves and the Proved Developed Reserves of the Borrower and the Credit Parties (or of Oil and Gas Properties to be acquired, provided that any Oil and Gas Properties not yet acquired shall be expressly designated as such), together with a projection of the rate of production and future net revenues, operating expenses (including production taxes and ad valorem expenses) and capital expenditures with respect thereto as of such date, based upon the PV-9 of the Proved Reserves and Proved Developed Reserves set forth therein; provided that in connection with any Interim Redeterminations of the Borrowing Base pursuant to the last sentence of Section 2.14(b), the Borrower shall only be required, for purposes of updating the Reserve Report, to (i) set forth such additional Proved Reserves and related information as are the subject of such acquisition and (ii) include updates, if any, for any additional completions and additions.
Reserve Report Certificate shall mean a certificate of an Authorized Officer in substantially the form of Exhibit A certifying as to the matters set forth in Section 9.13(c).
Resolution Authority shall mean an EEA Resolution Authority or, with respect to any UK Financial Institution, a UK Resolution Authority.
Restricted Payment Conditions shall mean as of any date of determination, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the transaction with respect to which the Restricted Payment Conditions are being evaluated, either:
(a) (i) no Default, Event of Default or Loan Limit Deficiency shall have occurred and be continuing, (ii) the Available Commitment is not less than twenty percent (20.0%) of the Total Commitment, (iii) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio is less than or equal to 2.00 to 1.00 and (iv) Distributable Free Cash Flow is greater than or equal to zero on such date of determination; or
(b) (i) no Default, Event of Default or Loan Limit Deficiency shall have occurred and be continuing, (ii) the Available Commitment is not less than twenty percent (20.0%) of the Total Commitment and (iii) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio is less than or equal to 1.25 to 1.00.
Restricted Payments shall have the meaning provided in Section 10.6.
Restricted Subsidiary shall mean any Subsidiary of the Borrower other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
S&P shall mean S&P Global Ratings, an S&P Global Inc. business, and any successor thereto that is a nationally recognized rating agency.
Sanctions shall mean economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by (a) the U.S. government, including those administered by OFAC or the U.S. Department of State or (b) the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, His Majestys Treasury of the United Kingdom or other applicable sanctions authority.
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Sanctions Laws shall mean the following, in each case, to the extent enacted and in effect: (a) laws, regulations, and rules promulgated or administered by OFAC to implement U.S. sanctions programs, including any enabling legislation or Executive Order related thereto, as amended from time to time; (b) the US Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act and the regulations and rules promulgated thereunder, as amended from time to time; (c) the U.S. Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act and the regulations and rules promulgated thereunder, as amended from time to time; (d) the US Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act and the regulations and rules promulgated thereunder (e) the sanctions and other restrictive measures applied by the European Union in pursuit of the Common Foreign and Security Policy objectives set out in the Treaty on European Union; and (f) any similar sanctions laws as may be enacted from time to time in the future by the U.S., the European Union (and its member states), or the U.N. Security Council or any other legislative body of the United Nations; and any corresponding laws of jurisdictions in which the Borrower operates or in which the proceeds of the Loans will be used or from which repayments of the Obligations will be derived.
Scheduled Redetermination shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.14(b).
Scheduled Redetermination Date shall mean the date on which a Borrowing Base that has been redetermined pursuant to a Scheduled Redetermination becomes effective as provided in Section 2.14.
SEC shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor thereto.
Secured Cash Management Agreement shall mean any agreement related to Cash Management Services by and between the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and any Cash Management Bank.
Secured Hedge Agreement shall mean (i) any Hedge Agreement by and between the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and any Hedge Bank of the type described in cause (a) of the definition of Hedge Bank, excluding any Hedge Agreement, transactions under any Hedge Agreement and extensions or other modifications of any Hedge Agreement or transactions under any Hedge Agreement entered into after the time that such Hedge Bank ceases to be a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender and (ii) Specified Hedge Agreements.
Secured Parties shall mean, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, each Issuing Bank, each Lender, each Hedge Bank that is party to any Secured Hedge Agreement, each Cash Management Bank that is a party to any Secured Cash Management Agreement and each sub-agent appointed pursuant to Section 12.2 by the Administrative Agent with respect to matters relating to the Credit Documents or by the Collateral Agent with respect to matters relating to any Security Document.
Securities Account shall mean any securities account maintained by the Credit Parties, including any security accounts under Article 9 of the UCC. All funds in such Securities Accounts (other than Excluded Accounts) shall be conclusively presumed to be Collateral and proceeds of Collateral and the Agents and the Lenders shall have no duty to inquire as to the source of the amounts on deposit in the Securities Accounts.
Securities Account Control Agreement has the meaning specified in Section 9.16(a).
Security Documents shall mean, collectively, (a) the Collateral Agreement, (b) the Mortgages, (c) each Deposit Account Control Agreement, (d) each Securities Account Control Agreement, (e) each Commodity Account Control Agreement and (f) each other security agreement or other instrument or document executed and delivered pursuant to Section 9.10 or 9.12 or pursuant to any other such Security Documents or otherwise in order to secure or perfect the security interest in any or all of the Obligations.
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Service Agreement Undertakings shall mean agreements to pay fees and other consideration in respect of agreed quantities of marketing, transportation and/or other similar services in connection with reasonably anticipated (i) production from Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries and (ii) associated production of non-operators and royalty and similar interest owners, in each case which fees and other consideration are payable whether or not such services are utilized; provided that (A) each such contract or arrangement is at rates and on terms at least comparable to those generally available in the market at the time such rates and terms are negotiated and (B) the aggregate amount of such prepayments to be made by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to all such contracts and arrangements during any calendar year would not exceed the Threshold Amount.
SFAS 87 has the meaning set forth in the definition of the term Unfunded Current Liability.
SOFR shall mean a rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the SOFR Administrator.
SOFR Administrator shall mean the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or a successor administrator of the secured overnight financing rate).
SOFR Loan shall mean a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on Adjusted Term SOFR, other than pursuant to clause (c) of the definition of ABR.
Solvent shall mean, with respect to any Person on any date of determination, that on such date (i)(a) the fair value of the assets of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, exceeds, on a consolidated basis, their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, (b) the present fair saleable value of the property of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, is greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability, on a consolidated basis, of their debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured or (c) such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are able to pay their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such liabilities become absolute and matured and (ii) such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are not engaged in, and are not about to engage in, business for which they have unreasonably small capital. The amount of any contingent liability at any time shall be computed as the amount that would reasonably be expected to become an actual and matured liability.
Specified Hedge Agreements shall mean any Hedge Agreement as of the Closing Date governed by that certain ISDA 2002 Master Agreement, dated as of November 27, 2023, including the schedules and
trade confirmations thereto as of the Closing Date, between East West Bank and one or more Credit Parties, and, in each case, specified on Schedule 1.1(b) to this Agreement as of the Closing Date; provided, that only such Hedge Agreements, trade confirmations and other transactions governed by such ISDA that are in existence as of the Closing Date and specified on Schedule 1.1(b) to this Agreement as of the Closing Date shall constitute a Specified Hedge Agreement hereunder (but not any extensions or modifications of any of the foregoing that are entered into after the Closing Date nor any Hedge Agreements, trade confirmations or other transactions governed by such ISDA that are entered into on or after the Closing Date).
Specified Transaction shall mean any acquisition, Investment, Disposition, incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness, Restricted Payment or Subsidiary designation that by the terms of this Agreement requires a financial ratio or test to be calculated on a pro forma basis.
SPV shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.6(g).
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SPV Loan shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.6(c)(ii).
Stated Amount of any Letter of Credit shall mean the maximum amount from time to time available to be drawn thereunder, determined without regard to whether any conditions to drawing could then be met.
Subagent shall have the meaning provided in Section 12.2.
Subordination Agreement shall mean a subordination agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and/or the Collateral Agent, the Borrower and the Majority Lenders, among the Administrative Agent, the representative on behalf of any holders of senior subordinated or subordinated Permitted Additional Debt, the Borrower, the Guarantors and the other parties party thereto from time to time.
Subsidiary shall mean, with respect to any Person: (1) any corporation, association, or other business entity (other than a partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity) of which more than fifty percent (50.0%) of the total Voting Equity is at the time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof; and (2) any partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity of which: (a) more than fifty percent (50.0%) of the Voting Equity or general partnership interests, as applicable, are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof whether in the form of membership, general, special or limited partnership or otherwise, and (b) such Person or any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person is a controlling general partner or otherwise controls such entity. Unless otherwise qualified, all references to a Subsidiary or to Subsidiaries in this Agreement shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Borrower.
Subsidiary Guarantor shall mean each Subsidiary that is a Guarantor.
Subsidiary Redesignation shall have the meaning provided in the definition of Unrestricted Subsidiary contained in this Section 1.1.
Successor Borrower shall have the meaning provided in Section 10.3(a)(i).
Supported QFC has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 13.25.
Swap Obligation shall mean, 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.
Swap PV shall mean, with respect to any commodity Hedge Agreement, the present value, discounted at nine percent (9%) per annum, of the future receipts expected to be paid to the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries under such Hedge Agreement netted against the Administrative Agents then current Bank Price Deck; provided, that the Swap PV shall never be less than $0.00.
Swap Termination Value shall mean, in respect of any one or more Hedge Agreements, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Hedge Agreements, (a) for any date on or after the date such Hedge Agreements have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, the sum of any unpaid amount in respect of such Hedge Agreement and such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Hedge Agreements, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Hedge Agreements (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender).
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Taxes shall mean all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges, in each case in the nature of a tax, imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.
Tax Receivable Agreement means the tax receivable agreement in substantially the form provided to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the Closing Date and modified in a manner consistent with customary tax receivable agreements entered into in connection with an Up-C Qualifying IPO and any transactions related thereto and otherwise reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
Term SOFR shall mean,
(a) for any calculation with respect to a SOFR Loan, the Term SOFR Reference Rate for a tenor comparable to the applicable Interest Period on the day (such day, the Periodic Term SOFR Determination Day) that is two (2) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to the first (1st) day of such Interest Period, as such rate is published by the Term SOFR Administrator; provided, however, that if as of 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on any Periodic Term SOFR Determination Day the Term SOFR Reference Rate for the applicable tenor has not been published by the Term SOFR Administrator and a Benchmark Replacement Date with respect to the Term SOFR Reference Rate has not occurred, then Term SOFR will be the Term SOFR Reference Rate for such tenor as published by the Term SOFR Administrator on the first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day for which such Term SOFR Reference Rate for such tenor was published by the Term SOFR Administrator so long as such first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day is not more than three (3) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to such Periodic Term SOFR Determination Day, and
(b) for any calculation with respect to an ABR Loan on any day, the Term SOFR Reference Rate for a tenor of one (1) month on the day (such day, the ABR Term SOFR Determination Day) that is two (2) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to such day as such rate is published by the Term SOFR Administrator; provided, however, that if as of 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on any ABR Term SOFR Determination Day the Term SOFR Reference Rate for the applicable tenor has not been published by the Term SOFR Administrator and a Benchmark Replacement Date with respect to the Term SOFR Reference Rate has not occurred, then Term SOFR will be the Term SOFR Reference Rate for such tenor as published by the Term SOFR Administrator on the first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day for which such Term SOFR Reference Rate for such tenor was published by the Term SOFR Administrator so long as such first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day is not more than three (3) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to such ABR Term SOFR Determination day.
Term SOFR Adjustment shall mean, for any calculation with respect to a SOFR Loan, 0.10%.
Term SOFR Administrator shall mean CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited (CBA) (or a successor administrator of the Term SOFR Reference Rate selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion).
Term SOFR Reference Rate shall mean the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR.
Termination Date shall mean the earlier to occur of (a) the Maturity Date and (b) the date on which the Total Commitment shall have terminated.
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Test Period shall mean, for any date of determination under this Agreement, any period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters ending on the last day of such applicable fiscal quarter.
Threshold Amount shall mean the greater of (a) $16,250,000 and (b) five percent (5.0%) of the Borrowing Base then in effect.
Total Commitment shall mean the sum of the Commitments of the Lenders.
Total Exposure shall mean, with respect to any Lender at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate principal amount of the Loans of such Lender then outstanding and (b) such Lenders Letter of Credit Exposure at such time.
Transaction Expenses shall mean any fees or expenses incurred or paid by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the Transactions (including expenses in connection with hedging transactions (including termination or amendment thereof), if any, payments to officers, employees and directors as change of control payments, severance payments or special or retention bonuses and payments or charges for payments on account of phantom stock units, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and options (including the repurchase or rollover of, or modifications to, the foregoing awards)), this Agreement and the other Credit Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
Transactions shall mean, collectively, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, the borrowing of the Loans, the use of the proceeds thereof, the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder, the payment of Transaction Expenses and any other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Credit Documents.
Transferee shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.6(e).
Type shall mean, as to any Loan, its nature as an ABR Loan or a SOFR Loan.
UCC shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code of the State of New York or of any other state the laws of which are required to be applied in connection with the perfection of security interests in any Collateral.
UCP 600 shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.8.
UK Financial Institution shall mean any BRRD Undertaking (as such term is defined under the PRA Rulebook (as amended form time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Prudential Regulation Authority) or any person falling within IFPRU 11.6 of the FCA Handbook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which includes certain credit institutions and investment firms, and certain affiliates of such credit institutions or investment firms.
UK Resolution Authority shall mean the Bank of England or any other public administrative authority having responsibility for the resolution of any UK Financial Institution.
Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement shall mean the applicable Benchmark Replacement excluding the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.
Unfunded Current Liability of any Plan shall mean the amount, if any, by which the Accumulated Benefit Obligation (as defined under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87 (SFAS 87)) under the Plan as of the close of its most recent plan year, determined in accordance with SFAS 87 as in effect on the date hereof, exceeds the Fair Market Value of the assets allocable thereto.
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Uniform Customs shall mean, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits as approved by the International Chamber of Commerce, commencing on July 1, 2007 (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance).
Unpaid Drawing shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.4(a).
Unrestricted Cash shall mean cash or cash equivalents (including Permitted Investments) of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that would not appear as restricted on a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that (a) cash or cash equivalents (including Permitted Investments) that would appear as restricted on a consolidated balance sheet of Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries solely because such cash or cash equivalents (including Permitted Investments) are subject to a Deposit Account Control Agreement, a Securities Account Control Agreement or a Commodity Account Control Agreement in favor of the Collateral Agent shall constitute Unrestricted Cash hereunder, (b) cash and cash equivalents shall be included in the determination of Unrestricted Cash only to the extent that such cash and cash equivalents are maintained in accounts subject to a Deposit Account Control Agreement, a Securities Account Control Agreement or a Commodity Account Control Agreement in favor of the Collateral Agent and (c) cash and cash equivalents that are maintained in accounts to the extent required under this Agreement to cash collateralize Letter of Credit Exposure shall not be included in Unrestricted Cash.
Unrestricted Subsidiary shall mean (a) any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is formed or acquired after the Closing Date if, at such time or promptly thereafter, the Borrower designates such Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in a written notice to the Administrative Agent, (b) any Restricted Subsidiary designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary by the Borrower in a written notice to the Administrative Agent; provided that in the case of each of clauses (a) and (b), (i) such designation shall be deemed to be an Investment (or reduction in an outstanding Investment, in the case of a designation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary) on the date of such designation in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of the Borrowers investment therein on such date and such designation shall be permitted only to the extent such Investment is permitted under Section 10.5 on the date of such designation, (ii) in the case of clauses (a) and (b), such designation shall be deemed to be a Disposition pursuant to which the provisions of Section 2.14(f) will apply to the extent contemplated thereby, (iii) no Default, Event of Default or Loan Limit Deficiency exists or would result from such designation immediately after giving effect thereto, (iv) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such designation, the Borrower shall be in compliance with the Financial Performance Covenants on a pro forma basis, (v) all representations and warranties made by any Credit Party contained herein or in the other Credit Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of the date of such designation (except where such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date and except that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to materiality, Material Adverse Effect or similar language shall be true and correct (after giving effect to any qualification therein) in all respects on such respective dates) and (vi) at the time of such designation, if such Subsidiary owns any Borrowing Base Properties, such designation shall be deemed a Disposition of such Borrowing Base Properties and shall otherwise be in compliance with this Agreement and (c) each Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. No Subsidiary may be designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary if, after such designation, it would be a Restricted Subsidiary for the purpose of any Permitted Additional Debt or any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof or if, immediately prior to such designation, such Subsidiary is a party to a Secured Hedge Agreement (except if arrangements satisfactory to the applicable Hedge Bank have been made). The Borrower may, by written notice to the Administrative
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Agent, re-designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary (each, a Subsidiary Redesignation), and thereafter, such Subsidiary shall no longer constitute an Unrestricted Subsidiary, but only if no Event of Default would result from such Subsidiary Redesignation. Any such Subsidiary Redesignation shall be deemed to constitute the incurrence by the Borrower at the time of redesignation of any Investment, Indebtedness, or Liens of such Subsidiary existing at such time, and the Borrower shall be in compliance with Sections 10.1, 10.2 and 10.5 after giving effect to such redesignation. As of the Closing Date, there are no Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
U.S. Government Securities Business Day shall mean any day except for (a) a Saturday, (b) a Sunday or (c) a day on which the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends that the fixed income departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of trading in United States government securities.
U.S. Person shall mean any Person that is a United States Person as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.
U.S. Special Resolution Regimes shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.25.
U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate has the meaning specified in Section 5.4(f).
Utilization Percentage shall mean, as of any day, the fraction expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the aggregate Total Exposures of all Lenders on such day, and the denominator of which is the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount in effect on such day.
Voting Equity shall mean, with respect to any Person, such Persons Equity Interests having the voting power entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors (or equivalent thereof), members of management or trustees thereof under ordinary circumstances, or all interests in such Person with the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or actions of such Person.
Weighted Average Life to Maturity shall mean, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing: (i) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining scheduled installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required scheduled payments of principal, including payment at final scheduled maturity, in respect thereof, by (b) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment; by (ii) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness; provided that the effects of any prepayments made on such Indebtedness shall be disregarded in making such calculation.
Wholly owned Subsidiary of any person shall mean a subsidiary of such person, all of the Equity Interests of which (other than directors qualifying shares or nominee or other similar shares required pursuant to applicable law) are owned by such person or another Wholly owned Subsidiary of such person.
Withdrawal Liability shall mean the liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.
Withholding Agent shall mean the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.
Working Capital shall mean, as at any date of determination, the difference of Consolidated Current Assets minus Consolidated Current Liabilities.
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Write-Down and Conversion Powers shall mean, (a) with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule, and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, any powers of the applicable Resolution Authority under the Bail-In Legislation to cancel, reduce, modify or change the form of a liability of any UK Financial Institution or any contract or instrument under which that liability arises, to convert all or part of that liability into shares, securities or obligations of that person or any other person, to provide that any such contract or instrument is to have effect as if a right had been exercised under it or to suspend any obligation in respect of that liability or any of the powers under that Bail-In Legislation that are related to or ancillary to any of those powers.
1.2 Other Interpretive Provisions. With reference to this Agreement and each other Credit Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Credit Document:
(a) The meanings of defined terms are equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.
(b) The words herein, hereto, hereof and hereunder and words of similar import when used in any Credit Document shall refer to such Credit Document as a whole and not to any particular provision thereof.
(c) Article, Section, Exhibit and Schedule references are to the Credit Document in which such reference appears.
(d) The terms include, includes and including are by way of example and not limitation.
(e) The term documents includes any and all instruments, documents, agreements, certificates, notices, reports, financial statements and other writings, however evidenced, whether in physical or electronic form.
(f) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word from shall mean from and including; the words to and until each mean to but excluding; and the word through shall mean to and including.
(g) Section headings herein and in the other Credit Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Credit Document.
(h) Any reference to any Person shall be constructed to include such Persons successors or assigns (subject to any restrictions on assignment set forth herein) and, in the case of any Governmental Authority, any other Governmental Authority that shall have succeeded to any or all of the functions thereof.
(i) Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms.
(j) The word will shall be construed to have the same meaning as the word shall.
(k) The words asset and property shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.
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(l) The principal amount of any non-interest bearing Indebtedness or other discount security constituting Indebtedness at any date shall be the principal amount thereof that would be shown on a balance sheet of the Borrower dated such date prepared in accordance with GAAP.
1.3 Accounting Terms.
(a) Generally. All accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with, GAAP applied on a consistent basis, as in effect from time to time, applied in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the first audited financial statements delivered under Section 9.1(a), except as otherwise specifically prescribed herein. Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature used herein shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made (i) without giving effect to any election under Accounting Standards Codification 825-10-25 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any Indebtedness or other liabilities of the Borrower or any Subsidiary at fair value, as defined therein and (ii) without giving effect to any treatment of Indebtedness in respect of convertible debt instruments under Accounting Standards Codification 470-20 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any such Indebtedness in a reduced or bifurcated manner as described therein, and such Indebtedness shall at all times be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof.
(b) Computation of Certain Financial Covenants. Unless otherwise specified herein, all defined financial terms (and all other definitions used to determine such terms) shall be determined and computed in respect of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
1.4 Rounding. Any financial ratios required to be maintained or complied with by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement (or required to be satisfied in order for a specific action to be permitted under this Agreement) shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding-up if there is no nearest number).
1.5 References to Agreements, Laws, Etc. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, (a) references to organizational documents, agreements (including the Credit Documents) and other Contractual Requirements shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments, restatements, amendment and restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications thereto, but only to the extent that such amendments, restatements, amendment and restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications are permitted by any Credit Document and (b) references to any Requirement of Law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such Requirement of Law.
1.6 Times of Day. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to New York City (daylight saving or standard, as applicable).
1.7 Timing of Payment or Performance. When the payment of any obligation or the performance of any covenant, duty or obligation is stated to be due or performance required on a day which is not a Business Day, the date of such payment (other than as described in Section 2.9) or performance shall extend to the immediately succeeding Business Day.
1.8 Classification of Loans and Borrowings. For purposes of this Agreement, Loans may be classified and referred to by Type (e.g., a SOFR Loan).
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1.9 Hedging Requirements Generally. For purposes of any determination with respect to compliance with Section 10.10 or any other calculation under or requirement of this Agreement in respect of hedging, such determination or calculation shall be calculated separately for crude, gas and natural gas liquid.
1.10 Certain Determinations. For purposes of determining compliance with any of the covenants set forth in Section 9 or Section 10 below, but subject to any limitation expressly set forth therein, as applicable, at any time (whether at the time of incurrence or thereafter) that any Lien, Investment, Indebtedness, Disposition, Restricted Payment, Affiliate transaction, prepayment, redemption or the consummation of any other transaction meets the criteria of one, or more than one, of the categories permitted pursuant to Section 9 or Section 10 below, as applicable, the Borrower shall, in its sole discretion, determine under which category such Lien, Investment, Indebtedness, Disposition, Restricted Payment, Affiliate transaction, prepayment, redemption or the consummation of any other transaction (or, in each case, any portion thereof) is permitted.
1.11 Pro Forma and Other Calculations.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for purposes of determining compliance with any test or covenant contained in this Agreement with respect to any period during which any Specified Transaction occurs, the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio and the Current Ratio shall be calculated with respect to such period and such Specified Transaction on a pro forma basis and in the manner prescribed by this Section 1.11.
(b) If since the beginning of any applicable Test Period any Person that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged, amalgamated or consolidated with or into the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries since the beginning of such Test Period shall have made any Specified Transaction that would have required adjustment pursuant to this Section 1.11, then such financial ratio or test (or Consolidated Total Assets) shall be calculated to give pro forma effect thereto in accordance with this Section 1.11.
(c) Whenever pro forma effect is to be given to a Specified Transaction, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a Financial Officer of the Borrower.
(d) In the event that the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary issues, repurchases or redeems Disqualified Stock (i) during the applicable Test Period or (ii) subsequent to the end of the applicable Test Period and prior to or simultaneously with the event for which the calculation of any such ratio is made, then such financial ratio or test shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such issuance, refinancing or redemption of Disqualified Stock to the extent required, as if the same had occurred on the last day of the applicable Test Period.
1.12 Rates. The Administrative Agent does not warrant or accept responsibility for, and shall not have any liability with respect to (a) the continuation of, administration of, submission of, calculation of or any other matter related to ABR, the Term SOFR Reference Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR or Term SOFR, or any component definition thereof or rates referred to in the definition thereof, or any alternative, successor or replacement rate thereto (including any Benchmark Replacement), including whether the composition or characteristics of any such alternative, successor or replacement rate (including any Benchmark Replacement) will be similar to, or produce the same value or economic equivalence of, or have the same volume or liquidity as, ABR, the Term SOFR Reference Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR, Term SOFR or any other Benchmark prior to its discontinuance or unavailability, or (b) the effect, implementation or composition of any Conforming Changes. The Administrative Agent and its affiliates or other related entities may engage in transactions that affect the calculation of ABR, the Term SOFR Reference Rate,
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Term SOFR, Adjusted Term SOFR, any alternative, successor or replacement rate (including any Benchmark Replacement) or any relevant adjustments thereto, in each case, in a manner adverse to the Borrower. The Administrative Agent may select information sources or services in its reasonable discretion to ascertain ABR, the Term SOFR Reference Rate, Term SOFR, Adjusted Term SOFR or any other Benchmark, in each case pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and shall have no liability to the Borrower, any Lender or any other person or entity for damages of any kind, including direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental or consequential damages, costs, losses or expenses (whether in tort, contract or otherwise and whether at law or in equity), for any error or calculation of any such rate (or component thereof) provided by any such information source or service.
1.13 Divisions. For all purposes under the Credit Documents, in connection with any division or plan of division under Delaware law (or any comparable event under a different jurisdictions laws): (a) if any asset, right, obligation or liability of any Person becomes the asset, right, obligation or liability of a different Person, then it shall be deemed to have been transferred from the original Person to the subsequent Person, and (b) if any new Person comes into existence, such new Person shall be deemed to have been organized on the first date of its existence by the holders of its Equity Interests at such time.
1.14 Letter of Credit Amounts. Unless otherwise specified herein, the amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to be the amount of such Letter of Credit available to be drawn at such time; provided that with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms, provides for one or more automatic increases in the available amount thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the maximum amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum amount is available to be drawn at such time.
SECTION 2. AMOUNT AND TERMS OF CREDIT
2.1 Commitments.
(a) Subject to and upon the terms and conditions herein set forth, each Lender severally, but not jointly, agrees to make a loan or loans denominated in Dollars (each a Loan and, collectively, the Loans) to the Borrower, which Loans (i) shall be made at any time and from time to time on and after the Closing Date and prior to the Termination Date, (ii) may, at the option of the Borrower, be incurred and maintained as, and/or converted into, ABR Loans or SOFR Loans; provided that all Loans made by each of the Lenders pursuant to the same Borrowing shall, unless otherwise specifically provided herein, consist entirely of Loans of the same Type, (iii) may be repaid and reborrowed in accordance with the provisions hereof, (iv) shall not, for any Lender at any time, after giving effect thereto and to the application of the proceeds thereof, result in such Lenders Total Exposure at such time exceeding such Lenders Commitment Percentage at such time of the Total Commitment and (v) shall not, after giving effect thereto and to the application of the proceeds thereof, result in the aggregate amount of all Lenders Total Exposures at such time exceeding the Total Commitment (i.e., the least of (A) the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts, (B) the then-effective Borrowing Base and (C) the then-effective Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount).
(b) Each Lender may at its option make any SOFR Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan, provided that (i) any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such Loan and (ii) in exercising such option, such Lender shall use its reasonable efforts to minimize any increased costs to the Borrower resulting therefrom (which obligation of the Lender shall not require it to take, or refrain from taking, actions that it determines would result in increased costs for which it will not be compensated hereunder or that it determines would be otherwise disadvantageous to it and in the event of such request for costs for which compensation is provided under this Agreement, the provisions of Section 2.10 shall apply).
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2.2 Minimum Amount of Each Borrowing; Maximum Number of Borrowings. The aggregate principal amount of each Borrowing shall be in a minimum amount of at least the Minimum Borrowing Amount for such Type of Loans and in a multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof (except that Loans to reimburse the applicable Issuing Bank with respect to any Unpaid Drawing shall be made in the amounts required by Section 3.3 or Section 3.4, as applicable). More than one Borrowing may be incurred on any date; provided, that at no time shall there be outstanding more than ten Borrowings of SOFR Loans under this Agreement.
2.3 Notice of Borrowing.
(a) Whenever the Borrower desires to incur Loans (other than borrowings to repay Unpaid Drawings), the Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent at the Administrative Agents Office, (i) prior to 1:00 p.m. (New York City time) at least three (3) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior written notice (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) of each Borrowing of Loans if such Loans are to be initially SOFR Loans and (ii) (A) in the case of any ABR Loans incurred on the Closing Date, prior to 1:00 p.m. (New York City time) at least one (1) Business Day prior written notice (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) of each Borrowing of Loans and (B) in the case of any ABR Loans incurred after the Closing Date, written notice (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) prior to 12:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the date of each Borrowing of Loans that are to be ABR Loans. Such notice (a Notice of Borrowing) shall specify (A) the aggregate principal amount of the Loans to be made pursuant to such Borrowing, (B) the date of the Borrowing (which shall be a Business Day), (C) whether the respective Borrowing shall consist of ABR Loans and/or SOFR Loans and, if SOFR Loans, the Interest Period to be initially applicable thereto (if no Interest Period is selected, the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one (1) months duration) and (D) the amount of the then-effective Borrowing Base, the amount of the then-effective Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount, the current aggregate Total Exposures of all Lenders (without regard to the requested Borrowing) and the pro forma aggregate Total Exposures of all Lenders (giving effect to the requested Borrowing). The Administrative Agent shall promptly give each Lender written notice (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) of each proposed Borrowing of Loans, of such Lenders Commitment Percentage thereof and of the other matters covered by the related Notice of Borrowing.
(b) Borrowings to reimburse Unpaid Drawings shall be made upon the notice specified in Section 3.4(a).
(c) Without in any way limiting the obligation of the Borrower to confirm in writing any notice it may give hereunder by telephone, the Administrative Agent may act prior to receipt of written confirmation without liability upon the basis of such telephonic notice believed by the Administrative Agent in good faith to be from an Authorized Officer of the Borrower.
2.4 Disbursement of Funds.
(a) No later than 2:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the date specified in each Notice of Borrowing, each Lender will make available its pro rata portion of each Borrowing requested to be made on such date in the manner provided below; provided that on the Closing Date, such funds shall be made available by 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) or such earlier time as may be agreed among the Lenders, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent for the purpose of consummating the Transactions.
(b) Each Lender shall make available all amounts it is to fund to the Borrower under any Borrowing in immediately available funds to the Administrative Agent at the Administrative Agents Office in Dollars, and the Administrative Agent will (except in the case of Borrowings to repay Unpaid Drawings) make available to the Borrower, by depositing or wiring to an account (such account to be a Controlled
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Account on and after the date referred to in Section 9.16) as designated by the Borrower in the Notice of Borrowing to the Administrative Agent the aggregate of the amounts so made available in Dollars. Unless the Administrative Agent shall have been notified by any Lender prior to the date of any such Borrowing (or, with respect to an ABR Loan, the date of such Borrowing prior to 1:00 p.m. (New York City time)) that such Lender does not intend to make available to the Administrative Agent its portion of the Borrowing or Borrowings to be made on such date, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such amount available to the Administrative Agent on such date of Borrowing, and the Administrative Agent, in reliance upon such assumption, may (in its sole discretion and without any obligation to do so) make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount. If such corresponding amount is not in fact made available to the Administrative Agent by such Lender and the Administrative Agent has made available such amount to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to recover such corresponding amount from such Lender. If such Lender does not pay such corresponding amount forthwith upon the Administrative Agents demand therefor the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Borrower shall immediately pay such corresponding amount to the Administrative Agent in Dollars. The Administrative Agent shall also be entitled to recover from such Lender or the Borrower, as the case may be, interest on such corresponding amount in respect of each day from the date such corresponding amount was made available by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower to the date such corresponding amount is recovered by the Administrative Agent, at a rate per annum equal to (i) if paid by such Lender, the Overnight Rate or (ii) if paid by the Borrower, the then-applicable rate of interest or fees, calculated in accordance with Section 2.8, for the respective Loans.
(c) Nothing in this Section 2.4 shall be deemed to relieve any Lender from its obligation to fulfill its commitments hereunder or to prejudice any rights that the Borrower may have against any Lender as a result of any default by such Lender hereunder (it being understood, however, that no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to fulfill its commitments hereunder).
2.5 Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt.
(a) The Borrower agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the applicable Lenders, the principal amount outstanding as of such date, together with all accrued and unpaid interest as of such date, and all fees and all other Obligations incurred and unpaid hereunder and under each other Credit Document (other than contingent or indemnification obligations not then due and payable) as of such date in respect of all Loans on the earlier of (X) the Termination Date and (Y) the Maturity Date.
(b) Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the indebtedness of the Borrower to the appropriate lending office of such Lender resulting from each Loan made by such lending office from time to time, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such lending office from time to time under this Agreement.
(c) The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, shall maintain the Register pursuant to Section 13.6(b)(iv), and a subaccount for each Lender, in which Register and subaccounts (taken together) shall be recorded (i) the amount of each Loan made hereunder, the Type of each Loan made and the Interest Period applicable thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to each Lender hereunder and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder from the Borrower and each Lenders share thereof.
(d) The entries made in the Register and accounts and subaccounts maintained pursuant to clauses (b) and (c) of this Section 2.5 shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Requirements of Law, be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations of the Borrower therein recorded; provided, however, that the failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain such account, such Register or such subaccount, as applicable, or any error therein, shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay (with applicable interest) the Loans made to the Borrower by such Lender in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
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(e) If requested by a Lender, the Loans made by each Lender shall be evidenced by a single promissory note of the Borrower in substantially the form of Exhibit G, dated, in the case of (i) any Lender party hereto as of the Closing Date, as of the Closing Date, (ii) any Lender that becomes a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or amendment or other modification to this Agreement, as of the effective date of the Assignment and Assumption, amendment or other modification, as applicable, or (iii) in the case of any Lender that becomes a party hereto in connection with an increase in the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount pursuant to Section 2.16(c), as of the effective date of such increase, in each case, payable to such Lender in a principal amount equal to its Maximum Credit Amount as in effect on such date, and otherwise duly completed. In the event that any Lenders Maximum Credit Amount increases or decreases for any reason (whether pursuant to Section 2.16, Section 13.6(b) or otherwise), the Borrower shall deliver or cause to be delivered, to the extent such Lender is then holding a Note, on the effective date of such increase or decrease, a new Note payable to such Lender in a principal amount equal to its Maximum Credit Amount after giving effect to such increase or decrease, and otherwise duly completed and such Lender shall promptly return to the Borrower the previously issued Note held by such Lender. The date, amount, Type, interest rate and, if applicable, Interest Period of each Loan made by each Lender, and all payments made on account of the principal thereof, shall be recorded by such Lender on its books and/or its Note, if applicable. Failure to make any such recordation shall not affect any Lenders or the Borrowers rights or obligations in respect of Loans by a Lender or affect the validity of any transfer by a Lender of its Note.
2.6 Conversions and Continuations.
(a) Subject to the penultimate sentence of this clause (a), (i) the Borrower shall have the option on any Business Day to convert all or a portion equal to at least the Minimum Borrowing Amount (and in multiples of $100,000 in excess thereof) of the outstanding principal amount of Loans of one Type into a Borrowing or Borrowings of another Type and (ii) the Borrower shall have the option on any Business Day to continue the outstanding principal amount of any SOFR Loans as SOFR Loans for an additional Interest Period; provided that (A) no partial conversion of SOFR Loans shall reduce the outstanding principal amount of SOFR Loans made pursuant to a single Borrowing to less than the Minimum Borrowing Amount, (B) ABR Loans may not be converted into SOFR Loans if an Event of Default is in existence on the date of the conversion and the Administrative Agent has or the Majority Lenders have determined in its or their sole discretion not to permit such conversion, (C) SOFR Loans may not be continued as SOFR Loans for an additional Interest Period if an Event of Default is in existence on the date of the proposed continuation and the Administrative Agent has or the Majority Lenders have determined in its or their sole discretion not to permit such continuation, and (D) Borrowings resulting from conversions pursuant to this Section 2.6 shall be limited in number as provided in Section 2.2. Each such conversion or continuation shall be effected by the Borrower by giving the Administrative Agent at the Administrative Agents Office prior to 2:00 p.m. (New York City time) at least (1) three (3) U.S. Government Securities Business Days, in the case of a continuation of or conversion to SOFR Loans or (2) the date of conversion, in the case of a conversion into ABR Loans, prior written notice (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) (each, a Notice of Conversion or Continuation) specifying the Loans to be so converted or continued, the Type of Loans to be converted into or continued and, if such Loans are to be converted into or continued as SOFR Loans, the Interest Period to be initially applicable thereto (if no Interest Period is selected, the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one (1) months duration). The Administrative Agent shall give each applicable Lender notice as promptly as practicable of any such proposed conversion or continuation affecting any of its Loans.
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(b) If any Event of Default is in existence at the time of any proposed continuation of any SOFR Loans and the Administrative Agent has or the Majority Lenders have determined in its or their sole discretion not to permit such continuation, such SOFR Loans shall be automatically converted on the last day of the current Interest Period into ABR Loans. If upon the expiration of any Interest Period in respect of SOFR Loans, the Borrower has failed to elect a new Interest Period to be applicable thereto as provided in clause (a) above, the Borrower shall be deemed to have elected to continue such Borrowing of SOFR Loans into a Borrowing of SOFR Loans having an interest period of one (1) month, effective as of the expiration date of such current Interest Period.
2.7 Pro Rata Borrowings. Each Borrowing of Loans under this Agreement shall be made by the Lenders pro rata on the basis of their then applicable Commitment Percentages. It is understood that (a) no Lender shall be responsible for any default by any other Lender in its obligation to make Loans hereunder and that each Lender severally but not jointly shall be obligated to make the Loans provided to be made by it hereunder, regardless of the failure of any other Lender to fulfill its commitments hereunder and (b) failure by a Lender to perform any of its obligations under any of the Credit Documents shall not release any Person from performance of its obligation under any Credit Document.
2.8 Interest.
(a) The unpaid principal amount of each ABR Loan shall bear interest from the date of the Borrowing thereof until maturity (whether by acceleration or otherwise) at a rate per annum that shall at all times be the Applicable Margin plus the ABR, in each case, in effect from time to time.
(b) The unpaid principal amount of each SOFR Loan shall bear interest from the date of the Borrowing thereof until maturity thereof (whether by acceleration or otherwise) at a rate per annum that shall at all times be the Applicable Margin plus Adjusted Term SOFR, in each case, in effect from time to time.
(c) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Loans and all other amounts outstanding under the Credit Documents shall bear interest at a rate per annum, after as well as before judgment, that is (the Default Rate) (A) in the case of outstanding principal, fees and other obligations, the rate that would otherwise be applicable thereto plus two percent (2%) or (B) in the case of any overdue interest, to the extent permitted by applicable Requirements of Law, the rate described in Section 2.8(a) plus two percent (2%) from the date of such non-payment to the date on which such amount is paid in full.
(d) Interest on each Loan shall accrue from and including the date of any Borrowing to but excluding the date of any repayment thereof and shall be payable in Dollars; provided that any Loan that is repaid on the same date on which it is made shall bear interest for one (1) day. Except as provided below, interest shall be payable (i) in respect of each ABR Loan, quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, (ii) in respect of each SOFR Loan, on the last day of each Interest Period applicable thereto and, in the case of an Interest Period in excess of three (3) months, on each date occurring at three-month intervals after the first (1st) day of such Interest Period, (iii) in respect of each Loan, (A) on any prepayment (on the amount prepaid), (B) at maturity (whether by acceleration or otherwise) and (C) after such maturity, on demand.
(e) All computations of interest hereunder shall be made in accordance with Section 5.5.
(f) The Administrative Agent, upon determining the interest rate for any Borrowing of SOFR Loans, shall promptly notify the Borrower and the relevant Lenders thereof. Each such determination shall, absent clearly demonstrable error, be final and conclusive and binding on all parties hereto.
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(g) In connection with the use or administration of Term SOFR, the Administrative Agent will have the right to make Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Credit Document, any amendments implementing such Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement or any other Credit Document. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the effectiveness of any Conforming Changes in connection with the use or administration of Term SOFR.
2.9 Interest Periods. At the time the Borrower gives a Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion or Continuation in respect of the making of, or conversion into or continuation as, a Borrowing of SOFR Loans in accordance with Section 2.6(a), the Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent written notice (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) of the Interest Period applicable to such Borrowing, which Interest Period shall, at the option of the Borrower be a one-, three- or six-month period as requested by the Borrower.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained above:
(a) the initial Interest Period for any Borrowing of SOFR Loans shall commence on the date of such Borrowing (including the date of any conversion from a Borrowing of ABR Loans) and each Interest Period occurring thereafter in respect of such Borrowing shall commence on the day on which the next preceding Interest Period expires;
(b) if any Interest Period relating to a Borrowing of SOFR Loans begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month or begins on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period, such Interest Period shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period;
(c) if any Interest Period would otherwise expire on a day that is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall expire on the next succeeding Business Day; provided that, if any Interest Period in respect of a SOFR Loan would otherwise expire on a day that is not a Business Day, but is a day of the month after which no further Business Day occurs in such month, such Interest Period shall expire on the next preceding Business Day;
(d) the Borrower shall not be entitled to elect any Interest Period in respect of any SOFR Loan if such Interest Period would extend beyond the Maturity Date; and
(e) no tenor that has been removed from the definition of Interest Period pursuant to Section 2.10(d)(iv) shall be available for specification by the Borrower in any Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion or Continuation.
2.10 Increased Costs, Illegality, Changed Circumstances, Etc.
(a) Subject to Section 2.10(d), in the event that (x) in the case of clause (i) below, the Majority Lenders (or the Administrative Agent, as applicable) or (y) in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) below, any Lender (or the Administrative Agent, as applicable), shall have reasonably determined (which determination shall, absent clearly demonstrable error, be final and conclusive and binding upon all parties hereto):
(i) on any date for determining SOFR, the Term SOFR Reference Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR or Term SOFR for any Interest Period that (A) deposits in the principal amounts of the Loans comprising such Borrowing of SOFR Loans are not generally available in the relevant market or (B) adequate and fair means do not exist for ascertaining the applicable interest rate on the basis provided for in the definition of Term SOFR; or
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(ii) that a Change in Law occurring at any time after the Closing Date shall (A) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender, (B) subject any Lender (including any Issuing Bank) and the Administrative Agent to any Tax (other than (i) Indemnified Taxes, (ii) Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (iii) Connection Income Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto, or (C) impose on any Lender any other condition, cost or expense (in each case, other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or SOFR Loans made by such Lender, which results in the cost to such Lender of making, converting into, continuing or maintaining SOFR Loans or participating in Letters of Credit (in each case hereunder) increasing by an amount which such Lender reasonably deems material or the amounts received or receivable by such Lender hereunder with respect to the foregoing shall be reduced; or
(iii) at any time, that the making or continuance of any SOFR Loan has become unlawful as a result of compliance by such Lender in good faith with any Requirement of Law (or would conflict with any such Requirement of Law not having the force of law even though the failure to comply therewith would not be unlawful);
then, and in any such event, such Lenders (or the Administrative Agent, in the case of clause (i) and (ii)(B) above) shall within a reasonable time thereafter give notice (if by telephone, confirmed in writing) to the Borrower and to the Administrative Agent of such determination (which notice the Administrative Agent shall promptly transmit to each of the other Lenders). Thereafter (x) in the case of clause (i) above, SOFR Loans shall no longer be available until such time as the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice by the Administrative Agent no longer exist (which notice the Administrative Agent agrees to give at such time when such circumstances no longer exist), and any Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion or Continuation given by the Borrower with respect to SOFR Loans that have not yet been incurred shall be deemed rescinded by the Borrower, (y) in the case of clause (ii) above, the Borrower shall pay to such Lender (or the Administrative Agent, as applicable), promptly (but no later than fifteen (15) days) after receipt of written demand therefor such additional amounts as shall be required to compensate such Lender (or the Administrative Agent, as applicable) for such increased costs or reductions in amounts receivable hereunder (it being agreed that a written notice as to the additional amounts owed to such Lender (or the Administrative Agent, as applicable), showing in reasonable detail the basis for the calculation thereof, submitted to the Borrower by such Lender (or the Administrative Agent, as applicable) shall, absent clearly demonstrable error, be final and conclusive and binding upon all parties hereto) and (z) in the case of clause (iii) above, the Borrower shall take one of the actions specified in Section 2.10(b) as promptly as possible and, in any event, within the time period required by applicable Requirements of Law.
(b) At any time that any SOFR Loan is affected by the circumstances described in Section 2.10(a)(ii) or (iii), the Borrower may (and in the case of a SOFR Loan affected pursuant to Section 2.10(a)(iii) shall) either if the affected SOFR Loan is then being made pursuant to a Borrowing, cancel such Borrowing by giving the Administrative Agent telephonic notice (confirmed promptly in writing) thereof on the same date that the Borrower was notified by a Lender pursuant to Section 2.10(a)(ii) or (iii) or if the affected SOFR Loan is then outstanding, upon at least three (3) Business Days notice to the Administrative Agent, require the affected Lender to convert each such SOFR Loan into an ABR Loan; provided that if more than one Lender are affected at any time, then all affected Lenders must be treated in the same manner pursuant to this Section 2.10(b).
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(c) If, after the Closing Date, any Change in Law relating to capital adequacy or liquidity requirements of any Lender or compliance by any Lender or its parent with any Change in Law relating to capital adequacy or liquidity requirements occurring after the Closing Date, has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lenders or its parents capital or assets as a consequence of such Lenders commitments or obligations hereunder to a level below that which such Lender or its parent could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lenders or its parents policies with respect to capital adequacy or liquidity requirements), then from time to time, promptly (but in any event no later than fifteen (15) days) after written demand by such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or its parent for such reduction, it being understood and agreed, however, that a Lender shall not be entitled to such compensation as a result of such Lenders compliance with, or pursuant to any request or directive to comply with, any applicable Requirement of Law as in effect on the Closing Date. Each Lender, upon determining in good faith that any additional amounts will be payable pursuant to this Section 2.10(c), will give prompt written notice thereof to the Borrower, which notice shall set forth in reasonable detail the basis of the calculation of such additional amounts, although the failure to give any such notice shall not, subject to Section 2.13, release or diminish the Borrowers obligations to pay additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.10(c) upon receipt of such notice.
(d)
(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Credit Document, upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower may amend this Agreement to replace the then-current Benchmark with a Benchmark Replacement. Any such amendment with respect to a Benchmark Transition Event will become effective at 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the Administrative Agent has posted such proposed amendment to all affected Lenders and the Borrower so long as the Administrative Agent has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such amendment from Lenders comprising the Required Lenders. No replacement of a Benchmark with a Benchmark Replacement pursuant to this Section 2.10(d)(i) will occur prior to the applicable Benchmark Transition Start Date.
(ii) In connection with the use, administration, adoption or implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, the Administrative Agent will have the right (in consultation with the Borrower) to make Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Credit Document, any amendments implementing such Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement or any other Credit Document; provided, the Administrative Agent shall use commercially reasonable efforts to satisfy Proposed Treasury Regulations Section 1.1001-6 and/or any similar or related IRS guidance to the effect that the use, administration, adoption or implementation of a Benchmark Replacement (together with any necessary or related changes) will not result in a deemed exchange for U.S. federal income Tax purposes of any obligation of any Credit Party under any Credit Document.
(iii) The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of (i) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement and (ii) the effectiveness of any Conforming Changes in connection with the use, administration, adoption or implementation of a Benchmark Replacement. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower of the removal or reinstatement of any tenor of a Benchmark pursuant to Section 2.10(d)(iv) below. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Administrative Agent or, if applicable, any Lender (or group of Lenders) pursuant to this Section 2.10(d), including any determination with respect to a tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action or any selection, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and may be made in its or their sole discretion and without consent from any other party to this Agreement or any other Credit Document, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section 2.10(d).
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(iv) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Credit Document, at any time (including in connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement), (i) if the then-current Benchmark is a term rate (including the Term SOFR Reference Rate) and either (A) any tenor for such Benchmark is not displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion or (B) the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark has provided a public statement or publication of information announcing that any tenor for such Benchmark is not or will not be representative, then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of Interest Period (or any similar or analogous definition) for any Benchmark settings at or after such time to remove such unavailable or non-representative tenor and (ii) if a tenor that was removed pursuant to clause (i) above either (A) is subsequently displayed on a screen or information service for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement) or (B) is not, or is no longer, subject to an announcement that it is not or will not be representative for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement), then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of Interest Period (or any similar or analogous definition) for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor.
(v) Upon the Borrowers receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a SOFR Loan of, conversion to or continuation of SOFR Loans to be made, converted or continued during any Benchmark Unavailability Period and, failing that, the Borrower will be deemed to have converted any such request into a request for a Borrowing of or conversion to ABR Loans. During any Benchmark Unavailability Period or at any time that a tenor for the then-current Benchmark is not an Available Tenor, the component of ABR based upon the then-current Benchmark or such tenor for such Benchmark, as applicable, will not be used in any determination of ABR.
2.11 Compensation. If (a) any payment of principal of any SOFR Loan is made by the Borrower to or for the account of a Lender other than on the last day of the Interest Period for such SOFR Loan as a result of a payment or conversion pursuant to Section 2.5, 2.6, 2.10, 5.1, 5.2 or 13.7, as a result of acceleration of the maturity of the Loans pursuant to Section 11 or for any other reason, (b) any Borrowing of SOFR Loans is not made on the date specified in a Notice of Borrowing, (c) any ABR Loan is not converted into a SOFR Loan on the date specified in a Notice of Conversion or Continuation, (d) any SOFR Loan is not continued as a SOFR Loan on the date specified in a Notice of Conversion or Continuation or (e) any prepayment of principal of any SOFR Loan is not made as a result of a withdrawn notice of prepayment pursuant to Section 5.1 or 5.2, the Borrower shall after the Borrowers receipt of a written request by such Lender (which request shall set forth in reasonable detail the basis for requesting such amount and shall be conclusive and binding in the absence of manifest error), pay to the Administrative Agent (within fifteen (15) days after such request) for the account of such Lender any amounts required to compensate such Lender for any additional losses, costs or expenses that such Lender may reasonably incur as a result of such payment, failure to convert, failure to continue or failure to prepay, including any loss, cost or expense (excluding loss of anticipated profits) actually incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of deposits or other funds acquired by any Lender to fund or maintain such SOFR Loan.
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2.12 Change of Lending Office. Each Lender agrees that, upon the occurrence of any event giving rise to the operation of Section 2.10(a)(ii), 2.10(a)(iii), 2.10(c), 3.11 or 5.4 with respect to such Lender, it will, if requested by the Borrower use reasonable efforts (subject to overall policy considerations of such Lender) to designate another lending office for any Loans affected by such event; provided that such designation does not cause such Lender or its lending office to suffer any economic, legal or regulatory disadvantage, with the object of avoiding the consequence of the event giving rise to the operation of any such Section. Nothing in this Section 2.12 shall affect or postpone any of the obligations of the Borrower or the right of any Lender provided in Section 2.10, 3.11 or 5.4.
2.13 Notice of Certain Costs. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent any notice required by Section 2.10, 2.11 or 5.4 is given by any Lender more than one hundred eighty (180) days after such Lender has knowledge (or should have had knowledge) of the occurrence of the event giving rise to the additional cost, reduction in amounts, loss or other additional amounts described in such Sections, such Lender shall not be entitled to compensation under Section 2.10, 2.11 or 5.4, as the case may be, for any such amounts incurred or accruing prior to the 181st day prior to the giving of such notice to the Borrower; provided that if the circumstance giving rise to such claim is retroactive, then such one hundred eighty (180)-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.
2.14 Borrowing Base.
(a) Initial Borrowing Base. For the period from and including the Closing Date to but excluding the first Redetermination Date, the Borrowing Base shall be equal to $325,000,000. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrowing Base may be subject to further adjustments from time to time pursuant to this Section 2.14.
(b) Scheduled and Interim Redeterminations. The Borrowing Base shall be redetermined semi-annually in accordance with this Section 2.14 (a Scheduled Redetermination), and, subject to Section 2.14(d), such redetermined Borrowing Base shall become effective and applicable to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders on or about (i) February 1, 2025 (or such date promptly thereafter as reasonably practicable), (ii) May 1, 2025 (or such date promptly thereafter as reasonably practicable) and (iii) thereafter, commencing September 1, 2025, on September 1st and March 1st of each year (or, in each case, such date promptly thereafter as reasonably practicable). In addition, following the Scheduled Redetermination Date for the Scheduled Redetermination scheduled to occur on or about May 1, 2025, (i) the Borrower may at any time, by notifying the Administrative Agent thereof not more than once during any period between Scheduled Redeterminations; and (ii) the Administrative Agent, may at any time, at the written direction of the Required Lenders, by written notice to the Borrower thereof, not more than once during any period between Scheduled Redeterminations, in each case, elect to cause the Borrowing Base to be redetermined between Scheduled Redeterminations (an Interim Redetermination) in accordance with this Section 2.14. In addition to, and not including and/or limited by the Interim Redeterminations allowed above, the Borrower may request, by notifying the Administrative Agent of any acquisition or acquisitions of Oil and Gas Properties by the Credit Parties between any two successive Scheduled Redeterminations pursuant to which the Credit Parties paid cash consideration for such Oil and Gas Properties in an aggregate amount equal to at least five percent (5.0%) of the Borrowing Base then in effect, to cause the Borrowing Base to be redetermined between such Scheduled Redeterminations.
(c) Scheduled and Interim Redetermination Procedure.
(i) Each Scheduled Redetermination and each Interim Redetermination shall be effectuated as follows: Upon receipt by the Administrative Agent of the Reserve Report, the Reserve Report Certificate, the information provided pursuant to Section 9.13(c) and such other related reports, data and supplemental information as the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders may reasonably request (the Reserve Report, such Reserve Report Certificate and such
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other related reports, data and information collectively being referred to as the Engineering Reports), the Administrative Agent shall evaluate the information contained in the Engineering Reports and shall in good faith and based upon its sole credit discretion propose a new Borrowing Base (the Proposed Borrowing Base) based upon such information and such other related information (including the status of title information with respect to the Borrowing Base Properties as described in the Engineering Reports and the existence of any Hedge Agreements) in good faith in accordance with its usual and customary oil and gas lending criteria as they exist at the particular time. For the avoidance of doubt, in the case of an Interim Redetermination, the Administrative Agent may utilize the Engineering Reports delivered in connection with the last Scheduled Redetermination, provided, however, the Administrative Agent may in its sole discretion request Borrower-generated supplemental Engineering Reports in connection with such Interim Redetermination.
(ii) The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the Proposed Borrowing Base (the Proposed Borrowing Base Notice):
(A) in the case of a Scheduled Redetermination, (1) if the Administrative Agent shall have received the Engineering Reports required to be delivered by the Borrower pursuant to Sections 9.13(a) and (c) in a timely manner, within ten (10) Business Days following its receipt of such Engineering Reports or (2) if the Administrative Agent shall not have received the Engineering Reports required to be delivered by the Borrower pursuant to Sections 9.13(a) and (c) in a timely manner, then promptly after the Administrative Agent has received complete Engineering Reports from the Borrower and has had a reasonable opportunity to determine the Proposed Borrowing Base in accordance with Section 2.14(c)(i); and
(B) in the case of an Interim Redetermination, promptly, and in any event, within fifteen (15) days after the Administrative Agent has received the required Engineering Reports (or such later date to which the Borrower and the Administrative Agent may agree in their respective sole discretion).
(iii) Any Proposed Borrowing Base that would increase the Borrowing Base then in effect must be approved by each Lender in each such Lenders sole discretion and consistent with each such Lenders normal and customary oil and gas lending criteria as they exist at the particular time as provided in this Section 2.14(c) and any Proposed Borrowing Base that would decrease or maintain the Borrowing Base then in effect must be approved by Lenders constituting at least the Required Lenders in each such Lenders sole discretion and consistent with each such Lenders normal and customary oil and gas lending criteria as they exist at the particular time as provided in this Section 2.14(c). Upon receipt of the Proposed Borrowing Base Notice, each Lender shall have fifteen (15) Business Days to agree with the Proposed Borrowing Base or disagree with the Proposed Borrowing Base by proposing an alternate Borrowing Base. If, in the case of any Proposed Borrowing Base that would decrease or maintain the Borrowing Base then in effect, at the end of such fifteen (15) Business Days, any Lender has not communicated its approval or disapproval in writing to the Administrative Agent, such Lender shall be deemed to have approved the Proposed Borrowing Base. If, in the case of any Proposed Borrowing Base that would increase the Borrowing Base then in effect, at the end of such fifteen (15) Business Days, any Lender has not communicated its approval or disapproval in writing to the Administrative Agent, such Lender shall be deemed to have disapproved the Proposed Borrowing Base. If at the end of such 15-Business Day period, all of the Lenders, in the case of a Proposed Borrowing Base that would increase the Borrowing Base then in effect, or the Required Lenders, in the case of a Proposed Borrowing Base that would decrease or maintain the Borrowing Base then in effect, have approved
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or, in the case of a decrease or reaffirmation, deemed to have approved, then the Proposed Borrowing Base shall become the new Borrowing Base, effective on the date specified in Section 2.14(d). If, however, at the end of such 15-Business Day period, all Lenders or the Required Lenders, as applicable, have not approved or, in the case of a decrease or reaffirmation, deemed to have approved, as aforesaid, then the Administrative Agent shall promptly thereafter poll the Lenders to ascertain the highest Borrowing Base then acceptable to (a) in the case of a decrease or reaffirmation, a number of Lenders sufficient to constitute the Required Lenders or (b) in the case of an increase, all of the Lenders, and such amount shall become the new Borrowing Base, effective on the date specified in Section 2.14(d).
(d) Effectiveness of a Redetermined Borrowing Base. Subject to Section 2.14(h), after a redetermined Borrowing Base is approved by each Lender or the Required Lenders, as applicable, pursuant to Section 2.14(c), the Administrative Agent shall promptly thereafter notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the amount of the redetermined Borrowing Base (the New Borrowing Base Notice), and such amount shall become the new Borrowing Base, effective and applicable to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders:
(i) in the case of a Scheduled Redetermination, on the earlier to occur of (A) February 1, 2025, May 1, 2025, March 1 or September 1, as applicable, following such notice, or (B) if such notice is not delivered on or before February 1, 2025, May 1, 2025, March 1 or September 1, as applicable, then on the day of delivery of such New Borrowing Base Notice; and
(ii) in the case of an Interim Redetermination, on the day of delivery of such New Borrowing Base Notice.
Such amount shall then become the Borrowing Base until the next Scheduled Redetermination Date, the next redetermination or modification thereof hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Scheduled Redetermination or Interim Redetermination shall become effective until the New Borrowing Base Notice related thereto delivered to the Borrower in accordance with Section 13.2.
(e) Reduction of Borrowing Base Upon Incurrence of Borrowing Base Reduction Debt. The Borrowing Base shall be reduced upon the issuance or incurrence of any Borrowing Base Reduction Debt after the Closing Date (other than Borrowing Base Reduction Debt constituting Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to Refinance such Indebtedness, but only to the extent that the aggregate principal amount of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to Refinance such Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of the Refinanced Indebtedness) by an amount equal to the product of 0.25 multiplied by the stated principal amount of such Borrowing Base Reduction Debt (without regard to any original issue discount), and the Borrowing Base as so reduced shall become the new Borrowing Base immediately upon the date of such issuance or incurrence, effective and applicable to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders on such date until the next redetermination or modification thereof hereunder.
(f) Reduction of Borrowing Base Upon Termination of Hedge Positions and Asset Dispositions.
(i) If the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall terminate, unwind or create any off-setting positions in respect of any commodity hedge positions (whether evidenced by a floor, put or Hedge Agreement) (for the avoidance of doubt, excluding any novation of any Hedge Agreements with respect to which the Borrower or applicable Restricted Subsidiary remains a party), and/or
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(ii) If the Borrower or one of the other Credit Parties Disposes of Borrowing Base Properties (including pursuant to an Investment or designation of Unrestricted Subsidiary) or Disposes of any Equity Interests in any Restricted Subsidiary owning Borrowing Base Properties, and
(iii) the sum of (x) the aggregate Borrowing Base Value of all such terminated, unwound and/or offsetting positions (after taking into account any other similar Hedge Agreement executed contemporaneously with the taking of such actions acceptable to the Required Lenders) plus (y) the aggregate Borrowing Base Value of all such Borrowing Base Properties Disposed of (after giving effect to any acquisitions of and other investments in Oil and Gas Properties by the Credit Parties with respect to which the Borrower has delivered a Reserve Report in accordance with Section 9.13(b) since the last Borrowing Base redetermination or adjustment pursuant to this Section 2.14(f)), in each case, since the later of (A) the most recent Scheduled Redetermination Date and (B) the last adjustment of the Borrowing Base made pursuant to this Section 2.14(f), exceeds five percent (5.0%) of the then-effective Borrowing Base, then upon the approval or deemed approval of the Borrowing Base Value pursuant to the definition thereof, the Borrowing Base shall automatically reduce by the aggregate Borrowing Base Value attributable to such (1) terminated, unwound or off-setting hedge positions in the calculation of the then-effective Borrowing Base (after taking into account any other similar Hedge Agreement executed contemporaneously with the taking of such actions acceptable to the Required Lenders) and (2) such Disposed Borrowing Base Properties in the calculation of the then-effective Borrowing Base (after giving effect to any acquisitions of and other investments in Oil and Gas Properties by the Borrower and the Credit Parties with respect to which the Borrower has delivered a Reserve Report in accordance with Section 9.13(b) since the last Borrowing Base redetermination or adjustment pursuant to this Section 2.14(f)) in excess of such five percent (5.0%) threshold for such period. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower in writing of the Borrowing Base Value, if any, attributable to such terminated, unwound or offsetting hedge positions and Disposed of Borrowing Base Properties in the calculation of the then-effective Borrowing Base and, upon receipt of such notice, the Borrowing Base shall be simultaneously reduced by such amount.
(iv) For the purposes of this Section 2.14(f), a Disposition of Oil and Gas Properties shall include the designation of a Restricted Subsidiary owning Oil and Gas Properties as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, any Investment or capital contribution of Oil and Gas Properties, and the Disposition or other transfer of Oil and Gas Properties or the Equity Interests in any Restricted Subsidiary owning Oil and Gas Properties to an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any other Person that is not the Borrower or a Guarantor.
(g) Reduction of Borrowing Base Related to Title. If (i) the Borrower fails to provide the information required by Section 9.15(a) within the time periods specified therein or (ii) any title defect or exception requested by the Administrative Agent to be cured pursuant to Section 9.15(b) is not cured within the time period specified therein, the Required Lenders shall have the right to adjust the Borrowing Base upon written notice (which such notice shall include the effective date of reduction) such that, after giving effect to such reduction, the Borrower shall have provided reasonably satisfactory title information in respect of the required percentage of the value of the Borrowing Base Properties, and upon the effective date of the reduction specified in the notice described above, the new Borrowing Base will become effective.
(h) Borrowers Right to Elect Reduced Borrowing Base. Within three (3) Business Days of its receipt of a New Borrowing Base Notice, the Borrower may provide written notice to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that specifies for the period from the effective date of the New Borrowing Base Notice until the next succeeding Scheduled Redetermination Date, the Borrowing Base will be a lesser amount than the amount set forth in such New Borrowing Base Notice, whereupon such specified lesser amount will become the new Borrowing Base. The Borrowers notice under this Section 2.14(h) shall be irrevocable, but without prejudice to its rights to initiate Interim Redeterminations.
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(i) Administrative Agent Data. The Administrative Agent hereby agrees to provide an updated Bank Price Deck to the Borrower promptly, and in any event within three (3) Business Days, following (i) its receipt of a request by the Borrower or (ii) its request for an Interim Redetermination. In addition, the Administrative Agent agrees, upon request, to meet with the Borrower to discuss its evaluation of the reservoir engineering of the Oil and Gas Properties included in the Reserve Report and their respective methodologies for valuing such properties and the other factors considered in calculating the Borrowing Base.
