UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form
(Mark One)
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended
or
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number:
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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(Address of principal executive offices) |
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(Zip Code) |
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(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
Trading Symbol(s) |
Name of each exchange on which registered |
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
☒ |
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☐ |
No |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, 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 ☐ |
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Accelerated filer ☐ |
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Smaller reporting company |
Emerging growth company |
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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 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class |
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As of April 30, 2021 |
Common Units |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Item 1. |
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Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Partners' Capital. |
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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. |
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Item 2. |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. |
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Item 3. |
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Item 4. |
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Item 1. |
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Item 1A. |
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Item 5. |
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Item 6. |
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1
COMMONLY USED OR DEFINED TERMS
2016 Drop Down |
the Partnership's March 3, 2016 acquisition from SMP Holdings of substantially all of (i) the issued and outstanding membership interests in Summit Utica, Meadowlark Midstream and Tioga Midstream and (ii) SMP Holdings’ 40% ownership interest in Ohio Gathering |
2022 Senior Notes |
Summit Holdings' and Finance Corp.’s 5.5% senior unsecured notes due August 2022 |
2025 Senior Notes |
Summit Holdings' and Finance Corp.’s 5.75% senior unsecured notes due April 2025 |
ASC |
Accounting Standards Codification |
ASU |
Accounting Standards Update |
Bison Midstream |
Bison Midstream, LLC |
Board of Directors |
the board of directors of our General Partner |
condensate |
a natural gas liquid with a low vapor pressure, mainly composed of propane, butane, pentane and heavier hydrocarbon fractions |
Deferred Purchase Price Obligation |
the deferred payment liability recognized in connection with the 2016 Drop Down, as subsequently amended; also referred to as DPPO |
DFW Midstream |
DFW Midstream Services LLC |
DJ Basin |
Denver-Julesburg Basin |
Double E |
Double E Pipeline, LLC |
Double E Project |
the development and construction of a long-haul natural gas pipeline with an initial throughput capacity of 1.35 billion cubic feet per day that will provide transportation service from multiple receipt points in the Delaware Basin to various delivery points in and around the Waha Hub in Texas |
Energy Capital Partners |
Energy Capital Partners II, LLC and its parallel and co-investment funds |
Epping |
Epping Transmission Company, LLC |
EPU |
earnings or loss per unit |
FASB |
Financial Accounting Standards Board |
Finance Corp. |
Summit Midstream Finance Corp. |
GAAP |
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America |
General Partner |
Summit Midstream GP, LLC |
GP |
general partner |
Grand River |
Grand River Gathering, LLC |
Guarantor Subsidiaries |
Bison Midstream and its subsidiaries, Grand River and its subsidiaries, DFW Midstream, Summit Marketing, Summit Permian, Permian Finance, OpCo, Summit Utica, Meadowlark Midstream, Summit Permian II and Mountaineer Midstream |
hub |
geographic location of a storage facility and multiple pipeline interconnections |
LIBOR |
London Interbank Offered Rate |
Mbbl/d |
one thousand barrels per day |
Meadowlark Midstream |
Meadowlark Midstream Company, LLC |
MMcf/d |
one million cubic feet per day |
Mountaineer Midstream |
Mountaineer Midstream Company, LLC |
MVC |
minimum volume commitment |
NGLs |
natural gas liquids; the combination of ethane, propane, normal butane, iso-butane and natural gasolines that when removed from unprocessed natural gas streams become liquid under various levels of higher pressure and lower temperature |
Niobrara G&P |
Niobrara Gathering and Processing system |
NYSE |
New York Stock Exchange |
OCC |
Ohio Condensate Company, L.L.C. |
OGC |
Ohio Gathering Company, L.L.C. |
Ohio Gathering |
Ohio Gathering Company, L.L.C. and Ohio Condensate Company, L.L.C. |
OpCo |
Summit Midstream OpCo, LP |
play |
a proven geological formation that contains commercial amounts of hydrocarbons |
Permian Finance |
Summit Midstream Permian Finance, LLC |
Permian Holdco |
Summit Permian Transmission Holdco, LLC |
2
Permian Transmission Credit Facility |
Credit Agreement, dated as of March 8, 2021, among Summit Permian Transmission, LLC, as borrower, MUFG Bank Ltd., as administrative agent, Mizuho Bank (USA), as collateral agent, ING Capital LLC, Mizuho Bank, Ltd. and MUFG Union Bank, N.A., as L/C issuers, coordinating lead arrangers and joint bookrunners, and the lenders from time to time party thereto |
Polar and Divide |
the Polar and Divide system; collectively Polar Midstream and Epping |
produced water |
water from underground geologic formations that is a by-product of natural gas and crude oil production |
Revolving Credit Facility |
the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 26, 2017, as amended by the First Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 22, 2017, the Second Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 26, 2019, the Third Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 24, 2019 and the Fourth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 18, 2020 |
SEC |
Securities and Exchange Commission |
segment adjusted EBITDA |
total revenues less total costs and expenses; plus (i) other income excluding interest income, (ii) our proportional adjusted EBITDA for equity method investees, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv) adjustments related to MVC shortfall payments, (v) adjustments related to capital reimbursement activity, (vi) unit- based and noncash compensation, (vii) impairments and (viii) other noncash expenses or losses, less other noncash income or gains |
Senior Notes |
The 5.5% Senior Notes and the 5.75% Senior Notes, collectively |
Series A Preferred Units |
Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units |
shortfall payment |
the payment received from a counterparty when its volume throughput does not meet its MVC for the applicable period |
SMLP |
Summit Midstream Partners, LP |
SMLP LTIP |
SMLP Long-Term Incentive Plan |
SMP Holdings |
Summit Midstream Partners Holdings, LLC, also known as SMPH |
SMPH Term Loan |
the Term Loan Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2017, among SMP Holdings, as borrower, the lenders party thereto and Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent |
Subsidiary Series A Preferred Units |
Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units issued by Permian Holdco |
Summit Holdings |
Summit Midstream Holdings, LLC |
Summit Investments |
Summit Midstream Partners, LLC |
Summit Marketing |
Summit Midstream Marketing, LLC |
Summit Permian |
Summit Midstream Permian, LLC |
Summit Permian II |
Summit Midstream Permian II, LLC |
Summit Permian Transmission |
Summit Permian Transmission, LLC |
Summit Utica |
Summit Midstream Utica, LLC |
the Partnership |
Summit Midstream Partners, LP and its subsidiaries |
the Partnership Agreement |
the Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership dated May 28, 2020 |
throughput volume |
the volume of natural gas, crude oil or produced water gathered, transported or passing through a pipeline, plant or other facility during a particular period; also referred to as volume throughput |
unconventional resource basin |
a basin where natural gas or crude oil production is developed from unconventional sources that require hydraulic fracturing as part of the completion process, for instance, natural gas produced from shale formations and coalbeds; also referred to as an unconventional resource play |
wellhead |
the equipment at the surface of a well, used to control the well's pressure; also, the point at which the hydrocarbons and water exit the ground |
3
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
SUMMIT MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, LP AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
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March 31, |
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December 31, |
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2021 |
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2020 |
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(In thousands, except unit amounts) |
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ASSETS |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
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$ |
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Restricted cash |
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— |
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Accounts receivable, net |
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Other current assets |
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Total current assets |
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Property, plant and equipment, net |
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Intangible assets, net |
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Investment in equity method investees |
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Other noncurrent assets |
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TOTAL ASSETS |
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$ |
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$ |
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LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL |
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Trade accounts payable |
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$ |
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$ |
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Accrued expenses |
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Deferred revenue |
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Ad valorem taxes payable |
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Accrued compensation and employee benefits |
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Accrued interest |
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Accrued environmental remediation |
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Other current liabilities |
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Total current liabilities |
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Long-term debt |
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Noncurrent deferred revenue |
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Noncurrent accrued environmental remediation |
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Other noncurrent liabilities |
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Total liabilities |
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Commitments and contingencies (Note 13) |
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Mezzanine Capital |
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Subsidiary Series A Preferred Units ( |
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Partners' Capital |
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Series A Preferred Units ( |
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Common limited partner capital ( |
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Total partners' capital |
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TOTAL LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL |
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$ |
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$ |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
SUMMIT MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, LP AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
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Three Months Ended March 31, |
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2021 |
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2020 |
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(In thousands, except per-unit amounts) |
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Revenues: |
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Gathering services and related fees |
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$ |
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$ |
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Natural gas, NGLs and condensate sales |
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Other revenues |
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Total revenues |
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Costs and expenses: |
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Cost of natural gas and NGLs |
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Operation and maintenance |
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General and administrative |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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Transaction costs |
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— |
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(Gain) loss on asset sales, net |
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Long-lived asset impairments |
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Total costs and expenses |
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Other income (expense), net |
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Interest expense |
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Loss on ECP Warrants and other |
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— |
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Income before income taxes and equity method investment income |
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Income tax benefit |
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Income from equity method investees |
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Net income |
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$ |
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$ |
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Net income attributable to Subsidiary Series A Preferred Units |
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Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest |
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— |
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Net income attributable to Summit Midstream Partners, LP |
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$ |
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$ |
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Less: net income attributable to Series A Preferred Units |
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Net income (loss) attributable to common limited partners |
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$ |
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$ |
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Net income (loss) per limited partner unit: |
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Common unit – basic |
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$ |
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$ |
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Common unit – diluted |
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$ |
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$ |
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Weighted-average limited partner units outstanding: |
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Common units – basic |
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Common units – diluted |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
SUMMIT MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, LP AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL
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Noncontrolling Interest |
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Partners' Capital |
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Series A Preferred Units |
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Common Noncontrolling Interests |
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Series A Preferred Units |
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Partners' Capital |
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Total |
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(In thousands) |
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Partners' capital, January 1, 2021 |
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$ |
— |
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$ |
— |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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Net income |
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— |
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— |
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Unit-based compensation |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Tax withholdings and associated payments on vested SMLP LTIP awards |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Partners' capital, March 31, 2021 |
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$ |
— |
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$ |
— |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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Noncontrolling Interest |
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Partners' Capital |
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Series A Preferred Units |
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Common Noncontrolling Interests |
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Series A Preferred Units |
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Partners' Capital |
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Total |
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(In thousands) |
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Partners' capital, January 1, 2020 |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
— |
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$ |
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$ |
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Net income (loss) |
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— |
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Net cash distributions to SMLP unitholders |
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— |
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( |
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— |
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— |
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( |
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Unit-based compensation |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Effect of common unit issuances under SMLP LTIP |
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— |
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— |
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( |
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— |
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Tax withholdings and associated payments on vested SMLP LTIP awards |
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— |
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( |
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— |
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— |
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( |
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Partners' capital, March 31, 2020 |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
— |
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$ |
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$ |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
SUMMIT MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, LP AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
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Three Months Ended March 31, |
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2021 |
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2020 |
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(In thousands) |
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Cash flows from operating activities: |
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Net income |
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$ |
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$ |
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Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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Noncash lease expense |
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Amortization of debt issuance costs |
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Unit-based and noncash compensation |
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Income from equity method investees |
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( |
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( |
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Distributions from equity method investees |
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(Gain) loss on asset sales, net |
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( |
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Loss on ECP Warrants and other |
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Long-lived asset impairment |
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Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
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Accounts receivable |
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Trade accounts payable |
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Accrued expenses |
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( |
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( |
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Deferred revenue, net |
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( |
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Ad valorem taxes payable |
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( |
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( |
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Accrued interest |
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Accrued environmental remediation, net |
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( |
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Other, net |
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( |
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( |
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Net cash provided by operating activities |
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Cash flows from investing activities: |
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Capital expenditures |
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( |
) |
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( |
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Proceeds from asset sale |
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Investment in Double E equity method investee |
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( |
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( |
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Other, net |
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Net cash used in investing activities |
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( |
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( |
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Cash flows from financing activities: |
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Net cash distributions to noncontrolling interest SMLP unitholders |
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( |
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Borrowings under Revolving Credit Facility |
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Repayments on Revolving Credit Facility |
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( |
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( |
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Borrowings under Permian Transmission Credit Facility |
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Repayments on SMPH Term Loan before TL Restructuring |
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( |
) |
Proceeds from issuance of Subsidiary Series A preferred units, net of issuance costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt issuance costs |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Proceeds from asset sale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other, net |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
7
SUMMIT MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, LP AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. ORGANIZATION, BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND PRESENTATION AND CONSOLIDATION
Organization. Summit Midstream Partners, LP (including its subsidiaries, collectively “SMLP” or the “Partnership”) is a Delaware limited partnership that was formed in May 2012 and began operations in October 2012. SMLP is a value-oriented limited partnership focused on developing, owning and operating midstream energy infrastructure assets that are strategically located in unconventional resource basins, primarily shale formations, in the continental United States. The Partnership’s business activities are conducted through various operating subsidiaries, each of which is owned or controlled by its wholly owned subsidiary holding company, Summit Holdings, a Delaware limited liability company.
GP Buy-In Transaction. On
As a result of the GP Buy-In Transaction, the Partnership indirectly owns its General Partner. Following the closing of the GP Buy-In Transaction, the Partnership retired
Under GAAP, the GP Buy-In Transaction was deemed a transaction among entities under common control with a change in reporting entity. Although SMLP is the surviving entity for legal purposes, Summit Investments is the surviving entity for accounting purposes; therefore, the historical financial results included herein, prior to the GP Buy-In Transaction are those of Summit Investments. Prior to the GP Buy-In Transaction, Summit Investments controlled SMLP and SMLP’s financial statements were consolidated into Summit Investments.
Business Operations. The Partnership provides natural gas gathering, compression, treating and processing services as well as crude oil and produced water gathering services pursuant to primarily long-term, fee-based agreements with its customers. The Partnership’s results are primarily driven by the volumes of natural gas that it gathers, compresses, treats and/or processes as well as by the volumes of crude oil and produced water that it gathers. Other than the Partnership’s investments in Double E and Ohio Gathering, all of its business activities are conducted through wholly owned operating subsidiaries.
Presentation and Consolidation. The Partnership prepares its condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP as established by the FASB and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC pertaining to interim financial information. The condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this report include all normal and recurring material adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented herein. The Partnership makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the balance sheet dates, including fair value measurements, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses and the disclosure of commitments and contingencies. Although management believes these estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from its estimates.
8
The condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this report include the assets, liabilities and results of operations of SMLP and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions among the consolidated entities have been eliminated in consolidation. Comprehensive income or loss is the same as net income or loss for all periods presented.
Risks and Uncertainties. The Partnership is closely monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all aspects of its business, including how it has impacted and will impact its customers, employees, supply chain and distribution network. The Partnership is unable to predict the ultimate impact that COVID-19 may have on its business, future results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
Given the dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and related market conditions, the Partnership cannot reasonably estimate the period of time that these events will persist or the full extent of the impact they will have on its business. The full extent to which the Partnership’s operations may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic will depend largely on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted, including changes in the severity of the pandemic, countermeasures taken by governments, businesses and individuals to slow the spread of the pandemic, and the development and availability of treatments and vaccines and the extent to which these treatments and vaccines may remain effective as potential new strains of the coronavirus emerge. Furthermore, the impacts of a potential worsening of global economic conditions and the continued disruptions to and volatility in the financial markets remain unknown.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE PARTNERSHIP
Except for the below, there have been no changes to the Partnership’s significant accounting policies since December 31, 2020.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash. We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash that is held by a major bank and has restrictions on its availability to the Partnership is classified as restricted cash. The restricted cash balance of $
Interest Rate Swaps. Interest rate swap agreements are reported as either assets or liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. Interest rate swap agreements are not designated as cash-flow hedges, and accordingly, the changes in the fair value are recorded in earnings. The Partnership does not use interest rate swap agreements for speculative purposes.
New accounting standards recently implemented.
ASU No. 2018-13 Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”). ASU 2018-13 updates the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements including new disclosures for the changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 modifies existing disclosures including clarifying the measurement uncertainty disclosure. ASU 2018-13 removes certain existing disclosure requirements including the amount and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and the policy for the timing of transfer between levels. The adoption of ASU 2018-13 on January 1, 2020 did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
ASU No. 2016-13 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 requires the use of a current expected loss model for financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. Under this model, entities will be required to estimate the lifetime expected credit losses on such instruments based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This amended guidance also expands the disclosure requirements to enable users of financial statements to understand an entity’s assumptions, models and methods for estimating expected credit losses. The changes are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and amendments should be applied using a modified retrospective approach. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020 did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
New accounting standards not yet implemented.
ASU No. 2020-06 Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815 – 40) (“ASU 2020-06”). ASU 2020-06 simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s
9
own equity. The ASU is part of the FASB’s simplification initiative, which aims to reduce unnecessary complexity in U.S. GAAP. The ASU’s amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Partnership is currently evaluating the provisions of ASU 2020-06 to determine its impact on the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
ASU No. 2020-04 Reference Rate Reform (“ASU 2020-04”). ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform on financial reporting. The amendments in ASU 2020-04 are effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Partnership is currently evaluating the provisions of ASU 2020-04 to determine its impact on the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
3. REVENUE
Performance obligations. The following table presents estimated revenue expected to be recognized during the remainder of 2021 and over the remaining contract period related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied and are comprised of estimated minimum volume commitments.
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2025 |
|
|
Thereafter |
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Gathering services and related fees |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Revenue by Category. In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by geographic area and major products and services. For more detailed information about reportable segments, see Note 15 – Segment Information.
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 |
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
Gathering services and related fees |
|
|
Natural gas, NGLs and condensate sales |
|
|
Other revenues |
|
|
Total |
|
||||
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|||||||||||||
Reportable Segments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utica Shale |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Williston Basin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DJ Basin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Permian Basin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Piceance Basin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barnett Shale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marcellus Shale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total reportable segments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All other segments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 |
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
Gathering services and related fees |
|
|
Natural gas, NGLs and condensate sales |
|
|
Other revenues |
|
|
Total |
|
||||
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|||||||||||||
Reportable Segments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utica Shale |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Williston Basin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DJ Basin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Permian Basin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Piceance Basin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barnett Shale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marcellus Shale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total reportable segments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All other segments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
10
Contract balances. Contract assets relate to the Partnership’s rights to consideration for work completed but not billed at the reporting date and consist of the estimated MVC shortfall payments expected from its customers and unbilled activity associated with contributions in aid of construction. Contract assets are transferred to trade receivables when the rights become unconditional. The following table provides information about contract assets from contracts with customers:
|
|
2021 |
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|
Contract assets, January 1, |
|
$ |
|
|
Additions |
|
|
|
|
Transfers out |
|
|
( |
) |
Contract assets, March 31, |
|
$ |
|
|
As of March 31, 2021, receivables with customers totaled $
As of December 31, 2020, receivables with customers totaled $
Contract liabilities (deferred revenue) relate to the advance consideration received from customers primarily for contributions in aid of construction. The Partnership recognizes contract liabilities under these arrangements in revenue over the contract period. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Partnership recognized $
4. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Details of the Partnership’s property, plant and equipment follows.
|
|
March 31, 2021 |
|
|
December 31, 2020 |
|
||
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|||||
Gathering and processing systems and related equipment |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Construction in progress |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land and line fill |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: accumulated depreciation |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Property, plant and equipment, net |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Depreciation expense and capitalized interest for the Partnership follows.
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
||
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|||||
Depreciation expense |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Capitalized interest |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
5. EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS
Double E. The Partnership is responsible for leading the development, permitting and construction of the Double E Project. During the three month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Partnership made cash investments of $
Ohio Gathering.
11
|
|
2021 |
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|
Investment in Ohio Gathering, March 31, |
|
$ |
|
|
March cash distributions |
|
|
|
|
Basis difference |
|
|
|
|
Investment in Ohio Gathering (Books and records), February 28, |
|
$ |
|
|
6. DEFERRED REVENUE
A rollforward of current deferred revenue follows.
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|
Current deferred revenue, January 1, 2021 |
|
$ |
|
|
Add: additions |
|
|
|
|
Less: revenue recognized |
|
|
( |
|
Current deferred revenue, March 31, 2021 |
|
$ |
|
|
A rollforward of noncurrent deferred revenue follows.
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|
Noncurrent deferred revenue, January 1, 2021 |
|
$ |
|
|
Add: additions |
|
|
|
|
Less: reclassification to current deferred revenue |
|
|
( |
|
Noncurrent deferred revenue, March 31, 2021 |
|
$ |
|
|
7. DEBT
Debt for the Partnership at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, follows:
|
|
March 31, 2021 |
|
|
December 31, 2020 |
|
||
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|||||
Revolving Credit Facility: Summit Holdings' variable rate senior secured Revolving Credit Facility due May 13, 2022 |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Permian Transmission Credit Facility: Permian Transmissions' variable rate senior secured Credit Facility due March 8, 2028 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs (1) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
2022 Senior Notes: Summit Holdings' August 15, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs (1) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
2025 Senior Notes: Summit Holdings' April 15, 2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs (1) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Total debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: current portion |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term debt |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
(1)
Revolving Credit Facility. The Partnership’s wholly owned subsidiary, Summit Holdings, has a senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) which allows for revolving loans, letters of credit and swingline loans. The Revolving Credit Facility has a $
12
The Revolving Credit Facility includes three financial performance covenants which require Summit Holdings to maintain (i) a ratio of consolidated trailing 12-month earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) to net interest expense of not less than
Permian Transmission Credit Facility. On March 8, 2021 (the “Closing Date”), the Partnership’s unrestricted subsidiary, Permian Transmission, entered into a Credit Agreement which allows for $
The Permian Transmission Credit Facilities mature on the earlier of (i) the sixth anniversary of the term conversion date and (ii) seven years after the initial funding date, which occurred on the March 8, 2021. Loans under the Permian Transmission Credit Facilities are subject to varying rates of interest based on whether the loan is an Adjusted LIBOR borrowing (as defined in the credit agreement) or Alternate Base Rate (“ABR”) borrowing (as defined in the credit agreement). Adjusted LIBOR borrowings bear interest at (i) from the Closing Date to the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date, Adjusted LIBOR (as defined in the credit agreement) plus
The term conversion date will occur upon satisfaction of customary conditions, including bringing the Double E project into service pursuant to its transportation agreements. The Permian Transmission Credit Facilities include customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants, negative covenants, and events of default with customary cure periods, knowledge qualifiers and materiality qualifiers. Events of default include non-payment of principal and interest, noncompliance with affirmative and negative covenants, inaccuracy of representations and warranties, not achieving term conversion by a specified date, termination of material contracts, revocation of material permits and other customary events of default. Permian Transmission is required to take all actions, within its control, to comply with any such covenants that apply to Double E. Secured interests in the equity and assets of Permian Transmission, including its 70% direct membership interest in Double E, have been pledged as collateral under the Credit Facilities.
Upon term conversion, the Permian Transmission Credit Facilities will amortize based on a 10-year sculpted amortization schedule. Permian Transmission will also be required to maintain a 6-month debt service reserve, which can be supported by letters of credit issued under the Working Capital Facility. In addition, the Credit Facilities allow for restricted payments so long as there are no defaults or events of default, Permian Transmission maintains a 1.20x debt service coverage ratio and complies with the debt service reserve requirements and there is no breach of a material contract that would have a material adverse effect on distributions to Permian Transmission.
As of March 31, 2021, the applicable margin under Adjusted LIBOR borrowings was
2022 Senior Notes. The 2022 Senior Notes are senior, unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future senior obligations. The 2022 Senior Notes are effectively subordinated in right of payment to all secured indebtedness, to the extent of the collateral securing such indebtedness.
13
Summit Holdings and Finance Corp., the co-issuers of the 2022 Senior Notes (the “Co-Issuers”) may redeem all or part of the 2022 Senior Notes at a redemption price of
As of and during the three month period ended March 31, 2021, that Partnership was in compliance with the financial covenants governing its 2022 Senior Notes.
2025 Senior Notes. The 2025 Senior Notes are senior, unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of the Partnership’s existing and future senior obligations. The 2025 Senior Notes are effectively subordinated in right of payment to all of the Partnership’s secured indebtedness, to the extent of the collateral securing such indebtedness.
As of March 31, 2021, the Co-Issuers have the right to redeem all or part of the 2025 Senior Notes at a redemption price of
As of and during the three month period ended March 31, 2021, that Partnership was in compliance with the financial covenants governing its 2025 Senior Notes.
8. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Fair Value.
|
|
March 31, 2021 |
|
|
December 31, 2020 |
|
||||||||||
|
|
Carrying Value, Net |
|
|
Estimated fair value (Level 2) |
|
|
Carrying Value, Net |
|
|
Estimated fair value (Level 2) |
|
||||
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|||||||||||||
2022 Senior Notes |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
2025 Senior Notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The balance sheet carrying values for the Revolving Credit Facility and the Permian Transmission Credit Facility represent fair value due to their floating interest rates. The fair value for the Senior Notes is based on an average of nonbinding broker quotes as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The use of different market assumptions or valuation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value of the Senior Notes.
Interest Rate Swaps. In connection with the 2021 establishment of the Permian Transmission Credit Facility, the Partnership entered into $
As of March 31, 2021, the Partnership’s swap agreements had a fair value of less than $
9. PARTNERS' CAPITAL AND MEZZANINE CAPITAL
Common Units. A rollforward of the number of issued and outstanding common limited partner units follows for the period from December 31, 2020 to March 31, 2021.
|
|
Common Units |
|
|
Units, December 31, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
Common units issued for SMLP LTIP, net |
|
|
|
|
Units, March 31, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
14
Series A Preferred Units. In 2017, the Partnership issued
Subsidiary Series A Preferred Units. The Partnership records its Subsidiary Series A Preferred Units at fair value upon issuance, net of issuance costs, and subsequently records an effective interest method accretion amount each reporting period to accrete the carrying value to a most probable redemption value that is based on a predetermined internal rate of return measure. If the Partnership elects to make payment-in-kind (“PIK”) distributions to holders of its Subsidiary Series A Preferred Units, these PIK distributions increase the liquidation preference on each Subsidiary Series A Preferred Unit. Net Income (Loss) attributable to common limited partners includes adjustments for PIK distributions and redemption accretion.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Partnership elected to make PIK distributions and issued
If the Subsidiary Series A Preferred Units were redeemed on March 31, 2021, the redemption amount would be $
The following table shows the change in our Subsidiary Series A Preferred Unit balance from January 1, 2021 to March 31, 2021:
|
|
2021 |
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
Balance at January 1, |
|
$ |
|
|
PIK distributions |
|
|
|
|
Redemption accretion |
|
|
|
|
Balance at March 31, |
|
$ |
|
|
Warrants. On May 28, 2020, and in connection with the GP Buy-In Transaction, the Partnership issued (i) a warrant to purchase up to
15
The ECP Warrants are subject to standard anti-dilution adjustments for stock dividends, stock splits (including reverse splits) and recapitalizations and are exercisable at any time on or before
At March 31, 2021, the ECP Warrants were valued at $
Cash Distribution Policy. In connection with the GP Buy-In Transaction, the Partnership suspended its cash distributions to holders of its common units, commencing with respect to the quarter ending March 31, 2020. Upon the resumption of distributions, the Partnership Agreement requires that it distribute all available cash, subject to reserves established by its General Partner, within
10. EARNINGS PER UNIT
The following table details the components of EPU.
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
||
|
|
(In thousands, except per-unit amounts) |
|
|||||
Numerator for basic and diluted EPU: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allocation of net income (loss) among limited partner interests: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Net (income) loss attributable to Subsidiary Series A Preferred Units |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) attributable to Summit Midstream Partners, LP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Net income attributable to Series A Preferred Units |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) attributable to common limited partners |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator for basic and diluted EPU: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average common units outstanding – basic |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of nonvested phantom units |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
Weighted-average common units outstanding – diluted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income (Loss) per limited partner unit: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common unit – basic |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
Common unit – diluted |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonvested anti-dilutive phantom units excluded from the calculation of diluted EPU |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16
11. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
||
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|||||
Supplemental cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash interest paid |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Less: capitalized interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest paid (net of capitalized interest) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for taxes |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noncash investing and financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures in trade accounts payable (period-end accruals) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Accretion of Subsidiary Series A Preferred Units |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
12. UNIT-BASED AND NONCASH COMPENSATION
SMLP Long-Term Incentive Plan. The Partnership’s Long-Term Incentive Plan (“SMLP LTIP”) provides for equity awards to eligible officers, employees, consultants and directors of the Partnership, thereby linking the recipients’ compensation directly to SMLP’s performance. Items to note:
|
• |
During the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021, the Partnership granted |
|
• |
During the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021, the Partnership issued |
|
• |
As of March 31, 2021, approximately |
13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Environmental Matters. Although the Partnership believes that it is in material compliance with applicable environmental regulations, the risk of environmental remediation costs and liabilities are inherent in pipeline ownership and operation. Furthermore, the Partnership can provide no assurances that significant environmental remediation costs and liabilities will not be incurred in the future. The Partnership is currently not aware of any material contingent liabilities that exist with respect to environmental matters, except as noted below.
In 2015, the Partnership learned of the rupture of a four-inch produced water gathering pipeline on the Meadowlark Midstream system near Williston, North Dakota (“Meadowlark Rupture”). The Meadowlark Rupture, which was covered by Summit Investments’ insurance policies, was subject to maximum coverage of $
A rollforward of the Partnership’s undiscounted accrued environmental remediation follows and is primarily related to the Meadowlark Rupture.
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|
Accrued environmental remediation, December 31, 2020 |
|
$ |
|
|
Payments made |
|
|
( |
) |
Additional accruals |
|
|
|
|
Accrued environmental remediation, March 31, 2021 |
|
$ |
|
|
17
As of March 31, 2021, the Partnership has recognized (i) a current liability for remediation effort expenditures expected to be incurred within the next 12 months and (ii) a noncurrent liability for estimated remediation expenditures expected to be incurred subsequent to March 31, 2022. Each of these amounts represent the Partnership’s best estimate for costs expected to be incurred. Neither of these amounts have been discounted to its present value.