2.15 Defaulting Lenders. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the following provisions shall apply for so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender:
(a) Commitment Fees shall cease to accrue on the unfunded portion of the Commitment of such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 4.1(a);
(b) The Commitment and Total Exposure of such Defaulting Lender shall not be included in determining whether all Lenders, the Majority Lenders or the Required Lenders or each affected Lender have taken or may take any action hereunder (including any consent to any amendment or waiver pursuant to Section 13.1); provided that (i) any waiver, amendment or modification requiring the consent of all Lenders pursuant to Section 13.1 (other than Section 13.1(a)(x)) or requiring the consent of each affected Lender pursuant to Section 13.1(a)(i) or (ix) shall require the consent of such Defaulting Lender (which for the avoidance of doubt would include any change to the Maturity Date applicable to such Defaulting Lender, decreasing or forgiving any principal or interest due to such Defaulting Lender, any decrease of any interest rate applicable to Loans made by such Defaulting Lender (other than the waiving of post-default interest rates) and any increase in or extension of such Defaulting Lenders Commitment) and (ii) any redetermination, whether an increase, decrease or affirmation, of the Borrowing Base shall occur without the participation of a Defaulting Lender, but the Commitment (i.e., the Commitment Percentage of the Borrowing Base) of a Defaulting Lender may not be increased without the consent of such Defaulting Lender;
(c) If any Letter of Credit Exposure exists at the time a Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then (i) all or any part of such Letter of Credit Exposure of such Defaulting Lender will, subject to the limitation in the first proviso below, automatically be reallocated (effective on the day such Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender) among the Non-Defaulting Lenders pro rata in accordance with their respective Commitment Percentages; provided that (A) each Non-Defaulting Lenders Total Exposure may not in any event exceed the Commitment Percentage of the Commitment of such Non-Defaulting Lender as in effect at the time of such reallocation and (B) neither such reallocation nor any payment by a Non-Defaulting Lender pursuant thereto will constitute a waiver or release of any claim the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or any other Lender may have against such Defaulting Lender or cause such Defaulting Lender to be a Non-Defaulting Lender, (ii) to the extent that all or any portion of the Defaulting Lenders Letter of Credit Exposure cannot, or can only partially, be so reallocated to Non-Defaulting Lenders, whether by reason of the first proviso in Section 2.15(c)(i) or otherwise, the Borrower shall within two (2) Business Days following notice by the Administrative Agent Cash Collateralize for the benefit of the applicable Issuing Bank only the Borrowers obligations corresponding to such Defaulting Lenders Letter of Credit Exposure (after giving effect to any partial reallocation pursuant to clause (i) above), in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 3.7 for so long as such Letter of Credit Exposure is outstanding, (iii) if the Borrower Cash Collateralizes any portion of such Defaulting Lenders Letter of
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Credit Exposure pursuant to this Section 2.15(c), the Borrower shall not be required to pay any fees to such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 4.1(b) with respect to such Defaulting Lenders Letter of Credit Exposure during the period such Defaulting Lenders Letter of Credit Exposure is Cash Collateralized (and such fees shall be payable to the Issuing Banks), (iv) if the Letter of Credit Exposure of the Non-Defaulting Lenders is reallocated pursuant to this Section 2.15(c), then the Letter of Credit Fees payable for the account of the Lenders pursuant to Section 4.1(b) shall be adjusted in accordance with such Non-Defaulting Lenders Commitment Percentages and the Borrower shall not be required to pay any Letter of Credit Fees to the Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 4.1(b) with respect to such Defaulting Lenders Letter of Credit Exposure during the period that such Defaulting Lenders Letter of Credit Exposure is reallocated, or (v) if any Defaulting Lenders Letter of Credit Exposure is neither Cash Collateralized nor reallocated pursuant to this Section 2.15(c), then, without prejudice to any rights or remedies of any Issuing Bank or any Lender hereunder, all Letter of Credit Fees payable under Section 4.1(b) with respect to such Defaulting Lenders Letter of Credit Exposure shall be payable to such Issuing Bank until such Letter of Credit Exposure is Cash Collateralized and/or reallocated;
(d) So long as any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, no Issuing Bank will be required to issue any new Letter of Credit or amend any outstanding Letter of Credit to increase the Stated Amount thereof, alter the drawing terms thereunder or extend the expiry date thereof, unless each Issuing Bank is reasonably satisfied that any exposure that would result from the exposure to such Defaulting Lender is eliminated or fully covered by the Commitments of the Non-Defaulting Lenders or by Cash Collateralization or a combination thereof in accordance with clause (c) above or otherwise in a manner reasonably satisfactory to such Issuing Bank, and participating interests in any such newly issued or increased Letter of Credit shall be allocated among Non-Defaulting Lenders in a manner consistent with Section 2.15(c)(i) (and Defaulting Lenders shall not participate therein);
(e) If the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and each Issuing Bank agree in writing in their discretion that a Lender that is a Defaulting Lender should no longer be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon, as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein, such Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender and will be a Non-Defaulting Lender and any applicable Cash Collateral shall be promptly returned to the Borrower and any Letter of Credit Exposure of such Lender reallocated pursuant to Section 2.15(c) shall be reallocated back to such Lender; provided that, except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Non-Defaulting Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from such Lenders having been a Defaulting Lender; and
(f) Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of that Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Section 11 or otherwise, and including any amounts made available to the Administrative Agent by that Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 13.8), shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by that Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second, to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by that Defaulting Lender to each Issuing Bank hereunder; third, as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which that Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; fourth, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a non-interest bearing deposit account and released in order to satisfy obligations of that Defaulting Lender to fund Loans under this Agreement; fifth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders, each Issuing Bank as a result of any final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender, such Issuing Bank against that Defaulting Lender as a result of that Defaulting Lenders breach of its obligations under this Agreement; sixth, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment
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of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower against that Defaulting Lender as a result of that Defaulting Lenders breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and seventh, to that Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or Unpaid Drawings, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the relevant Loans of, and Unpaid Drawings owed to, the relevant non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied in the manner set forth in this Section 2.15(f). Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post Cash Collateral pursuant to Section 3.7 shall be deemed paid to and redirected by that Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.
2.16 Termination, Revision and Reduction of Commitments and Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts; Increase, Reduction and Termination of Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount.
(a) Scheduled Termination of Commitments. Unless previously terminated, the Commitments shall terminate on the Maturity Date. If at any time the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts, the Borrowing Base or the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount is terminated or reduced to zero, then the Commitments shall terminate on the effective date of such termination or reduction.
(b) Optional Termination and Reduction of Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts.
(i) The Borrower may at any time terminate, or from time to time reduce, the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts; provided that (A) each reduction of the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $5,000,000 and (B) the Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts if, (1) after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Loans in accordance with Section 5.2, the aggregate Total Exposures of all Lenders would exceed the Total Commitment or (2) the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amount would be less than $5,000,000 (unless, with respect to this clause (2), the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts are reduced to $0), and (C) upon any reduction of the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts that would otherwise result in the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts being less than the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount, the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount shall be automatically reduced (ratably among the Lenders in accordance with each Lenders Commitment Percentage) so that they equal the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts as so reduced.
(ii) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of any election to terminate or reduce the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts under Section 2.16(b)(i) at least three (3) Business Days prior to the effective date of such termination or reduction, specifying such election and the effective date thereof. Promptly following receipt of any notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each notice delivered by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.16(b)(ii) shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination or reduction of the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts delivered by the Borrower may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities or the closing of a specified transaction, in which case such notice may be revoked by the Borrower (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. Any termination or reduction of the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts shall be permanent and may not be reinstated. Each reduction of the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts shall be made ratably among the Lenders in accordance with each Lenders Commitment Percentage.
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(c) Increases, Reductions and Terminations of Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount.
(i) Subject to the conditions set forth in Section 2.16(c)(ii) and the prior written approval of the Administrative Agent (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), the Borrower may increase the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount then in effect by increasing the Elected Commitment of a Lender and/or by causing a Person that is reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent that at such time is not a Lender to become a Lender (any such Person that is not at such time a Lender and becomes a Lender, an Additional Lender). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, in no case shall an Additional Lender be a natural person, the Borrower or any Affiliate of the Borrower.
(ii) Any increase in the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount shall be subject to the following additional conditions:
(A) such increase shall not be less than $10,000,000 unless the Administrative Agent otherwise consents, and no such increase shall be permitted if after giving effect thereto the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount exceeds the Borrowing Base then in effect;
(B) following any Scheduled Redetermination Date, the Borrower may not increase the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount more than once before the next Scheduled Redetermination Date (for the sake of clarity, all increases in the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount effective on a single date shall be deemed a single increase in the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount for purposes of this Section 2.16(c)(ii)(B));
(C) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the effective date of such increase;
(D) on the effective date of such increase, no Borrowings of SOFR Loans shall be outstanding or if any Borrowings of SOFR Loans are outstanding, then the effective date of such increase shall be the last day of the Interest Period in respect of such Borrowings of SOFR Loans unless the Borrower pays any compensation required by Section 2.11;
(E) no Lenders Elected Commitment may be increased without the consent of such Lender;
(F) if the Borrower elects to increase the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount by increasing the Elected Commitment of a Lender, the Borrower and such Lender shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit K (an Elected Commitment Increase Certificate);
(G) if the Borrower elects to increase the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount by causing an Additional Lender to become a party to this Agreement, then the Borrower and such Additional Lender shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit L (an Additional Lender Certificate), together with an Administrative Questionnaire and a processing and recordation fee of $3,500 (provided that the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion, elect to waive such processing and recordation fee in connection with any such increase), the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Banks shall have given their prior written consent (to the extent that such Additional Lender is not an existing Lenders Affiliate and in each case, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and the Borrower shall (1) if requested by the Additional Lender, deliver a Note payable to such Additional Lender in a principal amount equal to its Maximum Credit Amount, and otherwise duly completed and (2) pay any applicable fees as may have been agreed to between the Borrower and the Additional Lender, and, to the extent applicable and agreed to by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent; and
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(iii) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to Section 2.16(c)(iv), from and after the effective date specified in the Elected Commitment Increase Certificate or the Additional Lender Certificate (or if any Borrowings of SOFR Loans are outstanding, then the last day of the Interest Period in respect of such Borrowings of SOFR Loans, unless the Borrower has paid any compensation required by Section 2.11): (A) the amount of the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount shall be increased as set forth therein, and (B) in the case of an Additional Lender Certificate, any Additional Lender party thereto shall be a party to this Agreement and have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents. In addition, the Lender or the Additional Lender, as applicable, shall purchase a pro rata portion of the outstanding Loans (and participation interests in Letters of Credit) of each of the other Lenders (and such Lenders hereby agree to sell and to take all such further action to effectuate such sale) such that each Lender (including any Additional Lender, if applicable) shall hold its Commitment Percentage of the outstanding Loans (and participation interests) after giving effect to the increase in the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount (and the resulting modifications of each Lenders Maximum Credit Amount pursuant to Section 2.16(c)(iv) or Section 2.16(c)(v)).
(iv) Upon its receipt of a duly completed Elected Commitment Increase Certificate or an Additional Lender Certificate, executed by the Borrower and the Lender or by the Borrower and the Additional Lender party thereto, as applicable, the processing and recording fee referred to in Section 2.16(c)(ii), if required, the Administrative Questionnaire referred to in Section 2.16(c)(ii) and the break-funding payments from the Borrower, if any, required by Section 2.11, if applicable, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Elected Commitment Increase Certificate or Additional Lender Certificate and record the information contained therein in the Register required to be maintained by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 13.6(b). No increase in the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this Section 2.16(c)(iv).
(v) Upon any increase in the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount pursuant to Section 2.16(c)(iv), (A) each Lenders Maximum Credit Amount shall be automatically deemed amended to the extent necessary so that each such Lenders Commitment Percentage equals the percentage of the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount represented by such Lenders Elected Commitment, in each case after giving effect to such increase, and (B) Schedule 1.1(a) to this Agreement shall be deemed amended to reflect the Elected Commitment of each Lender (including any Additional Lender) as thereby increased, any changes in the Lenders Maximum Credit Amounts pursuant to the foregoing clause (A), and any resulting changes in the Lenders Commitment Percentages.
(vi) The Borrower may from time to time terminate or reduce the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount; provided that (A) each reduction of the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $5,000,000 and (B) the Borrower shall not reduce the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Loans in accordance with Section 5.2, the aggregate Total Exposures of all Lenders would exceed the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount as reduced.
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(vii) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of any election to terminate or reduce the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount under Section 2.16(c)(vi) at least three (3) Business Days prior to the effective date of such termination or reduction (or such lesser period as may be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent), specifying such election and the effective date thereof. Promptly following receipt of any notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each notice delivered by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.16(c)(vii) shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination or reduction of the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount delivered by the Borrower may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities or the closing of a specified transaction, in which case such notice may be revoked by the Borrower (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date of such termination) if such condition is not satisfied. Any termination or reduction of the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount shall be permanent and may not be reinstated, except pursuant to Section 2.16(c)(i). Each reduction of the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount shall be made ratably among the Lenders in accordance with each Lenders Commitment Percentage.
(viii) Upon any redetermination or other adjustment in the Borrowing Base pursuant to this Agreement that would otherwise result in the Borrowing Base becoming less than the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount, the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount shall be automatically reduced (ratably among the Lenders in accordance with each Lenders Commitment Percentage) so that they equal such redetermined Borrowing Base (and Schedule 1.1(a) shall be deemed amended to reflect such amendments to each Lenders Elected Commitment and the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount).
(ix) Contemporaneously with any increase in the Borrowing Base pursuant to this Agreement, if (A) the Borrower elects to increase the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount and (B) each Lender has consented to such increase in its Elected Commitment, then the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount shall be increased (ratably among the Lenders in accordance with each Lenders Commitment Percentage) by the amount requested by the Borrower without the requirement that any Lender deliver an Elected Commitment Increase Certificate or that the Borrower pay any amounts under Section 2.11, and Schedule 1.1(a) shall be deemed amended to reflect such amendments to each Lenders Elected Commitment and the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount. The Administrative Agent shall record the information regarding such increases in the Register required to be maintained by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 13.6(b).
If, after giving effect to any reduction in the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount pursuant to this Section 2.16(c), the aggregate Total Exposures of all Lenders exceeds the Total Commitment, then the Borrower shall (A) prepay the Borrowings on the date of such termination or reduction in an aggregate principal amount equal to such excess, and (B) if any excess remains after prepaying all of the Borrowings as a result of Letter of Credit Exposure, transfer to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders an amount equal to such excess to be held as cash collateral as provided in Section 3.7.
SECTION 3. LETTERS OF CREDIT
3.1 Letters of Credit.
(a) Subject to and upon the terms and conditions herein set forth, at any time and from time to time on and after the Closing Date and prior to the L/C Maturity Date, each Issuing Bank, severally, and not jointly, agrees, in reliance upon the agreements of the Lenders set forth in this Section 3, to issue upon the request of the Borrower and for the direct or indirect benefit of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, Letters
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of Credit in Dollars in such form and with such Issuer Documents as may be approved by the applicable Issuing Bank in its reasonable discretion; provided that the Borrower shall be a co-applicant of, and jointly and severally liable with respect to, each Letter of Credit issued for the account of a Subsidiary; provided further that up to $10,000,000 of Letters of Credit may be requested by the Borrower in support of any obligations of, or for the account of, any Unrestricted Subsidiary, subject to constituting an Investment permitted by Section 10.5.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) no Letter of Credit shall be issued the Stated Amount of which, when added to the Letters of Credit Outstanding at such time, would exceed the Letter of Credit Commitment then in effect, (ii) no Letter of Credit shall be issued the Stated Amount of which would cause the aggregate Total Exposures of all Lenders at such time to exceed the Total Commitment then in effect, (iii) each Letter of Credit shall have an expiration date occurring no later than twelve (12) months after the date of issuance or such longer period of time as may be agreed by the applicable Issuing Bank, unless otherwise agreed upon by the Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuing Bank or as provided under Section 3.2(b); provided that any Letter of Credit may provide for automatic extension thereof for additional periods of up to twelve (12) months or such longer period of time as may be agreed upon by the applicable Issuing Bank, subject to the provisions of Section 3.2(b); provided, further, that in no event shall such expiration date occur later than the L/C Maturity Date unless arrangements which are reasonably satisfactory to the applicable Issuing Bank to Cash Collateralize (or backstop) such Letter of Credit have been made (provided, however, that no Lenders shall be obligated to fund participations in respect of any Letter of Credit after the Maturity Date), (iv) no Letter of Credit shall be issued if it would be illegal under any applicable Requirement of Law for the beneficiary of the Letter of Credit to have a Letter of Credit issued in its favor, (v) no Letter of Credit shall be issued by an Issuing Bank after it has received a written notice from the Administrative Agent or the Majority Lenders stating that a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing until such time as such Issuing Bank shall have received a written notice (A) of rescission of such notice from the party or parties originally delivering such notice, (B) of the waiver of such Default or Event of Default in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.1 or (C) that such Default or Event of Default is no longer continuing, (vi) without the consent of the applicable Issuing Bank, no Letter of Credit shall be issued in any currency other than Dollars and (vii) no such Letter of Credit shall be issued by an Issuing Bank if it would violate one or more policies of such Issuing Bank applicable to letters of credit generally.
(c) Upon at least one (1) Business Days prior written notice (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) to the Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuing Bank (which notice the Administrative Agent shall promptly transmit to each of the applicable Lenders), the Borrower shall have the right, on any day, permanently to terminate or reduce the Letter of Credit Commitment in whole or in part; provided that, after giving effect to such termination or reduction, the Letters of Credit Outstanding shall not exceed the Letter of Credit Commitment.
3.2 Letter of Credit Applications.
(a) Whenever the Borrower desires that a Letter of Credit be issued, amended or extended for its account on its own behalf, or on behalf of its Subsidiaries, the Borrower shall hand deliver or telecopy (or transmit by electronic communication, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the applicable Issuing Bank) to the applicable Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent a Letter of Credit application, amendment request or any such document in the Issuing Banks customary form or, if the relevant Issuing Bank does not maintain such a form, in such form as may be approved by the applicable Issuing Bank (each, a Letter of Credit Application). Upon receipt of any Letter of Credit Application or amendment request, the applicable Issuing Bank will issue such Letter of Credit or amendment on the second (or such lesser number as may be agreed upon by the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank) Business Day after the relevant Letter of Credit Application is received, so long as such Letter of Credit
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Application is received no later than 3:00 p.m. (New York City time) on such Business Day, or if received after such time or on a day that is not a Business Day, the third (3rd) Business Day next succeeding receipt of such Letter of Credit Application. No Issuing Bank shall issue any Letters of Credit unless such Issuing Bank shall have received notice from the Administrative Agent that the conditions to such issuance have been met.
(b) If the Borrower so requests in any applicable Letter of Credit Application, the applicable Issuing Bank may, in its sole and absolute discretion, agree to issue a Letter of Credit that has automatic extension provisions (each, an Auto-Extension Letter of Credit); provided that any such Auto-Extension Letter of Credit must permit such Issuing Bank to prevent any such extension at least once in each twelve (12)-month period (commencing with the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit) by giving prior notice to the beneficiary thereof not later than a day (the Non-Extension Notice Date) in each such twelve (12)-month period to be agreed upon at the time such Letter of Credit is issued. Unless otherwise directed by the applicable Issuing Bank, the Borrower shall not be required to make a specific request to such Issuing Bank for any such extension. Once an Auto-Extension Letter of Credit has been issued, the Lenders shall be deemed to have authorized (but may not require) the applicable Issuing Bank to permit the extension of such Letter of Credit at any time to an expiry date not later than the L/C Maturity Date; provided, however, that such Issuing Bank shall not permit any such extension if (i) such Issuing Bank has determined that it would not be permitted, or would have no obligation, at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its revised form (as extended) under the terms hereof (by reason of the provisions of clause (b) of Section 3.1 or otherwise), or (ii) it has received notice (which may be by telephone or in writing) on or before the day that is five (5) Business Days before the Non-Extension Notice Date from the Administrative Agent that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 7 are not then satisfied, and in each such case directing such Issuing Bank not to permit such extension.
(c) Each Issuing Bank (other than the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates) shall provide the Administrative Agent with a reasonably detailed notice upon its issuance or amendment of any Letter of Credit, or upon any drawing under any Letter of Credit issued by it; provided that, upon written request from the Administrative Agent, such Issuing Bank shall promptly provide the Administrative Agent with a list of all Letters of Credit issued by it that are outstanding at such time.
3.3 Letter of Credit Participations.
(a) Immediately upon the issuance by an Issuing Bank of any Letter of Credit, such Issuing Bank shall be deemed to have sold and transferred to each Lender (each such Lender, in its capacity under this Section 3.3, an L/C Participant), and each such L/C Participant shall be deemed irrevocably and unconditionally to have purchased and received from such Issuing Bank, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation (each an L/C Participation), to the extent of such L/C Participants Commitment Percentage, in each Letter of Credit, each substitute therefor, each drawing made thereunder and the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement with respect thereto, and any security therefor or guaranty pertaining thereto.
(b) In determining whether to pay under any Letter of Credit, the relevant Issuing Bank shall have no obligation relative to the L/C Participants other than to confirm that (i) any documents required to be delivered under such Letter of Credit have been delivered, (ii) such Issuing Bank has examined the documents with reasonable care and (iii) the documents appear to comply on their face with the requirements of such Letter of Credit. Any action taken or omitted to be taken by the relevant Issuing Bank under or in connection with any Letter of Credit issued by it, if taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction), shall not create for such Issuing Bank any resulting liability.
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(c) In the event that an Issuing Bank makes any payment under any Letter of Credit issued by it and the Borrower shall not have repaid such amount in full to such Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 3.4(a), such Issuing Bank shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly notify each L/C Participant) of such failure, and each such L/C Participant shall promptly and unconditionally pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Issuing Bank, the amount of such L/C Participants Commitment Percentage of such unreimbursed payment in Dollars and in immediately available funds. Each L/C Participant shall make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the relevant Issuing Bank such L/C Participants Commitment Percentage of the amount of such payment no later than 1:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the first (1st) Business Day after the date notified by such Issuing Bank in immediately available funds. If and to the extent such L/C Participant shall not have so made its Commitment Percentage of the amount of such payment available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the relevant Issuing Bank, such L/C Participant agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Issuing Bank, forthwith on demand, such amount, together with interest thereon for each day from such date until the date such amount is paid to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Issuing Bank at a rate per annum equal to the Overnight Rate from time to time then in effect, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by such Issuing Bank in connection with the foregoing. The failure of any L/C Participant to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of any Issuing Bank its Commitment Percentage of any payment under any Letter of Credit shall not relieve any other L/C Participant of its obligation hereunder to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Issuing Bank its Commitment Percentage of any payment under such Letter of Credit on the date required, as specified above, but no L/C Participant shall be responsible for the failure of any other L/C Participant to make available to the Administrative Agent such other L/C Participants Commitment Percentage of any such payment.
(d) Whenever an Issuing Bank receives a payment in respect of an unpaid reimbursement obligation as to which the Administrative Agent has received for the account of such Issuing Bank any payments from the L/C Participants pursuant to clause (c) above, such Issuing Bank shall pay to the Administrative Agent and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to each L/C Participant that has paid its Commitment Percentage of such reimbursement obligation, in Dollars and in immediately available funds, an amount equal to such L/C Participants share (based upon the proportionate aggregate amount originally funded by such L/C Participant to the aggregate amount funded by all L/C Participants) of the principal amount so paid in respect of such reimbursement obligation and interest thereon accruing after the purchase of the respective L/C Participations at the Overnight Rate.
(e) The obligations of the L/C Participants to make payments to the Administrative Agent for the account of an Issuing Bank with respect to Letters of Credit shall be irrevocable and not subject to counterclaim, set-off or other defense or any other qualification or exception whatsoever and shall be made in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement under all circumstances, including under any of the following circumstances:
(i) any lack of validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents;
(ii) the existence of any claim, set-off, defense or other right that the Borrower or any other Person (including an L/C Participant) may have at any time against a beneficiary named in a Letter of Credit, any transferee of any Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such transferee may be acting), the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, any Lender or other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, any Letter of Credit, the transactions contemplated herein or any unrelated transactions (including any underlying transaction between the Borrower and the beneficiary named in any such Letter of Credit);
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(iii) any draft, certificate or any other document presented under any 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;
(iv) the surrender or impairment of any security for the performance or observance of any of the terms of any of the Credit Documents; or
(v) the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default; or
(vi) any other event, condition of circumstance, whether or not similar to the foregoing.
3.4 Agreement to Repay Letter of Credit Drawings.
(a) The Borrower hereby agrees to reimburse the relevant Issuing Bank by making payment in Dollars or to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Issuing Bank (whether with its own funds or with proceeds of the Loans) in immediately available funds, for any payment or disbursement made by such Issuing Bank under any Letter of Credit issued by it (each such amount so paid until reimbursed, an Unpaid Drawing) (i) within one (1) Business Day of the date of such payment or disbursement if such Issuing Bank provides notice to the Borrower of such payment or disbursement prior to 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on such next succeeding Business Day (from the date of such payment or disbursement) or (ii) if such notice is received after such time, on the next Business Day following the date of receipt of such notice (such required date for reimbursement under clause (i) or (ii), as applicable, on such Business Day (the Reimbursement Date)), with interest on the amount so paid or disbursed by such Issuing Bank, from and including the date of such payment or disbursement to but excluding the Reimbursement Date, at the per annum rate for each day equal to the rate described in Section 2.8(a); provided that, notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, with respect to any Letter of Credit, (i) unless the Borrower shall have notified the Administrative Agent and such Issuing Bank prior to 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the Reimbursement Date that the Borrower intends to reimburse such Issuing Bank for the amount of such drawing with funds other than the proceeds of Loans, the Borrower shall be deemed to have given a Notice of Borrowing requesting that the Lenders make Loans (which shall be ABR Loans) on the Reimbursement Date in an amount equal to the amount at such drawing, and (ii) the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each L/C Participant of such drawing and the amount of its Loan to be made in respect thereof, and each L/C Participant shall be irrevocably obligated to make a Loan to the Borrower in the manner deemed to have been requested in the amount of its Commitment Percentage of the applicable Unpaid Drawing by 12:00 noon (New York City time) on such Reimbursement Date by making the amount of such Loan available to the Administrative Agent. Such Loans made in respect of such Unpaid Drawing on such Reimbursement Date shall be made without regard to the Minimum Borrowing Amount and without regard to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 7. The Administrative Agent shall use the proceeds of such Loans solely for purpose of reimbursing the relevant Issuing Bank for the related Unpaid Drawing. In the event that the Borrower fails to Cash Collateralize any Letter of Credit that is outstanding on the L/C Maturity Date, the full amount of the Letters of Credit Outstanding in respect of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be an Unpaid Drawing subject to the provisions of this Section 3.4 except that such Issuing Bank shall hold the proceeds received from the Lenders as contemplated above as cash collateral for such Letter of Credit to reimburse any Drawing under such Letter of Credit and shall use such proceeds first, to reimburse itself for any Drawings made in respect of such Letter of Credit following the L/C Maturity Date, second, to the extent such Letter of Credit expires or is returned undrawn while any such cash collateral remains, to the repayment of obligations in respect of any Loans that have not paid at such time and third, to the Borrower or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction. Nothing in this Section 3.4(a) shall affect the Borrowers obligation to repay all outstanding Loans when due in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
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(b) The obligations of the Borrower under this Section 3.4 to reimburse the relevant Issuing Bank with respect to Unpaid Drawings (including, in each case, interest thereon) shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable under any and all circumstances and irrespective of any set-off, counterclaim or defense to payment that the Borrower or any other Person may have or have had against such Issuing Bank, the Administrative Agent or any Lender (including in its capacity as an L/C Participant), including any defense based upon (i) the failure of any drawing under a Letter of Credit (each a Drawing) to conform to the terms of the Letter of Credit, (ii) any non-application or misapplication by the beneficiary of the proceeds of such Drawing, (iii) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit or this Agreement, or any term or provision therein, (iv) any draft or other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent or invalid in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect or (v) any other event or circumstance whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that might, but for the provisions of this Section 3.4, constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, the Borrowers obligations hereunder; provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse the relevant Issuing Bank from liability to the Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by the Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable law) suffered by the Borrower that are caused by such Issuing Banks failure to exercise care pursuant to the applicable ICC Rule or applicable law when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof. The Borrower agrees that any action taken or omitted to be taken by an Issuing Bank under or in connection with any Letter of Credit or the related drafts or documents, if done in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction), shall be binding on the Borrower and shall not result in any liability of such Issuing Bank to the Borrower; provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse such Issuing Bank from liability to the Borrower to the extent of any direct damages suffered by the Borrower that are caused by such Issuing Banks failure to exercise care, when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof as determined by a final and non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. In furtherance of the foregoing, the parties hereto agree that, with respect to documents presented which appear on their face to be in compliance with the terms of a Letter of Credit, the Issuing Bank that issued such Letter of Credit may in its sole discretion either accept or make payment upon such documents without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, or refuse to accept and make payment upon such documents if such documents are not in strict compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit (unless the Borrower shall consent to payment thereon not withstanding such lack of strict compliance).
3.5 New or Successor Issuing Bank.
(a) Any Issuing Bank may resign as an Issuing Bank upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower. The Borrower may replace any Issuing Bank for any reason upon written notice to such Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent and may add Issuing Banks at any time upon notice to the Administrative Agent. If an Issuing Bank shall resign or be replaced, or if the Borrower shall decide to add a new Issuing Bank under this Agreement, then the Borrower may appoint from among the Lenders (who have agreed to act as successor issuer of Letters of Credit or a new Issuing Bank) a successor issuer of Letters of Credit or a new Issuing Bank, as the case may be, or, with the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) and such new Issuing Bank, another successor or new issuer of Letters of Credit, whereupon such successor issuer shall succeed to the rights, powers and duties of the replaced or resigning Issuing Bank under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, or such new issuer of Letters of Credit shall be granted the rights, powers and duties of an Issuing Bank hereunder, and the term Issuing Bank shall mean such successor or such new issuer of Letters of Credit effective upon such appointment. The acceptance of any appointment as an Issuing Bank hereunder whether as a successor issuer or new issuer of Letters of Credit in accordance with this Agreement, shall be evidenced by an agreement entered into by such new or successor issuer of Letters
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of Credit, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and, from and after the effective date of such agreement, such new or successor issuer of Letters of Credit shall become an Issuing Bank hereunder. After the resignation or replacement of an Issuing Bank hereunder, the resigning or replaced Issuing Bank shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents with respect to Letters of Credit issued by it prior to such resignation or replacement, but shall not be required to issue additional Letters of Credit. In connection with any resignation or replacement pursuant to this clause (a) (but, in case of any such resignation, only to the extent that a successor issuer of Letters of Credit shall have been appointed), either (i) the Borrower, the resigning or replaced Issuing Bank and the successor issuer of Letters of Credit shall arrange to have any outstanding Letters of Credit issued by the resigning or replaced Issuing Bank replaced with Letters of Credit issued by the successor issuer of Letters of Credit or (ii) the Borrower shall cause the successor issuer of Letters of Credit, if such successor issuer is reasonably satisfactory to the replaced or resigning Issuing Bank, to issue back-stop Letters of Credit naming the resigning or replaced Issuing Bank as beneficiary for each outstanding Letter of Credit issued by the resigning or replaced Issuing Bank, which new Letters of Credit shall have a Stated Amount equal to the Letters of Credit being back-stopped and the sole requirement for drawing on such new Letters of Credit shall be a drawing on the corresponding back-stopped Letters of Credit (for the avoidance of doubt, the Stated Amount of such backstopped Letters of Credit shall no longer be deemed outstanding under the Facility). After any resigning or replaced Issuing Banks resignation or replacement as Issuing Bank, the provisions of this Agreement relating to an Issuing Bank shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it (A) while it was an Issuing Bank under this Agreement or (B) at any time with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank.
(b) To the extent that there are, at the time of any resignation or replacement as set forth in clause (a) above, any outstanding Letters of Credit, nothing herein shall be deemed to impact or impair any rights and obligations of any of the parties hereto with respect to such outstanding Letters of Credit (including any obligations related to the payment of fees or the reimbursement or funding of amounts drawn), except that the Borrower, the resigning or replaced Issuing Bank and the successor issuer of Letters of Credit shall have the obligations regarding outstanding Letters of Credit described in clause (a) above.
3.6 Role of Issuing Bank. Each Lender and the Borrower agree that, in paying any drawing under a Letter of Credit, no Issuing Bank shall have any responsibility to obtain any document (other than any sight draft, certificates and documents expressly required by the Letter of Credit) or to ascertain or inquire as to the validity or accuracy of any such document or the authority of the Person executing or delivering any such document. None of the Issuing Banks, the Administrative Agent, any of their respective affiliates nor any correspondent, participant or assignee of any Issuing Bank shall be liable to any Lender for (a) any action taken or omitted in connection herewith at the request or with the approval of the Majority Lenders, (b) any action taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct or (c) the due execution, effectiveness, validity or enforceability of any document or instrument related to any Letter of Credit or Issuer Document. The Borrower hereby assumes all risks of the acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee with respect to its use of any Letter of Credit; provided that this assumption is not intended to, and shall not, preclude the Borrowers pursuing such rights and remedies as it may have against the beneficiary or transferee at law or under any other agreement. None of the Issuing Banks, the Administrative Agent, any of their respective affiliates nor any correspondent, participant or assignee of any Issuing Bank shall be liable or responsible for any of the matters described in Section 3.3(e); provided that anything in such Section 3.3(e) to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower may have a claim against an Issuing Bank, and such Issuing Bank may be liable to the Borrower, to the extent, but only to the extent, of any direct, as opposed to consequential or exemplary, damages suffered by the Borrower which the Borrower proves were caused by such Issuing Banks willful misconduct or gross negligence (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction) or such Issuing Banks unlawful failure (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction) to pay under any Letter of Credit after the presentation to
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it by the beneficiary of a sight draft and certificate(s) strictly complying with the terms and conditions of a Letter of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, any Issuing Bank may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order, without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, and no Issuing Bank shall be responsible for the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign a Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason.
3.7 Cash Collateral.
(a) (i) Upon the request of the Majority Lenders if, as of the L/C Maturity Date, there are any Letters of Credit Outstanding, or (ii) if the Letter of Credit Exposure exceeds the Letter of Credit Commitment at any time as a result of a reduction in the Borrowing Base or the Elected Commitments, the Borrower shall immediately Cash Collateralize the Letters of Credit Outstanding.
(b) If any Event of Default shall occur and be continuing and the Loans shall have been accelerated in accordance with Section 11, the Majority Lenders may require that the L/C Obligations be Cash Collateralized; provided that, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default referred to in Section 11.5 with respect to the Borrower, the Borrower shall immediately Cash Collateralize the Letters of Credit then outstanding and no notice or request by or consent from the Majority Lenders shall be required.
(c) For purposes of this Agreement, Cash Collateralize shall mean to (i) pledge and deposit with or deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Issuing Banks and the Lenders, as collateral for the L/C Obligations, cash or deposit account balances (Cash Collateral) in an amount equal to the amount of the Letters of Credit Outstanding required to be Cash Collateralized (the Required Cash Collateral Amount) or (ii) if the relevant Issuing Bank benefiting from such collateral shall agree in its reasonable discretion, other forms of credit support (including any backstop letter of credit) in a face amount equal to one hundred and five percent (105%) of the Required Cash Collateral Amount from an issuer reasonably satisfactory to such Issuing Bank, in each case under clause (i) and (ii) above pursuant to documentation in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the relevant Issuing Bank (which documents are hereby consented to by the Lenders). Derivatives of such term have corresponding meanings. The Borrower hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Issuing Banks and the L/C Participants, a security interest in all such cash, deposit accounts and all balances therein and all proceeds of the foregoing. Such cash Collateral shall be maintained in blocked, interest bearing deposit accounts established by and in the name of the Borrower subject to a control agreement that provides for the control (pursuant to the requirements of Section 9-104(a)(2) of the UCC) of the Administrative Agent at all times.
3.8 Applicability of ISP and UCP. The Borrower agrees that any Issuing Bank may issue Letters of Credit hereunder subject to the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Publication Nos. 600 (2007 Revision) (UCP 600) or, at such Issuing Banks option, such later revision thereof in effect at the time of issuance of the Letter of Credit or the International Standby Practices 1998, ICC Publication No. 590 or, at such Issuing Banks option, such later revision thereof in effect at the time of issuance of any such Letter of Credit (ISP 98, and each of the UCP 600 and the ISP 98, an ICC Rule). Each Issuing Banks privileges, rights and remedies under such ICC Rules shall be in addition to, and not in limitation of, its privileges, rights and remedies expressly provided for herein. The Borrower agrees for matters not addressed by the chosen ICC Rule, each Letter of Credit shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of New York and applicable United States Federal laws; provided that if at Borrowers request, a Letter of Credit chooses a state or country law other than New York State law and United States Federal law or is silent with respect to the choice of an ICC Rule or a governing law, the Issuing Bank shall not be liable for any payment, cost, expense or loss resulting from any action or inaction taken by the Issuing Bank if such action or inaction is or would be justified under an ICC Rule, New York law or applicable United States Federal law, and Borrower shall indemnify Issuing Bank for all such payments, costs, expenses or losses.
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3.9 Conflict with Issuer Documents. In the event of any conflict between the terms hereof and the terms of any Issuer Document, the terms hereof shall control.
3.10 Letters of Credit Issued for Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding that a Letter of Credit issued or outstanding hereunder is in support of any obligations of, or is for the account of, a Subsidiary, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the relevant Issuing Bank hereunder for any and all drawings under such Letter of Credit. The Borrower hereby acknowledges that the issuance of Letters of Credit for the account of Subsidiaries inures to the benefit of the Borrower, and that the Borrowers business derives substantial benefits from the businesses of such Subsidiaries.
3.11 Increased Costs. If, after the Closing Date, the adoption of any Change in Law shall either (a) impose, modify or make applicable any reserve, deposit, capital adequacy or similar requirement against Letters of Credit issued by any Issuing Bank, or any L/C Participants L/C Participation therein, or (b) impose on any Issuing Bank or any L/C Participant any other conditions, costs or expenses affecting its obligations under this Agreement in respect of Letters of Credit or L/C Participations therein or any Letter of Credit or such L/C Participants L/C Participation therein, and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to such Issuing Bank or such L/C Participant of issuing, maintaining or participating in any Letter of Credit, or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Issuing Bank or such L/C Participant hereunder (other than (i) Indemnified Taxes or (ii) Excluded Taxes) in respect of Letters of Credit or L/C Participations therein, then, promptly (and in any event no later than fifteen (15) days) after receipt of written demand to the Borrower by such Issuing Bank or such L/C Participant, as the case may be (a copy of which notice shall be sent by such Issuing Bank or such L/C Participant to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall pay to such Issuing Bank or such L/C Participant such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Issuing Bank or such L/C Participant for such increased cost or reduction, it being understood and agreed, however, that no Issuing Bank or L/C Participant shall be entitled to such compensation as a result of such Persons compliance with, or pursuant to any request or directive to comply with, any such Requirement of Law as in effect on the Closing Date. A certificate submitted to the Borrower by the relevant Issuing Bank or an L/C Participant, as the case may be (a copy of which certificate shall be sent by such Issuing Bank or such L/C Participant to the Administrative Agent), setting forth in reasonable detail the basis for the determination of such additional amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Issuing Bank or such L/C Participant as aforesaid shall be conclusive and binding on the Borrower absent clearly demonstrable error.
3.12 Independence. The Borrower acknowledges that the rights and obligations of each Issuing Bank under each Letter of Credit issued by it are independent of the existence, performance or nonperformance of any contract or arrangement underlying such Letter of Credit, including contracts or arrangements between such Issuing Bank and the Borrower (other than the Credit Documents and the Issuer Documents) and between the Borrower and the relevant beneficiary.
SECTION 4. FEES.
4.1 Fees.
(a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent in Dollars, for the account of each Lender (in each case pro rata according to the respective Commitment Percentages of the Lenders), a commitment fee (the Commitment Fee) for each day from the Closing Date until but excluding the Termination Date. Each Commitment Fee shall be payable by the Borrower quarterly in arrears on the last
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Business Day of each March, June, September and December (for the three-month period (or portion thereof) ended on such day for which no payment has been received) and on the Termination Date (for the period ended on such date for which no payment has been received), and shall be computed for each day during such period at a rate per annum equal to the Commitment Fee Rate in effect on such day on the Available Commitment in effect on such day.
(b) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent in Dollars for the account of the Lenders pro rata on the basis of their respective Letter of Credit Exposure, a fee in respect of each Letter of Credit (the Letter of Credit Fee), for the period from the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit until the termination or expiration date of such Letter of Credit computed at the per annum rate for each day equal to the Applicable Margin for SOFR Loans on the average daily Stated Amount of such Letter of Credit. Such Letter of Credit Fees shall be due and payable (i) quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December and (ii) on the Termination Date (for the period for which no payment has been received pursuant to clause (i) above).
(c) The Borrower agrees to pay to each Issuing Bank a fee in respect of each Letter of Credit issued by it (the Fronting Fee), for the period from the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit to the termination or expiration date of such Letter of Credit, computed at the rate for each day equal to 0.125% per annum (or such other amount as may be agreed in a separate writing between the Borrower and the relevant Issuing Bank) on the average daily Stated Amount of such Letter of Credit (or at such other rate per annum as agreed in writing between the Borrower and the relevant Issuing Bank). The Fronting Fee shall be due and payable by the Borrower (i) quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December and (ii) on the Termination Date (for the period for which no payment has been received pursuant to clause (i) above).
(d) The Borrower agrees to pay directly to each Issuing Bank upon each issuance of, drawing under, and/or amendment of, a Letter of Credit issued by it such amount as the relevant Issuing Bank and the Borrower shall have agreed upon for issuances of, drawings under or amendments of, letters of credit issued by it.
(e) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent the administrative agent fees in the amounts and on the dates as set forth in writing from time to time between the Administrative Agent and the Borrower.
SECTION 5. PAYMENTS.
5.1 Voluntary Prepayments. The Borrower shall have the right to prepay Loans without premium or penalty, in whole or in part from time to time on the following terms and conditions:
(a) the Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent at the Administrative Agents Office written notice (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) of its intent to make such prepayment, the amount of such prepayment and (in the case of SOFR Loans) the specific Borrowing(s) being prepaid, which notice shall be given by the Borrower no later than 1:00 p.m. (New York City time) (i) in the case of SOFR Loans, three (3) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to the date of such prepayment and (ii) in the case of ABR Loans on the date of such prepayment and shall promptly be transmitted by the Administrative Agent to each of the Lenders;
(b) each partial prepayment of (i) SOFR Loans shall be in a minimum amount of $500,000 and in multiples of $100,000 in excess thereof or a lesser amount to the extent such lesser amount represents the entire aggregate outstanding SOFR Loans at such time, and (ii) any ABR Loans shall be in a minimum amount of $500,000 and in multiples of $100,000 in excess thereof or a lesser amount to the extent such lesser amount represents the entire aggregate outstanding ABR Loans at such time; provided that no partial prepayment of SOFR Loans made pursuant to a single Borrowing shall reduce the outstanding SOFR Loans made pursuant to such Borrowing to an amount less than the applicable Minimum Borrowing Amount for such SOFR Loans; and
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(c) any prepayment of SOFR Loans pursuant to this Section 5.1 on any day other than the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto shall be subject to compliance by the Borrower with the applicable provisions of, including any breakage costs as set forth in, Section 2.11.
Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the Type of Loans to be prepaid. At the Borrowers election in connection with any prepayment pursuant to this Section 5.1, such prepayment shall not be applied to any Loans of a Defaulting Lender.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, any such notice of prepayment pursuant to Section 5.1 may state that it is conditioned upon the occurrence or non-occurrence of any event specified therein (including the effectiveness of other credit facilities or other transactions), in which case such notice may be revoked by the Borrower (by written notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied.
5.2 Mandatory Prepayments.
(a) Repayment following Optional Reduction of Commitments. If, after giving effect to any termination or reduction of the Aggregate Maximum Credit Amounts pursuant to Section 2.16(b) or of the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount pursuant to Section 2.16(c), the aggregate Total Exposures of all Lenders exceeds the Total Commitment (as reduced), then the Borrower shall on the same Business Day (i) prepay the Loans on the date of such termination or reduction in an aggregate principal amount equal to such excess and (ii) if any excess remains after prepaying all of the Loans as a result of any Letter of Credit Exposure, pay to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Issuing Banks and the L/C Participants an amount in cash or otherwise Cash Collateralize an amount equal to such excess as provided in Section 3.7.
(b) Repayment of Loans Following Redetermination or Adjustment of Borrowing Base.
(i) Upon the effectiveness of a redetermination of the Borrowing Base in accordance with Section 2.14(d) or an adjustment of the Borrowing Base pursuant to Section 2.14(g), if a Loan Limit Deficiency exists, then the Borrower shall, within ten (10) days after (x) its receipt of a New Borrowing Base Notice indicating such Loan Limit Deficiency or (y) in the case of Section 2.14(g) the effectiveness of a new Borrowing Base, inform the Administrative Agent that it intends to take one or more of the following actions (provided that, if the Borrower fails to inform the Administrative Agent within such ten (10) day period, the Borrower shall be deemed to have elected (B) below): (A) within thirty (30) days following receipt of the notice provided in clauses (x) and (y) above, prepay the Loans in an aggregate principal amount equal to the Loan Limit Deficiency, (B) prepay the Loans in six equal monthly installments, commencing on the thirtieth (30th) day following receipt of the notice provided in clauses (x) and (y) above, with each payment being equal to l/6th of the aggregate principal amount of the Loan Limit Deficiency, (C) within thirty (30) days following receipt of the notice provided in clauses (x) and (y) above, provide additional Oil and Gas Properties (accompanied by reasonably acceptable Engineering Reports) not evaluated in the most recently delivered Reserve Report (which shall become Mortgaged Properties within the time period prescribed by Section 9.10(c) regardless of whether the Collateral Coverage Minimum is then satisfied) or other Collateral reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent having a Borrowing Base Value (as proposed by the Administrative Agent and approved by the Required Lenders in good faith in accordance with their respective usual and customary oil and gas
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lending criteria as they exist at the particular time) sufficient, after giving effect to any other actions taken pursuant to this Section 5.2(b)(i) to eliminate the Loan Limit Deficiency, or (D) undertake a combination of clauses (A), (B), and (C); provided that if, because of Letter of Credit Exposure, a Loan Limit Deficiency remains after prepaying all of the Loans, the Borrower shall Cash Collateralize such remaining Loan Limit Deficiency as provided in Section 3.7; provided further, that any Loan Limit Deficiency must be cured on or prior to the Termination Date.
(ii) Upon any adjustment to the Borrowing Base pursuant to Section 2.14(e), (f) or (h), if a Loan Limit Deficiency exists, as adjusted, then the Borrower shall, (A) prepay the Loans in an aggregate principal amount equal to the Loan Limit Deficiency and (B) if any Loan Limit Deficiency remains after prepaying all of the Loans as a result of any Letter of Credit Exposure, Cash Collateralize such excess as provided in Section 3.7. The Borrower shall be obligated to make any prepayment and/or deposit of cash collateral under this clause (ii) no later than one (1) Business Day following the dates of any applicable adjustment of the Borrowing Base; provided that all payments required to be made pursuant to this clause (ii) must be made on or prior to the Termination Date.
(iii) At any time that Permitted Additional Debt (other than Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof) shall be incurred or issued while a Loan Limit Deficiency exists, the Borrower shall, upon the incurrence or issuance of such Permitted Additional Debt, prepay the Loans in an aggregate principal amount equal to the lesser of (A) one hundred percent (100%) of the Net Cash Proceeds received in respect of such Permitted Additional Debt and (B) the aggregate principal amount equal to (1) such Loan Limit Deficiency and (2) if excess remains after prepaying all of the Loans as a result of any Letter of Credit Exposure, Cash Collateralize such excess as provided in Section 3.7.
(c) Application to Loans. With respect to each prepayment of Loans elected under Section 5.1 or required by Section 5.2, the Borrower may designate (i) the Types of Loans that are to be prepaid and the specific Borrowing(s) being repaid and (ii) the Loans to be prepaid; provided that (A) each prepayment of any Loans made pursuant to a Borrowing shall be applied pro rata among such Loans, and (B) notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding clause (A), no prepayment of Loans shall be applied to the Loans of any Defaulting Lender except in accordance with Section 2.15(f). In the absence of a designation by the Borrower as described in the preceding sentence, the Administrative Agent shall, subject to the above, make such designation in its reasonable discretion with a view, but no obligation, to minimize breakage costs owing under Section 2.11.
(d) SOFR Interest Periods. In lieu of making any payment pursuant to this Section 5.2 in respect of any SOFR Loan, other than on the last day of the Interest Period thereof so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Borrower at its option may deposit, on behalf of the Borrower, with the Administrative Agent an amount equal to the amount of the SOFR Loan to be prepaid and such SOFR Loan shall be repaid on the last day of the Interest Period therefor in the required amount. Such deposit shall be held by the Administrative Agent in a corporate time deposit account established on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, earning interest at the then customary rate for accounts of such type. The Borrower hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, a security interest in all such cash, deposit accounts and all balances therein and all proceeds of the foregoing. Such deposit shall constitute cash collateral for the SOFR Loans to be so prepaid; provided that the Borrower may at any time direct that such deposit be applied to make the applicable payment required pursuant to this Section 5.2.
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(e) Application of Proceeds. The application of proceeds pursuant to this Section 5.2 shall not reduce the aggregate amount of Commitments under the Facility and amounts prepaid may be reborrowed subject to the Available Commitment.
(f) Repayment of Loans from Excess Cash. If Excess Cash as of the last Business Day of any fiscal quarter exceeds the greater of (i) $35,000,000 and (ii) ten percent (10%) of the then effective Borrowing Base, the Borrower shall, on the next succeeding Business Day, prepay the Loans in an aggregate principal amount equal to the amount of such Excess Cash exceeding the greater of (A) $35,000,000 and (B) ten percent (10%) of the then effective Borrowing Base; provided that all payments required to be made pursuant to this Section 5.2(f) must be made on or prior to the Termination Date.
5.3 Method and Place of Payment.
(a) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, all payments under this Agreement shall be made by the Borrower without set-off, counterclaim or deduction of any kind, to the Administrative Agent for the ratable account of the Lenders entitled thereto or the Issuing Banks entitled thereto, as the case may be, not later than 2:00 p.m. (New York City time), in each case, on the date when due and shall be made in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agents Office or at such other office as the Administrative Agent shall specify for such purpose by notice to the Borrower, it being understood that written or facsimile notice by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent to make a payment from the funds in the Borrowers account at the Administrative Agents Office shall constitute the making of such payment to the extent of such funds held in such account. All repayments or prepayments of any Loans (whether of principal, interest or otherwise) hereunder and all other payments under each Credit Document shall be made in Dollars. The Administrative Agent will thereafter cause to be distributed on the same day (if payment was actually received by the Administrative Agent prior to 2:00 p.m. (New York City time) or, otherwise, on the next Business Day in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent) like funds relating to the payment of principal or interest or fees ratably to the Lenders or the Issuing Banks, as applicable, entitled thereto.
(b) For purposes of computing interest or fees, any payments under this Agreement that are made later than 2:00 p.m. (New York City time) shall be deemed to have been made on the next succeeding Business Day in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent. Whenever any payment to be made hereunder shall be stated to be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the due date thereof shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day and, with respect to payments of principal, interest shall be payable during such extension at the applicable rate in effect immediately prior to such extension.
5.4 Net Payments.
(a) Payments Free of Taxes. Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower under any Credit Document shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable law. If any applicable law (as determined in the good faith discretion of an applicable Withholding Agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by a Withholding Agent, then the applicable Withholding Agent shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law and, if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by the Borrower shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 5.4) the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.
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(b) Payment of Other Taxes by Borrower. Without duplication of any amounts payable pursuant to this Section 5.4, the Borrower shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law, or at the option of the Administrative Agent or the applicable Lender timely reimburse it for the payment of, any Other Taxes.
(c) Indemnification by Borrower. Without duplication of any amounts payable pursuant to this Section 5.4, the Borrower shall indemnify each Recipient, within thirty (30) days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 5.4) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient and any reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by any Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
(d) Indemnification by the Lenders. Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, for (i) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that the Borrower has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Borrower to do so), (ii) any Taxes attributable to such Lenders failure to comply with the provisions of Section 13.6(c) relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (iii) any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent in connection with any Credit Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under any Credit Document or otherwise payable by the Administrative Agent to the Lender from any other source against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this clause (d).
(e) Evidence of Payments. As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by the Borrower to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section 5.4, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
(f) Status of Lenders. (i) Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Credit Document shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in clauses (ii)(A), (ii)(B) and (ii)(D) below) shall not be required if in the Lenders reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.
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(ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:
(A) any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of IRS Form W-9 (or any successor form) certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;
(B) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:
(1) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Credit Document, executed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or any successor forms) establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the interest article of such tax treaty and (y) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Credit Document, IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or any successor forms) establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the business profits or other income article of such tax treaty;
(2) executed copies of IRS Form W-8ECI (or any successor form);
(3) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit I-1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a 10 percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code, or a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate) and (y) executed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or any successor forms); or
(4) to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed copies of IRS Form W-8IMY (or any successor form), accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit I-2 or Exhibit I-3, IRS Form W-9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner (or any successor forms), as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit I-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner;
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(C) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and
(D) if a payment made to a Lender under any Credit Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lenders obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount, if any, to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (D), FATCA shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.
(E) the Administrative Agent shall deliver to the Borrower, on or prior to the date on which the Administrative Agent becomes the Administrative Agent under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower), whichever of the following is applicable: (i) in the event that the Administrative Agent is a U.S. Person, a duly completed and executed copy of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Agent is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax, or (ii) in the event that the Administrative Agent is not a U.S. Person, with respect to payments received on account of any Lender, two copies of an executed IRS Form W-8IMY (together with all required accompanying documentation) certifying that the Administrative Agent is either (1) a qualified intermediary assuming primary withholding responsibility under Chapters 3 and 4 of the Code and primary IRS Form 1099 reporting and backup withholding responsibility for payments it receives for the accounts of others, or (2) a U.S. branch and that the payments it receives for the account of others are not effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States, and in the case of each of clauses (1) and (2), that the Administrative Agent is using such form as evidence of its agreement with the Borrower to be treated as a U.S. Person with respect to such payments.
Each Lender and Administrative Agent, as applicable, agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.
(g) Treatment of Certain Refunds. If any party determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section 5.4 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section 5.4 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund). Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this clause (g)
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(plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this clause (g), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this clause (g) the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the indemnified party would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid. This clause (g) shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.
(h) Defined Terms. For purposes of this Section 5.4, the term applicable law includes FATCA.
(i) Survival. The obligations under and agreements in this Section 5.4 shall survive the resignation or replacement of any Agent, any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments, the termination of this Agreement and any other Credit Document and the payment, satisfaction or discharge of all Obligations under any Credit Document.
5.5 Computations of Interest and Fees.
(a) Except as provided in the next succeeding sentence, interest on SOFR Loans and ABR Loans shall be calculated on the basis of a three hundred sixty (360)-day year for the actual days elapsed. Interest on ABR Loans in respect of which the rate of interest is calculated on the basis of the Administrative Agents prime rate and interest on overdue interest shall be calculated on the basis of a 365- (or 366-, as the case may be) day year for the actual days elapsed.
(b) Fees and the average daily Stated Amount of Letters of Credit shall be calculated on the basis of a three hundred sixty (360)-day year for the actual days elapsed.
5.6 Limit on Rate of Interest.
(a) No Payment Shall Exceed Lawful Rate. Notwithstanding any other term of this Agreement, the Borrower shall not be obligated to pay any interest or other amounts under or in connection with this Agreement or otherwise in respect to any of the Obligations in excess of the amount or rate permitted under or consistent with any applicable law, rule or regulation.
(b) Payment at Highest Lawful Rate. If the Borrower is not obliged to make a payment that it would otherwise be required to make, as a result of Section 5.6(a), the Borrower shall make such payment to the maximum extent permitted by or consistent with applicable laws, rules and regulations.
(c) Adjustment if Any Payment Exceeds Lawful Rate. If any provision of this Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents would obligate the Borrower or any other Credit Party to make any payment of interest or other amount payable to any Lender in an amount or calculated at a rate that would be prohibited by any applicable Requirement of Law, then notwithstanding such provision, such amount or rate shall be deemed to have been adjusted with retroactive effect to the maximum amount or rate of interest, as the case may be, as would not be so prohibited by applicable Requirements of Law, such adjustment to be effected, to the extent necessary, by reducing the amount or rate of interest required to be paid by the Borrower to the affected Lender under Section 2.8.
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(d) Rebate of Excess Interest. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and after giving effect to all adjustments contemplated thereby, if any Lender shall have received from the Borrower an amount in excess of the maximum permitted by any applicable Requirement of Law, then the Borrower shall be entitled, by notice in writing to the Administrative Agent to obtain reimbursement from that Lender in an amount equal to such excess, and pending such reimbursement, such amount shall be deemed to be an amount payable by that Lender to the Borrower.
SECTION 6. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO INITIAL BORROWING.
The Closing Date is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent, except as otherwise agreed or waived pursuant to Section 13.1.
(a) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received from the Borrower (i) a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party or (ii) written evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include e-mail transmission of a signed signature page of this Agreement) that such party has signed a counterpart of this Agreement.
(b) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received, on behalf of itself, the Collateral Agent and the Lenders, written opinions of (i) Kirkland & Ellis LLP, counsel to the Credit Parties and (ii) local counsel in each jurisdiction where Mortgaged Properties are located, in each case (A) dated the Closing Date, (B) addressed to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Lenders and each Issuing Bank and (C) in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and customary for transactions of this type. The Borrower, the other Credit Parties and the Administrative Agent hereby instruct such counsel to deliver such legal opinions.
(c) The Administrative Agent shall have received, in the case of each Credit Party, a certificate of an officer of each Credit Party dated the Closing Date and certifying:
(i) that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of the bylaws (or limited liability company agreement or other equivalent governing documents) of such Credit Party as in effect on the Closing Date,
(ii) that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of resolutions duly adopted by the board of directors (or managing member or equivalent) of such Credit Party authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of the Credit Documents to which such person is a party and, in the case of the Borrower, the borrowings hereunder, and that such resolutions have not been modified, rescinded or amended and are in full force and effect on the Closing Date,
(iii) that attached thereto is (A) a true and complete copy of the certificate or articles of incorporation or certificate of formation, including all amendments thereto, of such Credit Party, certified as of a recent date by the Secretary of State (or other similar official) of the jurisdiction of its organization, (B) a certificate as to the good standing (to the extent such concept or a similar concept exists under the laws of such jurisdiction) of each such Credit Party in the jurisdiction in which it is formed or organized as of a recent date from such Secretary of State (or other similar official), which has not been amended and, (C) if available after the use of commercially reasonable efforts by the Borrower, a certificate as to the good standing (to the extent such concept or a similar concept exists under the laws of such jurisdiction) of each Credit Party in each jurisdiction where such Credit Party owns material Borrowing Base Properties (other than in the jurisdiction where such Credit Party is formed or organized), as of a recent date from the Secretary of State (or other similar official) of such jurisdiction, which has not been amended,
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(iv) as to the incumbency and specimen signature of each officer executing any Credit Document or any other document delivered in connection herewith on behalf of such Credit Party, and
(v) a certificate of a director or an officer as to the incumbency and specimen signature of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary or similar officer executing the certificate pursuant to subclause (ii) above.
(d) The Administrative Agent shall have received a promissory note substantially in the form of Exhibit G executed by the Borrower in favor of each Lender that has requested a promissory note, evidencing the Loans owing to such Lender.
(e)
(i) All Equity Interests directly owned by the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor, in each case as of the Closing Date, shall have been pledged pursuant to the Collateral Agreement (except that such Credit Parties shall not be required to pledge any Excluded Equity Interests) and the Collateral Agent shall have received all certificates, if any, representing such securities pledged under the Collateral Agreement, accompanied by instruments of transfer and/or undated powers endorsed in blank
(ii) The Administrative Agent shall have received customary UCC, tax and judgment lien searches with respect to the Credit Parties in their applicable jurisdictions of organization, reflecting the absence of Liens and security interests other than those being released on or prior to the Closing Date or which are otherwise permitted under the Credit Documents.
(f) All representations and warranties made by any Credit Party contained herein or in the other Credit Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date (except where such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date and except that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to materiality, Material Adverse Effect or similar language shall be true and correct (after giving effect to any qualification therein) in all respects on such respective dates) and the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of an Authorized Officer of the Borrower certifying as to the satisfaction of such condition.
(g) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received copies of the Collateral Agreement, the Mortgages, UCC financing statements and each other Security Document that is required to be executed on the Closing Date, duly executed by each Credit Party party thereto, together with evidence that all other actions, recordings and filings required by the Security Documents as of the Closing Date or that the Collateral Agent may deem reasonably necessary to (A) create the Liens intended to be created by any Security Document and perfect such Liens to the extent required by, and with the priority required by, such Security Document shall have been delivered to the Collateral Agent for filing, registration or recording and (B) comply with Section 9.11, in each case shall have been taken, completed or otherwise provided for in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
(h) The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) the Initial Reserve Report and (ii) lease operating statements and production reports with respect to the Oil and Gas Properties evaluated in the Initial Reserve Report, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2023.
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(i) On the Closing Date, the Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received a solvency certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit H hereto and signed by a Financial Officer of the Borrower.
(j) The Administrative Agent shall have received evidence that the Borrower has (i) obtained and effected all insurance required to be maintained pursuant to the Credit Documents and (ii) caused the Administrative Agent to be named as lender loss payee and/or additional insured under each insurance policy with respect to such insurance, as applicable.
(k) All fees and expenses required to be paid hereunder and invoiced, including, without limitation, the reasonable and documented fees and expenses of Paul Hastings LLP, counsel to the Administrative Agent, shall have been paid in full in cash or netted from the proceeds of the initial funding under the Facility, to the extent invoiced at least two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date.
(l) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) and the Lenders shall have received at least three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date all documentation and other information required by regulatory authorities under applicable know your customer and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including, the Patriot Act, that has been requested by the Administrative Agent in writing at least five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing Date and (ii) to the extent the Borrower qualifies as a legal entity customer under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, at least three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, any Lender that has requested, in a written notice to the Borrower at least five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to the Borrower, shall have received such Beneficial Ownership Certification (provided that, upon the execution and delivery by such Lender of its signature page to this Agreement, the condition set forth in this clause (ii) shall be deemed to be satisfied).
(m) The Credit Parties shall have delivered title information to the Administrative Agent (or its counsel) as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require satisfactory to the Administrative Agent setting forth the status of title to at least eighty-five percent (85%) of the PV-9 value of the Oil and Gas Properties of the Credit Parties evaluated in the Initial Reserve Report.
(n) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received executed copies of the Guarantee, executed by each Guarantor on the Closing Date.
(o) The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of an Authorized Officer of the Borrower certifying (a) that the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries have received all material third-party and governmental consents and approvals required by the terms of the Credit Documents, (b) since December 31, 2023, there has not been any material adverse change in, or Material Adverse Effect on the business, operations, property, liabilities (actual or contingent) or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Credit Parties, taken as a whole and (c) at the time of this Agreement and also after giving effect to any Borrowing on the Closing Date, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.
Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 12.4, for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 6, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matters required under this Section 6 to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.
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SECTION 7. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO ALL SUBSEQUENT CREDIT EVENTS.
The agreement of each Lender to make any Loan requested to be made by it on any date (including the initial Borrowing on the Closing Date, but excluding Loans required to be made by the Lenders in respect of Unpaid Drawings pursuant to Sections 3.3 and 3.4 and subject, in the case of clause (a) below, to the provisions set forth in Section 1.11(a)), and the obligation of any Issuing Bank to issue, amend, renew or extend Letters of Credit on any date (including the Closing Date), is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:
(a) At the time of each such Credit Event and also after giving effect thereto, (i) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (ii) all representations and warranties made by any Credit Party contained herein or in the other Credit Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of the date of such Credit Event (except where such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date and except that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to materiality, Material Adverse Effect or similar language shall be true and correct (after giving effect to any qualification therein) in all respects on such respective dates).
(b) Prior to the making of each Loan (other than any Loan made pursuant to Section 3.4(a)), the Administrative Agent shall have received a Notice of Borrowing (whether in writing or by telephone) meeting the requirements of Section 2.3(a).
(c) Prior to the issuance of each Letter of Credit (or an amendment or extension of a Letter of Credit except in the case of an automatic extension), (i) the Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuing Bank shall have received a Letter of Credit Application meeting the requirements of Section 3.2(a) and (ii) if such Letter of Credit is being issued on behalf of a non-Credit Party, subject to such issuance constituting an Investment permitted by Section 10.5 on a pro forma basis and to the applicable Issuing Banks receipt of all documentation and other information required by regulatory authorities under applicable know your customer and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the Patriot Act and Beneficial Ownership Regulation.
(d) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such proposed Credit Event and the use of proceeds thereof, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall not have Excess Cash in excess of the greater of (i) $35,000,000 and (ii) ten percent (10%) of the then effective Borrowing Base.
The acceptance of the benefits of each Credit Event after the Closing Date shall constitute a representation and warranty by each Credit Party to each of the Lenders that all the applicable conditions specified in Section 7 above have been satisfied as of that time.
SECTION 8. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS
In order to induce the Lenders to enter into this Agreement, to make the Loans and issue or participate in Letters of Credit as provided for herein, the Borrower makes, on the date of each Credit Event and on each other date as required or set forth in this Agreement, the following representations and warranties to, and agreements with, the Lenders, all of which shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the making of the Loans and the issuance of the Letters of Credit:
8.1 Existence, Qualification and Power. Each of the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower (a) is duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and has the corporate or other organizational power and authority to own its property and assets and to transact its business as now conducted and (b) has duly qualified and is authorized to do business and is in good standing (if applicable) in all jurisdictions where it is required to be so qualified, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
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8.2 Corporate Power and Authority; Enforceability; Binding Effect. Each Credit Party has the corporate or other organizational power and authority to execute, deliver and carry out the terms and provisions of the Credit Documents to which it is a party and has taken all necessary corporate or other organizational action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of the Credit Documents to which it is a party. Each Credit Party has duly executed and delivered each Credit Document to which it is a party and each such Credit Document constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Credit Party enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors rights generally and general principles of equity (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or law).
8.3 No Violation. None of the execution, delivery or performance by any Credit Party of the Credit Documents to which it is a party will (a) contravene any Requirement of Law, except to the extent such contravention would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (b) result in any breach of any of the terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of (or the obligation to create or impose) any Lien upon any of the property or assets of such Credit Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries (other than Liens created under the Credit Documents) pursuant to the terms of any indenture, loan agreement, lease agreement, mortgage, deed of trust, agreement or other instrument to which such Credit Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of its property or assets is bound (any such term, covenant, condition or provision, a Contractual Requirement) except to the extent such breach, default or Lien that would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect or (c) violate any provision of the Organization Documents of such Credit Party or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries.
8.4 Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 8.4, there are no actions, suits, proceedings, claims or disputes pending or, to the actual knowledge of an Authorized Officer of the Borrower, threatened in writing, at law, in equity, in arbitration or before any Governmental Authority, by or against the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or against any of their properties or revenues that either individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
8.5 Margin Regulations. Neither the making of any Loan hereunder nor the use of the proceeds thereof will violate the provisions of Regulation T, Regulation U or Regulation X of the Board. The Borrower is not engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of buying or carrying Margin Stock.
8.6 Governmental Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance of each Credit Document do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or other action by, any Governmental Authority or any other Person, except for (a) such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect, (b) filings and recordings in respect of the Liens created pursuant to the Security Documents and (c) such consents, approvals, registrations, filings or actions the failure of which to obtain or make would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
8.7 Investment Company Act. No Credit Party is an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
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8.8 True and Complete Disclosure.
(a) All written factual information delivered by or on behalf of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders (other than the Projections, pro forma financial information, estimates, forecasts and other forward looking information and information of a general economic nature or general industry nature) (the Information) concerning the Borrower, the Restricted Subsidiaries, the Transactions and any other transactions contemplated hereby prepared by or on behalf of the foregoing or their representatives and made available to any Lenders or the Administrative Agent in connection with the Transactions or the other transactions contemplated hereby and the negotiation of the Credit Documents (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished), when taken as a whole, was true and correct in all material respects, as of the date when made and did not, taken as a whole, contain any untrue statement of a material fact as of the date when made or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein, taken as a whole, not materially misleading in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made.
(b) The Projections (i) have been prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed by the Borrower to be reasonable as of the date made (it being understood that such Projections are as to future events and are not to be viewed as facts, the projections are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, that no assurance can be given that any particular projections will be realized and that actual results during the period or periods covered by any such projections may differ from the projected results and such differences may be material) and (ii) as of the Closing Date, have not been modified in any material respect by the Borrower.
(c) As of the Closing Date, neither the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary has any material Indebtedness, any material guarantee obligations, contingent liabilities, off balance sheet liabilities or unusual forward or long-term commitments that, in each case, have not been disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent.
(d) As of the Closing Date, to the knowledge of the Borrower, the information included in the Beneficial Ownership Certification delivered, on or prior to the Closing Date, to any Lender in connection with this Agreement is true and correct in all respects.
8.9 Tax Matters. Except as would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each of the Credit Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries have filed all tax returns required to be filed by it, and have paid all Taxes payable by it (including in its capacity as a withholding agent), except those that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and as to which adequate reserves have been provided to the extent required by and in accordance with GAAP.
8.10 Compliance with ERISA.
(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 8.10(a) or as would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each Plan maintained by a Credit Party is in compliance with the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder and other federal or state laws.
(b) (i) No ERISA Event has occurred during the six (6) year period prior to the date on which this representation is made or deemed made or is reasonably expected to occur; (ii) neither any Credit Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to any Pension Plan (other than premiums due and not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA); (iii) neither any Credit Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability (and no event has occurred which, with the giving of notice under Section 4219 of ERISA, would result in such liability) under Sections 4201 or 4243 of ERISA with respect to a Multiemployer Plan;
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and (iv) neither any Credit Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could be subject to Sections 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA except, with respect to each of the foregoing clauses of this Section 8.10(b), as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect or the imposition of a Lien on the assets of any Credit Party.
(c) With respect to each Pension Plan, the adjusted funding target attainment percentage as determined by the applicable Pension Plans Enrolled Actuary under Sections 436(j) and 430(d)(2) of the Code and all applicable regulatory guidance promulgated thereunder (AFTAP), would not reasonably be expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect. Neither any Credit Party nor any ERISA Affiliate maintains or contributes to a Pension Plan that is, or is expected to be, in at-risk status (as defined in Section 303(i)(4) of ERISA or Section 430(i)(4) of the Code) in each case, except as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(d) All Foreign Plans are in compliance with, and have been established, administered and operated in accordance with, the terms of such Foreign Plans and applicable law, except for any failure to so comply, establish, administer or operate the Foreign Plans as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. All contributions or other payments which are due with respect to each Foreign Plan have been made in full and there are no funding deficiencies thereunder, except to the extent any such events would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
8.11 Subsidiaries. Schedule 1.1(c) lists each Subsidiary of the Borrower (and the direct and indirect ownership interest of the Borrower therein), in each case existing on the Closing Date (after giving effect to the Transactions). Each Guarantor, Material Subsidiary and Excluded Subsidiary as of the Closing Date (after giving effect to the Transactions) has been so designated on Schedule 1.1(c).
8.12 Intellectual Property. The Borrower and each of the Restricted Subsidiaries own or have obtained valid rights to use all intellectual property, free from any burdensome restrictions, that to the knowledge of the Borrower is reasonably necessary for the operation of their respective businesses as currently conducted and as proposed to be conducted, except where the failure to obtain any such rights would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
8.13 Environmental Laws. Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) the Credit Parties and each of their respective Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws and have no liability thereunder; (ii) neither the Credit Parties nor any of their respective Subsidiaries have received any unresolved written notice of any Environmental Claim, nor are the Credit Parties aware of any reasonable basis for such an Environmental Claim; (iii) neither the Credit Parties nor any of their respective Subsidiaries are conducting or have been ordered by a Governmental Authority to conduct any investigation, removal, remedial, reclamation, closure, or other corrective action pursuant to any Environmental Law related to Hazardous Materials contamination at any location, in each case which remains unresolved; (iv) neither the Credit Parties nor any of their respective Subsidiaries have treated, stored, transported, Released or disposed or arranged for disposal or transport for disposal of Hazardous Materials at, on, under or from any currently or formerly owned, leased or operated facility or from any other location in a manner that would reasonably be expected to give rise to liability of the Credit Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries under Environmental Law and (v) there has been no Release, or to the knowledge of any Authorized Officer of the Borrower, threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials at, on or under any properties currently owned or leased by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.
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8.14 Properties.
(a) Assuming that all applicable Governmental Authorities have granted approvals, made recordations and taken such other actions as are necessary in connection with the Transactions and any assignments made in connection therewith, except as set forth on Schedule 8.14 hereto or in an exhibit to any Reserve Report Certificate delivered hereunder, the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary has good and defensible title to the Borrowing Base Properties evaluated in the most recently delivered Reserve Report (other than those (i) Disposed of in compliance with this Agreement since delivery of such Reserve Report, (ii) leases that have expired in accordance with their terms and (iii) with title defects disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent), and valid title to all its material personal properties, in each case, free and clear of all Liens other than Liens permitted by Section 10.2, except in each case where the failure to have such title would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. After giving effect to the Liens permitted by Section 10.2, the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiary specified as the owner owns the working interests and net revenue interests attributable to the Hydrocarbon Interests as such working interests and net revenue interests are reflected in the most recently delivered Reserve Report, and the ownership of such properties shall not in any material respect obligate the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary to bear the costs and expenses relating to the maintenance, development and operations of each such property in an amount in excess of the working interest of each property set forth in the most recently delivered Reserve Report that is not offset by a corresponding proportionate increase in the Borrowers or such Restricted Subsidiarys net revenue interest in such property other than as disclosed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in writing and set forth in an exhibit to the most recently delivered Reserve Report Certificate.
(b) All material leases and agreements necessary for the conduct of the business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries are valid and subsisting, in full force and effect, except to the extent that any such failure to be valid or subsisting would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) The rights and properties presently owned, leased or licensed by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries including all easements and rights of way, include all rights and properties necessary to permit the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries to conduct their respective businesses as currently conducted, except to the extent any failure to have any such rights or properties would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(d) All of the properties of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries that are reasonably necessary for the operation of their businesses are in good working condition and are maintained in accordance with prudent business standards, except to the extent any failure to satisfy the foregoing would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
8.15 Solvency. After giving effect to the Transactions, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are Solvent.
8.16 Security Documents; Restrictions on Liens.
(a) The Security Documents create in favor of the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a legal, valid and enforceable Lien or security interest in the respective Collateral described therein as security for the Obligations to the extent that a legal, valid, binding and enforceable Lien or security interest in such Collateral may be created under any applicable Requirement of Law, which Lien or security interest, upon the filing of financing statements, recordation of the Mortgages or the obtaining of possession or control, in each case, as applicable, with respect to the relevant Collateral as required under the applicable UCC or applicable local law, will constitute a fully perfected Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of the Borrower and each other Credit Party thereunder in such Collateral, in each case prior and superior (except as otherwise provided for in the relevant Security Document) in right to any other Person (other than Liens permitted pursuant to Section 10.2), in each case to the extent that a security interest may be perfected by the filing of a financing statement under the applicable UCC, recordation of the Mortgages under applicable local law or by obtaining possession or control.
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(b) Neither the Borrower nor any of the Restricted Subsidiaries is a party to any material agreement or arrangement (other than those permitted hereunder), or subject to any order, judgment, writ or decree, which either restricts or purports to restrict its ability to grant Liens to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders on or in respect of their Oil and Gas Properties to secure the Obligations and the Credit Documents.
8.17 Gas Imbalances, Prepayments. Except as set forth on Schedule 8.17 on the Closing Date or as set forth in the most recently delivered certificate pursuant to Section 9.13(c)(v), there are no gas imbalances, take or pay or other prepayments (other than Service Agreement Undertakings), with respect to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries Oil and Gas Properties that in each case would require any Credit Party or Subsidiary thereof to deliver Hydrocarbons either generally or produced from their Borrowing Base Properties at some future time without then or thereafter receiving full payment therefor.
8.18 Marketing of Production. Except as set forth on Schedule 8.18 or otherwise disclosed to the Administrative Agent in writing, as of the most recent date that the certificate described in Section 9.13(c)(vii) is required to be delivered, no material agreements exist (which are not cancelable on ninety (90) days notice or less without penalty or detriment) for the sale of production of the Borrower and Restricted Subsidiaries Hydrocarbons at a fixed non-index price (including calls on, or other rights to purchase, production, whether or not the same are currently being exercised) that (i) represent in respect of such agreements two and a half percent (2.5%) or more of the Borrowers and its Restricted Subsidiaries average monthly production of Hydrocarbon volumes and (ii) have a maturity or expiry date of longer than six (6) months.
8.19 Financial Statements.
(a) On and after the first date of delivery of financial statements pursuant to Section 9.1(a), the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 9.1(a) fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby (subject to the impact of fresh start accounting), except for customary year-end adjustments and as otherwise expressly noted therein.
(b) On and after the first date of delivery of financial statements pursuant to Section 9.1(b), the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 9.1(b) fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby (subject to the impact of fresh start accounting), except for the absence of the statements of comprehensive income, equity, cash flows and complete footnotes and as otherwise expressly noted therein.
(c) Since December 31, 2023, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
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8.20 OFAC; Patriot Act; FCPA; Use of Proceeds.
(a) To the extent applicable, each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of any Authorized Officer of the Borrower and the other Credit Parties, each director, officer, employee, agent acting on behalf of any Credit Party and controlled affiliate of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, is in compliance, in all material respects, with (i) the Trading with the Enemy Act, as amended, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, as amended, Sanctions Laws, the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended and other anti-corruption laws, and (ii) the Patriot Act. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of any Authorized Officer of the Borrower and the other Credit Parties, any director, officer, employee, agent acting on behalf of any Credit Party or controlled affiliate of the Borrower or any Subsidiary is currently the subject of any Sanctions, nor is the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries located, organized or resident in any country or territory that is the subject of comprehensive Sanctions.
(b) The proceeds of the Loans will be used for the purposes set forth in Section 9.11. No part of the proceeds of the Loans will be used, directly or, to the knowledge of any Authorized Officer of the Borrower, indirectly, by the Borrower (i) in violation of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended or (ii) for the purpose of financing any activities or business (x) of or with any Person that, at the time of such financing, is the subject of any Sanctions or (y) in any country or territory that is the subject of comprehensive Sanctions.
8.21 Hedge Agreements. Schedule 8.21 sets forth, as of the Closing Date, and after the Closing Date, each report required to be delivered by the Borrower pursuant to Section 9.1(g) or as may otherwise be disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent sets forth, a true and complete list of all material commodity Hedge Agreements of each Credit Party, the terms thereof relating to the type, term, effective date, termination date and notional amounts or volumes, and all credit support agreements relating thereto (including any margin required or supplied).
8.22 Affected Financial Institutions. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is an Affected Financial Institution.
8.23 Compliance with Laws and Agreements; No Default.
(a) Each of the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary is in compliance with each Requirement of Law applicable to it or its property and all agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property, and possesses all licenses, permits, franchises, exemptions, approvals and other governmental authorizations necessary for the ownership of its property and the conduct of its business, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) No Default, Event of Default or Loan Limit Deficiency has occurred and is continuing.
8.24 Insurance. The properties of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries are insured in the manner contemplated by Section 9.3.
8.25 Foreign Operations. The Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries (a) do not have any Foreign Subsidiaries and (b) do not make any material expenditures (whether such expenditure is capital, operating or otherwise) in or related to any Oil and Gas Properties not located within the geographical boundaries, and the territorial waters, of the United States.
8.26 Qualified ECP Guarantor. Each of the Credit Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries is a Qualified ECP Guarantor.
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SECTION 9. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
The Borrower hereby covenants and agrees that on the Closing Date and thereafter, until Payment in Full has occurred:
9.1 Information Covenants. The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly make such information available to the Lenders in accordance with its customary practice) within the time periods set forth below (as such time periods as may be extended by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion):
(a) Annual Financial Statements. As soon as available and in any event within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year, commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, the audited consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and, if different, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case as at the end of such fiscal year, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders equity and cash flows (or, in lieu of such audited financial statements of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, a reconciliation, reflecting such financial information for the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, on the other hand, reflecting adjustments necessary to eliminate the accounts of Unrestricted Subsidiaries (if any) from such consolidated financial statements (for the avoidance of doubt, the Borrower shall be deemed to have satisfied the reconciliation requirement if the financial statements provide in one or more footnotes the financial information for the Unrestricted Subsidiaries, the Restricted Subsidiaries and the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis)) all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, and, except with respect to such reconciliation, certified by independent certified public accountants of recognized national standing whose opinion shall not be materially qualified with a scope of audit or going concern explanatory paragraph or like qualification or exception (other than an emphasis of matter paragraph) (other than with respect to, or resulting from, (x) the occurrence of an upcoming maturity date of any Indebtedness or (y) any prospective default in the Financial Performance Covenants). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations in this Section 9.1(a) may be satisfied with respect to financial information of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries by furnishing the Borrowers or any Parent Entitys or IPO Vehicles annual report on Form 10-K for such year, as filed with the SEC; provided that if such financial information required to be provided under the first sentence of this Section 9.1(a) is included in the notes to the financial statements, such financial statements are accompanied by an opinion of independent certified public accountants whose opinion shall not be materially qualified with a scope of audit or going concern explanatory paragraph or like qualification or exception (other than an emphasis of matter paragraph) (other than with respect to, or resulting from, (x) the occurrence of an upcoming maturity date of any Indebtedness or (y) any prospective default in the Financial Performance Covenants).
(b) Quarterly Financial Statements. As soon as available and in any event within sixty (60) days after the end of the first three (3) quarterly accounting periods in each fiscal year of the Borrower, commencing with the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2024, the consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries and, if different, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case as at the end of such quarterly period and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders equity and cash flows, and setting forth (other than after implementation of fresh start accounting) comparative consolidated figures for the related periods in the prior fiscal year or, in the case of such consolidated balance sheet, for the last day of such periods in the prior fiscal year (or, in lieu of such unaudited financial statements of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, a reconciliation reflecting such financial information for the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, on the other hand, reflecting adjustments necessary to eliminate the accounts of Unrestricted Subsidiaries (if any) from such consolidated financial statements (for the avoidance of doubt, the Borrower shall be deemed to have satisfied the reconciliation requirement if the financial
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statements provide in one or more footnotes the financial information for the Unrestricted Subsidiaries, the Restricted Subsidiaries and the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis)), all of which shall be certified by a Financial Officer of the Borrower as fairly presenting in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, shareholders equity and cash flows, of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, subject to changes resulting from audit and normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes, together with, if not otherwise required to be filed with the SEC, a customary management discussion and analysis describing the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations in this Section 9.1(b) may be satisfied by furnishing the Borrowers or any Parent Entitys or IPO Vehicles quarterly report on Form 10-Q for such quarter, as filed with the SEC; provided that such financial information required to be provided under the first sentence of this Section 9.1(b) is included in the notes to the financial statements or the Borrow provides consolidating information that explains in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to such Parent Entity or IPO Vehicle and its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the information relating to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a standalone basis, on the other hand.
(c) Officers Certificates. At the time of the delivery of the financial statements provided for in Section 9.1(a) and Section 9.1(b), a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Borrower to the effect that no Default or Event of Default exists or, if any Default or Event of Default does exist, specifying the nature and extent thereof, which certificate shall set forth (i) the calculations required to establish whether the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries were in compliance with the Financial Performance Covenants as at the end of such fiscal year or period, as the case may be, (ii) any formation of or change in the identity of the Restricted Subsidiaries, Material Subsidiaries, Excluded Subsidiaries, Guarantors and Unrestricted Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year or period, as the case may be, from the Restricted Subsidiaries, Guarantors and Unrestricted Subsidiaries, respectively, provided to the Lenders on the Closing Date or the most recent fiscal year or period, as the case may be, (iii) a calculation of Distributable Free Cash Flow for the applicable Test Period, including the components thereof in reasonable detail acceptable to the Administrative Agent, (iv) certification as to the compliance by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries with Section 9.3 and (v) if applicable, a copy of each other material report or opinion submitted to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries by independent accountants in connection with any annual, interim or special audit made by them of the books of the Borrower or any such Subsidiary, and a copy of any response by the Borrower or any such Subsidiary, or the Board of Directors of the Borrower or any such Subsidiary, to such material report or opinion.
(d) Notices. Promptly but in no event later than five (5) Business Days (or such later date as agreed by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion) after an Authorized Officer of the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries obtains actual knowledge thereof, notice of (i) the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, which notice shall specify the nature thereof and what action the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto, (ii) any litigation or governmental proceeding pending or threatened in writing against the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries that would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect and (iii) the occurrence of any ERISA Event or similar event with respect to a Foreign Plan, in each case, that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(e) Environmental Matters. Promptly but in no event later than five (5) Business Days (or such later date as agreed by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion) after an Authorized Officer of the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries obtains actual knowledge of any one or more of the following environmental matters, unless such environmental matters would not, individually, or when aggregated with all other such matters, be reasonably expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, notice of:
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(i) any Environmental Claim brought, filed or threatened in writing against any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof and any ruling, decisions or determinations arising out of any such Environmental Claim;
(ii) any condition or occurrence on any Oil and Gas Properties that (A) would reasonably be expected to result in noncompliance by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof with any applicable Environmental Law or (B) would reasonably be anticipated to form the basis of an Environmental Claim against any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof or any Oil and Gas Properties;
(iii) any allegation that any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof is a potentially responsible party in connection with any Release of Hazardous Material, or any actual or threatened investigation of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof or Oil and Gas Property by any Governmental Authority pursuant to any Environmental Law;
(iv) any condition or occurrence on any Oil and Gas Properties that would reasonably be expected to cause such Oil and Gas Properties to be subject to any restrictions on the ownership, occupancy, use or transferability of such Oil and Gas Properties under any Environmental Law; and
(v) the actual Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Material on, at, under or from any facility owned or leased by a Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof in violation of Environmental Laws or as would reasonably be expected to result in liability of a Credit Party or any Subsidiary under Environmental Laws or the conduct of any investigation, or any removal, remedial or other corrective action under Environmental Laws in response to the actual or alleged presence, Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Material on, at, under or from any facility owned or leased by a Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof.
All such notices shall describe in reasonable detail the nature of the claim, investigation, condition, occurrence or removal or remedial action.
(f) Other Information. With reasonable promptness, but subject to the limitations set forth in the last sentences of Section 9.2(a) and Section 13.6, such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and the financial condition of the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries as the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of any Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent) may reasonably request in writing from time to time.
(g) Certificate of Authorized Officer Hedge Agreements. Within ten (10) days immediately following the Minimum Hedging Requirement Date, a certificate of an Authorized Officer of the Borrower (a Hedging Compliance Certificate), setting forth (i) the calculations required to establish whether the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries were in compliance with Section 9.17 as of such date and (ii) a true and complete list of all commodity Hedge Agreements of the Borrower and each Credit Party, the material terms thereof (in respect of the type, term, effective date, termination date and notional amounts or volumes), any credit support agreements relating thereto not listed on Schedule 8.21 or on any previously delivered Hedging Compliance Certificate and any margin required or supplied under any credit support document. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 9.1(g) to the contrary, the foregoing requirements set forth in this Section 9.1(g) shall not apply with respect to any Minimum Hedging Requirement Date as of which, after giving effect to any Credit Event occurring on such date, both (i) the pro forma Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of such date is less than 0.50 to 1.00 and (ii) the Total Exposures as of such date is less than ten percent (10%).
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(h) SEC and Other Filings; Reports to Shareholders. Promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other reports, proxy statements and other materials filed by the Borrower or any Subsidiary with the SEC, or with any national securities exchange and distributed by the Borrower to its shareholders.
(i) Notices Under Material Instruments. Promptly after the furnishing thereof, copies of any financial statement, report or notice furnished to or by any Person pursuant to the terms of any preferred stock designation or agreement governing Material Indebtedness, other than this Agreement and not otherwise required to be furnished to the Lenders pursuant to any other provision of this Section 9.1.
(j) List of Purchasers. If reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, a certificate of an Authorized Officer of the Borrower setting forth a list of Persons purchasing Hydrocarbons from the Borrower or any other Credit Party which collectively account for at least ninety percent (90%) of the revenues resulting from the sale of all Hydrocarbons from the Borrower and such other Credit Parties during the most recently ended fiscal year.
(k) Sales and Dispositions and Hedge Unwinds.
(i) In the event the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary intends to Dispose of any Borrowing Base Properties, or Equity Interests in any Person owning Borrowing Base Properties, in each case, with a PV-9 in excess of five percent (5.0%) of the then-effective Borrowing Base in a single transaction or in multiple transactions since the later of (A) the last Scheduled Redetermination Date and (B) the last adjustment of the Borrowing Base made pursuant to Section 2.14(f) when combined with the Swap PV of any Hedge Agreements terminated, unwound, offset or otherwise Disposed of by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary during such time period (for the avoidance of doubt, excluding any novation of any Hedge Agreements with respect to which the Borrower or applicable Restricted Subsidiary remains a party), three (3) Business Days (or such shorter time period agreed by the Administrative Agent) prior written notice (which, for the avoidance of doubt, may be delivered by email) of such Disposition, the Borrowing Base Properties that are the subject of such Disposition, the price thereof and the anticipated date of closing and any other details thereof reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent.
(ii) In the event that the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary intends to terminate, unwind, create offsetting positions or otherwise Dispose of Hedge Agreements with respect to which the Borrower reasonably believes the Swap PV of which (after taking into account the economic effect (including with respect to tenor) of any other Hedge Agreement executed contemporaneously with the taking of such actions and including any anticipated decline in the mark-to market value thereof) is in excess of five percent (5.0%) of the then-effective Borrowing Base in a single transaction or in multiple transactions since the later of (A) the last Scheduled Redetermination Date and (B) the last adjustment of the Borrowing Base made pursuant to Section 2.14(f) when combined with the Borrowing Base Value of any Disposition of any Borrowing Base Properties, or Equity Interests in any Person owning Borrowing Base Properties made during such time period, ten (10) Business Days (or such shorter time period agreed by the Administrative Agent) (which, for the avoidance of doubt, may be delivered by email) of the foregoing, the anticipated decline in the mark-to-market value thereof or net cash proceeds therefrom and any other details thereof reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent.
(l) Notice of Casualty Events. Prompt written notice after an Authorized Officer of the Borrower obtains actual knowledge of the occurrence of any Casualty Event or the commencement of any action or proceeding that could reasonably be expected to result in a Casualty Event having a Fair Market Value in excess of $16,250,000.
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(m) Information Regarding the Borrower and Subsidiaries.
(i) Patriot Act. Promptly upon request, all documentation and other information required by regulatory authorities under applicable know your customer and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the Patriot Act and Beneficial Ownership Regulation.
(ii) Changes. Prompt written notice (but in any event, within thirty (30) days following such change) of any change (A) in a Credit Partys corporate name, (B) in the location of a Credit Partys chief executive office or principal place of business, (C) in a Credit Partys form of organization, (D) in a Credit Partys jurisdiction of organization and (E) in a Credit Partys federal taxpayer identification number.
(iii) New Restricted Subsidiaries. Prompt written notice of the formation of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower, notice thereof and copies of the Organization Documents of such Subsidiary.
(iv) Organization Documents. Promptly after the execution thereof, copies of any amendment, modification or supplement to the Organization Documents of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary.
(v) Beneficial Ownership. Prompt written notice of any change in the information provided in the Beneficial Ownership Certification delivered to any Lender that would result in a change to the list of beneficial owners identified in such certification.
(n) Certificate of Authorized Officer Production Report and Lease Operating Statement. Concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under Section 9.1(a) or Section 9.1(b), a certificate of an Authorized Officer of the Borrower, setting forth, for each calendar month during the then current fiscal year to date, the volume of production of Hydrocarbons and sales attributable to production of Hydrocarbons (and the prices at which such sales were made and the revenues derived from such sales) for each such calendar month from the Borrowing Base Properties, and setting forth the related ad valorem, severance and production taxes and lease operating expenses attributable thereto for each such calendar month; provided that such certificate shall be required solely to the extent the foregoing information and its certification is not otherwise included in the applicable Reserve Report Certificate delivered in connection with such Reserve Report.
(o) Issuance and Incurrences of Indebtedness. Three (3) Business Days (or such shorter time period agreed by the Administrative Agent) prior written notice (which, for the avoidance of doubt, may be delivered by email) of the incurrence by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of any Permitted Additional Indebtedness for borrowed money as well as the amount thereof, the anticipated closing date and definitive documentation for the foregoing and any other related information reasonably requested.
(p) Budget. Concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under Section 9.1(a), a reasonably detailed consolidated budget for the following fiscal year as customarily prepared by management of the Borrower (including a projected consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the end of the following fiscal year, the related consolidated statements of projected cash flow and projected income and a summary of the material underlying assumptions applicable thereto) (collectively, the Budget), which Budget shall in each case be accompanied by a certificate of an Authorized Officer stating that such Budget has been prepared in good faith on the basis of the assumptions stated therein, which assumptions were believed to be reasonable at the time of preparation of such Budget, it being understood that actual results may vary from such Budget and that such variations may be material.
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It is understood that documents required to be delivered pursuant to Sections 9.1(a) through (o) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Borrowers website on the Internet at the website address listed on Schedule 13.2, (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrowers behalf on IntraLinks, DebtDomain or another relevant website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent), (iii) on which such documents are filed on record with the SEC or (iv) on which such documents are transmitted by electronic mail to the Administrative Agent; provided that: (A) upon written request by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents delivered pursuant to Sections 9.1(a), 9.1(b), 9.1(c) and 9.1(f) to the Administrative Agent for further distribution to each Lender until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent and (B) the Borrower shall notify (which may be by facsimile or electronic mail) the Administrative Agent of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents (except that no such notice shall be required to the extent such documents are filed on record with the SEC). Each Lender shall be solely responsible for timely accessing posted documents or requesting delivery of paper copies of such documents from the Administrative Agent and maintaining its copies of such documents.
9.2 Books, Records and Inspections.
(a) The Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, maintain books of record and account that permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
(b) The Borrower will, and will cause each of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, permit designated representatives of the Administrative Agent and designated representatives of the Majority Lenders (as accompanied by the Administrative Agent) to visit and inspect any of its properties, to examine its financial and operating records, and to discuss its affairs, finances and accounts with its officers, and independent public accountants (subject to such accountants customary policies and procedures), all at the reasonable expense of the Borrower and at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as may be reasonably desired, upon reasonable advance notice to the Borrower; provided that, excluding any such visits and inspections during the continuation of an Event of Default, only the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Majority Lenders may exercise rights of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under this Section 9.2(b) and the Administrative Agent shall not exercise such rights more often than two (2) times during any calendar year and only one (1) such time per calendar year shall be at the Borrowers expense; provided, further, that when an Event of Default exists, the Administrative Agent or any representative of the Majority Lenders (or any of their respective representatives or independent contractors) may do any of the foregoing at the expense of the Borrower at any time during normal business hours and upon reasonable advance notice. The Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders shall give the Borrower the opportunity to participate in any discussions with the Borrowers independent public accountants. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 9.2(b), none of the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary shall be required to disclose, permit the inspection, examination or making copies or abstracts of, or discussion of, any document, information or other matter that (i) constitutes non-financial trade secrets or non-financial proprietary information, (ii) in respect of which disclosure to the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or their respective representatives or contractors) is prohibited by any Requirement of Law or any binding agreement or (iii) is subject to attorney-client or similar privilege or constitutes attorney work-product; provided, that the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders if it is not providing any information pursuant to the foregoing clauses (i) through (iii).
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9.3 Maintenance of Insurance. The Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, at all times maintain in full force and effect, pursuant to self-insurance arrangements or with insurance companies that the Borrower believes (in the good faith judgment of the management of the Borrower) are financially sound and reputable at the time the relevant coverage is placed or renewed, insurance in at least such amounts (after giving effect to any self-insurance which the Borrower believes (in the good faith judgment of management of the Borrower) is reasonable and prudent in light of the size and nature of its business) and against at least such risks (and with such risk retentions) as the Borrower believes (in the good faith judgment of management of the Borrower) is reasonable and prudent in light of the size and nature of its business; and will furnish to the Administrative Agent, upon reasonable written request from the Administrative Agent, information presented in reasonable detail as to the insurance so carried. The Secured Parties shall be the additional insureds on any such liability insurance as their interests may appear and, if property insurance is obtained, the Collateral Agent shall be the lender loss payee under any such property insurance; provided that, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is then continuing, the Secured Parties will provide any proceeds of such property insurance to the Borrower.
9.4 Payment of Obligations; Performance of Obligations under Credit Documents.
(a) The Borrower shall, and shall cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, pay, discharge or otherwise satisfy its obligations, including in respect of all Tax liabilities, assessments and governmental charges, before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (i) the amount or validity thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and the Borrower or a Subsidiary thereof has set aside on its books adequate reserves therefor in accordance with GAAP (or in the case of a Foreign Subsidiary, the comparable accounting principles in the relevant jurisdiction) or (ii) the failure to make payment could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) The Borrower will pay the Loans according to the reading, tenor and effect thereof, and the Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, do and perform every act and discharge all of the obligations to be performed and discharged by them under the Credit Documents, including, without limitation, this Agreement, at the time or times and in the manner specified.
9.5 Preservation of Existence, Compliance, Etc. Except as otherwise permitted by this Agreement, the Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to (a) do, or cause to be done, all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its (i) legal existence and (ii) corporate rights and authority, except in the case of this clause (ii) to the extent that the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; provided, however, that the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries may consummate any transaction permitted under Section 10.3, 10.4 or 10.5, (b) comply with all Contractual Requirements except to the extent that the failure to so comply would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (c) maintain in effect and enforce policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with (i) the Trading with the Enemy Act, as amended, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, as amended, Sanctions Laws, the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended and other anti-corruption laws, and (ii) the Patriot Act.
9.6 Compliance with Requirements of Law. The Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, comply with all Requirements of Law applicable to it or its property, including all governmental approvals or authorizations required to conduct its business, and to maintain all such governmental approvals or authorizations in full force and effect, except if the failure to comply therewith could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
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9.7 ERISA.
(a) Promptly after the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate knows or has reason to know of the occurrence of any of the following events that, individually or in the aggregate (including in the aggregate such events previously disclosed or exempt from disclosure hereunder, to the extent the liability therefor remains outstanding), would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect or a Lien on the assets of any Credit Party, the Borrower will deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of an Authorized Officer or any other senior officer of the Borrower setting forth details as to such occurrence and the action, if any, that the Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate is required or proposes to take, together with any notices (required, proposed or otherwise) given to or filed with or by the Borrower, such ERISA Affiliate, the PBGC, a Plan participant (other than notices relating to an individual participants benefits) or the Plan administrator with respect thereto: (i) that an ERISA Event has occurred or is likely to occur; (ii) that a Pension Plan has an Unfunded Current Liability that has or will result in a Lien under ERISA or the Code; that proceedings will be or have been instituted to terminate a Pension Plan having an Unfunded Current Liability (including the giving of written notice thereof); (iii) that a proceeding has been instituted against any Credit Party or an ERISA Affiliate pursuant to Section 515 of ERISA to collect a delinquent contribution to a Multiemployer Plan; (iv) or that any Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate has incurred or will incur (or has been notified in writing that it will incur) any liability (including any contingent or secondary liability) pursuant to Section 409, 502(i), 502(l), 515, 4062, 4063, 4064, 4069, 4201 or 4204 of ERISA or Section 4971 or 4975 of the Code.
(b) Promptly following any request therefor, the Borrower will deliver to the Administrative Agent copies of (i) any documents described in Section 101(k) of ERISA that the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate may request with respect to any Multiemployer Plan and (ii) any notices described in Section 101(l) of ERISA that the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate may request with respect to any Multiemployer Plan; provided that if the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate has not requested such documents or notices from the administrator or sponsor of the applicable Multiemployer Plan, the Borrower, the applicable Subsidiaries or the ERISA Affiliates shall promptly, following a request from the Administrative Agent, make a request for such documents or notices from such administrator or sponsor and shall provide copies of such documents and notices promptly after receipt thereof.
9.8 Maintenance of Properties. The Borrower will, and will cause each of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, except in each case, where the failure to so comply would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect (it being understood that this Section 9.8 shall not restrict any transaction otherwise permitted by Section 10.3, 10.4 or 10.5):
(a) operate its Oil and Gas Properties and other material properties or cause such Oil and Gas Properties and other material properties to be operated in a careful and efficient manner in accordance with the practices of the industry and in compliance with all applicable Contractual Requirements and all applicable Requirements of Law, including applicable proration requirements and Environmental Laws, and all applicable Requirements of Law of every other Governmental Authority from time to time constituted to regulate the development and operation of its Oil and Gas Properties and the production and sale of Hydrocarbons and other minerals therefrom;
(b) keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and preserve, maintain and keep in good repair, working order and efficiency (ordinary wear and tear excepted) all of its material Oil and Gas Properties and other material properties, including all equipment, machinery and facilities; and
(c) to the extent a Credit Party is not the operator of any property, the Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the operator to operate such property in accordance with customary industry practices.
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9.9 Compliance with Environmental Laws. The Borrower will, and will cause each of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, (a) comply, and take all commercially reasonable actions to cause all lessees and other Persons operating or occupying its properties to comply, with all applicable Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits; (b) obtain, maintain and renew all Environmental Permits necessary for its operations and properties; and (c) in each case to the extent the Credit Parties or Subsidiaries are required by Environmental Laws, conduct any investigation, remedial, reclamation, closure, plugging and abandonment, or other corrective action necessary to address Hazardous Materials, idle wells, or other conditions at any property or facility in accordance with applicable Environmental Laws.
9.10 Additional Guarantors and Collateral.
(a) Subject to any applicable limitations set forth in the Guarantee or the Security Documents, the Borrower will cause (i) any direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Excluded Subsidiary) formed or otherwise purchased or acquired after the Closing Date (including pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition) formed or otherwise purchased or acquired after the Closing Date (including pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition) and (ii) any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that ceases to be an Excluded Subsidiary, in each case within thirty (30) days from the date of such formation, acquisition or cessation, as applicable (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion) to (A) execute (x) a supplement to the Guarantee, substantially in the form of Annex A thereto, in order to become a Guarantor; provided that the guarantee of any Foreign Subsidiary shall be limited as the Borrower may reasonably deem necessary to comply with applicable laws, rules or regulations (including general statutory limitations, financial assistance, corporate benefit, fraudulent preference, thin capitalization and capital maintenance rules), the fiduciary duties of the directors of such subsidiary or to avoid the risk of personal civil or criminal liability for any director or officer of such subsidiary, (y) a supplement to the Collateral Agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit A thereto, in order to become a grantor and a pledgor thereunder and (z) a counterpart to the Intercompany Note, (B) if reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, within thirty (30) days after such request (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in writing in its discretion), deliver to the Administrative Agent a signed copy of an opinion, addressed to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the Lenders, of counsel for the Credit Parties reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent as to such matters set forth in this Section 9.10 as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent may reasonably request, and (C) as promptly as practicable after the request therefor by the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, deliver to the Collateral Agent with respect to each Mortgaged Property of such Subsidiary, (i) any existing title reports or policies, (ii) abstracts, (iii) any existing environmental assessment reports or (iv) surveys, to the extent available and in the possession or control of the Credit Parties or their respective Subsidiaries; provided, however, that there shall be no obligation to deliver to the Administrative Agent any existing environmental assessment report whose disclosure to the Administrative Agent would require the consent of a Person other than the Credit Parties or one of their respective Subsidiaries.
(b) Subject to any applicable limitations set forth in the Collateral Agreement, the Borrower will pledge, and, if applicable, will cause each Subsidiary Guarantor (or Person required to become a Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to Section 9.10(a)) to pledge, to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, (i) all of the Equity Interests (other than any Excluded Equity Interests) directly owned by the Borrower or any Credit Party (or Person required to become a Guarantor pursuant to Section 9.10(a)), in each case, formed or otherwise purchased or acquired after the Closing Date, pursuant to supplements to the Collateral Agreement substantially in the form of Annex A, thereto and (ii) except with respect to intercompany Indebtedness, all evidences of Indebtedness for borrowed money in a principal amount in excess of $1,000,000 (individually) that is owing to the Borrower or any Guarantor (or Person required to become a Guarantor pursuant to Section 9.10(a)), in each case pursuant to supplements to the Collateral Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit A thereto.
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(c) In connection with each redetermination (but not any adjustment) of the Borrowing Base, and from time to time upon the request of the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall review the applicable Reserve Report, if any, and the list of current Mortgaged Properties (as described in Section 9.13(c)), to ascertain whether the PV-9 of the Mortgaged Properties (calculated at the time of redetermination) meets the Collateral Coverage Minimum after giving effect to exploration and production activities, acquisitions, Dispositions and production. In the event that the PV-9 of the Mortgaged Properties (calculated at the time of redetermination) does not meet the Collateral Coverage Minimum, then the Borrower shall, and shall cause the Credit Parties to, grant, within thirty (30) days of delivery of the certificate required under Section 9.13(c) (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion), to the Collateral Agent as security for the Obligations an Acceptable Security Interest on additional Oil and Gas Properties not already subject to a Lien of the Security Documents such that, after giving effect thereto, the PV-9 of the Mortgaged Properties (calculated at the time of redetermination) meets the Collateral Coverage Minimum. All such Acceptable Security Interests will be created and perfected by and in accordance with the provisions of the Security Documents, including, if applicable, any additional Mortgages. In order to comply with the foregoing, if any Restricted Subsidiary places a Lien on its property and such Restricted Subsidiary is not a Guarantor, then it shall become a Guarantor and comply with the provisions of Sections 9.10(a) and (b).
(d) [reserved].
(e) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement or any other Credit Document to the contrary, in no event is any Building (as defined in the applicable Flood Insurance Regulation) or Manufactured (Mobile) Home (as defined in the applicable Flood Insurance Regulation) included in the definition of Mortgaged Properties and no Building or Manufactured (Mobile) Home is hereby encumbered by this Agreement or any other Credit Document.
9.11 Use of Proceeds. The Borrower will use the proceeds of the Loans and Letters of Credit made (a) to refinance amounts outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement, (b) for the acquisition, development and exploration of oil and gas properties, (c) for development, expansion and acquisitions related to the Energy Business, (d) to provide for the working capital needs of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (e) for other general corporate purposes and (f) for fees and expenses related to the transactions contemplated hereby (in each case, as permitted by the Credit Documents). The Borrower shall not use, and shall procure that its Subsidiaries and its or their respective directors, officers, employees and agents shall not use, the proceeds of the Loans (A) 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 United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and other applicable anti-corruption laws, (B) for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any activities, business or transaction of or with any Person that is, or is owned or controlled by a Person that is, at the time of such financing, the subject or target of any Sanctions, or in any country or territory that is the subject of comprehensive Sanctions, (C) in any manner that would result in the violation of any Sanctions Laws applicable to any party hereto or (D) in violation of the provisions of Regulation T, Regulation U or Regulation X of the Board.
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9.12 Further Assurances.
(a) Subject to the applicable limitations set forth in the Security Documents, the Borrower will, and will cause each other Credit Party to, execute and/or deliver any and all further documents, financing statements, agreements and instruments, and take all such further actions (including the filing and recording of financing statements, fixture filings, assignments of as-extracted collateral arising from the Borrowing Base Properties, mortgages, deeds of trust and other documents) that the Collateral Agent or the Required Lenders may reasonably request, in order to grant, preserve, protect and perfect the validity and priority of the security interests created or intended to be created by the applicable Security Documents, all at the expense of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Collateral Agreement, or any other Credit Document, the Administrative Agent may grant extensions of time for or waivers of the requirements of the creation or perfection of security interests in or the obtaining of title opinions or other title information, title insurance policies, legal opinions, appraisals and surveys with respect to particular assets (including extensions beyond the Closing Date for the perfection of security interests in the assets of the Credit Parties on such date) where it reasonably determines, in consultation with the Borrower, that perfection or obtaining of such items is not required by law or cannot be accomplished without undue effort or expense by the time or times at which it would otherwise be required by this Agreement or the other Credit Documents.
9.13 Reserve Reports.
(a) On or before January 15, 2025 (or such later date as the Administrative Agent may agree in its sole discretion), the Borrower shall furnish to the Administrative Agent a Reserve Report evaluating, as of the immediately preceding December 31, the Proved Reserves and other applicable Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower and the Credit Parties located within the geographic boundaries, and the territorial waters, of the United States of America prepared by or under the supervision of the chief of reserves of the Borrower in accordance with the procedures used in the Initial Reserve Report (the February 2025 Reserve Report). On or before April 1, 2025 (or such later date as the Administrative Agent may agree in its sole discretion), the Borrower shall furnish to the Administrative Agent a Reserve Report evaluating, as of the immediately preceding March 1, the Proved Reserves and other applicable Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower and the Credit Parties located within the geographic boundaries, and the territorial waters, of the United States of America prepared by or under the supervision of the chief of reserves of the Borrower in accordance with the procedures used in the Initial Reserve Report. On or before each February 1 and August 1 of each year, commencing August 1, 2025, the Borrower shall furnish to the Administrative Agent a Reserve Report evaluating, as of the immediately preceding December 31 and June 30, the Proved Reserves and other applicable Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower and the Credit Parties located within the geographic boundaries, and the territorial waters, of the United States of America. Each Reserve Report as of (i) December 31 (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, the February 2025 Reserve Report) (each, the December 31 Reserve Report) shall (y) be prepared by one or more Approved Petroleum Engineers or (z) be prepared by or under the supervision of the chief of reserves of the Borrower and be audited by one or more Approved Petroleum Engineers and (ii) June 30 shall, at the sole election of the Borrower, (y) be prepared by one or more Approved Petroleum Engineers or (z) be prepared by or under the supervision of the chief of reserves of the Borrower in accordance with the procedures used in the immediately preceding December 31 Reserve Report or the Initial Reserve Report, if no December 31 Reserve Report has been delivered.
(b) In the event of an Interim Redetermination, the Borrower shall furnish to the Administrative Agent a Reserve Report prepared by one or more Approved Petroleum Engineers or prepared under the supervision of the chief of reserves of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary. For any Interim Redetermination pursuant to Section 2.14(b), the Borrower shall provide such Reserve Report with an as of date as required by the Administrative Agent, as soon as possible, but in any event no later than forty-five (45) days, in the case of any Interim Redetermination requested by the Borrower, or sixty (60) days, in the case of any Interim Redetermination requested by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders, following the receipt of such request.
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(c) With the delivery of each Reserve Report, the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent a Reserve Report Certificate from an Authorized Officer of the Borrower certifying that in all material respects:
(i) in the case of June 30 Reserve Reports prepared by or under the supervision of the chief of reserves of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary, such Reserve Report has been prepared, except as otherwise specified therein, in accordance with the procedures used in the immediately preceding December 31 Reserve Report or the Initial Reserve Report, if no December 31 Reserve Report has been delivered;
(ii) for each calendar month during the then current fiscal year to date, the volume of production of Hydrocarbons and sales attributable to production of Hydrocarbons (and the prices at which such sales were made and the revenues derived from such sales) for each such calendar month from the Borrowing Base Properties, and setting forth the related ad valorem, severance and production taxes and lease operating expenses attributable thereto for each such calendar month;
(iii) the information contained in the Reserve Report and any other information delivered in connection therewith is true and correct in all material respects;
(iv) assuming that all applicable Governmental Authorities have granted approvals, made recordations and taken such other actions as are necessary in connection with the Transactions and any assignments made in connection therewith, except as set forth in an exhibit to such certificate, the Borrower or another Credit Party has good and defensible title to the material Borrowing Base Properties evaluated in such Reserve Report (other than those (w) to be acquired in connection with an acquisition, (x) Disposed of since delivery of such Reserve Report as permitted in accordance with the terms hereof, (y) leases that have expired in accordance with their terms and (z) with title defects disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent) and such material Borrowing Base Properties are free (or will be at the time of the acquisition thereof) of all Liens except for Liens permitted by Section 10.2;
(v) except as set forth on an exhibit to such certificate, there are no gas imbalances, take or pay or other prepayments (other than Service Agreement Undertakings) with respect to the Credit Parties Oil and Gas Property evaluated in such Reserve Report that in each case would require the Borrower or any other Credit Party to deliver Hydrocarbons either generally or produced from such Oil and Gas Properties at some future time without then or thereafter receiving full payment therefor;
(vi) none of the Borrowing Base Properties have been Disposed of since the date of the last Borrowing Base determination except those Borrowing Base Properties listed on such certificate as having been Disposed of; and
(vii) the certificate shall also attach, as schedules thereto, a list of (1) all material marketing agreements (which are not cancellable on sixty (60) days notice or less without penalty or detriment) entered into subsequent to the later of the Closing Date and the most recently delivered Reserve Report for the sale of production of the Credit Parties Hydrocarbons at a fixed non-index price (including calls on, or other parties rights to purchase, production, whether or not the same are currently being exercised) that represent in respect of such agreements two and a half percent (2.5%) or more of the Credit Parties average monthly production of Hydrocarbon volumes and that have a maturity date or expiry date of longer than six (6) months from the last day of such fiscal year or period, as applicable and (2) all Borrowing Base Properties evaluated by such Reserve Report that are Collateral and demonstrating compliance with (calculated at the time of delivery of such Reserve Report) the Collateral Coverage Minimum.
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9.14 Reserved.
9.15 Title Information.
(a) On or before
(i) the Closing Date, the Borrower will deliver title information (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) with respect to the Borrowing Base Properties consistent with usual and customary standards for the geographic regions in which the Borrowing Base Properties are located, taking into account the size, scope and number of leases and wells of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as is required to demonstrate satisfactory title on eighty-five percent (85%) of the PV-9 value of the Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower and the other Credit Parties evaluated by the Initial Reserve Report; and
(ii) the date of delivery to the Administrative Agent of each Reserve Report required by Section 9.13(a) following the Closing Date, the Borrower will deliver title information (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) with respect to the Borrowing Base Properties consistent with usual and customary standards for the geographic regions in which the Borrowing Base Properties are located, taking into account the size, scope and number of leases and wells of the Borrower and the other Credit Parties as is required to demonstrate satisfactory title on eighty-five percent (85%) of the PV-9 value of the Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower and the other Credit Parties evaluated by such Reserve Report; provided that with respect to any Oil and Gas Properties for which title information reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent was provided prior to the date of the current request by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall be under no obligation to provide additional title information.
(b) If title information has been provided under Section 9.15(a) and the Administrative Agent provides written notice to the Borrower that title defects or exceptions exist with respect to such properties, then the Borrower shall, within sixty (60) days of its receipt of such notice (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion) (i) cure any such title defects or exceptions (including defects or exceptions as to priority of the Collateral Agents Liens that are not permitted by Section 10.2) raised by such information, (ii) substitute acceptable Mortgaged Properties having an equivalent value with no title defects or exceptions except for Liens permitted by Section 10.2 and/or (iii) deliver title information (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) so that the Administrative Agent shall have received, (including title information previously made available to the Administrative Agent) reasonably satisfactory title information on at least eighty-five percent (85%) of the PV-9 of the Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower and the other Credit Parties evaluated by such Reserve Report.
(c) If any title defect or exception requested by the Administrative Agent to be cured cannot be cured or if the Borrower is unable to provide reasonably acceptable title information on at least eighty-five percent (85%) of the PV-9 of the Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower and the other Credit Parties evaluated by such Reserve Report, in each case, within such sixty (60)-day period (or longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion), such default shall not be a Default or Event of Default, but instead the Administrative Agent and Required Lenders shall have the right to adjust the Borrowing Base as contemplated by Section 2.14(g).
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9.16 Deposit Account, Securities Account and Commodity Account Control Agreements.
(a) The Borrower will, and will cause each Guarantor and Restricted Subsidiary to, in connection with any Deposit Account, Securities Account or Commodity Account (in each case, other than any Excluded Account for so long as it is an Excluded Account) (i) held or maintained on the Closing Date by the Borrower or any such Guarantor, promptly but in any event within forty-five (45) days of the Closing Date (or such later date as the Collateral Agent may agree in its sole discretion), enter into and deliver to the Collateral Agent a deposit account control agreement (a Deposit Account Control Agreement), securities account control agreement (a Securities Account Control Agreement) or commodity account control agreement (a Commodity Account Control Agreement), as applicable, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent and the account bank, securities intermediary or commodity intermediary, as applicable, for any such Deposit Account, Securities Account or Commodity Account and (ii) established or ceasing to be an Excluded Account on or after the Closing Date by the Borrower, any such Guarantor or any such Restricted Subsidiary substantially concurrently with the establishment of such Deposit Account, Securities Account or Commodity Account or with the date an Excluded Account ceases to be an Excluded Account, as applicable (or, in each case, such later date as the Collateral Agent may agree in its sole discretion) enter into and deliver to the Collateral Agent a Deposit Account Control Agreement, Securities Account Control Agreement or Commodity Account Control Agreement, as applicable, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent and the account bank, securities intermediary or commodity intermediary, as applicable, for any such Deposit Account, Securities Account or Commodity Account (and with respect to any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, enter into and deliver to the Collateral Agent such agreements or instruments pledging any such Deposit Account, Securities Account or Commodity Account as Collateral in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent); provided that the Borrower or such Guarantor or other Restricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements of this Section 9.16(a)(ii) with respect to any Deposit Account, Securities Account or Commodity Account that (1) is acquired by the Borrower or such Guarantor or other Restricted Subsidiary as a result of a Permitted Acquisition of an unaffiliated third party and (2) was not created in anticipation of such Permitted Acquisition, so long as, within forty-five (45) days after the date of such Permitted Acquisition (or such later date as the Collateral Agent may agree in its sole discretion), the Borrower or such Guarantor or other Restricted Subsidiary (A) causes such account to be subject to a Deposit Account Control Agreement, Securities Account Control Agreement or Commodity Account Control Agreement, as applicable, that satisfies the requirements of this Section 9.16(a)(ii) or (B) closes such account and transfers any funds therein to an account that satisfies the requirements of this Section 9.16(a)(ii); provided further that the Borrower or the applicable Guarantors or other Restricted Subsidiaries, or any of their respective Affiliates, do not direct or redirect any funds into any such accounts during such forty-five (45) day period, unless a Deposit Account Control Agreement, Securities Account Control Agreement or Commodity Account Control Agreement, as applicable, has been established with respect to the applicable account in accordance with this Section 9.16(a). After the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Collateral Agent may give instructions directing the disposition of funds credited to any Controlled Account and/or withhold any withdrawal rights from the Borrower or any Guarantor or other Restricted Subsidiary with respect to funds credited to any Controlled Account.
(b) The Borrower will, and will cause each of the Guarantors and other Restricted Subsidiaries, on and after the date referred to in Section 9.16(a)(i), to maintain the proceeds of the Loans in a Controlled Account until such proceeds are transferred to a third party in a transaction not prohibited by the Credit Documents or a Deposit Account which is not required to be a Controlled Account for a purpose that is permitted by the Credit Documents.
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9.17 Minimum Hedged Volumes.
(a) If as of the last day of any fiscal quarter (after giving effect to any Credit Event occurring on such day) (each such date, a Minimum Hedging Requirement Date), either (i) the aggregate Total Exposures of all Lenders at such time equals or exceeds 10% of the then effective Total Commitments but is less than or equal to 50% of the then effective Total Commitment or (ii) the pro forma Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio is less than or equal to 1.00 to 1.00 and equal to or greater than 0.50 to 1.00, on or before the date that is ten (10) days immediately following the Minimum Hedging Requirement Date the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, a report and other evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that the Borrower has entered into, or shall have caused another Credit Party to enter into, Acceptable Commodity Hedge Agreements hedging notional volumes of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, calculated separately, covering at least 50% of the reasonably projected total production on a boe basis of crude oil, natural gas (measured on a 1:6 basis with crude oil) and natural gas liquids from the Credit Parties Proved Developed Producing Reserves evaluated in the Reserve Report most recently delivered to the Administrative Agent for each full calendar month during the period of twelve (12) full calendar months following such Minimum Hedging Requirement Date.
(b) If as of any Minimum Hedging Requirement Date (after giving effect to any Credit Event occurring on such day), either (i) the aggregate Total Exposures of all Lenders at such time exceeds 50% of the then effective Total Commitments or (ii) the pro forma Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio exceeds 1.00 to 1.00, on or before the date that is ten (10) days immediately following the Minimum Hedging Requirement Date the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, a report and other evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that the Borrower has entered into, or shall have caused another Credit Party to enter into, Acceptable Commodity Hedge Agreements hedging notional volumes of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, calculated separately, covering at least 50% of the reasonably projected total production on a boe basis of crude oil, natural gas (measured on a 1:6 basis with crude oil) and natural gas liquids from the Credit Parties Proved Developed Producing Reserves evaluated in the Reserve Report most recently delivered to the Administrative Agent for each full calendar month during the period of twenty-four (24) full calendar months following such Minimum Hedging Requirement Date.
9.18 Unrestricted Subsidiaries. The Borrower:
(a) will cause the management, business and affairs of each of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries to be conducted in such a manner (including, without limitation, by keeping separate books of account, furnishing separate financial statements of Unrestricted Subsidiaries to creditors and potential creditors thereof and by not permitting properties of the Borrower and its respective Restricted Subsidiaries to be commingled) so that each Unrestricted Subsidiary that is a corporation will be treated as a corporate entity separate and distinct from the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries.
(b) will not, and will not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, incur, assume, guarantee or be or become liable for any Indebtedness of any of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries other than as permitted by Section 10.5.
(c) will not permit any Unrestricted Subsidiary to hold any Equity Interest in, or any Indebtedness of, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, nothing in Section 9.18(a) or 9.18(b) shall limit the ability of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to engage in Permitted Intercompany Activities.
9.19 Marketing Activities. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into contracts for the purchase and sale of Hydrocarbons (or Hedge Agreements for the purchase and sale of Hydrocarbons) other than (a) except with respect to fixed-price physical delivery contracts of natural gas or natural gas liquids with a tenor greater than ninety (90) days, (i) contracts for the
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sale of Hydrocarbons scheduled or reasonably estimated to be produced from their Proved Reserves during the period of such contract, (ii) contracts for the sale of Hydrocarbons scheduled or reasonably estimated to be produced from Proved Reserves of third parties during the period of such contract associated with the Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries that the Borrower or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries has the right to market pursuant to joint operating agreements, unitization agreements or other similar contracts that are usual and customary in the Energy Business and (iii) other contracts for the purchase and/or sale of Hydrocarbons of third parties (A) which have generally offsetting provisions (i.e., corresponding pricing mechanics, delivery dates and points and volumes) such that no position is taken and (B) for which appropriate credit support has been taken to the extent the Borrower determines such credit support to be reasonably necessary to alleviate the material credit risks of the counterparty thereto and (b) with respect to fixed-price physical delivery contracts of natural gas or natural gas liquids with a tenor greater than ninety (90) days, fixed-price physical delivery contracts of natural gas or natural gas liquids with a tenor not extending over thirty (30) months from the date of execution (i) covering aggregate volumes of natural gas and natural gas liquids (x) not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of reasonably anticipated projected production from Proved Developed Producing Reserves for each quarterly period set forth in the most recently delivered Reserve Report and (y) that would not exceed the maximum volumes set forth in Section 10.10 if such fixed-price physical delivery contracts were deemed to be Hedge Agreements; and (ii) that are either unsecured and contain no adequate assurance provisions, or are secured by Letters of Credit or Permitted Liens and/or contain adequate assurance provisions that, in each case, are consistent with prior practice in the ordinary course of business. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, this Section 9.19 shall not limit the ability of the Borrower or any other Credit Party to purchase Hydrocarbons from third parties to the extent such Hydrocarbons are intended to be consumed by the Borrower or any other Credit Party in their respective operations or used in connection with the Energy Business.
9.20 Keepwell. The Borrower will, and will cause each Guarantor to, provide such funds or other support as may be needed from time to time by the Borrower or any Guarantor, as applicable, to honor all of its obligations under this Agreement and any other Credit Document in respect of Swap Obligations (provided, however, that each Qualified ECP Guarantor shall only be liable under this Section 9.20 for the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering its obligations under this Section 9.20, or otherwise under this Agreement or any other Credit Document, as it relates to the Borrower, any Restricted Subsidiary or any Guarantor, as applicable, voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount). The obligations of each Guarantor under this Section 9.20 shall remain in full force and effect until Payment in Full. The Borrower intends that this Section 9.20 constitute, and this Section 9.20 shall be deemed to constitute, a keepwell, support, or other agreement for the benefit the Borrower and any Guarantor, as applicable, for all purposes of Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.
9.21 Post-Closing Matters. Notwithstanding any provision herein or in any other Credit Document to the contrary, to the extent not actually delivered on or prior to the Closing Date, the Borrower shall, and shall cause each applicable Credit Party, to take such actions set forth on Schedule 9.21 by the times specified on such Schedule 9.21 with respect to such actions, or such later time as the Administrative Agent may agree in its sole discretion. All conditions precedent, covenants and representations and warranties contained in this Agreement and the other Credit Documents shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to effect the foregoing (and to permit the taking of the actions described on Schedule 9.21 within the time periods required by this Section 9.21, rather than as elsewhere provided in the Credit Documents).
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SECTION 10. NEGATIVE COVENANTS.
The Borrower hereby covenants and agrees that on the Closing Date and thereafter, until Payment in Full has occurred:
10.1 Limitation on Indebtedness. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness other than the following:
(a) Indebtedness arising under the Credit Documents (including pursuant to Section 2.16 and including the Obligations);
(b) [reserved];
(c) Indebtedness of (i) the Borrower or any Guarantor owing to the Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided that such Indebtedness shall be unsecured and subordinated to the Obligations pursuant to the Intercompany Note, (ii) any Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor owing to any other Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor and (iii) to the extent permitted by Section 10.5, any Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor owing to the Borrower or any Guarantor;
(d) Indebtedness in respect of any bankers acceptances, bank guarantees, letters of credit, warehouse receipts or similar instruments entered into in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice or industry practice (including in respect of workers compensation claims, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement-type obligations regarding workers compensation claims); provided that any reimbursement obligations in respect thereof are reimbursed within thirty (30) days following the incurrence thereof;
(e) subject to compliance with Section 10.5, Guarantee Obligations incurred by (i) Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of Indebtedness or other obligations of the Borrower or other Restricted Subsidiaries that is permitted to be incurred under this Agreement (except that a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor may not, by virtue of this Section 10.1(e), guarantee Indebtedness that such Restricted Subsidiary could not otherwise itself incur or is expressly prohibited from guaranteeing under this Section 10.1) and (ii) the Borrower in respect of Indebtedness of Restricted Subsidiaries that is permitted to be incurred under this Agreement; provided that (A) if the Indebtedness being guaranteed under this Section 10.1(e) is subordinated to the Obligations, such Guarantee Obligations shall be subordinated to the Guarantee of the Obligations pursuant to a Subordination Agreement on terms at least as favorable to the Lenders as those contained in the subordination of such Indebtedness and (B) no guarantee by any Restricted Subsidiary of any Indebtedness under clause (h) of this Section 10.1 or Other Debt shall be permitted unless such Restricted Subsidiary shall have also provided a guarantee of the Obligations substantially on the terms set forth in the Guarantee;
(f) Guarantee Obligations (i) incurred in the ordinary course of business in respect of obligations of (or to) suppliers, customers, franchisees, lessors, licensees or sublicensees or (ii) subject to clauses (e)(A) and (B) of this Section 10.1, otherwise constituting Investments permitted by Sections 10.5(d), (g), (h), (i), (n) and (q);
(g) (i) Indebtedness (including Indebtedness arising under Capitalized Leases) incurred substantially concurrently or within one hundred eighty (180) days following the acquisition, construction, lease, repair, replacement, expansion or improvement of assets (real or personal, and whether through the direct purchase of property or the Equity Interests of a Person owning such property) to finance the acquisition, construction, lease, repair, replacement, expansion, or improvement of such assets,
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(ii) Indebtedness arising under Capitalized Leases, other than Capitalized Leases entered into pursuant to subclause (i) above; and (iii) any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness issued or incurred to Refinance any such Indebtedness under this Section 10.1(g); provided, that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by subclauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of this Section 10.1(g) shall not exceed the Threshold Amount at the time of incurrence;
(h) Indebtedness outstanding on the date hereof and set forth on Schedule 10.1 and any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness issued or incurred to Refinance such Indebtedness;
(i) Indebtedness in respect of Hedge Agreements, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 10.10;
(j) Indebtedness of the Borrower (including, for the avoidance of doubt, with respect to any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness issued or incurred to Refinance such Indebtedness) incurred in connection or assumed with any Permitted Acquisition or similar Investment permitted under Section 10.5 in an aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness outstanding at any time (i) not to exceed five percent (5.0%) of the Borrowing Base then in effect, so long as immediately after giving pro forma effect to such Permitted Acquisition or similar Investment and the incurrence or assumption of such Indebtedness, the Borrower shall be in compliance with the Financial Performance Covenants on a pro forma basis and no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or (ii) not to exceed an amount that would cause the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio to exceed 2.00 to 1.00 at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness on a pro forma basis, so long as immediately after giving pro forma effect to such Permitted Acquisition or similar Investment and the incurrence or assumption of such Indebtedness, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; provided that, in each case, the Equity Interests of the Person acquired in such Permitted Acquisition or similar Investment shall be pledged to the Collateral Agent and such Person shall become a Guarantor in accordance with Section 9.10, in the case of any such Indebtedness secured by a Lien that is junior to the Lien securing the Obligations, the Borrowing Base shall be adjusted to the extent required by Section 2.14(e), and in the case of any such secured Indebtedness incurred or assumed pursuant to this Section 10.1(j), the holders of such Indebtedness have no recourse to property other than the property so acquired and the property so acquired secured by such Indebtedness shall not constitute Oil and Gas Properties (and any Person acquired in such Permitted Acquisition or other Investment shall not own or hold any Oil and Gas Properties secured by such Indebtedness); provided, further that in the case of Indebtedness incurred or assumed pursuant to this Section 10.1(j) or any applicable Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness thereof, any such Indebtedness shall have a maturity date that is after the Maturity Date and have a Weighted Average Life to Maturity not shorter than the longest remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Facility; provided further, that the requirements of this Section 10.1(j) shall not apply to any Indebtedness of the type that could have been incurred under Section 10.1(g);
(k) Indebtedness arising from Permitted Intercompany Activities to the extent constituting an Investment permitted by Section 10.5, subject, in each case, to the extent applicable, to the requirements of Section 10.1(c);
(l) Indebtedness in respect of performance bonds, bid bonds, appeal bonds, surety bonds and completion guarantees and similar obligations not in connection with borrowed money, and obligations in respect of letters of credit, bank guaranties or instruments related thereto, in each case provided in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice or industry practice, including those incurred to secure health, safety and environmental obligations in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice or industry practice;
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(m) (i) other additional Indebtedness, provided that (A) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness outstanding at any time pursuant to this Section 10.1(m) shall not at the time of incurrence thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto and the use of proceeds thereof on a pro forma basis exceed the Threshold Amount at the time of incurrence and (B) immediately after giving effect to the incurrence or issuance thereof and the use of proceeds therefrom, (I) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (II) no Loan Limit Deficiency shall result therefrom and (ii) any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness issued or incurred to Refinance such Indebtedness;
(n) Indebtedness in respect of (i) Permitted Additional Debt; provided that (x) immediately after giving effect to the incurrence or issuance thereof and the use of proceeds therefrom, (A) the Borrower shall be in compliance with the Financial Performance Covenants on a pro forma basis, (B) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (C) no Loan Limit Deficiency shall result therefrom, (y) the Borrowing Base shall be adjusted to the extent required by Section 2.14(e), and (z) to the extent such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations, such Indebtedness shall be subject to a Subordination Agreement and (ii) any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness issued or incurred to Refinance such Indebtedness;
(o) Cash Management Obligations, Cash Management Services and other Indebtedness in respect of netting services, automatic clearing house arrangements, employees credit or purchase cards, overdraft protections and similar arrangements;
(p) Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business in respect of obligations of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to pay the deferred purchase price of goods or services or progress payments in connection with such goods and services;
(q) Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price or similar obligations (including earn-outs), in each case assumed or entered into in connection with the Transactions or other Investments permitted by Section 10.5 and the Disposition of any business, assets or Equity Interests not prohibited hereunder;
(r) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary consisting of financing of insurance premiums incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(s) Indebtedness representing deferred compensation to employees, consultants or independent contractors of the Borrower or, to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and the Restricted Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice or industry practice;
(t) Indebtedness consisting of obligations of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries under deferred compensation or other similar arrangements incurred by such Person in connection with the Transactions or any other Investment permitted hereunder;
(u) Indebtedness associated with bonds or surety obligations required by Requirements of Law in connection with the operation of Oil and Gas Properties in the ordinary course of business;
(v) Indebtedness supported by a Letter of Credit, in a principal amount not to exceed the face amount of such Letter of Credit;
(w) Indebtedness consisting of obligations in respect of Service Agreement Undertakings; and
(x) all premiums (if any), interest (including post-petition interest), fees, expenses, charges, and additional or contingent interest on obligations described in clauses (a) through (w) above.