Beginning in 2015, the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) issued grand jury subpoenas to Summit Investments, the Partnership, our General Partner and Meadowlark Midstream requesting certain materials related to the Meadowlark Rupture. On June 19, 2015, Meadowlark Midstream and Summit Investments received a complaint from the North Dakota Industrial Commission seeking approximately $
Legal Proceedings. The Partnership is involved in various litigation and administrative proceedings arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, any liabilities that may result from these claims or those arising in the normal course of business would not individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on the Partnership's financial position or results of operations.
14. RESTRUCTURING
2020 Restructuring Activities. In 2020, management approved and initiated a plan to restructure its operations (“2020 Restructuring Plan”), resulting in certain management, facility and organizational changes. Under the 2020 Restructuring Plan, and during the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021, the Partnership expensed approximately $
2019 Restructuring Activities. In 2019, management approved and initiated a plan to restructure its operations (“2019 Restructuring Plan”), resulting in certain management, facility and organizational changes. Under the 2019 Restructuring Plan, and during the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020, the Partnership expensed approximately $
15. SEGMENT INFORMATION
As of March 31, 2021, the Partnership’s reportable segments are:
|
• |
the Utica Shale, which is served by Summit Utica; |
|
• |
Ohio Gathering, which includes our ownership interest in OGC and OCC; |
|
• |
the Williston Basin, which is served by Polar and Divide, Meadowlark Midstream and Bison Midstream; |
|
• |
the DJ Basin, which is served by Niobrara G&P; |
|
• |
the Permian Basin, which is served by Summit Permian; |
|
• |
the Piceance Basin, which is served by Grand River; |
18
|
• |
the Barnett Shale, which is served by DFW Midstream; and |
|
• |
the Marcellus Shale, which is served by Mountaineer Midstream. |
Each of the Partnership’s reportable segments provides midstream services in a specific geographic area. Reportable segments reflect the way in which the Partnership internally report’s the financial information used to make decisions and allocate resources in connection with the Partnership’s operations.
The Ohio Gathering reportable segment includes the Partnership’s investment in Ohio Gathering. Income or loss from equity method investees, as reflected on the statements of operations, relates to Ohio Gathering and is recognized and disclosed on a one-month lag.
For the three months ended March 31, 2021, other than the investment activity described in Note 5, Double E did not have any results of operations given that the Double E Project is currently under development. The Double E Project is expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Corporate and Other represents those results that: (i) are not specifically attributable to a reportable segment; (ii) are not individually reportable (such as Double E); or (iii) have not been allocated to a reportable segment for the purpose of evaluating their performance, including certain general and administrative expense items, certain natural gas and crude oil marketing services and transaction costs.
Assets by reportable segment follow.
|
|
March 31, 2021 |
|
|
December 31, 2020 |
|
||
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|||||
Assets (1): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utica Shale |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Ohio Gathering |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Williston Basin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DJ Basin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Permian Basin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Piceance Basin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barnett Shale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marcellus Shale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total reportable segment assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate and Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
(1) |
At March 31, 2021, Corporate and Other included $ |
Segment adjusted EBITDA by reportable segment follows.
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
||
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|||||
Reportable segment adjusted EBITDA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utica Shale |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Ohio Gathering |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Williston Basin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DJ Basin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Permian Basin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Piceance Basin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barnett Shale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marcellus Shale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total of reportable segments' measures of profit |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
19
A reconciliation of income or loss before income taxes and income or loss from equity method investees to total of reportable segments' measures of profit follows.
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
||
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|||||
Reconciliation of income before income taxes and income from equity method investees to total of reportable segments' measures of profit: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes and income from equity method investees |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Add: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate and Other expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proportional adjusted EBITDA for equity method investees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustments related to MVC shortfall payments |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
Adjustments related to capital reimbursement activity |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Unit-based and noncash compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Gain) loss on asset sales, net |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Long-lived asset impairment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total of reportable segments' measures of profit |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
(1) Includes the amortization expense associated with our favorable gas gathering contracts as reported in other revenues.
16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Exchange Offer. On April 15, 2021, the Partnership completed the 2021 Exchange Offer and accepted for exchange
20
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to inform the reader about matters affecting the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership and its subsidiaries for the periods since December 31, 2020. As a result, the following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this report and the MD&A and the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes that are included in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (the “2020 Annual Report”). Among other things, those financial statements and the related notes include more detailed information regarding the basis of presentation for the following information. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that constitute our plans, estimates and beliefs. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those discussed in Forward-Looking Statements. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
Overview
We are a value-driven limited partnership focused on developing, owning and operating midstream energy infrastructure assets that are strategically located in unconventional resource basins, primarily shale formations, in the continental United States.
We classify our midstream energy infrastructure assets into two categories, our Core Focus Areas and our Legacy Areas. Further details on our Focus Areas and Legacy Areas are summarized below.
|
• |
Core Focus Areas. Core producing areas of basins in which we expect our gathering systems to experience greater long-term growth, driven by our customers’ ability to generate more favorable returns and support sustained drilling and completion activity in varying commodity price environments. In the near-term, we expect to concentrate the majority of our capital expenditures in our Core Focus Areas. Our Utica Shale, Ohio Gathering, Williston Basin, DJ Basin and Permian Basin reportable segments (as described below) comprise our Core Focus Areas. |
|
• |
Legacy Areas. Production basins in which we expect volume throughput on our gathering systems to experience relatively lower long-term growth compared to our Core Focus Areas, given that our customers require relatively higher commodity prices to support drilling and completion activities in these basins. Upstream production served by our gathering systems in our Legacy Areas is generally more mature, as compared to our Core Focus Areas, and the decline rates for volume throughput on our gathering systems in the Legacy Areas are typically lower as a result. We expect to continue to decrease our near-term capital expenditures in these Legacy Areas. Our Piceance Basin, Barnett Shale and Marcellus Shale reportable segments (as described below) comprise our Legacy Areas. |
Our financial results are driven primarily by volume throughput across our gathering systems and by expense management. We generate the majority of our revenues from the gathering, compression, treating and processing services that we provide to our customers. A majority of the volumes that we gather, compress, treat and/or process have a fixed-fee rate structure which enhances the stability of our cash flows by providing a revenue stream that is not subject to direct commodity price risk. We also earn a portion of our revenues from the following activities that directly expose us to fluctuations in commodity prices: (i) the sale of physical natural gas and/or NGLs purchased under percentage-of-proceeds or other processing arrangements with certain of our customers in the Williston Basin, Piceance Basin, and Permian Basin segments, (ii) the sale of natural gas we retain from certain Barnett Shale customers and (iii) the sale of condensate we retain from our gathering services in the Piceance Basin segment. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, these additional activities accounted for approximately 21% of total revenues.
We also have indirect exposure to changes in commodity prices in that persistently low commodity prices may cause our customers to delay and/or cancel drilling and/or completion activities or temporarily shut-in production, which would reduce the volumes of natural gas and crude oil (and associated volumes of produced water) that we gather. If certain of our customers cancel or delay drilling and/or completion activities or temporarily shut-in production, the associated MVCs, if any, ensure that we will earn a minimum amount of revenue.
21
The following table presents certain consolidated and reportable segment financial data. For additional information on our reportable segments, see the "Segment Overview for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020" section included herein.
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
||
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|||||
Net income |
|
$ |
8,988 |
|
|
$ |
3,762 |
|
Reportable segment adjusted EBITDA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utica Shale |
|
$ |
7,719 |
|
|
$ |
5,928 |
|
Ohio Gathering |
|
|
6,872 |
|
|
|
7,939 |
|
Williston Basin |
|
|
10,805 |
|
|
|
16,192 |
|
DJ Basin |
|
|
5,347 |
|
|
|
5,911 |
|
Permian Basin |
|
|
709 |
|
|
|
1,581 |
|
Piceance Basin |
|
|
21,034 |
|
|
|
23,557 |
|
Barnett Shale |
|
|
8,016 |
|
|
|
8,760 |
|
Marcellus Shale |
|
|
5,602 |
|
|
|
5,320 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
$ |
51,430 |
|
|
$ |
70,201 |
|
Capital expenditures(1) |
|
|
2,610 |
|
|
|
18,583 |
|
Investment in Double E equity method investee |
|
|
5,619 |
|
|
|
58,033 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash distributions to noncontrolling interest SMLP unitholders |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
6,037 |
|
Net borrowings under Revolving Credit Facility |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
21,000 |
|
Repayments on Revolving Credit Facility |
|
|
(55,000 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Borrowings under Permian Transmission Credit Facility |
|
|
17,500 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Repayments on SMPH term loan |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(750 |
) |
Proceeds from issuance of Subsidiary Series A preferred units, net of issuance costs |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
33,946 |
|
(1) See "Liquidity and Capital Resources" herein to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information on capital expenditures.
22
Trends and Outlook
Our business has been, and we expect our future business to continue to be, affected by the following key trends:
|
• |
Ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and reduced demand and prices for oil; |
|
• |
Natural gas, NGL and crude oil supply and demand dynamics; |
|
• |
Production from U.S. shale plays; |
|
• |
Capital markets availability and cost of capital; and |
|
• |
Shifts in operating costs and inflation. |
Our expectations are based on assumptions made by us and information currently available to us. To the extent our underlying assumptions about, or interpretations of, available information prove to be incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from our expected results. For additional information, see the "Trends and Outlook" section of MD&A included in the 2020 Annual Report.
Ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and reduced demand and prices for oil. We are closely monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all aspects of our business, including how it has impacted and will impact our customers, employees, supply chain and distribution network. We are unable to predict the ultimate impact that COVID-19 and related factors may have on our business, future results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have modified our business practices, including restricting employee travel, modifying employee work locations, implementing social distancing and enhancing sanitary measures in our facilities. Our increased reliance on remote access to our information systems increases our exposure to potential cybersecurity breaches. We may take further actions as government authorities require or recommend or as we determine to be in the best interests of our employees, customers, partners and suppliers.
In addition to the significant reduction in global demand for oil and natural gas caused by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were also volatile oil prices during 2020 largely due to a supply and demand imbalance and actions by members of OPEC and other foreign, oil-exporting countries. This disrupted the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry and other industries that serve exploration and production companies. These industry conditions, coupled with those resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, could lead to significant global economic contraction generally and in our industry in particular.
Over the past year, we have collaborated extensively with our customer base regarding production reductions and delays to drilling and completion activities in light of the current commodity price backdrop and COVID-19 pandemic. Given continued volatility in market conditions since March 2020 and based on recently updated production forecasts and revised 2020 development plans from our customers, we currently expect our 2021 results to continue to be affected by decreased drilling activity.
Winter Storm Uri. Due to the diverse geographic footprint of our operations outside of Texas, the extreme winter weather event that occurred in February 2021 (“Winter Storm Uri”) did not have a material impact to our aggregate volume throughput during the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021. Some of the transactions completed by us during Winter Storm Uri to mitigate the storm’s financial impact remain subject to risks, including counterparty financial risk, potential disputed transactions and potential legislative or regulatory action in response to, or litigation arising out of, the unpreceded circumstances of the winter storm, which could affect our future earnings, cash flows and financial condition.
How We Evaluate Our Operations
Each of our reportable segments provides midstream services in a specific geographic area. Our reportable segments reflect the way in which we internally report the financial information used to make decisions and allocate resources in connection with our operations. For additional information see Note – 15 Segment Information.
23
Our management uses a variety of financial and operational metrics to analyze our consolidated and segment performance. We view these metrics as important factors in evaluating our profitability and determining the amounts of cash distributions to pay to our unitholders. These metrics include:
|
• |
throughput volume; |
|
• |
revenues; |
|
• |
operation and maintenance expenses; and |
|
• |
segment adjusted EBITDA. |
We review these metrics on a regular basis for consistency and trend analysis. There have been no changes in the composition or characteristics of these metrics during the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Additional Information. For additional information, see the "Results of Operations" section herein and the notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. For additional information on how these metrics help us manage our business, see the "How We Evaluate Our Operations" section of MD&A included in the 2020 Annual Report. For information on impending accounting changes that are expected to materially impact our financial results reported in future periods, see Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards applicable to the Partnership.
Results of Operations
Consolidated Overview for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
The following table presents certain consolidated financial and operating data.
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
||
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|||||
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gathering services and related fees |
|
$ |
70,348 |
|
|
$ |
83,792 |
|
Natural gas, NGLs and condensate sales |
|
|
20,763 |
|
|
|
13,780 |
|
Other revenues |
|
|
8,207 |
|
|
|
7,331 |
|
Total revenues |
|
|
99,318 |
|
|
|
104,903 |
|
Costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of natural gas and NGLs |
|
|
20,476 |
|
|
|
8,225 |
|
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
16,593 |
|
|
|
21,811 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
10,344 |
|
|
|
16,561 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
28,511 |
|
|
|
29,666 |
|
Transaction costs |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
11 |
|
(Gain) loss on asset sales, net |
|
|
(136 |
) |
|
|
115 |
|
Long-lived asset impairment |
|
|
1,492 |
|
|
|
3,821 |
|
Total costs and expenses |
|
|
77,280 |
|
|
|
80,210 |
|
Other income (expense), net |
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
(427 |
) |
Interest expense |
|
|
(13,953 |
) |
|
|
(23,828 |
) |
Loss on ECP Warrants and other |
|
|
(1,481 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Income before income taxes and equity method investment income |
|
|
6,659 |
|
|
|
438 |
|
Income tax benefit |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
Income from equity method investees |
|
|
2,315 |
|
|
|
3,311 |
|
Net income |
|
$ |
8,988 |
|
|
$ |
3,762 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Volume throughput (1): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate average daily throughput - natural gas (MMcf/d) |
|
|
1,346 |
|
|
|
1,281 |
|
Aggregate average daily throughput - liquids (Mbbl/d) |
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
98 |
|
(1) Exclusive of volume throughput for Ohio Gathering. For additional information, see the "Ohio Gathering" section herein.
24
Volumes – Gas. Natural gas throughput volumes increased 65 MMcf/d for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily reflecting:
|
• |
a volume throughput increase of 188 MMcf/d for the Utica Shale segment. |
|
• |
a volume throughput decrease of 43 MMcf/d for the Piceance Basin segment. |
|
• |
a volume throughput decrease of 38 MMcf/d for the Barnett Shale segment. |
|
• |
a volume throughput decrease of 27 MMcf/d for the Marcellus Shale segment. |
|
• |
a volume throughput decrease of 4 MMcf/d for the Permian Basin segment. |
Volumes – Liquids. Crude oil and produced water throughput volumes at the Williston segment decreased 33 Mbbl/d for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020.
For additional information on volumes, see the "Segment Overview for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020" section herein.
Revenues. Total revenues decreased $5.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the prior year period, primarily comprised of a $13.4 million decrease in gathering services and related fees offset by a $7.0 million increase in natural gas, NGLs and condensate sales.
Gathering Services and Related Fees. Gathering services and related fees decreased $13.4 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily reflecting:
|
• |
a $11.2 million decrease in gathering services and related fees in the Williston Basin due to lower volumes throughput primarily liquids and the expiration of a customer’s minimum volume commitment. Lower volumes are primarily associated with natural production declines as well as a lower number of new well connects. |
|
• |
a $2.4 million decrease in gathering services and related fees in the Piceance Basin related to lower volume throughput due to a lack of drilling and completion activity and natural production declines. |
|
• |
a $0.6 million decrease in gathering services and related fees in the DJ Basin primarily as a result of decreased volume throughput as the result of natural production declines and a decreased number of wells that came online. |
|
• |
partially offset by a $1.6 million increase in gathering services and related fees in the Utica Shale as a result of the completion of new wells that came online in March 2021, partially offset by natural production declines on existing wells. |
Natural Gas, NGLs and Condensate Sales. Natural gas, NGLs and condensate sales increased $7.0 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily reflecting increased sales in the Williston Basin.
Costs and Expenses. Total costs and expenses decreased $2.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020.
Cost of Natural Gas and NGLs. Cost of natural gas and NGLs increased $12.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended Mach 31, 2020, primarily driven by an increase in commodity prices.
Operation and Maintenance. Operation and maintenance expense decreased $5.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily due to a decrease in salaries and benefits costs associated with lower headcount from our cost-cutting initiatives and a decrease in general operating expenses.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expense decreased $6.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily due to 2020 having higher restructuring and deal costs as well as a 2021 decrease in salaries and benefits associated with lower headcount from our cost-cutting initiatives.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020.
25
Interest Expense. The decrease in interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, was primarily due to lower debt balances associated with the Partnership’s liability management initiatives completed during 2020 which included (i) open market repurchases of its Senior Notes totaling $234.2 million face value, (ii) cash tender offers of its Senior Notes totaling $72.2 million, and (iii) the TL Restructuring that eliminated the Partnership’s $155.2 SMPH Term Loan. The decrease in interest expense was partially offset by a higher outstanding balance on the Partnership’s Revolving Credit Facility.
Long-lived asset impairment. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, long-lived asset impairments were primarily related to a $1.0 million charge for certain assets in the Piceance Basin.
Segment Overview for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
Utica Shale. The Utica Shale reportable segment includes the Summit Utica system. Volume throughput for our Summit Utica system follows.
|
|
Utica Shale |
||||||||
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
Percentage Change |
||
Average daily throughput (MMcf/d) |
|
|
410 |
|
|
|
222 |
|
|
85% |
Volume throughput increased compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, as a result of the completion of new wells in 2020 which resulted in a greater number of well connects during the three month period ended March 31, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020, together with the commencement of production from a new 4-well pad site during the three months ended March 31, 2021. This increase was partially offset by natural production declines from existing wells.
Financial data for our Utica Shale reportable segment follows.
|
|
Utica Shale |
||||||||
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
Percentage Change |
||
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
|
|
|||||
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gathering services and related fees |
|
$ |
8,572 |
|
|
$ |
6,962 |
|
|
23% |
Total revenues |
|
|
8,572 |
|
|
|
6,962 |
|
|
23% |
Costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
778 |
|
|
|
941 |
|
|
(17%) |
General and administrative |
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
88 |
|
|
(28%) |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
1,927 |
|
|
|
1,927 |
|
|
- |
Loss on asset sales, net |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
* |
Total costs and expenses |
|
|
2,768 |
|
|
|
2,972 |
|
|
(7%) |
Add: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
1,927 |
|
|
|
1,927 |
|
|
|
Adjustments related to capital reimbursement activity |
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
Loss on asset sales, net |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
Segment adjusted EBITDA |
|
$ |
7,719 |
|
|
$ |
5,928 |
|
|
30% |
________
* Not considered meaningful
Three months ended March 31, 2021. Segment adjusted EBITDA increased $1.8 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020 primarily as a result of the increased volume throughput described above.
26
Ohio Gathering. The Ohio Gathering reportable segment includes OGC and OCC. We account for our investment in Ohio Gathering using the equity method and we recognize our proportionate share of earnings or loss in net income on a one-month lag based on the financial information available to us during the reporting period.
Gross volume throughput for Ohio Gathering, based on a one-month lag follows.
|
|
Ohio Gathering |
||||||||
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
Percentage Change |
||
Average daily throughput (MMcf/d) |
|
|
558 |
|
|
|
610 |
|
|
(9%) |
Volume throughput for the Ohio Gathering system decreased compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020 as a result of natural production declines on existing wells on the system.
Financial data for our Ohio Gathering reportable segment, based on a one-month lag follows.
|
|
Ohio Gathering |
||||||||
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
Percentage Change |
||
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
|
|
|||||
Proportional adjusted EBITDA for equity method investees |
|
$ |
6,872 |
|
|
$ |
7,939 |
|
|
(13%) |
Segment adjusted EBITDA |
|
$ |
6,872 |
|
|
$ |
7,939 |
|
|
(13%) |
Segment adjusted EBITDA for equity method investees decreased $1.1 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020 primarily as a result of the lower volume throughput described above.
27
Williston Basin. The Polar and Divide, Bison Midstream and Meadowlark Midstream systems provide our midstream services for the Williston Basin reportable segment. Volume throughput for our Williston Basin reportable segment follows.
|
|
Williston Basin |
||||||||
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
Percentage Change |
||
Aggregate average daily throughput - natural gas (MMcf/d) |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
(14%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate average daily throughput - liquids (Mbbl/d) |
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
98 |
|
|
(34%) |
Natural gas. Natural gas volume throughput decreased compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily reflecting natural production declines.
Liquids. The decrease in liquids volume throughput compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, is primarily associated with natural production declines as well as a lower number of new well connects.
Financial data for our Williston Basin reportable segment follows.
|
|
Williston Basin |
||||||||
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
Percentage Change |
||
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
|
|
|||||
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gathering services and related fees |
|
$ |
12,633 |
|
|
$ |
23,797 |
|
|
(47%) |
Natural gas, NGLs and condensate sales |
|
|
12,227 |
|
|
|
4,324 |
|
|
183% |
Other revenues |
|
|
4,506 |
|
|
|
3,142 |
|
|
43% |
Total revenues |
|
|
29,366 |
|
|
|
31,263 |
|
|
(6%) |
Costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of natural gas and NGLs |
|
|
12,325 |
|
|
|
1,663 |
|
|
641% |
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
4,924 |
|
|
|
6,722 |
|
|
(27%) |
General and administrative |
|
|
354 |
|
|
|
538 |
|
|
(34%) |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
5,922 |
|
|
|
6,495 |
|
|
(9%) |
(Gain) loss on asset sales, net |
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
49 |
|
|
* |
Total costs and expenses |
|
|
23,510 |
|
|
|
15,467 |
|
|
52% |
Add: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
5,922 |
|
|
|
6,495 |
|
|
|
Adjustments related to MVC shortfall payments |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(5,665 |
) |
|
|
Adjustments related to capital reimbursement activity |
|
|
(958 |
) |
|
|
(483 |
) |
|
|
(Gain) loss on asset sales, net |
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
Segment adjusted EBITDA |
|
$ |
10,805 |
|
|
$ |
16,192 |
|
|
(33%) |
_______
* Not considered meaningful
Three months ended March 31, 2021. Segment adjusted EBITDA decreased $5.4 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020 primarily due to lower liquids volume throughput on our systems as previously discussed together with lower operating expenses associated with our cost-cutting initiatives and lower general operating expenses.
28
DJ Basin. The Niobrara G&P systems provide midstream services for the DJ Basin reportable segment. Volume throughput for our DJ Basin reportable segment follows.
|
|
DJ Basin |
||||||||
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
Percentage Change |
||
Average daily throughput (MMcf/d) |
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
(28%) |
Volume throughput decreased compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily as a result of decreased volume throughput as the result of natural production declines and a decreased number of wells that came online during 2021.
Financial data for our DJ Basin reportable segment follows.
|
|
DJ Basin |
||||||||
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
Percentage Change |
||
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
|
|
|||||
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gathering services and related fees |
|
$ |
6,263 |
|
|
$ |
6,855 |
|
|
(9%) |
Natural gas, NGLs and condensate sales |
|
|
110 |
|
|
|
70 |
|
|
57% |
Other revenues |
|
|
704 |
|
|
|
1,034 |
|
|
(32%) |
Total revenues |
|
|
7,077 |
|
|
|
7,959 |
|
|
(11%) |
Costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of natural gas and NGLs |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
* |
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
1,912 |
|
|
|
2,516 |
|
|
(24%) |
General and administrative |
|
|
318 |
|
|
|
82 |
|
|
288% |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
1,551 |
|
|
|
1,527 |
|
|
2% |
Gain on asset sales, net |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
* |
Long-lived asset impairment |
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
3,635 |
|
|
* |
Total costs and expenses |
|
|
3,891 |
|
|
|
7,769 |
|
|
(50%) |
Add: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
1,551 |
|
|
|
1,527 |
|
|
|
Adjustments related to capital reimbursement activity |
|
|
494 |
|
|
|
559 |
|
|
|
Gain on asset sales, net |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
Long-lived asset impairment |
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
3,635 |
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
Segment adjusted EBITDA |
|
$ |
5,347 |
|
|
$ |
5,911 |
|
|
(10%) |
________
* Not considered meaningful
Three months ended March 31, 2021. Segment adjusted EBITDA decreased $0.6 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily due to lower volumes associated with natural declines, partially offset by lower operating expenses associated with our cost-cutting initiatives and lower general operating expenses.
29
Permian Basin. The Summit Permian system provides our midstream services for the Permian Basin reportable segment. Volume throughput for our Permian Basin reportable segment follows.
|
|
Permian Basin |
||||||||
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
Percentage Change |
||
Average daily throughput (MMcf/d) |
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
(12%) |
Volume throughput decreased compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily as a result of natural production declines from wells previously put in service.
Financial data for our Permian Basin reportable segment follows.
|
|
Permian Basin |
||||||||
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
Percentage Change |
||
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
|
|
|||||
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gathering services and related fees |
|
$ |
2,199 |
|
|
$ |
2,311 |
|
|
(5%) |
Natural gas, NGLs and condensate sales |
|
|
6,518 |
|
|
|
4,512 |
|
|
44% |
Other revenues |
|
|
116 |
|
|
|
187 |
|
|
(38%) |
Total revenues |
|
|
8,833 |
|
|
|
7,010 |
|
|
26% |
Costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of natural gas and NGLs |
|
|
7,016 |
|
|
|
4,149 |
|
|
69% |
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
992 |
|
|
|
1,187 |
|
|
(16%) |
General and administrative |
|
|
116 |
|
|
|
93 |
|
|
25% |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
1,469 |
|
|
|
1,345 |
|
|
9% |
Loss on asset sales, net |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
* |
Long-lived asset impairment |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
182 |
|
|
* |
Total costs and expenses |
|
|
9,593 |
|
|
|
6,960 |
|
|
38% |
Add: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
1,469 |
|
|
|
1,345 |
|
|
|
Loss on asset sales, net |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
Long-lived asset impairment |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
182 |
|
|
|
Segment adjusted EBITDA |
|
$ |
709 |
|
|
$ |
1,581 |
|
|
* |
________
*Not considered meaningful
Three months ended March 31, 2021. Segment adjusted EBITDA decreased $0.9 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily reflecting an increase in the cost of natural gas and NGLs partially offset by increased sales of natural gas, NGLs and condensate.
30
Piceance Basin. The Grand River system provides midstream services for the Piceance Basin reportable segment. Volume throughput for our Piceance Basin reportable segment follows.
|
|
Piceance Basin |
||||||||
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
Percentage Change |
||
Aggregate average daily throughput (MMcf/d) |
|
|
340 |
|
|
|
383 |
|
|
(11%) |
Volume throughput decreased compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily as a result of natural production declines.
Financial data for our Piceance Basin reportable segment follows.
|
|
Piceance Basin |
||||||||
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
Percentage Change |
||
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
|
|
|||||
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gathering services and related fees |
|
$ |
24,784 |
|
|
$ |
27,189 |
|
|
(9%) |
Natural gas, NGLs and condensate sales |
|
|
1,853 |
|
|
|
1,003 |
|
|
85% |
Other revenues |
|
|
1,177 |
|
|
|
1,065 |
|
|
11% |
Total revenues |
|
|
27,814 |
|
|
|
29,257 |
|
|
(5%) |
Costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of natural gas and NGLs |
|
|
1,119 |
|
|
|
457 |
|
|
145% |
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
4,942 |
|
|
|
4,938 |
|
|
0% |
General and administrative |
|
|
298 |
|
|
|
285 |
|
|
5% |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
10,873 |
|
|
|
11,298 |
|
|
(4%) |
Gain on asset sales, net |
|
|
(57 |
) |
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
* |
Long-lived asset impairment |
|
|
970 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
* |
Total costs and expenses |
|
|
18,145 |
|
|
|
16,965 |
|
|
7% |
Add: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
10,873 |
|
|
|
11,298 |
|
|
|
Adjustments related to MVC shortfall payments |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
223 |
|
|
|
Adjustments related to capital reimbursement activity |
|
|
(427 |
) |
|
|
(243 |
) |
|
|
Gain on asset sales, net |
|
|
(57 |
) |
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
Long-lived asset impairment |
|
|
970 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
Segment adjusted EBITDA |
|
$ |
21,034 |
|
|
$ |
23,557 |
|
|
(11%) |
________
*Not considered meaningful
Three months ended March 31, 2021. Segment adjusted EBITDA decreased $2.5 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily reflecting a $2.4 million decrease in gathering services and related fees as a result of natural production declines as discussed above.
31
Barnett Shale. The DFW Midstream system provides our midstream services for the Barnett Shale reportable segment. Volume throughput for our Barnett Shale reportable segment follows.
|
|
Barnett Shale |
||||||||
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
Percentage Change |
||
Average daily throughput (MMcf/d) |
|
|
195 |
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
(16%) |
Volume throughput decreased compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020 reflecting natural production declines, partially offset by workovers and recompletions.
Financial data for our Barnett Shale reportable segment follows.
|
|
Barnett Shale |
||||||||
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
Percentage Change |
||
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
|
|
|||||
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gathering services and related fees |
|
$ |
9,696 |
|
|
$ |
10,443 |
|
|
(7%) |
Natural gas, NGLs and condensate sales |
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
3,871 |
|
|
(99%) |
Other revenues (1) |
|
|
1,061 |
|
|
|
1,260 |
|
|
(16%) |
Total revenues |
|
|
10,812 |
|
|
|
15,574 |
|
|
(31%) |
Costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of natural gas and NGLs |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,947 |
|
|
(100%) |
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
2,464 |
|
|
|
4,695 |
|
|
(48%) |
General and administrative |
|
|
235 |
|
|
|
378 |
|
|
(38%) |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
3,797 |
|
|
|
3,797 |
|
|
- |
Loss on asset sales, net |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
59 |
|
|
* |
Long-lived asset impairment |
|
|
289 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
* |
Total costs and expenses |
|
|
6,785 |
|
|
|
10,880 |
|
|
(38%) |
Add: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
4,031 |
|
|
|
4,032 |
|
|
|
Adjustments related to capital reimbursement activity |
|
|
(331 |
) |
|
|
(29 |
) |
|
|
Loss on asset sales, net |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
59 |
|
|
|
Long-lived asset impairment |
|
|
289 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
Segment adjusted EBITDA |
|
$ |
8,016 |
|
|
$ |
8,760 |
|
|
(8%) |
________
*Not considered meaningful
(1) Includes the amortization expense associated with our favorable gas gathering contracts as reported in Other revenues.