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For the purposes of determining compliance with, and the outstanding principal amount of Indebtedness incurred pursuant to and in compliance with, this Section 10.1, in the event that Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the types of Indebtedness described in this Section 10.1, the Borrower, in its sole discretion, shall classify, and may from time to time reclassify, such item of Indebtedness and only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness in one of the clauses of this Section 10.1.
10.2 Limitation on Liens. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any property or assets of any kind (real or personal, tangible or intangible) of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, except:
(a) Liens arising under the Credit Documents to secure the Obligations (including Liens in respect of any Letter of Credit or Letter of Credit Application or Liens contemplated by Section 3.7) or permitted in respect of any Mortgaged Property by the terms of the applicable Mortgage;
(b) Permitted Liens;
(c) Liens (including liens arising under Capitalized Leases to secure obligations under any Capitalized Lease) securing Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 10.1(g); provided that (i) such Liens attach concurrently with or within one hundred eighty (180) days after the acquisition, lease, repair, replacement, construction, expansion or improvement (as applicable) financed thereby, (ii) other than the property financed by such Indebtedness, such Liens do not at any time encumber any property, except for replacements thereof and accessions and additions to such property and the proceeds and the products thereof and customary security deposits and (iii) with respect to Capitalized Leases, such Liens do not at any time extend to or cover any assets (except for accessions and additions to such assets, replacements and products thereof and customary security deposits) other than the assets subject to, or acquired, constructed, repaired, replaced or improved with the proceeds of, such Indebtedness; provided that in each case individual financings provided by one lender may be cross collateralized to other financings provided by such lender (and its Affiliates);
(d) Liens existing on the date hereof that are listed on Schedule 10.2(d);
(e) Liens to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement (or successive refinancings, refundings, extensions, renewals or replacements) as a whole, or in part, of any Indebtedness permitted under Section 10.1 (other than Indebtedness under Section 10.1(a)) and permitted to be secured by any Lien permitted by this Section 10.2; provided, however, that (x) such new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same type of property that secured the original Indebtedness (plus improvements on and accessions to such property) (or upon or in after-acquired property (i) that is affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien or (ii) if the terms of such Indebtedness require or include a pledge of after-acquired property (it being understood that such requirement shall not be permitted to apply to any property to which such requirement would not have applied but for such acquisition)), (y) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien at such time is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (A) the outstanding principal amount or, if greater, committed amount of the applicable Indebtedness at the time the original Lien became a Lien permitted hereunder, and (B) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums, related to such refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement and (z) on the date of the incurrence of the Indebtedness secured by such Liens, the grantors of any such Liens shall comprise only the same Persons or a subset of such Persons that were the grantors of the Liens securing the debt being refinanced, refunded, extended, renewed or replaced;
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(f) Liens existing on the assets of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary, or existing on assets acquired (other than Liens on the Equity Interests of any Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary), pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition or other Investment permitted by Section 10.5; provided that (1) if the Liens on such assets secure Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is permitted under Section 10.1(j), (2) such Liens attach at all times only to the same assets (or upon or in after-acquired property that is (i) affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien, (ii) after-acquired property subject to a Lien securing Indebtedness permitted under Section 10.1(j), the terms of which Indebtedness require or include a pledge of after-acquired property (it being understood that such requirement shall not be permitted to apply to any property to which such requirement would not have applied but for such acquisition) and (iii) the proceeds (and products thereof) that such Liens attached to, and to the extent such Liens secure Indebtedness, secure only the same Indebtedness (or any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to Refinance such Indebtedness) that such Liens secured, immediately prior to such Permitted Acquisition or other Investment and (3) the assets on which such Liens exist are not Collateral;
(g) Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations (i) of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary in favor of a Guarantor and (ii) of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor in favor of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor;
(h) Liens (i) of a collecting bank arising under Section 4-210 of the UCC on items in the course of collection, (ii) attaching to commodity trading accounts or other commodity brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and (iii) in favor of a banking institution arising as a matter of law encumbering deposits (including the right of set-off) or other funds maintained with a financial institution (including the right of setoff) and that are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry or arising pursuant to such banking institutions general terms and conditions;
(i) Liens (i) on cash advances in favor of the seller of any property to be acquired in an Investment permitted pursuant to Section 10.5 to be applied against the purchase price for such Investment and (ii) consisting of an agreement to Dispose of any property in a transaction permitted under Section 10.4, in each case, solely to the extent such Investment or Disposition, as the case may be, would have been permitted on the date of the creation of such Lien;
(j) Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for sale or purchase of goods entered into by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business permitted by this Agreement;
(k) Liens deemed to exist in connection with Investments in repurchase agreements permitted under Section 10.5;
(l) Liens encumbering reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;
(m) Liens that are contractual rights of set-off (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks not given in connection with the issuance or incurrence of Indebtedness, (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries or (iii) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;
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(n) Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits made by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement in connection with an investment permitted by Section 10.5;
(o) Liens on insurance policies and the proceeds thereof securing the financing of the premiums with respect thereto;
(p) the prior right of consignees and their lenders under consignment arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(q) agreements to subordinate any interest of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in any accounts receivable or other proceeds arising from inventory consigned by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to an agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(r) [reserved];
(s) Liens securing any Indebtedness permitted by Section 10.1(e) (solely and to the same extent that the Indebtedness guaranteed by such Guarantee Obligations is permitted to be subject to a Lien hereunder), Section 10.1(l), Section 10.1(o) (as long as such Liens attach only to cash and securities and securities held by the relevant Cash Management Bank) and Section 10.1(u);
(t) Liens arising pursuant to Section 107(l) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9607(l), or other Environmental Law, unless such Lien (i) by action of the lienholder, or by operation of law, takes priority over any Liens arising under the Credit Documents on the property upon which it is a Lien, or (ii) materially impairs the use of the property covered by such Lien for the purposes for which such property is held;
(u) Liens on cash or Permitted Investments held by a trustee under any indenture or other debt agreement issued in escrow pursuant to customary escrow arrangements pending the release thereof, or under any indenture or other debt agreement pursuant to customary discharge, redemption or defeasance provisions, in each case solely to the extent the relevant release, discharge, redemption or defeasance would be permitted hereunder;
(v) additional Liens on property not constituting Borrowing Base Properties or Collateral securing obligations not in excess of the Threshold Amount at any time; and
(w) Liens on Equity Interests in (i) a joint venture that does not constitute a Subsidiary securing obligations of such joint venture so long as the assets of such joint venture do not constitute Collateral and (ii) Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 10.2, (i) a Lien need not be incurred solely by reference to one category of Liens permitted under this Section 10.2, but may be incurred under any combination of such categories (including in part under one such category and in part under any other such category) and (ii) in the event that a Lien (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of one or more of such categories of Liens permitted under this Section 10.2, the Borrower shall, in its sole discretion, classify or reclassify such Lien (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with this Section 10.2. In addition, with respect to any Lien securing Indebtedness that was permitted to secure such Indebtedness at the time of the incurrence of such Indebtedness, such Lien shall also be permitted to secure any and all premiums, interest (including post-petition interest), fees, expenses, charges, and additional or contingent interest on obligations of such Indebtedness.
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No intention to subordinate the first priority Lien granted in favor of the Secured Parties is to be hereby implied or expressed by the permitted existence of the Liens permitted under this Section 10.2 or the use of the phrase subject to when used in connection with Permitted Liens, Liens permitted by this Section 10.2 or otherwise.
10.3 Limitation on Fundamental Changes. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, consummate any merger, division, consolidation or amalgamation, or liquidate, wind up or dissolve itself (or suffer any liquidation or dissolution), or Dispose of, all or substantially all its business units, assets or other properties, except that:
(a) any Subsidiary of the Borrower or any other Person may be merged, amalgamated or consolidated with or into the Borrower; provided that (i) the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving Person (and the Borrower shall remain an entity organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia) or, in the case of a merger, amalgamation or consolidation with or into the Borrower, the Person formed by or surviving any such merger, amalgamation or consolidation shall be an entity organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia (the Borrower or such Person, as the case may be, being herein referred to as the Successor Borrower), (ii) the Successor Borrower (if other than the Borrower) shall expressly assume all the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents pursuant to a supplement hereto or thereto in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (iii) no Event of Default or Loan Limit Deficiency has occurred and is continuing at the date of such merger, amalgamation or consolidation or would result from such consummation of such merger, amalgamation or consolidation, (iv) the Borrowers Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio on a pro forma basis shall not exceed that of the Borrower immediately prior to the consummation of such merger, amalgamation or consolidation, (v) such merger, amalgamation or consolidation does not adversely affect the Collateral, taken as a whole, in any material respect, (vi) if such merger, amalgamation or consolidation involves the Borrower and a Person that, prior to the consummation of such merger, amalgamation or consolidation, is not a Subsidiary of the Borrower (A) each Guarantor, unless it is the other party to such merger, amalgamation or consolidation or unless the Successor Borrower is the Borrower, shall have by a supplement to the Guarantee confirmed that its Guarantee shall apply to the Successor Borrowers obligations under this Agreement, (B) each Subsidiary Guarantor and each Subsidiary pledgor, unless it is the other party to such merger, amalgamation or consolidation or unless the Successor Borrower is the Borrower, shall have by a supplement to the Credit Documents confirmed that its obligations thereunder shall apply to the Successor Borrowers obligations under this Agreement, (C) each mortgagor of a Mortgaged Property, unless it is the other party to such merger, amalgamation or consolidation or unless the Successor Borrower is the Borrower, shall have by an amendment to or restatement of the applicable Mortgage confirmed that its obligations thereunder shall apply to the Successor Borrowers obligations under this Agreement, (D) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent an officers certificate stating that such merger, amalgamation or consolidation and any supplements to the Credit Documents preserve the enforceability of the Guarantee and the perfection and priority of the Liens under the Security Documents and as to the matters of the nature referred to in Section 6(c), (E) if reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, an opinion of counsel shall be required to be provided to the effect that such merger, amalgamation or consolidation does not violate this Agreement or any other Credit Document and as to such other matters regarding the Successor Borrower and the Credit Documents as the Administrative Agent or its counsel may reasonably request; provided, further, that if the foregoing are satisfied, the Successor Borrower (if other than the Borrower) will succeed to, and be substituted for, the Borrower under this Agreement and (F) such merger, amalgamation or consolidation shall comply with all the conditions set forth in the definition of the term Permitted Acquisition or is otherwise permitted under Section 10.5; and (vii) the Administrative Agent shall have received at least five (5) days prior to the date of such merger, amalgamation or consolidation all documentation and other information about such Successor Borrower, Subsidiary or other Person required under applicable know your customer and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the Patriot Act that has been requested by the Administrative Agent;
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(b) any Subsidiary of the Borrower or any other Person (other than the Borrower) may be merged, amalgamated or consolidated with or into any one or more Subsidiaries of the Borrower; provided that (i) in the case of any merger, amalgamation or consolidation involving one or more Restricted Subsidiaries, (A) a Restricted Subsidiary shall be the continuing or surviving Person or (B) the Borrower shall take all steps necessary to cause the Person formed by or surviving any such merger, amalgamation or consolidation (if other than a Restricted Subsidiary) to become a Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) in the case of any merger, amalgamation or consolidation involving one or more Guarantors, unless otherwise permitted by Section 10.5, a Guarantor shall be the continuing or surviving Person or the Person formed by or surviving any such merger, amalgamation or consolidation (if other than a Guarantor) shall execute a supplement to the Guarantee, the Collateral Agreement and any applicable Mortgage, and a joinder to the Intercompany Note, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent in order for the surviving Person to become a Guarantor, and pledgor, mortgagor and grantor of Collateral for the benefit of the Secured Parties and to acknowledge and agree to the terms of the Intercompany Note, (iii) no Default, Event of Default or Loan Limit Deficiency has occurred and is continuing on the date of such merger, amalgamation or consolidation or would result from the consummation of such merger, amalgamation or consolidation, (iv) if such merger, amalgamation or consolidation involves a Subsidiary and a Person that, prior to the consummation of such merger, amalgamation or consolidation, is not a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower, (A) the Borrowers Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio on a pro forma basis shall not exceed that of the Borrower immediately prior to the consummation of such merger, amalgamation or consolidation, (B) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent an officers certificate stating that such merger, amalgamation or consolidation and such supplements to any Credit Document preserve the enforceability of the Guarantee and the perfection and priority of the Liens under the Collateral Agreement and (C) such merger, amalgamation or consolidation shall comply with all the conditions set forth in the definition of the term Permitted Acquisition or is otherwise permitted under Section 10.5; and (v) the Administrative Agent shall have received at least five (5) days prior to the date of such merger, amalgamation or consolidation all documentation and other information about such Subsidiary or other Person required under applicable know your customer and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the Patriot Act that has been requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender;
(c) any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor may (i) merge, amalgamate or consolidate with or into any other Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor and (ii) Dispose of any or all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) to the Borrower, a Guarantor or any other Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower;
(d) any Subsidiary Guarantor may (i) merge, amalgamate or consolidate with or into any other Subsidiary Guarantor and (ii) Dispose of any or all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) to the Borrower or any other Guarantor;
(e) any Restricted Subsidiary may liquidate or dissolve if (i) the Borrower determines in good faith that such liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of the Borrower and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders and (ii) to the extent such Restricted Subsidiary is a Credit Party, any assets or business of such Restricted Subsidiary not otherwise Disposed of or transferred in accordance with Section 10.4 or 10.5, in the case of any such business, discontinued, shall be transferred to, or otherwise owned or conducted by, a Guarantor after giving effect to such liquidation or dissolution;
(f) the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries may consummate the Transactions;
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(g) the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries may consummate a merger, dissolution, liquidation, amalgamation, consolidation or Disposition, the purpose of which is to effect a Disposition permitted pursuant to Section 10.4 or an Investment permitted by Section 10.5; and
(h) a Credit Party may consummate any merger the sole purpose of which is to reincorporate or reorganize such Credit Party in another jurisdiction in the United States as long as such merger does not adversely affect the value of the Collateral in any material respect and the surviving entity assumes all Obligations of the applicable Credit Party under the Credit Documents by delivering the information required by Section 9.10 and delivers any applicable information required by Section 9.1(m).
10.4 Limitation on Sale of Assets. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, (x) convey, sell, lease, sell and leaseback, assign, transfer (including any Production Payments and Reserve Sales) or otherwise dispose of any of its property, business or assets (including receivables and leasehold interests), whether now owned or hereafter acquired or (y) sell to any Person (other than the Borrower or a Guarantor) any shares owned by it of any Restricted Subsidiarys Equity Interests (each of the foregoing a Disposition), except that:
(a) the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries may Dispose of (i) inventory and other goods held for sale, including Hydrocarbons, obsolete, worn out, used or surplus equipment, vehicles and other assets (other than accounts receivable) in the ordinary course of business, (ii) Permitted Investments and (iii) assets for the purposes of community and public outreach, including, without limitation, charitable contributions and similar gifts, funding of or participation in trade, business and technical associations, and political contributions made in accordance with applicable Requirement of Law, to the extent such assets are not material to the ability of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to conduct its business in the ordinary course;
(b) the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries may Dispose of any Oil and Gas Properties (or of any Subsidiary owning Oil and Gas Properties), including, without limitation, Dispositions in respect of Production Payments and Reserve Sales and in connection with operating agreements, Farm-In Agreements, Farm-Out Agreements, joint exploration and development agreements and other agreements customary in the oil and gas industry for the purpose of developing such Oil and Gas Properties, so long as (i) such Disposition is for Fair Market Value, (ii) at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the consideration for such Disposition is cash received by the Borrower or Restricted Subsidiary making such Disposition and (iii) no Event of Default or Loan Limit Deficiency exists or would result therefrom (unless, in the case of a Loan Limit Deficiency, the Net Cash Proceeds of such Disposition are sufficient, together with Unrestricted Cash, to eliminate any Loan Limit Deficiency that would result therefrom); provided, that if the sum of (x) the Borrowing Base Value of terminated, unwound and/or off-setting positions in respect of commodity hedge positions (whether evidenced by a floor, put or Hedge Agreement) (after taking into account any other similar Hedge Agreements acceptable to the Required Lenders executed contemporaneously with the taking of such actions) plus (y) the aggregate Borrowing Base Value of all such Oil and Gas Properties Disposed of (after giving effect to any concurrent acquisitions of and other investments in Oil and Gas Properties by the Borrower and the other Credit Parties with respect to which the Borrower has delivered an acceptable Reserve Report to the Required Lenders in accordance with Section 9.13(b)), in each case, since the later of (A) the most recent Scheduled Redetermination Date and (B) the last adjustment of the Borrowing Base made pursuant to Section 2.14(f) exceeds five percent (5.0%) of the then-effective Borrowing Base, then the Borrower shall provide notice to the Administrative Agent of such Disposition pursuant to Section 9.1(k) and the Oil and Gas Properties so Disposed and the Borrowing Base may be adjusted in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.14(f);
(c) (i) the Borrower and the other Guarantors may Dispose of property or assets to any other Guarantor, (ii) any Restricted Subsidiary may Dispose of property or assets to the Borrower or to a Guarantor and (iii) any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor may Dispose of property or assets to any other Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor;
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(d) to the extent such transaction constitutes a Disposition, the Borrower and any Restricted Subsidiary may effect any transaction permitted by Sections 10.2 (other than Section 10.2(s)), Section 10.3 (other than Section 10.3(g)), Section 10.5 (other than Section 10.5(t)) or Section 10.6 (other than in the case of Section 10.6, to the extent any such Restricted Payment by the Borrower consists of Oil and Gas Properties); provided that if the aggregate Borrowing Base Value of all Oil and Gas Properties Disposed of pursuant to a transaction permitted by Section 10.5 (after giving effect to any concurrent acquisitions of and other investments in Oil and Gas Properties by the Borrower and the other Credit Parties with respect to which the Borrower has delivered an acceptable Reserve Report to the Required Lenders in accordance with Section 9.13(b)), in each case, since the later of (A) the most recent Scheduled Redetermination Date and (B) the last adjustment of the Borrowing Base made pursuant to Section 2.14(f) exceeds five percent (5.0%) of the then-effective Borrowing Base, then the Borrower shall provide notice to the Administrative Agent of such Disposition pursuant to Section 9.1(k) and the Oil and Gas Properties so Disposed and the Borrowing Base may be adjusted in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.14(f);
(e) the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries may lease, sublease, license or sublicense real property (other than Oil and Gas Properties, except to the extent such Oil and Gas Properties represent fee owned real property leased to a Guarantor), personal property or intellectual property in the ordinary course of business; provided that, with respect to intellectual property, the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries receives (or retains) a license or other ownership rights to use such intellectual property;
(f) Dispositions (including like-kind exchanges and reverse like-kind exchanges) of property to the extent that (i) such property is exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement property or (ii) the proceeds of such Disposition are applied to the purchase price of such replacement property; provided if Oil and Gas Properties are Disposed of pursuant to this clause (f), after giving effect to such Disposition, the difference between (x) the Borrowing Base in effect immediately prior to such Disposition minus (y) the PV-9 (calculated at the time of such Disposition) of the Borrowing Base Properties Disposed of since the later of (i) the last Scheduled Redetermination Date and (ii) the last adjustment of the Borrowing Base made pursuant to Section 2.14(f) exceeds the Aggregate Elected Commitment Amount in effect immediately prior to such Disposition;
(g) (i) Dispositions of, or Farm-Out Agreements with respect to, undeveloped acreage to which no Proved Reserves are attributable and assignments in connection with such Dispositions or Farm-Out Agreements and (ii) Dispositions of surface interests or properties that are not Borrowing Base Properties;
(h) Dispositions of Investments in joint ventures (regardless of the form of legal entity) to the extent required by, or made pursuant to, customary buy/sell arrangements between the joint venture parties set forth in joint venture arrangements and similar binding arrangements;
(i) transfers of property subject to a Casualty Event or in connection with any condemnation proceeding with respect to Collateral;
(j) the unwinding or termination of any Hedge Agreement (subject to the terms of Section 2.14(f) and Section 10.4(b));
(k) Dispositions of Oil and Gas Properties or any interest therein, in each case, to which no Proved Reserves are attributed, or the Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary or of any Minority Investment owning Oil and Gas Properties to which no Proved Reserves are attributed and other assets not included in the Borrowing Base provided that (i) such Disposition shall be for Fair Market Value and (ii) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;
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(l) any conveyance, issuance or sale of Equity Interests in, or sale of Indebtedness or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary (or a Restricted Subsidiary which owns an Unrestricted Subsidiary so long as such Restricted Subsidiary owns no assets other than the Equity Interests of such Unrestricted Subsidiary) for Fair Market Value;
(m) subject to adjustment of the Borrowing Base as set forth in Section 2.14(f) to the extent applicable, any swap of assets (other than cash equivalents) in exchange for services or assets of the same type in the ordinary course of business of comparable or greater value or usefulness to the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as a whole, as determined in good faith by the management of the Borrower;
(n) [reserved];
(o) Disposition of any asset between or among the Borrower and/or its Subsidiaries as a substantially concurrent interim Disposition in connection with a transaction permitted by Section 10.3, or in connection with an Investment otherwise permitted pursuant to Section 10.5 or a Disposition otherwise permitted pursuant to clauses (a) through (m) above, so long as any such Disposition to a non-Guarantor shall be subject to adjustment of the Borrowing Base as set forth in Section 2.14(f) to the extent applicable;
(p) the lapse or abandonment in the ordinary course of business of any registrations or applications for registration of any intellectual property right that is not material to the operation of the business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(q) Dispositions for Fair Market Value of assets up to an aggregate value for all such Dispositions of $7,500,000 in any fiscal year; provided, that if the aggregate Borrowing Base Value of all such Borrowing Base Properties Disposed of pursuant to this Section 10.4(q) (after giving effect to any concurrent acquisitions of and other investments in Oil and Gas Properties by the Borrower and the other Credit Parties with respect to which the Borrower has delivered an acceptable Reserve Report to the Required Lenders in accordance with Section 9.13(b)), in each case, since the later of (A) the most recent Scheduled Redetermination Date and (B) the last adjustment of the Borrowing Base made pursuant to Section 2.14(f) exceeds five percent (5.0%) of the then-effective Borrowing Base, then the Borrower shall provide notice to the Administrative Agent of such Disposition pursuant to Section 9.1(k) and the Borrowing Base Properties so Disposed and the Borrowing Base may be adjusted in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.14(f);
(r) Disposition of any easement on any surface rights to any Governmental Authority to satisfy the requirements of any conservation easements or similar programs established by any Governmental Authority; provided that such Disposition does not materially impair the exploitation and development of the affected Oil and Gas Properties;
(s) (i) the issuance or sale of any Permitted Convertible Debt by the Borrower, (ii) the sale of any Permitted Warrant Transaction by the Borrower, (ii) the purchase of any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction by the Borrower, (iv) the performance by the Borrower of its obligations under any Permitted Convertible Debt, any Permitted Warrant Transaction or any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction, in each case as permitted by this Agreement or (v) the early unwind or termination of any Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions or any Permitted Warrant Transactions; and
(t) substantially concurrently with a Qualifying IPO, the Borrower may Dispose of the Equity Interests in INR Inc. in connection with reorganization transactions of such Qualifying IPO so long as at the time of such Disposition INR Inc. (i) is not a Guarantor or Credit Party and (ii) owns no assets other than Equity Interests and other de minimis assets.
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To the extent any Collateral is Disposed of as expressly permitted by this Section 10.4 to any Person other than a Credit Party, such Collateral shall be sold free and clear of the Liens created by the Credit Documents, and, if requested by the Administrative Agent, upon the certification by the Borrower that such Disposition is permitted by this Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to take any actions deemed appropriate in order to effect the foregoing at Borrowers sole cost and expense.
10.5 Limitation on Investments. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, to (i) purchase or acquire (including pursuant to any merger, consolidation or amalgamation with a person that is not a Wholly owned Subsidiary immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or amalgamation) any Equity Interests, evidences of Indebtedness or other securities of any other Person, (ii) make any loans or advances to or guarantees of the Indebtedness of any other Person, or (iii) purchase or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) (x) all or substantially all of the property and assets or business of another Person or (y) assets constituting a business unit, line of business or division of such Person (each, an Investment), except:
(a) extensions of trade credit and purchases of assets and services (including purchases of inventory, supplies and materials) in the ordinary course of business;
(b) Investments in assets that constituted Permitted Investments at the time such Investments were made;
(c) loans and advances to officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (i) for reasonable and customary business-related travel, entertainment, relocation and analogous ordinary business purposes (including employee payroll advances) and (ii) in connection with such Persons purchase of Equity Interests of the Borrower or Parent Entity; provided that, (x) to the extent such loans and advances are made in cash, the amount of such loans and advances used to acquire such Equity Interests shall be contributed to the Borrower in cash and (y) the aggregate principal amount outstanding pursuant to this clause (c) shall not exceed $2,500,000;
(d) (i) Investments existing on, or made pursuant to commitments in existence on, the Closing Date as set forth on Schedule 10.5(d), (ii) Investments existing on the Closing Date of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in any other Subsidiary and (iii) any extensions, modifications, replacements, renewals or reinvestments thereof, so long as the amount of any Investment made pursuant to this clause (d) is not increased at any time above the amount of such Investment as of the Closing Date (other than (a) pursuant to an increase as required by the terms of any such Investment as in existence on the Closing Date or (b) as otherwise permitted under this Section 10.5);
(e) any Investment acquired by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries: (i) in exchange for any other Investment, accounts receivable or endorsements for collection or deposit held by the Borrower or any such Restricted Subsidiary in each case in connection with or as a result of a bankruptcy, workout, reorganization or recapitalization of, or settlement of delinquent accounts and disputes with or judgments against, the issuer of such other Investment or accounts receivable (including any trade creditor or customer), (ii) in satisfaction of judgments against other Persons, (iii) as a result of a foreclosure by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in default or (iv) as a result of the settlement, compromise or resolution of litigation, arbitration or other disputes with Persons who are not Affiliates;
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(f) Investments to the extent that payment for such Investments is made with Qualified Equity Interests of the Borrower;
(g) Investments (i) by the Borrower in any Guarantor or by any Guarantor in the Borrower, and (ii) by any Guarantor in any other Guarantor; provided, that Investments by any Guarantor in the Borrower or any Guarantor shall be subordinated in right of payment to the Loans;
(h) Investments constituting Permitted Acquisitions;
(i) Investments made at any such time during which, immediately after giving effect to the making of any such Investment on a pro forma basis, the Restricted Payment Conditions are satisfied;
(j) Investments constituting promissory notes and other non-cash proceeds of Dispositions of assets to the extent permitted by Section 10.4 or any other disposition of assets not constituting a Disposition;
(k) Investments consisting of Restricted Payments permitted under Section 10.6 (other than Section 10.6(c));
(l) Investments consisting of extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the grant of trade credit in the ordinary course of business, and Investments received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors and other credits to suppliers in the ordinary course of business;
(m) Investments in the ordinary course of business consisting of endorsements for collection or deposit and customary trade arrangements with customers consistent with past practices or industry practice;
(n) advances of payroll payments to employees, consultants or independent contractors or other advances of salaries or compensation to employees, consultants or independent contractors, in each case of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and in the ordinary course of business;
(o) guarantee obligations of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of leases (other than Capitalized Leases) or of other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness, in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(p) Investments held by a Person acquired (including by way of merger, amalgamation or consolidation) after the Closing Date otherwise in accordance with this Section 10.5 to the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation;
(q) Investments in Industry Investments;
(r) to the extent constituting Investments, the Transactions;
(s) Investments in Hedge Agreements permitted by each of Section 10.1 and Section 10.10;
(t) Investments consisting of fundamental changes and Dispositions permitted under Sections 10.3 (other than Sections 10.3(a), (c) and (g)) and 10.4 (other than Section 10.4(d));
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(u) in the case of the Borrower and the Guarantors, Investments consisting of intercompany Indebtedness having a term not exceeding three hundred sixty-four (364) days (inclusive of any roll over or extension of terms) and made in the ordinary course of business; provided that, in the case of any such Indebtedness owing by the Borrower or a Guarantor to a Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, such Indebtedness shall be subordinated to the Obligations pursuant to the Intercompany Note; provided, further, that in the case of any such Indebtedness owing by a Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor to the Borrower or a Guarantor, (i) such Indebtedness shall be evidenced by the Intercompany Note pledged in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties pursuant to the Collateral Agreement and (ii) the aggregate amount of all such Indebtedness owing by a Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor to the Borrower or a Guarantor pursuant to this Section 10.5(u) shall not exceed the greater of (A) $6,500,000 and (B) two percent (2.0%) of the Borrowing Base at the time such Indebtedness is incurred;
(v) Investments resulting from pledges and deposits under clauses (d) and (e) of the definition of Permitted Liens and clauses (i), (p) and (u) of Section 10.2;
(w) advances in the form of a prepayment of expenses, so long as such expenses are being paid in accordance with customary trade terms of the Borrower or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary;
(x) Investments consisting of licensing of intellectual property pursuant to joint marketing arrangements with other Persons in the ordinary course of business;
(y) Investments made in the ordinary course of business in connection with obtaining, maintaining or renewing client contacts and loans or advances made to distributors in the ordinary course of business;
(z) Investments in Excluded Subsidiaries having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this Section 10.5(z) that are at the time outstanding, without giving effect to the sale of an Excluded Subsidiary to the extent the proceeds of such sale do not consist of marketable securities (until such proceeds are converted to cash equivalents) not to exceed (i) $10,000,000, so long as immediately after giving effect to the making of any such Investment on a pro forma basis, no Default, Event of Default or Loan Limit Deficiency shall have occurred and be continuing, or (ii) $3,000,000, so long as immediately after giving effect to the making of any such Investment on a pro forma basis, no Event of Default or Loan Limit Deficiency shall have occurred and be continuing;
(aa) Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries consisting of (i) undeveloped acreage to which no Proved Reserves are attributable or (ii) assets that are not Borrowing Base Properties and other assets not included in the Borrowing Base, in each case, in relation to Farm-In Agreements, Farm-Out Agreements, joint operating, joint venture, joint development activities or other similar oil and gas exploration and production business arrangement; provided that immediately after giving effect to the making of any such Investment made in cash on a pro forma basis, the Restricted Payment Conditions are satisfied; and
(bb) any Investment constituting a Disposition or transfer of any asset between or among the Borrower and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries as a substantially concurrent interim Disposition or transfer in connection with an Investment otherwise permitted pursuant to clauses (a) through (aa) above or in connection with a transaction permitted by Section 10.3 or in connection with a Disposition permitted pursuant to Section 10.4.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in no event shall any Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions or any Permitted Warrant Transactions (or any performance of obligations under any Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions and/or any Permitted Warrant Transactions, as permitted by this Agreement) be considered an Investment for purposes of this Agreement.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrower may repurchase, exchange or induce the conversion of Permitted Convertible Debt by delivery of shares of Borrowers common stock and/or a different series of Permitted Convertible Debt and/or by payment of cash (in an amount that does not exceed the proceeds received by Borrower from the substantially concurrent issuance of shares of Borrowers common stock and/or such different series of Permitted Convertible Debt minus the net cost of any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction and any related Permitted Warrant Transaction entered into in connection therewith plus the net cash proceeds, if any, received by Borrower pursuant to the related exercise or early unwind or termination of the related Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions and Permitted Warrant Transactions, if any, pursuant to the immediately following proviso); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, substantially concurrently with, or a commercially reasonable period of time before or after, the related settlement date for the Permitted Convertible Debt that are so repurchased, exchanged or converted, Borrower may exercise or unwind or terminate early (whether in cash, shares or any combination thereof) the portion of the Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions and Permitted Warrant Transactions, if any, corresponding to such Permitted Convertible Debt that are so repurchased, exchanged or converted.
10.6 Limitation on Restricted Payments. The Borrower will not directly or indirectly pay any dividend or make any other distribution (by reduction of capital or otherwise), whether in cash, property, securities or a combination thereof, with respect to any of its Equity Interests (other than dividends and distributions on Equity Interests payable solely by the issuance of additional Qualified Equity Interests) or redeem, purchase, retire or otherwise acquire for value any of its Equity Interests (other than through the issuance of additional Qualified Equity Interests), or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration (except in connection with an Investment permitted under Section 10.5) any Equity Interests of the Borrower, now or hereafter outstanding (all of the foregoing, Restricted Payments); except that:
(a) (i) the Borrower may redeem in whole or in part any of its Equity Interests in exchange for another class of its Equity Interests or with proceeds from substantially concurrent equity contributions or issuances of new Equity Interests; provided that such new Equity Interests contain terms and provisions at least as advantageous to the Lenders in all material respects to their interests as those contained in the Equity Interests redeemed thereby, (ii) the Borrower may pay premium in respect of, and otherwise perform its obligations under (including the unwinding of), any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction(s) permitted or required in accordance with terms thereof, and (iii) the Borrower may settle any related Permitted Warrant Transaction(s) (I) by delivery of shares of the Borrowers common stock upon settlement thereof or (II) by (A) set-off against the related Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction or (B) payment of an early termination amount thereof in common stock upon any early termination thereof;
(b) the Borrower may redeem, acquire, retire or repurchase shares of its Equity Interests held by any present or former officer, manager, consultant, director or employee (or their respective Affiliates, estates, spouses, former spouses, successors, executors, administrators, heirs, legatees, distributees or immediate family members) of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, in connection with the death, disability, retirement or termination of employment of any such Person or otherwise in accordance with any equity option or equity appreciation rights plan, any management, director and/or employee equity ownership, benefit or incentive plan or agreement, equity subscription plan, employment termination agreement or any other employment agreements or equity holders agreement; provided that the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments made under this clause (b) shall not exceed (A) $5,000,000 in any calendar year (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to succeeding calendar years subject to a maximum of $10,000,000 in any calendar year), plus (B) all Net Cash Proceeds obtained by or contributed to the Borrower during such calendar year from the sales of Equity Interests to other present or former officers, consultants, employees, directors and managers in connection with any permitted compensation and incentive arrangements plus (C) all net cash proceeds obtained from any key-man life insurance policies received during such calendar year plus (D) the amount of any cash bonuses otherwise payable to members
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of management, directors or consultants of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries in connection with the Transactions that are foregone in return for the receipt of Equity Interests; notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may elect to apply all or any portion of the aggregate increase contemplated by clauses (B), (C) and (D) above in any calendar year and provided, further, that cancellation of Indebtedness owing to the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries from any future, present or former employees, directors, officers, members of management or consultants, of the Borrower, any Restricted Subsidiary, any direct or indirect parent company of the Borrower or any of the Borrowers Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with a repurchase of Equity Interests of the Borrower or any of its direct or indirect parent companies will not be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment for purposes of this covenant or any other provision of this Agreement;
(c) to the extent constituting Restricted Payments, the Borrower may make Investments permitted by Section 10.5 (other than Sections 10.5(m) and (w));
(d) to the extent constituting Restricted Payments, the Borrower may consummate transactions expressly permitted by Section 10.3;
(e) the Borrower may repurchase Equity Interests of the Borrower upon exercise of stock options or warrants if such Equity Interests represents all or a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants;
(f) the Borrower may make Restricted Payments in the form of Equity Interests of the Borrower (other than Disqualified Stock not otherwise permitted by Section 10.1);
(g) the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries may pay cash in lieu of fractional shares in connection with any dividend, split or combination thereof or other Investment permitted under Section 10.5 or any redemption or conversion of any convertible debt;
(h) the Borrower may pay any dividends or distributions within sixty (60) days after the date of declaration thereof, if at the date of declaration such payment would have complied with the other clauses of this Section 10.6;
(i) so long as, immediately after giving effect thereto on a pro forma basis, the Restricted Payment Conditions are satisfied, the Borrower may declare and pay cash interest payments on Disqualified Stock and additional Restricted Payments without limit in cash to the holders of its Equity Interests;
(j) the Borrower may consummate the Transactions (and pay fees and expenses in connection therewith on or following the Closing Date), and make payments described in Section 10.14(a), (e) and (f) (subject to the conditions set out therein);
(k) payments made or expected to be made by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of required withholding or similar non-U.S. Taxes with respect to any future, present or former employee, director, manager or consultant and any repurchases of Equity Interests in consideration of such payments including deemed repurchases in connection with the exercise of stock options;
(l) payments and distributions to dissenting stockholders pursuant to applicable law, pursuant to or in connection with a consolidation, merger, amalgamation or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole that complies with the terms of this Agreement;
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(m) the distribution, by dividend or otherwise, of Equity Interests of, or Indebtedness owed to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary by, an Unrestricted Subsidiary (or a Restricted Subsidiary that owns an Unrestricted Subsidiary); provided that such Restricted Subsidiary owns no assets other than Equity Interests of an Unrestricted Subsidiary (other than Unrestricted Subsidiaries the primary assets of which are cash and/or Permitted Investments);
(n) payments and distributions to any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower, the proceeds of which shall be used to pay franchise Taxes and other fees, Taxes and expenses required to maintain its corporate or legal existence or good standing under Requirements of Law;
(o) the Borrower may make Permitted Tax Distributions in cash; and
(p) other Restricted Payments not to exceed $1,000,000 in any calendar year so long as no Default, Event of Default or Loan Limit Deficiency shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of, and immediately following such Restricted Payment.
For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 10.6 shall not prohibit the conversion by holders of (including any cash payment upon conversion), or required payment of any principal or premium on (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in respect of a required repurchase in connection with the redemption of Permitted Convertible Debt upon satisfaction of a condition related to the stock price of Borrowers common stock) or required payment of any interest with respect to, any Permitted Convertible Debt in each case, in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing such Permitted Convertible Debt.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrower may repurchase, exchange or induce the conversion of Permitted Convertible Debt by delivery of shares of Borrowers common stock and/or a different series of Permitted Convertible Debt and/or by payment of cash (in an amount that does not exceed the proceeds received by Borrower from the substantially concurrent issuance of shares of Borrowers common stock and/or such different series of Permitted Convertible Debt minus the net cost of any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction and related Permitted Warrant Transaction entered into in connection therewith plus the net cash proceeds, if any, received by Borrower pursuant to the related exercise or early unwind or termination of the related Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions and Permitted Warrant Transactions, if any, pursuant to the immediately following proviso); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, substantially concurrently with, or a commercially reasonable period of time before or after, the related settlement date for the Permitted Convertible Debt that are so repurchased, exchanged or converted, Borrower may exercise or unwind or terminate early (whether in cash, shares or any combination thereof) the portion of the Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions and Permitted Warrant Transactions, if any, corresponding to such Permitted Convertible Debt that are so repurchased, exchanged or converted.
10.7 Limitations on Debt Payments and Amendments.
(a) The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, prepay, repurchase or redeem or otherwise defease prior to its scheduled maturity any Permitted Additional Debt, any Material Indebtedness or any other Indebtedness for borrowed money that is expressly subordinated in right of payment or payment priority (or any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof to the extent constituting Other Debt) (such Permitted Additional Debt, Material Indebtedness or other Indebtedness or any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof, Other Debt) (for the avoidance of doubt, it being understood that payments of regularly-scheduled cash interest in respect of Other Debt and any AHYDO payments shall be permitted unless expressly prohibited by the terms of the documents governing any such subordination); provided, however, that the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary may prepay, repurchase, redeem or defease prior to its scheduled maturity any Other Debt (i) in exchange for or with the proceeds of any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness, (ii) by converting or exchanging any Other Debt
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to Qualified Equity Interests, (iii) so long as, immediately after giving effect thereto on a pro forma basis, the Restricted Payment Conditions are satisfied, (iv) in exchange for or with proceeds of any Qualified Equity Interests within thirty (30) days of receipt of such proceeds or (v) owed to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to the extent not prohibited by the subordination provisions contained in the Intercompany Note; provided, further, that, after giving effect to any adjustment of the Borrowing Base made pursuant to Section 2.14(f) and any repayment of the Loans required in connection therewith, so long as no Event of Default then exists, the Borrower or any Guarantor may make mandatory prepayments in respect of any Other Debt with the proceeds of the disposition of any assets that have been pledged to secure such Other Debt;
(b) The Borrower will not amend or modify the terms of any Other Debt, other than amendments or modifications that (i) would otherwise comply with the definition of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness that may be incurred to Refinance any such Indebtedness, (ii) would have the effect of converting any Other Debt to Qualified Equity Interests or (iii) to the extent such amendment or modification would not have been prohibited under this Agreement at the time such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness, Other Debt or documentation was first issued, incurred or entered into, as applicable (it being understood that in no event shall such amendment or modification (x) make earlier the final maturity date of such Indebtedness or reduce the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of such Indebtedness or (y) shall include any financial maintenance covenants that are more restrictive than the financial maintenance covenants under the Credit Documents or prohibit prior repayment or prepayment of the Loans and the covenants and events of default applicable to such Other Debt shall not be more restrictive to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries than the covenants and events of default under the Credit Documents, taken as a whole; in each case, as reasonably determined by the Borrower in good faith, unless such covenants or events of default are incorporated into this Agreement and, (z) with respect to any Permitted Additional Debt or Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness thereof, such analysis shall assume that the Agreement in effect at the time of such amendment or modification constituted the Agreement at the time when such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness or Other Debt was first issued, incurred or entered into, as applicable); and
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing and for the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 10.7 shall prohibit (i) the repayment or prepayment of intercompany subordinated Indebtedness owed among the Borrower and/or the Restricted Subsidiaries, in either case, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Borrower has received a notice from the Collateral Agent instructing it not to make or permit the Borrower and/or the Restricted Subsidiaries to make any such repayment or prepayment, or (ii) substantially concurrent transfers of credit positions in connection with intercompany debt restructurings so long as such Indebtedness is permitted by Section 10.1 after giving effect to such transfer.
10.8 Negative Pledge Agreements. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into or permit to exist any Contractual Requirement (other than this Agreement or any other Credit Document) that limits the ability of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist Liens on property of such Person for the benefit of the Secured Parties with respect to the Obligations or under the Credit Documents; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to each of the following Contractual Requirements that:
(a) (i) exist on the Closing Date and (to the extent not otherwise permitted by this Section 10.8) are listed on Schedule 10.8 and (ii) to the extent Contractual Requirements permitted by subclause (i) are set forth in an agreement evidencing Indebtedness or other obligations, are set forth in any agreement evidencing any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to Refinance such Indebtedness or obligation so long as such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not expand the scope of such Contractual Requirement;
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(b) are binding on a Restricted Subsidiary at the time such Restricted Subsidiary first becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower, so long as such Contractual Requirements were not entered into solely in contemplation of such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower;
(c) represent Indebtedness permitted under Section 10.1 of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Guarantor so long as such Contractual Requirement applies only to such Subsidiary and its Subsidiaries;
(d) arise pursuant to agreements entered into with respect to any sale, transfer, lease or other Disposition permitted by Section 10.4 and applicable solely to assets under such sale, transfer, lease or other Disposition;
(e) are customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements permitted by Section 10.5 and applicable to joint ventures or otherwise arise in (A) agreements which restrict the Disposition or distribution of assets or property subject to oil and gas leases, joint operating agreements, joint exploration and/or development agreements, participation agreements or (B) any Production Sharing Contracts or similar instrument on which a Lien cannot be granted without the consent of a third party (to the extent the Administrative Agent and the Lenders otherwise have an Acceptable Security Interest in the property covered by such contract or instrument pursuant to the definition thereof or the property covered thereby is not required to be pledged as Collateral pursuant to the Credit Documents) and, in each case other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of the oil and gas exploration and development business and customary provisions in any Agreement of the type described in the definition of Industry Investments entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(f) are customary restrictions on leases, subleases, licenses or asset sale agreements otherwise permitted hereby so long as such restrictions relate to the assets subject thereto;
(g) are customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of any lease governing a leasehold interest of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or in leases prohibiting Liens on retained property rights of the lessor in connection with operations of the lessee conducted on the leased property;
(h) are customary provisions restricting assignment of any agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(i) restrict the use of cash or other deposits imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(j) exist under any documentation governing any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to Refinance any Indebtedness but only to the extent such Contractual Requirement is not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than the Contractual Requirement in the Indebtedness being refinanced;
(k) are customary net worth provisions contained in real property leases entered into by any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower, so long as the Borrower has determined in good faith that such net worth provisions would not reasonably be expected to impair the ability of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries to meet their ongoing obligation;
(l) are included in any agreement relating to any Lien, so long as (i) such Lien is permitted under Section 10.2(b), (c) or (f) and such restrictions or conditions relate only to the specific asset subject to such Lien and (ii) such restrictions and conditions are not created for the purpose of avoiding the restrictions imposed by this Section 10.8;
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(m) are restrictions imposed by any agreement relating to Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 10.1 or Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof, to the extent such restrictions are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than the restrictions contained in the Credit Documents as determined by the Borrower in good faith;
(n) are restrictions regarding licenses or sublicenses by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries of intellectual property in the ordinary course of business (in which case such restriction shall relate only to such intellectual property);
(o) arise in connection with cash or other deposits permitted under Sections 10.2 and 10.5 and limited to such cash or deposit; and
(p) are encumbrances or restrictions imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (a) through (o) above; provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings are, in the good faith judgment of the Borrowers board of directors, no more restrictive in any material respect with respect to such encumbrance and other restrictions taken as a whole than those prior to such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, supplement, refunding, replacement or refinancing.
10.9 Limitation on Subsidiary Distributions. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or consensual restriction on the ability of any such Restricted Subsidiary to pay dividends or make any other distributions to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary on its Equity Interests or with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits or transfer any property to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary except (in each case) for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:
(a) contractual encumbrances or restrictions in effect on the Closing Date, including pursuant to the Credit Documents;
(b) purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of business and obligations under any Capitalized Lease that impose restrictions on transferring the property so acquired;
(c) any agreement or other instrument of a Person acquired by or merged or consolidated with or into the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or of an Unrestricted Subsidiary that is designated a Restricted Subsidiary, or that is assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person, in each case that is in existence at the time of such transaction (but not created in contemplation thereof), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person and its Subsidiaries, or the property or assets of the Person and its Subsidiaries, so acquired or designated;
(d) secured Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section 10.1(m) as it relates to the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets securing such Indebtedness;
(e) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(f) other Indebtedness of Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries permitted to be incurred subsequent to the Closing Date pursuant to Sections 10.1(a), (j), (m) and (n) and (x) so long as the provisions relating to such encumbrance or restriction contained in such Indebtedness are no less favorable to the Borrower, taken as a whole, as determined by the board of directors of the Borrower in good faith, than the provisions contained in this Agreement as in effect on the Closing Date;
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(g) customary provisions in joint venture agreements or agreements governing property held with a common owner and other similar agreements or arrangements relating solely to such joint venture or property or are otherwise customary encumbrances or restrictions imposed pursuant to any agreement of the type described in the definition of Industry Investments entered into in the ordinary course of business of the Energy Business;
(h) customary provisions contained in leases, sub-leases, licenses, sub-licenses or similar agreements, in each case, entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(i) any agreements entered into with respect to any sale, transfer, lease or other Disposition permitted by Section 10.4 and applicable solely to assets under such sale, transfer, lease or other Disposition; and
(j) any encumbrances or restrictions imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (a) through (i) above; provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings are, in the good faith judgment of the Borrowers board of directors, no more restrictive in any material respect with respect to such encumbrance and other restrictions taken as a whole than those prior to such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, supplement, refunding, replacement or refinancing.
10.10 Hedge Agreements. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any Hedge Agreements with any Person other than:
(a) Hedge Agreements with Approved Counterparties in respect of Hydrocarbons entered into not for speculative purposes, the net notional volumes for which (when aggregated with other commodity Hedge Agreements then in effect, other than (i) puts, floors and basis differential swaps on volumes already hedged pursuant to other Hedge Agreements) do not exceed, as of the date the latest hedging transaction is entered into under a Hedge Agreement, ninety percent (90%) of the reasonably anticipated Hydrocarbon production of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, calculated separately, from the Credit Parties total Proved Reserves (as forecast based upon the Initial Reserve Report or the most recent Reserve Report delivered pursuant to Section 9.13(a), as applicable) for the thirty-six (36) month period from the date of creation of such hedging arrangement, based on daily volumes on an annual basis; provided, however, notwithstanding the foregoing volume limitation, the Borrower and/or the Restricted Subsidiaries may enter into Hedge Agreements in respect of purchased puts and floors not intended to be physically settled so long as the net notional volumes of all Hedge Agreements in respect of Hydrocarbons subject to this Section 10.10(a) do not exceed (when aggregated with other commodity Hedge Agreements then in effect, other than puts, floors and basis differential swaps on volumes already hedged pursuant to other Hedge Agreements), as of the date the latest hedging transaction is entered into under a Hedge Agreement, one hundred percent (100%) of the reasonably anticipated Hydrocarbon production of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, calculated separately, from the Credit Parties total Proved Reserves (as forecast based upon the Initial Reserve Report or the most recent Reserve Report delivered pursuant to Section 9.13(a), as applicable) for the thirty-six (36) month period from the date of creation of such hedging arrangement, based on daily volumes on an annual basis (the Ongoing Hedges), (ii) any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction(s), and (iii) any Permitted Warrant Transaction. If, after the end of any fiscal quarter, the Borrower determines that the aggregate volume of all commodity Hedge Agreements for which settlement
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payments were calculated in such fiscal quarter exceeded 100% of actual production of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas, calculated separately, in such fiscal quarter, then the Borrower shall, or shall cause one or more other Credit Parties to, within thirty (30) days of such determinations terminate, create off-setting positions, allocate volumes to other production for which the Borrower and the other Credit Parties are marketing, or otherwise unwind existing commodity Hedge Agreements such that, at such time, future hedging volumes will not exceed 100% of reasonably anticipated projected production for the then-current and any succeeding fiscal quarters. In no event shall any Hedge Agreement entered into by the Credit Parties have a tenor longer than thirty-six (36) months. In addition to the Ongoing Hedges, in connection with a proposed or pending acquisition of Oil and Gas Properties (a Proposed Acquisition), the Credit Parties may also enter into incremental hedging contracts with respect to the Credit Parties reasonably anticipated projected production from the total Proved Reserves of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as forecast based upon the most recent Reserve Report having notional volumes not in excess of ten percent (10%) of the Credit Parties existing projected production prior to the consummation of such Proposed Acquisition (such that the aggregate shall not be more than one hundred percent (100%) of the reasonably anticipated projected production prior to the consummation of such Proposed Acquisition) for a period not exceeding thirty-six (36) months from the date such hedging arrangement is created during the period between (i) the date on which such Guarantor signs a definitive acquisition agreement in connection with a Proposed Acquisition and (ii) the earliest of (A) the date of consummation of such Proposed Acquisition, (B) the date of termination of such Proposed Acquisition and (C) thirty (30) days after the date of execution of such definitive acquisition agreement (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion). However, all such incremental hedging contracts entered into with respect to a Proposed Acquisition must be terminated or unwound within thirty (30) days following the date of termination of such Proposed Acquisition. It is understood that commodity Hedge Agreements which may, from time to time, hedge the same volumes of commodity risk but different elements of commodity risk thereof, including where one or more such Hedge Agreements partially offset one or more other such Hedge Agreements, shall not be aggregated together when calculating the foregoing limitations on notional volumes.
(b) Other Hedge Agreements (other than any Hedge Agreements in respect of Hydrocarbons or equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions) entered into not for speculative purposes.
(c) It is understood that for purposes of this Section 10.10, the following Hedge Agreements shall be deemed not to be speculative or entered into for speculative purposes: (i) any commodity Hedge Agreement intended, at inception of execution, to hedge or manage any of the risks related to existing and or forecasted Hydrocarbon production of the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries (whether or not contracted) and (ii) any Hedge Agreement intended, at inception of execution, (A) to hedge or manage the interest rate exposure associated with any debt securities, debt facilities or leases (existing or forecasted) of the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries, (B) for foreign exchange or currency exchange management, (C) to manage commodity portfolio exposure associated with changes in interest rates or (D) to hedge any exposure that the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries may have to counterparties under other Hedge Agreements such that the combination of such Hedge Agreements is not speculative taken as a whole.
(d) For purposes of entering into or maintaining Ongoing Hedges under Section 10.10(a), forecasts of reasonably projected Hydrocarbon production volumes and reasonably anticipated Hydrocarbon production from the Credit Parties total Proved Reserves based upon the Initial Reserve Report or the most recent Reserve Report delivered pursuant to Section 9.13(a), as applicable, shall be revised to account for any increase or decrease therein anticipated because of information obtained by Borrower or any other Credit Party subsequent to the publication of such Reserve Report including the Borrowers or any other Credit Partys internal forecasts of production decline rates for existing wells and additions to or deletions from anticipated future production from new wells and acquisitions coming on stream or failing to come on stream.
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(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Borrower or any other Credit Party shall be permitted to enter into Hedge Agreements with respect to Hydrocarbons purchased from third parties to the extent such Hydrocarbons are intended to be consumed by the Borrower or any other Credit Party in their respective operations or used in connection with the Energy Business. In no event shall any Lien secure Hedge Agreements except pursuant to the Credit Documents, nor shall any Hedge Agreement contain any requirement, agreement or covenant for the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries to post collateral, credit support (including in the form of letters of credit) or margin (other than, in each case, pursuant to the Credit Documents or to the extent required following Payment in Full) to secure their obligations under such Hedge Agreement or to cover market exposures, nor shall any Hedge Agreement be secured by any collateral other than Collateral pursuant to the Credit Documents.
10.11 Financial Covenants.
(a) Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio. The Borrower will not permit the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the Test Period ending on September 30, 2024 and as of the last day of each Test Period ending thereafter to be greater than 3.00 to 1.00.
(b) Current Ratio. The Borrower will not permit the Current Ratio as of the last day of each fiscal quarter ending on or after September 30, 2024 to be less than 1.00 to 1.00.
10.12 Accounting Changes; Amendments to Organization Documents. The Borrower shall not and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to (a) have its fiscal year end on a date other than December 31 or have the first three fiscal quarters in each of its fiscal years end on dates other than March 31, June 30 and September 30, respectively, or (b) amend, supplement or otherwise modify (or permit to be amended, supplemented or modified) its Organization Document in a manner that is material and adverse to the interests of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders without the consent of the Majority Lenders and the Administrative Agent.
10.13 Change in Business. The Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, will not fundamentally and substantively alter the character of their business, taken as a whole, from (i) the business conducted by them on the Closing Date or (ii) any other business reasonably related, complementary, incidental, synergistic or ancillary thereto or reasonable extensions thereof.
10.14 Transactions with Affiliates. The Borrower shall not conduct, and cause each of the Restricted Subsidiaries not to conduct, any transactions involving aggregate payments or consideration in excess of $10,000,000 with any of its Affiliates (other than the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries or any entity that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transaction) unless such transactions are on terms that are substantially no less favorable to the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary as it would obtain at the time in a comparable arms-length transaction with a Person that is not an Affiliate, as determined by the board of directors or managers of the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary in good faith; provided that the foregoing restrictions shall not apply to:
(a) the consummation of the Transactions, including the payment of Transaction Expenses;
(b) the issuance of Equity Interests of the Borrower to any officer, director, employee or consultant of any of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;
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(c) equity issuances, repurchases, retirements, redemptions or other acquisitions or retirements of Equity Interests by the Borrower permitted under Section 10.6;
(d) loans, advances and other transactions between or among the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any joint venture (regardless of the form of legal entity) in which the Borrower or any Subsidiary has invested (and which Subsidiary or joint venture would not be an Affiliate of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, but for the Borrowers or such Subsidiarys ownership of Equity Interests in such joint venture or such Subsidiary) to the extent permitted under Section 10;
(e) employment and severance arrangements and health, disability and similar insurance or benefit plans between the Borrower and the Subsidiaries and their respective future, current or former directors, officers, employees or consultants (including management and employee benefit plans or agreements, subscription agreements or similar agreements pertaining to the repurchase of Equity Interests pursuant to put/call rights or similar rights with future, current or former employees, officers, directors or consultants and equity option or incentive plans and other compensation arrangements) in the ordinary course of business or as otherwise approved by the board of directors or managers of the Borrower;
(f) transactions pursuant to agreements in existence on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 10.14 or any amendment thereto or arrangement similar thereto to the extent such amendment or arrangement is not adverse, taken as a whole, to the Lenders in any material respect (as determined by the Borrower in good faith);
(g) any issuance of Equity Interests or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities, Equity Interests or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment arrangements, equity options and equity ownership plans approved by the board of directors or board of managers of the Borrower;
(h) payments or loans (or cancellation of loans) to officers, directors, employees or consultants which are approved by a majority of the Board of Directors of the Borrower in good faith;
(i) any lease entered into between the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, as lessee and any Affiliate of the Borrower, as lessor, which is approved by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors in good faith or, any lease entered into between the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, as lessee, and any Affiliate of the Borrower, as lessor, in the ordinary course of business;
(j) Permitted Intercompany Activities;
(k) the formation and maintenance of any consolidated group or subgroup for tax, accounting or cash pooling or management purposes in the ordinary course of business;
(l) Restricted Payments, redemptions, repurchases and other actions permitted under Section 10.6;
(m) Investments permitted under Section 10.5; and
(n) transactions with customers, clients, joint venture partners, suppliers or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of business and otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Agreement that are fair to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, in the reasonable determination of the Board of Directors or the senior management of the Borrower, or are on terms at least as favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party; and
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10.15 Sale or Discount of Receivables. Except for (a) receivables obtained by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary out of the ordinary course of business, (b) the settlement of joint interest billing accounts in the ordinary course of business or discounts granted to settle collection of accounts receivable or the sale of defaulted accounts arising in the ordinary course of business in connection with the compromise or collection thereof and not in connection with any financing transaction or (c) a sale of receivables to the extent the proceeds thereof are used to prepay any Loans then outstanding, neither the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary will discount or sell (with or without recourse) any of its notes receivable or accounts receivable.
10.16 Gas Imbalances. The Borrower shall not, and shall not permit its Restricted Subsidiaries to have, gas imbalances, take or pay or other prepayments (other than Service Agreement Undertakings), that in each case would require any Credit Party to deliver Hydrocarbons either generally or produced from their Oil and Gas Properties at some future time without then or thereafter receiving full payment therefor, except as set forth on Schedule 8.17 on the Closing Date or as set forth in the most recently delivered certificate pursuant to Section 9.13(c)(v).
10.17 ERISA Compliance. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, at any time:
(a) engage, or permit any ERISA Affiliate to engage, in any transaction in connection with which the Borrower, a Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate could be subjected to either a civil penalty assessed pursuant to subsections (c), (i), (l) or (m) of Section 502 of ERISA or a tax imposed by Chapter 43 of Subtitle D of the Code, if either of which would have a Material Adverse Effect;
(b) fail to make, or permit any ERISA Affiliate to fail to make, full payment when due of all amounts which, under the provisions of any such Plan, agreement relating thereto or applicable law, the Borrower, a Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate is required to pay as contributions thereto, if such failure could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or
(c) except as set forth on Schedule 10.17(c), contribute to or assume an obligation to contribute to, or permit any ERISA Affiliate to contribute to or assume an obligation to contribute to (i) 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 such entities, that may not be terminated by such entities in their sole discretion at any time without any material liability other than the payment of accrued benefits under such plan, or (ii) any employee pension benefit plan, as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA, that is subject to Title IV of ERISA, Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code if either would have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 11. EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Upon the occurrence of any of the following specified events (each an Event of Default):
11.1 Payments. The Borrower shall (a) default in the payment when due of any principal of the Loans or any Unpaid Drawings (to the extent such Unpaid Drawing is not paid with an ABR Loan pursuant to Section 3.4(a)) or (b) default, and such default shall continue for five or more days, in the payment when due of any interest on the Loans, fees or of any other amounts owing hereunder or under any other Credit Document (other than any amount referred to in clause (a) above).
11.2 Representations, Etc. Any representation, warranty or statement made or deemed made by any Credit Party herein or in any other Credit Document or any certificate, report or notice delivered or required to be delivered pursuant hereto or thereto shall prove to be untrue in any material respect on the date as of which made or deemed made.
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11.3 Covenants. Any Credit Party shall:
(a) default in the due performance or observance by it of any term, covenant or agreement contained in Sections 9.1(d)(i), 9.5 (solely with respect to the Borrower), 9.11, 9.16, 9.21 or Section 10; or
(b) default in the due performance or observance by it of any term, covenant or agreement (other than those referred to in Section 11.1 or 11.2 or clause (a) of this Section 11.3) contained in this Agreement or any Credit Document and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of at least thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice thereof by the Borrower from the Administrative Agent.
11.4 Default Under Other Agreements. (a) The Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries shall (i) default in any payment with respect to any Indebtedness with an aggregate principal amount exceeding $25,000,000 (other than the Indebtedness described in Section 11.1) beyond the period of grace, if any, provided in the instrument of agreement under which such Indebtedness was created or (ii) default in the observance or performance of any agreement or condition relating to any such Indebtedness or contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto, or any other event shall occur or condition exist (other than (A) with respect to indebtedness in respect of any Hedge Agreements, termination events or equivalent events pursuant to the terms of such Hedge Agreements, (B) any event requiring prepayment pursuant to customary asset sale provisions, (C) secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of a Disposition (including as a result of Casualty Event) of the property or assets securing such indebtedness permitted under this Agreement and (D) (x) the occurrence of any customary event or condition that vests the right of any holder of Permitted Convertible Debt to submit any Permitted Convertible Debt for conversion, exchange or exercise in accordance with its terms or (y) any actual conversion, exchange or exercise of any Permitted Convertible Debt in accordance with its terms), the effect of which default or other event or condition is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders) to cause, any such Indebtedness to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such Indebtedness to be made, prior to its stated maturity, unless, in the case of each of the foregoing, such holder or holders shall have (or through its or their trustee or agent on its or their behalf) waived such default in a writing to the Borrower, or
(b) Without limiting the provisions of clause (a) above, any such default under any such Indebtedness shall cause such Indebtedness to be declared to be due and payable, or required to be prepaid other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment or as a mandatory prepayment (and (i) with respect to Indebtedness consisting of any Hedge Agreements, other than due to a termination event or equivalent event pursuant to the terms of such Hedge Agreements, (ii) other than pursuant to customary asset sale provisions and (iii) other than secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of a Disposition (including as a result of Casualty Event) of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness permitted under this Agreement) prior to the stated maturity thereof.
11.5 Bankruptcy, Etc. The Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall commence a voluntary case, proceeding or action concerning itself under (a) Title 11 of the United States Code entitled Bankruptcy or any other applicable insolvency, debtor relief, or debt adjustment law; or (b) in the case of any Foreign Subsidiary that is a Restricted Subsidiary, any domestic or foreign law relating to bankruptcy, judicial management, insolvency, reorganization, administration or relief of debtors in effect in its jurisdiction of incorporation, in each case as now or hereafter in effect, or any successor thereto (collectively, the Bankruptcy Code); or an involuntary case, proceeding or action is commenced against the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and the petition is not dismissed or stayed within sixty (60) days
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after commencement of the case, proceeding or action, the Borrower or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary consents to the institution of such case, proceeding or action prior to such sixty (60)-day period, or any order of relief or other order approving any such case, proceeding or action is entered; or a custodian (as defined in the Bankruptcy Code), receiver, receiver manager, trustee, conservator, liquidator, examiner, rehabilitator, administrator, or similar person is appointed for, or takes charge of, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or all or any substantial portion of the property or business thereof; or the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary suffers any appointment of any custodian, receiver, receiver manager, trustee, conservator, liquidator, examiner, rehabilitator, administrator, or the like for it or any substantial part of its property or business to continue undischarged or unstayed for a period of sixty (60) days; or the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors.
11.6 ERISA. (i) An ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan, (ii) any Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment with respect to its Withdrawal Liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan, or (iii) a termination, withdrawal or noncompliance with applicable law or plan terms or termination, withdrawal or other event similar to an ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Foreign Plan, in each case if any of the events set forth in (i)-(iii) above results in a Lien on the assets of a Credit Party, or either individually or when taken together with other such events, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
11.7 Credit Documents. The Credit Documents or any material provision thereof shall cease to be in full force or effect (other than pursuant to the terms hereof and thereof) or any Guarantor or any other Credit Party shall assert in writing that any such Credit Partys obligations thereunder are not to be in effect or are not to be legal, valid and binding obligations (other than pursuant to the terms hereof or thereof).
11.8 Security Documents. The Mortgage or any other Security Document or any material provision thereof shall cease to be in full force or effect (other than pursuant to the terms hereof or thereof), or any grantor thereunder or any other Credit Party shall assert in writing that any grantors obligations under the Collateral Agreement, the Mortgage or any other Security Document are not in effect or not legal, valid and binding obligations (other than pursuant to the terms hereof or thereof).
11.9 Judgments. One or more monetary judgments or decrees shall be entered against the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries involving a liability in excess of $25,000,000 in the aggregate for all such judgments and decrees for the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries (to the extent not paid or covered by insurance provided by a carrier not disputing coverage), which judgments or decrees are not satisfied, vacated, discharged or effectively waived or stayed or bonded pending appeal within sixty (60) consecutive days after the entry thereof.
11.10 Change of Control. A Change of Control shall have occurred.
11.11 Intercreditor Agreements. (i) Any of the Obligations of the Credit Parties under the Credit Documents for any reason shall cease to be Senior Debt, Senior Indebtedness, Guarantor Senior Debt or Senior Secured Financing (or any comparable term) under, and as defined in, any document governing Other Debt or (ii) the subordination provisions set forth in any Subordination Agreement or other document governing Other Debt shall, in whole or in part, cease to be effective or cease to be legally valid, binding and enforceable against the holders of such Other Debt or parties to (or purported to be bound by) the Subordination Agreement, in each case, if applicable.
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Then, and in any such event, and at any time thereafter, if any Event of Default shall then be continuing, the Administrative Agent may with the consent of and, upon the written request of the Majority Lenders, shall, by written notice to the Borrower, take any or all of the following actions, without prejudice to the rights of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to enforce its claims against the Borrower or any other Credit Party, except as otherwise specifically provided for in this Agreement (provided that, if an Event of Default specified in Section 11.5 shall occur with respect to the Borrower, the result that would occur upon the giving of written notice by the Administrative Agent as specified in clauses (a), (b) and (c) below shall occur automatically without the giving of any such notice): (a) declare the Total Commitment terminated, whereupon the Commitment of each Lender shall forthwith terminate immediately and any fees theretofore accrued shall forthwith become due and payable without any other notice of any kind, (b) declare the principal of and any accrued interest and fees in respect of any or all Loans and any or all Obligations owing hereunder and thereunder to be, whereupon the same shall become, forthwith due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower, and/or (c) demand cash collateral in respect of any outstanding Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 3.7(b) in an amount equal to the aggregate Stated Amount of all Letters of Credit issued and then outstanding. In addition, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders will have all other rights and remedies available at law and equity.
11.12 Application of Proceeds. Any amount received by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent from any Credit Party (or from proceeds of any Collateral) following any acceleration of the Obligations under this Agreement or any Event of Default with respect to the Borrower under Section 11.5 shall be applied:
First, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (including fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel payable under Section 12.7 and amounts payable under Section 2) payable to the Administrative Agent and/or Collateral Agent in such Persons capacity as such;
Second, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal, interest and Letter of Credit Fees) payable to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks (including fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel payable under Section 12.7) arising under the Credit Documents and amounts payable under Section 2, ratably among them in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;
Third, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid Letter of Credit Fees and interest on the Loans and Unpaid Drawings, ratably among the Lenders and the Issuing Banks in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them;
Fourth, (i) to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans, the Unpaid Drawings and Obligations then owing under Secured Hedge Agreements and the Secured Cash Management Agreements and (ii) to Cash Collateralize that portion of Letters of Credit Outstanding comprising the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit to the extent not otherwise Cash Collateralized by the Borrower pursuant to Section 3.7, ratably among the Lenders, the Issuing Banks, the Hedge Banks and the Cash Management Banks in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth held by them; provided that (x) any such amounts applied pursuant to the foregoing clause (ii) shall be paid to the Administrative Agent for the ratable account of the applicable Issuing Bank to Cash Collateralize such Letters of Credit Outstanding, (y) subject to Section 3.7, amounts used to Cash Collateralize the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit pursuant to this clause Fourth shall be applied to satisfy drawings under such Letters of Credit as they occur and (z) upon the expiration of any Letter of Credit, the pro rata share of Cash Collateral attributable to such expired Letter of Credit shall be distributed in accordance with this clause Fourth;
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Fifth, to the payment of all other Obligations of the Credit Parties owing under or in respect of the Credit Documents that are due and payable to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties on such date, ratably based upon the respective aggregate amounts of all such Obligations owing to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties on such date; and
Last, the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been paid, to the Borrower or as otherwise required by Requirements of Law.
Subject to Section 3.7, amounts used to Cash Collateralize the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit pursuant to clause Fourth above shall be applied to satisfy drawings under such Letters of Credit as they occur. If any amount remains on deposit as Cash Collateral after all Letters of Credit have either been fully drawn or expired, such remaining amount shall be applied to the other Obligations, if any, in the order set forth above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amounts received from any Guarantor shall be applied to any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Guarantor.
11.13 Equity Cure.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 11 or in any Credit Document, in the event that the Borrower fails to comply with the Leverage Ratio Covenant and/or the Current Ratio Covenant, then (A) until the expiration of the tenth (10th) Business Day subsequent to the date the compliance certificate for calculating the applicable Financial Performance Covenant is required to be delivered pursuant to Section 9.1(c) (the Cure Deadline), the Borrower shall have the right to cure such failure (the Cure Right) by receiving cash proceeds (which cash proceeds shall be received no earlier than the first day of the applicable fiscal quarter for which there is a failure to comply with the applicable Financial Performance Covenant) from an issuance of Qualified Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) for cash as a cash capital contribution (or from any other contribution of cash to capital or issuance or sale of any other Equity Interests on terms reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent), and upon receipt by the Borrower of such cash proceeds (such cash amount being referred to as the Cure Amount) pursuant to the exercise of such Cure Right, the Leverage Ratio Covenant and/or the Current Ratio Covenant (as applicable) shall be recalculated giving effect to the following pro forma adjustments:
(i) (A) Consolidated EBITDAX shall be increased, solely for the purpose of determining the existence of an Event of Default resulting from a breach of the Leverage Ratio Covenant with respect to any Test Period that includes the fiscal quarter for which the Cure Right was exercised and not for any other purpose under this Agreement, by an amount equal to the Cure Amount and/or (B) Consolidated Current Assets shall be increased, solely for the purpose of determining the existence of an Event of Default resulting from a breach of the Current Ratio Covenant with respect to any Test Period that includes the fiscal quarter for which the Cure Right was exercised and not for any other purpose under this Agreement, by an amount equal to the Cure Amount;
(ii) neither Consolidated Total Debt nor Consolidated Current Liabilities for such Test Period shall be decreased by any prepayments of Indebtedness with the proceeds of the Cure Amount and any cash proceeds shall not be netted for purposes of ratio calculations with respect to any four fiscal quarter period in which the fiscal quarter period in which such equity cure has been made is included; and
(iii) if, after giving effect to the foregoing recalculations, the Borrower shall then be in compliance with the requirements of the Financial Performance Covenants, the Borrower shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements of the Financial Performance Covenants as of the relevant date of determination with the same effect as though there had been no failure to comply
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therewith at such date, and the applicable breach or default of the applicable Financial Performance Covenant that had occurred shall be deemed cured for the purposes of this Agreement; provided that (A) in each period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters there shall be at least two (2) fiscal quarters in which no Cure Right is exercised, (B) Cure Rights shall not be exercised more than four (4) times during the term of this Agreement, (C) if the Borrower cures the failure to comply with both Financial Performance Covenants in the same fiscal quarter, such cures shall constitute a single cure for purposes of the preceding subclause (B), (D) if the Borrower cures the failure to comply with both Financial Performance Covenants in the same fiscal quarter, the same dollar of the Cure Amount shall be applied only once to either increase Consolidated EBITDAX or Consolidated Current Assets but not both, (E) each Cure Amount shall be no greater than the amount required to cause the Borrower to be in compliance with the applicable Financial Performance Covenant above (such amount, the Necessary Cure Amount); provided that if the Cure Right is exercised prior to the date financial statements are required to be delivered for such fiscal quarter, then the Cure Amount shall be equal to the amount reasonably determined by the Borrower in good faith that is required for purposes of complying with the Financial Performance Covenants for such fiscal quarter (such amount, the Expected Cure Amount), (F) in respect of the fiscal quarter in which such Cure Right was exercised and for each Test Period that includes such fiscal quarter, all Cure Amounts shall be disregarded for the purposes of any financial ratio determination under the Credit Documents other than for determining compliance with the Financial Performance Covenants and (G) no Lender or Issuing Bank shall be required to make any extension of credit hereunder during the ten (10) Business Day period referred to above, unless the Borrower shall have received the Cure Amount; and
(iv) upon receipt by the Administrative Agent of written notice, on or prior to the Cure Deadline, that the Borrower intends to exercise the Cure Right in respect of a fiscal quarter, the Lenders shall not be permitted to accelerate Loans held by them or to exercise remedies against the Collateral on the basis of a failure to comply with the requirements of the Financial Performance Covenants, unless such failure is not cured pursuant to the exercise of the Cure Right on or prior to the Cure Deadline.
(b) Expected Cure Amount. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, to the extent that the Expected Cure Amount is less than the Necessary Cure Amount, then not later than the applicable Cure Deadline, the Borrower must receive cash proceeds from issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) or a cash capital contribution, which cash proceeds received by Borrower shall be equal to the shortfall between such Expected Cure Amount and such Necessary Cure Amount.
SECTION 12. THE AGENTS
12.1 Appointment.
(a) Each Lender hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Administrative Agent as the agent of such Lender under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents and irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent, in such capacity, to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly 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 provisions of this Section 12 (other than Section 12.1(c) with respect to the Arrangers, and Sections 12.9, 12.10, 12.11 and the last sentence of Section 12.4 with respect to the Borrower) are solely for the benefit of the Agents and the Lenders, and the Borrower shall not have rights as third party beneficiary of any such provision. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary elsewhere in this Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein, or any fiduciary relationship with any Lender, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or any other Credit Document or otherwise exist against the Administrative Agent.
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(b) The Administrative Agent, each Lender and each Issuing Bank hereby irrevocably designate and appoint the Collateral Agent as the agent with respect to the Collateral, and each of the Administrative Agent, each Lender and each Issuing Bank irrevocably authorizes the Collateral Agent, in such capacity, to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated to the Collateral Agent by the terms of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, together with such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary elsewhere in this Agreement, the Collateral Agent shall not have any duties or responsibilities except those expressly set forth herein, or any fiduciary relationship with any of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders or the Issuing Banks, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or any other Credit Document or otherwise exist against the Collateral Agent.
(c) The Arrangers, in their capacity as such, shall not have any obligations, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement but shall be entitled to all benefits of this Section 12.
12.2 Delegation of Duties. The Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may each execute any of its duties under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents by or through agents, sub-agents, employees or attorneys-in-fact (each, a Subagent) and shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to such duties; provided, however, that no such Subagent shall be authorized to take any action with respect to any Collateral unless and except to the extent expressly authorized in writing by the Administrative Agent. If any Subagent, or successor thereto, shall die, become incapable of acting, resign or be removed, all rights, powers, privileges and duties of such Subagent, to the extent permitted by law, shall automatically vest in and be exercised by the Administrative Agent until the appointment of a new Subagent. Neither the Administrative Agent nor the Collateral Agent shall be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any Subagents selected by it.
12.3 Exculpatory Provisions. No Agent nor any of its Related Parties shall be (a) liable for any action lawfully taken or omitted to be taken by any of them under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Credit Document (except for its or such Persons own gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined in the final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, in connection with its duties expressly set forth herein) (IT BEING THE INTENTION OF THE PARTIES HERETO THAT EACH AGENT AND ITS RELATED PARTIES SHALL, IN ALL CASES, BE INDEMNIFIED FOR ITS ORDINARY, COMPARATIVE, CONTRIBUTORY OR SOLE NEGLIGENCE ) or (b) responsible in any manner to any of the Lenders or any participant for any recitals, statements, representations or warranties made by any of the Borrower, any other Credit Party or any officer thereof contained in this Agreement or any other Credit Document or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by such Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Credit Document or for the value, validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Credit Document, or the perfection or priority of any Lien or security interest created or purported to be created under the Security Documents or for any failure of the Borrower or any other Credit Party to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder. No Agent shall be under any obligation to any Lender to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Agreement or any other Credit Document, or to inspect the properties, books or records of any Credit Party or any Affiliate thereof. The Collateral Agent shall not be under any obligation to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Agreement or any other Credit Document, or to inspect the properties, books or records of any Credit Party.
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12.4 Reliance by Agents. The Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any writing, resolution, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, telecopy, telex or teletype message, email, statement, order or other document or instruction believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person or Persons and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including counsel to the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent. The Administrative Agent may deem and treat the Lender specified in the Register with respect to any amount owing hereunder as the owner thereof for all purposes unless a written notice of assignment, negotiation or transfer thereof shall have been filed with the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under this Agreement or any other Credit Document unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Majority Lenders as it deems appropriate and/or it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability and expense that may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents in accordance with a request of the Majority Lenders, and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the Lenders and all future holders of the Loans; provided that the Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent shall not be required to take any action or refuse to take any action where, in its opinion or in the opinion of its counsel, the taking or refusal to take such action may expose it to liability or that is contrary to any Credit Document or applicable Requirements of Law. For purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in Section 6 and Section 7 on the Closing Date, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.
12.5 Notice of Default. Neither the Administrative Agent nor the Collateral Agent shall be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default hereunder unless the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as applicable, has received written notice from a Lender or the Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a notice of default. In the event that the Administrative Agent receives such a notice, it shall give notice thereof to the Lenders and the Collateral Agent. The Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall be reasonably directed by the Majority Lenders; provided that unless and until 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 interests of the Lenders except to the extent that this Agreement requires that such action be taken only with the approval or consent of the Majority Lenders, the Required Lenders, each individual lender or adversely affected Lender, as applicable.
12.6 Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent and Other Lenders. Each Lender expressly acknowledges that neither the Administrative Agent nor the Collateral Agent nor any of their respective Related Parties has made any representations or warranties to it and that no act by the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent hereinafter taken, including any review of the affairs of the Borrower or any other Credit Party, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent or their respective Related Parties to any Lender or any Issuing Bank. Each Lender and each Issuing Bank represents to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, any other Lender or any of their respective Related Parties, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of, and an investigation into, the business, operations, property,
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financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Borrower and each other Credit Party and made its own decision to make its Loans hereunder and enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, any other Lender or any of their respective Related Parties, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, and to make such investigation as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Borrower and any other Credit Party. Except for notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by the Administrative Agent hereunder, neither the Administrative Agent nor the Collateral Agent shall have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the business, assets, operations, properties, financial condition, prospects or creditworthiness of the Borrower or any other Credit Party that may come into the possession of the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent or any of their respective Related Parties.
12.7 Indemnification. The Lenders severally agree to indemnify the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent and their respective Related Parties, each in its capacity as such (to the extent not reimbursed by the Guarantors and without limiting the obligation of the Guarantors to do so), ratably according to their respective portions of the Commitments or Loans, as applicable, outstanding in effect on the date on which indemnification is sought (or, if indemnification is sought after Payment in Full, ratably in accordance with their respective portions of the Total Exposure in effect immediately prior to such date on which Payment in Full occurred), from and against any and all Indemnified Liabilities; provided that no Lender shall be liable to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent or their respective Related Parties for the payment of any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from such Administrative Agents or the Collateral Agents or Related Partys, as applicable, gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction; provided, further, that no action taken in accordance with the directions of the Majority Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be required by the Credit Documents) shall be deemed to constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct for purposes of this Section 12.7. In the case of any investigation, litigation or proceeding giving rise to any liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind whatsoever that may at any time occur (including at any time following the payment of the Loans), this Section 12.7 applies whether any such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by any Lender or any other Person. Without limitation of the foregoing, each Lender shall reimburse the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent upon demand for its ratable share of any costs or out-of-pocket expenses (including Attorney Costs) incurred by such Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice rendered in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement, any other Credit Document, or any document contemplated by or referred to herein, to the extent that such Agent is not reimbursed for such expenses by or on behalf of the Borrower; provided that such reimbursement by the Lenders shall not affect the Borrowers or the other Guarantors continuing reimbursement obligations with respect thereto. If any indemnity furnished to any Agent for any purpose shall, in the opinion of such Agent, be insufficient or become impaired, such Agent may call for additional indemnity and cease, or not commence, to do the acts indemnified against until such additional indemnity is furnished; provided, in no event shall this sentence require any Lender to indemnify any Agent against any liability, obligation, loss, damage, penalty, action, judgment, suit, cost, expense or disbursement in excess of such Lenders pro rata portion thereof; and provided, further, this sentence shall not be deemed to require any Lender to indemnify any Agent against any liability, obligation, loss, damage, penalty, action, judgment, suit, cost, expense or disbursement resulting from such Agents gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. The agreements in this Section 12.7 shall survive the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder. This Section 12.7 shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, etc. arising from any non-Tax claim.
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12.8 Agents in Its Individual Capacities. Each Agent and its Affiliates may make loans to, accept deposits from and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower and any other Credit Party as though such Agent were not an Agent hereunder and under the other Credit Documents. With respect to the Loans made by it, each Agent shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents as any Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not an Agent, and the terms Lender and Lenders shall include each Agent in its individual capacity.
12.9 Successor Agents. Each of the Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Borrower. If the Administrative Agent and/or Collateral Agent becomes a Defaulting Lender, then such Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, may be removed as Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as the case may be, at the reasonable request of the Borrower upon ten (10) days notice to the Lenders. Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation or removal, as the case may be, the Majority Lenders shall have the right, subject to the consent of the Borrower (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) so long as no Default under Section 11.1 or 11.5 is continuing, to appoint a successor, which shall be a bank with an office in New York. If, in the case of a resignation of a retiring Agent, no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Majority Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) days after the retiring Agent gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Agent may on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, appoint a successor Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above (provided that if the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that no qualifying Person has accepted such appointment, then such resignation shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice and (a) the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Credit Documents (except that in the case of any collateral security held by such Agent on behalf of the Lenders or Issuing Banks under and Credit Documents, the retiring Agent shall continue to hold such collateral security until such time as a successor Agent is appointed) and (b) all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the retiring Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender and Issuing Bank directly, until such time as the Majority Lenders appoint a successor Agent as provided for above in this Section 12.9). Upon the acceptance of a successors appointment as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as the case may be, hereunder, and upon the execution and filing or recording of such financing statements, or amendments thereto, and such other instruments or notices, as may be necessary or desirable, or as the Majority Lenders may request, in order to continue the perfection of the Liens granted or purported to be granted by the Security Documents, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring (or retired) Agent, and the retiring Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Credit Documents (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this Section 12.9). After the retiring Agents resignation hereunder and under the other Credit Documents, the provisions of this Section 12 (including Section 12.7) and Section 13.5 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Agent, its Subagents and their respective Agent-Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Agent was acting as an Agent.
Any resignation of any Person as Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 12.9 shall also constitute its resignation as Issuing Bank. Upon the acceptance of a successors appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder (a) such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Issuing Bank, (b) the retiring Issuing Bank shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Credit Documents, and (c) the successor Issuing Bank shall issue letters of credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit, if any, outstanding at the time of such succession or make other arrangements satisfactory to the retiring Issuing Bank to effectively assume the obligations of the retiring Issuing Bank with respect to such Letters of Credit.
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12.10 Security Documents and Collateral Agent under Security Documents and Guarantee. Each Secured Party hereby further authorizes the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as applicable, on behalf of and for the benefit of Secured Parties, to be the agent for and representative of the Secured Parties with respect to the Collateral and the Security Documents. Subject to Section 13.1, without further written consent or authorization from any Secured Party, the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as applicable, may take such action and execute and deliver any such instruments, documents and agreements necessary or desirable to evidence and confirm the release of any Guarantor or Collateral pursuant to Section 13.17. Furthermore, the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and any other Secured Parties (including in their capacities as potential Cash Management Bank and potential Hedge Banks) hereby authorize the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to subordinate any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent under any Credit Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted by clause (j) of the definition of Permitted Liens and clauses (c), (i), (n), (o), (q), (t) and (w)(i) of Section 10.2; provided that prior to any such request, the Borrower shall have in each case delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate of an Authorized Officer of the Borrower certifying that such subordination is permitted under this Agreement.
12.11 Right to Realize on Collateral and Enforce Guarantee. Anything contained in any of the Credit Documents to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower, the Agents and each Secured Party hereby agree that (a) no Secured Party shall have any right individually to realize upon any of the Collateral or to enforce the Guarantee, it being understood and agreed that all powers, rights and remedies hereunder may be exercised solely by the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties in accordance with the terms hereof and all powers, rights and remedies under the Security Documents may be exercised solely by the Collateral Agent, and (b) in the event of a foreclosure by the Collateral Agent on any of the Collateral pursuant to a public or private sale or other disposition, the Collateral Agent or any Lender may be the purchaser or licensor of any or all of such Collateral at any such sale or other disposition and the Collateral Agent, as agent for and representative of the Secured Parties (but not any Lender or Lenders in its or their respective individual capacities unless the Majority Lenders shall otherwise agree in writing) shall be entitled, for the purpose of bidding and making settlement or payment of the purchase price for all or any portion of the Collateral sold at any such public sale, to use and apply any of the Obligations as a credit on account of the purchase price for any collateral payable by the Collateral Agent at such sale or other disposition.
12.12 Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim. In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding, constituting an Event of Default under Section 11.5, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered, 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 hereunder or under any other Credit Document in respect of the Loans and all other Indebtedness that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent and their respective Related Parties, to the extent due under Section 13.5) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and
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(b) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;
and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its Related Parties, to the extent due under Section 13.5.
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Indebtedness or the rights of any Lender or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender in any such proceeding.
12.13 Certain ERISA Matters.
(a) Each Lender (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any other Credit Party, that at least one of the following is and will be true:
(i) such Lender is not using plan assets (within the meaning of Section 3(42) of ERISA or otherwise) of one or more Benefit Plans with respect to such Lenders entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments, or this Agreement,
(ii) the transaction exemption set forth in one or more PTEs, such as PTE 84-14 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by independent qualified professional asset managers), PTE 95-60 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts), PTE 90-1 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company pooled separate accounts), PTE 91-38 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds) or PTE 96-23 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers), is applicable with respect to such Lenders entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement,
(iii) (A) such Lender is an investment fund managed by a Qualified Professional Asset Manager (within the meaning of Part VI of PTE 84-14), (B) such Qualified Professional Asset Manager made the investment decision on behalf of such Lender to enter into, participate in, administer and perform the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement, (C) the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement satisfies the requirements of sub-sections (b) through (g) of Part I of PTE 84-14 and (D) to the best knowledge of such Lender, the requirements of subsection (a) of Part I of PTE 84-14 are satisfied with respect to such Lenders entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement, or
(iv) such other representation, warranty and covenant as may be agreed in writing between the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, and such Lender.
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(b) In addition, unless sub-clause (i) in the immediately preceding clause (a) is true with respect to a Lender or such Lender has provided another representation, warranty and covenant in accordance with sub-clause (iv) in the immediately preceding clause (a), such Lender further (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any other Credit Party, that neither the Administrative Agent nor the Collateral Agent is a fiduciary with respect to the assets of such Lender involved in such Lenders entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement (including in connection with the reservation or exercise of any rights by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, any Credit Document or any documents related hereto or thereto).
12.14 Credit Bidding. The Secured Parties hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at the direction of the Majority Lenders, to credit bid all or any portion of the Obligations (including by accepting some or all of the Collateral in satisfaction of some or all of the Obligations pursuant to a deed in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise) and in such manner purchase (either directly or through one or more acquisition vehicles) all or any portion of the Collateral (a) at any sale thereof conducted under the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, including under Sections 363, 1123 or 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, or any similar laws in any other jurisdictions to which a Credit Party is subject, or (b) at any other sale, foreclosure or acceptance of collateral in lieu of debt conducted by (or with the consent or at the direction of) the Administrative Agent (whether by judicial action or otherwise) in accordance with any applicable law. In connection with any such credit bid and purchase, the Obligations owed to the Secured Parties shall be entitled to be credit bid by the Administrative Agent at the direction of the Majority Lenders on a ratable basis (with Obligations with respect to contingent or unliquidated claims receiving contingent interests in the acquired assets on a ratable basis that shall vest upon the liquidation of such claims in an amount proportional to the liquidated portion of the contingent claim amount used in allocating the contingent interests) for the asset or assets so purchased (or for the equity interests or debt instruments of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles that are issued in connection with such purchase). In connection with any such bid (i) the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to form one or more acquisition vehicles and to assign any successful credit bid to such acquisition vehicle or vehicles, (ii) each of the Secured Parties ratable interests in the Obligations which were credit bid shall be deemed without any further action under this Agreement to be assigned to such vehicle or vehicles for the purpose of closing such sale, (iii) the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to adopt documents providing for the governance of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles (provided that any actions by the Administrative Agent with respect to such acquisition vehicle or vehicles, including any Disposition of the assets or equity interests thereof, shall be governed, directly or indirectly, by, and the governing documents shall provide for, control by the vote of the Majority Lenders or their permitted assignees under the terms of this Agreement or the governing documents of the applicable acquisition vehicle or vehicles, as the case may be, irrespective of the termination of this Agreement and without giving effect to the limitations on actions by the Majority Lenders contained in Section 13.1 of this Agreement), (iv) the Administrative Agent on behalf of such acquisition vehicle or vehicles shall be authorized to issue to each of the Secured Parties, ratably on account of the relevant Obligations which were credit bid, interests, whether as equity, partnership, limited partnership interests or membership interests, in any such acquisition vehicle and/or debt instruments issued by such acquisition vehicle, all without the need for any Secured Party or acquisition vehicle to take any further action, and (v) to the extent that Obligations that are assigned to an acquisition vehicle are not used to acquire Collateral for any reason, such Obligations shall automatically be reassigned to the Secured Parties pro rata and the equity interests and/or debt instruments issued by any acquisition vehicle on account of such Obligations shall automatically be cancelled, without the need for any Secured Party or any acquisition vehicle to take any further action. Notwithstanding that the ratable portion of the Obligations of each Secured Party are deemed assigned to the acquisition vehicle or vehicles as set forth in Section 12.14(b)(ii) above, each Secured Party
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shall execute such documents and provide such information regarding the Secured Party (and/or any designee of the Secured Party which will receive interests in or debt instruments issued by such acquisition vehicle) as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request in connection with the formation of any acquisition vehicle, the formulation or submission of any credit bid or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by such credit bid.
12.15 Erroneous Payments.
(a) If the Administrative Agent (x) notifies a Lender, Issuing Bank or Secured Party, or any Person who has received funds on behalf of a Lender, Issuing Bank or Secured Party (any such Lender, Issuing Bank, Secured Party or other recipient (and each of their respective successors and assigns), a Payment Recipient) that the Administrative Agent has determined in its sole discretion (whether or not after receipt of any notice under immediately succeeding clause (b)) that any funds (as set forth in such notice from the Administrative Agent) received by such Payment Recipient from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates were erroneously or mistakenly transmitted to, or otherwise erroneously or mistakenly received by, such Payment Recipient (whether or not known to such Lender, Issuing Bank, Secured Party or other Payment Recipient on its behalf) (any such funds, whether transmitted or received as a payment, prepayment or repayment of principal, interest, fees, distribution or otherwise, individually and collectively, an Erroneous Payment) and (y) demands in writing the return of such Erroneous Payment (or a portion thereof), such Erroneous Payment shall at all times remain the property of the Administrative Agent pending its return or repayment as contemplated below in this Section 12.15 and held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, and such Lender, Issuing Bank or Secured Party shall (or, with respect to any Payment Recipient who received such funds on its behalf, shall cause such Payment Recipient to) promptly, but in no event later than two Business Days thereafter (or such later date as the Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion, specify in writing), return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made, in same day funds (in the currency so received), together with interest thereon (except to the extent waived in writing by the Administrative Agent) in respect of each day from and including the date such Erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Payment Recipient to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent in same day funds at the greater of the Overnight Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect. A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Payment Recipient under this clause (a) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.
(b) Without limiting immediately preceding clause (a), each Lender, Issuing Bank, Secured Party or any Person who has received funds on behalf of a Lender, Issuing Bank or Secured Party (and each of their respective successors and assigns), agrees that if it receives a payment, prepayment or repayment (whether received as a payment, prepayment or repayment of principal, interest, fees, distribution or otherwise) from the Administrative Agent (or any of its Affiliates) (x) that is in a different amount than, or on a different date from, that specified in this Agreement or in a notice of payment, prepayment or repayment sent by the Administrative Agent (or any of its Affiliates) with respect to such payment, prepayment or repayment, (y) that was not preceded or accompanied by a notice of payment, prepayment or repayment sent by the Administrative Agent (or any of its Affiliates), or (z) that such Lender, Issuing Bank or Secured Party, or other such recipient, otherwise becomes aware was transmitted, or received, in error or by mistake (in whole or in part), then in each such case:
(i) it acknowledges and agrees that (A) in the case of immediately preceding clauses (x) or (y), an error and mistake shall be presumed to have been made (absent written confirmation from the Administrative Agent to the contrary) or (B) an error and mistake has been made (in the case of immediately preceding clause (z)), in each case, with respect to such payment, prepayment or repayment; and
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(ii) such Lender, Issuing Bank or Secured Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to (and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause any other recipient that receives funds on its respective behalf to) promptly (and, in all events, within one Business Day of its knowledge of the occurrence of any of the circumstances described in immediately preceding clauses (x), (y) and (z)) notify the Administrative Agent of its receipt of such payment, prepayment or repayment, the details thereof (in reasonable detail) and that it is so notifying the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 12.15(b).
For the avoidance of doubt, the failure to deliver a notice to the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 12.15(b) shall not have any effect on a Payment Recipients obligations pursuant to Section 12.15(a) or on whether or not an Erroneous Payment has been made.
(c) Each Lender, Issuing Bank or Secured Party hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off, net and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender, Issuing Bank or Secured Party under any Credit Document, or otherwise payable or distributable by the Administrative Agent to such Lender, Issuing Bank or Secured Party under any Credit Document with respect to any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts, against any amount that the Administrative Agent has demanded to be returned under Section 12.15(a).
(d)
(i) In the event that an Erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) is not recovered by the Administrative Agent for any reason, after demand therefor in accordance with Section 12.15(a), from any Lender that has received such Erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) (and/or from any Payment Recipient who received such Erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) on its respective behalf) (such unrecovered amount, an Erroneous Payment Return Deficiency), upon the Administrative Agents notice to such Lender at any time, then effective immediately (with the consideration therefor being acknowledged by the parties hereto), (A) such Lender shall be deemed to have assigned its Loans (but not its Commitments) of the relevant class with respect to which such Erroneous Payment was made (the Erroneous Payment Impacted Class) in an amount equal to the Erroneous Payment Return Deficiency (or such lesser amount as the Administrative Agent may specify) (such assignment of the Loans (but not Commitments) of the Erroneous Payment Impacted Class, the Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment) (on a cashless basis and such amount calculated at par plus any accrued and unpaid interest (with the assignment fee to be waived by the Administrative Agent in such instance)), and is hereby (together with the Borrower) deemed to execute and deliver an Assignment and Assumption (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an electronic platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants) with respect to such Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment, and such Lender shall deliver any Notes evidencing such Loans to the Borrower or the Administrative Agent (but the failure of such Person to deliver any such Notes shall not affect the effectiveness of the foregoing assignment), (B) the Administrative Agent as the assignee Lender shall be deemed to have acquired the Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment, (C) upon such deemed acquisition, the Administrative Agent as the assignee Lender shall become a Lender, as applicable, hereunder with respect to such Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment and the assigning Lender shall cease to be a Lender, as applicable, hereunder with respect to such Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment, excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, its obligations under the indemnification provisions of this Agreement and its applicable Commitments which shall survive as to such assigning Lender, (D) the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall each be deemed to have waived any consents required under this Agreement to any such Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment, and (E) the Administrative Agent will reflect in the Register its ownership interest in the Loans subject to the Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment. For the avoidance of doubt, no Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment will reduce the Commitments of any Lender and such Commitments shall remain available in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
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(ii) Subject to Section 13.1 (but excluding, in all events, any assignment consent or approval requirements (whether from the Borrower or otherwise)), the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion, sell any Loans acquired pursuant to an Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment and upon receipt of the proceeds of such sale, the Erroneous Payment Return Deficiency owing by the applicable Lender shall be reduced by the net proceeds of the sale of such Loan (or portion thereof), and the Administrative Agent shall retain all other rights, remedies and claims against such Lender (and/or against any recipient that receives funds on its respective behalf). In addition, an Erroneous Payment Return Deficiency owing by the applicable Lender (x) shall be reduced by the proceeds of prepayments or repayments of principal and interest, or other distribution in respect of principal and interest, received by the Administrative Agent on or with respect to any such Loans acquired from such Lender pursuant to an Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment (to the extent that any such Loans are then owned by the Administrative Agent) and (y) may, in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent, be reduced by any amount specified by the Administrative Agent in writing to the applicable Lender from time to time.
(e) The parties hereto agree that (x) irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent may be equitably subrogated, in the event that an Erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) is not recovered from any Payment Recipient that has received such Erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) for any reason, the Administrative Agent shall be subrogated to all the rights and interests of such Payment Recipient (and, in the case of any Payment Recipient who has received funds on behalf of a Lender, Issuing Bank or Secured Party, to the rights and interests of such Lender, Issuing Bank or Secured Party, as the case may be) under the Credit Documents with respect to such amount (the Erroneous Payment Subrogation Rights) (provided that the Credit Parties Obligations under the Credit Documents in respect of the Erroneous Payment Subrogation Rights shall not be duplicative of such Obligations in respect of Loans that have been assigned to the Administrative Agent under an Erroneous Payment Deficiency Assignment) and (y) an Erroneous Payment shall not pay, prepay, repay, discharge or otherwise satisfy any Obligations owed by the Borrower or any other Credit Party; provided that this Section 12.15 shall not be interpreted to increase (or accelerate the due date for), or have the effect of increasing (or accelerating the due date for), the Obligations of the Borrower relative to the amount (and/or timing for payment) of the Obligations that would have been payable had such Erroneous Payment not been made by the Administrative Agent; provided, further, that for the avoidance of doubt, immediately preceding clauses (x) and (y) shall not apply to the extent any such Erroneous Payment is, and solely with respect to the amount of such Erroneous Payment that is, comprised of funds received by the Administrative Agent from the Borrower for the purpose of making such Erroneous Payment.
(f) To the extent permitted by applicable law, no Payment Recipient shall assert any right or claim to an Erroneous Payment, and hereby waives, and is deemed to waive, any claim, counterclaim, defense or right of set-off or recoupment with respect to any demand, claim or counterclaim by the Administrative Agent for the return of any Erroneous Payment received, including, without limitation, any defense based on discharge for value or any similar doctrine.
(g) Each partys obligations, agreements and waivers under this Section 12.15 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent, any transfer of rights or obligations by, or the replacement of, a Lender or Issuing Bank, the termination of the Commitments and/or the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all Obligations (or any portion thereof) under any Credit Document.
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SECTION 13. MISCELLANEOUS.
13.1 Amendments, Waivers and Releases.
(a) Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, neither this Agreement nor any other Credit Document, nor any terms hereof or thereof, may be amended, supplemented or modified except in accordance with the provisions of this Section 13.1. The Majority Lenders may, or, with the written consent of the Majority Lenders, the Administrative Agent and/or the Collateral Agent shall, from time to time, (a) enter into with the relevant Credit Party or Credit Parties written amendments, supplements or modifications hereto and to the other Credit Documents for the purpose of adding any provisions to this Agreement or the other Credit Documents or changing in any manner the rights of the Lenders or of the Credit Parties hereunder or thereunder or (b) waive in writing, on such terms and conditions as the Majority Lenders or the Administrative Agent and/or Collateral Agent, as the case may be, may specify in such instrument, any of the requirements of this Agreement or the other Credit Documents or any Default or Event of Default and its consequences; provided, however, that each such waiver and each such amendment, supplement or modification shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided, further, that no such waiver and no such amendment, supplement or modification shall (i) forgive or reduce any portion of any Loan or reduce the stated rate (it being understood that only the consent of the Majority Lenders shall be necessary to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest at the Default Rate or amend Section 2.8(c)), or forgive or reduce any portion, or extend the date for the payment (including the Maturity Date), of any principal, interest or fee payable hereunder (other than as a result of waiving the applicability of any post-default increase in interest rates and any change due to a change in the Borrowing Base or Available Commitment), or extend the final expiration date of any Lenders Commitment (provided that (1) any Lender, upon the request of the Borrower, may extend the final expiration date of its Commitment in a manner that has no adverse impact on any other Lender without the consent of any other Lender, including the Majority Lenders, and (2) it is being understood that waivers or modifications of conditions precedent, covenants, Defaults or Events of Default shall not constitute an increase of the Commitments of any Lender) or extend the final expiration date of any Letter of Credit beyond the L/C Maturity Date, or increase the amount of the Commitment of any Lender (provided that, any Lender, upon the request of the Borrower, may increase the amount of its Commitment without the consent of any other Lender, including the Majority Lenders), or make any Loan, interest, fee or other amount payable in any currency other than Dollars, in each case without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby, or (ii) amend, modify or waive any provision of this Section 13.1 in a manner that would reduce the voting rights of any Lender, or reduce the percentages specified in the definitions of the terms Majority Lenders or Required Lenders or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders which are required to waive, amend or modify any rights hereunder or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, consent to the assignment or transfer by the Borrower of its rights and obligations under any Credit Document to which it is a party (except as permitted pursuant to Section 10.3), in each case without the written consent of each Lender, or (iii) amend the provisions of Section 2.7, Section 11.12, Section 13.8 or any analogous provision of any Credit Document, in a manner that would by its terms alter the order of payment specified therein or the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby, without the prior written consent of each Lender, or (iv) amend, modify or waive any provision of Section 12 without the written consent of the then-current Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, as applicable, or any other former or current Agent to whom Section 12 then applies in a manner that directly and adversely affects such Person, or (v) amend, modify or waive any provision of Section 3 with respect to any Letter of Credit without the written consent of each Issuing Bank to whom Section 3 then applies, or (vi) amend the definitions of the terms Approved Counterparty, Hedge Bank, Obligations, Secured Hedge Agreement, or Secured Parties or Section 12.10, in each case, without the prior consent of each Lender or (vii) release all or substantially all of the aggregate value of the Guarantees without the prior written consent of each Lender, or (viii) release all or substantially all of the Collateral under the Security Documents without the prior written consent of each Lender, or (ix) amend
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Section 2.9 so as to permit Interest Period intervals greater than six (6) months without regard to availability to Lenders, without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby, or (x) increase the Borrowing Base or waive a condition in or modify in any manner adverse to a Lender Section 7 without the written consent of each Lender (subject to Section 13.1(b) in the case of a Defaulting Lender) or decrease or maintain the Borrowing Base without the written consent of the Required Lenders or otherwise modify Section 2.14(b), (c), (d), (e), (f) or (g) if such modification would have the effect of increasing the Borrowing Base without the written consent of each Lender (other than Defaulting Lenders); provided that a Scheduled Redetermination may be postponed by, and an automatic reduction in the Borrowing Base may be waived by, the Required Lenders; provided, further, that this clause (x) shall not apply (or be deemed to apply) to any waiver, consent, amendment or other modification that directly or indirectly reduces the amount of, or waives the implementation of, any provision that would otherwise reduce the Borrowing Base, or (xi) affect the rights or duties of, or any fees or other amounts payable to, any Agent under this Agreement or any other Credit Document without the prior written consent of such Agent, (xii) subordinate (A) the Obligations in right of payment or (B) the Liens on a material portion of the Collateral securing the Obligations, other than in each case Liens securing Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 10.1(g), in any such case, without the consent of each Lender directly affected thereby (provided that no such Lenders consent shall be required pursuant to this subclause (xii) in connection with any debtor-in-possession financing or the use of the Collateral in any insolvency proceeding provided that each affected Lender has been offered a bona fide opportunity to fund or otherwise provide its pro rata share of such debtor-in-possession financing or the use of the Collateral in any insolvency proceeding) or (xiii) solely to the extent that any Specified Hedge Agreement remains existing, (A) amend the definitions of Hedge Bank, Obligations, Specified Hedge Agreement, Secured Hedge Agreement, Secured Parties or Payment in Full, Section 11.12 or this Section 13.1(a), Section 13.17 or Section 13.22 in a manner adverse to East West Bank, (B) release all or substantially all of the aggregate value of the Guarantees or (C) release all or substantially all of the Collateral under the Security Documents, in each case, without the prior written consent of East West Bank. Any such waiver and any such amendment, supplement or modification shall apply equally to each of the affected Lenders and shall be binding upon the Borrower, such Lenders, the Administrative Agent and all future holders of the affected Loans. In the case of any waiver, the Borrower, the Lenders and the Administrative Agent shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder and under the other Credit Documents, and any Default or Event of Default waived shall be deemed to be cured and not continuing; it being understood that no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon. In connection with the foregoing provisions, the Administrative Agent may, but shall have no obligations to, with the concurrence of any Lender, execute amendments, modifications, waivers or consents on behalf of such Lender whose consent is required hereunder.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder (and any amendment, waiver or consent which by its terms requires the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender may be effected with the consent of the applicable Lenders other than Defaulting Lenders), except that the Commitment of such Defaulting Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Defaulting Lender and no such amendment, waiver or consent shall disproportionately adversely affect such Defaulting Lender without its consent as compared to other Lenders (it being understood that any Commitments or Loans held or deemed held by any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for a vote of the Lenders hereunder requiring any consent of the Lenders).
(c) Without the consent of any Lender or Issuing Bank, the Credit Parties and the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent may (in their respective sole discretion, or shall, to the extent required by any Credit Document) enter into any amendment, modification or waiver of any Credit Document, or enter into any new agreement or instrument, to effect the granting, perfection, protection, expansion or enhancement of any security interest in any Collateral or additional property to become
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Collateral for the benefit of the Secured Parties, or as required by local law to give effect to, or protect any security interest for the benefit of the Secured Parties, in any property or so that the security interests therein comply with applicable law or this Agreement or in each case to otherwise enhance the rights or benefits of any Lender under any Credit Document.
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Lender consent is required to effect any amendment, modification or supplement to any subordination agreement or other intercreditor agreement or arrangement permitted under this Agreement or in any document pertaining to any Indebtedness permitted hereby that is permitted to be secured by the Collateral (i) that is for the purpose of adding the holders of such secured or subordinated Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under this Agreement (or, in each case, a representative with respect thereto), as parties thereto, as expressly contemplated by the terms of such subordination agreement or such other intercreditor agreement or arrangement permitted under this Agreement, as applicable (it being understood that any such amendment or supplement may make such other changes to the applicable intercreditor agreement as, in the good faith determination of the Administrative Agent, are required to effectuate the foregoing and provided that such other changes are not adverse, in any material respect (taken as a whole), to the interests of the Lenders) or (ii) that is expressly contemplated by any subordination agreement or other intercreditor agreement or arrangement permitted under this Agreement or in any document pertaining to any Indebtedness permitted hereby that is permitted to be secured by the Collateral or (iii) otherwise, with respect to any material amendments, modifications or supplements, to the extent such amendment, modification or supplement is reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and provided that such other changes are not adverse, in any material respect (taken as a whole), to the interests of the Lenders; provided, further, that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent hereunder or under any other Credit Document without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as applicable.
(e) The Administrative Agent may, without the consent of any Lender, enter into amendments or modifications to this Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents or to enter into additional Credit Documents as the Administrative Agent reasonably deems appropriate in order to implement any Benchmark Replacement or any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes or otherwise effectuate the terms of Section 2.10(d) in accordance with the terms of Section 2.10(d).
(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, technical and conforming modifications to the Credit Documents (including any exhibit, schedule or other attachment) may be made with the consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (i) if such modifications are not adverse in any material respect to the Lenders or the Issuing Banks (in which case, the consent of the Issuing Banks shall be required) or (ii) to the extent necessary to cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency so long as the Lenders and the Issuing Banks shall have received at least five (5) Business Days prior written notice thereof and the Administrative Agent shall not have received, within five (5) Business Days of the date of such notice to the Lenders, a written notice from the Majority Lenders stating that the Majority Lenders object to such amendment.
13.2 Notices. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all notices and other communications provided for hereunder or under any other Credit Document shall be in writing (including by facsimile transmission). All such written notices shall be mailed, faxed or delivered to the applicable address, facsimile number or electronic mail address, and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows:
(a) if to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or any Issuing Bank, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such Person on Schedule 13.2 or to such other address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number as shall be designated by such party in a notice to the other parties; and
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(b) if to any other Lender, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in its Administrative Questionnaire or to such other address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number as shall be designated by such party in a notice to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the Issuing Banks.
All such notices and other communications shall be deemed to be given or made upon the earlier to occur of (i) actual receipt by the relevant party hereto and (ii)(A) if delivered by hand or by courier, when signed for by or on behalf of the relevant party hereto; (B) if delivered by mail, three (3) Business Days after deposit in the mails, postage prepaid; (C) if delivered by facsimile, when sent and receipt has been confirmed by telephone; and (D) if delivered by electronic mail, when delivered; provided that notices and other communications to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders pursuant to Sections 2.3, 2.6, 2.9 and 5.1 shall not be effective until received.
(c) Platform.
(i) The Borrower (and each Guarantor by signing its guaranty) agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make the Communications (as defined below) available to the Issuing Banks and the Lenders by posting the Communications on Debt Domain, Intralinks, Syndtrak or a substantially similar electronic transmission system (the Platform).
(ii) The Platform is provided as is and as available. The Agent-Related Parties do not warrant the adequacy of the Platform and expressly disclaim liability for errors or omissions in the Communications. No warranty of any kind, express, implied, or statutory, including any warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement of third-party rights or freedom from viruses or other code defects, is made by any Agent-Related Party in connection with the Communications or the Platform. In no event shall any Agent-Related Party have any liability to the Borrower or the other Credit Parties, any Lender, or any other Person or entity for damages of any kind, including direct or indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages, losses, or expenses (whether in tort, contract, or otherwise) arising out of the Borrowers, any other Credit Partys, the Administrative Agents, or any other Secured Partys transmission of communications through the Platform except for direct damages suffered by the Borrower or another Credit Party to the extent such damages, losses or expenses resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct by any such Agent-Related Party as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. Communications means, collectively, any notice, demand, communication.
13.3 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies. No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising, on the part of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or any Lender, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or under the other Credit Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by Requirements of Law.
13.4 Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties made hereunder, in the other Credit Documents and in any document, certificate or statement delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the making of the Loans hereunder. Such representations and warranties shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied (other than contingent indemnification obligations not then due and payable).
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13.5 Payment of Expenses; Indemnification.
(a) The Borrower agrees (i) to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent and the other Agents and the Arrangers for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation, syndication and execution of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, and any amendment, waiver, consent or other modification of the provisions hereof and thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated thereby are consummated), and the consummation and administration (including all reasonable and documented costs, expenses, Other Taxes, assessments and other charges incurred by the Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent or any Lender in connection with any filing, registration, recording or perfection of any security interest contemplated by this Agreement or any Security Document or any other document referred to therein or conducting of title reviews, mortgage matches and collateral reviews) of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including all Attorney Costs, which shall be limited to Paul Hastings LLP and one local counsel as reasonably necessary in any relevant jurisdiction material to the interests of the Lenders taken as a whole and one regulatory counsel to all such Persons as reasonably necessary with respect to a relevant regulatory matter, taken as a whole, (and solely in the case of an actual conflict of interest, one additional counsel and (if reasonably necessary) one local counsel and one regulatory counsel in each relevant jurisdiction to the affected Indemnitees similarly situated) and (ii) to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, the Issuing Banks and each Lender for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the enforcement of any rights or remedies under this Agreement or the other Credit Documents (including all such costs and expenses incurred during any legal proceeding, including any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, and including all respective Attorney Costs). The agreements in this Section 13.5 and Section 4.1(d) shall survive the repayment of all other Obligations. All amounts due under this Section 13.5 and Section 4.1(d) shall be paid within thirty (30) days after written demand therefor (together with backup documentation supporting such reimbursement request). If any Credit Party fails to pay when due any costs, expenses or other amounts payable by it hereunder or under any Credit Document, such amount may be paid on behalf of such Credit Party by the Administrative Agent in its discretion.
(b) The Borrower shall indemnify and hold harmless each Agent, Lender, Issuing Bank, Arranger, Agent-Related Party and their Affiliates, and their respective Related Parties (collectively the Indemnitees) from and against any and all liabilities, losses, damages, claims, or out-of-pocket expenses (including Attorney Costs but limited in the case of legal fees and expenses to the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, disbursements and other charges of one counsel to all Indemnitees taken as a whole (and solely in the case of an actual conflict of interest, one additional counsel to the affected Indemnitees, taken as a whole) and (if reasonably necessary) one local counsel, in any relevant material jurisdiction) of any kind or nature whatsoever which may at any time be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any such Indemnitee in any way relating to or arising out of or in connection with (i) the execution, delivery, enforcement, performance or administration of any Credit Document or any other agreement, letter or instrument delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated thereby or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, (ii) any Commitment, Letter of Credit, or Loan or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by an Issuing Bank to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (iii) the violation of, noncompliance with or liability under, any applicable Environmental Law by the Credit Parties, any actual or alleged Environmental Claim regarding liability or obligation of or relating to the Credit Parties or any Subsidiary, or any actual or alleged presence, Release or threatened Release of Hazardous Materials involving or relating to the operations of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any of the Oil and Gas Properties,
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including any Release or threatened Release that occurs during any period when any Agent or Lender is in possession of any Oil and Gas Property to the extent not arising out of the action or omission of such Agent or Lender, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory (including any investigation of, preparation for, or defense of any pending or threatened claim, investigation, litigation or proceeding) (a Proceeding) and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto or whether or not such Proceeding is brought by the Borrower or any other Person and, in each case, whether or not caused by or arising, in whole or in part, out of the negligence of the Indemnitee (all of the foregoing, collectively, the Indemnified Liabilities); provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such liabilities, losses, damages, claims or out-of-pocket expenses resulted from (x) the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or of any of its Related Indemnified Persons, as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction (y) other than with respect to any Agent or Agent-Related Party and their Affiliates, a material breach of any obligations under any Credit Document by such Indemnitee or of any of its Related Indemnified Persons, as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction or (z) any dispute solely among Indemnitees other than any claims against an Indemnitee in its capacity or in fulfilling its role as an administrative agent or collateral agent or arranger or any similar role under this Agreement and other than any claims arising out of any act or omission of the Borrower or any of its Affiliates (as determined in a final and non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction). No Indemnitee shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by others of any information or other materials obtained through IntraLinks or other similar information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement (except for direct (as opposed to indirect, special, punitive or consequential) damages resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final and non-appealable judgment, of such Indemnitee), nor shall any Indemnitee, Agent-Related Parties, Credit Party or any Subsidiary have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages relating to this Agreement or any other Credit Document or arising out of its activities in connection herewith or therewith (whether before or after the Closing Date) (other than, in the case of any Credit Party, in respect of any such damages incurred or paid by an Indemnitee to a third party, or which are included in a third-party claim, for which the Borrower is required to indemnify such Indemnitee pursuant to this Section 13.5(b), and for any out-of-pocket expenses related thereto). In the case of an investigation, litigation or other Proceeding to which the indemnity in this Section 13.5 applies, such indemnity shall be effective whether or not such investigation, litigation or Proceeding is brought by any Credit Party, any Subsidiary of any Credit Party, its directors, stockholders or creditors or an Indemnitee or any other Person, whether or not any Indemnitee is otherwise a party thereto and whether or not any of the transactions contemplated hereunder or under any of the other Credit Documents are consummated. All amounts due under this Section 13.5 shall be paid within thirty (30) days after written demand therefor (together with backup documentation supporting such reimbursement request); provided, however, that such Indemnitee shall promptly refund such amount to the extent that there is a final judicial determination that such Indemnitee was not entitled to indemnification rights with respect to such payment pursuant to the express terms of this Section 13.5. The agreements in this Section 13.5 shall survive the resignation of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or Issuing Bank, the replacement of any of the foregoing or any Lender and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 13.5(b) shall not apply to Taxes, except any Taxes that represent liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, prepayments, suits, costs, expenses and disbursements arising from any non-Tax claims.
13.6 Successors and Assigns; Participations and Assignments.
(a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of each Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), except that (i) except as expressly permitted by Section 10.3,
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the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender (and any attempted assignment or transfer by the Borrower without such consent shall be null and void) and (ii) no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except in accordance with this Section 13.6. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of each Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), Participants (to the extent provided in clause (c) of this Section 13.6) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Agent-Related Parties and each other Person entitled to indemnification under Section 13.5) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.
(b) (i) Subject to the conditions set forth in Section 13.6(b)(ii) below, any Lender may at any time assign to one or more assignees (other than the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and their respective Affiliates, any natural person, or any Defaulting Lender) all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitments and the Loans (including participations in L/C Obligations) at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent of:
(A) the Borrower (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided that the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within ten (10) Business Days after having received notice thereof; provided, further, that no consent of the Borrower shall be required (x) for an assignment to an existing Lender and their Affiliates and (y) for an assignment if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; and
(B) the Administrative Agent and each Issuing Bank (in each case, not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided that no consent of the Administrative Agent shall be required for an assignment to an existing Lender and their Affiliates.
(ii) Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:
(A) except in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lenders Commitment or Loans, the amount of the Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than $5,000,000 or an integral multiple of $5,000,000, unless each of the Borrower, each Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent otherwise consents (which consents shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided that no such consent of the Borrower shall be required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;
(B) each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lenders rights and obligations under this Agreement;
(C) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee in the amount of $3,500; provided that the Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion, elect to waive such processing and recordation fee in the case of any assignment and the Administrative Agent shall enter the relevant information in the Register pursuant to clause (b)(iv) of this Section 13.6; and
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(D) the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender immediately prior to such assignment, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire and applicable Tax forms (including those described in Section 5.4(f)).
(iii) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to clause (b)(iv) of this Section 13.6, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lenders rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.10, 2.11, 3.11, 5.4 and 13.5 (subject to the obligations and limitations of such Sections)). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section 13.6 shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with clause (c) of this Section 13.6.
(iv) The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as a nonfiduciary agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at the Administrative Agents Office a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders (including any SPVs that provide all or any part of a Loan pursuant to Section 13.6(g) hereof), and the Maximum Credit Amount and Elected Commitment, and principal amount (and stated interest amounts) of the Loans and L/C Obligations and any payment made by each Issuing Bank under any applicable Letter of Credit owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the Register). Further, the Register shall contain the name and address of the Administrative Agent and the lending office through which each such Person acts under this Agreement. The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, each Issuing Bank and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, the Collateral Agent, each Issuing Bank and, solely with respect to itself, each other Lender, and any other Person to the extent necessary to establish that such obligations are in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. The parties intend that all extensions of credit to the Borrower and, if applicable, its Affiliates hereunder, shall at all times be treated as being in registered form within the meaning of Sections 163(f), 871(h)(2) and 881(c)(2) of the Code (and any successor provisions) and the regulations thereunder and shall interpret the provisions herein regarding the Register and the Participant Register (as defined in paragraph (c) below) consistent with such intent.
(v) Upon its receipt of a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee, the assignees completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in clause (b) of this Section 13.6 (unless waived) and any written consent to such assignment required by clause (b) of this Section 13.6, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register.
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(c) (i) Any Lender may, without the consent of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or any Issuing Bank, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities other than any Defaulting Lender, the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower or their respective Affiliates or natural persons (each, a Participant) in all or a portion of such Lenders rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitments and the Loans owing to it); provided that (A) such Lenders obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (B) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (C) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lenders rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Credit Document; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in clause (i) or (ii) of the second proviso of the second sentence of Section 13.1(a) that affects such Participant, provided that the Participant shall have no right to consent to any modification to the percentages specified in the definitions of the terms Majority Lenders or Required Lenders. Subject to clause (c)(ii) of this Section 13.6, the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.10, 2.11, 3.11 and 5.4 to the same extent as if it were a Lender (subject to the limitations and requirements of those Sections and Sections 2.12 and 13.7 (it being understood that the documents required under Section 5.4(f) shall be delivered to the participating Lender)) and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to clause (b) of this Section 13.6). To the extent permitted by Requirements of Law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 13.8(b) as though it were a Lender; provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 13.8(a) as though it were a Lender.
(ii) A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.10, 2.11, 3.11 or 5.4 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, except to the extent the entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Change in Law that occurs after the Participant acquired the applicable participation; provided that the Participant shall be subject to the provisions in Section 2.12 as if it were an assignee under clauses (a) and (b) of this Section 13.6. Each Lender that sells a participation or grants the right to make all or part of any Loan to a SPV (the SPV Loan) shall, acting solely for this purpose as a nonfiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each participant and SPV and the principal amounts (and stated interest amounts) of each Participants and SPVs interest in the Loans or other obligations under this Agreement (the Participant Register). The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, and each party hereto shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation and SPV Loan for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. No Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register to any Person (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participants and a SPVs interest in any commitments, loans, letters of credit or its other obligations under any Credit Document) except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan, letter of credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) or Proposed Section 1.163-5(b) of the United States Treasury Regulations (or, in each case, any amended or successor version).
(d) Any Lender may, without the consent of the Borrower, any Issuing Bank or the Administrative Agent, at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank or any central bank having jurisdiction over such Lender, and this Section 13.6 shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto. In order to facilitate such pledge
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or assignment or for any other reason, the Borrower hereby agrees that, upon request of any Lender at any time and from time to time after the Borrower has made its initial borrowing hereunder, the Borrower shall provide to such Lender, at the Borrowers own expense, a promissory note, substantially in the form of Exhibit G evidencing the Loans owing to such Lender.
(e) Subject to Section 13.16, the Borrower authorizes each Lender to disclose to any Participant, secured creditor of such Lender or assignee (each, a Transferee) and any prospective Transferee any and all Confidential Information and financial information in such Lenders possession concerning the Borrower and its Affiliates that has been delivered to such Lender by or on behalf of the Borrower and its Affiliates pursuant to this Agreement or that has been delivered to such Lender by or on behalf of the Borrower and its Affiliates in connection with such Lenders credit evaluation of the Borrower and its Affiliates prior to becoming a party to this Agreement.
(f) The words execution, signed, signature, and words of like import in any Assignment and Assumption shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.
(g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender (a Granting Lender) may grant to a special purpose funding vehicle (a SPV), identified as such in writing from time to time by the Granting Lender to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, the option to provide to the Borrower all or any part of any Loan that such Granting Lender would otherwise be obligated to make the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement; provided that (i) nothing herein shall constitute a commitment by any SPV to make any Loan and (ii) if an SPV elects not to exercise such option or otherwise fails to provide all or any part of such Loan, the Granting Lender shall be obligated to make such Loan pursuant to the terms hereof. The making of a Loan by an SPV hereunder shall utilize the Commitment of the Granting Lender to the same extent, and as if, such Loan were made by such Granting Lender. Each party hereto hereby agrees that no SPV shall be liable for any indemnity or similar payment obligation under this Agreement (all liability for which shall remain with the Granting Lender). In furtherance of the foregoing, each party hereto hereby agrees (which agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement) that, prior to the date that is one (1) year and one (1) day after the payment in full of all outstanding commercial paper or other senior indebtedness of any SPV, it shall not institute against, or join any other person in instituting against, such SPV any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceedings under the laws of the United States or any state thereof. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 13.6, any SPV may (A) with notice to, but without the prior written consent of, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and without paying any processing fee therefor, assign all or a portion of its interests in any Loans to the Granting Lender or to any financial institutions (consented to by the Borrower and Administrative Agent) providing liquidity and/or credit support to or for the account of such SPV to support the funding or maintenance of Loans and (B) disclose on a confidential basis any non-public information relating to its Loans to any rating agency, commercial paper dealer or provider of any surety, guarantee or credit or liquidity enhancement to such SPV. This Section 13.6(g) may not be amended without the written consent of the SPV. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, subject to the following sentence, each SPV shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.10, 2.11, 3.11 and 5.4 to the same extent as if it were a Lender (subject to the limitations and requirements of Sections 2.10, 2.11, 3.11 and 5.4 as though it were a Lender, and Sections 2.12 and 13.7), and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to clause (b) of this Section 13.6). Notwithstanding the prior sentence, an SPV shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.10, 2.11, 3.11 or 5.4 than its Granting Lender would have been entitled to receive absent the grant to such SPV, unless such grant to such SPV is made with the Borrowers prior written consent.
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(h) Any request for consent of the Borrower pursuant to Section 13.6(b)(i)(A) and related communications, with respect to any request for consent in respect of any assignment relating to Commitments or Loans, shall be delivered by the Administrative Agent simultaneously to (A) any recipient that is an employee of the Borrower, as designated in writing to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower from time to time (if any) and (B) the chief financial officer of the Borrower or any other Authorized Officer designated by the Borrower in writing to the Administrative Agent from time to time.
13.7 Replacements of Lenders under Certain Circumstances.
(a) In the event that any Lender (i) requests reimbursement for amounts owing, or requires any Credit Party to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to such Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of such Lender, pursuant to Section 2.10, 3.11 or 5.4 (other than Section 5.4(b)), (ii) is affected in the manner described in Section 2.10(a)(ii) and as a result thereof any of the actions described in such Section is required to be taken or (iii) becomes a Defaulting Lender, the Borrower shall be entitled to replace such Lender; provided that, (A) such replacement does not conflict with any Requirement of Law, (B) the replacement bank or institution shall purchase, at par, all Loans and the Borrower shall pay all other amounts (other than any disputed amounts), pursuant to Section 2.10, 3.11 or 5.4, as the case may be owing to such replaced Lender prior to the date of replacement, (C) the replacement bank or institution, if not already a Lender, and the terms and conditions of such replacement, shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and each Issuing Bank (except to the extent such Issuing Banks is, or is an Affiliate of, the Lender being replaced), (D) the replaced Lender shall be obligated to make such replacement in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.6(b) (provided that the Borrower shall be obligated to pay the registration and processing fee referred to therein as long as the replacement Lender pays such fee) and (E) in the case of a replacement resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.10, such replacement will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter.