Three months ended March 31, 2021. Segment adjusted EBITDA decreased $0.7 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020 with lower volume throughput partially offset by lower operating expenses associated with our cost-cutting initiatives and lower general operating expenses, including lower compression operating costs.
32
Marcellus Shale. The Mountaineer Midstream system provides our midstream services for the Marcellus Shale reportable segment. Volume throughput for the Marcellus Shale reportable segment follows.
|
|
Marcellus Shale |
||||||||
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
Percentage Change |
||
Average daily throughput (MMcf/d) |
|
|
337 |
|
|
|
364 |
|
|
(7%) |
Volume throughput decreased compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020 primarily due to natural production declines.
Financial data for our Marcellus Shale reportable segment follows.
|
|
Marcellus Shale |
||||||||
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
Percentage Change |
||
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
|
|
|||||
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gathering services and related fees |
|
$ |
6,201 |
|
|
$ |
6,235 |
|
|
(1%) |
Total revenues |
|
|
6,201 |
|
|
|
6,235 |
|
|
(1%) |
Costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
502 |
|
|
|
813 |
|
|
(38%) |
General and administrative |
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
93 |
|
|
(5%) |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
2,304 |
|
|
|
2,300 |
|
|
0% |
Gain on asset sales, net |
|
|
(62 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
* |
Long-lived asset impairment |
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
* |
Total costs and expenses |
|
|
2,970 |
|
|
|
3,206 |
|
|
(7%) |
Add: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
2,304 |
|
|
|
2,300 |
|
|
|
Adjustments related to capital reimbursement activity |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
Gain on asset sales, net |
|
|
(62 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
Long-lived asset impairment |
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
Segment adjusted EBITDA |
|
$ |
5,602 |
|
|
$ |
5,320 |
|
|
5% |
________
*Not considered meaningful
Three months ended March 31, 2021. Segment adjusted EBITDA increased $0.3 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, with lower volume throughput partially offset by lower operating expenses associated with our cost-cutting initiatives and lower general operating expenses.
33
Corporate and Other Overview for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
Corporate and Other represents those results that are not specifically attributable to a reportable segment or that have not been allocated to our reportable segments, including certain general and administrative expense items, natural gas and crude oil marketing services, construction management fees related to the Double E Project, transaction costs and interest expense.
|
|
Corporate and Other |
||||||||
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
Percentage Change |
||
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) |
||||||||
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues |
|
$ |
643 |
|
|
$ |
643 |
|
|
- |
Costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
79 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
* |
General and administrative |
|
|
8,873 |
|
|
|
15,004 |
|
|
(41%) |
Transaction costs |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
(100%) |
Interest expense |
|
|
13,953 |
|
|
|
23,828 |
|
|
(41%) |
Loss on ECP Warrants and other |
|
|
1,481 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
________
* Not considered meaningful
Total Revenues. Total revenues attributable to Corporate and Other was due to natural gas, NGL and crude oil marketing services (primarily natural gas sales).
General and Administrative. General and administrative expense decreased $6.1 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily as a result of increased restructuring and deal costs in the comparative prior year period, as well as a decrease in salaries and benefits associated with lower headcount from our cost-cutting initiatives.
Interest Expense. The decrease in interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, was primarily due to lower outstanding debt balances associated with the Partnership’s liability management initiatives completed during 2020 which included (i) open market repurchases of its Senior Notes totaling $234.2 million face value, (ii) cash tender offers of its Senior Notes totaling $72.2 million, and (iii) the TL Restructuring that eliminated the Partnership’s $155.2 SMPH Term Loan. The decrease in interest expense was partially offset by a higher outstanding balance on the Partnership’s Revolving Credit Facility.
34
Liquidity and Capital Resources
COVID-19 Impact. We are closely monitoring the continuing impact of the outbreak of COVID-19 on all aspects of our business, including how it will impact our liquidity and capital resources. Considering the current commodity price backdrop and COVID-19 pandemic, we have collaborated extensively with our customer base over the past year. Given continued volatility in market conditions since March 2020, and based on recently updated production forecasts and revised development plans from our customers, we currently expect our results to continue to be affected by decreased drilling activity, the deferral of well completions from customers and, on a limited scale, temporary production curtailments predominantly in the Williston Basin, DJ Basin and Utica Shale reportable segments. We expect 2021 total capital expenditures to range from $20.0 million to $35.0 million.
As we cannot predict the duration or scope of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our customers and suppliers, the potential negative financial impact to our results cannot be reasonably estimated but could be material. We are actively managing the business to maintain cash flow and we have sufficient available liquidity. We believe that these factors will allow us to meet our anticipated funding requirements.
Indebtedness Compliance. We are currently in compliance with all covenants contained in the Revolving Credit Facility, Permian Transmission Credit Facility and the Senior Notes. Our total leverage ratio and first lien leverage ratio (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) were 5.0 to 1.0 and 3.1 to 1.0, respectively, relative to maximum threshold limits of 5.75 to 1.0 and 3.5 to 1.0, for the trailing 12-month period ended March 31, 2021. Given further deterioration of market conditions, decreased drilling activity, the deferral of well completions from customers, limitations on our ability to access the capital markets at a competitive cost to fund our capital expenditures and, on a limited scale, temporary production curtailments, we could have total leverage and first lien leverage ratios that are higher than the levels prescribed in the applicable indebtedness agreements. Adverse developments in our areas of operation could materially adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
2022 Maturities. We are actively pursuing opportunities to refinance our Revolving Credit Facility and our 2022 Senior Notes. If the Revolving Credit Facility is not refinanced to extend its May 13, 2022 maturity date prior to the release of our financial statements for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021, any current amount outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility will be required to be included in our going concern assessment under FAS ASC 205-40, Going Concern.
Credit Arrangements and Financing Activities
Revolving Credit Facility. We have a $1.1 billion senior secured Revolving Credit Facility that matures on May 13, 2022. As of March 31, 2021, the outstanding balance of the Revolving Credit Facility was $802.0 million and the unused portion totaled $275.9 million, after giving effect to the issuance thereunder of $22.1 million of outstanding but undrawn irrevocable standby letters of credit. Based on covenant limits, our available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility, as of March 31, 2021, was approximately $115.0 million. There were no defaults or events of default during the three months ended March 31, 2021, and, as of March 31, 2021, we were in compliance with the financial covenants in the Revolving Credit Facility.
Permian Transmission Credit Facility. On March 8, 2021, we entered into the Permian Transmission Credit Facility which allows for $175.0 million of senior secured credit facilities, including a $160.0 million Term Loan Facility and a $15.0 million working capital facility. As of March 31, 2021, the outstanding balance of the Permian Transmission Credit Facility was $17.5 million, and the unused portion totaled $157.5 million. Our available borrowing capacity under the Permian Transmission Credit Facility as of March 31, 2021 was approximately $155.5 million. There were no defaults or events of default during the three months ended March 31, 2021, and, as of March 31, 2021, we were in compliance with the financial covenants in the Permian Transmission Credit Facility.
Exchange Offer. In March 2021, we commenced the 2021 Exchange Offer. On April 15, 2021, we completed the Exchange Offer and accepted 18,662 Series A Preferred Units and exchanged those units for 538,715 SMLP common units, net of units withheld for withholding taxes.
We may use a combination of cash, secured or unsecured borrowings and issuances of our common units or other securities and the proceeds from asset sales to retire or refinance our outstanding debt or Series A Preferred Units through privately
35
negotiated transactions, open market repurchases, redemptions, exchange offers, tender offers or otherwise, but we are under no obligation to do so.
For additional information on our long-term debt, see Note 9. Partners’ Capital and Mezzanine Capital.
LIBOR Transition
LIBOR is the basic rate of interest widely used as a reference for setting the interest rates on loans globally. In 2017, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced that it intends to phase out LIBOR by the end of 2021. The U.S. Federal Reserve, in conjunction with the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a steering committee comprised of large U.S. financial institutions, is considering replacing U.S. dollar LIBOR with a new index, the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), calculated using short-term repurchase agreements backed by Treasury securities. We are evaluating the potential impact of the eventual replacement of the LIBOR benchmark interest rate, however, we are not able to predict whether LIBOR will cease to be available after 2021, whether SOFR will become a widely accepted benchmark in place of LIBOR, or what the impact of such a possible transition to SOFR may be on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We will need to renegotiate our Revolving Credit Facility to determine the interest rate to replace LIBOR with the new standard that is established. The potential effect of any such event on interest expense cannot yet be determined.
Cash Flows
The components of the net change in cash and cash equivalents were as follows:
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
||
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
$ |
51,430 |
|
|
$ |
70,201 |
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(229 |
) |
|
|
(76,399 |
) |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
|
|
(42,445 |
) |
|
|
46,657 |
|
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
|
$ |
8,756 |
|
|
$ |
40,459 |
|
Operating activities.
Cash flows provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2021 primarily reflected:
|
• |
net income of $9.0 million plus adjustments of $39.5 million for non-cash items; and |
|
• |
$2.9 million increase in working capital accounts. |
Cash flows provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2020 primarily reflected:
|
• |
a $13.8 million increase in accounts receivable related to the timing of invoicing and cash collections; |
|
• |
a $3.7 million increase in accounts payable due to the timing of payment obligations; and |
|
• |
a $2.8 million increase in deferred revenue for cash receipts not yet recognized as revenue. |
Investing activities.
Cash flows used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2021 primarily reflected:
|
• |
$5.6 million for investments in the Double E joint venture relating to the Double E Project; |
|
• |
$2.6 million cash outflow for capital expenditures; |
|
• |
offset by an $8.0 million cash inflow from proceeds for the sale of compressor equipment; |
Cash flows used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2020 primarily reflected:
|
• |
$58.0 million for investments in the Double E joint venture relating to the Double E Project; and; |
|
• |
$18.6 million of capital expenditures primarily attributable to the DJ Basin of $6.3 million, the Williston Basin of $4.9 million and Summit Permian of $3.3 million. |
36
Financing activities.
Cash flows used in financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2021 primarily reflected:
|
• |
$55.0 million of cash outflow for repayments on the Revolving Credit Facility; |
|
• |
$4.9 million of cash payments related to debt issuance costs; |
|
• |
partially offset by $17.5 million from borrowings under the Permian Transmission Credit Facility. |
Cash flows used in financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2020 primarily reflected:
|
• |
$33.9 million of net proceeds from the issuance of Subsidiary Series A Preferred Units |
|
• |
$21.0 million of net borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility; and |
|
• |
$6.0 million of distributions. |
Contractual Obligations Update
We are leading the development, permitting and construction of the Double E Project and will operate the pipeline upon its commissioning. At our current 70% interest, we estimate that our share of the capital expenditures required to develop the Double E Project will total approximately $300.0 million. Assuming timely receipt of the required regulatory approvals and no material delays in construction, we expect that the Double E Project will be placed into service in the fourth quarter of 2021. On March 8, 2021, we entered into the Permian Transmission Credit Facility to finance capital calls associated with the Double E Project, debt services and other general corporate purposes.
Capital Requirements
Our business is capital intensive, requiring significant investment for the maintenance of existing gathering systems and the acquisition or construction and development of new gathering systems and other midstream assets and facilities. Our Partnership Agreement requires that we categorize our capital expenditures as either:
|
• |
maintenance capital expenditures, which are cash expenditures (including expenditures for the addition or improvement to, or the replacement of, our capital assets or for the acquisition of existing, or the construction or development of new, capital assets) made to maintain our long-term operating income or operating capacity; or |
|
• |
expansion capital expenditures, which are cash expenditures incurred for acquisitions or capital improvements that we expect will increase our operating income or operating capacity over the long term. |
For the three months ended March 31, 2021, cash paid for capital expenditures totaled $2.6 million which included $0.9 million of maintenance capital expenditures. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, there were no contributions to Ohio Gathering and we contributed $5.6 million to Double E (see Note 5 – Equity Method Investments).
We rely primarily on internally generated cash flow as well as external financing sources, including commercial bank borrowings and the issuance of debt, equity and preferred equity securities, and proceeds from potential asset divestitures to fund our capital expenditures. We believe that our Revolving Credit Facility and Permian Transmission Credit Facility, together with internally generated cash flow and access to debt or equity capital markets, will be adequate to finance our business for the next twelve months without adversely impacting our liquidity. Our Revolving Credit Facility and 2022 Senior Notes become current on May 13, 2021 and August 15, 2021, respectively. We continue to explore multiple alternatives to address these near-term maturities. If we are unable to refinance these debts, our ability to continue as a going concern may be materially and adversely affected in future periods.
Considering the current commodity price backdrop and continued uncertainty regarding impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, we will remain disciplined with respect to future capital expenditures, which will be primarily concentrated on accretive bolt-on opportunities of our existing systems in our Core Focus Areas. In March 2021, we secured the Permian Transmission Credit Facility which will be used to finance our portion of capital calls associated with the Double E Project.
There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our current expectations to change, including, but not limited to, (i) the ability to reach agreements with third parties and (ii) prevailing conditions and outlook in the natural gas, crude oil and NGLs and markets.
37
Credit and Counterparty Concentration Risks
We examine the creditworthiness of counterparties to whom we extend credit and manage our exposure to credit risk through credit analysis, credit approval, credit limits and monitoring procedures, and for certain transactions, we may request letters of credit, prepayments or guarantees.
Certain of our customers may be temporarily unable to meet their current obligations. While this may cause disruption to cash flows, we believe that we are properly positioned to deal with the potential disruption because the vast majority of our gathering assets are strategically positioned at the beginning of the midstream value chain. The majority of our infrastructure is connected directly to our customers’ wellheads and pad sites, which means our gathering systems are typically the first third-party infrastructure through which our customers’ commodities flow and, in many cases, the only way for our customers to get their production to market.
We have exposure due to nonperformance under our MVC contracts whereby a potential customer, may not have the wherewithal to make its MVC shortfall payments when they become due. We typically receive payment for all prior-year MVC shortfall billings in the quarter immediately following billing. Therefore, our exposure to risk of nonperformance is limited to and accumulates during the current year-to-date contracted measurement period.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We may enter into off-balance sheet arrangements and transactions that can give rise to material off-balance sheet obligations. During the three months ended March 31,2020, there were no material changes to the off-balance sheet obligations disclosed in our 2020 Annual Report.
Summarized Financial Information
The supplemental summarized financial information below reflects SMLP's separate accounts, the combined accounts of the Co-Issuers and the Guarantor Subsidiaries (the Co-Issuers and, together with the Guarantor Subsidiaries, the “Obligor Group”) for the dates and periods indicated. The financial information of the Obligor Group is presented on a combined basis and intercompany balances and transactions between the Co-Issuers and Guarantor Subsidiaries have been eliminated. There were no reportable transactions between the Co-Issuers and Obligor Group and the subsidiaries that were not issuers or guarantors of the Senior Notes.
Payments to holders of the Senior Notes are affected by the composition of and relationships among the Co-Issuers, the Guarantor Subsidiaries, Permian Holdco and Summit Permian Transmission, both of which are unrestricted subsidiaries of SMLP and are not issuers or guarantors of the Senior Notes. The assets of our unrestricted subsidiaries are not available to satisfy the demands of the holders of the Senior Notes. In addition, our unrestricted subsidiaries are subject to certain contractual restrictions related to the payment of dividends, and other rights in favor of their non-affiliated stakeholders, that limit their ability to satisfy the demands of the holders of the Senior Notes.
A list of each of SMLP’s subsidiaries that is a guarantor, issuer or co-issuer of our registered securities subject to the reporting requirements in Release 33-10762 is filed as Exhibit 22.1 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Summarized Balance Sheet Information. Summarized balance sheet information as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 follow.
|
|
March 31, 2021 |
|
|||||
|
|
SMLP |
|
|
Obligor Group |
|
||
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|||||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets |
|
$ |
2,622 |
|
|
$ |
77,829 |
|
Noncurrent assets |
|
|
6,257 |
|
|
|
2,237,430 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
$ |
10,107 |
|
|
$ |
59,921 |
|
Noncurrent liabilities |
|
|
19,861 |
|
|
|
1,343,355 |
|
38
|
|
December 31, 2020 |
|
|||||
|
|
SMLP |
|
|
Obligor Group |
|
||
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|||||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets |
|
$ |
2,311 |
|
|
$ |
109,664 |
|
Noncurrent assets |
|
|
9,572 |
|
|
|
2,389,032 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
$ |
9,662 |
|
|
$ |
73,877 |
|
Noncurrent liabilities |
|
|
184,088 |
|
|
|
1,514,250 |
|
Summarized Statements of Operations Information. For the purposes of the following summarized statements of operations, we allocate a portion of general and administrative expenses recognized at the SMLP parent to the Obligor Group to reflect what those entities' results would have been had they operated on a stand-alone basis. Summarized statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and for the year ended December 31, 2020 follow.
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 |
|
|||||
|
|
SMLP |
|
|
Obligor Group |
|
||
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|||||
Total revenues |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
99,318 |
|
Total costs and expenses |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
77,420 |
|
Income (loss) before income taxes and income from equity method investees |
|
|
(1,456 |
) |
|
|
8,052 |
|
Income from equity method investees |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
2,811 |
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
(1,442 |
) |
|
$ |
10,863 |
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2020 |
|
|||||
|
|
SMLP |
|
|
Obligor Group |
|
||
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|||||
Total revenues |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
383,473 |
|
Total costs and expenses |
|
|
26,169 |
|
|
|
302,989 |
|
Income (loss) before income taxes and loss from equity method investees |
|
|
(26,000 |
) |
|
|
122,108 |
|
Loss from equity method investees |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
13,073 |
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
(26,016 |
) |
|
$ |
135,181 |
|
Critical Accounting Estimates
We prepare our financial statements in accordance with GAAP. These principles are established by the FASB. We employ methods, estimates and assumptions based on currently available information when recording transactions resulting from business operations. There have been no changes to our significant accounting policies since December 31, 2020.
Forward-Looking Statements
Investors are cautioned that certain statements contained in this report as well as in periodic press releases and certain oral statements made by our officers and employees during our presentations are “forward-looking” statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may project, indicate or imply future results, events, performance or achievements and may contain the words “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions, or future conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” and “could.” In addition, any statement concerning future financial performance (including future revenues, earnings or growth rates), ongoing business strategies or prospects, and possible actions taken by us or our subsidiaries are also forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described in Item 1A. Risk Factors included in this report.
Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and are inherently subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of our management team. All forward-looking statements in this report and subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us, or to persons acting on
39
our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph. These risks and uncertainties include, among others:
|
• |
our decision whether to pay, or our ability to grow, our cash distributions; |
|
• |
fluctuations in natural gas, NGLs and crude oil prices, including as a result of political or economic measures taken by various countries or OPEC; |
|
• |
the extent and success of our customers' drilling efforts, as well as the quantity of natural gas, crude oil and produced water volumes produced within proximity of our assets; |
|
• |
the current and potential future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, results of operations, financial position or cash flows; |
|
• |
failure or delays by our customers in achieving expected production in their natural gas, crude oil and produced water projects; |
|
• |
competitive conditions in our industry and their impact on our ability to connect hydrocarbon supplies to our gathering and processing assets or systems; |
|
• |
actions or inactions taken or nonperformance by third parties, including suppliers, contractors, operators, processors, transporters and customers, including the inability or failure of our shipper customers to meet their financial obligations under our gathering agreements and our ability to enforce the terms and conditions of certain of our gathering agreements in the event of a bankruptcy of one or more of our customers; |
|
• |
our ability to divest of certain of our assets to third parties on attractive terms, which is subject to a number of factors, including prevailing conditions and outlook in the natural gas, NGL and crude oil industries and markets; |
|
• |
the ability to attract and retain key management personnel; |
|
• |
commercial bank and capital market conditions and the potential impact of changes or disruptions in the credit and/or capital markets; |
|
• |
changes in the availability and cost of capital and the results of our financing efforts, including availability of funds in the credit and/or capital markets; |
|
• |
our ability to refinance near-term maturities on favorable terms or at all; |
|
• |
restrictions placed on us by the agreements governing our debt and preferred equity instruments; |
|
• |
the availability, terms and cost of downstream transportation and processing services; |
|
• |
natural disasters, accidents, weather-related delays, casualty losses and other matters beyond our control; |
|
• |
operational risks and hazards inherent in the gathering, compression, treating and/or processing of natural gas, crude oil and produced water; |
|
• |
weather conditions and terrain in certain areas in which we operate; |
|
• |
any other issues that can result in deficiencies in the design, installation or operation of our gathering, compression, treating and processing facilities; |
|
• |
timely receipt of necessary government approvals and permits, our ability to control the costs of construction, including costs of materials, labor and rights-of-way and other factors that may impact our ability to complete projects within budget and on schedule; |
|
• |
our ability to finance our obligations related to capital expenditures, including through opportunistic asset divestitures or joint ventures and the impact any such divestitures or joint ventures could have on our results; |
|
• |
the effects of existing and future laws and governmental regulations, including environmental, safety and climate change requirements and federal, state and local restrictions or requirements applicable to oil and/or gas drilling, production or transportation; |
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• |
changes in tax status; |
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• |
the effects of litigation; |
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• |
changes in general economic conditions; and |
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• |
certain factors discussed elsewhere in this report. |
Developments in any of these areas could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or projected or cause a significant reduction in the market price of our common units, preferred units and senior notes.
The foregoing list of risks and uncertainties may not contain all of the risks and uncertainties that could affect us. In addition, in light of these risks and uncertainties, the matters referred to in the forward-looking statements contained in this document may not in fact occur. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.
40
Information About Us
Investors should note that we make available, free of charge on our website at www.summitmidstream.com, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. We also post announcements, updates, events, investor information and presentations on our website in addition to copies of all recent news releases. We may use the Investors section of our website to communicate with investors. It is possible that the financial and other information posted there could be deemed to be material information. Documents and information on our website are not incorporated by reference herein.
The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including us, that file electronically with the SEC.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Interest Rate Risk
Our current interest rate risk exposure is largely related to our indebtedness. As of March 31, 2021, we had approximately $493.5 million principal of fixed-rate Senior Notes, $802.0 million outstanding under our variable rate Revolving Credit Facility and $17.5 million outstanding under the Permian Transmission Credit Facility (see Note 7 - Debt). While existing fixed-rate debt mitigates the downside impact of fluctuations in interest rates, future issuances of long-term debt could be impacted by increases in interest rates, which could result in higher overall interest costs. In addition, the borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility, which have a variable interest rate, also expose us to the risk of increasing interest rates. Our current interest rate risk exposure has not changed materially since December 31, 2020. For additional information, see the "Interest Rate Risk" section included in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk of the 2020 Annual Report.
Commodity Price Risk
We generate a majority of our revenues pursuant to primarily long-term and fee-based gathering agreements, many of which include MVCs and areas of mutual interest. Our direct commodity price exposure relates to (i) the sale of physical natural gas and/or NGLs purchased under percentage-of-proceeds and other processing arrangements with certain of our customers in the Williston Basin, Piceance Basin, and Permian Basin segments, (ii) the sale of natural gas we retain from certain Barnett Shale segment customers and (iii) the sale of condensate we retain from certain gathering services in the Piceance Basin segment. Our gathering agreements with certain Barnett Shale customers permit us to retain a certain quantity of natural gas that we sell to offset the power costs we incur to operate our electric-drive compression assets. We manage our direct exposure to natural gas and power prices through the use of forward power purchase contracts with wholesale power providers that require us to purchase a fixed quantity of power at a fixed heat rate based on prevailing natural gas prices on the Henry Hub Index. We sell retainage natural gas at prices that are based on the Atmos Zone 3 Index. By basing the power prices on a system and basin-relevant market, we are able to closely associate the relationship between the compression electricity expense and natural gas retainage sales. We do not enter into risk management contracts for speculative purposes. Our current commodity price risk exposure has not changed materially since December 31, 2020. For additional information, see the "Commodity Price Risk" section included in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk of the 2020 Annual Report.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Under the direction of our General Partner's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting and concluded that (i) our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2021 and (ii) no change in internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2021, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
41
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
Although we may, from time to time, be involved in litigation and claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business, we are not currently a party to any significant legal or governmental proceedings. In addition, we are not aware of any significant legal or governmental proceedings contemplated to be brought against us, under the various environmental protection statutes to which we are subject, except as noted in Note 13 – Commitments and Contingencies and in the 2020 Annual Report, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
The risk factors contained in the Item 1A. Risk Factors of the 2020 Annual Report are incorporated herein by reference except to the extent they address risks arising from or relating to the failure of events described therein to occur, which events have since occurred.
Item 5. Other Information.
None.
42
Item 6. Exhibits.
Exhibit number |
|
Description |
3.1 |
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3.2 |
|
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3.3 |
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3.4 |
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|
10.1 |
+** |
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22.1 |
|
|
31.1 |
+ |
|
31.2 |
+ |
|
32.1 |
+ |
|
101.INS |
* |
Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document |
101.SCH |
* |
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema |
101.CAL |
* |
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase |
101.DEF |
* |
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase |
101.LAB |
* |
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase |
101.PRE |
* |
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase |
104 |
* |
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101). |
+ Filed herewith.
* Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections. The financial information contained in the XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language)-related documents is unaudited and unreviewed.
** Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) and 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K. The Partnership agrees to furnish a supplemental copy of any omitted schedule or attachment to the SEC upon request.
43
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
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Summit Midstream Partners, LP |
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(Registrant) |
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By: Summit Midstream GP, LLC (its General Partner) |
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May 7, 2021 |
/s/ MARC D. STRATTON |
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Marc D. Stratton, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
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Certain identified information (indicated by “[***]”) has been excluded from this exhibit because it is both not material and the registrant customarily and actually treats that information as private or confidential.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Article I Definitions and Rules of Interpretation |
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Section 1.01 |
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Section 1.02 |
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Article II The Commitments and Borrowings |
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Section 2.01 |
Borrowings of Initial Term Loans; Term Conversion Date Term Loans; Working Capital Loans1 |
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Section 2.02 |
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Section 2.03 |
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Section 2.04 |
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Section 2.05 |
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Section 2.06 |
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Section 2.07 |
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Section 2.08 |
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Section 2.09 |
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Section 2.10 |
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Section 2.11 |
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Section 2.12 |
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Section 2.13 |
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Section 2.14 |
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Section 2.17 |
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Article III Taxes, Increased Costs Protection and Illegality |
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Section 3.01 |
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Section 3.02 |
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Section 3.03 |
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Section 3.04 |
Increased Cost and Reduced Return; Capital Adequacy; Reserves on Eurocurrency Rate Loans56 |
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Section 3.05 |
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Section 3.07 |
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Section 3.08 |
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Article IV Conditions Precedent to credit extensions |
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Section 4.01 |
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Section 4.02 |
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Section 4.03 |
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Section 4.04 |
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Article V Representations and Warranties |
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Section 5.02 |
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Section 5.03 |
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Section 5.04 |
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Section 5.05 |
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Section 5.06 |
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Section 5.07 |
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Section 5.08 |
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Section 5.09 |
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Section 5.10 |
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Section 5.11 |
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Section 5.12 |
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Section 5.13 |
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Section 5.14 |
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Section 5.15 |
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Section 5.16 |
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Section 5.17 |
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Section 5.18 |
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Section 5.19 |
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Section 5.20 |
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Section 5.21 |
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Section 5.22 |
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Section 5.23 |
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Article VI Affirmative Covenants |
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Section 6.01 |
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Section 6.02 |
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Section 6.03 |
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Section 6.04 |
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Section 6.05 |
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Section 6.06 |
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Section 6.07 |
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Section 6.08 |
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Section 6.09 |
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Section 6.10 |
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Section 6.11 |
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Section 6.12 |
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Section 6.13 |
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Section 6.14 |
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Section 6.15 |
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Section 6.16 |
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Section 6.17 |
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Section 6.18 |
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Section 6.19 |
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Section 6.20 |
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Section 6.21 |
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Article VII Negative Covenants |
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Section 7.01 |
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Section 7.02 |
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Section 7.03 |
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Section 7.04 |
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Section 7.05 |
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Section 7.06 |
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Section 7.07 |
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Section 7.08 |
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Section 7.09 |
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Section 7.10 |
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Section 7.11 |
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Section 7.12 |
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Section 7.13 |
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Section 7.14 |
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Section 7.15 |
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Section 7.16 |
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Article VIII Events of Default and Remedies |
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Section 8.01 |
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Section 8.02 |
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Section 8.03 |
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Article IX Administrative Agent and Other Agents |
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Section 9.01 |
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Section 9.02 |
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Section 9.03 |
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Section 9.04 |
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Section 9.05 |
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Section 9.07 |
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Section 9.08 |
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Section 9.09 |
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Section 9.10 |
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Section 9.11 |
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Section 9.12 |
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iii
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Section 9.13 |
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Section 9.14 |
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Section 9.15 |
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Article X Miscellaneous |
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Section 10.01 |
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Section 10.02 |
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Section 10.03 |
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Section 10.04 |
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Section 10.05 |
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Section 10.06 |
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Section 10.07 |
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Section 10.08 |
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Section 10.09 |
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Section 10.10 |
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Section 10.11 |
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Section 10.12 |
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Section 10.13 |
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Section 10.14 |
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Section 10.15 |
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Section 10.16 |
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Section 10.17 |
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Section 10.18 |
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Section 10.19 |
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Section 10.20 |
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Section 10.21 |
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Section 10.23 |
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iv
SCHEDULES
1.01ACommitments
1.01BAmortization Schedule
1.01CEquity Commitment L/Cs
1.01DSelected Existing Material Contracts
1.01EConstruction Budget and Schedule
4.01(j)Material Permits
5.08 Environmental Matters
5.09Litigation
5.15Jurisdiction; Subsidiaries
5.20Material Contract Breaches
6.02Insurance
7.01Existing Liens
7.02Existing Indebtedness
7.03Closing Date Investments
7.05Closing Date Dispositions
7.08Transactions with Affiliates
10.02(a)Administrative Agent’s Office, Certain Addresses for Notices
EXHIBITS
ADefinitions and Rules of Interpretation
BForm of Committed Loan Notice
CForm of Borrowing Certificate
D-1Form of Term Note
D-2Form of Working Capital Note
E-1Form of Compliance Certificate
E-2Form of Solvency Certificate
FForm of Assignment and Assumption
GForm of Depositary Agreement
HForm of Security Agreement
IForm of Pledge Agreement
J-1Form of US Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Non-Partnership Lenders)
J-2Form of US Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Non-Partnership Participants)
J-3Form of US Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Partnership Lenders)
J-4Form of US Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Partnership Participants)
K-1Form of Independent Engineer Certificate - Credit Events
K-2Form of Independent Engineer Certificate - Term Conversion Date
L-1Form of Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption
L-2Form of Affiliated Lender Notice
MForm of Quarterly IE Report
N-1Form of Project Letter of Credit
N-2Form of DSR Letter of Credit
OForm of Subordination Provisions
v
CREDIT AGREEMENT
This CREDIT AGREEMENT (as the same may be amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “Agreement”) is entered into as of March 8, 2021, among SUMMIT PERMIAN TRANSMISSION, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Borrower”), MUFG Bank, Ltd., as Administrative Agent, Mizuho Bank (USA), as Collateral Agent, ING Capital LLC, Mizuho Bank, Ltd. and MUFG Union Bank, N.A., as L/C Issuers, each lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and each individually, a “Lender”), and ING CAPITAL LLC, MIZUHO BANK, LTD. and MUFG UNION BANK, N.A., as Coordinating Lead Arrangers and as Joint Bookrunners.
PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS
WHEREAS, the Borrower has, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, requested that (a) the Lenders make Loans to the Borrower to fund, among other things (i) the Borrower’s Required Contributions, the Transaction Expenses and reimbursements of the Drawstop Equity Contributions, in each case, up to the amounts specified in this Agreement, and (ii) any drawings on any Letter of Credit, and (b) each L/C Issuer issue a Letter of Credit. The Lenders are willing to make such Loans and the L/C Issuers are willing to issue such Letters of Credit, in each case, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement.
In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
Article I
Definitions and Rules of Interpretation
. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, capitalized terms used in this Agreement (including its exhibits and schedules) shall have the meanings given to such terms in Exhibit A.
Section 1.02Rules of Interpretation
. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or therein, the rules of interpretation set forth in Exhibit A shall apply to this Agreement.
Article II
The Commitments and Borrowings
Section 2.01Borrowings of Initial Term Loans; Term Conversion Date Term Loans; Working Capital Loans
.
(a)(i) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally agrees to make to the Borrower, from time to time on and after the Closing Date until the Initial Term Commitment Termination Date, Initial Term Loans denominated in Dollars in a principal amount equal to such Lender’s Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement of all Initial Term Loans made by all Lenders on each applicable date. Initial Term Loans made by each Lender pursuant to this
1
Section 2.01(a)(i) shall be in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the amount of such Lender’s Initial Term Commitment. Amounts borrowed under this Section 2.01(a)(i) and repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed. Initial Term Loans may be Base Rate Loans or Eurocurrency Rate Loans, as further provided herein.
(ii)Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally agrees to make to the Borrower, on the Term Conversion Date until the Term Commitment Termination Date, Term Conversion Date Term Loans denominated in Dollars in a principal amount equal to such Lender’s Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement of all Term Conversion Date Term Loans made by all Lenders on such date. Term Conversion Date Term Loans made by each Lender pursuant to this Section 2.01(a)(ii) shall be in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the amount of such Lender’s Term Conversion Date Term Commitments. Amounts borrowed under this Section 2.01(a)(ii) and repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed. Term Conversion Date Term Loans may be Base Rate Loans or Eurocurrency Rate Loans, as further provided herein. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, (A) the Initial Term Loans and Term Conversion Date Term Loans shall constitute the same Class of Term Loans, (B) the Term Conversion Date Term Loans shall be initially borrowed as the same Type as the then outstanding Initial Term Loans and shall be subject to the same Applicable Rate as then in effect for the Initial Term Loans, (C) the initial Interest Period with respect to Term Conversion Date Term Loans shall commence on the Term Conversion Date and end on the last day of the Interest Period then applicable to Initial Term Loans, and (D) after the Initial Quarterly Payment Date, the interest rate and Applicable Rate for the Term Conversion Date Term Loans shall be the same as that which applies to the Initial Term Loans of the same Type.
(b)Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally agrees to make one or more Working Capital Loans to the Borrower from time to time during the applicable Working Capital Availability Period, denominated in Dollars, in an aggregate principal amount that shall not exceed such Working Capital Lender’s unutilized Working Capital Commitment at such time. Each Working Capital Loan made hereunder shall constitute utilization of a portion of the L/C Issuer Commitments and the Working Capital Commitments, in each case in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of such Working Capital Loan. Within the limits of each Working Capital Lender’s Working Capital Commitments, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.01(b), prepay under Section 2.04, and reborrow under this Section 2.01(b). Working Capital Loans may be Base Rate Loans or Eurocurrency Rate Loans, as further provided herein.
Section 2.02Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans
.
(a)Each Borrowing, each conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, and each continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be made upon the Borrower’s irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent, which may be given by telephone (confirmed by a written Committed Loan Notice). Each such notice must be received by
2
the Administrative Agent not later than (i) 1:00 p.m. New York City time three (3) Business Days prior to the requested date of any Borrowing or continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans or any conversion of Base Rate Loans to Eurocurrency Rate Loans, and (ii) 11:00 a.m. New York City time on the requested date of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans; provided that the notice referred to in subclause (i) above may be delivered no later than one (1) Business Day prior to the Closing Date in the case of the Initial Term Borrowing on the Closing Date. Each telephonic notice by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.02(a) must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a written Committed Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Each Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be in a minimum principal amount of $1,000,000, or a whole multiple of $100,000, in excess thereof. Except as provided in Section 2.03(c)(i) or the last sentence of this paragraph, each Borrowing of or conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be in a minimum principal amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding two sentences, any Borrowing of Initial Term Loans made on or about the Term Conversion Date may be in any principal amount. Each Committed Loan Notice (whether telephonic or written) shall specify (1) whether the Borrower is requesting a Borrowing (and, if applicable, the Class of such Borrowing), a conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, or a continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans, (2) the requested date of the Borrowing, conversion or continuation, as the case may be (which shall be a Business Day), (3) the principal amount of Loans to be borrowed, converted or continued, (4) the Type of Loans to be borrowed or to which existing Loans are to be converted, (5) if applicable, the duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto, and (6) with respect to Working Capital Loans, (A) a certification by the Borrower that, as of the date such requested Working Capital Loan is proposed to be made, the Working Capital Loan proposed to be made on such date, when added together with the Total Working Capital Exposure, does not exceed the then applicable aggregate Working Capital Commitment, and (B) for Borrowings prior to the Term Conversion Date, a certification by Borrower that, as of the date such Working Capital Loan is proposed to be made, and after giving effect to such Working Capital Loan, not more than $5,000,000 of Working Capital Loans will then be utilized to satisfy any Project-related credit support requirements of the Double E Joint Venture. If the Borrower fails to specify a Type of Loan in a Committed Loan Notice or fails to give a timely notice requesting a conversion or continuation, then the applicable Loans shall be made as, converted to, or continued as, Eurocurrency Rate Loans with an Interest Period of one (1) month. Term Loans shall be deposited in accordance with Section 2.16(b). Working Capital Loans shall be deposited into the Collateral Account specified in the applicable Committed Loan Notice or, if no such Collateral Account is specified, into the Revenue Account. Any such automatic conversion to, or continuation as, Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be effective as of the last day of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loans. If the Borrower requests a Borrowing of, conversion to, or continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans in any such Committed Loan Notice, but fails to specify an Interest Period, it will be deemed to have specified an Interest Period of one (1) month.
(b)Following receipt of a Committed Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the amount of its Pro Rata Share or other applicable
3
share provided for under this Agreement of the applicable Class of Loans, and if no timely notice of a conversion or continuation is provided by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the details of any automatic conversion to Eurocurrency Rate Loans or continuation described in Section 2.02(a). In the case of each Borrowing, each Appropriate Lender shall make the amount of its Loan available to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 1:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in the applicable Committed Loan Notice. Except as otherwise provided in the following sentence, the Administrative Agent shall make all funds so received available to the Borrower in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent by wire transfer of such funds in accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Administrative Agent by the Borrower. Except as otherwise provided herein, a Eurocurrency Rate Loan may be continued or converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such Eurocurrency Rate Loan unless the Borrower pays the amount due, if any, under Section 3.05 in connection therewith. During the existence of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent shall, at the direction of the Required Lenders, require that no Loans may be converted to or continued as Eurocurrency Rate Loans.
(c)The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the interest rate applicable to any Interest Period for Eurocurrency Rate Loans upon determination of such interest rate. The determination of the Eurocurrency Rate by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. At any time that Base Rate Loans are outstanding, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of any change in the Prime Rate used in determining the Base Rate promptly following the announcement of such change.
(d)After giving effect to all Borrowings, all conversions of Loans, from one Type to the other, and all continuations of Loans as the same Type, there shall not be more than eight (8) Interest Periods in effect; provided that after the establishment of any new Class of Loans pursuant to an Incremental Amendment, Refinancing Amendment or Extension Amendment, the number of Interest Periods otherwise permitted by this Section 2.02(d) shall increase by three (3) Interest Periods for each applicable Class so established.
(e)The failure of any Lender to make the Loan to be made by it as part of any Borrowing shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make its Loan on the date of such Borrowing, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make the Loan to be made by such other Lender on the date of any Borrowing or make any other payment obligation under the Loan Documents.
(f)Prior to the Initial Term Commitment Termination Date and provided that the Borrower has satisfied the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.01 and Section 4.02 with respect to the initial Borrowing of Term Loans and the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.03(a), (b) and (g), if the proceeds of a subsequent Term Loan are to be used solely for payment of the fees payable to the Lenders under any Loan Document and interest payable to the Lenders with respect to the outstanding Loans and Unreimbursed Amounts under this Agreement, the obligation of Lenders to make such Term Loans shall be subject solely to the delivery by the Borrower of a Committed Loan Notice to the
4
Administrative Agent in the applicable amounts selecting Eurocurrency Rate Loans with respect to permitted Interest Periods, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. Any Committed Loan Notice under this Section 2.02(f) shall be delivered by the Borrower by at least 1:00 p.m. New York City time three (3) Business Days prior to the requested date of Borrowing.
.
(a)Issuance of Letters of Credit.
(i)Letter of Credit Commitments. The initial Dollar amount of each L/C Issuer’s L/C Issuer Commitment on the Closing Date is as set forth under the caption “L/C Issuer Commitments” on Schedule 1.01A. The aggregate amount of the L/C Issuer Commitments of all L/C Issuers on the Closing Date is $15,000,000. Each Letter of Credit issued hereunder shall constitute utilization of a portion of the L/C Issuer Commitments and the Working Capital Commitments, as applicable, in an amount equal to the total amount available to be drawn (without reference to conditions being met) under such Letter of Credit.
(A)Issuance of Project Letters of Credit. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (1) each L/C Issuer agrees, in reliance upon the agreements of the other Working Capital Lenders set forth in this Section 2.03, (I) from time to time on any Business Day during the applicable Working Capital Availability Period, to issue Project Letters of Credit at sight denominated in Dollars for the account of the Borrower and to amend or renew Project Letters of Credit previously issued by it, in accordance with Section 2.03(b), for the purposes set forth in Section 5.21(c)(ii), and (II) to honor drafts under the Project Letters of Credit and (2) the Working Capital Lenders severally agree to participate in Project Letters of Credit issued pursuant to this Section 2.03; provided that, prior to the Term Conversion Date, the L/C Issuers agree to issue Project Letters of Credit in an aggregate available amount up to but not exceeding the Project L/C Sublimit and, after giving effect to any such issuance, in no event shall the aggregate amount of Working Capital Obligations with respect to Project Letters of Credit exceed the Project L/C Sublimit; and
(B)Issuance of DSR Letters of Credit. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (1) each L/C Issuer agrees, in reliance upon the agreements of the other Working Capital Lenders set forth in this Section 2.03, (I) from time to time on any Business Day during the applicable Working Capital Availability Period, to issue DSR Letters of Credit at sight denominated in Dollars for the account of the Borrower and to amend or renew DSR Letters of Credit previously issued by it, in accordance with Section 2.03(b), for the purposes set forth in Section 5.21(c)(i), and (II) to honor drafts under the DSR Letters of Credit
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and (2) the Working Capital Lenders severally agree to participate in DSR Letters of Credit issued pursuant to this Section 2.03;
provided that no L/C Issuer shall be obligated to make any L/C Credit Extension with respect to any Letter of Credit, and no Working Capital Lender shall be obligated to participate in any Letter of Credit, if as of the date of such L/C Credit Extension, (x) the Working Capital L/C Exposure of any Working Capital Lender would exceed such Lender’s Working Capital Commitment or (y) the Outstanding Amount of the L/C Obligations would exceed the L/C Issuer Commitment. Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower’s ability to obtain Letters of Credit shall be fully revolving, and accordingly, during the Working Capital Availability Period, the Borrower (1) shall be entitled to reinstatement of the amounts drawn under each Letter of Credit upon reimbursement of any such drawing or, in the event that such drawing is financed by an L/C Loan, upon repayment of such L/C Loan, and (2) may obtain DSR Letters of Credit to replace DSR Letters of Credit, or obtain Project Letters of Credit to replace Project Letters of Credit, as applicable, that have expired or that have been drawn upon and reimbursed.
(iii)No Issuance. An L/C Issuer shall be under no obligation to issue any Letter of Credit if:
(A)any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain such L/C Issuer from issuing such Letter of Credit, or any Law applicable to such L/C Issuer or any directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over such L/C Issuer shall prohibit, or direct that such L/C Issuer refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon such L/C Issuer with respect to such Letter of Credit any restriction, liquidity, reserve or capital requirement (for which such L/C Issuer is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Closing Date, or shall impose upon such L/C Issuer any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Closing Date (for which such L/C Issuer is not otherwise compensated hereunder);
(B)subject to this Section 2.03(b)(iii), the expiry date of such requested Letter of Credit would occur more than twelve (12) months after the date of issuance, unless (1) each Appropriate Lender has approved of such expiration date or (2) the L/C Issuer thereof has approved of such expiration date and the Outstanding Amount of L/C Obligations in respect of such requested Letter of Credit has been Cash Collateralized or backstopped pursuant to arrangements reasonably satisfactory to such L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent;
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(C)the expiry date of such requested Letter of Credit would occur after the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, unless such L/C Issuer thereof has approved of such expiry date and the Outstanding Amount of L/C Obligations in respect of such requested Letter of Credit has been Cash Collateralized or backstopped pursuant to arrangements reasonably satisfactory to such L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent;
(D)the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate any Laws binding upon such L/C Issuer;
(E)such Letter of Credit is in an initial amount less than $50,000;
(F)any Working Capital Lender is at that time a Defaulting Lender, unless the applicable L/C Issuer has entered into arrangements, including the delivery of Cash Collateral, satisfactory to such L/C Issuer (in its sole discretion) with the Borrower or such Lender to eliminate such L/C Issuer’s actual or potential Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 2.17(a)(iv)) with respect to the Defaulting Lender arising from either the Letter of Credit then proposed to be issued or that Letter of Credit and all other L/C Obligations as to which such L/C Issuer has actual or potential Fronting Exposure, as it may elect in its sole discretion; or
(G)the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of such L/C Issuer now or hereafter applicable to letters of credit generally.
(iv)No Amendment. An L/C Issuer shall be under no obligation to amend any Letter of Credit if (A) such L/C Issuer would have no obligation at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof, or (B) the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit does not accept the proposed amendment to such Letter of Credit.
(v)L/C Issuer as Agent. Each L/C Issuer shall act on behalf of the Working Capital Lenders with respect to any Letters of Credit issued by it and the documents associated therewith, and each L/C Issuer shall have all of the benefits and immunities (A) provided to the Administrative Agent in Article IX with respect to any acts taken or omissions suffered by such L/C Issuer in connection with Letters of Credit issued by it or proposed to be issued by it and any Letter of Credit Application (and any other document, agreement or instrument entered into by such L/C Issuer and the Borrower or in favor of such L/C Issuer) pertaining to such Letters of Credit as fully as if the term “Administrative Agent” as used in Article IX included such L/C Issuer with respect to such acts or omissions, and (B) as additionally provided herein with respect to each L/C Issuer.
(b)Procedures for Issuance and Amendment of Letters of Credit; Auto- Extension Letters of Credit.
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(i)Each Letter of Credit shall be issued or amended, as the case may be, upon the request of the Borrower delivered to an L/C Issuer (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) in the form of a Letter of Credit Application, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Such Letter of Credit Application must be received by the relevant L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. New York City time at least three (3) Business Days prior to the proposed issuance date or date of amendment, as the case may be; or, in each case, such later date and time as the relevant L/C Issuer may agree in a particular instance in its sole discretion. In the case of a request for an initial issuance of a Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail reasonably satisfactory to the relevant L/C Issuer: (a) the proposed issuance date of the requested Letter of Credit (which shall be a Business Day); (b) the amount thereof; (c) the expiry date thereof; (d) the name and address of the beneficiary thereof; (e) the documents to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; (f) the full text of any certificate to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; and (g) such other matters as the relevant L/C Issuer may reasonably request. In the case of a request for an amendment of any outstanding Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail reasonably satisfactory to the relevant L/C Issuer (1) the Letter of Credit to be amended; (2) the proposed date of amendment thereof (which shall be a Business Day); (3) the nature of the proposed amendment; and (4) such other matters as the relevant L/C Issuer may reasonably request.
(ii)Promptly after receipt of any Letter of Credit Application, the relevant L/C Issuer will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone, e-mail or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has received a copy of such Letter of Credit Application from the Borrower and, if not, such L/C Issuer will provide the Administrative Agent with a copy thereof. Upon receipt by the relevant L/C Issuer of confirmation from the Administrative Agent that the requested issuance or amendment is permitted in accordance with the terms hereof, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, such L/C Issuer shall, on the requested date, issue a Letter of Credit for the account of the Borrower or enter into the applicable amendment, as the case may be. Immediately upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit, each Working Capital Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the relevant L/C Issuer a risk participation in such Letter of Credit in an amount equal to the product of such Lender’s Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement times the face amount of such Letter of Credit.
(iii)If the Borrower so requests in any applicable Letter of Credit Application, the relevant L/C Issuer shall 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 the relevant L/C Issuer to prevent any such extension at least once in each twelve month period (commencing with the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit) by giving prior notice to the beneficiary thereof not later than a stated number of days that is not less than thirty (30) days (the “Non-Extension Notice Date”) prior to the end of
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such twelve month period. Unless otherwise directed by the relevant L/C Issuer, the Borrower shall not be required to make a specific request to the relevant L/C Issuer for any such extension. Once an Auto-Extension Letter of Credit has been issued, the Appropriate Lenders shall be deemed to have authorized (but may not require) the relevant L/C Issuer to permit the extension of such Letter of Credit at any time to an expiry date not later than the Letter of Credit Expiration Date; provided that the relevant L/C Issuer shall not permit any such extension if (A) the relevant L/C Issuer has determined that it would have no obligation at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its extended form under the terms hereof (by reason of the provisions of Section 2.03(a)(iii) or otherwise), or (B) 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, any Working Capital Lender (in the case of a Letter of Credit) or the Borrower that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 4.03 is not then satisfied.
(iv)Promptly after issuance of any Letter of Credit or any amendment to a Letter of Credit, the relevant L/C Issuer will also deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent a true and complete copy of such Letter of Credit or amendment.
(c)Drawings and Reimbursements; Funding of Letter of Credit Participations.
(i)The Borrower hereby agrees to reimburse the applicable L/C Issuer, by making payment in Dollars to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds, for any payment or disbursement made by such L/C Issuer under any Letter of Credit (each such amount so paid until reimbursed, an “Unreimbursed Amount”) not later than 1:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the next Business Day immediately following notice to the Borrower of any payment by an L/C Issuer under a Letter of Credit (each such date, an “Honor Date”). In the case of any Unreimbursed Amount under any Letters of Credit, unless the Borrower shall have notified the Administrative Agent and the relevant L/C Issuer prior to 1:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the Honor Date that the Borrower intends to reimburse the relevant L/C Issuer for the amount of such drawing with its own funds, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Appropriate Lender of the Honor Date, the Unreimbursed Amount, and the amount of such Appropriate Lender’s Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement and, in such event, the Borrower shall be deemed to have requested an L/C Loan Borrowing of Base Rate Loans to be disbursed on the Honor Date in an amount equal to the Unreimbursed Amount, without regard to the minimum and multiples specified in Section 2.02 for the principal amount of Base Rate Loans but subject to the amount of the unutilized portion of the Working Capital Commitments of the Appropriate Lenders and the conditions set forth in Section 4.03 (other than the delivery of a Committed Loan Notice). Any notice given by an L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 2.03(c)(i) may be given by telephone if immediately confirmed in writing
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or e-mail; provided that the lack of such an immediate confirmation shall not affect the conclusiveness or binding effect of such notice.
(ii)Each Appropriate Lender (including any Lender acting as an L/C Issuer) shall upon any notice pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(i) with respect to any Letter of Credit make funds available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the relevant L/C Issuer at the Administrative Agent’s Office for payments in an amount equal to its Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement of the Unreimbursed Amount not later than 2:00 p.m. New York City time on the Business Day specified in such notice by the Administrative Agent, whereupon, subject to the provisions of Section 2.03(c)(iii), each Appropriate Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Base Rate Loan to the Borrower in such amount. The Administrative Agent shall promptly remit the funds so received to the relevant L/C Issuer.
(iii)With respect to any Unreimbursed Amount under a Letter of Credit that is not refinanced by an L/C Loan Borrowing of Base Rate Loans because the conditions set forth in Section 4.03 cannot be satisfied or for any other reason, the Borrower shall be deemed to have incurred from the relevant L/C Issuer an L/C Borrowing in the amount of the Unreimbursed Amount that is not so refinanced, which L/C Borrowing shall be due and payable on demand (together with interest) and shall bear interest (which begins to accrue upon funding by the L/C Issuer) at the Default Rate. In such event, each Appropriate Lender’s payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the relevant L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(ii) shall be deemed payment in respect of its participation in such L/C Borrowing and shall constitute an L/C Advance from such Lender in satisfaction of its participation obligation under this Section 2.03.
(iv)Until each Appropriate Lender funds its L/C Loan or L/C Advance pursuant to this Section 2.03(c) to reimburse the relevant L/C Issuer for any amount drawn under any Letter of Credit, interest in respect of such Working Capital Lender’s Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement of such amount shall be solely for the account of the relevant L/C Issuer.
(v)Each Working Capital Lender’s obligation to make L/C Loans or L/C Advances to reimburse an L/C Issuer for amounts drawn under Letters of Credit, as contemplated by this Section 2.03(c), shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the relevant L/C Issuer, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever; (B) subject to the immediately following proviso, the occurrence or continuance of a Default; or (C) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided that each Working Capital Lender’s obligation to make L/C Loans pursuant to this Section 2.03(c) (but not to purchase or fund risk participations in L/C Obligations) is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.03 (other than delivery by the Borrower of a Committed Loan Notice). No such making of an L/C Advance shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation
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of the Borrower to reimburse the relevant L/C Issuer for the amount of any payment made by such L/C Issuer under any Letter of Credit, together with interest as provided herein.
(vi)If any Working Capital Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the relevant L/C Issuer any amount required to be paid by such Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.03(c) by the time specified in Section 2.03(c)(ii), such L/C Issuer shall be entitled to recover from such Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to such L/C Issuer at a rate per annum equal to the Overnight Bank Funding Rate from time to time in effect, plus any reasonable administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by such L/C Issuer in connection with the foregoing. A certificate of the relevant L/C Issuer submitted to any Working Capital Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this Section 2.03(c)(vi) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
(d)Repayment of Letter of Credit Participations.
(i)If, at any time after an L/C Issuer has made a payment under any Letter of Credit and has received from any Working Capital Lender such Working Capital Lender’s L/C Advance in respect of such payment in accordance with Section 2.03(c), the Administrative Agent receives for the account of such L/C Issuer any payment in respect of the related Unreimbursed Amount or interest thereon (whether directly from the Borrower or otherwise, including proceeds of Cash Collateral applied thereto by the Administrative Agent), the Administrative Agent will distribute to such Working Capital Lender its Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement (appropriately adjusted, in the case of interest payments, to reflect the period of time during which such Lender’s L/C Advance was outstanding) in the same funds as those received by the Administrative Agent.
(ii)If any payment received by the Administrative Agent for the account of an L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(i) is required to be returned under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.06 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by such L/C Issuer in its discretion), each Appropriate Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such L/C Issuer its Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned by such Lender, at a rate per annum equal to the Overnight Bank Funding Rate, plus any reasonable administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing.
(e)Obligations Absolute. The obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the relevant L/C Issuer for each drawing under each Letter of Credit issued by it and to repay
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each L/C Borrowing shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances, including the following:
(i)any lack of validity or enforceability of such Letter of Credit, this Agreement, or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto;
(ii)the existence of any claim, counterclaim, setoff, defense or other right that the Borrower may have at any time against any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), the relevant L/C Issuer or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or by such Letter of Credit or any agreement or instrument relating thereto, or any unrelated transaction;
(iii)any draft, demand, certificate or other document presented under such Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; or any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under such Letter of Credit;
(iv)any payment by the relevant L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or certificate that does not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; or any payment made by the relevant L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit to any Person purporting to be a trustee in bankruptcy, debtor-in-possession, assignee for the benefit of creditors, liquidator, receiver or other representative of or successor to any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit, including any arising in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law;
(v)any exchange, release or non-perfection of any Collateral, or any release or amendment or waiver of or consent to departure from any guarantee, for all or any of the Obligations of the Borrower in respect of such Letter of Credit; or
(vi)any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, including any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, the Borrower; provided that the foregoing shall not excuse any L/C Issuer from liability to the Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to consequential damages, claims in respect of which are waived by the Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable Law) suffered by the Borrower that are caused by such L/C Issuer’s gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined in a final and non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof.
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(f)Role of L/C Issuers. Each Lender and the Borrower agree that, in paying any drawing under a Letter of Credit, the relevant L/C Issuer shall not have any responsibility to obtain any document (other than any sight draft, certificates and documents expressly required by the Letter of Credit) or to ascertain or inquire as to the validity or accuracy of any such document or the authority of the Person executing or delivering any such document. None of the L/C Issuers, any Agent-Related Person nor any of the respective correspondents, participants or assignees of any L/C Issuer shall be liable to any Lender for (i) any action taken or omitted in connection herewith at the request or with the approval of the Lenders or the Lenders holding a majority of the Working Capital Commitments, as applicable; (ii) any action taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined in a final and non- appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction; (iii) the form, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness, due execution, effectiveness, validity or enforceability of any document or instrument related to any Letter of Credit or Letter of Credit Application; (iv) the failure of the beneficiary of any such Letter of Credit, or any other party to which such Letter of Credit may be transferred, to comply fully with any conditions required in order to draw upon such Letter of Credit or any other claim of the Borrower against any beneficiary of such Letter of Credit, or any such transferee, or any dispute between or among the Borrower and any beneficiary of any Letter of Credit or any such transferee; (v) the misapplication by the beneficiary of any such Letter of Credit of the proceeds of any drawing under such Letter of Credit; (vi) any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under any such Letter of Credit or of the proceeds thereof; or (vii) any consequences arising from causes beyond the control of the L/C Issuer or Agent-Related Person, as applicable, including any act or omission of any Governmental Authority, and none of the above shall affect or impair, or prevent the vesting of, any of the L/C Issuer’s or Agent-Related Person’s rights or powers hereunder. 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 Borrower’s pursuing such rights and remedies as it may have against the beneficiary or transferee at law or under any other agreement. None of the L/C Issuers, any Agent-Related Person, nor any of the respective correspondents, participants or assignees of any L/C Issuer, shall be liable or responsible for any of the matters described in clauses (i) through (vi) of Section 2.03(e); provided that anything in such clauses to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower may have a claim against an L/C Issuer, and such L/C Issuer 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 L/C Issuer’s willful misconduct or gross negligence or such L/C Issuer’s willful or grossly negligent failure to pay under any Letter of Credit after the presentation to it by the beneficiary of documents strictly complying with the terms and conditions of a Letter of Credit, in each case as determined in a final and non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, each L/C Issuer may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order, without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, and no L/C Issuer shall be responsible for the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign a
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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.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the L/C Issuers (i) may rely on any oral or other communication believed in good faith by such L/C Issuer to have been authorized or given by or on behalf of the applicant for a Letter of Credit; (ii) may honor any presentation if the documents presented appear on their face substantially to comply with the terms and conditions of the relevant Letter of Credit; (iii) may honor a previously dishonored presentation under a Letter of Credit, whether such dishonor was pursuant to a court order, to settle or compromise any claim of wrongful dishonor, or otherwise, and shall be entitled to reimbursement to the same extent as if such presentation had initially been honored, together with any interest paid by such L/C Issuer; (iv) may honor any drawing that is payable upon presentation of a statement advising negotiation or payment, upon receipt of such statement (even if such statement indicates that a draft or other document is being delivered separately), and shall not be liable for any failure of any such draft or other document to arrive, or to conform in any way with the relevant Letter of Credit; (v) may pay any paying or negotiating bank claiming that it rightfully honored under the laws or practices of the place where such bank is located; and (vi) may settle or adjust any claim or demand made on such L/C Issuer in any way related to any order issued at the applicant’s request to an air carrier, a letter of guarantee or of indemnity issued to a carrier or any similar document and honor any drawing in connection with any Letter of Credit that is the subject of such order, notwithstanding that any drafts or other documents presented in connection with such Letter of Credit fail to conform in any way with such Letter of Credit.