(b) If any Lender (such Lender, a Non-Consenting Lender) failed to consent to a proposed amendment, waiver, discharge or termination that pursuant to the terms of Section 13.1 requires the consent of all of the Lenders affected or the Required Lenders and with respect to which the Majority Lenders (or, in the case of a Lender becoming a Non-Consenting Lender due to its failure to consent to a proposed increase in the Borrowing Base, the Required Lenders) shall have granted their consent then the Borrower shall have the right (unless such Non-Consenting Lender grants such consent or approves such Proposed Borrowing Base and provided that no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing) to replace such Non-Consenting Lender by requiring such Non-Consenting Lender to assign its Loans and its Commitments hereunder to one or more assignees reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and each Issuing Bank (except to the extent any such Issuing Bank is, or is an Affiliate of, the Lender being replaced); provided that, (i) all Obligations of the Borrower owing to such Non-Consenting Lender being replaced (other than principal and interest) shall be paid in full to such Non-Consenting Lender concurrently with such assignment, (ii) the replacement Lender shall purchase the foregoing by paying to such Non-Consenting Lender a price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, (iii) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and such Non-Consenting Lender shall otherwise comply with Section 13.6 (provided that the Borrower shall not be obligated to pay the registration and processing fee referred to therein as long as the replacement Lender pays such fee) and (iv) the replacement Lender shall consent to such proposed amendment, waiver, discharge, termination or Borrowing Base determination that the Non-Consenting Lender failed to consent to.
(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary each party hereto agrees that any assignment pursuant to the terms of this Section 13.7 may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank and the assignee and that the Lender making such assignment need not be a party thereto.
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(d) Any such Lender replacement pursuant to this Section 13.7 shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any rights that the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or any other Lender shall have against the replaced Lender.
13.8 Adjustments; Set-off.
(a) If any Lender (a Benefited Lender) shall at any time receive any payment in respect of any principal of or interest on all or part of the Loans made by it, or the participations in Letter of Credit Obligations held by it, or receive any collateral in respect thereof (whether voluntarily or involuntarily, by set-off, pursuant to events or proceedings of the nature referred to in Section 11.5, or otherwise), in a greater proportion than any such payment to or collateral received by any other Lender entitled thereto, if any, in respect of such other Lenders Loans, or interest thereon, such Benefited Lender shall (i) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (ii) purchase for cash at face value from the other Lenders a participating interest in such portion of each such other Lenders Loans, or shall provide such other Lenders with the benefits of any such collateral, or the proceeds thereof, as shall be necessary to cause such Benefited Lender to share the excess payment or benefits of such collateral or proceeds ratably in accordance with the aggregate principal of and accrued interest on their respective Loans and other amounts owing them; provided, however, that (A) if all or any portion of such excess payment or benefits is thereafter recovered from such Benefited Lender, such purchase shall be rescinded, and the purchase price and benefits returned, to the extent of such recovery, but without interest and (B) the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to (1) any payment made by the Borrower or any other Guarantor pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, (2) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans, Commitments or participations in Drawings to any assignee or participant or (3) any disproportionate payment obtained by a Lender as a result of the extension by Lenders of the maturity date or expiration date of some but not all Loans or Commitments or any increase in the Applicable Margin in respect of Loans or Commitments of Lenders that have consented to any such extension. Each Credit Party consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under Requirements of Law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against such Credit Party rights of set-off and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Credit Party in the amount of such participation.
(b) After the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, in addition to any rights and remedies of the Lenders and Issuing Banks provided by Requirements of Law, each Lender, each Issuing Bank and their respective Affiliates, shall have the right, without prior notice to the Borrower, any such notice being expressly waived by the Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable Requirements of Law, upon any amount becoming due and payable by the Credit Parties hereunder or under any Credit Document (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) to set-off and appropriate and apply against such amount any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final), in any currency, and any other credits, indebtedness or claims, in any currency, in each case whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, at any time held or owing by such Lender or any branch or agency thereof to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower. Each Lender or Issuing Bank agrees promptly to notify the Borrower (and the Credit Parties, if applicable) and the Administrative Agent 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.
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13.9 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by one or more of the parties to this Agreement on any number of separate counterparts (including by facsimile or other electronic transmission, i.e. a pdf or a tif), and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument. A set of the copies of this Agreement signed by all the parties shall be lodged with the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.
13.10 Severability. Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
13.11 Integration. This Agreement and the other Credit Documents represent the agreement of the Borrower, the Guarantors, the Collateral Agent, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof, and there are no promises, undertakings, representations or warranties by the Borrower, the Guarantors, any Agent nor any Lender relative to subject matter hereof not expressly set forth or referred to herein or in the other Credit Documents.
13.12 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
13.13 Submission to Jurisdiction; Waivers. Each party hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally:
(a) submits for itself and its property in any legal action or proceeding relating to this Agreement and the other Credit Documents to which it is a party, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the exclusive general jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and the courts of the United States of America for the Southern District of New York, in each case located in New York County, and appellate courts from any thereof; provided that nothing contained herein or in any other Credit Document will prevent any Lender, the Collateral Agent or the Administrative Agent from bringing any action to enforce any award or judgment or exercise any right under the Credit Documents or against any Collateral or any other property of any Credit Party in any other forum in which jurisdiction can be established;
(b) consents that any such action or proceeding shall be brought in such courts and waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such action or proceeding in any such court or that such action or proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim the same;
(c) agrees that service of process in any such action or proceeding may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to such Person at its address set forth on Schedule 13.2 at such other address of which the Administrative Agent shall have been notified pursuant to Section 13.2;
(d) agrees that nothing herein shall affect the right to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by Requirements of Law or shall limit the right to sue in any other jurisdiction;
(e) without limitation of Sections 12.7 and 13.5, waives, to the maximum extent not prohibited by law, any right it may have to claim or recover in any legal action or proceeding referred to in this Section 13.13 any special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages (other than, in the case of any Credit Party, in respect of any such damages incurred or paid by an Indemnitee to a third party, or which are included in a third-party claim, and for any out-of-pocket expenses related thereto); and
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(f) agrees that a final judgment in any 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.
13.14 Acknowledgments. The Borrower hereby acknowledges that:
(a) it has been advised by counsel in the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents;
(b) (i) the credit facility provided for hereunder and any related arranging or other services in connection therewith (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Credit Document) are an arms-length commercial transaction between the Borrower and the other Credit Parties, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the other Agents on the other hand, and the Borrower and the other Credit Parties are capable of evaluating and understanding and understand and accept the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Credit Documents (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or thereof); (ii) in connection with the process leading to such transaction, each of the Administrative Agent, other Agents and the Lenders, is and has been acting solely as a principal and is not the financial advisor, agent or fiduciary for any of the Borrower, any other Credit Parties or any of their respective Affiliates, equity holders, creditors or employees or any other Person; (iii) neither the Administrative Agent, any other Agent, any Arranger, nor any Lender has assumed or will assume an advisory, agency or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Borrower or any other Credit Party with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto, including with respect to any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Credit Document (irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent or any other Agent, any Arranger, or any Lender has advised or is currently advising any of the Borrower, the other Credit Parties or their respective Affiliates on other matters) and none of the Administrative Agent, any Agent, any Arranger or any Lender has any obligation to any of the Borrower, the other Credit Parties or their respective Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Credit Documents; (iv) the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates, each other Agent and each of its Affiliates and each Lender and its Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Borrower and its respective Affiliates, and none of the Administrative Agent, any other Agent or any Lender has any obligation to disclose any of such interests by virtue of any advisory, agency or fiduciary relationship; and (v) none of the Administrative Agent, any Agent or any Lender has provided and none will provide any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Credit Document) and the Borrower has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate. The Borrower hereby waives and releases, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims that it may have against the Administrative Agent and each Agent with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty; and
(c) no joint venture is created hereby or by the other Credit Documents or otherwise exists by virtue of the transactions contemplated hereby among the Lenders or among the Borrower, on the one hand, and any Lender, on the other hand.
13.15 WAIVERS OF JURY TRIAL. THE BORROWER, EACH AGENT, EACH ISSUING BANK AND EACH LENDER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENT AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM THEREIN.
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13.16 Confidentiality. The Administrative Agent, each other Agent, any Issuing Bank and each other Lender shall hold all information not marked as public information and furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with such Lenders evaluation of whether to become a Lender hereunder or obtained by such Lender, the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or such other Agent pursuant to the requirements of this Agreement (Confidential Information), confidential in accordance with its customary procedure for handling confidential information of this nature and in any event may make disclosure to any other Lender hereto and (a) to its Affiliates and its Affiliates employees, legal counsel, independent auditors and other experts or agents (collectively, the Representatives) who need to know such information in connection with the Transactions and are informed of the confidential nature of such information (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such information and instructed to keep such information confidential); (b) to the extent requested by any Governmental Authority or self-regulatory authority having jurisdiction over such Person; provided that unless prohibited by applicable Requirements of Law the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as applicable, agrees that it will notify the Borrower (without any liability for a failure to so notify the Borrower) as soon as practicable in the event of any such disclosure by such Person (other than at the request of a regulatory authority or examiner); (c) to the extent required by applicable Requirements of Law or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process; provided, that the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as applicable, agrees that it will notify the Borrower as soon as practicable in the event of any such disclosure by such Person (other than at the request of a regulatory authority or examiner) unless such notification is prohibited by law, rule or regulation; (d) subject to an agreement containing provisions at least as restrictive as those set forth in this Section 13.16 (or as may otherwise be reasonably acceptable to the Borrower), to any pledgee referred to in Section 13.6(d), counterparty to a Hedge Agreement, credit insurer, eligible assignee of or participant in, or any prospective eligible assignee of or participant in any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement pursuant to Section 13.6, provided that the disclosure of any such Confidential Information to any Lenders or eligible assignees or participants shall be made subject to the acknowledgement and acceptance by such Lender, eligible assignee or participant that such Confidential Information is being disseminated on a confidential basis (on substantially the terms set forth in this Section 13.16 or as otherwise reasonably acceptable to the Borrower) in accordance with the standard processes of the Administrative Agent or customary market standards for dissemination of such type of Confidential Information; (e) with the prior written consent of the Borrower; (f) to the extent such Confidential Information becomes public other than by reason of disclosure by such Person in breach of this Agreement; (g) to any rating agency when required by it (it being understood that, prior to any such disclosure, such rating agency shall undertake to preserve the confidentiality of any information relating to Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries received by it from such Lender) or to the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar organization; or (h) to the extent such Confidential Information is independently developed by or was in the prior possession of the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, such Lender or any of their respective Affiliates so long as not based on information obtained in a manner that would violate this Section 13.6; provided that in no event shall any Lender, the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any other Agent be obligated or required to return any materials furnished by the Borrower or any Subsidiary. In addition, each Lender, the Administrative Agent and each other Agent may provide Confidential Information to prospective Transferees or to any pledgee referred to in Section 13.6 or to prospective direct or indirect contractual counterparties in Hedge Agreements to be entered into in connection with Loans made hereunder as long as such Person is advised of and agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Section 13.16 or confidentiality provisions at least as restrictive as those set forth in this Section 13.16. Information means all information received from the Borrower relating to the Borrower or its business, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender on a non-confidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower and other than information pertaining to this Agreement routinely provided by the arrangers to data service providers, including league table providers, that serve the lending industry.
Each Lender acknowledges that information furnished to it pursuant to this Agreement or the other Credit Documents may include material non-public information concerning the Borrower and its Affiliates and their related parties or their respective securities, and confirms that it has developed compliance procedures regarding the use of material non-public information and that it will handle such material non-public information in accordance with those procedures and applicable law, including federal and state securities laws.
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All information, including requests for waivers and amendments, furnished by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent pursuant to, or in the course of administering, this Agreement or the other Credit Documents will be syndicate-level information, which may contain material non-public information about the Borrower and its Affiliates and their related parties or their respective securities. Accordingly, each Lender represents to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent that it has identified in its Administrative Questionnaire a credit contact who may receive information that may contain material non-public information in accordance with its compliance procedures and applicable law, including federal and state securities laws.
13.17 Release of Collateral and Guarantee Obligations.
(a) The Lenders hereby irrevocably agree that the Liens granted to the Collateral Agent by the Credit Parties on any Collateral shall be automatically released (i) in full, as set forth in clause (b) below, (ii) upon the Disposition of such Collateral (including as part of or in connection with any other Disposition permitted hereunder) to any Person other than another Credit Party, to the extent such Disposition is made in compliance with the terms of this Agreement (and the Collateral Agent may rely conclusively on a certificate to that effect provided to it by any Credit Party upon its reasonable request without further inquiry), (iii) upon any Collateral becoming an Excluded Equity Interest, an Excluded Asset or becoming owned by an Excluded Subsidiary other than a Subsidiary Guarantor, (iv) to the extent such Collateral is comprised of property leased to a Credit Party, upon termination or expiration of such lease, (v) if the release of such Lien is approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the Majority Lenders (or such other Secured Parties whose consent may be required in accordance with Section 13.1), (vi) to the extent the property constituting such Collateral is owned by any Guarantor, upon the release of such Guarantor from its obligations under the Guarantee in accordance with the second succeeding sentence or Section 5.14 of the Guarantee and (vii) as required by the Collateral Agent to effect any Disposition of Collateral in connection with any exercise of remedies of the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Security Documents. Any such release shall not in any manner discharge, affect, or impair the Obligations or any Liens (other than those being released) upon (or obligations (other than those being released) of the Credit Parties in respect of) all interests retained by the Credit Parties, including the proceeds of any Disposition, all of which shall continue to constitute part of the Collateral except to the extent otherwise released in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Documents. Additionally, the Lenders hereby irrevocably agree that the Guarantors shall be released from the Guarantees upon consummation of any transaction permitted hereunder resulting in such Subsidiary ceasing to constitute a Restricted Subsidiary or otherwise becoming an Excluded Subsidiary. Any representation, warranty or covenant contained in any Credit Document relating to any such Collateral or Guarantor shall no longer be deemed to be repeated. In connection with any release hereunder, the Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent shall promptly take such action and execute any such documents as may be reasonably requested by the Borrower and at the Borrowers expense in connection with the release of any Liens created by any Credit Document in respect of such Subsidiary, property or asset.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or any other Credit Document, when Payment in Full has occurred (subject to any contingent or indemnification obligations not then due and payable), upon request of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and/or Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall (without notice to, or vote or consent of, any Secured Party) take such actions as shall be required to release its security interest in all Collateral, and to release all obligations under any Credit Document, whether or not on the date of such release there may be any contingent or indemnification obligations not then due and payable. Any such release of Obligations shall be deemed subject to the
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provision that such Obligations shall be reinstated if after such release any portion of any payment in respect of the Obligations guaranteed thereby shall be rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned upon the insolvency, bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation or reorganization of the Borrower or any Guarantor, or upon or as a result of the appointment of a receiver, intervenor or conservator of, or trustee or similar officer for, the Borrower or any Guarantor or any substantial part of its property, or otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made.
13.18 Patriot Act. The Agents and each Lender hereby notify the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the Patriot Act), it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Credit Party, which information includes the name and address of each Credit Party and other information that will allow such Agent and such Lender to identify each Credit Party in accordance with the Patriot Act.
13.19 Payments Set Aside. To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower is made to any Agent or any Lender, or any Agent or any Lender exercises its right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by such Agent or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred, and (b) each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable share of any amount so recovered from or repaid by any Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Overnight Rate from time to time in effect.
13.20 Reinstatement. This Agreement shall continue to be effective, or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of any of the Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party upon the insolvency, bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation or reorganization of the Borrower, or upon or as a result of the appointment of a receiver, intervenor or conservator of, or trustee or similar officer for, the Borrower or any substantial part of its property, or otherwise, all as though such payments had not been made.
13.21 Disposition of Proceeds. The Security Documents contain an assignment by the Borrower and/or the Guarantors unto and in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Lenders of all of the Borrowers or each Guarantors interest in and to their as-extracted collateral in the form of production and all proceeds attributable thereto which may be produced from or allocated to the Mortgaged Property. The Security Documents further provide in general for the application of such proceeds to the satisfaction of the Obligations described therein and secured thereby. Notwithstanding the assignment contained in such Security Documents, until the occurrence of an Event of Default, (a) the Administrative Agent and the Lenders agree that they will neither notify the purchaser or purchasers of such production nor take any other action to cause such proceeds to be remitted to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders, but the Lenders will instead permit such proceeds to be paid to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and (b) the Lenders hereby authorize the Administrative Agent to take such actions as may be necessary to cause such proceeds to be paid to the Borrower and/or such Subsidiaries.
13.22 Collateral Matters; Hedge Agreements. The benefit of the Security Documents and of the provisions of this Agreement relating to any Collateral securing the Obligations shall also extend to and be available on a pro rata basis pursuant to terms agreed upon in the Credit Documents to any Person (a) under any Secured Hedge Agreement, in each case, after giving effect to all netting arrangements relating to such Hedge Agreements or (b) under any Secured Cash Management Agreement. No Person shall have any voting rights under any Credit Document solely as a result of the existence of obligations owed to it under any such Secured Hedge Agreement or Secured Cash Management Agreement, except as expressly described herein. Solely to the extent that any Specified Hedge Agreement remains existing, East West Bank shall be a third-party beneficiary with respect to Section 11.12, Section 13.1(a), Section 13.17 and this Section 13.22.
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13.23 Agency of the Borrower for the Other Credit Parties. Each of the other Credit Parties hereby appoints the Borrower as its agent for all purposes relevant to this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, including the giving and receipt of notices and the execution and delivery of all documents, instruments and certificates contemplated herein and therein and all modifications hereto and thereto.
13.24 Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Credit Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among any such parties, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any Affected Financial Institution arising under any Credit Document, to the extent such liability is unsecured, may be subject to the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by:
(a) the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an Affected Financial Institution; and
(b) the effects of any Bail-In Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:
(i) a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;
(ii) a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such Affected Financial Institution, its parent undertaking, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Credit Document; or
(iii) the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority.
13.25 Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs. To the extent that the Credit Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for Hedge Agreements or any other agreement or instrument that is a QFC (such support QFC Credit Support and each such QFC a Supported QFC), the parties acknowledge and agree as follows with respect to the resolution power of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (together with the regulations promulgated thereunder, the U.S. Special Resolution Regimes) in respect of such Supported QFC and QFC Credit Support (with the provisions below applicable notwithstanding that the Credit Documents and any Supported QFC may in fact be stated to be governed by the laws of the State of New York and/or of the United States or any other state of the United States):
In the event a Covered Entity that is party to a Supported QFC (each, a Covered Party) becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer of such Supported QFC and the benefit of such QFC Credit Support (and any interest and obligation in or under such Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support, and any rights in property securing such Supported QFC or such QFC Credit Support) from such Covered Party will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective
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under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support (and any such interest, obligation and rights in property) were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. In the event a Covered Party or a BHC Act Affiliate of a Covered Party becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, default rights under the Credit Documents that might otherwise apply to such Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support that may be exercised against such Covered Party are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such default rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and the Credit Documents were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. Without limitation of the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that rights and remedies of the parties with respect to a Defaulting Lender shall in no event affect the rights of any Covered Party with respect to a Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support.
[Signature Pages Follow.]
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The parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
BORROWER: | INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC | |||||
By: | /s/ David Sproule | |||||
Name: | David Sproule | |||||
Title: | Executive Vice President & CFO |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC]
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT | CITIBANK, N.A. | |||||
AND COLLATERAL AGENT: | as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent | |||||
By: | /s/ Nicholas Rischard | |||||
Name: | Nicholas Rischard | |||||
Title: | Vice President |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC]
LENDERS: | CITIBANK, N.A., as a Lender and an Issuing Bank | |||||
By: | /s/ Nicholas Rischard | |||||
Name: | Nicholas Rischard | |||||
Title: | Vice President |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC]
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A, as a Lender and an Issuing Bank | ||
By: | /s/ Megan Baqui | |
Name: | Megan Baqui | |
Title: | Director |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC]
BOKF, NA, as a Lender and an Issuing Bank | ||
By: | /s/ Katie Starns | |
Name: | Katie Starns | |
Title: | Senior Vice President |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC]
CAPITAL ONE, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender and an Issuing Bank | ||
By: | /s/ Jason Groll | |
Name: | Jason Groll | |
Title: | Director |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC]
FIFTH THIRD, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender and an Issuing Bank | ||
By: | /s/ Dan Condley | |
Name: | Dan Condley | |
Title: | Managing Director |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC]
ROYAL BANK OF CANADA, as a Lender and an Issuing Bank | ||
By: | /s/ Emilee Scott | |
Name: | Emilee Scott | |
Title: | Authorized Signatory |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC]
TRUIST BANK, as a Lender and an Issuing Bank | ||
By: | /s/ John Kovarik | |
Name: | John Kovarik | |
Title: | Managing Director |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC]
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender and an Issuing Bank | ||
By: | /s/ Elizabeth Johnson | |
Name: | Beth Johnson | |
Title: | Senior Vice President |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC]
COMERICA BANK, as a Lender | ||
By: | /s/ Cassandra Lucas | |
Name: | Cassandra Lucas | |
Title: | Vice President |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC]
FIRST-CITIZENS BANK & TRUST COMPANY, as a Lender | ||
By: | /s/ Sean Murphy | |
Name: | Sean Murphy | |
Title: | Managing Director |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC]
KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender | ||
By: | /s/ George McKean | |
Name: | George McKean | |
Title: | Senior Vice President |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC]
INDEPENDENT BANK, as a Lender | ||
By: | /s/ Blake Kirshman | |
Name: | Blake Kirshman | |
Title: | Managing Director |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC]
ZIONS BANCORPORATION, N.A. DBA AMEGY BANK, as a Lender | ||
By: | /s/ Kathlin Ardell | |
Name: | Kathlin Ardell | |
Title: | Senior Vice President |
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC]
Exhibit 10.2
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT (this Agreement) is made and entered into as of [], 2024 between Infinity Natural Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), and [] (Indemnitee).
WHEREAS, highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve corporations as directors or officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance or adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the corporation;
WHEREAS, the board of directors of the Company (the Board) has determined that, to attract and retain qualified individuals, the Company will attempt to maintain on an ongoing basis, at its sole expense, liability insurance to protect persons serving the Company and its subsidiaries from certain liabilities. Although the furnishing of such insurance has been a customary and widespread practice among United States-based corporations and other business enterprises, the Company believes that, given current market conditions and trends, such insurance may be available to it in the future only at higher premiums and with more exclusions. At the same time, directors, officers and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are being increasingly subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the corporation or business enterprise itself. The Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (as amended or restated, the Bylaws) require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company. Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (DGCL). The Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive, and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board, officers of the Company and other persons with respect to indemnification;
WHEREAS, the uncertainties relating to such insurance and to indemnification have increased the difficulty of attracting and retaining such persons;
WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;
WHEREAS, it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company contractually to obligate itself to indemnify, and to advance Expenses (as hereinafter defined) on behalf of, such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law so that they will serve or continue to serve the Company free from undue concern that they will not be so indemnified;
WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Bylaws and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; [and]
WHEREAS, Indemnitee may not be willing to serve or continue to serve as an officer or director without adequate protection, and the Company desires Indemnitee to serve or continue to serve in such capacity; Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that Indemnitee be so indemnified[.][; and]
[WHEREAS, Indemnitee has certain rights to indemnification and/or insurance provided by [Pearl Energy Investments (Pearl)][NGP Capital Management, L.L.C. (NGP)], or affiliates of [Pearl][NGP], which Indemnitee and [Pearl][NGP] intend to be secondary to the primary obligation of the Company to indemnify Indemnitee as provided herein, with the Companys acknowledgment of and agreement to the foregoing being a material condition to Indemnitees willingness to serve on the Board.]
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of Indemnitees agreement to serve or continue to serve as a director or officer from and after the date hereof, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Indemnity of Indemnitee. Subject to the provisions of Section 9, the Company hereby agrees to hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law, as such may be amended from time to time, if Indemnitee was or is, or is threatened to be made, a party to, or otherwise becomes involved in, any Proceeding (as hereinafter defined) by reason of Indemnitees Corporate Status (as hereinafter defined). In furtherance of the foregoing indemnification, and without limiting the generality thereof:
(a) Proceedings other than Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company. Indemnitee shall be entitled to the rights of indemnification provided in this Section l(a) if, by reason of Indemnitees Corporate Status, Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in, or otherwise becomes involved in, any Proceeding other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company. Pursuant to this Section 1(a), Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee, or on Indemnitees behalf, in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and with respect to any criminal Proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe Indemnitees conduct was unlawful.
(b) Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company. Indemnitee shall be entitled to the rights of indemnification provided in this Section 1(b) if, by reason of Indemnitees Corporate Status, Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company. Pursuant to this Section 1(b), Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee, or on Indemnitees behalf, in connection with such Proceeding if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company; provided, however, if applicable law so provides, no indemnification against such Expenses shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter in such Proceeding as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company unless and only to the extent that the court in which the Proceeding was brought shall determine that Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification.
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(c) Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitees Corporate Status, a party to or participant in, and is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the maximum extent permitted by law, as such may be amended from time to time, against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitees behalf in connection therewith. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitees behalf in connection with each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter. For purposes of this Section 1(c) and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.
(d) Indemnification of Nominating Member. If (i) Indemnitee is or was affiliated with one or more investment partnerships that has invested directly or indirectly in the Company (a Nominating Member), (ii) the Nominating Member is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding and (iii) the Nominating Members involvement in the Proceeding results from any claim based on Indemnitees service to the Company as a director or other fiduciary of the Company, the Nominating Member will be entitled to indemnification hereunder for Expenses to the same extent as Indemnitee and advancement of Expenses shall apply to any such indemnification of Nominating Member. The Company and Indemnitee agree that each Nominating Member is an express third-party beneficiary of the terms of this Section 1(d).
(e) Partial Indemnification. If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some or a portion of Expenses, but not, however, for the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which Indemnitee is entitled.
2. Additional Indemnity. In addition to, and without regard to any limitations on, the indemnification provided for in Section 1 of this Agreement, the Company shall and hereby does, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitees behalf if, by reason of Indemnitees Corporate Status, Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company). The only limitation that shall exist upon the Companys obligations pursuant to this Agreement, other than those set forth in Section 9 hereof, shall be that the Company shall not be obligated to make any payment to Indemnitee that is finally determined (under the procedures, and subject to the presumptions, set forth in Sections 6 and 7 hereof) to be unlawful.
3. Contribution.
(a) Whether or not the indemnification provided in Sections 1 and 2 hereof is available, in respect of any Proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company shall pay, in the first instance, the entire amount of any judgment or settlement of such Proceeding without requiring Indemnitee to contribute to such payment and the Company hereby waives and relinquishes any right of contribution it may have against Indemnitee.
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(b) Without diminishing or impairing the obligations of the Company set forth in the preceding subparagraph, if, for any reason, Indemnitee shall elect or be required to pay all or any portion of any judgment or settlement in any Proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company shall contribute to the amount of Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred and paid or payable by Indemnitee in proportion to the relative benefits received by the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, from the transaction or events from which such Proceeding arose; provided, however, that the proportion determined on the basis of relative benefit may, to the extent necessary to conform to law, be further adjusted by reference to the relative fault of the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, in connection with the transaction or events that resulted in such Expenses, judgments, fines or settlement amounts, as well as any other equitable considerations which the law may require to be considered. The relative fault of the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, the degree to which their actions were motivated by intent to gain personal profit or advantage, the degree to which their liability is primary or secondary and the degree to which their conduct is active or passive.
(c) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company hereby agrees to fully indemnify and hold Indemnitee harmless from any claims of contribution which may be brought by officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who may be jointly liable with Indemnitee.
(d) To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for judgments, fines, penalties, excise taxes, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for Expenses, in connection with any claim relating to an indemnifiable event under this Agreement, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and/or transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding, and/or (ii) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and/or transaction(s).
4. Indemnification for Expenses of a Witness. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitees Corporate Status, a witness, is made (or asked) to respond to discovery requests or is otherwise asked to participate in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitees behalf in connection therewith.
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5. Advancement of Expenses. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement (other than Section 9), the Company shall advance, to the extent not prohibited by law, all Expenses incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding (or part of any Proceeding) not initiated by Indemnitee or any Proceeding initiated by Indemnitee with the prior approval of the Board as provided in Section 9(d), within twenty (20) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements from Indemnitee requesting such advance or advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of such Proceeding. Such statement or statements shall reasonably evidence the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee. Any advances pursuant to this Section 5 shall be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitees ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitees ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement. In accordance with Section 7(d) of this Agreement, advances shall include any and all reasonable Expenses incurred pursuing an action to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. The Indemnitee shall qualify for advances upon the execution and delivery to the Company of this Agreement, which shall constitute an undertaking providing that the Indemnitee undertakes to repay the amounts advanced (without interest) by the Company pursuant to this Section 5, if and only to the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. No other form of undertaking shall be required other than the execution of this Agreement. This Section 5 shall not apply to claim by Indemnitee for Expenses in a matter for which indemnity and advancement of Expenses is excluded pursuant to Section 9.
6. Procedures and Presumptions for Determination of Entitlement to Indemnification. It is the intent of this Agreement to secure for Indemnitee rights of indemnity that are as favorable as may be permitted under the DGCL and public policy of the State of Delaware. Accordingly, the parties agree that the following procedures and presumptions shall apply in the event of any question as to whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement:
(a) To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification. The President or Secretary of the Company shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any failure of Indemnitee to provide such a request to the Company, or to provide such a request in a timely fashion, shall not relieve the Company of any liability that it may have to Indemnitee unless, and to the extent that, such failure actually and materially prejudices the interests of the Company.
(b) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to the first sentence of Section 6(a) hereof, a determination with respect to Indemnitees entitlement thereto shall be made in the specific case by one of the following four methods, which shall be at the election of the Board: (i) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors (as hereinafter
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defined), even though less than a quorum of the Board, (ii) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (iii) if there are no Disinterested Directors, or if the Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel (as hereinafter defined) in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee or (iv) if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company; provided, however, that if a Change in Control (as hereinafter defined) has occurred, the determination with respect to Indemnitees entitlement to indemnification shall be made by Independent Counsel. If it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. The Company promptly will advise Indemnitee in writing with respect to any determination that Indemnitee is or is not entitled to indemnification, including a description of any reason or basis for which indemnification has been denied.
(c) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel, the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 6(c). If a Change in Control has not occurred, the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board, and the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising Indemnitee of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. Indemnitee may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of Independent Counsel as defined in Section 12 of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the Person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If a written objection is made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court has determined that such objection is without merit. If a Change in Control has occurred, the Independent Counsel shall be selected by Indemnitee (unless Indemnitee shall request that such selection be made by the Board, in which event the preceding sentence shall apply), and the Indemnitee shall give written notice to the Company advising the Company of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. The Board may, within ten (10) days after such notification by Indemnitee has been given, deliver to Indemnitee a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of Independent Counsel as defined in Section 12 of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the Person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If a written objection is made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court has determined that such objection is without merit. If (i) an Independent Counsel is to make the determination of entitlement pursuant to this Section 6, and (ii) within twenty (20) days after submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 6(a) hereof, no Independent Counsel shall have been selected (including as a result of an objection to the selected Independent Counsel), either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or other court of competent jurisdiction for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by Indemnitee to the Companys selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a Person selected by the court or by such other Person as the court shall designate, and the Person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the Person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel
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under Section 6(b) hereof. The Company shall pay any and all reasonable fees and expenses of Independent Counsel incurred by such Independent Counsel in connection with acting pursuant to Section 6(b) hereof, and the Company shall pay all reasonable fees and expenses incident to the procedures of this Section 6(c), regardless of the manner in which such Independent Counsel was selected or appointed.
(d) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the Person making such determination shall to the fullest extent permitted by law presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee shall have submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with Section 6(a) of this Agreement. Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof to overcome such presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or independent legal counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.
(e) Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitees action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise (as hereinafter defined), including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the officers of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Enterprise. In addition, the knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement. Whether or not the foregoing provisions of this Section 6(e) are satisfied, it shall in any event be presumed that Indemnitee has at all times acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence.
(f) Subject to Section 7(f), if the Person empowered or selected under this Section 6 to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefor, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall to the fullest extent permitted by law be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitees statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law; provided, however, that such 30-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional fifteen (15) days, if the Person making such determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification in good faith requires such additional time to obtain or evaluate documentation and/or information relating thereto; and provided, further, that the foregoing provisions of this Section 6(f) shall not apply if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement and if (A) within fifteen (15) days
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after receipt by the Company of the request for such determination, the Board resolves to submit such determination to the stockholders for their consideration at an annual meeting thereof to be held within seventy-five (75) days after such receipt and such determination is made thereat, or (B) a special meeting of stockholders is called within fifteen (15) days after such receipt for the purpose of making such determination, such meeting is held for such purpose within sixty (60) days after having been so called and such determination is made thereat.
(g) Indemnitee shall cooperate with the Person making such determination with respect to Indemnitees entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such Person upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the Person making such determination shall be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitees entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom.
(h) In the event that any action, claim or proceeding to which Indemnitee is a party is resolved in any manner other than by adverse judgment against Indemnitee (including, without limitation, settlement of such action, claim or proceeding with or without payment of money or other consideration), it shall to the fullest extent permitted by law be presumed that Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise in such action, suit or proceeding. Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence.
(i) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitees conduct was unlawful.
(j) The Company shall not, without Indemnitees prior written consent, enter into any such settlement of any Proceeding (in whole or in part) unless such settlement (i) provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee and (ii) does not impose any Expense, judgment, fine, penalty or limitation on Indemnitee.
(k) The Company will be entitled to participate in the Proceeding at its own expense.
7. Remedies of Indemnitee.
(a) Subject to Section 7(f), in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 5 of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification is made pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of the request for
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indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Sections 1(a), 1(b) and 2 of this Agreement within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification or such determination is deemed to have been made pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement, (v) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Sections 1(c), 1(e), 4 or 6(g) of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor or (vi) the Company or any other person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or Proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, the Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to the Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication in an appropriate court of the State of Delaware, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, of Indemnitees entitlement to such indemnification, contribution or advancement of Expenses. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at Indemnitees option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitees right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.
(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 7 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits, and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of the adverse determination under Section 6(b). In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 7, Indemnitee shall be presumed to be entitled to indemnification under this Agreement and the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement of Expenses, as the case may be, and the Company may not refer to, or introduce into evidence, any determination pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement adverse to Indemnitee for any purpose other than to establish its compliance with the terms of this Agreement. If Indemnitee commences a judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to this Section 7, Indemnitee shall not be required to reimburse the Company for any advances pursuant to Section 5 until a final determination is made with respect to Indemnitees entitlement to indemnification (as to which all rights of appeal have been exhausted or lapsed).
(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 7, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitees misstatement not materially misleading, in connection with the application for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.
(d) In the event that Indemnitee, pursuant to this Section 7, incurs costs, in a judicial or arbitration proceeding or otherwise attempting to enforce Indemnitees rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Agreement, or to recover under any directors and officers liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify Indemnitee against any and all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in such efforts and shall (within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of written request therefor) advance, to the fullest extent permitted by law, such Expenses to Indemnitee, if, in the case of indemnification, Indemnitee is wholly successful on the underlying claims. However, if Indemnitee is not wholly successful on the underlying claims, then
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such indemnification shall be only to the extent Indemnitee is successful on such underlying claims or otherwise as permitted by law, whichever is greater. It is the intent of the Company that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Indemnitee not be required to incur legal fees or other Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitees rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to Indemnitee hereunder.
(e) The Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 7 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.
(f) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding.
8. Non-Exclusivity; Survival of Rights; [Primacy of Indemnification;] Insurance; Subrogation.
(a) The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement of Expenses as provided by this Agreement (i) shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (as amended or restated, the Charter), the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders, a resolution of directors or otherwise, of the Company and (ii) shall be interpreted independently of, and without reference to, any other such right to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in Indemnitees Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in the DGCL, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification than would be afforded currently under the Charter, Bylaws and this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.
(b) The Company shall, if commercially reasonable, obtain and maintain in effect during the entire period for which the Company is obligated to indemnify Indemnitee under this Agreement, one or more policies of insurance with reputable insurance companies to provide the directors and officers of the Company with coverage for losses from wrongful acts and omissions and to ensure the Companys performance of its indemnification obligations under this Agreement. Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, employee or agent under such policy or policies. In all such insurance policies,
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Indemnitee shall be named as an insured in such a manner as to provide Indemnitee with the same rights and benefits as are accorded to the most favorably insured of the Companys directors and officers. At the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company shall give prompt notice of such claim or of the commencement of a Proceeding, as the case may be, to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of the Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.
(c) [The Company hereby acknowledges that Indemnitee has certain rights to indemnification, advancement of Expenses and/or insurance provided by [Pearl][NGP] and certain affiliates that, directly or indirectly, (i) are controlled by, (ii) control or (iii) are under common control with, [Pearl][NGP] (collectively, the Fund Indemnitors). With respect to any amounts that are subject to indemnity under this Agreement and also subject to an indemnity obligation owed by Fund Indemnitors, the Company hereby agrees (i) that, as compared to the Fund Indemnitors, the Company is the indemnitor of first resort with respect to any rights to indemnification provided to Indemnitee herein (i.e., its obligations to Indemnitee are primary and any obligation of the Fund Indemnitors to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the same Expenses or liabilities incurred by Indemnitee is secondary), (ii) that the Company shall be required to advance the full amount of Expenses incurred by Indemnitee and shall be liable for the full amount of all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement to the extent legally permitted and as required by the terms of this Agreement and the Charter or Bylaws of the Company (or any other agreement between the Company and Indemnitee), without regard to any rights Indemnitee may have against the Fund Indemnitors and (iii) that the Company irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Fund Indemnitors from any and all claims against the Fund Indemnitors for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof. The Company further agrees that no advancement or payment by the Fund Indemnitors on behalf of Indemnitee with respect to any claim for which Indemnitee has sought indemnification from the Company shall affect the foregoing and the Fund Indemnitors shall have a right of contribution and/or be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee against the Company. The Company and Indemnitee agree that the Fund Indemnitors are express third-party beneficiaries of the terms of this Section 8(c).]
(d) [Except as provided in Section 8(c) above,] in the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee [(other than against the Fund Indemnitors)], who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.
(e) [Except as provided in Section 8(c) above,] the Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of amounts otherwise indemnifiable (or for which advancement of Expenses is provided) hereunder if and to the extent that Indemnitee has otherwise actually received such payment under any insurance policy, contract, agreement or otherwise.
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(f) [Except as provided in Section 8(c) above,] the Companys obligation to indemnify or advance Expenses hereunder to Indemnitee who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, agent or trustee of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise shall be reduced by any amount Indemnitee has actually received as indemnification or advancement of Expenses from such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise.
9. Exception to Right of Indemnification. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnity or advancement of Expenses in connection with any claim involving Indemnitee:
(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision; [provided, that the foregoing shall not affect the rights of Indemnitee or the Fund Indemnitors set forth in Section 8(c) above;] or
(b) for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act (as hereinafter defined), or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law; or
(c) for reimbursement to the Company of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Company, in each case as required under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Company pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the Sarbanes-Oxley Act) or Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in connection with an accounting restatement of the Company or the payment to the Company of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act);
(d) in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Company has joined in or the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law, or (iii) the Proceeding is one to enforce Indemnitees rights under this Agreement or;
(e) any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any compensation pursuant to any compensation recoupment or clawback policy adopted by the Board or the compensation committee of the Board, including but not limited to any such policy adopted to comply with stock exchange listing requirements implementing Section 10D of the Exchange Act.
10. Non-Disclosure of Payments. Except as expressly required by the securities laws of the United States of America or other applicable law, neither party shall disclose any payments under this Agreement unless prior approval of the other party is obtained. If any payment information must be disclosed, the Company shall afford Indemnitee an opportunity to review all such disclosures and, if requested, to explain in such statement any mitigating circumstances regarding the events to be reported.
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11. Duration of Agreement. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the later of (a) twenty (20) years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as a director or officer of the Company or a director, officer, employee, agent or trustee of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other Enterprise which Indemnitee served at the request of the Company, and (b) one (1) year after the final termination of any Proceeding (including any rights of appeal thereto) in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement of Expenses hereunder and of any Proceeding commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 7 of this Agreement relating thereto (including any rights of appeal of any Proceeding commenced pursuant to Section 7 of this Agreement). Termination of this Agreement shall not adversely affect any right or protection hereunder of any Indemnitee in respect of any Proceeding (regardless of when such Proceeding is first threatened, commenced or completed) arising out of, or related to, any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such termination. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company), assigns, spouses, heirs, executors and personal and legal representatives.
12. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement:
(a) Beneficial Owner shall have the meaning given to such term in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that Beneficial Owner shall exclude any Person otherwise becoming a Beneficial Owner by reason of the stockholders of the Company approving a merger of the Company with another entity.
(b) Change in Control shall be deemed to occur upon the earliest to occur after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:
(i) Acquisition of Stock by Third Party. Any Person (as defined below), other than Pearl, NGP and their affiliates, and other than a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company, is or becomes the Beneficial Owner (as defined above), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Companys then outstanding securities, unless the change in relative Beneficial Ownership of the Companys securities by any Person results solely from a reduction in the aggregate number of outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors;
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(ii) Change in Board of Directors. During any period of two (2) consecutive years (not including any period prior to the execution of this Agreement), individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board, and any new director (other than a director designated by a Person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in Section 12(b)(i), 12(b)(iii) or 12(b)(iv)) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Companys stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board;
(iii) Corporate Transactions. The effective date of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other entity, other than a merger or consolidation that would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation and with the power to elect at least a majority of the board of directors or other governing body of such surviving entity; and
(iv) Liquidation. The approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement or series of agreements for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Companys assets, or, if such approval is not required, the decision by the Board to proceed with such a liquidation, sale, or disposition in one transaction or a series of related transactions.
(c) Corporate Status describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, employee, agent, fiduciary or trustee of the Company, any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company, or of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise that such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.
(d) Disinterested Director means a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.
(e) Enterprise shall mean the Company and any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, agent, fiduciary, partner, managing member or trustee.
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(f) Exchange Act shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(g) Expenses shall include all reasonable attorneys fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts and other professionals, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, ERISA excise taxes and penalties, and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, participating, or being or preparing to be a witness in a Proceeding, or responding to, or objecting to, a request to provide discovery in any Proceeding. Expenses also shall include (i) Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding, including, without limitation, the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent, (ii) any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, (iii) Expenses incurred in connection with recovery under any directors and/or officers liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee is ultimately determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement or Expenses or insurance recovery, as the case may be, and (iv) for purposes of Section 7(d) only, Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitees rights under this Agreement, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or under any directors and/or officers liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, by litigation or otherwise. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.
(h) Independent Counsel means a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five (5) years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term Independent Counsel shall not include any Person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitees rights under this Agreement. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and disbursements of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Expenses, claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.
(i) Person shall have the meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act; provided, however, that Person shall exclude (i) the Company, (ii) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, and (iii) any corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.
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(j) Proceeding includes any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, claim, counterclaim, cross claim, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought by or in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be involved as a party, potential party, non-party witness or otherwise, by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was an officer or director of the Company, by reason of any action taken by Indemnitee or of any inaction on Indemnitees part while acting as an officer or director of the Company, or by reason of Indemnitees Corporate Status, by reason of any action taken by Indemnitee (or a failure to take action by Indemnitee) or of any action (or failure to act) on Indemnitees part while acting pursuant to Indemnitees Corporate Status; in each case whether or not Indemnitee is acting or serving in any such capacity at the time any liability or Expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement or Advancement of Expenses can be provided under this Agreement; including one pending on or before the date of this Agreement, but excluding one initiated by an Indemnitee pursuant to Section 7 of this Agreement to enforce Indemnitees rights under this Agreement.
13. Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (i) the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any section, paragraph or sentence of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law; (ii) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the fullest extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (iii) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section, paragraph or sentence of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Agreement is intended to confer upon Indemnitee [and Nominating Member] indemnification rights to the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws.
14. Enforcement and Binding Effect.
(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve or continue to serve as a director or officer of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving or continuing to serve as a director or officer of the Company.
(b) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any directors and/or officers insurance maintained by the Company and applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.
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(c) The indemnification and advancement of Expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Agreement shall be binding upon and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company), shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee, agent or trustee of the Company or of any other Enterprise at the Companys request, and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitees spouse, assigns, heirs, devisees, executors and administrators and other legal representatives.
(d) The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.
(e) The Company and Indemnitee agree herein that a monetary remedy for breach of this Agreement, at some later date, may be inadequate, impracticable and difficult of proof, and further agree that such breach may cause Indemnitee irreparable harm. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree that Indemnitee may enforce this Agreement by seeking injunctive relief and/or specific performance hereof, without any necessity of showing actual damage or irreparable harm and that by seeking injunctive relief and/or specific performance, Indemnitee shall not be precluded from seeking or obtaining any other relief to which Indemnitee may be entitled. The Company and Indemnitee further agree that Indemnitee shall be entitled to such specific performance and injunctive relief, including temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and permanent injunctions, without the necessity of posting bonds or other undertaking in connection therewith. The Company acknowledges that in the absence of a waiver, a bond or undertaking may be required of Indemnitee by the court, and the Company hereby waives any such requirement of such a bond or undertaking.
15. Modification and Waiver. No supplement, modification, termination or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by both of the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions hereof (whether or not similar) nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver.
16. Notice By Indemnitee. Indemnitee agrees promptly to notify the Company in writing upon being served with or otherwise receiving any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information or other document relating to any Proceeding or matter which may be subject to indemnification or advancement of Expenses covered hereunder. The written notification to the Company shall include a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underlying the Proceeding. The failure to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of any obligation which it may have to Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise unless and only to the extent that such failure or delay materially prejudices the Company.
17. Notices. All notices, requests and other communications given or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given: (a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent by confirmed electronic mail or facsimile if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not so confirmed, then on the next business day, (c) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent:
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(a) To Indemnitee at the address set forth below Indemnitees signature hereto.
(b) To the Company at:
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc.
2605 Cranberry Square
Morgantown, WV 26508
Attention: General Counsel
Email: legal@infinitynr.com
or to such other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company or to the Company by Indemnitee, as the case may be.
18. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. This Agreement may also be executed and delivered by facsimile signature and in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
19. Headings. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.
20. Usage of Pronouns. Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate.
21. Governing Law and Consent to Jurisdiction. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict-of-laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 7 of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (i) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware (the Delaware Court), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, and (ii) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on and as of the day and year first written above.
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. | ||
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Signature Page to Indemnification Agreement
Exhibit 10.3
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan (this Plan) is to promote the success of the Companys business for the benefit of its stockholders by enabling the Company to offer Eligible Individuals cash and stock-based incentives in order to attract, retain, and reward such individuals and strengthen the mutuality of interests between such individuals and the Companys stockholders. This Plan is effective as of the date set forth in Article XIV.
ARTICLE II
DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Plan, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
2.1 Affiliate means a corporation or other entity controlled by, controlling, or under common control with the Company. The term control (including, with correlative meaning, the terms controlled by and under common control with), as applied to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting or other securities, by contract or otherwise.
2.2 Applicable Law means the requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards and the related shares under U.S. state corporate law, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the rules or requirements of any stock exchange or quotation system on which the shares are listed or quoted, and any other applicable laws, including tax laws, of any U.S. or non-U.S. jurisdictions where Awards are, or will be, granted under this Plan.
2.3 Award means any award under this Plan of any Stock Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Award, Other Stock-Based Award, or Cash Award. All Awards shall be evidenced by and subject to the terms of an Award Agreement.
2.4 Award Agreement means the written or electronic agreement, contract, certificate, or other instrument or document evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Award. Each Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan.
2.5 Board means the Board of Directors of the Company.
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2.6 Cash Award means an Award granted to an Eligible Individual pursuant to Section 9.3 of this Plan and payable in cash at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
2.7 Cause means, unless otherwise determined by the Committee in the applicable Award Agreement, with respect to a Participants Termination of Service, the following: (a) in the case where there is no employment agreement, offer letter, consulting agreement, change in control agreement, or similar agreement in effect between the Company or an Affiliate and the Participant at the time of the grant of the Award (or where there is such agreement in effect but it does not define cause (or words of like import)), the Participants (i) act or omission that could reasonably be expected to result in (or has resulted in) the Participants conviction of, plea of nolo contendere to, or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any (A) felony, (B) indictable offense or (C) other crime or offense causing substantial harm to the Company an Affiliate or involving acts of theft, fraud, embezzlement, moral turpitude or similar conduct; (ii) failure to substantially perform the Participants duties (other than a failure resulting from the Participants Disability), as determined by the Committee, or malfeasance in the conduct of Participants duties, including, but not limited to, (A) misuse or diversion of funds or property of the Company or an Affiliate, (B) embezzlement, or (C) misrepresentations or concealments, including without limitation on any written reports or documents submitted to the Company or an Affiliate; (iii) gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Company or an Affiliate; (iv) material violation of the Companys policies or codes of conduct, including policies related to discrimination, harassment, performance of illegal or unethical activities, or ethical misconduct; (v) failure to carry out, or comply with, any lawful and reasonable directive of the Board or the Participants immediate supervisor, as determined by the Committee; (vi) unlawful use (including being under the influence) or possession of illegal drugs on the premises of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or while performing the Participants duties and responsibilities for the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or (vi) any breach of any non-competition, non-solicitation, no-hire, or confidentiality covenant between the Participant and the Company or an Affiliate; or (b) in the case where there is an employment agreement, offer letter, consulting agreement, change in control agreement, or similar agreement in effect between the Company or an Affiliate and the Participant at the time of the grant of the Award that defines cause (or words of like import), cause as defined under such agreement; provided, however, that with regard to any agreement under which the definition of cause only applies on occurrence of a change in control, such definition of cause shall not apply until a change in control (as defined in such agreement) actually takes place and then only with regard to a termination thereafter.
2.8 Change in Control means and includes each of the following, unless otherwise determined by the Committee in the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement with a Participant approved by the Committee:
(a) any Person (other than the Company, any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under any employee benefit plan of the Company, or any company owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company), becoming the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Companys then outstanding securities, excluding for purposes herein, acquisitions pursuant to a Business Combination (as defined below) that does not constitute a Change in Control as defined in Section 2.8(b);
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(b) a merger, reorganization, or consolidation of the Company or in which equity securities of the Company are issued (each, a Business Combination), other than a merger, reorganization or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or its direct or indirect parent) more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity (or, as applicable, a direct or indirect parent of the Company or such surviving entity) outstanding immediately after such merger, reorganization or consolidation; provided, however, that a merger, reorganization or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no Person (other than those covered by the exceptions in Section 2.8(a)) acquires more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Companys then outstanding securities shall not constitute a Change in Control;
(c) during the period of two (2) consecutive years, individuals who, at the beginning of such period, constitute the Board together with any new director(s) (other than a director designated by a Person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in Sections 2.8(a) or (b)) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Companys stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the two (2) year period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority thereof; or
(d) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or the consummation of a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Companys assets other than the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to a Person or Persons who beneficially own, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the Company at the time of the sale.
For purposes of this Section 2.8, acquisitions of securities of the Company by Pearl Energy Investments, Pearl INR Holdings, L.P., Pearl Energy Investments III, L.P., PEI Infinity-S, LP, any of their respective affiliates (collectively, Pearl), NGP Capital Management, LLC (NGP) or any investment vehicle or fund controlled by or managed by, or otherwise affiliated with Pearl or NGP shall not constitute a Change in Control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any Award that is characterized as nonqualified deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, an event shall not be considered to be a Change in Control under this Plan for purposes of payment of such Award unless such event is also a change in ownership, a change in effective control, or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code.
2.9 Change in Control Price means the highest price per Share paid in any transaction related to a Change in Control as determined by the Committee in its discretion.
2.10 Code means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. Any reference to any section of the Code shall also be a reference to any successor provision and any guidance and treasury regulation promulgated thereunder.
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2.11 Committee means any committee of the Board duly authorized by the Board to administer this Plan; provided, however, that unless otherwise determined by the Board, the Committee shall consist solely of two or more members of the Board who are each (a) a non-employee director within the meaning of Rule 16b-3(b), and (b) independent under the listing standards or rules of the securities exchange upon which the Common Stock is traded, but only to the extent such independence is required in order to take the action at issue pursuant to such standards or rules. If no committee is duly authorized by the Board to administer this Plan, the term Committee shall be deemed to refer to the Board for all purposes under this Plan. The Board may abolish any Committee or re-vest in itself any previously delegated authority from time to time, and will retain the right to exercise the authority of the Committee to the extent consistent with Applicable Law.
2.12 Common Stock means the Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the Company.
2.13 Company means Infinity Natural Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its successors by operation of law.
2.14 Consultant means any natural person who is an advisor or consultant or other service provider to the Company or any of its Affiliates.
2.15 Disability means, unless otherwise determined by the Committee in the applicable Award Agreement, with respect to a Participants Termination of Service, that the Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment, after accounting for reasonable accommodations (if applicable and required by Applicable Law); provided, however, for purposes of an Incentive Stock Option, the term Disability shall have the meaning ascribed to it under Section 22(e)(3) of the Code. The determination of whether an individual has a Disability shall be determined by the Committee, and the Committee may rely on any determination that a Participant is disabled for purposes of benefits under any long-term disability plan in which a Participant participates that is maintained by the Company or any Affiliate.
2.16 Dividend Equivalent Rights means a right granted to a Participant under this Plan to receive the equivalent value (in cash or Shares) of dividends paid on Shares.
2.17 Effective Date means the effective date of this Plan as defined in Article XIV.
2.18 Eligible Employee means each employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates. An employee on a leave of absence may be an Eligible Employee.
2.19 Eligible Individual means an Eligible Employee, Non-Employee Director, or Consultant who is designated by the Committee in its discretion as eligible to receive Awards subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.
2.20 Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time. Reference to a specific section of the Exchange Act or regulation thereunder shall include such section or regulation, any valid regulation or interpretation promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing, or superseding such section or regulation.
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2.21 Fair Market Value means, for purposes of this Plan, unless otherwise required by any applicable provision of the Code or any regulations issued thereunder, as of any date and except as provided below, the last sales price reported for the Common Stock on the applicable date: (a) as reported on the principal national securities exchange in the United States on which it is then traded, listed or otherwise reported or quoted or (b) if the Common Stock is not traded, listed, or otherwise reported or quoted, the Committee shall determine in good faith the Fair Market Value in whatever manner it considers appropriate, taking into account the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. For purposes of the grant of any Award, the applicable date shall be the trading day immediately prior to the date on which the Award is granted. For purposes of the exercise of any Award, the applicable date shall be the date a notice of exercise is received by the Committee or, if not a date on which the applicable market is open, the next day that it is open. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any Award granted on the pricing date of the Companys initial public offering, the Fair Market Value shall mean the initial public offering price of a Share as set forth in the Companys final prospectus relating to its initial public offering filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
2.22 Family Member means family member as defined in Section A.1.(a)(5) of the general instructions of Form S-8.
2.23 Incentive Stock Option means any Stock Option granted to an Eligible Employee who is an employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries under this Plan and that is intended to be, and is designated as, an Incentive Stock Option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
2.24 Non-Employee Director means a director on the Board who is not an employee of the Company.
2.25 Non-Qualified Stock Option means any Stock Option granted under this Plan that is not an Incentive Stock Option.
2.26 Other Stock-Based Award means an Award granted under Article IX of this Plan that is valued in whole or in part by reference to, or is payable in or otherwise based on, Shares, but may be settled in the form of Shares or cash.
2.27 Participant means an Eligible Individual to whom an Award has been granted pursuant to this Plan.
2.28 Performance Award means an Award granted under Article VIII of this Plan.
2.29 Performance Goals means goals established by the Committee as contingencies for Awards to vest and/or become exercisable or distributable.
2.30 Performance Period means the designated period during which the Performance Goals must be satisfied with respect to the Award to which the Performance Goals relate.
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2.31 Person means any person as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act.
2.32 Restricted Stock means an Award of Shares granted under Article VII of this Plan.
2.33 Restricted Stock Unit means an unfunded, unsecured right to receive, on the applicable settlement date, one Share or an amount in cash or other consideration determined by the Committee to be of equal value as of such settlement date, subject to certain vesting conditions and other restrictions.
2.34 Rule 16b-3 means Rule 16b-3 under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act as then in effect or any successor provision.
2.35 Section 409A of the Code means the nonqualified deferred compensation rules under Section 409A of the Code and any applicable treasury regulations and other official guidance thereunder.
2.36 Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Reference to a specific section of the Securities Act or regulation thereunder shall include such section or regulation, any valid regulation or interpretation promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing, or superseding such section or regulation.
2.37 Shares means shares of Common Stock.
2.38 Stock Appreciation Right means a stock appreciation right granted under Article VI of this Plan.
2.39 Stock Option or Option means any option to purchase Shares granted pursuant to Article VI of this Plan.
2.40 Subsidiary means any subsidiary corporation of the Company within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code.
2.41 Ten Percent Stockholder means a Person owning stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or its Subsidiaries.
2.42 Termination of Service means the termination of the applicable Participants employment with, or performance of services for, the Company and its Affiliates. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, (a) if a Participants employment or services with the Company and its Affiliates terminates but such Participant continues to provide services to the Company and its Affiliates in a non-employee capacity, such change in status shall not be deemed a Termination of Service with the Company and its Affiliates and (b) a Participant employed by, or performing services for an Affiliate that ceases to be an Affiliate shall also be deemed to have incurred a Termination of Service provided the Participant does not immediately thereafter become an employee of the Company or another Affiliate. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this definition, with respect to any Award that constitutes a nonqualified deferred compensation plan within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, a Participant shall not be considered to have experienced a Termination of Service unless the Participant has experienced a separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code.
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ARTICLE III
ADMINISTRATION
3.1 Authority of the Committee. This Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Subject to the terms of this Plan and Applicable Law, the Committee shall have full authority to grant Awards to Eligible Individuals under this Plan. In particular, the Committee shall have the authority to:
(a) determine whether and to what extent Awards, or any combination thereof, are to be granted hereunder to one or more Eligible Individuals;
(b) determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;
(c) determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, of any Award granted hereunder (including, but not limited to, the exercise or purchase price (if any), any restriction or limitation, any vesting schedule or acceleration thereof, or any forfeiture restrictions or waiver thereof, regarding any Award and the Shares, if any, relating thereto, based on such factors, if any, as the Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion);
(d) determine the amount of cash to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;
(e) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances grants of Options and other Awards under this Plan are to operate on a tandem basis and/or in conjunction with or apart from other awards made by the Company outside of this Plan;
(f) determine whether and under what circumstances an Award may be settled in cash, Shares, other property, or a combination of the foregoing;
(g) determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances cash, Shares, or other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award under this Plan shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the Participant;
(h) modify, waive, amend, or adjust the terms and conditions of any Award, at any time or from time to time, including but not limited to Performance Goals;
(i) determine whether a Stock Option is an Incentive Stock Option or Non-Qualified Stock Option;
(j) determine whether to require a Participant, as a condition of the granting of any Award, to not sell or otherwise dispose of Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise or vesting of an Award for a period of time as determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion, following the date of the acquisition of such Award or Shares;
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(k) modify, extend, or renew an Award, subject to Article XI and Section 6.8(g) of this Plan; and
(l) determine how the Disability, death, retirement, authorized leave of absence or any other change or purported change in a Participants status affects an Award and the extent to which, and the period during which, the Participant, the Participants legal representative, conservator, guardian or beneficiary may exercise rights under the Award, if applicable.
3.2 Guidelines. Subject to Article XI of this Plan, the Committee shall have the authority to adopt, alter, and repeal such administrative rules, guidelines, and practices governing this Plan and perform all acts, including the delegation of its responsibilities (to the extent permitted by Applicable Law and applicable stock exchange rules), as it shall, from time to time, deem advisable; to construe and interpret the terms and provisions of this Plan and any Award issued under this Plan (and any agreements or sub-plans relating thereto); and to otherwise supervise the administration of this Plan. The Committee may correct any defect, supply any omission, or reconcile any inconsistency in this Plan or in any agreement relating thereto in the manner and to the extent it shall deem necessary to effectuate the purpose and intent of this Plan. The Committee may adopt special rules, sub-plans, guidelines, and provisions for persons who are residing in or employed in, or subject to, the taxes of any domestic or foreign jurisdictions to satisfy or accommodate applicable foreign laws or to qualify for preferred tax treatment of such domestic or foreign jurisdictions.
3.3 Decisions Final. Any decision, interpretation, or other action made or taken in good faith by or at the direction of the Company, the Board, or the Committee (or any of its members) arising out of or in connection with this Plan shall be within the absolute discretion of all and each of them, as the case may be, and shall be final, binding, and conclusive on the Company and all employees and Participants and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns.
3.4 Designation of Consultants/Liability; Delegation of Authority.
(a) The Committee may employ such legal counsel, consultants, and agents as it may deem desirable for the administration of this Plan and may rely upon any opinion received from any such counsel or consultant and any computation received from any such consultant or agent. Expenses incurred by the Committee or the Board in the engagement of any such counsel, consultant, or agent shall be paid by the Company. The Committee, its members, and any person designated pursuant to this Section 3.4 shall not be liable for any action or determination made in good faith with respect to this Plan. To the maximum extent permitted by Applicable Law, no officer of the Company or member or former member of the Committee or of the Board shall be liable for any action or determination made in good faith with respect to this Plan or any Award granted under it.
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(b) The Committee may delegate any or all of its powers and duties under this Plan to a subcommittee of directors or to any officer of the Company, including the power to perform administrative functions (including executing agreements or other documents on behalf of the Committee) and grant Awards; provided, that such delegation does not (i) violate Applicable Law, or (ii) result in the loss of an exemption under Rule 16b-3(d)(1) for Awards granted to Participants subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act in respect of the Company. Upon any such delegation, all references in this Plan to the Committee, shall be deemed to include any subcommittee or officer of the Company to whom such powers have been delegated by the Committee. Any such delegation shall not limit the right of such subcommittee members or such an officer to receive Awards; provided, however, that such subcommittee members and any such officer may not grant Awards to himself or herself, a member of the Board, or any executive officer of the Company or an Affiliate, or take any action with respect to any Award previously granted to himself or herself, a member of the Board, or any executive officer of the Company or an Affiliate. The Committee may also designate employees or professional advisors who are not executive officers of the Company or members of the Board to assist in administering this Plan, provided, however, that such individuals may not be delegated the authority to grant or modify any Awards that will, or may, be settled in Shares.
3.5 Indemnification. To the maximum extent permitted by Applicable Law and to the extent not covered by insurance directly insuring such person, each current and former officer or employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates and member or former member of the Committee or the Board shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against any cost or expense (including reasonable fees of counsel acceptable to the Committee) or liability (including any sum paid in settlement of a claim with the approval of the Committee), and advanced amounts necessary to pay the foregoing at the earliest time and to the fullest extent permitted, arising out of any act or omission to act in connection with the administration of this Plan, except to the extent arising out of such officers, employees, members, or former members own fraud or bad faith. Such indemnification shall be in addition to any right of indemnification that the current or former employee, officer or member may have under Applicable Law or under the by-laws of the Company or any of its Affiliates. Notwithstanding anything else herein, this indemnification will not apply to the actions or determinations made by an individual with regard to Awards granted to such individual under this Plan.
ARTICLE IV
SHARE LIMITATION
4.1 Shares. The aggregate number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to this Plan shall not exceed Shares (subject to any increase or decrease pursuant to this Article IV), which may be either authorized and unissued Shares or Shares held in or acquired for the treasury of the Company or both. The number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to this Plan shall be subject to an annual increase on January 1 of each calendar year beginning in 2025, and ending and including January 1, 2034, equal to the lesser of (a) % of the aggregate number of Shares and shares of Class B common stock, in each case, outstanding on December 31 of the immediately preceding calendar year and (b) such smaller number of Shares as is determined by the Board. The aggregate number of Shares that may be issued or used with respect to any Incentive Stock Option shall not exceed Shares (subject to any increase or decrease pursuant to Section 4.3). Any Award under this Plan settled in cash shall not be counted against the foregoing maximum share limitations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Shares subject to an Award under this Plan shall again be made available for issuance or delivery under this Plan if such Shares are (i) Shares delivered, withheld or surrendered in payment of the exercise or purchase price of an Award, (ii) Shares delivered, withheld, or surrendered to satisfy any tax withholding obligation or (iii) Shares subject to a stock-settled Award that expires or is canceled, forfeited, or terminated without issuance of the full number of Shares to which the Award related.
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4.2 Substitute Awards. In connection with an entitys merger or consolidation with the Company or the Companys acquisition of an entitys property or stock, the Committee may grant Awards in substitution for any options or other stock or stock-based awards granted before such merger or consolidation by such entity or its affiliate (Substitute Awards). Substitute Awards may be granted on such terms as the Committee deems appropriate, notwithstanding limitations on Awards in this Plan. Substitute Awards will not count against the Shares authorized for grant under this Plan (nor shall Shares subject to a Substitute Award be added to the Shares available for Awards under this Plan as provided under Section 4.1 above), except that Shares acquired by exercise of substitute Incentive Stock Options will count against the maximum number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options under this Plan, as set forth in Section 4.1 above. Additionally, in the event that a Person acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary or with which the Company or any Subsidiary combines has shares available under a pre-existing plan approved by stockholders and not adopted in contemplation of such acquisition or combination, the shares available for grants pursuant to the terms of such pre-existing plan (as adjusted, to the extent appropriate, using the exchange ratio or other adjustment or valuation ratio or formula used in such acquisition or combination to determine the consideration payable to the holders of common stock of the entities party to such acquisition or combination) may be used for Awards under this Plan and shall not reduce the Shares authorized for grant under this Plan (and Shares subject to such Awards shall not be added to the Shares available for Awards under this Plan as provided under Section 4.1 above); provided that Awards using such available shares shall not be made after the date awards or grants could have been made under the terms of the pre-existing plan, absent the acquisition or combination, and shall only be made to individuals who were not Eligible Employees or Non-Employee Directors prior to such acquisition or combination.
4.3 Adjustments.
(a) The existence of this Plan and the Awards granted hereunder shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Board or the stockholders of the Company to make or authorize (i) any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization, or other change in the Companys capital structure or its business, (ii) any merger or consolidation of the Company or any Affiliate, (iii) any issuance of bonds, debentures, or preferred or prior preference stock ahead of or affecting the Shares, (iv) the dissolution or liquidation of the Company or any Affiliate, (v) any sale or transfer of all or part of the assets or business of the Company or any Affiliate, or (vi) any other corporate act or proceeding.
(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 10.1:
(i) If the Company at any time subdivides (by any split, recapitalization or otherwise) the outstanding Shares into a greater number of Shares, or combines (by reverse split, combination, or otherwise) its outstanding Shares into a lesser number of Shares, then the respective exercise prices for outstanding Awards that provide for a Participant-elected exercise and the number of Shares covered by outstanding Awards shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights granted to, or available for, Participants under this Plan; provided, that the Committee in its sole discretion shall determine whether an adjustment is appropriate.
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(ii) Excepting transactions covered by Section 4.3(b)(i), if the Company effects any merger, consolidation, statutory exchange, spin-off, reorganization, sale or transfer of all or substantially all the Companys assets or business, or other corporate transaction or event in such a manner that the Companys outstanding Shares are converted into the right to receive (or the holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive in exchange therefor), either immediately or upon liquidation of the Company, securities or other property of the Company or other entity, then, subject to the provisions of Section 10.1, (A) the aggregate number or kind of securities that thereafter may be issued under this Plan, (B) the number or kind of securities or other property (including cash) to be issued pursuant to Awards granted under this Plan (including as a result of the assumption of this Plan and the obligations hereunder by a successor entity, as applicable), or (C) the exercise or purchase price thereof, shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights granted to, or available for, Participants under this Plan.
(iii) If there shall occur any change in the capital structure of the Company other than those covered by Section 4.3(b)(i) or 4.3(b)(ii), any conversion, any adjustment, or any issuance of any class of securities convertible or exercisable into, or exercisable for, any class of equity securities of the Company, then the Committee shall adjust any Award and make such other adjustments to this Plan to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights granted to, or available for, Participants under this Plan.
(iv) In the event of any pending stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of shares, merger, consolidation or other distribution (other than normal cash dividends) of Company assets to stockholders, or any other extraordinary transaction or change affecting the Shares or the Share price, including any securities offering or other similar transaction, for administrative convenience, the Committee may refuse to permit the exercise of any Award for up to sixty (60) days before or after such transaction.
(v) The Committee may adjust the Performance Goals applicable to any Awards to reflect any unusual or non-recurring events and other extraordinary items, impact of charges for restructurings, discontinued operations, and the cumulative effects of accounting or tax changes, each as defined by generally accepted accounting principles or as identified in the Companys financial statements, notes to the financial statements, managements discussion and analysis, or other Company public filing.
(vi) Any such adjustment determined by the Committee pursuant to this Section 4.3(b) shall be final, binding, and conclusive on the Company and all Participants and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and permitted assigns. Any adjustment to, or assumption or substitution of, an Award under this Section 4.3(b) shall be intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and Treasury Regulation §1.424-1 (and any amendments thereto), to the extent applicable. Except as expressly provided in this Section 4.3 or in the applicable Award Agreement, a Participant shall have no additional rights under this Plan by reason of any transaction or event described in this Section 4.3.
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4.4 Annual Limit on Non-Employee Director Compensation. In each calendar year during any part of which this Plan is in effect, a Non-Employee Director may not receive Awards for such individuals service on the Board that, taken together with any cash fees paid to such Non-Employee Director during such calendar year for such individuals service on the Board, have a value in excess of $750,000 (calculating the value of any such Awards based on the grant date fair value of such Awards for financial reporting purposes); provided, that (a) the Committee may make exceptions to this limit, except that the Non-Employee Director receiving such additional compensation may not participate in the decision to award such compensation or in other contemporaneous decisions involving compensation for Non-Employee Directors and (b) for any calendar year in which a Non-Employee Director (i) first commences service on the Board, (ii) serves on a special committee of the Board, or (iii) serves as lead director or non-executive chair of the Board, such limit shall be increased to $1,000,000; provided, further, that the limit set forth in this Section 4.4 shall be applied without regard to Awards or other compensation, if any, provided to a Non-Employee Director during any period in which such individual was an employee of the Company or any Affiliate or was otherwise providing services to the Company or to any Affiliate other than in the capacity as a Non-Employee Director.
ARTICLE V
ELIGIBILITY
5.1 General Eligibility. All current and prospective Eligible Individuals are eligible to be granted Awards. Eligibility for the grant of Awards and actual participation in this Plan shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. No Eligible Individual will automatically be granted any Award under this Plan.
5.2 Incentive Stock Options. Notwithstanding the foregoing, only Eligible Employees who are employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries are eligible to be granted Incentive Stock Options under this Plan. Eligibility for the grant of an Incentive Stock Option and actual participation in this Plan shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
5.3 General Requirement. The vesting and exercise of Awards granted to a prospective Eligible Individual are conditioned upon such individual actually becoming an Eligible Employee, Consultant, or Non-Employee Director, as applicable.
ARTICLE VI
STOCK OPTIONS; STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
6.1 General. Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted alone or in addition to other Awards granted under this Plan Each Stock Option granted under this Plan shall be of one of two types: (a) an Incentive Stock Option or (b) a Non-Qualified Stock Option. Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights granted under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement and subject to the terms, conditions and limitations in this Plan, including any limitations applicable to Incentive Stock Options.
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6.2 Grants. The Committee shall have the authority to grant to any Eligible Individual one or more Incentive Stock Options, Non-Qualified Stock Options, and/or Stock Appreciation Rights; provided, however, that Incentive Stock Options may only be granted to an Eligible Employee who is an employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries. To the extent that any Stock Option does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option (whether because of its provisions or the time or manner of its exercise or otherwise), such Stock Option or the portion thereof which does not so qualify shall constitute a separate Non-Qualified Stock Option.
6.3 Exercise Price. The exercise price per Share subject to a Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant, provided that the per share exercise price of a Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall not be less than 100% (or, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder, 110%) of the Fair Market Value at the time of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of a Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right that is a Substitute Award, the exercise price per Share for such Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right may be less than the Fair Market Value on the date of grant; provided, that, such exercise price is determined in a manner consistent with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code and, if applicable, Section 424(a) of the Code.
6.4 Term. The term of each Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be fixed by the Committee, provided that no Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable more than ten (10) years (or, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder, five (5) years) after the date on which the Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right, as applicable, is granted.
6.5 Exercisability. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.5, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights granted under this Plan shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant. The Committee may, but shall not be required to, provide for an acceleration of vesting and exercisability upon the occurrence of a specified event. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, if the exercise of a Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right within the permitted time periods is prohibited because such exercise would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act or any other Applicable Law or the rules of any securities exchange or interdealer quotation system, the Companys insider trading policy (including any blackout periods) or a lock-up agreement entered into in connection with the issuance of securities by the Company, then the expiration of such Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be extended until the date that is thirty (30) days after the end of the period during which the exercise of the Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right would be in violation of such registration requirement or other Applicable Law or rules, blackout period or lock-up agreement, as determined by the Committee; provided, however, that in no event shall any such extension result in any Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right remaining exercisable after the ten (10)-year term of the applicable Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right.
6.6 Method of Exercise. Subject to any applicable waiting period or exercisability provisions under Section 6.5, to the extent vested, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights may be exercised in whole or in part at any time during the term of the applicable Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right, by giving written notice of exercise (which may be electronic) to the Company specifying the number of Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, as applicable, being exercised. Such notice shall be accompanied by payment in full of the exercise price (which shall equal the product of such number of Shares to be purchased multiplied by the applicable
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exercise price). The exercise price for the Stock Options may be paid upon such terms and conditions as shall be established by the Committee and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, the Committee may establish payment terms for the exercise of Stock Options pursuant to which the Company may withhold a number of Shares that otherwise would be issued to the Participant in connection with the exercise of the Stock Option having a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the exercise price, or that permit the Participant to deliver cash or Shares with a Fair Market Value equal to the exercise price on the date of payment, or through a simultaneous sale through a broker of Shares acquired on exercise, all as permitted by Applicable Law. No Shares shall be issued until payment therefor, as provided herein, has been made or provided for. Upon the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right a Participant shall be entitled to receive, for each right exercised, up to, but no more than, an amount in cash and/or Shares (as chosen by the Committee in its sole discretion) equal in value to the excess of the Fair Market Value of one (1) Share on the date that the right is exercised over the Fair Market Value of one (1) Share on the date that the right was awarded to the Participant.
6.7 Non-Transferability. No Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be transferable by the Participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and all Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall be exercisable, during the Participants lifetime, only by the Participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may determine, in its sole discretion, at the time of grant or thereafter that a Non-Qualified Stock Option that is otherwise not transferable pursuant to this Section 6.7 is transferable to a Family Member of the Participant in whole or in part and in such circumstances, and under such conditions, as specified by the Committee. A Non-Qualified Stock Option that is transferred to a Family Member pursuant to the preceding sentence (a) may not be subsequently transferred other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and (b) remains subject to the terms of this Plan and the applicable Award Agreement. Any Shares acquired upon the exercise of a Non-Qualified Stock Option by a permissible transferee of a Non-Qualified Stock Option or a permissible transferee pursuant to a transfer after the exercise of the Non-Qualified Stock Option shall be subject to the terms of this Plan and the applicable Award Agreement.
6.8 Termination. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee at grant or, if no rights of the Participant are reduced, thereafter, subject to the provisions of the applicable Award Agreement and this Plan, upon a Participants Termination of Service for any reason, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights may remain exercisable following a Participants Termination of Service as follows:
(a) Termination by Death or Disability. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, or otherwise determined by the Committee at the time of grant or, if no rights of the Participant are reduced, thereafter, if a Participants Termination of Service is by reason of death or Disability, all Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights that are held by such Participant that are vested and exercisable at the time of the Participants Termination of Service may be exercised by the Participant (or in the case of the Participants death, by the legal representative of the Participants estate) at any time within a period of one (1) year from the date of such Termination of Service, but in no event beyond the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights; provided, however, that, in the event of a Participants Termination of Service by reason of Disability, if the Participant dies within such exercise period, all unexercised Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights held by such Participant shall thereafter be exercisable, to the extent to which they were exercisable at the time of death, for a period of one (1) year from the date of such death, but in no event beyond the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights.
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(b) Involuntary Termination Without Cause. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or otherwise determined by the Committee at the time of grant or, if no rights of the Participant are reduced, thereafter, if a Participants Termination of Service is by involuntary termination by the Company without Cause, all Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights that are held by such Participant that are vested and exercisable at the time of the Participants Termination of Service may be exercised by the Participant at any time within a period of ninety (90) days from the date of such Termination of Service, but in no event beyond the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights.
(c) Voluntary Resignation. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or otherwise determined by the Committee at the time of grant or, if no rights of the Participant are reduced, thereafter, if a Participants Termination of Service is voluntary (other than a voluntary termination described in Section 6.8(d) hereof), all Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights that are held by such Participant that are vested and exercisable at the time of the Participants Termination of Service may be exercised by the Participant at any time within a period of thirty (30) days from the date of such Termination of Service, but in no event beyond the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights.
(d) Termination for Cause. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or determined by the Committee at the time of grant, or if no rights of the Participant are reduced, thereafter, if a Participants Termination of Service (i) is for Cause or (ii) is a voluntary Termination of Service (as provided in Section 6.8(c)) after the occurrence of an event that would be grounds for a Termination of Service for Cause, all Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, whether vested or not vested, that are held by such Participant shall thereupon immediately terminate and expire as of the date of such Termination of Service.
(e) Unvested Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or determined by the Committee at the time of grant or, if no rights of the Participant are reduced, thereafter, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights that are not vested as of the date of a Participants Termination of Service for any reason shall terminate and expire as of the date of such Termination of Service.
(f) Incentive Stock Option Limitations. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the time of grant) of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by an Eligible Employee during any calendar year under this Plan and/or any other stock option plan of the Company or any Subsidiary exceeds $100,000, such Options shall be treated as Non-Qualified Stock Options. In addition, if an Eligible Employee does not remain employed by the Company or any Subsidiary at all times from the time an Incentive Stock Option is granted until three (3) months prior to the date of exercise thereof (or such other period as required by Applicable Law), such Stock Option shall be treated as a Non-Qualified Stock Option. Should any provision of this Plan not be necessary in order for the Stock Options to qualify as Incentive Stock Options, or should any additional provisions be required, the Committee may amend this Plan accordingly, without the necessity of obtaining the approval of the stockholders of the Company.
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(g) Modification, Extension and Renewal of Stock Options. The Committee may (i) modify, extend, or renew outstanding Stock Options granted under this Plan (provided that the rights of a Participant are not reduced without such Participants consent and provided, further that such action does not subject the Stock Options to Section 409A of the Code without the consent of the Participant), and (ii) accept the surrender of outstanding Stock Options (to the extent not theretofore exercised) and authorize the granting of new Stock Options in substitution therefor (to the extent not theretofore exercised).
6.9 Automatic Exercise. The Committee may include a provision in an Award Agreement providing for the automatic exercise of a Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right on a cashless basis on the last day of the term of such Option or Stock Appreciation Right if the Participant has failed to exercise the Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right as of such date, with respect to which the Fair Market Value of the Shares underlying the Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right exceeds the exercise price of such Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right on the date of expiration of such Option or Stock Appreciation Right, subject to Section 13.4.
6.10 Dividends. No dividends or Dividend Equivalent Rights shall be granted with respect to Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights.
6.11 Other Terms and Conditions. As the Committee shall deem appropriate, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights may be subject to additional terms and conditions or other provisions, which shall not be inconsistent with any of the terms of this Plan.
ARTICLE VII
RESTRICTED STOCK; RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
7.1 Awards of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. Shares of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units may be granted alone or in addition to other Awards granted under this Plan. The Committee shall determine the Eligible Individuals to whom, and the time or times at which, grants of Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units shall be made, the number of shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units to be awarded, the price (if any) to be paid by the Participant (subject to Section 7.2), the time or times within which such Awards may be subject to forfeiture, the vesting schedule and rights to acceleration thereof, and all other terms and conditions of the Awards. The Committee shall determine and set forth in the Award Agreement the terms and conditions for each Award of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units, subject to the conditions and limitations contained in this Plan, including any vesting or forfeiture conditions.
The Committee may condition the grant or vesting of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units upon the attainment of specified Performance Goals or such other factor as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion.
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7.2 Awards and Certificates. Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units granted under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement and subject to the following terms and conditions and shall be in such form and contain such additional terms and conditions not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem desirable:
(a) Restricted Stock.
(i) Purchase Price. The purchase price of Restricted Stock shall be fixed by the Committee. The purchase price for shares of Restricted Stock may be zero to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, and, to the extent not so permitted, such purchase price may not be less than par value.
(ii) Legend. Each Participant receiving Restricted Stock shall be issued a stock certificate in respect of such shares of Restricted Stock, unless the Committee elects to use another system, such as book entries by the Companys transfer agent, as evidencing ownership of shares of Restricted Stock. Such certificate shall be registered in the name of such Participant, and shall, in addition to such legends required by Applicable Law, bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock.
(iii) Custody. If stock certificates are issued in respect of shares of Restricted Stock, the Committee may require that any stock certificates evidencing such shares be held in custody by the Company until the restrictions thereon shall have lapsed, and that, as a condition of any grant of Restricted Stock, the Participant shall have delivered a duly signed stock power or other instruments of assignment (including a power of attorney), each endorsed in blank with a guarantee of signature if deemed necessary or appropriate by the Company, which would permit transfer to the Company of all or a portion of the shares subject to the Award of Restricted Stock in the event that such Award is forfeited in whole or part.
(iv) Rights as a Stockholder. Except as provided in Section 7.3(a) and this Section 7.2(a) or as otherwise determined by the Committee in an Award Agreement, the Participant shall have, with respect to the shares of Restricted Stock, all of the rights of a holder of Shares, including, without limitation, the right to receive dividends, the right to vote such shares, and, subject to and conditioned upon the full vesting of shares of Restricted Stock, the right to tender such shares; provided that the Award Agreement shall specify on what terms and conditions the applicable Participant shall be entitled to dividends payable on the Shares.
(v) Lapse of Restrictions. If and when the Restriction Period expires without a prior forfeiture of the Restricted Stock, the certificates for such Shares shall be delivered to the Participant. All legends shall be removed from said certificates at the time of delivery to the Participant, except as otherwise required by Applicable Law or other limitations imposed by the Committee.
(b) Restricted Stock Units.
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(i) Settlement. The Committee may provide that settlement of Restricted Stock Units will occur upon or as soon as reasonably practical after the Restricted Stock Units vest or will instead be deferred, on a mandatory basis or at the Participants election, in a manner intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code.
(ii) Rights as a Stockholder. A Participant will have no rights of a stockholder with respect to Shares subject to any Restricted Stock Unit unless and until Shares are delivered in settlement of the Restricted Stock Units.
(iii) Dividend Equivalent Rights. If the Committee so provides, a grant of Restricted Stock Units may provide a Participant with the right to receive Dividend Equivalent Rights. Dividend Equivalent Rights may be paid currently or credited to an account for the Participant, settled in cash or Shares and subject to other terms and conditions as set forth in the Award Agreement.
7.3 Restrictions and Conditions.
(a) Restriction Period.
(i) The Participant shall not be permitted to transfer shares of Restricted Stock awarded under this Plan or vest in Restricted Stock Units during the period or periods set by the Committee (the Restriction Period) commencing on the date of such Award, as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement and such agreement shall set forth a vesting schedule and any event that would accelerate vesting of the Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units. Within these limits, based on service, attainment of Performance Goals pursuant to Section 7.3(a)(i), and/or such other factors or criteria as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion, the Committee may condition the grant or provide for the lapse of such restrictions in installments in whole or in part, or may accelerate the vesting of all or any part of any Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units and/or waive the deferral limitations for all or any part of any Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units.
(ii) If the grant of shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units or the lapse of restrictions or vesting schedule is based on the attainment of Performance Goals, the Committee shall establish the objective Performance Goals and the applicable vesting percentage applicable to each Participant or class of Participants in the applicable Award Agreement prior to the beginning of the applicable fiscal year or at such later date as otherwise determined by the Committee and while the outcome of the Performance Goals are substantially uncertain. Such Performance Goals may incorporate provisions for disregarding (or adjusting for) changes in accounting methods, corporate transactions (including, without limitation, dispositions and acquisitions), and other similar types of events or circumstances.
(b) Termination. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or determined by the Committee at grant or, if no rights of the Participant are reduced, thereafter, upon a Participants Termination of Service for any reason during the relevant Restriction Period, all Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units still subject to restriction will be forfeited in accordance with the terms and conditions established by the Committee at grant or thereafter.
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ARTICLE VIII
PERFORMANCE AWARDS
The Committee may grant a Performance Award to a Participant payable upon the attainment of specific Performance Goals either alone or in addition to other Awards granted under this Plan. The Performance Goals to be achieved during the Performance Period and the length of the Performance Period shall be determined by the Committee upon the grant of each Performance Award. The conditions for grant or vesting and the other provisions of Performance Awards (including, without limitation, any applicable Performance Goals) need not be the same with respect to each Participant. Performance Awards may be paid in cash, Shares, other property, or any combination thereof, in the sole discretion of the Committee as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. If the Committee so provides, a grant of a Performance Award may provide a Participant with the right to receive dividends or Dividend Equivalent Rights. Dividend Equivalent Rights may be paid currently or credited to an account for the Participant, settled in cash or Shares and subject to other terms and conditions as set forth in the Award Agreement.
ARTICLE IX
OTHER STOCK-BASED AND CASH AWARDS
9.1 Other Stock-Based Awards. The Committee is authorized to grant to Eligible Individuals Other Stock-Based Awards that are payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to Shares, including but not limited to, Shares awarded purely as a bonus and not subject to restrictions or conditions, Shares in payment of the amounts due under an incentive or performance plan sponsored or maintained by the Company, stock equivalent units, and Awards valued by reference to the book value of Shares. Other Stock-Based Awards may be granted either alone or in addition to or in tandem with other Awards granted under this Plan.
Subject to the provisions of this Plan, the Committee shall have authority to determine the Eligible Individuals, to whom, and the time or times at which, such Other Stock-Based Awards shall be made, the number of Shares to be awarded pursuant to such Awards, and all other conditions of the Awards. The Committee may also provide for the grant of Shares under such Awards upon the completion of a specified Performance Period. The Committee may condition the grant or vesting of Other Stock-Based Awards upon the attainment of specified Performance Goals as the Committee may determine, in its sole discretion.
9.2 Terms and Conditions. Other Stock-Based Awards made pursuant to this Article IX shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement and subject to the following terms and conditions and shall be in such form and contain such additional terms and conditions not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem desirable:
(a) Non-Transferability. Subject to the applicable provisions of the Award Agreement and this Plan, Shares subject to Other Stock-Based Awards may not be transferred prior to the date on which the Shares are issued or, if later, the date on which any applicable restriction, performance, or deferral period lapses.
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(b) Dividends. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee at the time of the grant of an Other Stock-Based Award, subject to the provisions of the Award Agreement and this Plan, the recipient of an Other Stock-Based Award shall not be entitled to receive, currently or on a deferred basis, dividends or Dividend Equivalent Rights in respect of the number of Shares covered by the Other Stock-Based Award.
(c) Vesting. Any Other Stock-Based Award and any Shares covered by any such Other Stock-Based Award shall vest or be forfeited to the extent so provided in the Award Agreement, as determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion.
(d) Price. Shares under this Article IX may be issued for no cash consideration. Shares purchased pursuant to a purchase right awarded pursuant to an Other Stock-Based Award shall be priced, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
9.3 Cash Awards. The Committee may from time to time grant Cash Awards to Eligible Individuals in such amounts, on such terms and conditions, and for such consideration, including no consideration or such minimum consideration as may be required by Applicable Law, as it shall determine in its sole discretion. Cash Awards may be granted subject to the satisfaction of vesting conditions or may be awarded purely as a bonus and not subject to restrictions or conditions, and if subject to vesting conditions, the Committee may accelerate the vesting of such Awards at any time in its sole discretion. The grant of a Cash Award shall not require a segregation of any of the Companys assets for satisfaction of the Companys payment obligation thereunder.
ARTICLE X
CHANGE IN CONTROL PROVISIONS
10.1 Benefits. In the event of a Change in Control, and except as otherwise provided by the Committee in an Award Agreement or any applicable employment agreement, offer letter, consulting agreement, change in control agreement, or similar agreement in effect between the Company or an Affiliate and the Participant, a Participants unvested Awards shall not vest automatically and a Participants Awards shall be treated in accordance with one or more of the following methods as determined by the Committee:
(a) Awards, whether or not then vested, shall be continued, be assumed, or have new rights substituted therefor, as determined by the Committee in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, and restrictions to which shares of Restricted Stock or any other Award granted prior to the Change in Control are subject shall not lapse upon a Change in Control and the Restricted Stock or other Award shall, where appropriate in the sole discretion of the Committee, receive the same distribution as other Shares on such terms as determined by the Committee; provided that the Committee may decide to award additional Restricted Stock or other Awards in lieu of any cash distribution. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for purposes of Incentive Stock Options, any assumed or substituted Stock Option shall comply with the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.424-1 (and any amendment thereto).
(b) The Committee, in its sole discretion, may provide for the purchase of any Awards by the Company for an amount of cash equal to the excess (if any) of the Change in Control Price of the Shares covered by such Awards, over the aggregate exercise price of such Awards; provided, however, that if the exercise price of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right exceeds the Change in Control Price, such Award may be cancelled for no consideration.
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(c) The Committee may, in its sole discretion, terminate all outstanding and unexercised Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, or any Other Stock-Based Award that provides for a Participant-elected exercise, effective as of the date of the Change in Control, by delivering notice of termination to each Participant at least twenty (20) days prior to the date of consummation of the Change in Control, in which case during the period from the date on which such notice of termination is delivered to the consummation of the Change in Control, each such Participant shall have the right to exercise in full all of such Participants Awards that are then outstanding (without regard to any limitations on exercisability otherwise contained in the Award Agreements), but any such exercise shall be contingent on the occurrence of the Change in Control, and, provided that, if the Change in Control does not take place within a specified period after giving such notice for any reason whatsoever, the notice and exercise pursuant thereto shall be null and void.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide for accelerated vesting or lapse of restrictions, of an Award at any time.
ARTICLE XI
TERMINATION OR AMENDMENT OF PLAN
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, the Board or the Committee may at any time, and from time to time, amend, in whole or in part, any or all of the provisions of this Plan (including any amendment deemed necessary to ensure that the Company may comply with any Applicable Law), or suspend or terminate it entirely, retroactively or otherwise; provided, however, that, unless otherwise required by Applicable Law or specifically provided herein, the rights of a Participant with respect to Awards granted prior to such amendment, suspension, or termination may not be materially impaired without the consent of such Participant and, provided, further, that without the approval of the holders of the Shares entitled to vote in accordance with Applicable Law, no amendment may be made that would (a) increase the aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under this Plan (except by operation of Section 4.1); or (b) change the classification of individuals eligible to receive Awards under this Plan. In addition, the Board or the Committee shall, without the approval of the holders of the Shares entitled to vote in accordance with Applicable Law, have the authority to (i) amend any outstanding Option or Stock Appreciation Right to reduce its exercise price per Share or (ii) cancel any Option or Stock Appreciation Right in exchange for cash or another Award. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Board or the Committee may amend this Plan or any Award Agreement at any time without a Participants consent to comply with Applicable Law, including Section 409A of the Code. The Committee may amend the terms of any Award theretofore granted, prospectively or retroactively, but, subject to Article IV or as otherwise specifically provided herein, no such amendment or other action by the Committee shall materially impair the rights of any Participant without the Participants consent.
ARTICLE XII
UNFUNDED STATUS OF PLAN
This Plan is intended to constitute an unfunded plan for incentive and deferred compensation. With respect to any payment as to which a Participant has a fixed and vested interest but which is not yet made to a Participant by the Company, nothing contained herein shall give any such Participant any right that is greater than those of a general unsecured creditor of the Company.
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ARTICLE XIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
13.1 Lock-Up; Legend. The Committee may require each person receiving Shares pursuant to a Stock Option or other Award under this Plan to represent to and agree with the Company in writing that the Participant is acquiring the Shares without a view to distribution thereof. The Company may, in connection with registering the offering of any Company securities under the Securities Act, prohibit Participants from, directly or indirectly, selling or otherwise transferring any Shares or other Company securities during any period determined by the underwriter or the Company. In addition to any legend required by this Plan, the certificates for such Shares may include any legend that the Committee deems appropriate to reflect any restrictions on transfer. All certificates for Shares delivered under this Plan shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the rules, regulations, and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange upon which the Common Stock is then listed or any national securities exchange system upon whose system the Common Stock is then quoted, and any Applicable Law, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions. If the Shares are held in book-entry form, then the book-entry will indicate any restrictions on such Shares.
13.2 Other Plans. Nothing contained in this Plan shall prevent the Board from adopting other or additional compensation arrangements, subject to stockholder approval if such approval is required, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.
13.3 No Right to Employment/Directorship/Consultancy. Neither this Plan nor the grant of any Award hereunder shall give any Participant or other employee, Consultant or Non-Employee Director any right with respect to continuance of employment, consultancy or directorship by the Company or any Affiliate, nor shall there be a limitation in any way on the right of the Company or any Affiliate by which an employee is employed or a Consultant or Non-Employee Director is retained to terminate such employment, consultancy, or directorship at any time.
13.4 Withholding of Taxes. A Participant shall be required to pay to the Company or one of its Affiliates, as applicable, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Company regarding the payment of, any income tax, social insurance contribution or other applicable taxes that are required to be withheld in respect of an Award. The Committee may (but is not obligated to), in its sole discretion, permit or require a Participant to satisfy all or any portion of the applicable taxes that are required to be withheld with respect to an Award by (a) the delivery of Shares (which are not subject to any pledge or other security interest) that have been both held by the Participant and vested for at least six (6) months (or such other period as established from time to time by the Committee in order to avoid adverse accounting treatment under applicable accounting standards) having an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to such withholding liability (or portion thereof); (b) having the Company withhold from the Shares otherwise issuable or deliverable to, or that would otherwise be retained by, the Participant upon the grant, exercise, vesting, or settlement of the Award, as applicable, a number of Shares with an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such withholding liability; or (c) by any other means specified in the applicable Award Agreement or otherwise determined by the Committee.
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13.5 Fractional Shares. No fractional Shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to this Plan. The Committee shall determine whether cash, additional Awards, or other securities or property shall be used or paid in lieu of fractional Shares or whether any fractional shares should be rounded, forfeited, or otherwise eliminated.
13.6 No Assignment of Benefits. No Award or other benefit payable under this Plan shall, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Plan or under Applicable Law or permitted by the Committee, be transferable in any manner, and any attempt to transfer any such benefit shall be void, and any such benefit shall not in any manner be liable for or subject to the debts, contracts, liabilities, engagements, or torts of any person who shall be entitled to such benefit, nor shall it be subject to attachment or legal process for or against such person.
13.7 Clawback Policy. All awards, amounts, or benefits received or outstanding under this Plan will be subject to clawback, cancellation, recoupment, rescission, payback, reduction, or other similar action in accordance with any Company clawback or similar policy or any Applicable Law related to such actions. A Participants acceptance of an Award will constitute the Participants acknowledgement of and consent to the Companys application, implementation, and enforcement of any applicable Company clawback or similar policy that may apply to the Participant, whether adopted before or after the Effective Date, and any Applicable Law relating to clawback, cancellation, recoupment, rescission, payback, or reduction of compensation, and the Participants agreement that the Company may take any actions that may be necessary to effectuate any such policy or Applicable Law, without further consideration or action.
13.8 Listing and Other Conditions.
(a) Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, as long as the Common Stock is listed on a national securities exchange or system sponsored by a national securities association, the issuance of Shares pursuant to an Award shall be conditioned upon such Shares being listed on such exchange or system. The Company shall have no obligation to issue such Shares unless and until such Shares are so listed, and the right to exercise any Option or other Award with respect to such Shares shall be suspended until such listing has been effected.
(b) If at any time counsel to the Company advises the Company that any sale or delivery of Shares pursuant to an Award is or may in the circumstances be unlawful or result in the imposition of excise taxes on the Company under Applicable Law, the Company shall have no obligation to make such sale or delivery, or to make any application or to effect or to maintain any qualification or registration under the Securities Act or otherwise, with respect to Shares or Awards, and the right to exercise any Option or other Award shall be suspended until, based on the advice of said counsel, such sale or delivery shall be lawful or will not result in the imposition of excise taxes on the Company.
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(c) Upon termination of any period of suspension under this Section 13.8, any Award affected by such suspension which shall not then have expired or terminated shall be reinstated as to all Shares available before such suspension and as to Shares which would otherwise have become available during the period of such suspension, but no such suspension shall extend the term of any Award.
(d) A Participant shall be required to supply the Company with certificates, representations, and information that the Company requests and otherwise cooperate with the Company in obtaining any listing, registration, qualification, exemption, consent, or approval that the Company deems necessary or appropriate.
13.9 Governing Law. This Plan and actions taken in connection herewith shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
13.10 Construction. Wherever any words are used in this Plan in the masculine gender they shall be construed as though they were also used in the feminine gender in all cases where they would so apply, and wherever words are used herein in the singular form they shall be construed as though they were also used in the plural form in all cases where they would so apply.
13.11 Other Benefits. No Award granted or paid out under this Plan shall be deemed compensation for purposes of computing benefits under any retirement plan of the Company or its Affiliates or affect any benefit or compensation under any other plan now or subsequently in effect under which the availability or amount of benefits is related to the level of compensation.
13.12 Costs. The Company shall bear all expenses associated with administering this Plan, including expenses of issuing Shares pursuant to Awards hereunder.
13.13 No Right to Same Benefits. The provisions of Awards need not be the same with respect to each Participant, and such Awards to individual Participants need not be the same in subsequent years.
13.14 Death/Disability. The Committee may in its discretion require the transferee of a Participant to supply it with written notice of the Participants death or Disability and to supply it with a copy of the will (in the case of the Participants death) or such other evidence as the Committee deems necessary to establish the validity of the transfer of an Award. The Committee may also require the agreement of the transferee to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of this Plan.
13.15 Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act. It is the intent of the Company that this Plan satisfy, and be interpreted in a manner that satisfies, the applicable requirements of Rule 16b-3 as promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act so that Participants will be entitled to the benefit of Rule 16b-3, or any other rule promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and will not be subject to short-swing liability under Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Accordingly, if the operation of any provision of this Plan would conflict with the intent expressed in this Section 13.15, such provision to the extent possible shall be interpreted and/or deemed amended so as to avoid such conflict.
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13.16 Deferral of Awards. The Committee may establish one or more programs under this Plan to permit selected Participants the opportunity to elect to defer receipt of consideration upon exercise of an Award, satisfaction of performance criteria, or other event that absent the election would entitle the Participant to payment or receipt of Shares or other consideration under an Award. The Committee may establish the election procedures, the timing of such elections, the mechanisms for payments of, and accrual of interest or other earnings, if any, on amounts, Shares or other consideration so deferred, and such other terms, conditions, rules, and procedures that the Committee deems advisable for the administration of any such deferral program.
13.17 Section 409A of the Code. This Plan and Awards are intended to comply with or be exempt from the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code and shall be limited, construed, and interpreted in accordance with such intent. To the extent that any Award is subject to Section 409A of the Code, it shall be paid in a manner that will comply with Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any provision in this Plan that is inconsistent with Section 409A of the Code shall be deemed to be amended to comply with or be exempt from Section 409A of the Code and, to the extent such provision cannot be amended to comply therewith or be exempt therefrom, such provision shall be null and void. The Company shall have no liability to a Participant, or any other party, if an Award that is intended to be exempt from, or compliant with, Section 409A of the Code is not so exempt or compliant or for any action taken by the Committee or the Company and, in the event that any amount or benefit under this Plan becomes subject to penalties under Section 409A of the Code, responsibility for payment of such penalties shall rest solely with the affected Participants and not with the Company. Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Plan or Award Agreement, any payment(s) of nonqualified deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) that are otherwise required to be made under this Plan to a specified employee (as defined under Section 409A of the Code) as a result of such employees separation from service (other than a payment that is not subject to Section 409A of the Code) shall be delayed for the first six (6) months following such separation from service (or, if earlier, until the date of death of the specified employee) and shall instead be paid (in a manner set forth in the Award Agreement) upon expiration of such delay period.
13.18 Data Privacy. As a condition of receipt of any Award, each Participant explicitly and unambiguously consents to the collection, use, and transfer, in electronic or other form, of personal data as described in this Section 13.18 by and among, as applicable, the Company and its Affiliates, for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering, and managing this Plan and Awards and the Participants participation in this Plan. In furtherance of such implementation, administration, and management, the Company and its Affiliates may hold certain personal information about a Participant, including, but not limited to, the Participants name, home address, telephone number, date of birth, social security or insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title(s), information regarding any securities of the Company or any of its Affiliates, and details of all Awards (the Data). In addition to transferring the Data amongst themselves as necessary for the purpose of implementation, administration, and management of this Plan and Awards and the Participants participation in this Plan, the Company and its Affiliates may each transfer the Data to any third parties assisting the Company in the implementation, administration, and management of this Plan and Awards and the Participants participation in this Plan. Recipients of the Data may be located in the Participants country or elsewhere, and the Participants country and any given recipients country may have different data privacy laws and protections. By accepting an Award, each Participant authorizes such recipients to receive, possess, use, retain, and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the purposes of assisting the Company in the implementation, administration, and management of this Plan and Awards and the
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Participants participation in this Plan, including any requisite transfer of such Data as may be required to a broker or other third party with whom the Company or the Participant may elect to deposit any shares of Common Stock. The Data related to a Participant will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer, and manage this Plan and Awards and the Participants participation in this Plan. A Participant may, at any time, view the Data held by the Company with respect to such Participant, request additional information about the storage and processing of the Data with respect to such Participant, recommend any necessary corrections to the Data with respect to the Participant, or refuse or withdraw the consents herein in writing, in any case without cost, by contacting his or her local human resources representative. The Company may cancel the Participants eligibility to participate in this Plan, and in the Committees discretion, the Participant may forfeit any outstanding Awards if the Participant refuses or withdraws the consents described herein. For more information on the consequences of refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, Participants may contact their local human resources representative.
13.19 Successor and Assigns. This Plan shall be binding on all successors and permitted assigns of a Participant, including, without limitation, the estate of such Participant and the executor, administrator, or trustee of such estate.
13.20 Severability of Provisions. If any provision of this Plan shall be held invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions hereof, and this Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such provisions had not been included.
13.21 Headings and Captions. The headings and captions herein are provided for reference and convenience only, shall not be considered part of this Plan, and shall not be employed in the construction of this Plan.
ARTICLE XIV
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN
This Plan shall become effective on , which is the date of its adoption by the Board, subject to the approval of this Plan by the stockholders of the Company in accordance with the requirements of the laws of the State of Delaware.
ARTICLE XV
TERM OF PLAN
No Award shall be granted pursuant to this Plan on or after the tenth (10th) anniversary of the earlier of the date that this Plan is adopted by the Board or the date of stockholder approval, but Awards granted prior to such tenth (10th) anniversary may extend beyond that date.
* * * * *
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Exhibit 10.4
FORM OF
TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT
between
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
and
THE PERSONS NAMED HEREIN
Dated as of []
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS | 1 | |||||
Section 1.1 |
Definitions |
1 | ||||
Section 1.2 |
Rules of Construction |
10 | ||||
ARTICLE II DETERMINATION OF REALIZED TAX BENEFIT | 11 | |||||
Section 2.1 |
Attribute Schedule |
11 | ||||
Section 2.2 |
Tax Benefit Schedule |
11 | ||||
Section 2.3 |
Procedures, Amendments |
12 | ||||
ARTICLE III TAX BENEFIT PAYMENTS | 13 | |||||
Section 3.1 |
Payments |
13 | ||||
Section 3.2 |
No Duplicative Payments |
14 | ||||
Section 3.3 |
Pro Rata Payments |
14 | ||||
ARTICLE IV TERMINATION | 15 | |||||
Section 4.1 |
Early Termination of Agreement; Breach of Agreement |
15 | ||||
Section 4.2 |
Early Termination Notice |
16 | ||||
Section 4.3 |
Payment upon Early Termination |
16 | ||||
ARTICLE V SUBORDINATION AND LATE PAYMENTS | 17 | |||||
Section 5.1 |
Subordination |
17 | ||||
Section 5.2 |
Late Payments by the Corporate Taxpayer |
17 | ||||
ARTICLE VI NO DISPUTES; CONSISTENCY; COOPERATION | 17 | |||||
Section 6.1 |
Participation in the Corporate Taxpayers and OpCos Tax Matters |
17 | ||||
Section 6.2 |
Consistency |
18 | ||||
Section 6.3 |
Cooperation |
18 | ||||
ARTICLE VII MISCELLANEOUS | 18 | |||||
Section 7.1 |
Notices |
18 | ||||
Section 7.2 |
Counterparts |
20 | ||||
Section 7.3 |
Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries |
20 | ||||
Section 7.4 |
Governing Law |
20 | ||||
Section 7.5 |
Severability |
20 | ||||
Section 7.6 |
Successors; Assignment; ROFR; Amendments; Waivers |
20 | ||||
Section 7.7 |
Disputes |
22 | ||||
Section 7.8 |
Reconciliation |
22 | ||||
Section 7.9 |
Withholding |
23 | ||||
Section 7.10 |
Admission of the Corporate Taxpayer into a Consolidated Group; Transfers of Corporate Assets |
23 | ||||
Section 7.11 |
Confidentiality |
24 | ||||
Section 7.12 |
Change in Law |
25 | ||||
Section 7.13 |
Tax Characterization and Elections |
25 | ||||
Section 7.14 |
TRA Party Representative |
26 |
ANNEXES AND EXHIBITS
Annex A | | TRA Parties | ||
Exhibit A | | Form of Joinder Agreement |
TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT
This TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT (this Agreement) is dated as of [], and is between Infinity Natural Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation (including any successor corporation, the Corporate Taxpayer), and each of the TRA Parties that are from time to time a party hereto.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the TRA Parties directly hold equity interests (the Units) in Infinity Natural Resources, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (OpCo);
WHEREAS, OpCo is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
WHEREAS, the Units held by the TRA Parties may be exchanged for Class A common stock (the Class A Shares) of the Corporate Taxpayer or cash consideration, in accordance with and subject to the provisions of the LLC Agreement (each, an Exchange);
WHEREAS, as a result any such Exchanges, the Corporate Taxpayer may be entitled to utilize (or otherwise be entitled to the benefits arising out of) the Covered Tax Assets; and
WHEREAS, the income, gain, loss, expense, deduction and other Tax items of the Corporate Taxpayer may be affected by the Covered Tax Assets, and the parties to this Agreement desire to make certain arrangements with respect to the effects of the Covered Tax Assets.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective covenants and agreements set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1 Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the terms set forth in this Article I shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined).
Actual Tax Liability means, with respect to any Taxable Year, the actual liability for U.S. federal, state and local income Taxes of (a) the Corporate Taxpayer and (b) without duplication, OpCo and its Subsidiaries, but in the case of this clause (b) only with respect to U.S. federal, state and local income Taxes imposed on OpCo and its Subsidiaries and allocable to the Corporate Taxpayer; provided that the actual liability for Taxes described in clauses (a) and (b) shall be calculated by assuming (i) that any Subsequently Acquired TRA Attributes do not exist, (ii) solely for purposes of calculating the state and local Actual Tax Liability of the Corporate Taxpayer, that the applicable tax rate is the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate, and (iii) solely for purposes of calculating the Corporate Taxpayers U.S. federal Actual Tax Liability, in order to prevent double counting, that state and local income and franchise Taxes are not deductible by the Corporate Taxpayer for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
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Affiliate means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such first Person.
Agreed Rate means a per annum rate of SOFR plus 100 basis points.
Agreement is defined in the Preamble to this Agreement.
Amended Schedule is defined in Section 2.3(b) of this Agreement.
Assumed State and Local Tax Rate means the tax rate equal to the sum of the product of (a) the Corporate Taxpayers income and franchise tax apportionment rate(s) for each state and local jurisdiction in which the Corporate Taxpayer or OpCo (or any of their Subsidiaries that are treated as partnerships or disregarded entities for U.S. federal or applicable state and local tax purposes) files income or franchise Tax Returns for the relevant Taxable Year and (b) the highest corporate income and franchise tax rate(s) for each such state and local jurisdiction in which the Corporate Taxpayer, OpCo or their applicable Subsidiaries file income or franchise Tax Returns for each such relevant Taxable Year; provided that, solely in respect of the Corporate Taxpayer, to the extent, for any Taxable Year, that state and local income and franchise Taxes are deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes by the Corporate Taxpayer (including any member thereof) for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate calculated pursuant to the foregoing shall be reduced by the assumed federal income Tax benefit received by the Corporate Taxpayer with respect to state and local jurisdiction income and franchise Taxes (with such benefit calculated as the product of (i) the Corporate Taxpayers marginal U.S. federal income tax rate for the relevant Taxable Year and (ii) the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate without regard to this proviso).
Attributable is defined in Section 3.1(b) of this Agreement.
Attribute Schedule is defined in Section 2.1 of this Agreement.
Basis Adjustment means the adjustment to the tax basis of, or the Corporate Taxpayers share of the tax basis of, a Reference Asset (a) under Sections 732, 734(b) and 1012 of the Code and any comparable sections of U.S. state and local tax law (in situations where, as a result of one or more Exchanges, OpCo becomes an entity that is disregarded as separate from its owner for U.S. federal income tax purposes) or (b) under Sections 734(b), 743(b) and 754 of the Code and any comparable sections of U.S. state and local tax law (in situations where, following an Exchange, OpCo remains in existence as an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes), in each case, as a result of any Exchange and any payments made pursuant to this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the amount of any Basis Adjustment resulting from an Exchange of one or more Units (i) shall be determined without regard to any Pre-Exchange Transfer of such Units and as if any such Pre-Exchange Transfer had not occurred and (ii) shall not include the portion of any Tax Benefit Payment representing Imputed Interest.
Beneficial Owner means, with respect to any security, a Person who directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares: (a) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of, such security; and/or (b) investment power, which includes the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, such security. The terms Beneficially Own and Beneficial Ownership shall have correlative meanings.
2
Board means the Board of Directors of the Corporate Taxpayer.
Business Day means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or any other day on which commercial banks are authorized or required by applicable law to be closed in New York, New York.
Change of Control means the occurrence of any of the following events or series of events after the IPO Date: (a) any Person (other than a Permitted Investor) or any group of Persons acting together that would constitute a group for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, or any successor provisions thereto (excluding (i) a corporation or other entity owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Corporate Taxpayer in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Corporate Taxpayer or (ii) a group of Persons in which one or more Permitted Investors or Affiliates of Permitted Investors directly or indirectly hold Beneficial Ownership of securities representing more than 50% of the total voting power held by such group) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Corporate Taxpayer representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Corporate Taxpayers then outstanding voting securities; (b) the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors of the Corporate Taxpayer then serving: individuals who, on the IPO Date, constitute the Board and any new director whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Corporate Taxpayers shareholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the IPO Date or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended by the directors referred to in this clause (b); (c) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Corporate Taxpayer with any other corporation or other entity, and, immediately after the consummation of such merger or consolidation, either (i) the members of the Board immediately prior to the merger or consolidation do not constitute at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the company surviving the merger or, if the surviving company is a Subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof, or (ii) the voting securities of the Corporate Taxpayer immediately prior to such merger or consolidation do not continue to represent or are not converted into more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger or consolidation or, if the surviving company is a Subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof; or (d) the shareholders of the Corporate Taxpayer approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Corporate Taxpayer or there is consummated an agreement or series of related agreements for the sale or other disposition, directly or indirectly, by the Corporate Taxpayer of all or substantially all of the Corporate Taxpayers assets, other than such sale or other disposition by the Corporate Taxpayer of all or substantially all of the Corporate Taxpayers assets to an entity at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by shareholders of the Corporate Taxpayer in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Corporate Taxpayer immediately prior to such sale.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, except with respect to clause (b) and clause (c)(i) above, a Change of Control shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the shares of the Corporate Taxpayer immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in, and own substantially all of the shares of, an entity which owns, either directly or indirectly, all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporate Taxpayer immediately following such transaction or series of transactions.
Class A Shares is defined in the Recitals of this Agreement.
Code means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Control means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
Corporate Taxpayer is defined in the Preamble to this Agreement.
Corporate Taxpayer Return means the U.S. federal and/or state and/or local Tax Return, as applicable, of the Corporate Taxpayer filed with respect to Taxes of any Taxable Year.
Covered Person is defined in Section 7.15 of this Agreement.
Covered Tax Assets means, with respect to a TRA Party, (a) Basis Adjustments and (b) Imputed Interest. For the avoidance of doubt, Covered Tax Assets shall include any carryforwards or similar attributes that are attributable to the Tax items described in clauses (a) and (b).
Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit for a Taxable Year means the cumulative amount of the Realized Tax Benefits for all Taxable Years of the Corporate Taxpayer up to and including such Taxable Year, net of the cumulative amount of the Realized Tax Detriments for the same period. The Realized Tax Benefit and the Realized Tax Detriment for each Taxable Year shall be determined based on the most recent Tax Benefit Schedules or Amended Schedules, if any, in existence at the time of such determination.
Default Rate means a per annum rate of SOFR plus 500 basis points.
Determination shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1313(a) of the Code or similar provision of U.S. state or local tax law, as applicable, or any other event (including the execution of IRS Form 870-AD) that finally and conclusively establishes the amount of any liability for Tax.
Dispute is defined in Section 7.8(a) of this Agreement.
Early Termination Date means the date of an Early Termination Notice for purposes of determining the Early Termination Payment.
Early Termination Effective Date means the date on which an Early Termination Schedule becomes binding pursuant to Section 4.2 of this Agreement.
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Early Termination Notice is defined in Section 4.2 of this Agreement.
Early Termination Payment is defined in Section 4.3(b) of this Agreement.
Early Termination Rate means a per annum rate of SOFR plus 150 basis points.
Early Termination Schedule is defined in Section 4.2 of this Agreement.
Exchange is defined in the Recitals of this Agreement.
Exchange Date means the date of any Exchange.
Expert is defined in Section 7.9 of this Agreement.
Hypothetical Tax Liability means, with respect to any Taxable Year, the liability for U.S. federal, state and local income Taxes of (a) the Corporate Taxpayer and (b) without duplication, OpCo and its Subsidiaries, but in the case of this clause (b) only with respect to U.S. federal, state and local income Taxes imposed on OpCo and its Subsidiaries and allocable to the Corporate Taxpayer, in each case, using the same methods, elections, conventions, and practices used on the relevant Corporate Taxpayer Return, but calculated (i) without taking into account the Covered Tax Assets (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any carryforward or carryback of any tax item attributable to the Covered Tax Assets) and (ii) by assuming (A) that any Subsequently Acquired TRA Attributes do not exist, (B) solely for purposes of calculating the state and local Hypothetical Tax Liability of the Corporate Taxpayer, that the applicable tax rate is the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate, and (C) solely for purposes of calculating the Corporate Taxpayers U.S. federal Hypothetical Tax Liability, in order to prevent double counting, that state and local income and franchise Taxes are not deductible by the Corporate Taxpayer for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Imputed Interest in respect of a TRA Party means any interest imputed under Section 1272, 1274 or 483 or other provision of the Code with respect to the Corporate Taxpayers payment obligations in respect of such TRA Party under this Agreement.
Interest Amount is defined in Section 3.1(b) of this Agreement.
IPO means the initial public offering of Class A Shares by the Corporate Taxpayer.
IPO Date means the closing date of the IPO.
IRS means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
Joinder Requirement has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6(a) of this Agreement.
LLC Agreement means the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of OpCo, dated on or about the date hereof, as such agreement may be further amended, restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified from time to time.
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Management Representative means Zachary Arnold or any other person later designated by the Company.
Market Value means, with respect to the Class A Shares as of the applicable Exchange Date, the last sale price per Class A Share, regular way, or if no such sale took place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices per Class A Share, regular way, in either case as reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed or admitted to trading on the New York Stock Exchange or, if the Class A Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on the New York Stock Exchange, as reported on the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed on the principal national securities exchange on which the Class A Shares are listed or admitted to trading or, if the Class A Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, the last quoted price, or, if not so quoted, the average of the high bid and low asked prices in the over-the-counter market, as reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation System or, if such system is no longer in use, the principal other automated quotation system that may then be in use or, if the Class A Shares are not quoted by any such organization, the average of the closing bid and asked prices as furnished by a professional market maker making a market in the Class A Shares selected by the Board or, in the event that no trading price is available for the Class A Shares, the fair market value of a Class A Share, as determined in good faith by the Board (which determination shall only be made by the non-interested directors). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the above sentence, to the extent property is exchanged for cash in a transaction, the Market Value shall be determined by reference to the amount of cash transferred in such transaction.
Net Tax Benefit is defined in Section 3.1(b) of this Agreement.
NGP Representative means Brian Seline or any other person later designated by NGP XI US Holdings, L.P.
Objection Notice is defined in Section 2.3(a) of this Agreement.
OpCo is defined in the Recitals of this Agreement.
Pearl Representative means David Levinson or any other person later designated by Pearl Energy Investments L.P.
Permitted Investors means, individually or collectively, (a) Pearl Energy Investments, L.P., (b) NGP XI US Holdings, L.P., (c) any Affiliates and any investment funds, co-investment vehicles and/or other similar vehicles or accounts, in each case advised or managed by any of the foregoing, or any of their respective successors, (d) Zachary Arnold and (e) David Sproule.
Person means any individual, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, estate, trust, business association, organization, governmental entity or other entity.
Pre-Exchange Transfer means any transfer (including upon the death of a member) or distribution in respect of one or more Units (a) that occurs prior to an Exchange of such Units, and (b) to which Section 734(b) or 743(b) of the Code applies.
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Realized Tax Benefit means, for a Taxable Year, the excess, if any, of the Hypothetical Tax Liability over the Actual Tax Liability. If all or a portion of the actual liability for such Taxes for the Taxable Year arises as a result of an audit by a Taxing Authority of any Taxable Year, such liability shall not be included in determining the Realized Tax Benefit unless and until there has been a Determination.
Realized Tax Detriment means, for a Taxable Year, the excess, if any, of the Actual Tax Liability over the Hypothetical Tax Liability. If all or a portion of the actual liability for such Taxes for the Taxable Year arises as a result of an audit by a Taxing Authority of any Taxable Year, such liability shall not be included in determining the Realized Tax Detriment unless and until there has been a Determination.
Reconciliation Dispute is defined in Section 7.9 of this Agreement.
Reconciliation Procedures is defined in Section 2.3(a) of this Agreement.
Reference Asset means any tangible or intangible asset that is held by OpCo or any of its successors or assigns (other than equity interests in Subsidiaries that are treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes), and any asset held by any entities in which OpCo owns a direct or indirect equity interest that are treated as a partnership or disregarded entity (but only to the extent such entities are held through other entities that are treated as partnerships or disregarded entities) for purposes of the applicable Tax, as of the relevant date. A Reference Asset also includes any asset that is substituted basis property under Section 7701(a)(42) of the Code with respect to a Reference Asset.
Relative Interest means, with respect to each TRA Party, a percentage equal to (a) the number of Units in OpCo held by such TRA Party immediately prior to the IPO divided by (b) the total number of Units in OpCo held by all TRA Parties immediately prior to the IPO.
ROFR Acceptance Notice is defined in Section 7.6(b) of this Agreement.
ROFR Offer Notice is defined in Section 7.6(b) of this Agreement.
ROFR Offer Period is defined in Section 7.6(b) of this Agreement.
ROFR Offer Price is defined in Section 7.6(b) of this Agreement.
ROFR Selling Party is defined in Section 7.6(b) of this Agreement.
ROFR Solicitation Period is defined in Section 7.6(b) of this Agreement.
ROFR Transfer is defined in Section 7.6(b) of this Agreement.
ROFR Right is defined in Section 7.6(b) of this Agreement.
Schedule means any of the following: (a) an Attribute Schedule; (b) a Tax Benefit Schedule; or (c) the Early Termination Schedule.
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Senior Obligations is defined in Section 5.1 of this Agreement.
SOFR means the Secured Overnight Financing Rate as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or any successor administrator of such rate).
Subsequently Acquired TRA Attributes means, except as otherwise determined by the Board (with the approval of the TRA Party Representatives representing more than 50% of the Relative Interests of the TRA Parties), any net operating losses, tax basis or other tax attributes to which any of the Corporate Taxpayer, OpCo or any entity in which they hold a direct or indirect equity interest become entitled as a result of a transaction (other than any Exchanges undertaken by an TRA Party) after the IPO Date, to the extent such net operating losses, tax basis and other tax attributes are subject to a tax receivable agreement (or comparable agreement) entered into after the date hereof by the Corporate Taxpayer or any of its Controlled Affiliates pursuant to which the Corporate Taxpayer (including any member thereof) is obligated to pay over amounts with respect to tax benefits resulting from such net operating losses, tax basis or other tax attributes.
Subsidiaries means, with respect to any Person, as of any date of determination, any other Person as to which such Person, owns, directly or indirectly, or otherwise controls more than 50% of the voting power or other similar interests or the sole general partner interest or managing member or similar interest of such Person.
Tax Benefit Payment is defined in Section 3.1(b) of this Agreement.
Tax Benefit Schedule is defined in Section 2.2(a) of this Agreement.
Tax Return means any return, declaration, report or similar statement filed or required to be filed with respect to Taxes (including any attached schedules), including, without limitation, any information return, claim for refund, amended return and declaration of estimated Tax.
Taxable Year means a taxable year of the Corporate Taxpayer as defined in Section 441(b) of the Code or comparable sections of U.S. state or local tax law, as applicable (and, therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, may include a period of less than twelve (12) months for which a Tax Return is made), ending on or after the IPO Date.
Taxes means any and all U.S. federal, state or local taxes, assessments or similar charges that are based on or measured with respect to net income or profits (including alternative minimum taxes and any franchise taxes imposed in lieu of an income tax), and any interest related to such Tax.
Taxing Authority means any domestic, federal, national, state, county or municipal or other local government, any subdivision, agency, commission or authority thereof, or any quasi-governmental body exercising any taxing authority or any other authority exercising Tax regulatory authority.
Third-Party Buyer is defined in Section 7.6(b) of this Agreement.
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TRA Parties means the Persons listed on Annex A.
TRA Party Representatives means the Management Representative, the NGP Representative and the Pearl Representative, taken together, and each such Person is a TRA Party Representative for all purposes under this Agreement.
TRA Right is defined in Section 7.6(b) of this Agreement.
Treasury Regulations means the final, temporary and (to the extent they can be relied upon) proposed regulations under the Code promulgated from time to time (including corresponding provisions and succeeding provisions) as in effect for the relevant taxable period.
Units is defined in the Recitals of this Agreement.
Valuation Assumptions means, as of an Early Termination Date, the assumptions that (a) in each Taxable Year ending on or after such Early Termination Date, the Corporate Taxpayer will have taxable income sufficient to fully use the Covered Tax Assets (other than any such Covered Tax Assets that constitute or have resulted in net operating losses, disallowed interest expense carryforwards, or credit carryforwards or carryovers (determined as of the Early Termination Date), which shall be governed by clause (d) below) during such Taxable Year or future Taxable Years in which such deductions or other attributes would become available; (b) the U.S. federal income tax rates that will be in effect for each such Taxable Year will be those specified for each such Taxable Year by the Code and other law as in effect on the Early Termination Date, except to the extent any change to such tax rates for such Taxable Year have already been enacted into law; (c) the tax rate for U.S. state and local income taxes shall be the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate as in effect for the Taxable Year of the Early Termination Date; (d) any net operating loss, disallowed interest expense, or credit carryovers or carrybacks (or similar items with respect to carryovers or carrybacks) that constitute or that were generated by any Covered Tax Asset and available as of the Early Termination Date will be used by the Corporate Taxpayer ratably over a period beginning on the Early Termination Date and ending on the earlier of (i) fifteen years following the Early Termination Date or (ii) the scheduled expiration date, if any, under applicable Tax law of such net operating losses, disallowed interest expense, or credit carryovers or carrybacks (or similar items with respect to carryovers or carrybacks); provided that if the Corporate Taxpayer is prevented from fully using any net operating loss, disallowed interest expense, or credit carryover pursuant to Section 382 or Section 383 of the Code, the amount used for purposes of this provision shall not exceed the amount that would otherwise be utilized under Section 382 or Section 383 of the Code and the fifteen year period described clause (d)(i) shall be proportionately increased to reflect such limit; (e) any non-amortizable and non-depletable Reference Assets will be disposed of in a fully taxable transaction on the fifteenth anniversary of the applicable Exchange and any cash equivalents will be disposed of twelve (12) months following the Early Termination Date; provided that, in the event of a Change of Control that includes a taxable sale of such Reference Asset (or the sale of all of the equity interests in a partnership or disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes that directly or indirectly owns such Reference Asset), such non-amortizable and non-depletable Reference Asset shall be deemed disposed of at the time of the direct or indirect sale of the relevant Reference Asset in such Change of Control (if earlier than such fifteenth anniversary) for the applicable purchase price; (f) if, on the Early Termination
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Date, any TRA Party has Units that have not been Exchanged, then such Units shall be deemed to be Exchanged for the Market Value that would be received by such TRA Party if such Units had been Exchanged on the Early Termination Date, and such TRA Party shall be deemed to receive the amount of cash such TRA Party would have been entitled to pursuant to Section 4.3(a) had such Units actually been Exchanged on the Early Termination Date; (g) any payment obligations pursuant to this Agreement will be satisfied on the date that any Tax Return to which such payment obligation relates is required to be filed excluding any extensions; and (h) for purposes of calculating depletion deductions and resulting reductions in adjusted tax basis with respect to depletable properties held by OpCo and its Subsidiaries that are treated as disregarded entities or partnerships for U.S. federal tax purposes, (i) the remaining recoverable reserves with respect to each such property are equal to the recoverable reserves estimated in the most recent reserve report relating to such property (or, if there is no reserve report with respect to such property, the most recent estimate of recoverable reserves with respect to such property which is reflected in the financial records of OpCo) and (ii) OpCo (or such Subsidiaries) will recover the remaining recoverable reserves with respect to each such depletable property within the time estimated and at the rate reflected in the most recent reserve reports relating to such property (or, if there is no reserve report with respect to such property, the most recent estimate of the rate of recovery of recoverable reserves with respect to such property which is reflected in the financial records of OpCo).
Section 1.2 Rules of Construction. Unless otherwise specified herein:
(a) The meanings of defined terms are equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.
(b) For purposes of interpretation of this Agreement:
(i) The words herein, hereto, hereof and hereunder and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision thereof.
(ii) References in this Agreement to a Schedule, Article, Section, clause or sub-clause refer to the appropriate Schedule to, or Article, Section, clause or subclause in, this Agreement.
(iii) References in this Agreement to dollars or $ refer to the lawful currency of the United States of America.
(iv) The term including is by way of example and not limitation.
(v) The term documents includes any and all instruments, documents, agreements, certificates, notices, reports, financial statements and other writings, however evidenced, whether in physical or electronic form.
(c) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word from means from and including; the words to and until each mean to but excluding; and the word through means to and including.
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(d) Section headings herein are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.
(e) Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, (i) references to organization documents (including the LLC Agreement), agreements (including this Agreement) and other contractual instruments shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications thereto, but only to the extent that such amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications are permitted hereby; and (ii) references to any law (including the Code and the Treasury Regulations) shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such law.
ARTICLE II DETERMINATION OF REALIZED TAX BENEFIT
Section 2.1 Attribute Schedule. Within ninety (90) calendar days after the filing of the IRS Form 1120 (or any successor form) of the Corporate Taxpayer for each relevant Taxable Year, the Corporate Taxpayer shall deliver to the TRA Party Representatives a schedule (the Attribute Schedule) that shows, in reasonable detail necessary to perform the calculations required by this Agreement, the Covered Tax Assets that are available for use by the Corporate Taxpayer with respect to such Taxable Year with respect to each TRA Party that has effected an Exchange (including the Basis Adjustments with respect to the Reference Assets resulting from Exchanges effected in such Taxable Year and the periods over which such Basis Adjustments are amortizable, depreciable or depletable) and the portion of the Covered Tax Assets that are available for use by the Corporate Taxpayer in future Taxable Years with respect to each TRA Party that has effected an Exchange. The Attribute Schedule shall also list any limitations on the ability of the Corporate Taxpayer to utilize any Covered Tax Assets under applicable law (including as a result of the operation of Section 382 of the Code or Section 383 of the Code). All costs and expenses incurred in connection with the provision and preparation of the Attribute Schedules and Tax Benefit Schedules for each TRA Party in compliance with this Agreement shall be borne by OpCo.
Section 2.2 Tax Benefit Schedule.