(g)Cash Collateral. If (i) as of the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, any Letter of Credit may for any reason remain outstanding and partially or wholly undrawn, (ii) any Event of Default occurs and is continuing and the Administrative Agent or the Working Capital Lenders holding a majority of the Working Capital Commitments, as applicable, require the Borrower to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations pursuant to Section 8.01(a) or (iii) an Event of Default set forth under Section 8.01(f) or (g) occurs and is continuing, the Borrower shall Cash Collateralize the then Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations (in an amount equal to 102% of such Outstanding Amount determined as of the date of such Event of Default or the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, as the case may be), and shall do so not later than 2:00 p.m. (New York City time) on (x) in the case of the immediately preceding clauses (i) and (ii), (1) the Business Day that the Borrower receives notice thereof, if such notice is received on such day prior to 12:00 noon (New York City time) or (2) if clause (1) above does not apply, the Business Day immediately following the day that the Borrower receives such notice and (y) in the case of the immediately preceding clause (iii), the Business Day on which an Event of Default set forth under Section 8.01(f) or (g) occurs or, if such day is not a Business Day, the Business Day immediately succeeding such day. At any time that there shall exist a Defaulting Lender, immediately upon the request of the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent Cash Collateral in an amount sufficient to cover all Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 2.17(a)(iv) and any Cash Collateral provided by the Defaulting Lender). For purposes hereof, “Cash Collateralize” means to pledge and deposit with or deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the relevant L/C
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Issuer and the Appropriate Lenders, as collateral for the L/C Obligations, cash or deposit account balances (“Cash Collateral”) in an amount no less than 102% of the L/C Obligations pursuant to documentation in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the relevant L/C Issuer (which documents are hereby consented to by the Appropriate Lenders). Derivatives of such term have corresponding meanings. To further secure the Obligations, the Borrower hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the L/C Issuers and the Working Capital Lenders of the applicable Facility, a security interest in all such cash, deposit accounts and all balances therein and all proceeds of the foregoing pursuant to documentation in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the relevant L/C Issuer. Cash Collateral shall be maintained in a Cash Collateral Account and may be invested in readily available Cash Equivalents. If at any time the Administrative Agent determines that any funds held as Cash Collateral are expressly subject to any right or claim of any Person other than the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties) or that the total amount of such funds is less than 102% of the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, the Borrower will, forthwith upon demand by the Administrative Agent, pay to the Administrative Agent, as additional funds to be deposited and held in the Cash Collateral Account, an amount equal to the excess of (a) 102% of such aggregate Outstanding Amount over (b) the total amount of funds, if any, then held as Cash Collateral that the Administrative Agent reasonably determines to be free and clear of any such right and claim. Upon the drawing of any Letter of Credit for which funds are on deposit as Cash Collateral, such funds shall be applied, to the extent permitted under applicable Law, to reimburse the relevant L/C Issuer. To the extent the amount of any Cash Collateral exceeds 102% of the then Outstanding Amount of such L/C Obligations and so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the excess shall be refunded to the Borrower. To the extent any Event of Default giving rise to the requirement to Cash Collateralize any Letter of Credit pursuant to this Section 2.03(g) is cured or otherwise waived by the Required Lenders, then so long as no other Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, all Cash Collateral pledged to Cash Collateralize such Letter of Credit shall be refunded to the Borrower.
(h)Letter of Credit Fees. The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Working Capital Lenders for the applicable Working Capital Facility (in accordance with their Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement) a Letter of Credit fee for each Letter of Credit issued pursuant to this Agreement equal to the Applicable Rate times the daily maximum amount then available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit (whether or not such maximum amount is then in effect under such Letter of Credit if such maximum amount increases periodically pursuant to the terms of such Letter of Credit); provided, however, any Letter of Credit fees otherwise payable for the account of a Defaulting Lender with respect to any Letter of Credit as to which such Defaulting Lender has not provided Cash Collateral satisfactory to the L/C Issuer pursuant to this Section 2.03 shall be payable, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable Law, to the other Lenders in accordance with the upward adjustments in their respective Pro Rata Shares allocable to such Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 2.17(a)(iv), with the balance of such fee, if any, payable to the L/C Issuer for its own account. Such Letter of Credit fees shall be computed on a quarterly basis in arrears. Such Letter of Credit fees shall be due and payable in Dollars on the last Business Day of
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each March, June, September and December and on the Maturity Date, commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and thereafter on demand. If there is any change in any Applicable Rate during any quarter, the daily maximum amount of each Letter of Credit shall be computed and multiplied by such Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect.
(i)Documentary and Processing Charges Payable to L/C Issuers. In addition, the Borrower shall pay directly to each L/C Issuer for its own account with respect to each Letter of Credit issued by it the customary issuance, presentation, amendment and other processing fees, and other standard costs and charges, of such L/C Issuer relating to letters of credit as from time to time in effect. Such customary fees and standard costs and charges are due and payable within ten (10) Business Days of demand and are nonrefundable.
(j)Conflict with Letter of Credit Application. Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary in this Agreement, in the event of any conflict between the terms hereof and the terms of any Letter of Credit Application, the terms hereof shall control.
(k)Addition of an L/C Issuer. A Working Capital Lender may become an additional L/C Issuer hereunder pursuant to a written agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and such Working Capital Lender. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Working Capital Lenders of any such additional L/C Issuer.
(l)Letter of Credit Amounts. Unless otherwise specified herein, the amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to be the stated amount of such Letter of Credit in effect at such time; provided, however, that with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any document related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the stated amount thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the maximum stated amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum stated amount is in effect at such time.
(m)Reporting. Each L/C Issuer will report in writing to the Administrative Agent (i) on the first Business Day of each calendar month, the aggregate face amount of Letters of Credit issued by it and outstanding as of the last Business Day of the preceding calendar month (and on such other dates as the Administrative Agent may request), (ii) on or prior to each Business Day on which such L/C Issuer expects to issue, amend, renew or extend any Letter of Credit, the date of such issuance or amendment, and the aggregate face amount of Letters of Credit to be issued, amended, renewed or extended by it and outstanding after giving effect to such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (and such L/C Issuer shall advise the Administrative Agent on such Business Day whether such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension occurred and whether the amount thereof changed), (iii) on each Business Day on which such L/C Issuer makes any L/C Disbursement, the date and amount of such L/C Disbursement and (iv) on any Business Day on which the Borrower fails to reimburse an L/C Disbursement required to be reimbursed to such L/C Issuer on such day, the date and amount of such failure.
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(n)Applicability of ISP. The rules of the ISP shall apply to each standby Letter of Credit.
(o)Provisions Related to Extended Working Capital Commitments. If the Letter of Credit Expiration Date in respect of any tranche of Working Capital Commitments occurs prior to the expiry date of any Letter of Credit, then (i) if consented to by the L/C Issuer which issued such Letter of Credit, if one or more other tranches of Working Capital Commitments in respect of which the Letter of Credit Expiration Date shall not have so occurred are then in effect, such Letters of Credit for which consent has been obtained shall automatically be deemed to have been issued (including for purposes of the obligations of the Working Capital Lenders to purchase participations therein and to make L/C Loans and payments in respect thereof pursuant to Section 2.03(c) and (d)) under (and ratably participated in by Lenders pursuant to) the Working Capital Commitments in respect of such non-terminating tranches up to an aggregate amount not to exceed the aggregate amount of the unutilized Working Capital Commitments thereunder at such time (it being understood that no partial face amount of any Letter of Credit may be so reallocated) and (ii) to the extent not reallocated pursuant to immediately preceding clause (i), the Borrower shall Cash Collateralize any such Letter of Credit in accordance with Section 2.03(g). Upon the maturity date of any tranche of Working Capital Commitments, the commitment for Letters of Credit may be reduced as agreed between the L/C Issuers and the Borrower, without the consent of any other Person.
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(i) (i) The Borrower may, upon, subject to clause (iii) below, irrevocable written notice to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower, at any time or from time to time voluntarily prepay Loans of any Class in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (1) such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. New York City time (A) three (3) Business Days prior to any date of prepayment of Eurocurrency Rate Loans and (B) one (1) Business Day prior to any on the date of prepayment of Base Rate Loans; (2) any prepayment of Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be in a minimum principal amount of $1,000,000, or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof; and (3) any prepayment of Base Rate Loans shall be in a minimum principal amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof or, in each case, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the Class(es) and Type(s) of Loans and the order of Borrowing(s) to be prepaid. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Appropriate Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the amount of such Lender’s Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement of such prepayment. If such notice is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein. Any prepayment of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan shall be accompanied by all accrued interest thereon to such date, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05. In the case of each prepayment of the Loans pursuant to this Section 2.04(a), the Borrower may in its sole discretion select the Borrowing or Borrowings (and the order of maturity of principal payments) to be repaid, and such payment shall be paid to the Appropriate Lenders in accordance with their
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respective Pro Rata Shares or other applicable share as provided for under this Agreement (and absent such direction from the Borrower, such prepayment shall be applied in direct order of maturity and pro rata among each Facility constituting Pari Passu Permitted Debt).
(ii)All prepayments under this Section 2.04(a) shall be made together with (A) in the case of any such prepayment of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan on a date other than the last day of an Interest Period therefor, any amounts owing in respect of such Eurocurrency Rate Loan pursuant to Section 3.05 and (B) all Swap Termination Amounts.
(iii)Subject to the payment of any amounts owing pursuant to Section 3.05, the Borrower may rescind any notice of prepayment under Section 2.04(a) if such prepayment would have resulted from a refinancing of all or a portion of the applicable Facility, which refinancing shall not be consummated or shall otherwise be delayed. Each prepayment of any Class of Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.04(a) shall be applied in an order of priority to repayments thereof required pursuant to Section 2.06(a) as directed by the Borrower (which may be applied to any specific Class, tranche or Facility of Indebtedness) and, absent such direction, shall be applied in direct order of maturity to repayments thereof required pursuant to Section 2.06(a).
(i)The Borrower shall prepay in accordance with Section 2.04(c) amounts in the Distribution Suspense Account, to the extent required to be prepaid in accordance with Section 2.16(j)(ii).
(ii)In the event of any termination or reduction of Working Capital Commitments pursuant to Section 2.05, Borrower shall repay or prepay its outstanding Working Capital Loans and L/C Loans in an amount, and Cash Collateralize the Letters of Credit in an amount equal to 102% of the amount, by which the Outstanding Amount of the Total Working Capital Exposure of the Working Capital Lenders exceeds the Working Capital Commitments or the Outstanding Amount of the L/C Obligations of the L/C Issuers exceeds the aggregate L/C Issuer Commitments, as applicable; provided that any amount provided to Cash Collateralize the Letters of Credit under this clause shall be returned to Borrower to the extent that, after giving effect to such return, Borrower would remain in compliance with this clause and no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.
(iii)If an Equity Sale or a Total Sale occurs, the Borrower shall prepay in accordance with Section 2.04(c), on or prior to the date which is five (5) Business Days after the date of receipt by the Borrower of the Net Proceeds thereof, an aggregate principal amount of Term Loans in an amount equal to the applicable Prepayment Amount; provided that, the Borrower shall make such mandatory prepayments with the Net Proceeds thereof and, solely to the extent necessary, other
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cash of the Borrower in an amount equal (together with such Net Proceeds) to the applicable Prepayment Amount.
(iv)If the Borrower incurs or issues any Indebtedness after the Closing Date (other than Indebtedness not prohibited under Section 7.02 (excluding Indebtedness incurred pursuant to clause (n) of the definition of “Permitted Debt”, which results in the receipt by the Borrower of Net Proceeds, the Borrower shall prepay in accordance with Section 2.04(c) an aggregate principal amount of Term Loans, together with all Swap Termination Amounts then due and payable as a result of any such prepayment, in an amount equal to 100% of Net Proceeds received therefrom, on or prior to the fifth (5th) Business Day following receipt thereof by the Borrower (except, for any Swap Termination Amounts, on the day set forth in Section 2.04(c)).
(v)If the Borrower receives any Net Proceeds resulting from any Disposition, Material Contract Payment or Casualty Event, the Borrower shall prepay in accordance with Section 2.04(c), on or prior to the date which is five (5) Business Days after the receipt by the Borrower of such Net Proceeds, an aggregate principal amount of Term Loans equal to the applicable Prepayment Amount with respect to such Disposition, Material Contract Payment or Casualty Event.
(vi)If any Transportation Agreement shall have been terminated, and such terminated Transportation Agreement is not replaced on substantially similar terms on or prior to the date that is six (6) months after such termination, the Borrower shall prepay in accordance with Section 2.04(c) an aggregate principal amount of Term Loans in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of cash available at level Eighth of Section 2.16(i) on each Quarterly Payment Date following such six-month period until the date on which Debt Service Coverage Ratio shall equal or exceed 1.30:1.00.
(vii)If the Term Conversion Date has not occurred on or before the last Business Day of June 2022 or September 2022 as a result of an extension of the Date Certain (in accordance with the definition thereof), the Borrower shall prepay in accordance with Section 2.04(c)(i), to the extent of amounts on deposit in or credited to the Revenue Account, an aggregate principal amount of Term Loans in an amount equal to the principal amount of the Term Loans that would have been payable on such date (as applicable) if no such extension of the Date Certain had occurred.
(viii)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Sections 2.04(b)(iii), (b)(iv), (b)(v), (b)(vi) or (b)(vii), if at the time of any such prepayment under any such subsection the Borrower is required to prepay or to offer to repurchase or make payment of any Additional Pari Passu Permitted Debt with the Net Proceeds received with respect to any such subsection, then the Borrower may apply such Net Proceeds on a pro rata basis to the Term Loans and Additional Pari Passu Permitted Debt (determined with reference to the outstanding principal amount of each at such time, taking into account any Swap Termination Amounts resulting
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from such prepayment) and the amount of prepayment of the Term Loans shall be reduced by such amount applied to repay such Additional Pari Passu Permitted Debt; provided, further, that, to the extent the holders of Additional Pari Passu Permitted Debt decline to have such indebtedness repurchased or prepaid, the Borrower shall promptly (and in any event within five (5) Business Days following such rejection) apply such declined amount of Net Proceeds to prepayment of the Term Loans in accordance with Section 2.04(c)(i).
(c)Applicable to All Mandatory Prepayments.
(i)Except with respect to Loans incurred in connection with any Refinancing Amendment, Term Loan Extension Request or any Incremental Amendment (which may be prepaid on a less than pro rata basis in accordance with its terms), (A) each prepayment of the Loans pursuant to Section 2.04(b) shall be applied (1) first, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest on the Term Loans together with any amounts owing in accordance with Section 3.05, and any fees, premiums and scheduled periodic payments due under Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreements, ratably among the Secured Parties in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause (1) payable to them, (2) second, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Term Loans, and any Swap Termination Payments in connection with Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreements, ratably among the Secured Parties in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause (2) held by them and (3) third, to the payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest and unpaid principal of the Working Capital Loans; provided that, in each case of the foregoing clauses (1), (2) and (3), for any specific Facility or Facilities (or Class or tranche within such Facility), such prepayments shall be applied ratably among the Lenders to that specific Facility or Facilities (or Class or tranche within such Facility); provided, further, that, to the extent any prepayment made pursuant to Section 2.04(b) would result in breakage costs relating to the Interest Period, the amount of such prepayment shall first be deposited into the Extraordinary Proceeds Account, where it shall be held in escrow until the last day of the relevant Interest Period and thereupon applied to prepayment of the applicable Loans in accordance herewith. Each prepayment of Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.04(b) shall be applied on a pro rata basis (provided that any prepayment of Term Loans with the Net Proceeds of Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness shall be applied solely to each applicable Class of Refinanced Debt); (B) with respect to each Class of Term Loans, each prepayment pursuant to clauses (i) through (iv) of Section 2.04(b) shall be applied to the scheduled installments of principal thereof following the date of prepayment pursuant to Section 2.06(a) pro rata across all maturities (without premium or penalty); and (C) each such prepayment shall be paid to the Lenders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares of such prepayment.
(ii)The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent in writing of any mandatory prepayment of Term Loans required to be made pursuant to this Section 2.04(b) at least three (3) Business Days prior to the date of such prepayment
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(or such shorter time as the Administrative Agent may agree). Each such notice shall specify the date of such prepayment and provide a reasonably detailed calculation of the amount of such prepayment. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Appropriate Lender of the contents of the Borrower’s prepayment notice and of such Appropriate Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the prepayment.
(iii)All prepayments under Section 2.04(b) shall be made together with, in the case of any such prepayment of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan on a date other than the last day of an Interest Period therefor, any amounts owing in respect of such Eurocurrency Rate Loan pursuant to Section 3.05.
(iv)In connection with any mandatory prepayments by the Borrower of the Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.04(b), such prepayments shall be applied on a pro rata basis to the then-outstanding Term Loans of the applicable Class or Classes being prepaid; provided that the amount of such mandatory prepayment within any tranche of Term Loans shall be applied first to Term Loans of such tranche that are Base Rate Loans to the full extent thereof before application to Term Loans of such tranche that are Eurocurrency Rate Loans in a manner that minimizes the amount of any payments required to be made by the Borrower pursuant to Section 3.05.
Section 2.05Termination or Reduction of Commitments
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(i)The Borrower may, upon irrevocable written notice to the Administrative Agent, terminate the unused Commitments of any Class, or from time to time permanently reduce the unused Commitments of any Class, in each case without premium or penalty; provided that (A) any such notice shall be received by the Administrative Agent three (3) Business Days prior to the date of termination or reduction, and (B) any such partial reduction shall be in a minimum aggregate amount of $1,000,000, as applicable, or any whole multiple of $100,000, in excess thereof.
(ii)Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may (A) rescind or postpone any notice of termination of the Commitments no later than two (2) Business Days prior to the date of termination set forth in such notice, if such termination would have resulted from a refinancing of all of the applicable Facility, which refinancing shall not be consummated or otherwise shall be delayed; and (B) prior to the Term Conversion Date, the Company may only terminate or reduce the Commitments of any Class pursuant to this Section 2.05(a) if a Responsible Officer has certified to the Administrative agent that (1) the funds under the cancelled Commitment are not necessary to achieve the Term Conversion Date by the Date Certain and (2) no Default or Event of Default would occur as a result of such termination or reduction.
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(i)(A) The Initial Term Commitment of each Lender shall be reduced to $0 on the Initial Term Commitment Termination Date, and (B) the Term Conversion Date Term Commitment of each Lender shall be reduced to $0 on the Term Commitment Termination Date.
(ii)The Working Capital Commitment of each Working Capital Lender shall be reduced to $0 on the Maturity Date.
(iii)If the conditions precedent in Section 4.2 have not been satisfied or waived by the mutual agreement of Borrower and Administrative Agent, or the initial Borrowing of Initial Term Loans has not occurred, by the Outside Funding Date, then all Commitments of each Lender or L/C Issuer, as applicable, shall be reduced to $0 as of the Outside Funding Date.
(c)Application of Commitment Reductions; Payment of Fees. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Appropriate Lenders of any termination or reduction of unused portions of the unused Commitments of any Class under this Section 2.05. Upon any reduction of unused Commitments of any Class, the Commitment of each Lender of such Class shall be reduced by such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the amount by which such Commitments are reduced (other than the termination of the Commitment of any Lender as provided in Section 3.07). All commitment fees accrued until the effective date of any termination of the Aggregate Commitments shall be paid on the effective date of such termination.
Section 2.06Repayment of Loans
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(a)Term Loans. The Borrower shall repay to the Administrative Agent for the ratable account of the Appropriate Lenders (i) on each Quarterly Payment Date, beginning on the Initial Quarterly Payment Date, the principal amount of the Initial Term Loans and the Term Conversion Date Term Loans in an amount equal to the Term Loan Amortization Amount and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Initial Term Loans and Term Conversion Date Term Loans on the Maturity Date. In the event any Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans are made, such Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans, as applicable, shall be repaid by the Borrower in the amounts and on the dates set forth in the Incremental Amendment, Refinancing Amendment or Extension Amendment with respect thereto and on the applicable Maturity Date thereof.
(b)L/C Loans. The Borrower shall repay to the Administrative Agent for the ratable account of the Appropriate Lenders the L/C Loans (i) on any applicable date, an amount in accordance with Section 2.16(i)(vi) and (ii) on the applicable Maturity Date for the L/C Facilities of a given Class, the aggregate principal amount of all of its L/C Loans of such Class outstanding on such date.
(c)Working Capital Loans. The Borrower shall repay to the Administrative Agent for the ratable account of the Appropriate Lenders the Working Capital Loans (i) on
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any applicable date, an amount in accordance with Section 2.16(i)(vi) and (ii) on the applicable Maturity Date for the Working Capital Facilities of a given Class, the aggregate principal amount of all of its Working Capital Loans of such Class outstanding on such date.
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(a)Subject to the provisions of Section 2.07(b), (i) each Eurocurrency Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof for each Interest Period at a rate per annum equal to the Eurocurrency Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Rate and (ii) each Base Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.
(b)During the continuance of an Event of Default under Section 8.01(a), the Borrower shall pay interest on past due principal or interest owing by it hereunder at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws; provided that no interest at the Default Rate shall accrue or be payable to a Defaulting Lender so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender. Accrued and unpaid interest on such amounts (including interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable upon demand.
(c)Interest on each Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto and at such other times as may be specified herein. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable in accordance with the terms hereof before and after judgment, and before and after the commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law.
. In addition to certain fees described in Section 2.03(h):
(a)Working Capital Commitment Fee. The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender under the Working Capital Facility in accordance with its Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement, a commitment fee equal to the Applicable Rate with respect to the Working Capital Commitments, times the average daily amount by which the aggregate Working Capital Commitments for the Working Capital Facility exceeds the sum of (A) the Outstanding Amount of Working Capital Loans and L/C Loans for the Working Capital Facility and (B) the Outstanding Amount of L/C Obligations for such Facility; provided that any commitment fee accrued with respect to any of the Working Capital Commitments of a Defaulting Lender during the period prior to the time such Lender became a Defaulting Lender and unpaid at such time shall not be payable by the Borrower so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender, except to the extent that such commitment fee shall otherwise have been due and payable by the Borrower prior to such time; and provided, further, that no commitment fee shall accrue on any of the Working Capital Commitments of a Defaulting Lender so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender. The commitment fee on the Working Capital Facility shall accrue at all times from the Closing Date until the Maturity Date for the Working Capital Facility, including at any time during which one
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or more of the conditions is not met, and shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on each Quarterly Payment Date, commencing with the first such date during the first full fiscal quarter to occur after the Closing Date, and on the Maturity Date for the Working Capital Facility. The commitment fee shall be calculated quarterly in arrears, and if there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the actual daily amount shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect.
(b)Term Loan Commitment Fee. The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender under the Term Loan Facility in accordance with its Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement, a commitment fee equal to the Applicable Rate with respect to Term Loan commitment fees, times the average daily amount by which the aggregate Term Commitments for the Term Loan Facility exceeds the Outstanding Amount of Term Loans for the Term Loan Facility; provided that any commitment fee accrued with respect to any of the Term Commitments of a Defaulting Lender during the period prior to the time such Lender became a Defaulting Lender and unpaid at such time shall not be payable by the Borrower so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender, except to the extent that such commitment fee shall otherwise have been due and payable by the Borrower prior to such time; and provided, further, that no commitment fee shall accrue on any of the Term Commitments of a Defaulting Lender so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender. The commitment fee on the Initial Term Loans shall accrue at all times from the Closing Date until the Initial Term Commitment Termination Date, including at any time during which one or more of the conditions is not met, and shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on each Quarterly Payment Date, commencing with the first such date during the first full fiscal quarter to occur after the Closing Date, and on the Initial Term Commitment Termination Date. The commitment fee on the Term Conversion Date Term Loans shall accrue at all times from the Closing Date until the Term Commitment Termination Date, including at any time during which one or more of the conditions is not met, and shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on each Quarterly Payment Date, commencing with the first such date during the first full fiscal quarter to occur after the Closing Date, and on the Term Commitment Termination Date. The commitment fee shall be calculated quarterly in arrears, and if there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the actual daily amount shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect.
(c)The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent (for the account of the parties entitled thereto) such fees as shall have been separately agreed upon in writing in the amounts and at the times so specified (including all fees under the Fee Letter that are payable pursuant to the terms thereof). Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever (except as expressly agreed between the Borrower and the applicable Agent).
Section 2.09Computation of Interest and Fees
. All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans when the Base Rate is determined by the Prime Rate shall be made on the basis of a year of three hundred sixty-five (365) days, or three hundred sixty-six (366) days, as applicable, and actual days elapsed. All other computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of
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a three hundred sixty (360) day year and actual days elapsed. Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid; provided that any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall, subject to Section 2.11(a), bear interest for one (1) day. Each determination by the Administrative Agent of an interest rate or fee hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.
Section 2.10Evidence of Indebtedness
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(a)The Credit Extensions made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender and evidenced by one or more entries in the Register maintained by the Administrative Agent, acting solely for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 5f.103-1(c) and Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.163-5(b) (or, in each case, any amended or successor version), as a non-fiduciary agent for the Borrower, in each case in the ordinary course of business. The accounts or records maintained by the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall be prima facie evidence absent manifest error of the amount of the Credit Extensions made by the Lenders to the Borrower and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrower hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the Register and the corresponding accounts and records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the Register and the corresponding accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error. Upon the request of any Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a Note payable to such Lender, which shall evidence such Lender’s Loans in addition to such accounts or records. Each Lender may attach schedules to its Note and record thereon the date, Type (if applicable), amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.
(b)In addition to the accounts and records referred to in Section 2.10(a), each Lender and the Administrative Agent shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice accounts or records and, in the case of the Administrative Agent, entries in the Register, evidencing the purchases and sales by such Lender of participations in Letters of Credit. In the event of any conflict between the Register and the corresponding accounts and records maintained by the Administrative Agent and the accounts and records of any Lender in respect of such matters, the Register and the corresponding accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error.
(c)Entries made in good faith by the Administrative Agent in the Register pursuant to Section 2.10(a) and (b), and by each Lender in its account or accounts pursuant to Section 2.10(a) and (b), shall be prima facie evidence of the amount of principal and interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to, in the case of the Register, each Lender and, in the case of such account or accounts, such Lender, under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, absent manifest error; provided that the failure of the Administrative Agent or such Lender to make an entry, or any finding that an entry is incorrect, in the Register or such account or accounts shall not limit or
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otherwise affect the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
Section 2.11Payments Generally
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(a)All payments to be made by the Borrower shall be made without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by the Borrower hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the applicable Administrative Agent’s Office in Dollars and in Same Day Funds not later than 1:00 p.m. New York City time on the date specified herein. The Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to each Appropriate Lender its Pro Rata Share (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer to such Lender’s applicable Lending Office. If the Administrative Agent promptly notifies any Lender that a payment was distributed to such Lender in error, each Lender agrees to return any such payment in like funds to the Administrative Agent’s Office upon receipt of notice of the error. All payments received by the Administrative Agent after 1:00 p.m. New York City time shall in each case be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day, in the Administrative Agent’s sole discretion, and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue.
(b)Except as otherwise provided herein, if any payment to be made by the Borrower shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be; provided that, if such extension would cause payment of interest on or principal of Eurocurrency Rate Loans to be made in the next succeeding calendar month, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day.
(c)Unless the Borrower or any Lender has notified the Administrative Agent, prior to the date any payment is required to be made by it to the Administrative Agent hereunder, that the Borrower or such Lender, as the case may be, will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower or such Lender, as the case may be, has timely made such payment and may (but shall not be so required to), in reliance thereon, make available a corresponding amount to the Person entitled thereto. If and to the extent that such payment was not in fact made to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds, then:
(i)if the Borrower failed to make such payment, each Lender shall forthwith on demand repay to the Administrative Agent the portion of such assumed payment that was made available to such Lender in Same Day Funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such amount was made available by the Administrative Agent to such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds at the Overnight Bank Funding Rate, plus any reasonable administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing; and
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(ii)if any Lender failed to make such payment (including, without, limitation, failure to fund participations in respect of any Letter of Credit), such Lender shall forthwith on demand pay to the Administrative Agent the amount thereof in Same Day Funds, together with interest thereon for the period from the date such amount was made available by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower to the date such amount is recovered by the Administrative Agent (the “Compensation Period”) at a rate per annum equal to the Overnight Bank Funding Rate, plus any reasonable administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing. When such Lender makes payment to the Administrative Agent (together with all accrued interest thereon), then such payment amount (excluding the amount of any interest which may have accrued and been paid in respect of such late payment) shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in the applicable Borrowing. If such Lender does not pay such amount (including, without, limitation, failure to fund participations in respect of any Letter of Credit) forthwith upon the Administrative Agent’s demand therefor, the Administrative Agent may make a demand therefor upon the Borrower, and the Borrower shall pay such amount to the Administrative Agent, together with interest thereon for the Compensation Period at a rate per annum equal to the rate of interest applicable to the applicable Borrowing. Nothing herein shall be deemed to relieve any Lender from its obligation to fulfill its Commitment or to prejudice any rights which the Administrative Agent or the Borrower may have against any Lender as a result of any default by such Lender hereunder.
A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender or the Borrower with respect to any amount owing under this Section 2.11(c) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.
(d)If any Lender makes available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such Lender as provided in the foregoing provisions of this Article II, and such funds are not made available to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent because the conditions to the applicable Credit Extension set forth in Article IV or in the applicable Incremental Amendment, Extension Amendment or Refinancing Amendment are not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof, the Administrative Agent shall return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to such Lender, without interest.
(e)The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Loans and to fund participations in Letters of Credit are several and not joint. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan or to fund any such participation on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Loan or purchase its participation.
(f)Nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any Lender to obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner or to constitute a representation by any Lender that it has obtained or will obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner.
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(g)Whenever any payment received by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents is insufficient to pay in full all amounts due and payable to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under or in respect of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents on any date, such payment shall be distributed by the Administrative Agent and applied by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in the order of priority set forth in Section 8.03. If the Administrative Agent receives funds for application to the Obligations of the Borrower under or in respect of the Loan Documents under circumstances for which the Loan Documents do not specify the manner in which such funds are to be applied, the Administrative Agent may (to the fullest extent permitted by mandatory provisions of applicable Law), but shall not be obligated to, elect to distribute such funds to each of the Lenders in accordance with such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the sum (without duplication) of (a) the Outstanding Amount of all Loans outstanding at such time and (b) the Outstanding Amount of all Working Capital Obligations, in repayment or prepayment of such of the outstanding Loans or other Obligations then owing to such Lender.
Section 2.12Sharing of Payments
. If, other than as expressly provided elsewhere herein, any Lender shall obtain on account of the Loans made by it, or the participations in Working Capital Obligations held, by it, or any security therefor, any payment or distribution (whether voluntary, involuntary, through the exercise of any right of setoff, or otherwise) in excess of its ratable share (or other share contemplated hereunder) thereof, such Lender shall immediately (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase from the other Lenders such participations in the Loans made by them and/or such subparticipations in the participations in the Working Capital Obligations held by them, as the case may be, as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Lender to share the excess payment or distribution in respect of such Loans or such participations, as the case may be, pro rata with each of them; provided that if all or any portion of such excess payment or distribution is thereafter recovered from the purchasing Lender under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.06 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the purchasing Lender in its discretion), such purchase shall to that extent be rescinded and each other Lender shall repay to the purchasing Lender the purchase price paid therefor, together with an amount equal to such paying Lender’s ratable share (according to the proportion of (i) the amount of such paying Lender’s required repayment to (ii) the total amount so recovered from the purchasing Lender) of any interest or other amount paid or payable by the purchasing Lender in respect of the total amount so recovered, without further interest thereon. For avoidance of doubt, the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to (A) any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement as in effect from time to time (including the application of funds arising from the existence of a Defaulting Lender) or (B) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans to any assignee or participant permitted hereunder. The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation from another Lender may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, exercise all its rights of payment (including the right of setoff, but subject to Section 10.09) with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were the direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation. The Administrative Agent will keep records (which shall be conclusive and binding in the absence of manifest error) of participations purchased under this Section 2.12 and will in each case notify the Lenders following any such purchases or repayments. Each Lender that purchases a participation pursuant to this Section 2.12 shall from and after such purchase have the right to give all notices, requests,
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demands, directions and other communications under this Agreement with respect to the portion of the Obligations purchased to the same extent as though the purchasing Lender were the original owner of the Obligations purchased.
Section 2.13Incremental Borrowings
.
(a)Incremental Commitments. The Borrower may at any time or from time to time after the Closing Date, by notice to the Administrative Agent (an “Incremental Loan Request”), request one or more new commitments (each, an “Incremental Facility”) which may be in the same Facility as any outstanding Term Loans of an existing Class of Term Loans (a “Term Loan Increase”), a new Class of Term Loans (collectively with any Term Loan Increase, the “Incremental Term Commitments”), in the same Facility as any outstanding Revolving Credit Loans of an existing Class of Revolving Credit Loans (a “Revolving Credit Loan Increase”), a new Class of Revolving Credit Loans (collectively with any Revolving Credit Loan Increase, the “Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments”, and collectively with the Incremental Term Commitments, the “Incremental Commitments”), whereupon the Administrative Agent shall promptly deliver a copy of such Incremental Loan Request to each of the Lenders.
(b)Incremental Term Loans. Any Incremental Term Commitments effected through new Term Loans made on an Incremental Facility Closing Date shall be designated a separate Class of Incremental Term Commitments for all purposes of this Agreement, except in the case of a Term Loan Increase. On any Incremental Facility Closing Date on which any Incremental Term Commitments of any Class are effected (including through any Term Loan Increase), subject to the satisfaction of the terms and conditions in this Section 2.13, (i) each Incremental Lender of such Class shall make a Term Loan to the Borrower (an “Incremental Term Loan”) in an amount equal to its Incremental Commitment of such Class, and (ii) each Incremental Lender of such Class shall become a Lender hereunder with respect to the Incremental Term Commitment of such Class and the Incremental Term Loans of such Class made pursuant thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Incremental Term Loans may have identical terms to any of the Term Loans and be treated as the same Class as any of such Term Loans.
(c)Incremental Revolving Credit Loans. Any Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments effected through new Revolving Credit Loans made on an Incremental Facility Closing Date shall be designated a separate Class of Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments for all purposes of this Agreement, except in the case of a Revolving Credit Loan Increase. On any Incremental Facility Closing Date on which any Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments of any Class are effected (including through any Revolving Credit Loan Increase), subject to the satisfaction of the terms and conditions in this Section 2.13, (i) each Incremental Lender of such Class shall make a Revolving Credit Loan to the Borrower (an “Incremental Revolving Credit Loan”) in an amount equal to its Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment of such Class, and (ii) each Incremental Lender of such Class shall become a Lender hereunder with respect to the Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment of such Class and the Incremental Revolving Credit Loans of such Class made pursuant thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Incremental
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Revolving Credit Loans may have identical terms to any of the Revolving Credit Loans and be treated as the same Class as any of such Revolving Credit Loans.
(d)Incremental Loan Request. Each Incremental Loan Request from the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.13 shall set forth the requested amount and proposed terms of the relevant Incremental Term Loans or Incremental Revolving Credit Loans, as applicable. Incremental Term Loans and Incremental Revolving Credit Loans may be made by any existing Lender (but each existing Lender will not have an obligation to make any Incremental Commitment, nor will the Borrower have any obligation to approach any existing Lender to provide any Incremental Commitment (which shall be entitled to agree or decline to participate in its sole discretion) or by any other bank or other financial institution or other institutional lender (any such other bank or other financial institution or other institutional lender being called an “Additional Lender”) (each such existing Lender or Additional Lender providing such Incremental Commitment, an “Incremental Lender”, and, collectively, the “Incremental Lenders”); provided that (i) the Administrative Agent shall have consented (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) to such Lender’s or Additional Lender’s making such Incremental Term Loans or Incremental Revolving Credit Loans, as applicable, to the extent such consent, if any, would be required under Section 10.07(b) for an assignment of Loans to such Lender or Additional Lender and (ii) with respect to Incremental Term Commitments, any Affiliated Lender providing an Incremental Term Commitment shall be subject to the same restrictions set forth in Section 10.07(l) as they would otherwise be subject to with respect to any purchase by or assignment to such Affiliated Lender of Term Loans.
(e)Effectiveness of Incremental Amendment. The effectiveness of any Incremental Amendment, and the Incremental Commitments thereunder, shall be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof (the “Incremental Facility Closing Date”) of each of the following conditions:
(i)the Double E Joint Venture shall have entered into (A) one or more Additional Material Contracts, each for a minimum three (3) year term and having contracted take-or-pay cash flow which, in the aggregate and on a pro forma basis, increases the maximum amount of Term Loans or Incremental Term Loans that would be permitted under the Base Case Model by at least $10,000,000, (B) the Compression Addition or (C) a Permitted Expansion approved pursuant to Section 6.8 of the JV LLC Agreement;
(ii)the proceeds of the applicable Incremental Term Loans shall be used (A) to fund the Borrower’s Required Contribution in respect of the Project, a Permitted Expansion, or a Compression Addition and transaction fees and expenses incurred in connection with such Permitted Expansion, (B) if (1) permitted by the applicable Incremental Lenders, (2) the Restricted Payment Conditions are satisfied, and (3) the Restricted Payment amount does not exceed the amount of Equity Contributions made to Borrower to date in connection with the applicable Permitted Expansion, to make a Restricted Payment on the date of the funding of such Incremental Term Loans in connection with such Permitted Expansion, (C) to pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Incremental Term Loans,
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(D) to reimburse the Borrower’s Required Contributions or fees and expenses, or (E) to pay Debt Service prior to the Term Conversion Date, the Compression Addition or a Permitted Expansion and to fund the DSR Requirement;
(iii)the proceeds of the applicable Incremental Revolving Credit Loans shall be used to fund the DSR Requirement associated with a Facility of Incremental Term Loans in an amount no greater (when taken together with such Facility) than the Incremental Availability Amount;
(iv)after giving effect to such Incremental Commitments, the following conditions shall be satisfied (it being understood that all references to “the date of such Borrowing” or similar language shall be deemed to refer to the effective date of such Incremental Amendment):
(A)the representations and warranties of the Borrower (with respect to the Borrower and, to the extent applicable, the Double E Joint Venture) and Pledgor set forth in Article V, other than Sections 5.07 (except clause (c) thereof), 5.14 (regarding projected and pro forma financial information), 5.12(c) and 5.02, shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” shall be true and correct in all respects as so qualified) on and as of the effective date of such Incremental Amendment with the same effect as though made on and as of such date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date; and
(B)no Default or Event of Default shall exist and be continuing or would immediately result from such proposed Incremental Commitment or from the application of the proceeds therefrom;
(v)each Incremental Term Commitment shall be in an aggregate principal amount that is not less than $10,000,000 and shall be in an increment of $500,000 (provided that such amount may be less than $10,000,000 if such amount represents all remaining availability under the limit set forth in the next sentence);
(vi)the aggregate principal amount of the Incremental Term Loans (the “Incremental Availability Amount”) incurred in connection with a Permitted Expansion shall reflect the maximum amount of Incremental Term Loans that, after giving pro forma effect to the incurrence of such Incremental Term Loans (taking into account any prepayments of the Facilities in connection therewith), can be supported based on an Adjusted Base Case Model reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), and the Administrative Agent shall have received such Adjusted Base Case Model in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;
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(vii)if entered into in connection with a Permitted Expansion, the applicable Permitted Expansion and the agreements entered into in connection therewith would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(viii)if entered into in connection with a Permitted Expansion, the Borrower shall have delivered a certificate of the Independent Engineer certifying that (A) the applicable Permitted Expansion should not materially and adversely affect the Double E Joint Venture’s ability to perform its obligations under the Material Contracts to which it is a party and (B) the applicable Permitted Expansion will not diminish the value or compromise the operations of the Project;
(ix)if entered into in connection with a Permitted Expansion, the Incremental Term Commitments and any funded equity and equity commitments available to the Borrower (and credit support in connection therewith) are at least equal to the total amount of the Borrower’s expected Required Contributions, Other Required Contributions and Member Loans for the applicable Permitted Expansion; and
(x)such other conditions as the Borrower, each Incremental Lender providing such Incremental Commitments and the Administrative Agent shall agree.
(f)Required Terms. The terms, provisions and documentation of the Incremental Term Loans, Incremental Revolving Credit Loans, and Incremental Commitments of any Class shall be as agreed between the Borrower and the applicable Incremental Lenders providing such Incremental Commitments, and except as otherwise set forth herein, to the extent more favorable to the Incremental Lenders holding Incremental Term Loans than the terms of the Initial Term Loans and the Term Conversion Date Term Loans existing on the Incremental Facility Closing Date, shall be reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent (except for covenants and terms that apply solely to any period after the Latest Maturity Date that is in effect on the Incremental Facility Closing Date and with such modifications as may be necessary to accommodate the specific facts and circumstances of the applicable Permitted Expansion) (it being understood that to the extent any covenant is added for the benefit of any Incremental Term Loans, any Incremental Revolving Credit Loans, or any Incremental Commitments, no consent shall be required from the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders to the extent that such covenant is also added for the benefit of the Term Loans remaining outstanding after the effectiveness of such Incremental Amendment) (it being understood that no Incremental Facility may require payments that are inconsistent with Section 2.16(i)). In any event:
(i)the Incremental Term Loans:
(A)shall be unsecured or shall rank pari passu or junior in right of payment and of security (including with respect to the Permitted Expansion) with the Initial Term Loans and the Term Conversion Date Term Loans (and to the extent subordinated in right of payment or security,
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shall be subject to a Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or an alternate intercreditor and subordination arrangement reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent); provided that, in the case of any Incremental Term Loans that rank junior in right of security with the Initial Term Loans and the Term Conversion Date Term Loans, the Incremental Lenders providing such Incremental Term Loans shall not benefit from the same Debt Service Reserve Account as the Lenders who provided the Initial Term Loans and the Term Conversion Date Term Loans,
(B)shall not mature earlier than the Maturity Date of the Initial Term Loans and the Term Conversion Date Term Loans,
(C)shall have a Weighted Average Life to Maturity not shorter than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Initial Term Loans and the Term Conversion Date Term Loans (without giving effect to any prepayments of the Initial Term Loans and the Term Conversion Date Term Loans prior to the time of incurrence of such Incremental Term Loans that would otherwise modify the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Initial Term Loans and the Term Conversion Date Term Loans);
(D)shall have an Applicable Rate, and subject to Sections 2.13(f)(i)(B) and 2.13(f)(i)(C), the amortization schedule applicable to any Incremental Term Loans and the All-In Yield applicable to the Incremental Term Loans of each Class shall be determined by the Borrower and the applicable Incremental Lenders and shall be set forth in each applicable Incremental Amendment,
(E)may not be incurred (or guaranteed) by a Person other than Borrower or secured by assets that do not constitute Collateral, and
(F)mandatory prepayments and optional prepayments of the Incremental Term Loans shall be on a pro rata or less than pro rata basis; provided that the Borrower shall be permitted to prepay any Class of Term Loans with an earlier maturity date on a better than pro rata basis as compared to any other Class of Term Loans with a later maturity date than such Class.
(ii)the Incremental Revolving Credit Loans shall satisfy (as if such Loans were Incremental Term Loans) clauses (i)(A), (i)(B) and (i)(E) above, and shall have an Applicable Rate.
(g)Incremental Amendment. Commitments in respect of Incremental Term Loans or Incremental Revolving Credit Loans shall become Commitments under this Agreement pursuant to an amendment (an “Incremental Amendment”) to this Agreement and, as appropriate, the other Loan Documents, executed by the Borrower, the Borrower organized under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia
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or any territory thereof, that may be designated as the Borrower in respect thereof (if any), each Incremental Lender providing such Commitments, and the Administrative Agent. The Incremental Amendment may, without the consent of Agent or Lender, effect such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.13. No Lender shall be obligated to provide any Incremental Term Loans or Incremental Revolving Credit Loans, unless it so agrees, provided that each Lender party hereto as of the date of such Incremental Amendment shall have the right to provide its Pro Rata Share of such Loans (unless it has declined or is a Defaulting Lender).
(h)If any additional equity capital contribution is required in connection with any Incremental Facility consisting of Incremental Term Commitments and is not provided prior to the entry into such Incremental Facility, the Borrower shall provide one or more Acceptable Letters of Credit such that the aggregate face amount of such Acceptable Letters of Credit are equal to such required additional equity capital contribution.
(i)This Section 2.13 shall supersede any provisions in Section 2.12 or Section 10.01 to the contrary.
Section 2.14Refinancing Amendments
.
(a)On one or more occasions after the Closing Date, the Borrower may obtain, from any Lender or any other bank, financial institution or other institutional lender or investor that agrees to provide any portion of any Refinancing Term Loans or Other Revolving Credit Commitments pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment in accordance with this Section 2.14 (each, an “Additional Refinancing Lender”) (provided that (i) solely with respect to the Refinancing Term Loans and Other Revolving Credit Commitments, the Administrative Agent and each L/C Issuer, if applicable, shall have consented (not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) to such Lender’s or Additional Refinancing Lender’s providing such Refinancing Term Loans or Other Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, to the extent such consent, if any, would be required under Section 10.07(b) for an assignment of Loans or Working Capital Commitments to such Lender or Additional Refinancing Lender, (ii) with respect to Refinancing Term Loans, any Affiliated Lender providing any Refinancing Term Loans shall be subject to the same restrictions set forth in Section 10.07(l) as they would otherwise be subject to with respect to any purchase by, or assignment to, such Affiliated Lender of Term Loans and (iii) none of the Borrower, any Subsidiary of Borrower or any Affiliated Lenders may provide Other Revolving Credit Commitments), Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of all or any portion of any Class, as selected by the Borrower in its sole discretion, of Term Loans or Revolving Credit Loan (or unused Revolving Credit Commitments) then outstanding under this Agreement, in the form of Refinancing Term Loans, Refinancing Term Commitments, Other Revolving Credit Commitments or Other Revolving Credit Loans pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment.
(b)The effectiveness of any Refinancing Amendment shall be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof of each of the conditions set forth in Section 2.13(e)(iii)
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and, to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, receipt by the Administrative Agent of (i) customary legal opinions, board resolutions and officers’ certificates consistent with those delivered on the Closing Date other than changes to such legal opinion resulting from a change in law, change in fact or change to counsel’s form of opinion reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (ii) reaffirmation agreements and/or such amendments to the Collateral Documents as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent in order to ensure that such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness is provided with the benefit of the applicable Loan Documents.
(c)Each issuance of Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness under Section 2.14(a) shall be in an aggregate principal amount that is (x) not less than $17,500,000 and (y) an integral multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof.
(d)Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may be amended pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment, without the consent of any other Lenders, to the extent (but only to the extent) necessary to (i) reflect the existence and terms of the Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness incurred pursuant thereto, and (ii) effect such other amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.14, and the Required Lenders hereby expressly authorize the Administrative Agent to enter into any such Refinancing Amendment.
(e)This Section 2.14 shall supersede any provisions in Section 2.12 or Section 10.01 to the contrary.
Section 2.15Extension of Term Loans; Extension of Working Capital Commitments
.
(a)Extension of Term Loans. The Borrower may at any time and from time to time, in its sole discretion, request that all or a portion of the Term Loans of a given Class (or series or tranche thereof) (each, an “Existing Term Loan Tranche”) be amended to extend the scheduled maturity date(s) with respect to all or a portion of any principal amount of such Term Loans (any such Term Loans which have been so amended, “Extended Term Loans”) and to provide for other terms consistent with this Section 2.15. In order to establish any Extended Term Loans, the Borrower shall provide a notice to the Administrative Agent (who shall provide a copy of such notice to each of the Lenders under the applicable Existing Term Loan Tranche) (each, a “Term Loan Extension Request”) setting forth the proposed terms of the Extended Term Loans to be established, which shall (x) be identical as offered to each Lender under such Existing Term Loan Tranche (including as to the proposed interest rates and fees payable, and without triggering the application of any “default stoppers,” financial tests, “most favored nation” provisions relating to pricing or (unless requested by the Borrower) minimum extension condition provisions) and offered pro rata to each Lender under such Existing Term Loan Tranche and (y) be identical to the Term Loans under the Existing Term Loan Tranche from which such Extended Term Loans are to be amended, except that: (i) all or any of the scheduled amortization payments of principal of the Extended Term Loans may be delayed to later dates than the scheduled amortization payments of principal of the Term Loans of such
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Existing Term Loan Tranche, to the extent provided in the applicable Extension Amendment; (ii) the All-In Yield with respect to the Extended Term Loans (whether in the form of interest rate margin, upfront fees, OID or otherwise) may be different than the All-In Yield for the Term Loans of such Existing Term Loan Tranche, in each case, to the extent provided in the applicable Extension Amendment; (iii) the Extension Amendment may provide for other covenants and terms that apply solely to any period after the Latest Maturity Date that is in effect on the effective date of the Extension Amendment (immediately prior to the establishment of such Extended Term Loans); and (iv) Extended Term Loans may have call protection as may be agreed by the Borrower and the Lenders thereof; provided that no Extended Term Loans may be optionally prepaid prior to the date on which all Term Loans with an earlier final stated maturity (including Term Loans under the Existing Term Loan Tranche from which they were amended) are repaid in full, unless such optional prepayment is accompanied by at least a pro rata optional prepayment of such other Term Loans; provided, however, that (A) in no event shall the final maturity date of any Extended Term Loans of a given Term Loan Extension Series at the time of establishment thereof be earlier than the then Latest Maturity Date of any then-existing Term Loans hereunder, (B) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of any Extended Term Loans of a given Term Loan Extension Series at the time of establishment thereof shall be no shorter (other than by virtue of amortization or prepayment of such Indebtedness prior to the time of incurrence of such Extended Term Loans) than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of any Existing Term Loan Tranche, (C) any such Extended Term Loans (and the Liens securing the same) shall be permitted by the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements (to the extent any Intercreditor Agreement is then in effect), (D) all documentation in respect of such Extension Amendment shall be consistent with the foregoing and (E) any Extended Term Loans may participate on a pro rata basis or a less than pro rata basis (but not greater than pro rata basis) in any mandatory repayments or prepayments hereunder, in each case as specified in the respective Term Loan Extension Request. Any Extended Term Loans amended pursuant to any Term Loan Extension Request shall be designated a series (each, a “Term Loan Extension Series”) of Extended Term Loans for all purposes of this Agreement; provided that any Extended Term Loans amended from an Existing Term Loan Tranche may, to the extent provided in the applicable Extension Amendment, be designated as an increase in any previously established Term Loan Extension Series with respect to such Existing Term Loan Tranche. Each Term Loan Extension Series of Extended Term Loans incurred under this Section 2.15 shall be in an aggregate principal amount that is not less than $16,000,000.
(b)Extension of Working Capital Commitments. The Borrower may at any time and from time to time request that all or a portion of the Working Capital Commitments of a given Class (each, an “Existing Working Capital Tranche”) be amended to extend the Maturity Date with respect to all or a portion of any principal amount of such Working Capital Commitments (any such Working Capital Commitments which have been so amended, “Extended Working Capital Commitments”) (including, for avoidance of doubt, with respect to Extended L/C Loans and Extended Working Capital Loans) and to provide for other terms consistent with this Section 2.15. In order to establish any Extended Working Capital Commitments, the Borrower shall provide a notice to the Administrative Agent (who shall provide a copy of such notice to each of the Lenders under the applicable Existing Working Capital Tranche) (each, a “Working Capital Extension Request”)
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setting forth the proposed terms of the Extended Working Capital Commitments to be established, which shall (x) be identical as offered to each Lender under such Existing Working Capital Tranche (including as to the proposed interest rates and fees payable) and offered pro rata to each Lender under such Existing Working Capital Tranche and (y) be identical to the Working Capital Commitments under the Existing Working Capital Tranche from which such Extended Working Capital Commitments are to be amended, except that: (i) the Maturity Date of the Extended Working Capital Commitments may be delayed to a later date than the Maturity Date of the Working Capital Commitments of such Existing Working Capital Tranche, to the extent provided in the applicable Extension Amendment; (ii) the All-In Yield with respect to extensions of credit under the Extended Working Capital Commitments (whether in the form of interest rate margin, upfront fees, commitment fees, OID or otherwise) may be different than the All-In Yield for extensions of credit under the Working Capital Commitments of such Existing Working Capital Tranche, in each case, to the extent provided in the applicable Extension Amendment; (iii) the Extension Amendment may provide for other covenants and terms that apply solely to any period after the Latest Maturity Date that is in effect on the effective date of the Extension Amendment (immediately prior to the establishment of such Extended Working Capital Commitments); and (iv) all borrowings under the applicable Working Capital Commitments (i.e., the Existing Working Capital Tranche and the Extended Working Capital Commitments of the applicable Working Capital Extension Series) and repayments thereunder shall be made on a pro rata basis (except for (I) payments of interest and fees at different rates on Extended Working Capital Commitments (and related outstandings) and (II) repayments required upon the Maturity Date of the non-extending Working Capital Commitments); provided, further, that (A) in no event shall the final maturity date of any Extended Working Capital Commitments of a given Working Capital Extension Series at the time of establishment thereof be earlier than the then Latest Maturity Date of any other Working Capital Commitments hereunder, (B) any such Extended Working Capital Commitments (and the Liens securing the same) shall be permitted by the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements (to the extent any Intercreditor Agreement is then in effect) and (C) all documentation in respect of such Extension Amendment shall be consistent with the foregoing. Any Extended Working Capital Commitments amended pursuant to any Working Capital Extension Request shall be designated a series (each, a “Working Capital Extension Series”) of Extended Working Capital Commitments for all purposes of this Agreement; provided that any Extended Working Capital Commitments amended from an Existing Working Capital Tranche may, to the extent provided in the applicable Extension Amendment, be designated as an increase in any previously established Working Capital Extension Series with respect to such Existing Working Capital Tranche. Each Working Capital Extension Series of Extended Working Capital Commitments incurred under this Section 2.15 shall be in an aggregate principal amount that is not less than $1,500,000.
(c)Extension Request. The Borrower shall provide the applicable Extension Request at least ten (10) days prior to the date on which Lenders under the Existing Term Loan Tranche or Existing Working Capital Tranche, as applicable, are requested to respond, and shall agree to such procedures, if any, as may be established by, or acceptable to, the Administrative Agent, in each case acting reasonably to accomplish the purposes of this Section 2.15. No Lender shall have any obligation to agree to have any of its Term
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Loans of any Existing Term Loan Tranche amended into Extended Term Loans or any of its Working Capital Commitments amended into Extended Working Capital Commitments, as applicable, pursuant to any Extension Request. Any Lender holding a Loan under an Existing Term Loan Tranche (each, an “Extending Term Lender”) wishing to have all or a portion of its Term Loans under the Existing Term Loan Tranche subject to such Extension Request amended into Extended Term Loans and any Working Capital Lender (each, an “Extending Working Capital Lender”) wishing to have all or a portion of its Working Capital Commitments under the Existing Working Capital Tranche subject to such Extension Request amended into Extended Working Capital Commitments, as applicable, shall notify the Administrative Agent (each, an “Extension Election”) on or prior to the date specified in such Extension Request of the amount of its Term Loans under the Existing Term Loan Tranche or Working Capital Commitments under the Existing Working Capital Tranche, as applicable, which it has elected to request be amended into Extended Term Loans or Extended Working Capital Commitments, as applicable (subject to any minimum denomination requirements imposed by the Administrative Agent). In the event that the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans under the Existing Term Loan Tranche or Working Capital Commitments under the Existing Working Capital Tranche, as applicable, in respect of which applicable Term Lenders or Working Capital Lenders, as the case may be, shall have accepted the relevant Extension Request exceeds the amount of Extended Term Loans or Extended Working Capital Commitments, as applicable, requested to be extended pursuant to the Extension Request, Term Loans or Working Capital Commitments, as applicable, subject to Extension Elections shall be amended to Extended Term Loans or Extended Working Capital Commitments, as applicable, on a pro rata basis (subject to rounding by the Administrative Agent, which shall be conclusive) based on the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans or Working Capital Commitments, as applicable, included in each such Extension Election.
(d)Extension Amendment. Extended Term Loans and Extended Working Capital Commitments shall be established pursuant to an amendment (each, an “Extension Amendment”) to this Agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and each Extending Term Lender or Extending Working Capital Lender, as applicable, providing an Extended Term Loan or Extended Working Capital Commitment, as applicable, thereunder, which shall be consistent with the provisions set forth in Section 2.15(a) or (b) above, respectively (but which shall not require the consent of any other Lender). The effectiveness of any Extension Amendment shall be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof of the conditions set forth in Section 4.03 and, to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, receipt by the Administrative Agent of (i) legal opinions, board resolutions and officers’ certificates consistent with those delivered on the Closing Date other than changes to such legal opinion resulting from a change in law, change in fact or change to counsel’s form of opinion reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (ii) reaffirmation agreements and/or such amendments to the Collateral Documents as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent in order to ensure that the Extended Term Loans or Extended Working Capital Commitments, as applicable, are provided with the benefit of the applicable Loan Documents. The Borrower may, at its election, specify as a condition to consummating any Extension Amendment that a minimum amount (to be determined and specified in the relevant Extension Request in the
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Borrower’s sole discretion and as may be waived by the Borrower) of Term Loans or Working Capital Commitments (as applicable) of any or all applicable Classes be tendered. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender as to the effectiveness of each Extension Amendment. Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may be amended pursuant to an Extension Amendment, without the consent of any other Lenders, to the extent (but only to the extent) necessary to (i) reflect the existence and terms of the Extended Term Loans or Extended Working Capital Commitments, as applicable, incurred pursuant thereto, (ii) modify the scheduled repayments set forth in Section 2.06 with respect to any Existing Term Loan Tranche subject to an Extension Election to reflect a reduction in the principal amount of the Term Loans thereunder in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Extended Term Loans amended pursuant to the applicable Extension (with such amount to be applied ratably to reduce scheduled repayments of such Term Loans required pursuant to Section 2.06), (iii) modify the prepayments set forth in Section 2.04 to reflect the existence of the Extended Term Loans and the application of prepayments with respect thereto, (iv) make such other changes to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents consistent with the provisions and intent of the second paragraph of Section 10.01 (without the consent of the Required Lenders called for therein) and (v) effect such other amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.15, and the Required Lenders hereby expressly authorize the Administrative Agent to enter into any such Extension Amendment.
(e)No conversion of Loans pursuant to any Extension in accordance with this Section 2.15 shall constitute an optional or mandatory payment or prepayment for purposes of this Agreement.
(f)This Section 2.15 shall supersede any provisions in Section 2.12 or Section 10.01 to the contrary.
Section 2.16Collateral Accounts, Distribution Account and Equity Contribution Account
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(a)Establishment of Collateral Accounts. On or prior to the Closing Date the Borrower shall establish each of the Collateral Accounts pursuant to the Depositary Agreement. Notwithstanding any provision of Section 2.16 to the contrary, assets credited to a Collateral Account may be invested, liquidated and reinvested in cash and Cash Equivalents from time to time in accordance with the Depositary Agreement.
(b)Deposits into and Maintenance of the Debt Service Reserve Account, the Payment Account and the Required Contributions Reserve Account.
(i)On and after the Term Conversion Date, the Borrower shall (x) deposit (or shall cause to be deposited) cash and Cash Equivalents into the Debt Service Reserve Account and/or (y) cause one or more DSR Letters of Credit to be issued for the benefit of the Collateral Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties), such that, after giving effect thereto, the Funded DSR equals the DSR Requirement
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as of the applicable date of determination. For the avoidance of doubt, that no Default or Event of Default shall be deemed to have occurred on account of any DSRA Deficiency Event.
(ii)The Borrower shall deposit in the Payment Account all amounts required to be transferred from the Revenue Account in accordance with Section 2.16(i)(iv) and Section 2.16(i)(v).
(iii)The Borrower shall deposit in the Required Contributions Reserve Account the proceeds of any Initial Term Loans or Term Conversion Date Term Loans drawn as of the Term Conversion Date.
(c)Deposits into the Revenue Account; Maintenance of the Revenue Account. On and after the Closing Date, the Borrower shall deposit all Revenues, promptly after receipt thereof, into the Revenue Account for application in accordance with Section 2.16(i). Subject to Section 2.16(b)(iii), proceeds of all Initial Term Loans shall be deposited into the Revenue Account.
(d)Deposits in the Equity Commitment Account; Maintenance of Equity Commitment Account.