(a) Tax Benefit Schedule. Within ninety (90) calendar days after the filing of the IRS Form 1120 (or any successor form) of the Corporate Taxpayer for any Taxable Year in which there is a Realized Tax Benefit or a Realized Tax Detriment in respect of a TRA Party, the Corporate Taxpayer shall provide to each applicable TRA Party Representative, which shall correspond with the applicable TRA Party Representative shown next to such TRA Party on Annex A, a schedule showing, in reasonable detail, the calculation of the Tax Benefit Payment in respect of each TRA Party for such Taxable Year and the calculation of the Realized Tax Benefit or a Realized Tax Detriment and the components thereof for such Taxable Year (a Tax Benefit Schedule). Each Tax Benefit Schedule will become final as provided in Section 2.3(a) and may be amended as provided in Section 2.3(b) (subject to the procedures set forth in Section 2.3(b)).
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(b) Applicable Principles. For purposes of calculating the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for any period, carryovers or carrybacks of any Tax item attributable to the Covered Tax Assets shall be considered to be subject to the rules of the Code and the Treasury Regulations or the appropriate provisions of U.S. state and local income and franchise tax law, as applicable, governing the use, limitation and expiration of carryovers or carrybacks of the relevant type. If a carryover or carryback of any Tax item includes a portion that is attributable to a Covered Tax Asset and another portion that is not, such portions shall be considered to be used in accordance with a with and without methodology.
Section 2.3 Procedures, Amendments.
(a) Procedure. Every time the Corporate Taxpayer delivers to a TRA Party Representative an applicable Schedule under this Agreement, including any Amended Schedule delivered pursuant to Section 2.3(b) and any Early Termination Schedule or amended Early Termination Schedule, the Corporate Taxpayer shall also (i) deliver to such TRA Party Representative supporting schedules, valuation reports (if any), and work papers, as determined by the Corporate Taxpayer or as reasonably requested by such TRA Party Representative, providing reasonable detail regarding data and calculations that were relevant for purposes of preparing the Schedule and (ii) allow such TRA Party Representative reasonable access at no cost to the appropriate representatives at the Corporate Taxpayer, as determined by the Corporate Taxpayer or as reasonably requested by such TRA Party Representative, in connection with a review of such Schedule. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, the Corporate Taxpayer shall ensure that any Tax Benefit Schedule that is delivered to a TRA Party Representative, along with any supporting schedules and work papers, provides a reasonably detailed presentation of the calculation of the Actual Tax Liability and the Hypothetical Tax Liability and identifies any material assumptions or operating procedures or principles that were used for purposes of such calculations. An applicable Schedule or amendment thereto shall become final and binding on all parties thirty (30) calendar days from the first date on which the applicable TRA Party Representative(s) received the applicable Schedule or amendment thereto under Section 7.1 unless any relevant TRA Party Representative (i) within thirty (30) calendar days from such date provides the Corporate Taxpayer with notice of objection to such Schedule (Objection Notice) made in good faith or (ii) provides a written waiver of such right of any Objection Notice within the period described in clause (i) above, in which case such Schedule or amendment thereto becomes binding on the date the waiver is received by the Corporate Taxpayer. The Corporate Taxpayer and the relevant TRA Party Representatives shall attempt to resolve the issues raised in the Objection Notice in good faith, and if the Corporate Taxpayer and the relevant TRA Party Representatives are unable to successfully resolve the issues raised in the Objection Notice within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt by the Corporate Taxpayer of an Objection Notice, the Corporate Taxpayer and the relevant TRA Party Representatives shall employ the reconciliation procedures as described in Section 7.9 of this Agreement (the Reconciliation Procedures).
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(b) Amended Schedule. The applicable Schedule for any Taxable Year may be amended from time to time by the Corporate Taxpayer (i) in connection with a Determination affecting such Schedule, (ii) to correct inaccuracies in the Schedule identified as a result of the receipt of additional factual information relating to a Taxable Year after the date the Schedule was provided to the relevant TRA Party Representatives, (iii) to comply with the Experts determination under the Reconciliation Procedures, (iv) to reflect a change in the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year attributable to a carryback or carryforward of a loss or other tax item to such Taxable Year, or (v) to reflect a change in the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year attributable to an amended Tax Return filed for such Taxable Year (any such Schedule, an Amended Schedule). The Corporate Taxpayer shall provide an Amended Schedule to the relevant TRA Party Representatives within sixty (60) calendar days of the occurrence of an event referenced in clauses (i) through (v) of the preceding sentence.
ARTICLE III TAX BENEFIT PAYMENTS
Section 3.1 Payments.
(a) Payments. Within thirty (30) calendar days after a Tax Benefit Schedule delivered to the applicable TRA Party Representative becomes final in accordance with Section 2.3(a) and Section 7.9, if applicable, the Corporate Taxpayer shall pay or cause to be paid each TRA Party the Tax Benefit Payment determined pursuant to Section 3.1(b) that is Attributable to such relevant TRA Party. Each such Tax Benefit Payment shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the bank account previously designated by such TRA Party to the Corporate Taxpayer or as otherwise agreed by the Corporate Taxpayer and such TRA Party. For the avoidance of doubt, (i) no Tax Benefit Payment shall be made in respect of estimated tax payments, including, without limitation, U.S. federal estimated income tax payments, and (ii) the payments provided for pursuant to the above sentence shall be computed separately for each TRA Party. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, with respect to each Exchange by or with respect to any TRA Party, if such TRA Party notifies the Corporate Taxpayer in writing of a stated maximum selling price (within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 15A.453-1(c)(2)), then the amount of the consideration received in connection with such Exchange and the aggregate Tax Benefit Payments to such TRA Party in respect of such Exchange (other than amounts accounted for as interest under the Code) shall not exceed such stated maximum selling price.
(b) A Tax Benefit Payment in respect of a TRA Party for a Taxable Year means an amount, not less than zero, equal to the sum of the portion of the Net Tax Benefit that is Attributable to such TRA Party and the Interest Amount with respect thereto. A Net Tax Benefit is Attributable to a TRA Party to the extent that is derived from a Covered Tax Asset with respect to Units that were Exchanged by such TRA Party. For the avoidance of doubt, for Tax purposes, the Interest Amount shall not be treated as interest but instead shall be treated as additional consideration for the acquisition of Units in Exchanges, unless otherwise required by law. Subject to Section 3.3(a), the Net Tax Benefit for a Taxable Year shall be an amount equal to the excess, if any, of 85% of the Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit as of the end of such Taxable Year, over the total amount of payments previously made under the first sentence of Section 3.1(a)
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(excluding payments attributable to Interest Amounts); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, no such recipient shall be required to return any portion of any previously made Tax Benefit Payment. The Interest Amount in respect of a TRA Party shall equal the interest on the Net Tax Benefit calculated at the Agreed Rate from the due date (without extensions) for filing the IRS Form 1120 (or any successor form) of the Corporate Taxpayer with respect to Taxes for such Taxable Year until the payment date under Section 3.1(a).
Section 3.2 No Duplicative Payments. It is intended that the provisions of this Agreement will not result in duplicative payment of any amount (including interest) required under this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in the appropriate manner to ensure such intentions are realized.
Section 3.3 Pro Rata Payments.
(a) Notwithstanding anything in Section 3.1 to the contrary, to the extent that the aggregate Tax benefit of the Corporate Taxpayer from the reduction in actual Tax liability as a result of the Covered Tax Assets is limited in a particular Taxable Year because the Corporate Taxpayer does not have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize available deductions and other attributes, the Net Tax Benefit for the Corporate Taxpayer shall be allocated among the TRA Parties in proportion to the respective amounts of Tax Benefit Payments that would have been paid to each TRA Party under this Agreement if the Corporate Taxpayer had sufficient taxable income so that there were no such limitation; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of allocating among the TRA Parties the aggregate Tax Benefit Payments payable under this Agreement with respect to any Taxable Year, the operation of this Section 3.3(a) with respect to any prior Taxable Years shall be taken into account. Consistent with the foregoing, the Attribute Schedule for a given Taxable Year shall reflect the operation of this Section 3.3(a) in respect of previous Taxable Years, with the Covered Tax Assets described in such Attribute Schedule that are attributable to a TRA Party being adjusted to reflect payments received in respect of such Covered Tax Assets (the intention of the parties being to avoid duplicative payments and maintain records sufficient to allow the Corporate Taxpayer to allocate Tax Benefit Payments consistent with the terms of this Section 3.3(a)).
(b) After taking into account Section 3.3(a), if for any reason the Corporate Taxpayer does not fully satisfy its payment obligations to make all Tax Benefit Payments due under this Agreement in respect of a particular Taxable Year (for example, as a result of having insufficient cash to make the Tax Benefit Payments due hereunder), then the Corporate Taxpayer and the TRA Parties agree that (i) the Corporate Taxpayer shall make payments due hereunder to the TRA Parties in respect of a Taxable Year in the same proportion as such payments would have been made if the relevant payment had been made in full by the Corporate Taxpayer and (ii) no Tax Benefit Payment shall be made in respect of any Taxable Year until all Tax Benefit Payments in respect of prior Taxable Years have been made in full.
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ARTICLE IV TERMINATION
Section 4.1 Early Termination of Agreement; Breach of Agreement.
(a) The Corporate Taxpayer may terminate this Agreement with respect to all amounts payable to the TRA Parties and with respect to all of the Units held by the TRA Parties at any time by paying to each TRA Party the Early Termination Payment in respect of such TRA Party; provided, however, that this Agreement shall only terminate upon the full payment of the Early Termination Payment to all TRA Parties as set forth in Section 4.3(a); provided, further, that the Corporate Taxpayer may withdraw any notice to execute its termination rights under this Section 4.1(a) prior to the time at which any Early Termination Payment has been paid. Upon full payment of the Early Termination Payment by the Corporate Taxpayer to all TRA Parties, none of the TRA Parties or the Corporate Taxpayer shall have any further payment rights or obligations under this Agreement. If an Exchange occurs after the Corporate Taxpayer makes all of the required Early Termination Payments, the Corporate Taxpayer shall have no obligations under this Agreement with respect to such Exchange.
(b) In the event that the Corporate Taxpayer (i) breaches any of its material obligations under this Agreement, whether as a result of failure to make any payment within three (3) months of the date when due, failure to honor any other material obligation required hereunder or by operation of law as a result of the rejection of this Agreement in a case commenced under the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise or (ii) (A) shall commence any case, proceeding or other action (1) under any existing or future law of any jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or relief of debtors, seeking to have an order for relief entered with respect to it, or seeking to adjudicate it a bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, winding-up, liquidation, dissolution, composition or other relief with respect to it or its debts or (2) seeking an appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator or other similar official for it or for all or any substantial part of its assets, or it shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (B) there shall be commenced against Corporate Taxpayer any case, proceeding or other action of the nature referred to in clause (A) above that remains undismissed or undischarged for a period of sixty (60) calendar days, all obligations hereunder shall be automatically accelerated and shall be immediately due and payable, and such obligations shall be calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of such breach. Procedures similar to the procedures of Section 4.2 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, with respect to the determination of the amount payable by the Corporate Taxpayer pursuant to this Section 4.1(b). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Corporate Taxpayer breaches this Agreement, the TRA Party Representatives shall be entitled to elect jointly (upon the agreement of the TRA Party Representatives representing more than 50% of the Relative Interests of the TRA Parties) on behalf of all TRA Parties for such TRA Parties to receive the amounts referred to in this Section 4.1(b) or to seek specific performance of the terms under this Agreement. The parties agree that the failure to make any payment due pursuant to this Agreement within three (3) months of the date such payment is due shall be deemed to be
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a breach of a material obligation under this Agreement for all purposes of this Agreement, and that it will not be considered to be a breach of a material obligation under this Agreement to make a payment due pursuant to this Agreement within three (3) months of the date such payment is due. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, it shall not be a breach of a material obligation under this Agreement if the Corporate Taxpayer fails to make any Tax Benefit Payment when due to the extent that the Corporate Taxpayer has insufficient funds to make such payment despite using commercially reasonable efforts to obtain funds to make such payment; provided that (i) the interest provisions of Section 5.2 shall apply to such late payment and (ii) solely with respect to a Tax Benefit Payment, if the Corporate Taxpayer does not have sufficient cash to make such payment as a result of limitations imposed by any credit agreements to which OpCo or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, Section 5.2 shall apply, but the Default Rate shall be replaced by the Agreed Rate.
(c) In the event of a Change of Control, all obligations hereunder shall be accelerated and such obligations shall be calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of such Change of Control. Procedures similar to the procedures of Section 4.2 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, with respect to the determination of the amount payable by the Corporate Taxpayer pursuant to this Section 4.1(c).
Section 4.2 Early Termination Notice. If the Corporate Taxpayer chooses to exercise its right of early termination under Section 4.1(a) above, the Corporate Taxpayer shall deliver to the TRA Party Representatives notice of such intention to exercise such right (Early Termination Notice). In addition, if the Corporate Taxpayer chooses to exercise its right of early termination under Section 4.1(a) above, or the obligations under this Agreement are accelerated under Section 4.1(b) or Section 4.1(c) above, the Corporate Taxpayer shall deliver to the TRA Party Representatives a schedule (the Early Termination Schedule) showing in reasonable detail the calculation of the Early Termination Payment due to each TRA Party. Such Early Termination Schedule shall become final and binding on all parties consistent with the procedures described in Section 2.3(a).
Section 4.3 Payment upon Early Termination.
(a) Subject to its right to withdraw any notice of Early Termination pursuant to Section 4.1(a), within five (5) calendar days after an Early Termination Effective Date, the Corporate Taxpayer shall pay to each TRA Party an amount equal to the Early Termination Payment in respect of such TRA Party. Such payment shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the bank account previously designated by the TRA Party or as otherwise agreed by the Corporate Taxpayer and such TRA Party.
(b) The Early Termination Payment in respect of a TRA Party shall equal, without duplication, (i) the present value, discounted at the Early Termination Rate as of the applicable Early Termination Effective Date, of all Tax Benefit Payments in respect of such TRA Party that would be required to be paid by the Corporate Taxpayer beginning from the Early Termination Date and assuming that the Valuation Assumptions in respect of such TRA Party are applied, plus (ii) any Tax Benefit Payment due and payable with respect to such TRA Party that is unpaid as of the date of the Early
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Termination Notice, plus (iii) any Tax Benefit Payment not yet due and payable with respect to such TRA Party for a Taxable Year ending prior to the date of the Early Termination Notice, plus (iv) any interest accruing on the amounts described in clauses (i) through (iii) (which shall include interest accruing on the amount described in clause (i) from the date of the Early Termination Notice). For the avoidance of doubt, no TRA Party shall be required to return any portion of any previously received Early Termination Payment in the event of a later determination occurring after the date on which such Early Termination Payment was made.
ARTICLE V SUBORDINATION AND LATE PAYMENTS
Section 5.1 Subordination. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, any Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment required to be made by the Corporate Taxpayer to the TRA Parties under this Agreement shall rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to any principal, interest or other amounts due and payable in respect of any obligations in respect of indebtedness for borrowed money of the Corporate Taxpayer and its Subsidiaries (Senior Obligations) and shall rank pari passu in right of payment with all current or future unsecured obligations of the Corporate Taxpayer that are not Senior Obligations. To the extent that any payment under this Agreement is not permitted to be made at the time payment is due as a result of this Section 5.1 and the terms of agreements governing Senior Obligations, such payment obligation nevertheless shall accrue for the benefit of TRA Parties and the Corporate Taxpayer shall make such payments at the first opportunity that such payments are permitted to be made in accordance with the terms of the Senior Obligations. Payments under any tax receivable agreement (or similar agreement) entered into by the Corporate Taxpayer, OpCo or their Subsidiaries after the date hereof shall be subordinate to all payments owed pursuant to this Agreement, and no such payments shall be made for so long as the Corporate Taxpayer has any unpaid obligation pursuant this Agreement.
Section 5.2 Late Payments by the Corporate Taxpayer. The amount of all or any portion of any Tax Benefit Payment, Early Termination Payment or other payment not made to the TRA Parties when due under the terms of this Agreement, whether as a result of Section 5.1 or otherwise, shall be payable together with any interest thereon, computed at the Default Rate (or, if so provided in Section 4.1(b), at the Agreed Rate) and commencing from the date on which such Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment was first due and payable to the date of actual payment.
ARTICLE VI NO DISPUTES; CONSISTENCY; COOPERATION
Section 6.1 Participation in the Corporate Taxpayers and OpCos Tax Matters. Except as otherwise provided herein and the LLC Agreement, the Corporate Taxpayer shall have full responsibility for, and sole discretion over, all Tax matters concerning the Corporate Taxpayer and OpCo, including without limitation the preparation, filing or amending of any Tax Return and defending, contesting or settling any issue pertaining to Taxes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporate Taxpayer shall notify the TRA Party Representatives of, and keep the TRA Party Representatives reasonably informed with respect to, the portion of any audit of the Corporate Taxpayer and OpCo by a Taxing Authority the outcome of which is reasonably
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expected to materially affect the rights and obligations of a TRA Party under this Agreement, and shall provide to the TRA Party Representatives reasonable opportunity to provide information and other input to the Corporate Taxpayer, OpCo and their respective advisors concerning the conduct of any such portion of such audit, which information and other input the Corporate Taxpayer and OpCo, as applicable, shall consider in good faith.
Section 6.2 Consistency. The Corporate Taxpayer and the TRA Parties agree to report and cause to be reported for all purposes, including U.S. federal, state and local tax purposes and financial reporting purposes, all Tax-related items (including, without limitation, the Basis Adjustments and each Tax Benefit Payment) in a manner consistent with that contemplated by this Agreement or specified by the Corporate Taxpayer in any Schedule required to be provided by or on behalf of the Corporate Taxpayer under this Agreement unless otherwise required by law. The Corporate Taxpayer shall (and shall cause OpCo and its other Subsidiaries to) use reasonable efforts (for the avoidance of doubt, taking into account the interests and entitlements of all TRA Parties under this Agreement) to defend the Tax treatment contemplated by this Agreement and any Schedule in any audit, contest or similar proceeding with any Taxing Authority.
Section 6.3 Cooperation. Each of the Corporate Taxpayer, OpCo and the TRA Parties shall (a) furnish to the other parties in a timely manner such information, documents and other materials as the other party may reasonably request for purposes of making any determination or computation necessary or appropriate under this Agreement, preparing any Tax Return or defending any audit, examination or controversy with any Taxing Authority, (b) make itself reasonably available to the other parties and their respective representatives to provide explanations of documents and material and such other information as the other party or its representatives may reasonably request in connection with any of the matters described in clause (a) above, and (c) reasonably cooperate in connection with any such matter, and the Corporate Taxpayer shall reimburse each TRA Party for any reasonable third-party costs and expenses incurred by such TRA Party pursuant to this Section 6.3 at the request of the Corporate Taxpayer or OpCo.
ARTICLE VII MISCELLANEOUS
Section 7.1 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given and received (a) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, or by fax or email with confirmation of transmission by the transmitting equipment or (b) on the first Business Day following the date of dispatch if delivered by a recognized next-day courier service. All notices hereunder shall be delivered as set forth below, or pursuant to such other instructions as may be designated in writing by the party to receive such notice:
If to the Corporate Taxpayer, to:
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc.
2605 Cranberry Square
Morgantown, WV 26508
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Attention: Zack Arnold, President & Chief Executive Officer
Phone: (304) 212-2350
Email: zarnold@infinitynr.com;
legal@infinitynr.com
With a required copy to:
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
609 Main Street
Houston, Texas 77002
Attention: Matthew R. Pacey, P.C. and Michael W. Rigdon, P.C.
Email: matt.pacey@kirkland.com
michael.rigdon@kirkland.com
If to the Pearl Representative:
Pearl Energy Investments L.P.
2100 McKinney Ave., Suite 1675
Dallas, TX 75201
Attention: David Levinson
Email: dlevinson@pearl-energy.com
With a required copy to:
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
609 Main Street
Houston, Texas 77002
Attention: Matthew R. Pacey, P.C. and Michael W. Rigdon, P.C.
Email: matt.pacey@kirkland.com
michael.rigdon@kirkland.com
If to the NGP Representative:
Natural Gas Partners
2850 N. Harwood Street, 19th Floor
Dallas, TX 75201
Attention: Brian Seline
Email: bseline@ngpenergy.com
If to the Management Representative:
Zack Arnold
2605 Cranberry Square
Morgantown, WV 26508
Phone: (304) 212-2350
Email: zarnold@infinitynr.com
With a required copy to:
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
609 Main Street
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Houston, Texas 77002
Attention: Matthew R. Pacey, P.C. and Michael W. Rigdon, P.C.
Email: matt.pacey@kirkland.com
michael.rigdon@kirkland.com
Any party may change its address, fax number or email by giving the other party written notice of its new address, fax number or email in the manner set forth above.
Section 7.2 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that all parties need not sign the same counterpart. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement.
Section 7.3 Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
Section 7.4 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of Delaware.
Section 7.5 Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any law or public policy, all other terms and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.
Section 7.6 Successors; Assignment; ROFR; Amendments; Waivers.
(a) No TRA Party may assign, sell, pledge or otherwise alienate or transfer any of its rights under this Agreement to any Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) if any TRA Party desires to sell, exchange, distribute or otherwise transfer Units to any Person (other than the Corporate Taxpayer or the OpCo) in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement, such TRA Party shall comply in all respects with the provisions set forth in Section 7.6(b) below in respect of the transfer of its rights under this Agreement with respect to such transferred Units, and (ii) once an Exchange has occurred, any and all payments that may become payable to a TRA Party pursuant to this Agreement with respect to such Exchange may be assigned to any Person or Persons; provided, in each
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case, that such Person has satisfied the Joinder Requirement; provided, further, in the case of clause (i), if a TRA Party transfers Units to its Affiliate in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement, such TRA Party is not required to assign to the transferee of such Units its rights under this Agreement with respect to such transferred Units and, in such case, such TRA Party shall continue to be entitled to receive the Tax Benefit Payments arising in respect of a subsequent Exchange of such Units. For purposes of this Agreement, the Joinder Requirement shall mean that such Person has executed and delivered a joinder to this Agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, agreeing to succeed to the applicable portion of such TRA Partys interest in this Agreement and become a TRA Party for all purposes of this Agreement, except as otherwise provided in such joinder.
(b) If any TRA Party (the ROFR Selling Party) desires to sell, exchange, distribute or otherwise transfer Units to any Person other than the Corporate Taxpayer, the OpCo or such TRA Partys Affiliate in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement (such Person, the Third-Party Buyer and such sale, exchange distribution or transfer, a ROFR Transfer), then the Corporate Taxpayer shall have a right of first refusal (a ROFR Right) with respect to such TRA Partys rights under this Agreement, including the right to receive the Tax Benefit Payments, in respect of such Units (collectively, the TRA Rights) in accordance with this Section 7.6(b). The ROFR Selling Party shall deliver written notice of its desire to effect such ROFR Transfer (the ROFR Offer Notice), which ROFR Offer Notice shall include the proposed material terms thereof, including the purchase price payable for the TRA Rights (the ROFR Offer Price). The delivery of the ROFR Offer Notice shall constitute an irrevocable commitment by the ROFR Selling Party to sell the TRA Rights to the Corporate Taxpayer for the applicable ROFR Offer Price in accordance with the ROFR Offer Notice. Following receipt of the ROFR Offer Notice, the Corporate Taxpayer shall have a period of up to 20 days (the ROFR Offer Period) to elect to purchase, in cash, the TRA Rights at the ROFR Offer Price and on the same terms and conditions set forth in the ROFR Offer Notice, by delivery of a written notice of such election to the ROFR Selling Party (the ROFR Acceptance Notice) within the ROFR Offer Period. If the Corporate Taxpayer does not elect to purchase the TRA Rights within the ROFR Offer Period, then the ROFR Selling Party need not sell the TRA Rights to the Corporate Taxpayer, and for a period of 60 days following the end of the ROFR Offer Period (the ROFR Solicitation Period), the ROFR Selling Party may sell the TRA Rights to the applicable Third-Party Buyer for the applicable ROFR Offer Price and otherwise in accordance with the terms of the ROFR Offer Notice. If the TRA Rights are not sold within the ROFR Solicitation Period or to the Corporate Taxpayer, the ROFR Selling Party may not sell the TRA Rights without again complying in full with the provisions of this Section 7.6(b).
(c) No provision of this Agreement may be amended unless such amendment is approved in writing by each of the Corporate Taxpayer and by the TRA Parties who would be entitled to receive at least two-thirds of the total amount of the Early Termination Payments payable to all TRA Parties hereunder if the Corporate Taxpayer had exercised its right of early termination on the date of the most recent Exchange prior to such amendment (excluding, for purposes of this sentence, all payments made to any TRA Party pursuant to this Agreement since the date of such most recent
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Exchange); provided that no such amendment shall be effective if such amendment will have a disproportionate effect on the payments one or more TRA Parties receive under this Agreement unless such amendment is consented in writing by such TRA Parties disproportionately affected who would be entitled to receive at least two-thirds of the total amount of the Early Termination Payments payable to all TRA Parties disproportionately affected hereunder if the Corporate Taxpayer had exercised its right of early termination on the date of the most recent Exchange prior to such amendment (excluding, for purposes of this sentence, all payments made to any TRA Party pursuant to this Agreement since the date of such most recent Exchange). No provision of this Agreement may be waived unless such waiver is in writing and signed by the party against whom the waiver is to be effective.
(d) All of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, shall inure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives. The Corporate Taxpayer shall require and cause any direct or indirect successor (whether by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Corporate Taxpayer, by written agreement, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Corporate Taxpayer would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.
Section 7.7 Disputes. Any suit, dispute, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with, this Agreement which is not governed by Section 7.8 and cannot be settled amicably (each, a Dispute) shall be heard in the state or federal courts of the State of Delaware, and the parties hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of such court (and of the appropriate appellate courts) in any Dispute and waives any objection to venue laid therein. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, PROCESS IN ANY SUCH DISPUTE MAY BE SERVED ON ANY PARTY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHETHER WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE JURISDICTION OF ANY SUCH COURT (INCLUDING BY PREPAID CERTIFIED MAIL WITH A VALIDATED PROOF OF MAILING RECEIPT) AND SHALL HAVE THE SAME LEGAL FORCE AND EFFECT AS IF SERVED UPON SUCH PARTY PERSONALLY WITHIN THE STATE OF DELAWARE. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT SERVICE OF PROCESS UPON SUCH PARTY AT THE ADDRESS REFERRED TO IN SECTION 7.1 (INCLUDING BY PREPAID CERTIFIED MAIL WITH A VALIDATED PROOF OF MAILING RECEIPT), TOGETHER WITH WRITTEN NOTICE OF SUCH SERVICE TO SUCH PARTY, SHALL BE DEEMED EFFECTIVE SERVICE OF PROCESS UPON SUCH PARTY.
Section 7.8 Reconciliation. In the event that the Corporate Taxpayer and any TRA Party Representatives are unable to resolve a disagreement with respect to a Schedule (Reconciliation Dispute), the Reconciliation Dispute shall be submitted for determination to a nationally recognized expert (the Expert) in the particular area of disagreement mutually acceptable to both parties. The Expert shall be a partner, principal or senior employee in a nationally recognized accounting or law firm, and unless the Corporate Taxpayer and such TRA Party Representative(s) agree otherwise, the Expert shall not, and the firm that employs the
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Expert shall not, have any material relationship with the Corporate Taxpayer or such TRA Party Representative(s) or other actual or potential conflict of interest. If the Corporate Taxpayer and such TRA Party Representative(s) are unable to agree on an Expert within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt by the respondent(s) of written notice of a Reconciliation Dispute, the Expert shall be appointed by the American Arbitration Association. The Expert shall resolve any matter relating to a Schedule or an amendment thereto within (15) calendar days or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable, in each case, after the matter has been submitted to the Expert for resolution. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if the matter is not resolved before any payment that is the subject of a disagreement would be due (in the absence of such disagreement) or any Tax Return reflecting the subject of a disagreement is due, the undisputed amount shall be paid on the date prescribed by this Agreement and such Tax Return may be filed as prepared by the Corporate Taxpayer, subject to adjustment or amendment upon resolution. The costs and expenses relating to the engagement of such Expert or amending any Tax Return shall be borne by the Corporate Taxpayer except as provided in the next sentence. The Corporate Taxpayer and such TRA Party Representative(s) shall bear their own costs and expenses of such proceeding, unless (a) the Expert adopts the TRA Party Representatives position, in which case the Corporate Taxpayer shall reimburse the TRA Party Representative(s) for any reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses in such proceeding, or (b) the Expert adopts the Corporate Taxpayers position, in which case the TRA Party Representative(s) shall reimburse the Corporate Taxpayer for any reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses in such proceeding. The Expert shall finally determine any Reconciliation Dispute and the determinations of the Expert pursuant to this Section 7.8 shall be binding on the Corporate Taxpayer and each of the TRA Parties and may be entered and enforced in any court having jurisdiction.
Section 7.9 Withholding. The Corporate Taxpayer shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any payment payable pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as the Corporate Taxpayer is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code or any provision of U.S. state, local or foreign tax law. To the extent that amounts are so deducted or withheld and paid over to the appropriate Taxing Authority by the Corporate Taxpayer, such deducted or withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Person in respect of whom such deduction or withholding was made. Each TRA Party shall promptly provide the Corporate Taxpayer, OpCo or other applicable withholding agent with any applicable Tax forms and certifications (including IRS Form W-9 or the applicable version of IRS Form W-8) reasonably requested in connection with determining whether any such deductions and withholdings are required under the Code or any provision of U.S. state, local or foreign tax law. The Corporate Taxpayer will consider in good faith any applicable certificates, forms or documentation provided by a TRA Party that in such TRA Partys reasonable determination reduce or eliminate any such withholding.
Section 7.10 Admission of the Corporate Taxpayer into a Consolidated Group; Transfers of Corporate Assets.
(a) If the Corporate Taxpayer is or becomes a member of an affiliated or consolidated group of corporations that files a consolidated income tax return pursuant to Sections 1501 et seq. of the Code or any corresponding provisions of state or local law, then: (i) the provisions of this Agreement shall be applied with respect to the group as a whole; and (ii) Tax Benefit Payments, Early Termination Payments and other applicable items hereunder shall be computed with reference to the consolidated taxable income of the group as a whole.
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(b) If the Corporate Taxpayer (or any member thereof) transfers one or more Reference Assets to a corporation (or a Person classified as a corporation for U.S. income tax purposes) other than a member of a group described in Section 7.10(a) (or if any entity that holds Reference Assets transfers any Reference Asset to a corporation (or a Person classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) other than a member of a group described in Section 7.10(a)), such entity, for purposes of calculating the amount of any Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment due hereunder, shall be treated as having disposed of such Reference Asset in a fully taxable transaction on the date of such transfer. The consideration deemed to be received by such entity shall be equal to the fair market value of the transferred Reference Assets plus the amount of any debt to which such Reference Assets is subject. For purposes of this Section 7.10(b), a transfer of a partnership interest shall be treated as a transfer of the transferring partners share of each of the assets and liabilities of that partnership. If any member of a group described in Section 7.10(a) that directly or indirectly owns any equity interests in OpCo ceases to be a member of such group (or the Corporate Taxpayer deconsolidates for U.S. federal income tax purposes from that group), then, except as otherwise agreed by the TRA Party Representatives representing more than 50% of the Relative Interests of the TRA Parties, such deconsolidated members of the group shall be treated prior to deconsolidation as having disposed of their directly or indirectly held equity of OpCo in a fully taxable transaction for consideration calculated in a manner consistent with the provisions of the preceding sentences. Notwithstanding anything to contrary set forth herein, if the Corporate Taxpayer, its successor in interest or any member of a group described in Section 7.10(a) transfers its assets pursuant to a transaction described in Section 351 of the Code, pursuant to a transaction that qualifies as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code or pursuant to any other transaction to which Section 381(a) of the Code applies, the transfer will not cause such entity to be treated as having transferred any assets to a corporation (or a Person classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) pursuant to this Section 7.10(b) so long as the relevant successor is bound by the provisions of this Agreement.
Section 7.11 Confidentiality.
(a) Each TRA Party and each of their assignees acknowledge and agree that the information of the Corporate Taxpayer is confidential and, except in the course of performing any duties as necessary for the Corporate Taxpayer and its Affiliates, as required by law or legal process or to enforce the terms of this Agreement, such person shall keep and retain in the strictest confidence and not disclose to any Person any confidential matters, acquired pursuant to this Agreement, of the Corporate Taxpayer and its Affiliates and successors, concerning OpCo and its Affiliates and successors or the members, learned by the TRA Party heretofore or hereafter. This Section 7.11 shall not apply to (i) any information that has been made publicly available by the Corporate Taxpayer or any of its Affiliates (including as a result of public reporting obligations), becomes public knowledge (except as a result of an act of the TRA Party in violation of this Agreement) or is generally known to the business community and (ii) the disclosure
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of information to the extent necessary for the TRA Party to prepare and file its Tax Returns, to respond to any inquiries regarding the same from any Taxing Authority or to prosecute or defend any action, proceeding or audit by any Taxing Authority with respect to such returns. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, each TRA Party and each of their assignees (and each employee, representative or other agent of the TRA Party or its assignees, as applicable) may disclose to any and all Persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the Corporate Taxpayer, OpCo and their Affiliates, and any of their transactions, and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to the TRA Party relating to such tax treatment and tax structure.
(b) If a TRA Party or an assignee commits a breach, or threatens to commit a breach, of any of the provisions of this Section 7.11, the Corporate Taxpayer shall have the right and remedy to have the provisions of this Section 7.11 specifically enforced by injunctive relief or otherwise by any court of competent jurisdiction without the need to post any bond or other security, it being acknowledged and agreed that any such breach or threatened breach shall cause irreparable injury to the Corporate Taxpayer or any of its Subsidiaries or the TRA Parties and the accounts and funds managed by the Corporate Taxpayer and that money damages alone shall not provide an adequate remedy to such Persons. Such rights and remedies shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies available at law or in equity.
Section 7.12 Change in Law. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if, in connection with an actual or proposed change in law, an TRA Party reasonably believes that the existence of this Agreement could have material adverse tax consequences to such TRA Party or any direct or indirect owner of such TRA Party, then at the written election of such TRA Party at its sole discretion and to the extent specified therein by such TRA Party, this Agreement (a) shall cease to have further effect with respect to such TRA Party, (b) shall not apply to an Exchange by such TRA Party occurring after a date specified by such TRA Party, or (c) shall otherwise be amended in a manner determined by such TRA Party; provided that such amendment shall not result in an increase in or acceleration of payments under this Agreement at any time as compared to the amounts and times of payments that would have been due in the absence of such amendment.
Section 7.13 Tax Characterization and Elections. The parties intend that (a) each Exchange shall give rise to Basis Adjustments, and (b) payments pursuant to this Agreement with respect to an Exchange (except with respect to amounts that constitute Imputed Interest) shall be treated as consideration in respect of such Exchange that give rise to additional Basis Adjustments, and the parties will not take any position on a tax return, audit, examination or other proceeding inconsistent with any of the intended tax treatment described in this Section 7.13 except upon an applicable contrary final Determination. The Corporate Taxpayer will ensure that, on and after the date hereof and continuing through the term of this Agreement, OpCo and each of its direct and indirect subsidiaries that it controls and that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes will have in effect an election under Section 754 of the Code.
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Section 7.14 TRA Party Representative. Any TRA Party Representative may resign upon thirty (30) calendar days written notice to the Corporate Taxpayer. All reasonable, documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by any TRA Party Representative in its capacity as such shall be promptly reimbursed by the Corporate Taxpayer upon invoice and reasonable support therefor by the applicable TRA Party Representative. To the fullest extent permitted by law, none of the TRA Party Representatives, any of their Affiliates, or any of the TRA Party Representatives or Affiliates directors, officers, employees or other agents (each a Covered Person) shall be liable, responsible or accountable in damages or otherwise to any TRA Party, OpCo or the Corporate Taxpayer for damages arising from any action taken or omitted to be taken by a TRA Party Representative or any other Person with respect to OpCo or the Corporate Taxpayer, except in the case of any action or omission which constitutes, with respect to such Person, willful misconduct or fraud. Each of the Covered Persons may consult with legal counsel, accountants, and other experts selected by it, and any act or omission suffered or taken by it on behalf of the TRA Parties or in furtherance of the interests of the TRA Parties in good faith in reliance upon and in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants, or other experts shall create a rebuttable presumption of the good faith and due care of such Covered Person with respect to such act or omission; provided that such counsel, accountants, or other experts were selected with reasonable care. Each of the Covered Persons may rely in good faith upon, and shall have no liability to OpCo, the Corporate Taxpayer or the TRA Parties for acting or refraining from acting upon, any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, bond, debenture, or other paper or document reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.
[The remainder of this page is intentionally blank]
26
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporate Taxpayer and each TRA Party have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
CORPORATE TAXPAYER: | ||
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. | ||
By: |
| |
Name: Zack Arnold | ||
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
TRA PARTIES: |
[Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement]
|
Zack Arnold |
|
David Sproule |
|
Ian Costello |
|
Ryan Warner |
|
Britney Crookshanks |
|
Gregory Pipkin |
|
Michael E. Sproule |
[Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement]
PEARL ENERGY INVESTMENTS, L.P. | ||||
By: Pearl Energy Investment GP, LP., its general partner | ||||
By: Pearl Energy Investment UGP, LLC, its general partner | ||||
By: |
| |||
Name: | ||||
Title: | Authorized Person | |||
PEARL ENERGY INVESTMENTS III, L.P. | ||||
By: Pearl Energy Investment III GP, L.P., its general partner | ||||
By: Pearl Energy Investment III UGP, LLC, its general partner | ||||
By: |
| |||
Name: | ||||
Title: | Authorized Person | |||
PEI INFINITY-S, L.P. | ||||
By: Pearl Energy Investment III GP, L.P., its general partner | ||||
By: Pearl Energy Investment III UGP, LLC, its general partner | ||||
By: |
| |||
Name: | ||||
Title: | Authorized Person |
[Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement]
NGP XI US HOLDINGS, L.P. | ||
By: NGP XI Holdings GP, L.L.C., its general partner | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: Authorized Person |
[Signature Page to Tax Receivable Agreement]
Annex A
TRA Parties
TRA Parties
|
The Applicable TRA Party Representative | |
Exhibit A
Form of Joinder Agreement
This JOINDER (this Joinder) to the Tax Receivable Agreement (as defined below), is between Infinity Natural Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation (including any successor corporation, the Corporate Taxpayer), (Transferor) and (Permitted Transferee).
WHEREAS, on , Permitted Transferee shall acquire percent of the Transferors right to receive payments that may become due and payable under the Tax Receivable Agreement (as defined below) (the Acquired Interests) from Transferor (the Acquisition); and
WHEREAS, Transferor, in connection with the Acquisition, has required Permitted Transferee to execute and deliver this Joinder pursuant to Section 7.6(a) of the Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of [], between the Corporate Taxpayer and each of the TRA Parties that are from time to time a party thereto (the Tax Receivable Agreement).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective covenants and agreements set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
Section 1.1 Definitions. To the extent capitalized words used in this Joinder are not defined in this Joinder, such words shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Section 1.2 Acquisition. For good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by Transferor and Permitted Transferee, Transferor hereby transfers and assigns absolutely to Permitted Transferee all of the Acquired Interests.
Section 1.3 Joinder. Permitted Transferee hereby acknowledges and agrees (i) that it has received and read the Tax Receivable Agreement, (ii) that Permitted Transferee is acquiring the Acquired Interests in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of the Tax Receivable Agreement and (iii) to become a TRA Party (as defined in the Tax Receivable Agreement) for all purposes of the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Section 1.4 Notice. Any notice, request, consent, claim, demand, approval, waiver or other communication hereunder to Permitted Transferee shall be delivered or sent to Permitted Transferee at the address set forth on the signature page hereto in accordance with Section 7.1 of the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Section 1.5 Governing Law. This Joinder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of Delaware.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporate Taxpayer, Transferor and Permitted Transferee have duly executed this Joinder as of the date first written above.
CORPORATE TAXPAYER: | ||
INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
TRANSFEROR: | ||
TRANSFEROR | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
PERMITTED TRANSFEREE: | ||
PERMITTED TRANSFEREE | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
Address for Notice to Permitted Transferee:
[Signature Page to Joinder Agreement]
Exhibit 21.1
SUBSIDIARIES OF INFINITY NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
Name of Subsidiary |
Jurisdiction of Organization | |
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC | Delaware | |
Wolf Run Operating LLC | Delaware | |
Block Island Minerals LLC | Delaware | |
INR Ohio, LLC | Delaware | |
INR Operating, LLC | Delaware | |
INR Midstream, LLC | Delaware | |
Cheat Mountain Resources, LLC | Delaware |
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 of our report dated March 13, 2023 relating to the consolidated financial statements of Utica Resource Ventures, LLC.
We also consent to the reference to us under the heading Experts in such Registration Statement.
/s/ Huselton, Morgan and Maultsby P.C. |
Dallas, Texas |
October 3, 2024 |
Exhibit 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 of our report dated July 22, 2024, relating to the balance sheet of Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading Experts in such Registration Statement.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Pittsburgh, PA
October 4, 2024
Exhibit 23.3
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 of our report dated July 22, 2024, relating to the financial statements of Infinity Natural Resources, LLC and subsidiaries. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading Experts in such Registration Statement.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Pittsburgh, PA
October 4, 2024
Exhibit 23.4
Consent of Independent Auditors
We consent to the use of our report dated August 6, 2024, with respect to the statements of revenues and direct operating expenses of PEO Ohio, LLC Ohio Appalachian Basin Working and Revenue Interests, included herein and to the reference to our firm under the heading Experts in the prospectus.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Dallas, Texas
October 4, 2024
Exhibit 23.5
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. and in the related Prospectus of the use of the name Wright & Company, Inc. and the incorporation by reference from our reserve reports prepared for Infinity Natural Resources, LLC as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Wright & Company, Inc. TX Reg. No. F-12302 | ||
/s/ |
D. Randall Wright | |
by: | D. Randall Wright, P.E. President |
Brentwood, Tennessee
October 4, 2024
Exhibit 99.1
July 12, 2024
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC
2605 Cranberry Square
Morgantown, WV 26508
Attention: | Mr. Ryan Warner |
SUBJECT: | Evaluation of Oil and Gas Reserves To the Consolidated Interests of Infinity Natural Resources, LLC In Certain Properties Located in Ohio and Pennsylvania Pursuant to the Requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission As of December 31, 2023 Job 24.2321 |
At the request of Infinity Natural Resources (INR), Wright & Company, Inc. (Wright) has performed an evaluation to estimate proved reserves and associated cash flow and economics from certain properties to the subject interests. This evaluation was authorized by Mr. Ryan Warner of INR. Projections of the reserves and cash flow to the evaluated interests were based on specified economic parameters, operating conditions, and government regulations considered applicable as of December 31, 2023. This reserves evaluation is pursuant to the financial reporting requirements of the United States (U.S.) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as specified in Regulation S-X, Rule 4-10(a) and Regulation S-K, Rule 1202(a)(8). It is the understanding of Wright that the purpose of this evaluation is for inclusion in relevant registration statements or other filings to the SEC for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. The report was completed July 12, 2024. The following is a summary of the results of the evaluation.
Infinity Natural Pursuant to SEC |
Total Proved Developed (PDP & PDNP) |
Proved Undeveloped (PUD) |
Total Proved (PDP, PDNP & PUD) |
Firm Transportation (FT) |
Total Proved & Firm Transportation (PDP, PDNP, PUD & FT) |
|||||||||||||||
Net Reserves to the Evaluated Interests |
||||||||||||||||||||
Oil, Mbbl: |
13,172.248 | 17,866.028 | 31,038.276 | 0.000 | 31,038.276 | |||||||||||||||
Gas, MMcf: |
252,832.288 | 255,892.768 | 508,725.056 | 0.000 | 508,725.056 | |||||||||||||||
NGL, Mbbl: |
12,643.506 | 13,118.168 | 25,761.672 | 0.000 | 25,761.672 | |||||||||||||||
Oil Equivalent, MBOE: |
67,954.469 | 73,632.991 | 141,587.457 | 0.000 | 141,587.457 | |||||||||||||||
(6 Mcf = 1 BOE) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cash Flow BTAX, M$ Undiscounted: |
1,021,108.736 | 1,021,395.008 | 2,042,504.320 | (4,807.913 | ) | 2,037,696.256 | ||||||||||||||
Discounted at 10% Per Annum: |
555,980.096 | 386,210.880 | 942,190.912 | (3,807.214 | ) | 938,383.680 |
Please note numbers in table may not add due to rounding techniques in the ARIES petroleum software program.
Twelve Cadillac Drive ● Suite 260
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 370-0755 Fax (615) 370-0756
www.wrightandcompany.com
Mr. Ryan Warner
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC
July 12, 2024
Page 2
The following is a summary of the total proved developed results of the evaluation.
Infinity Natural Pursuant to SEC |
Proved Developed Producing (PDP) |
Proved Developed Nonproducing (PDNP) |
Total Proved Developed (PDP & PDNP) |
|||||||||
Net Reserves to the Evaluated Interests |
||||||||||||
Oil, Mbbl: |
9,779.224 | 3,393.024 | 13,172.248 | |||||||||
Gas, MMcf: |
227,565.488 | 25,266.820 | 252,832.288 | |||||||||
NGL, Mbbl: |
9,966.714 | 2,676.791 | 12,643.506 | |||||||||
Oil Equivalent, MBOE: |
57,673.519 | 10,280.952 | 67,954.469 | |||||||||
(6 Mcf = 1 BOE) |
||||||||||||
Cash Flow BTAX, M$ Undiscounted: |
828,094.080 | 193,014.992 | 1,021,108.736 | |||||||||
Discounted at 10% Per Annum: |
455,366.304 | 100,613.824 | 555,980.096 |
Please note numbers in table may not add due to rounding techniques in the ARIES petroleum software program.
The properties evaluated in this report are located in the states of Ohio and Pennsylvania. According to INR, the total proved reserves included in this evaluation represent 100 percent of the reported total proved reserves of INR.
Proved oil and gas reserves are those quantities of oil and gas that can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations. As specified by the SEC regulations, when calculating economic producibility, the base product price must be the 12-month average price, calculated as the unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within the prior 12-month period. The benchmark base prices used for this evaluation were $78.22 per barrel for West Texas Intermediate oil at Cushing, Oklahoma, and $2.637 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) for natural gas at Henry Hub, Louisiana. These benchmark base prices were adjusted for energy content, quality, and basis differential, as appropriate. The resultant average adjusted product prices are $73.73 per barrel of oil and $1.739 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) of gas. The Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) product price was calculated to be approximately 29 to 45 percent of the base oil price based on field, resulting in a weighted average adjusted price of $26.87 per barrel. The product prices and adjustments were held constant for the life of the properties.
Oil and other liquid hydrocarbon volumes are expressed in thousands of U.S. barrels (Mbbl) of 42 U.S. gallons per barrel. Gas volumes are expressed in millions of standard cubic feet (MMcf) at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and at the legal pressure base that prevails in the state in which the reserves are located. For purposes of this report, volumes of natural gas are converted into equivalent quantities of oil at the ratio of 6 Mcf equals 1 barrel of oil equivalent (BOE). No adjustment of the individual gas volumes to a common pressure base has been made.
Net income to the evaluated interests is the cash flow after consideration of royalty revenue payable to others, state and county taxes, state fees, operating expenses, investments, salvage values, and abandonment costs, as applicable. The cash flow is before federal income tax (Cash Flow BTAX) and excludes consideration of any encumbrances against the properties if such exist. The Cash Flow BTAX was discounted monthly at an annual rate of 10.0 percent in accordance with the reporting requirements of the SEC.
Mr. Ryan Warner
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC
July 12, 2024
Page 3
The estimates of reserves contained in this report were determined by accepted industry methods, and the assumptions, data, methods, and procedures used are appropriate for the purpose served by the report. Where sufficient production history and other data were available, reserves for producing properties were determined by extrapolation of historical production or sales trends. Analogy to similar producing properties was used for development projects and for those properties that lacked sufficient production history to yield a definitive estimate of reserves. When appropriate, Wright may have also considered volumetric calculations, log correlations, target zone, and geosteering in the determination of estimated ultimate recovery (EUR). These calculations are often based upon limited log and/or core analysis data and incomplete formation fluid and rock data. Since these limited data must frequently be extrapolated over an assumed drainage area, subsequent production performance trends or material balance calculations may cause the need for significant revisions to the estimates of reserves. Wright has used all methods and procedures as it considered necessary under the circumstances to prepare this report.
Oil, gas, and other liquid hydrocarbon reserves were evaluated for the proved developed producing (PDP), proved developed nonproducing (PDNP), and proved undeveloped (PUD) categories. The summary classification of total proved developed reserves combines the PDP and PDNP categories, and the summary classification of total proved reserves combines the total proved developed and PUD categories. In preparing this evaluation, no attempt has been made to quantify the element of uncertainty associated with any category. Reserves were assigned to each category as warranted.
There are significant uncertainties inherent in estimating reserves, future rates of production, and the timing and amount of future costs. The estimation of oil and gas reserves must be recognized as a subjective process that cannot be measured in an exact way, and estimates of others might differ materially from those of Wright. The accuracy of any reserves estimate is a function of the quantity and quality of available data and of subjective interpretations and judgments. It should be emphasized that production data subsequent to the date of these estimates or changes in the analogous properties may warrant revisions of such estimates. Accordingly, reserves estimates are often different from the quantities of oil and gas that are ultimately recovered.
All data utilized in the preparation of this report were provided by INR. No inspection of the properties was made as this was not considered to be within the scope of this evaluation. Wright has not independently verified the accuracy and completeness of information and data furnished by INR with respect to ownership interests, oil and gas production or sales, historical costs of operation and development, product prices, or agreements relating to current and future operations and sales of production. Wright requested and received detailed information allowing Wright to check and confirm any calculations provided by INR with regard to product pricing, appropriate adjustments, lease operating expenses, and capital investments for drilling the undeveloped locations. Furthermore, if in the course of Wrights examination something came to our attention that brought into question the validity or sufficiency of any information or data, Wright did not rely on such information or data until we had satisfactorily resolved our questions relating thereto or independently verified such information or data. In accordance with the requirements of the SEC, all operating costs were held constant for the life of the properties.
In accordance with the instructions of INR, abandonment costs net of salvage values were included, as appropriate. Wright has not performed a detailed study of the abandonment costs nor the salvage values; however, the provided values appear to be reasonable.
Wright is not aware of any potential environmental liabilities that may exist concerning the properties evaluated. There are no costs included in this evaluation for potential property restoration, liability, or clean up of damages, if any, that may be necessary due to past or future operating practices.
While the oil and gas industry may be subject to regulatory changes from time to time that could affect an industry participants ability to recover its oil and gas reserves, we are not aware of any such governmental actions which would restrict the recovery of the estimated oil, gas, and NGL volumes as of December 31, 2023. The reserves in this report can be produced under current regulatory guidelines. Actual future commodity prices may differ substantially from the utilized pricing scenario, which may or may not extend or limit the estimated reserve and revenue quantities presented in this report.
Wright is an independent petroleum consulting firm founded in 1988 and owns no interests in the oil and gas properties covered by this report. No employee, officer, or director of Wright is an employee, officer, or director of INR, nor does Wright or any of its employees have direct financial interest in INR. Neither the employment of nor the compensation received by Wright is contingent upon the values assigned or the opinions rendered regarding the properties covered by this report.
Mr. Ryan Warner
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC
July 12, 2024
Page 4
This report is prepared for the information of INR, its shareholders, and for the information and assistance of its independent public accountants in connection with their review of and report upon the financial statements of INR, and for reporting disclosures as required by the SEC. This report is also intended for public disclosure as an exhibit in filings made to the SEC by INR.
Based on data and information provided by INR, and the specified economic parameters, operating conditions, and government regulations considered applicable as of December 31, 2023, it is Wrights conclusion that this report provides a fair and accurate representation of the oil and gas reserves to the interests of INR in those certain properties included in this report.
The professional qualifications of the petroleum consultants responsible for the evaluation of the reserves and economics information presented in this report meet the standards of qualified reserves evaluator as defined in the Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information as promulgated by the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
It has been a pleasure to serve you by preparing this evaluation. All related data will be retained in our files and are available for your review.
Very truly yours, | ||
Wright & Company, Inc. | ||
TX Reg. No. F-12302 | ||
By: | /s/ D. Randall Wright, P.E. | |
D. Randall Wright, P.E. | ||
President |
Exhibit 99.2
July 12, 2024
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC
2605 Cranberry Square
Morgantown, WV 26508
Attention: Mr. Ryan Warner
SUBJECT: | Evaluation of Oil and Gas Reserves | |||
To the Consolidated Interests of | ||||
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC | ||||
In Certain Properties Located in Ohio and Pennsylvania | ||||
Pursuant to the Requirements of the | ||||
Securities and Exchange Commission | ||||
As of December 31, 2022 | ||||
Job 24.2320 |
At the request of Infinity Natural Resources (INR), Wright & Company, Inc. (Wright) has performed an evaluation to estimate proved reserves and associated cash flow and economics from certain properties to the subject interests. This evaluation was authorized by Mr. Ryan Warner of INR. Projections of the reserves and cash flow to the evaluated interests were based on specified economic parameters, operating conditions, and government regulations considered applicable as of December 31, 2022. This reserves evaluation is pursuant to the financial reporting requirements of the United States (U.S.) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as specified in Regulation S-X, Rule4-10(a) and Regulation S-K, Rule 1202(a)(8). It is the understanding of Wright that the purpose of this evaluation is for inclusion in relevant registration statements or other filings to the SEC for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. The report was completed July 12, 2024. The following is a summary of the results of the evaluation.
Infinity Natural Pursuant to SEC |
Proved Developed Producing (PDP) |
Proved Undeveloped (PUD) |
Total Proved (PDP & PUD) |
Firm Transportation (FT) |
Total Proved & Firm Transportation (PDP, PUD & FT) |
|||||||||||||||
Net Reserves to the Evaluated Interests |
||||||||||||||||||||
Oil, Mbbl: |
2,994.702 | 2,917.878 | 5,912.580 | 0.000 | 5,912.580 | |||||||||||||||
Gas, MMcf: |
143,631.792 | 214,705.600 | 358,337.344 | 0.000 | 358,337.344 | |||||||||||||||
NGL, Mbbl: |
6,131.695 | 8,020.415 | 14,152.108 | 0.000 | 14,152.108 | |||||||||||||||
Oil Equivalent, MBOE: |
33,065.029 | 46,722.560 | 79,787.579 | 0.000 | 79,787.579 | |||||||||||||||
(6 Mcf = 1 BOE) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cash Flow BTAX, M$ Undiscounted: |
1,074,645.760 | 1,234,132.864 | 2,308,779.264 | (1,707.948 | ) | 2,307,071.232 | ||||||||||||||
Discounted at 10% |
||||||||||||||||||||
Per Annum: |
537,790.528 | 481,426.432 | 1,019,216.896 | (1,609.897 | ) | 1,017,607.040 |
Please note numbers in table may not add due to rounding techniques in the ARIES petroleum software program.
The properties evaluated in this report are located in the states of Ohio and Pennsylvania. According to INR, the total proved reserves included in this evaluation represent 100 percent of the reported total proved reserves of INR.
Twelve Cadillac Drive ● Suite 260
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 370-0755 Fax (615) 370-0756
www.wrightandcompany.com
Mr. Ryan Warner
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC
July 12, 2024
Page 2
Proved oil and gas reserves are those quantities of oil and gas that can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations. As specified by the SEC regulations, when calculating economic producibility, the base product price must be the 12-month average price, calculated as the unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within the prior 12-month period. The benchmark base prices used for this evaluation were $93.67 per barrel for West Texas Intermediate oil at Cushing, Oklahoma, and $6.357 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) for natural gas at Henry Hub, Louisiana. These benchmark base prices were adjusted for energy content, quality, and basis differential, as appropriate. The resultant average adjusted product prices are $88.67 per barrel of oil and $5.606 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) of gas. The Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) product price was calculated to be approximately 44 percent of the base oil price, resulting in a weighted average adjusted price of $41.21 per barrel. The product prices and adjustments were held constant for the life of the properties.
Oil and other liquid hydrocarbon volumes are expressed in thousands of U.S. barrels (Mbbl) of 42 U.S. gallons per barrel. Gas volumes are expressed in millions of standard cubic feet (MMcf) at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and at the legal pressure base that prevails in the state in which the reserves are located. For the purpose of this report, volumes of natural gas are converted into equivalent quantities of oil at the ratio of six Mcf equals one barrel of oil equivalent (BOE). No adjustment of the individual gas volumes to a common pressure base has been made.
Net income to the evaluated interests is the cash flow after consideration of royalty revenue payable to others, state and county taxes, state fees, operating expenses, investments, salvage values, and abandonment costs, as applicable. The cash flow is before federal income tax (Cash Flow BTAX) and excludes consideration of any encumbrances against the properties if such exist. The Cash Flow BTAX was discounted monthly at an annual rate of 10.0 percent in accordance with the reporting requirements of the SEC.
The estimates of reserves contained in this report were determined by accepted industry methods, and the assumptions, data, methods, and procedures used are appropriate for the purpose served by the report. Where sufficient production history and other data were available, reserves for producing properties were determined by extrapolation of historical production or sales trends. Analogy to similar producing properties was used for development projects and for those properties that lacked sufficient production history to yield a definitive estimate of reserves. When appropriate, Wright may have also considered volumetric calculations, log correlations, target zone, and geosteering in the determination of estimated ultimate recovery (EUR). These calculations are often based upon limited log and/or core analysis data and incomplete formation fluid and rock data. Since these limited data must frequently be extrapolated over an assumed drainage area, subsequent production performance trends or material balance calculations may cause the need for significant revisions to the estimates of reserves. Wright has used all methods and procedures as it considered necessary under the circumstances to prepare this report.
Oil, gas, and other liquid hydrocarbon reserves were evaluated for the proved developed producing (PDP) and proved undeveloped (PUD) categories. The summary classification of total proved reserves combines the PDP and PUD categories. In preparing this evaluation, no attempt has been made to quantify the element of uncertainty associated with any category. Reserves were assigned to each category as warranted.
There are significant uncertainties inherent in estimating reserves, future rates of production, and the timing and amount of future costs. The estimation of oil and gas reserves must be recognized as a subjective process that cannot be measured in an exact way, and estimates of others might differ materially from those of Wright. The accuracy of any reserves estimate is a function of the quantity and quality of available data and of subjective interpretations and judgments. It should be emphasized that production data subsequent to the date of these estimates or changes in the analogous properties may warrant revisions of such estimates. Accordingly, reserves estimates are often different from the quantities of oil and gas that are ultimately recovered.
All data utilized in the preparation of this report were provided by INR. No inspection of the properties was made as this was not considered to be within the scope of this evaluation. Wright has not independently verified the accuracy and completeness of information and data furnished by INR with respect to ownership interests, oil and gas production or sales, historical costs of operation and development, product prices, or agreements relating to current and future operations and sales of production. Wright requested and received detailed information allowing Wright to check and confirm any calculations provided by INR with regard to product pricing, appropriate adjustments, lease operating expenses, and capital investments for drilling the undeveloped locations. Furthermore, if in the course of Wrights examination something came to our attention that brought into question the validity or sufficiency of any information or data, Wright did not rely on such information or data until we had satisfactorily resolved our questions relating thereto or independently verified such information or data. In accordance with the requirements of the SEC, all operating costs were held constant for the life of the properties.
Mr. Ryan Warner
Infinity Natural Resources, LLC
July 12, 2024
Page 3
In accordance with the instructions of INR, abandonment costs net of salvage values were included, as appropriate. Wright has not performed a detailed study of the abandonment costs nor the salvage values; however, the provided values appear to be reasonable.
Wright is not aware of any potential environmental liabilities that may exist concerning the properties evaluated. There are no costs included in this evaluation for potential property restoration, liability, or clean up of damages, if any, that may be necessary due to past or future operating practices.
While the oil and gas industry may be subject to regulatory changes from time to time that could affect an industry participants ability to recover its oil and gas reserves, we are not aware of any such governmental actions which would restrict the recovery of the estimated oil, gas, and NGL volumes as of December 31, 2022. The reserves in this report can be produced under current regulatory guidelines. Actual future commodity prices may differ substantially from the utilized pricing scenario, which may or may not extend or limit the estimated reserve and revenue quantities presented in this report.
Wright is an independent petroleum consulting firm founded in 1988 and owns no interests in the oil and gas properties covered by this report. No employee, officer, or director of Wright is an employee, officer, or director of INR, nor does Wright or any of its employees have direct financial interest in INR. Neither the employment of nor the compensation received by Wright is contingent upon the values assigned or the opinions rendered regarding the properties covered by this report.
This report is prepared for the information of INR, its shareholders, and for the information and assistance of its independent public accountants in connection with their review of and report upon the financial statements of INR, and for reporting disclosures as required by the SEC. This report is also intended for public disclosure as an exhibit in filings made to the SEC by INR.
Based on data and information provided by INR, and the specified economic parameters, operating conditions, and government regulations considered applicable as of December 31, 2022, it is Wrights conclusion that this report provides a fair and accurate representation of the oil and gas reserves to the interests of INR in those certain properties included in this report.
The professional qualifications of the petroleum consultants responsible for the evaluation of the reserves and economics information presented in this report meet the standards of qualified reserves evaluator as defined in the Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information as promulgated by the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
It has been a pleasure to serve you by preparing this evaluation. All related data will be retained in our files and are available for your review.
Very truly yours, | ||
Wright & Company, Inc. | ||
TX Reg. No. F-12302 | ||
By: | /s/ D. Randall Wright, P.E. | |
D. Randall Wright, P.E. | ||
President |
Exhibit 99.3
CONSENT OF DIRECTOR NOMINEE
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. (the Company) is filing a Registration Statement on Form S-l with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), in connection with the initial public offering (IPO) of its Class A common stock. In connection with the IPO, I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of the Company in the Registration Statement, as the same may be amended from time to time. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to such Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.
Dated: October 2, 2024
/s/ Katherine May Gallagher |
Name: Katherine M. Gallagher |
Exhibit 99.4
CONSENT OF DIRECTOR NOMINEE
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. (the Company) is filing a Registration Statement on Form S-l with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), in connection with the initial public offering (IPO) of its Class A common stock. In connection with the IPO, I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of the Company in the Registration Statement, as the same may be amended from time to time. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to such Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.
Dated: October 2, 2024
/s/ Scott Gieselman |
Name: Scott Gieselman |
Exhibit 99.5
CONSENT OF DIRECTOR NOMINEE
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. (the Company) is filing a Registration Statement on Form S-l with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), in connection with the initial public offering (IPO) of its Class A common stock. In connection with the IPO, I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of the Company in the Registration Statement, as the same may be amended from time to time. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to such Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.
Dated: October 2, 2024
/s/ Steven D. Gray |
Name: Steven D. Gray |
Exhibit 99.6
CONSENT OF DIRECTOR NOMINEE
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. (the Company) is filing a Registration Statement on Form S-l with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), in connection with the initial public offering (IPO) of its Class A common stock. In connection with the IPO, I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of the Company in the Registration Statement, as the same may be amended from time to time. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to such Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.
Dated: October 2, 2024
/s/ Sarah P. James |
Name: Sarah P. James |
Exhibit 99.7
CONSENT OF DIRECTOR NOMINEE
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. (the Company) is filing a Registration Statement on Form S-l with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), in connection with the initial public offering (IPO) of its Class A common stock. In connection with the IPO, I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of the Company in the Registration Statement, as the same may be amended from time to time. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to such Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.
Dated: October 2, 2024 | ||||||
/s/ David Poole | ||||||
Name: David Poole |
Exhibit 99.8
CONSENT OF DIRECTOR NOMINEE
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. (the Company) is filing a Registration Statement on Form S-l with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), in connection with the initial public offering (IPO) of its Class A common stock. In connection with the IPO, I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of the Company in the Registration Statement, as the same may be amended from time to time. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to such Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.
Dated: October 2, 2024 | ||||||
/s/ Brian Seline | ||||||
Name: Brian Seline |
Exhibit 107
Calculation of Filing Fee Tables
Form S-1
(Form Type)
Infinity Natural Resources, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Table 1: Newly Registered and Carry Forward Securities
Security Type |
Security Class Title |
Fee Calculation or Carry Forward Rule |
Amount Registered |
Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Unit |
Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(1)(2) |
Fee Rate |
Amount of Registration Fee(3) |
Carry Forward Form Type |
Carry Forward File Number |
Carry Forward Initial effective date |
Filing Fee Previously Paid In Connection with Unsold Securities to be Carried Forward | |||||||||||||
Newly Registered Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fees to Be Paid |
Equity | Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | 457(o) | | | $100,000,000.00 | .00015310 | $15,310.00 | ||||||||||||||||
Carry Forward Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Carry Forward Securities |
| | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||
Total Offering Amounts | $100,000,000.00 | $15,310.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Fees Previously Paid | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Fee Offsets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Fee Due | $15,310.00 |
(1) | Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). |
(2) | Includes shares of Class A Common Stock that the underwriters have the option to purchase to cover over-allotments. |
(3) | Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act based on an estimate of the proposed maximum aggregate offering price of the shares of Class A Common Stock to be sold by the Registrant. |