(i)On and after the Closing Date and until the date that each Equity Commitment L/C is drawn in accordance with Section 2.16(d)(iii), the Borrower shall cause one or more Equity Commitment L/Cs to be issued for the benefit of the Collateral Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties), such that the sum of all cash and Cash Equivalents credited to the Equity Commitment Account plus Available Draw Amounts under the Equity Commitment L/Cs equals the total Equity Contribution amount as of the applicable date of determination. The Borrower shall maintain the Equity Commitment L/Cs outstanding as of the Term Conversion Date until such time as the amounts in the Required Contributions Reserve Account equal zero ($0). The Administrative Agent shall, upon any request by the Borrower with respect to any period, direct the Collateral Agent to deliver a reduction certificate in the form attached to the applicable Equity Commitment L/C if the conditions for reduction specified herein and therein are satisfied.
(ii)the Sponsors shall be entitled to make Equity Commitment L/C Reducing Contributions, and the proceeds thereof shall be deposited into the Equity Commitment Account for application in accordance with Section 2.16(l); provided that the Collateral Agent shall, following delivery by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent of an Officers’ Certificate specifying the amount of Equity Commitment L/C Reducing Contributions so deposited, deliver a reduction certificate in the form attached to the applicable Equity Commitment LC to each Equity Commitment L/C whereby the Available Draw Amount in respect of each such Equity Commitment L/C shall be reduced by the amount of such Equity Commitment L/C Reducing Contributions on a pro rata basis as among all Equity Commitment L/Cs (unless otherwise requested by the
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Borrower in such Officer’s Certificate and approved by the Administrative Agent); and
(iii)Upon the written instruction of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent shall draw upon all Equity Commitment L/Cs on a pro rata basis (which proceeds shall be deposited by the Collateral Agent into the Equity Commitment Account for application in accordance with Section 2.16(l)); provided that the Administrative Agent shall not direct the Collateral Agent to draw upon the Equity Commitment L/C except as follows: (1) if such Equity Commitment L/C is not replaced (x) 30 days prior to the Equity Commitment L/C Expiry Date or (y) 30 days after the issuer thereof ceases to be an Acceptable L/C Issuer, in an aggregate amount equal to the Available Draw Amount thereunder; (2) upon the acceleration of the Term Loans, up to the Available Draw Amount thereunder and (3) after the Term Loan Facility has been fully drawn or if Borrower fails to fulfill the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.03, to fund the Borrower’s Required Contribution to the extent not funded directly by the Borrower.
(e)Deposits into the Extraordinary Proceeds Account; Maintenance of the Extraordinary Proceeds Account. On and after the Closing Date, all Extraordinary Proceeds shall be deposited into the Extraordinary Proceeds Account.
(f)Deposits into the Distribution Suspense Account; Maintenance of the Distribution Suspense Account. If the Restricted Payment Conditions have not been satisfied, all amounts remaining in Revenue Account after all payments in levels First through Ninth of Section 2.16(i) shall be deposited in the Distribution Suspense Account.
(g)Deposits into the Excluded Accounts.
(i)If the Restricted Payment Conditions have been satisfied, all amounts remaining in Revenue Account after all payments in levels First through Ninth of Section 2.16(i) shall be deposited in the Distribution Account.
(ii)The Borrower shall deposit into the Equity Contribution Account any Excluded Proceeds.
(h)Withdrawals from Debt Service Reserve Account; Drawings on DSR Letters of Credit; Withdrawals from the Payment Account; Withdrawals from the Required Contributions Reserve Account.
(i)(A) Withdrawals may only be made from the Debt Service Reserve Account (1) to the extent that the Borrower does not have sufficient funds to pay amounts of scheduled principal or interest on the Term Loans then due, in which case payments may be made in accordance with clause (ii) below or (2) if a DSRA Overfunding Event has occurred, to the extent of excess funds in the Debt Service Reserve Account (without duplication of any such excess amounts applied to reduce the Available Draw Amount under any DSR Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 2.16(h)(i)(C), in which case such excess may be withdrawn and deposited into the Distribution Suspense Account or, if the Restricted Payment Conditions
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are then satisfied, the Distribution Account, (B) if at any time the Borrower fails to make any payment of scheduled principal or interest on the Term Loans as and when the same shall be due (after giving effect to all applicable grace periods), the Collateral Agent (as directed by the Administrative Agent) may direct the Borrower, as applicable, to withdraw such amount from the Debt Service Reserve Account (and, if amounts on deposit in the Debt Service Reserve Account are insufficient to make such payment, the Collateral Agent (as directed by the Administrative Agent) may draw on the DSR Letters of Credit on a pro rata basis) and apply such amounts to the payment of such principal or interest, and to the extent such amounts are sufficient to cover the defaulted principal or interest, no Default or Event of Default shall occur or be deemed to have occurred with respect thereto, and (C) notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Borrower may from time to time deliver a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower directing the Collateral Agent to reduce the Available Draw Amount under all DSR Letters of Credit and specifying the amount of such reduction, and the Collateral Agent agrees, promptly after receipt thereof, to deliver to each L/C Issuer certificate in the form of Exhibit C to the DSR Letter of Credit (or, if not in the form of Exhibit N-2, such other comparable form attached to the DSR Letter of Credit) whereby the Available Draw Amount under all DSR Letters of Credit shall be reduced on a pro rata basis and on an aggregate dollar-for-dollar basis in an amount equal to such amount specified by the Borrower up to the amount of Available Cash deposited into the Debt Service Reserve Account, provided, that after giving effect to any reduction in the Available Draw Amount of all of the DSR Letters of Credit, no DSRA Deficiency Event shall occur.
(ii)Withdrawals from the Payment Account shall be made on each Quarterly Payment Date and transferred to Administrative Agent in an amount sufficient, together with all amounts to be transferred to the Administrative Agent on such Quarterly Payment Date pursuant to Section 2.16(i)(iv) and Section 2.16(i)(v), to pay the Interest and Fee Amounts and the Principal Payment Amounts then due and payable.
(iii)Withdrawals from the Required Contributions Reserve Account shall be made (A) on any Monthly Date and transferred to any Person designated by the Borrower for receipt of any amount of Required Contributions then due and owing (or to become due prior to the next succeeding Monthly Date) to such Person, and (B) upon receipt by the Administrative Agent of a certificate from the Independent Engineer providing confirmation (I) of the total cost of the Project incurred through “Final Completion” (as defined in the EPC Contract), (II) that no invoices pertaining to the construction and commissioning of the Project remain outstanding and (III) that the Borrower does not expect any additional capital calls from the Double E Joint Venture, and transferred to the Distribution Account.
(i)Withdrawals from the Revenue Account. Amounts on deposit in the Revenue Account shall be available to the Borrower from time to time for withdrawal and application to the extent available at the following times and in the following order of
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priority (with no payment referred to in each clause below being made until all amounts referred to in the clauses preceding it have been made):
(i)First, to the extent then due and payable, to pay Operating Expenses and the Borrower’s good faith estimate of the Operating Expenses reasonably expected to be due and payable before the next Monthly Date (as certified in the applicable Withdrawal/Transfer Certificate); provided, that in no event may Operating Expenses paid under this clause (i) that are allocated to or payable to any Affiliate of Borrower (as opposed to Operating Expenses directly paid by Borrower to unaffiliated third parties) exceed $350,000 in any calendar year;
(ii)Second, to the extent due and payable, to the Administrative Agent an amount sufficient to pay the costs, indemnities, administrative fees and expenses (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel) with respect to the Pari Passu Permitted Debt and any Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreement entered into in connection therewith and such amounts becoming due and payable before the next Monthly Date;
(iii)Third, to the extent a Required Contribution is required to be made by the Borrower under the JV LLC Agreement, to fund such Required Contribution, provided that the amount on deposit in or credited to the Required Contributions Reserve Account equals zero ($0) (taking into account any concurrent transfers made from the Required Contributions Reserve Account);
(iv)Fourth, (A) if such Monthly Date is a Quarterly Payment Date, to the extent then due and payable, to the Administrative Agent an amount sufficient, together with all amounts then on deposit in the Payment Account, to pay the Interest and Fee Amounts, and (B) if such Monthly Date is not a Quarterly Payment Date, to withdraw and transfer to the Payment Account an amount equal to one-third (1/3rd) of the amount of any Interest and Fee Amounts reasonably expected to be due and payable on the next Quarterly Payment Date;
(v)Fifth, (A) if such Monthly Date is a Quarterly Payment Date, to the extent then due and payable, to the Administrative Agent an amount sufficient, together with all amounts then on deposit in the Payment Account after giving effect to the amounts required to be deposited therein pursuant to Section 2.16(i)(iv), to pay the Principal Payment Amounts, and (B) if such Monthly Date is not a Quarterly Payment Date, to withdraw and transfer to the Payment Account an amount equal to one-third (1/3rd) of the amount of any Principal Payment Amounts reasonably expected to be due and payable on the next Quarterly Payment Date;
(vi)Sixth, to the extent then due and payable, to pay Working Capital Loans, L/C Loans and Unreimbursed Amounts then outstanding;
(vii)Seventh, on each Quarterly Payment Date on and after the Initial Quarterly Payment Date, transfer to the Debt Service Reserve Account an amount
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necessary to cause the Funded DSR to equal the DSR Requirement and, thereafter, to fund any similar debt service reserve for any Additional Pari Passu Permitted Debt;
(viii)Eighth, to the extent remaining unpaid after the application of amounts in the Extraordinary Proceeds Accounts pursuant to Section 2.16(k), to make mandatory prepayments of the Pari Passu Permitted Debt as set forth in Section 2.04(b) and, thereafter, to make optional prepayments of any other Indebtedness outstanding at such time, including for purposes of Section 8.01(o);
(ix)Ninth, to the (A) payment of principal, interest and fees due and payable, in connection with any Other Permitted Debt, (B) Swap Termination Payments due and payable with respect to any Other Permitted Debt, and (C) mandatory or optional prepayments of Other Permitted Debt; and
(x)Tenth, any excess amounts on deposit in the Revenue Account shall be transferred (A) if the Restricted Payment Conditions are satisfied, to an Excluded Account of the Borrower to be applied in any way not prohibited by the Loan Documents; and (B) if the Restricted Payment Conditions are not then satisfied, to the Distribution Suspense Account for application in accordance with Section 2.16(j).
(j)Withdrawals from the Distribution Suspense Account.
(i)After the satisfaction of the Restricted Payment Conditions, amounts in the Distribution Suspense Account shall be withdrawn from the Distribution Suspense Account and released to an Excluded Account of the Borrower or to the account of any other Person, in each case to be applied in any way not prohibited by the Loan Documents.
(ii)If the Restricted Payment Conditions have not been satisfied for six consecutive Quarterly Payment Dates, then any such amounts standing to the balance of the Distribution Suspense Account that have been standing to the balance thereof for six consecutive Quarterly Payment Dates shall be withdrawn from the Distribution Suspense Account and applied to make a prepayment pursuant to Section 2.04(b)(i); provided that, if the Restricted Payment Condition set forth at clause (f) of the definition thereof has not been satisfied for four consecutive Quarterly Payment Dates, then such amounts standing to the balance of the Distribution Suspense Account that have been standing to the balance thereof for four consecutive Quarterly Payment Dates shall be withdrawn from the Distribution Suspense Account and applied to make a prepayment pursuant to Section 2.04(b)(i).
(iii)If at time, there are insufficient funds in the Revenue Account to make payments pursuant to clause First through Eighth of Section 2.16(i), amounts in the Distribution Suspense Account shall be withdrawn from the Distribution
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Suspense Account and deposited into the Revenue Account to be applied in accordance with Section 2.16(i) until such shortfall is resolved.
(k)Withdrawals from Extraordinary Proceeds Account. Withdrawals from the Extraordinary Proceeds Account may only be made (i) to make mandatory prepayments in accordance with Section 2.04(b) or (ii) in the case of Declined Proceeds, to be deposited in the Revenue Account for application in accordance with Section 2.16(i).
(l)Withdrawals from Equity Commitment Account. Withdrawals may only be made from the Equity Commitment Account (i) if an Equity Overfunding Event has occurred, to the extent of excess funds in the Equity Commitment Account or (ii) in order to deposit such proceeds into the Revenue Account for application in accordance with clauses (i) through (vi) of Section 2.16(i).
(m)Withdrawals from the Equity Contribution Account. Borrower may withdraw from the Equity Contribution Account amounts in its discretion from time to time to transfer to the account of any other Person to be applied in any way not prohibited by the Loan Documents; provided, that any amounts remaining on deposit in the Equity Contribution Account for more than ninety (90) days after initial receipt by Borrower shall be required to be transferred from the Equity Contribution Account, at the Borrower’s discretion, to the Revenue Account, to be invested in the Double E Joint Venture subject to compliance with the terms of this Agreement in connection therewith, or to the account of any other Person to be applied in any way not prohibited by the Loan Documents; provided, further, that proceeds of a Capital Contribution made under (and as defined in) Section 4.1(b) of the JV LLC Agreement shall be applied first for purposes of making any Required Contributions and then for any other use permitted hereunder.
(n)General Withdrawal Procedure. Borrower shall deliver to Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent for purposes of any withdrawal or transfer from any Collateral Account no later than five (5) Business Days prior to any date pursuant to which funds are expressly required or permitted to be withdrawn from a Collateral Account an Officers’ Certificate of the Borrower in the form attached to the Depositary Agreement (a “Withdrawal/Transfer Certificate”) specifying:
(i)each Collateral Account from which a withdrawal or transfer is requested and, in the case of any transfer, the relevant Collateral Account(s) to which, and/or other Person(s) or accounts to whom, such transfer is to be made;
(ii)the amount requested to be withdrawn or transferred from each such Collateral Account;
(iii)the relevant Business Day on which such withdrawal or transfer is to be made;
(iv)the purpose for which the amount so withdrawn or transferred is to be applied (if not evident from the nature of the payment or identity of the intended payee); and
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(v)all other information and certifications required to be provided in such Officers’ Certificate under, or to evidence compliance with, the relevant provisions of this Section 2.16.
Administrative Agent may, in consultation with Borrower, make such corrections to such Withdrawal/Transfer Certificate as Administrative Agent reasonably deems necessary to satisfy the requirements of this Agreement. Borrower shall furnish a copy of such Withdrawal/Transfer Certificate (or such amended or corrected certificate reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower, as applicable), in each case following execution thereof by Administrative Agent, to the Depositary Bank at least three (3) Business Days prior to the withdrawal date set forth therein. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if at any time Borrower fails to timely submit or cause to be timely submitted such a Withdrawal/Transfer Certificate for the withdrawal, transfer or payment of amounts to any Collateral Account or Person, Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to), after notice in writing to the Borrower of, and a reasonable opportunity to cure, such failure, or may direct Depositary Bank in writing to, effect any withdrawal, transfer or payment, as the case may be, of any amounts then due and payable or required to be transferred pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document (it being understood that the Depositary Bank shall have no obligation to effect such transfer unless required to do so pursuant to the Depositary Agreement).
(o)Exercise of Remedies. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Section 2.16, during the continuance of an Event of Default and the exercise of control over the Collateral Accounts by the Collateral Agent and the Depositary Bank pursuant to the Depositary Agreement, the Collateral Agent shall (and shall direct the Depositary Bank, on behalf of the Secured Parties, to) apply amounts on deposit in the Collateral Accounts as provided in Section 8.03.
(p)Depositary Agreement. In the event of any conflict between the provisions set forth in this Section 2.16 and those set forth in the Depositary Agreement, the provisions of the Depositary Agreement shall supersede and control the terms and provisions of this Section 2.16.
Section 2.17Defaulting Lenders
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(a)Adjustments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as such Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable Law:
(i)Waivers and Amendments. Such Defaulting Lender’s right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in Section 10.01.
(ii)Reallocation of Payments. Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether optional or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article VIII or otherwise), shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any
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amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second, to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to L/C Issuers hereunder; third, if so determined by the Administrative Agent or requested by any L/C Issuer, to be held as Cash Collateral for Fronting Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender and future funding obligations of such Defaulting Lender of any participation in any Letter of Credit, in each case in accordance with Section 2.17(c); fourth, as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; fifth, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a non-interest bearing deposit account and released pro rata in order to (x) satisfy obligations of such Defaulting Lender to fund Loans under this Agreement and (y) Cash Collateralize the L/C Issuers’ future Fronting Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender with respect to future Letters of Credit issued under this Agreement in accordance with Section 2.17(c); sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders or the L/C Issuers as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender or any L/C Issuer or against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; seventh, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and eighth, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or L/C Borrowings in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share and (y) such Loans or L/C Borrowings were made at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.03 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of, and L/C Borrowings owed to, all Non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of, or L/C Borrowings owed to, such Defaulting Lender. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post Cash Collateral pursuant to this Section 2.17(a)(ii) shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.
(iii)Certain Fees. Such Defaulting Lender (x) shall not be entitled to receive any commitment fee pursuant to Section 2.08(a) for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender (and the Borrower shall not be required to pay any such fee that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to such Defaulting Lender) and (y) shall be limited in its right to receive Letter of Credit fees as provided in Section 2.03(h). Each Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive such fees for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender only to the extent allocable to its Pro Rata Share of the stated amount of Letters of Credit for which it has provided Cash Collateral pursuant to Section 2.17(c). With
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respect to any such fee not required to be paid to any Defaulting Lender pursuant to this Section 2.17(a)(iii), the Borrower shall (x) pay to each Non-Defaulting Lender that portion of any such fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s participation in Fronting Exposure that has been reallocated to such Non-Defaulting Lender pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and (y) pay to the L/C Issuer the amount of any such fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender to the extent allocable to the L/C Issuer’s Fronting Exposure to such Defaulting Lender, and (z) not be required to pay the remaining amount of any such fee.
(iv)Reallocation of Pro Rata Share to Reduce Fronting Exposure. During any period in which there is a Defaulting Lender, for purposes of computing the amount of the obligation of each Non-Defaulting Lender to acquire, refinance or fund participations in Letters of Credit pursuant to Section 2.03, the “Pro Rata Share” of each Non-Defaulting Lender’s L/C Loans and L/C Obligations shall be computed without giving effect to the Working Capital Commitment of such Defaulting Lender; provided that (i) each such reallocation shall be given effect only if, at the date the applicable Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; and (ii) the aggregate obligation of each Non-Defaulting Lender to acquire, refinance or fund participations in Letters of Credit shall not exceed the positive difference, if any, of (1) the Working Capital Commitment of that Non-Defaulting Lender minus (2) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Working Capital Loans and L/C Loans of that Lender. No reallocation hereunder shall constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder against a Defaulting Lender arising from that Lender having become a Defaulting Lender, including any claim of a Non-Defaulting Lender as a result of such Non-Defaulting Lender’s increased exposure following such reallocation. If the allocation described in this clause (iv) cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Borrower shall, without prejudice to any right or remedy available to it hereunder or under law, Cash Collateralize each L/C Issuer’s Fronting Exposure in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.17(c).
(b)Defaulting Lender Cure. If the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, and the L/C Issuers agree in writing in their sole discretion that 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 (which may include arrangements with respect to any Cash Collateral), that Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase that portion of outstanding Working Capital Loans and L/C Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Working Capital Loans and L/C Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Letters of Credit to be held on a pro rata basis by the Lenders in accordance with their Pro Rata Share (without giving effect to Section 2.17(a)(iv)) whereupon that Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower while that Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided, further, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will
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constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.
(c)Obligation to Cash Collateralize.
(i)At any time that there shall exist a Defaulting Lender, within one (1) Business Day following the written request of the Administrative Agent or any L/C Issuer (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall Cash Collateralize the L/C Issuers’ Fronting Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender (determined after giving effect to waterfall priority level fourth in Section 2.17(a)(ii) and any Cash Collateral provided by such Defaulting Lender) in an amount not less than the Minimum Collateral Amount.
(ii)The Borrower, and to the extent provided by any Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender, hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the L/C Issuers, and agrees to maintain, a first priority security interest in all such Cash Collateral as security for the Defaulting Lender’s obligation to fund participations in respect of Fronting Exposure, to be applied pursuant to clause (iii) below. If at any time the Administrative Agent determines that Cash Collateral is subject to any right or claim of any Person other than the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuers as herein provided (subject to Permitted Liens), or that the total amount of such Cash Collateral is less than the Minimum Collateral Amount the Borrower will, promptly upon demand by the Administrative Agent, pay or provide to the Administrative Agent additional Cash Collateral in an amount to eliminate such deficiency (after giving effect to any Cash Collateral provided by the Defaulting Lender).
(iii)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Cash Collateral provided under this Section 2.17 in respect of Letters of Credit shall be applied to the satisfaction of the Defaulting Lender’s obligation to fund participations in respect of Fronting Exposure (including, as to Cash Collateral provided by a Defaulting Lender, any interest accrued on such obligation) for which the Cash Collateral was so provided, prior to any other application of such property as may otherwise be provided for herein.
(iv)Cash Collateral (or the appropriate portion thereof) provided to reduce any L/C Issuer’s Fronting Exposure shall no longer be required to be held as Cash Collateral pursuant to this Section following (i) the elimination of the applicable Fronting Exposure (including by the termination of Defaulting Lender status of the applicable Lender), or (ii) the determination by the Administrative Agent and each L/C Issuer that there exists excess Cash Collateral; provided that, subject to the terms of this Section 2.17, the Person providing Cash Collateral and each L/C Issuer may agree that Cash Collateral shall be held to support future anticipated Fronting Exposure or other obligations.
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Article III
Taxes, Increased Costs Protection and Illegality
.
(a)Any and all payments made by or on account of the Borrower under any Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without deduction or withholding for any and all present or future taxes, duties, deductions, levies, imposts, fees, assessments or withholdings (including backup withholding) or similar charges imposed by any Governmental Authority including any interest, penalties and additions to tax thereto (collectively “Taxes”), except as required by applicable Law. If the applicable Withholding Agent shall be required by any Law (as determined in the good faith discretion of the applicable Withholding Agent) to deduct or withhold any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable under any Loan Document to any Agent or any Lender, (i) to the extent the Tax in question is an Indemnified Tax, the sum payable by the Borrower shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions or withholdings (including deductions or withholding of an Indemnified Tax applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 3.01), each of such Agent and such Lender receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions or withholding been made, (ii) the applicable Withholding Agent shall make such deductions or withholding, and (iii) the applicable Withholding Agent shall pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Laws.
(b)The Borrower agrees to indemnify each Agent and each Lender for (i) the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes payable by such Agent or such Lender (including Indemnified Taxes imposed on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 3.01) and (ii) any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, in each case 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 prepared in good faith by such Agent or Lender (or by the Administrative Agent on behalf of such Lender) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
(c)Each Lender shall, at such times as are reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, provide the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with any documentation prescribed by Law certifying as to any entitlement of such Lender to an exemption from, or reduction in, withholding Tax with respect to any payments to be made to such Lender under the Loan Documents. 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 any other provision of this clause (c), a Lender shall not be required to deliver any form pursuant to this clause (c) that such Lender is not legally eligible to deliver or any form pursuant to this clause (c) (other than any such documentation set forth in any of Section 3.01(c)(i), Section 3.01(c)(ii) (other than Section 3.01(c)(ii)(E)) and Section 3.01(c)(iii) below) that may subject such Lender to any
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material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender. Without limiting the foregoing:
(i)Each Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or before the date on which it becomes a party to this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) two properly completed and duly signed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 (or any successor form) certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding.
(ii)Each Lender that is not a U.S. Person shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or before the date on which it becomes a party to 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:
(A)two properly completed and duly signed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or Form W-8BEN-E (or any successor forms), claiming eligibility for the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party,
(B)two properly completed and duly signed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI (or any successor forms),
(C)in the case of a Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (a) a United States Tax Compliance Certificate and (b) two properly completed and duly signed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or Form W-8BEN-E (or any successor form),
(D)to the extent a Lender is not the beneficial owner (for example, where the Lender is a partnership), Internal Revenue Service Form W-8IMY (or any successor forms) of the Lender, accompanied by a Form W-8ECI, W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E, W-8IMY, United States Tax Compliance Certificate, Form W-9 and/or any other required information from each beneficial owner, as applicable (provided that, if the Lender is a partnership, and one or more direct or indirect beneficial partners of such Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, the United States Tax Compliance Certificate may be provided by such Lender on behalf of each such partner), or
(E)two properly completed and duly signed copies of any other form prescribed by applicable U.S. federal income tax laws (including the Treasury Regulations) as a basis for claiming a complete exemption from, or a reduction in, U.S. federal withholding Tax on any payments to such Lender under the Loan Documents, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the
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Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made.
(iii)If a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower and 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, to determine whether such Lender has or has not complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA and, as necessary, to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this Section 3.01(c)(iii), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the Closing Date.
Each such Lender shall, whenever a lapse in time or change in circumstances renders any such documentation described in this Section 3.01(c) obsolete or inaccurate in any material respect, deliver promptly to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent updated or other appropriate documentation (including any new documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its inability to do so.
(d)If the Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts payable pursuant to this Section 3.01 to any Lender, or to any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender, any such Lender shall, if requested by the Borrower, use its reasonable efforts to change the jurisdiction of its Lending Office (or take any other measures reasonably requested by the Borrower) if such a change or other measures would reduce any such additional amounts (including any such additional amounts that may thereafter accrue) and would not, in the sole determination of such Lender, result in any unreimbursed cost or expense or be otherwise materially disadvantageous to such Lender.
(e)If the Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof, if applicable) is not a U.S. Person, the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof, if applicable) shall deliver to the Borrower on or before the date on which it becomes the Administrative Agent (or sub-agent) under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower) (i) an accurate and complete signed copy of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI, or other applicable form, with respect to any amounts payable to the Administrative Agent (or sub-agent) for its own account and (ii) an accurate and complete signed copy of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8IMY with respect to any amounts payable to the Administrative Agent (or sub-agent) for the account of others, certifying that it is a “U.S. branch,” and that it 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
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(and the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent) agree to so treat the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof, if applicable) as a U.S. Person with respect to such payments as contemplated by, and in accordance with, Sections 1.1441-1(b)(2)(iv) of the United States Treasury Regulations). If the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof, if applicable) is a U.S. Person, it shall deliver to the Borrower on or before the date on which it becomes the Administrative Agent (or sub-agent) under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower) an accurate and complete Form W-9 setting forth an exemption from backup withholding. The Administrative Agent shall, whenever a lapse in time or change in circumstances renders any such documentation described in this Section 3.01(e) obsolete or inaccurate in any material respect, deliver promptly to the Borrower updated or other appropriate documentation (including any new documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower) or promptly notify the Borrower in writing of its inability to do so.
(f)If any Lender or Agent determines, in its reasonable discretion, that it has received a refund in respect of any Indemnified Taxes as to which indemnification or additional amounts have been paid to it by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 3.01, it shall promptly remit such refund to the Borrower (but only to the extent of indemnification or additional amounts paid by the Borrower under this Section 3.01 with respect to Indemnified Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including any Taxes) of the Lender or Agent, as the case may be, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant taxing authority with respect to such refund, net of any Taxes payable by any Agent or Lender on such interest); provided that the Borrower, upon the request of the Lender or Agent, as the case may be, agrees promptly to return such refund (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant taxing authority) to such party in the event such party is required to repay such refund to the relevant taxing authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph (f), in no event will the Lender or Agent be required to pay any amount to the Borrower pursuant to this paragraph (f) the payment of which would place the Lender or Agent in a less favorable net after-Tax position than it 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 section shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent or any Lender to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to Taxes that it deems confidential) to the Borrower or any other person.
(g)For the avoidance of doubt, the term “Laws” for purposes of this Section 3.01 includes FATCA.
(h)Each party’s obligations under this Section 3.01 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Loan Document.
. If any Lender reasonably determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or
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its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund Eurocurrency Rate Loans, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurocurrency Rate, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent, (a) any obligation of such Lender to make or continue Eurocurrency Rate Loans or to convert Base Rate Loans to Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be suspended and (b) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender making or maintaining Base Rate Loans the interest rate on which is determined by reference to the Eurocurrency Rate component of Base Rate, the interest rate on which Base Rate Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, to be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the Eurocurrency Rate component of Base Rate, in each case, until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist (it being understood that such Lender agrees to so advise the Administrative Agent once the relevant circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exists). Upon receipt of such notice, (i) the Borrower shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable, convert all applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loans of such Lender to Base Rate Loans (the interest rate on which Base Rate Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the Eurocurrency Rate component of Base Rate), either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Eurocurrency Rate Loans to such day, or promptly, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Eurocurrency Rate Loans and (ii) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender determining or charging interest rates based upon the Eurocurrency Rate, the Administrative Agent shall during the period of such suspension compute Base Rate applicable to such Lender without reference to the Eurocurrency Rate component thereof until the Administrative Agent is advised in writing by such Lender that it is no longer illegal for such Lender to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurocurrency Rate (it being understood that such Lender agrees to so advise the Administrative Agent once such illegality no longer exists). Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted and all amounts due, if any, in connection with such prepayment or conversion under Section 3.05. Each Lender agrees to designate a different Lending Office if such designation will avoid the need for such notice and will not, in the good faith judgment of such Lender, otherwise be materially disadvantageous to such Lender.
Section 3.03Inability to Determine Rates
.
(a)If the Required Lenders determine that for any reason adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining the applicable Eurocurrency Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurocurrency Rate Loan, or that the Eurocurrency Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurocurrency Rate Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, or that Dollar deposits are not being offered to banks in the London interbank eurodollar, or other applicable, market for the applicable amount and the Interest Period of such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Borrower and each Lender. Thereafter, the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent (upon the instruction of the Required Lenders) revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of such Eurocurrency Rate Loans or, failing that, will be deemed to have
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converted such request, if applicable, into a request for a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans in the amount specified therein.
(i)Benchmark Replacement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document (and any Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreement shall be deemed not to be a “Loan Document” for purposes of this Section 3.03(b)), if a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-In Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred prior to the Reference Time in respect of any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then (x) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in respect of such Benchmark setting and subsequent Benchmark settings without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document and (y) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in respect of any Benchmark setting at or after 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date notice of such Benchmark Replacement is provided to the Lenders without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document so long as the Administrative Agent has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such Benchmark Replacement from Lenders comprising the Required Lenders of each Class.
(ii)Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. In connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement the Administrative Agent, will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
(iii)Notices: Standards for Decisions and Determinations. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of (A) any occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-In Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date, (B) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, (C) the effectiveness of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes, (D) the removal or reinstatement of any tenor of a Benchmark pursuant to clause (v) below and (E) the commencement or conclusion of any Benchmark Unavailability Period. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Administrative Agent or Lenders, as applicable, pursuant to this Section 3.03(b), including any determination with respect to a tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event,
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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 Loan Document, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section 3.03(b).
(iv)Unavailability of Tenor of Benchmark. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, at any time (including in connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement), (A) if the then-current Benchmark is a term rate (including Term SOFR or the Eurocurrency Rate) and either (1) 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 (2) 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 or will be no longer representative, then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for any Benchmark settings at or after such time to remove such unavailable or non-representative tenor and (B) if a tenor that was removed pursuant to clause (A) above either (1) is subsequently displayed on a screen or information service for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement) or (2) is not, or is no longer, subject to an announcement that it is or will no longer be representative for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement), then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor.
(v)Benchmark Unavailability Period. Upon the Borrower’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, the Borrower may revoke any request for a Borrowing of Eurocurrency Rate Loans of, conversion to or continuation of Eurocurrency Rate 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 Base Rate 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 Base Rate based upon the LIBO Screen Rate or other then-current Benchmark or such tenor for such Benchmark, as applicable, will not be used in any determination of Base Rate.
Section 3.04Increased Cost and Reduced Return; Capital Adequacy; Reserves on Eurocurrency Rate Loans
.
(a)If any Lender reasonably determines that as a result of the introduction of or any change in or in the interpretation of any Law, in each case after the Closing Date, or such Lender’s compliance therewith, there shall be any increase in the cost to such Lender of agreeing to make or making, funding or maintaining any Eurocurrency Rate Loans (or, in the case of a change in law with respect to Taxes, any Loan) or (as the case may be) issuing or participating in Letters of Credit, or a reduction in the amount received
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or receivable by such Lender in connection with any of the foregoing (excluding for purposes of this Section 3.04(a) any such increased costs or reduction in amount resulting from (i) Indemnified Taxes, or any Taxes excluded from the definition of Indemnified Taxes under exceptions (i) through (v) thereof or (ii) reserve requirements contemplated by Section 3.04(c)) and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining the Eurocurrency Rate Loan (or of making or maintaining its obligations to make any Loan), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender, in each case, by an amount which such Lender deems to be material, then from time to time within fifteen (15) days after demand by such Lender setting forth in reasonable detail (which, for avoidance of doubt, shall not include (x) confidential or price sensitive information or (y) any other information which disclosure is prohibited by law) such increased costs (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent given in accordance with Section 3.06), the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amounts as will compensate such Lender for such increased cost or reduction. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, for all purposes under this Agreement, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a change in law, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.
(b)If any Lender reasonably determines that the introduction of any Law regarding capital adequacy or liquidity or any change therein or in the interpretation thereof, in each case after the Closing Date, or compliance by such Lender (or its Lending Office) therewith, has the effect of reducing the rate of return on the capital of such Lender or any corporation controlling such Lender as a consequence of such Lender’s obligations hereunder (taking into consideration its policies with respect to capital adequacy or liquidity and such Lender’s desired return on capital), in each case, by an amount which such Lender deems to be material, then from time to time upon demand of such Lender setting forth in reasonable detail (which, for avoidance of doubt, shall not include (x) confidential or price sensitive information or (y) any other information which disclosure is prohibited by law) the charge and the calculation of such reduced rate of return (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent given in accordance with Section 3.06), the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amounts as will compensate such Lender for such reduction within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such demand.
(c)The Borrower shall pay to each Lender, (i) as long as such Lender shall be required to maintain reserves with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency Rate funds or deposits, additional interest on the unpaid principal amount of each applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loan of the Borrower equal to the actual costs of such reserves allocated to such Loan by such Lender (as determined by such Lender in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error), and (ii) as long as such Lender shall be required to comply with any reserve ratio requirement or analogous requirement of any other central banking or financial regulatory authority imposed in respect of the maintenance of the Commitments or the funding of any
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Eurocurrency Rate Loans of the Borrower, such additional costs (expressed as a percentage per annum and rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest five decimal places) equal to the actual costs allocated to such Commitment or Loan by such Lender (as determined by such Lender in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) which in each case shall be due and payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Loan, provided the Borrower shall have received at least fifteen (15) days’ prior notice (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) of such additional interest or cost from such Lender. If a Lender fails to give notice fifteen (15) days prior to the relevant Interest Payment Date, such additional interest or cost shall be due and payable fifteen (15) days from receipt of such notice.
(d)Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 3.04 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s right to demand such compensation.
(e)If any Lender requests compensation under this Section 3.04, then such Lender will, if requested by the Borrower, use commercially reasonable efforts to designate another Lending Office for any Loan or Letter of Credit affected by such event; provided that such efforts are made on terms that, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, cause such Lender and its Lending Office(s) to suffer no material economic, legal or regulatory disadvantage, and provided further that nothing in this Section 3.04(e) shall affect or postpone any of the Obligations of the Borrower or the rights of such Lender pursuant to Section 3.04(a), (b), (c) or (d).
. Upon written demand of any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) from time to time, the Borrower shall promptly compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense actually incurred by it as a result of:
(a)any continuation, conversion, payment or prepayment of any Eurocurrency Rate Loan of the Borrower on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan; or
(b)any failure by the Borrower (for a reason other than the failure of such Lender to make a Loan) to pay, prepay, borrow, continue or convert any Eurocurrency Rate Loan of the Borrower on the date or in the amount notified by the Borrower; including any loss or expense (excluding loss of anticipated profits) arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained.
For purposes of calculating amounts payable by the Borrower to the Lenders under this Section 3.05, each Lender shall be deemed to have funded each Eurocurrency Rate Loan made by it at the Eurocurrency Rate for such Loan by a matching deposit or other borrowing in the London interbank eurodollar market for a comparable amount and for a comparable period, whether or not such Eurocurrency Rate Loan was in fact so funded.
Section 3.06Matters Applicable to All Requests for Compensation
.
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(a)Any Agent or any Lender claiming compensation under this Article III shall deliver a certificate to the Borrower setting forth the additional amount or amounts to be paid to it hereunder which shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. In determining such amount, such Agent or such Lender may use any reasonable averaging and attribution methods.
(b)With respect to any Lender’s claim for compensation under Section 3.01, 3.02, 3.03 or 3.04, the Borrower shall not be required to compensate such Lender for any amount incurred more than one hundred eighty (180) days prior to the date that such Lender notifies the Borrower of the event that gives rise to such claim; 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. If any Lender requests compensation by the Borrower under Section 3.04, the Borrower may, by notice to such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), suspend the obligation of such Lender to make or continue from one Interest Period to another applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loan, or, if applicable, to convert Base Rate Loans into Eurocurrency Rate Loans, until the event or condition giving rise to such request ceases to be in effect (in which case the provisions of Section 3.06(c) shall be applicable); provided that such suspension shall not affect the right of such Lender to receive the compensation so requested.
(c)If the obligation of any Lender to make or continue any Eurocurrency Rate Loan, or to convert Base Rate Loans into Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be suspended pursuant to Section 3.06(b) hereof, such Lender’s applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be automatically converted into Base Rate Loans (or, if such conversion is not possible, repaid) on the last day(s) of the then current Interest Period(s) for such Eurocurrency Rate Loans (or, in the case of an immediate conversion required by Section 3.02, on such earlier date as required by Law) and, unless and until such Lender gives notice as provided below that the circumstances specified in Section 3.02, Section 3.03 or Section 3.04 hereof that gave rise to such conversion no longer exist:
(i)to the extent that such Lender’s Eurocurrency Rate Loans have been so converted, all payments and prepayments of principal that would otherwise be applied to such Lender’s applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be applied instead to its Base Rate Loans; and
(ii)all Loans that would otherwise be made or continued from one Interest Period to another by such Lender as Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be made or continued instead as Base Rate Loans (if possible), and all Base Rate Loans of such Lender that would otherwise be converted into Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall remain as Base Rate Loans.
(d)If any Lender gives notice to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) that the circumstances specified in Section 3.02, 3.03 or 3.04 hereof that gave rise to the conversion of any of such Lender’s Eurocurrency Rate Loans pursuant to this Section 3.06 no longer exist (which such Lender agrees to do promptly upon such circumstances ceasing to exist) at a time when Eurocurrency Rate Loans made by other
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Lenders under the applicable Facility are outstanding, if applicable, such Lender’s Base Rate Loans shall be automatically converted, on the first day(s) of the next succeeding Interest Period(s) for such outstanding Eurocurrency Rate Loans, to the extent necessary so that, after giving effect thereto, all Loans held by the Lenders holding Eurocurrency Rate Loans under such Facility and by such Lender are held pro rata (as to principal amounts, interest rate basis, and Interest Periods) in accordance with their respective Commitments for the applicable Facility.
Section 3.07Replacement of Lenders under Certain Circumstances
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(a)If at any time (i) the Borrower becomes obligated to pay additional amounts or indemnity payments described in Section 3.01 or Section 3.04 as a result of any condition described in such Sections or any Lender ceases to make any Eurocurrency Rate Loans as a result of any condition described in Section 3.02 or Section 3.04, (ii) any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender or (iii) any Lender becomes a Non-Consenting Lender, then the Borrower may so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, at its sole cost and expense, on ten (10) Business Days’ prior written notice (or such shorter time as the Administrative Agent may agree) to the Administrative Agent and such Lender, (x) replace such Lender by causing such Lender to (and such Lender shall be obligated to) assign pursuant to Section 10.07(b) (at the Borrower’s sole expense, including in respect of the assignment fee, which shall be paid by the Borrower in such instance, and provided, it being understood, that under no circumstance shall any Lender be required to identify its own replacement) all of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (in respect of any applicable Facility only in the case of clause (i) or, with respect to a Class vote, clause (ii)) to one or more Eligible Assignees; provided that neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall have any obligation to the Borrower to find a replacement Lender or other such Person; and provided further that (A) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts), (B) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 3.04 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 3.01, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments and (C) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a Lender becoming a Non-Consenting Lender, the applicable Eligible Assignees shall have agreed to, and shall be sufficient (together with all other consenting Lenders) to cause the adoption of, the applicable departure, waiver or amendment of the Loan Documents; or (y) terminate the Commitment of such Lender or L/C Issuer (in respect of any applicable Facility only in the case of clause (i) or clause (iii)), as the case may be, and (1) in the case of a Lender (other than an L/C Issuer), repay all Obligations of the Borrower owing to such Lender relating to the Loans and participations held by such Lender as of such termination date and (2) in the case of an L/C Issuer, repay all Obligations of the Borrower owing to such L/C Issuer relating to the Loans and participations held by the L/C Issuer as of such termination date and cancel or backstop on terms satisfactory to such L/C Issuer any Letters of Credit issued by it; provided that in the case of any such termination of a Non-Consenting Lender such termination shall be sufficient (together with all other consenting Lenders) to cause the adoption of the applicable departure, waiver or amendment of the Loan Documents and such termination
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shall be in respect of any applicable Facility only in the case of clause (i) or, with respect to a Class vote, clause (iii).
(b)Any Lender being replaced pursuant to Section 3.07(a)(x) above shall (i) execute and deliver an Assignment and Assumption with respect to such Lender’s applicable Commitment and outstanding Loans and participations in Working Capital Obligations in respect thereof, and (ii) deliver any Notes evidencing such Loans to the Borrower or Administrative Agent. Pursuant to such Assignment and Assumption, (A) the assignee Lender shall acquire all or a portion, as the case may be, of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and outstanding Loans, (B) all obligations of the Borrower owing to the assigning Lender relating to the Loans, Commitments and participations so assigned shall be paid in full by the assignee Lender to such assigning Lender concurrently with such Assignment and Assumption and (C) upon such payment and, if so requested by the assignee Lender, delivery to the assignee Lender of the appropriate Note or Notes executed by the Borrower, the assignee Lender shall become a Lender hereunder and the assigning Lender shall cease to constitute a Lender hereunder with respect to such assigned Loans, Commitments and participations, except with respect to indemnification provisions under this Agreement, which shall survive as to such assigning Lender. In connection with any such replacement, if any such Non-Consenting Lender or Defaulting Lender does not execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a duly executed Assignment and Assumption reflecting such replacement within five (5) Business Days of the date on which the assignee Lender executes and delivers such Assignment and Assumption to such Non-Consenting Lender or Defaulting Lender, then such Non-Consenting Lender or Defaulting Lender shall be deemed to have executed and delivered such Assignment and Assumption without any action on the part of the Non-Consenting Lender or Defaulting Lender.
(c)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained above, any Lender that acts as an L/C Issuer may not be replaced hereunder at any time that it has any Letter of Credit outstanding hereunder unless arrangements reasonably satisfactory to such L/C Issuer (including the furnishing of a backup standby letter of credit in form and substance, and issued by an issuer reasonably satisfactory to such L/C Issuer or the depositing of Cash Collateral into a Cash Collateral Account in amounts and pursuant to arrangements reasonably satisfactory to such L/C Issuer) have been made with respect to each such outstanding Letter of Credit and the Lender that acts as the Administrative Agent may not be replaced hereunder except in accordance with the terms of Section 9.09.
(d)In the event that (i) the Borrower or the Administrative Agent has requested that the Lenders consent to a departure or waiver of any provisions of the Loan Documents or agree to any amendment thereto, (ii) the consent, waiver or amendment in question requires the agreement of each Lender, each affected Lender or each affected Lender of a certain Class in accordance with the terms of Section 10.01 or all the Lenders with respect to a certain Class of the Loans and (iii) the Required Lenders (or, in the case of a consent, waiver or amendment involving all affected Lenders of a certain Facility, the Required Class Lenders as applicable) have agreed to such consent, waiver or amendment, then any Lender who does not agree to such consent, waiver or amendment shall be deemed a “Non-Consenting Lender”.
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. Each of the obligations of the parties hereto under this Article III shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments and repayment of all other Obligations hereunder.
Article IV
Conditions Precedent to credit extensions
Section 4.01Conditions to the Occurrence of the Closing Date
. The effectiveness of this Agreement and the occurrence of the Closing Date are subject to receipt by the Administrative Agent of each of the following documents and satisfaction of the following conditions precedent (as applicable), each of which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (unless waived in accordance herewith):
(a)The Administrative Agent shall have received the following, each of which shall be originals or pdf copies or other facsimiles unless otherwise specified, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower:
(i)executed counterparts of this Agreement;
(ii)a copy of the Organization Documents of the Borrower, the Pledgor and the Double E Joint Venture;
(iii)such certificates of good standing from the applicable secretary of state of the state of organization of the Borrower, the Pledgor and the Double E Joint Venture, certificates of resolutions or other action and incumbency certificates evidencing the identity, authority and capacity of each Responsible Officer thereof authorized to act as a Responsible Officer in connection with this Agreement, the JV LLC Agreement, and the other Loan Documents to which the Borrower, the Pledgor or the Double E Joint Venture is a party or is to be a party on the Closing Date;
(iv)a solvency certificate from the chief financial officer, chief accounting officer, or other officer with equivalent duties of the Borrower (after giving effect to the Transactions) substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E-2; and
(v) a certificate, dated the Closing Date and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, confirming satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Sections 4.01(b), (c), (d) and (i).
(b)No Default or Event of Default shall exist as of the Closing Date.
(c)The representations and warranties of the Borrower and the Pledgor set forth in Article V and in each other Loan Document shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as though made on and as of the Closing Date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects only with respect to such earlier date (except that any representation and warranty that is
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qualified as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” shall be true and correct in all respects as so qualified).
(d)Since December 31, 2020, there has been no occurrence, development, change, event, or loss affecting the Borrower that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture.
(e)The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) a pro forma consolidated balance sheet and related pro forma consolidated statement of income of the Borrower, as of and for the twelve (12)-month period ended December 31, 2020, prepared in good faith after giving effect to the Transactions as if the Transactions had occurred as of such date (in the case of such balance sheet) or at the beginning of such period (in the case of such statement of income), together with each Capital Call Notice (as such term is defined in the JV LLC Agreement) delivered to Borrower since June 26, 2019 and (ii) a balance sheet of the Double E Joint Venture and, as at the end of such fiscal year, the related statements of income and cash flows for such fiscal year, in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied by a report of an independent registered public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing, which report shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
(f)The Administrative Agent shall have received at least three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date (i) all documentation and other information about the Borrower required under applicable “know your customer”, Sanctions, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act that has been requested by the Administrative Agent in writing at least ten (10) 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, a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to the Borrower (provided that upon execution and delivery by such Lender of its signature page to this Agreement, the condition set forth in this clause (f) shall be deemed satisfied).
(g)The Administrative Agent shall have received copies of (i) the IE Report, together with a customary reliance letter permitting the Secured Parties to rely thereon, (ii) the report of the Insurance Consultant reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (it being understood the report of the Insurance Consultant dated as of January 25, 2021 to the Administrative Agent is reasonably satisfactory to it), together with a customary reliance letter permitting the Secured Parties to rely thereon and written confirmation in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that the insurance required pursuant to Section 6.02 has been obtained, (iii) the March 2020 Environmental Assessment commissioned by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and (iv) the ERM Report, together with a customary reliance letter permitting the Secured Parties to rely thereon.
(h)The Administrative Agent shall have received the Closing Date Base Case Model and the Budget with construction schedule, which shall be agreed between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.
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(i)The status of construction of the Project is in accordance in all material respects with the construction schedule in the Budget.
(j)All Material Permits required for the Double E Joint Venture to commence or proceed with the Project’s construction have been obtained and are in full force and effect, other than those Material Permits that are (i) not needed for construction of the Project until a later date and (ii) reasonably expected to be obtained by such date and consistent with the construction schedule in the Budget.
(k)The Borrower shall have (i) identified (and the Independent Engineer shall have confirmed in the IE Report) all rights of way required to be obtained for the construction and operation of the Project (the “Required ROW”) and (ii) provided evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Lenders that the Double E Joint Venture has obtained 100% of the Required ROW.
(l)The Administrative Agent shall have received a copy of an order from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission granting authorization or issuing certificates to the Double E Joint Venture under Section 7 of the Natural Gas Act.
Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 9.03(d), for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 4.01, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received written notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.
Section 4.02Conditions to Initial Credit Extension
. The obligation of each Lender to make the initial Credit Extension is subject to receipt by the Administrative Agent of each of the following documents and satisfaction of the following conditions precedent (as applicable), each of which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (unless waived in accordance herewith):
(a)The Administrative Agent shall have received the following, each of which shall be originals or pdf copies or other facsimiles unless otherwise specified, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower:
(i)a Committed Loan Notice in accordance with the requirements hereof;
(ii)each Loan Document (other than this Agreement) and Material Contract duly executed by the Borrower, the Pledgor, or the Double E Joint Venture, as applicable, together with:
(A)certificates, if any, representing the Pledged Equity referred to therein accompanied by undated stock or membership interest powers executed in blank and instruments evidencing the Pledged Debt indorsed in blank (or confirmation in lieu thereof reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent or its counsel that such certificates, powers and
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instruments have been sent for overnight delivery to the Collateral Agent or its counsel);
(B)copies of proper financing statements, filed or duly prepared for filing under the Uniform Commercial Code in all United States jurisdictions that the Administrative Agent may deem reasonably necessary in order to perfect and protect the Liens created under the Security Agreement on assets of the Borrower and the Pledgor, covering the Collateral described in the Security Agreement and the Pledge Agreement; and
(C)evidence that all other actions, recordings and filings required by the Collateral Documents as of the Closing Date that the Administrative Agent may deem reasonably necessary to satisfy the Collateral Requirement shall have been taken, completed or otherwise provided for in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (it being understood that the Borrower providing authorization to the Administrative Agent to take such actions or make such recordings and filings that can be taken or made by the Administrative Agent and to the extent agreed to be taken or made by the Administrative Agent shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent);
(iii)copies of a recent Lien and judgment search in each jurisdiction reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent with respect to the Borrower, the Pledgor and the Double E Joint Venture;
(iv)a certificate, dated the Closing Date and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, confirming satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 4.02;
(v)an opinion from Kirkland & Ellis LLP, financing counsel to the Borrower and the Pledgor; and
(vi)if the initial borrowing has not occurred within ninety (90) days of the Closing Date, a certificate of the Borrower certifying that construction will be completed prior to the Date Certain.
(b)One or more Equity Commitment L/Cs have been issued for the benefit of the Collateral Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties) or other Equity Contributions have been made, the aggregate face amount of which shall equal the Minimum Equity Contribution Amount.
(c)The Closing Fee and all fees and expenses due to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Depositary Bank, the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates required to be paid on the date of the initial Borrowing and (in the case of expenses) invoiced at least three (3) Business Days before such date (except as otherwise reasonably agreed by the Borrower) shall have been paid from the proceeds of the initial funding under the Facilities.
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(d)Subject to the terms of the Material Contracts, the Double E Joint Venture shall have delivered the notice to proceed under the EPC Contracts.
(e)All Collateral Accounts shall have been established.
(f)The Double E Joint Venture shall have obtained all of the Required ROWs.
(g)The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission shall have issued the Project an initial notice to proceed with or commence construction of the Project.
(h)The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of the Borrower, dated the Initial Credit Extension, certifying that each Material Contract is in full force and effect and all conditions precedent to effectiveness thereto shall have been satisfied or waived (other than any conditions precedent which by their terms cannot be (and are not required to be) met until a later stage in the construction or operation of the Project, and the Borrower does not have any reason to believe that any such conditions precedent cannot be satisfied prior to the times such conditions are required to be met pursuant to the terms of the applicable Material Contract or Additional Material Contract).
Section 4.03Conditions to All Credit Extensions
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The obligation of each Lender to honor any Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Loans to the other Type, or a continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans and other than a Request for Credit Extension made in connection with any Incremental Amendment, which shall be governed by Section 2.13(e)), other than on the Closing Date, is subject to the following conditions precedent:
(a)The Administrative Agent and, if applicable, the relevant L/C Issuer, shall have received a Request for Credit Extension in accordance with the requirements hereof.
(b)No Default or Event of Default shall exist and be continuing or would immediately result from such proposed Credit Extension or from the application of the proceeds therefrom.
(c)Other than in respect of any Credit Extension on the Closing Date, the representations and warranties of the Borrower and the Pledgor set forth in Article V and in each other Loan Document shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” shall be true and correct in all respects as so qualified) on and as of the date of such Credit Extension with the same effect as though made on and as of such date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects only with respect to such earlier date.
(d)Solely with respect to any Borrowing of Initial Term Loans, Term Conversion Date Term Loans and Working Capital Loans, the Administrative Agent shall have received a Borrowing Certificate, substantially in the form of Exhibit B to this Agreement, certifying that (A) taking into account committed debt under the Term Loan Facility and any Incremental Facilities, the aggregate face amount of the Equity
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Commitment L/Cs then outstanding and the Borrower’s, its Affiliates’ and any other Person’s equity commitments under the JV LLC Agreement, the Double E Joint Venture has sufficient funds to achieve commercial operation date of the Project prior to the Date Certain, and (B) no development has happened that would result in the failure to achieve commercial operation date prior to the Date Certain.
(e)Solely with respect to any Borrowing of Initial Term Loans and Term Conversion Date Term Loans, the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate of the Independent Engineer, substantially in the form of Exhibit K-1 to this Agreement, certifying that (A) taking into account committed debt under the Term Loan Facility and any given Incremental Facilities, any Equity Contributions (disregarding any reimbursed Equity Contributions), the aggregate face amount of the Equity Commitment L/Cs then outstanding and the Borrower’s, its Affiliates’ and any other Person’s equity commitments under the JV LLC Agreement, the Double E Joint Venture has sufficient funds to achieve the commercial operation date of the Project prior to the Date Certain, (B) no development has happened that would result in the failure to achieve commercial operation date prior to the Date Certain, (C) in the case of the Initial Credit Extension only, the Equity Commitment L/Cs and other Equity Contributions provided on such date equal the Minimum Equity Contribution Amount, and (D) the Double E Joint Venture is authorized to begin construction.
(f)The Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent information with respect to construction status relative to the Budget (with respect to both the schedule and budget contained therein).
(g)Solely with respect to any Credit Extension prior to the date that each Equity Commitment L/C is drawn in accordance with Section 2.16(d)(iii), Equity Commitment L/Cs are then outstanding with aggregate undrawn face amounts equal to or greater than the Minimum Equity Contribution Amount and the Collateral Agent has draw rights under such Equity Commitment L/Cs.
Each Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Loans to the other Type), or a continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans submitted by the Borrower after the Closing Date shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty that the conditions specified in Section 4.03(a) (or, in the case of a Request for Credit Extension made in connection with an Incremental Amendment, the conditions specified in Section 2.13(e) (other than 2.13(e)(x)) have been satisfied on and as of the date of the applicable Credit Extension.
Section 4.04Conditions to Term Conversion Date
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The Term Conversion Date shall occur upon the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in this Section 4.04 (the “Term Conversion Conditions”) except as otherwise agreed or waived by the Administrative Agent:
(a)The Service Commencement Date has occurred under each of the Transportation Agreements.
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(b)The Shippers have made their initial payments under each of their respective Transportation Agreements.
(c)The Mechanical Completion Date has occurred.
(d)Double E Joint Venture has received all necessary authorization from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to place the Project in-service and to commence transportation services.
(e)The Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent the following:
(i)an Officer’s Certificate certifying that, based on information received by the Borrower, the conditions set forth in clauses (a) through (b) above have been satisfied;
(ii)copies of the contractor certifications delivered under the EPC Contract;
(iii)copies of the notice of the In-Service Date delivered pursuant to the Construction Management Agreement;
(iv)copies of all other written information received by the Borrower with respect to completion and performance of the Project (including summary quality control and commissioning data of testing performed by or on behalf of the Manager (as defined in JV LLC Agreement)); and
(v)a certificate of the Independent Engineer, substantially in the form of Exhibit K-2 to this Agreement certifying that (A) the In-Service Date has occurred, (B) based on flow data received by the Borrower from the Double E Joint Venture, the conditions set forth in clauses (a) and (c) above have been satisfied, and (C) the Borrower has delivered (to the extent received by the Borrower) to the Independent Engineer the documents referenced in Sections 4.04(e)(ii) through 4.04(e)(iv).
(f)The representations and warranties of the Borrower and the Pledgor set forth in Article V and in each other Loan Document shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” shall be true and correct in all respects as so qualified) on and as of the Term Conversion Date with the same effect as though made on and as of such date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects only with respect to such earlier date.
(g)The Debt Service Reserve Account shall have been funded in an amount equal to, when added to the Available Draw Amount of all DSR Letters of Credit as of the Term Conversion Date, the DSR Requirement in effect as of the Term Conversion Date.
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(h)The Administrative Agent shall have received written confirmation from the Insurance Consultant that the insurance and reinsurance policies specified in the report of the Insurance Consultant dated as of January 25, 2021 to the Administrative Agent with respect to the operating period risks for the Project are in full force and effect, including payment of all premiums required at such time.
(i)All material consents, licenses or approvals necessary at such time to enable the Double E Joint Venture to exercise its rights and to perform and comply with its obligations under the Material Contracts shall have been obtained, and are in full force and effect and any conditions required to be satisfied at that time have been satisfied or waived.
(j)The Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent any amendments adopted by the Double E Joint Venture to the initial operating budget attached as Exhibit A to the O&M Agreement.
(k)No material breach by or default by the Double E Joint Venture, or force majeure event (as may be defined therein), exists under any Material Contract.
(l)No Default or Event of Default shall exist and be continuing or would immediately result from occurrence of the Term Conversion Date.
Article V
Representations and Warranties
The Borrower represents and warrants to the Agents and the Lenders, on behalf of itself, on the Closing Date, at the time of each Credit Extension and on the Term Conversion Date (except to the extent that such representations and warranties are stated to be as of a specific date, in which case they shall be true and correct as of such date) and, solely to the extent expressly specified in this Article V, on behalf of or with respect to the Double E Joint Venture or its business, operations, assets or liabilities, on the Closing Date only (except for Section 5.07(d), which shall be at the time of each Credit Extension and on the Term Conversion Date), that:
Section 5.01Existence, Qualification and Power; Compliance with Laws
. Each of the Borrower and the Double E Joint Venture (a) is a Person duly organized or formed, validly existing and in good standing (where relevant) under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization or formation, (b) has all requisite power and authority to (i) own or lease its assets and carry on its business as currently conducted and (ii) execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (c) is duly qualified and in good standing (where relevant) under the Laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, (d) is in compliance with all Laws, orders, writs and injunctions, and (e) has all requisite governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to operate its business as currently conducted; except in each case, referred to in clauses (b)(i), (c), (d) or (e), to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower or, as of the Closing Date, on the Double E Joint Venture.
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(a)As of the Closing Date, the date of each Credit Extension and the Term Conversion, the Borrower is Solvent.
(b)As of the Closing Date only, the Double E Joint Venture is Solvent.
Section 5.03Authorization; No Contravention
. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of each Loan Document to which the Borrower is a party, and the consummation of the Transactions, (a) are within the Borrower’s limited liability company or other powers, (b) have been duly authorized by all necessary limited liability company or other organizational action, and (c) do not (i) contravene the terms of any of the Borrower’s Organization Documents, (ii) breach the terms of any material Contractual Obligations of the Borrower, (iii) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of any Lien under (other than Permitted Liens), or require any payment to be made under (x) any Contractual Obligation to which the Borrower is a party or affecting the Borrower or the properties or assets of the Borrower (including, without limitation, the JV LLC Agreement) or (y) any material order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which the Borrower or its property is subject, or (iv) violate any Law binding on the Borrower; to the extent that such violation, conflict, breach, contravention or payment could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the consummation of the Transactions.
The Borrower has not taken any action that is reasonably likely to result in its separate existence being ignored or in its assets and liabilities being substantively consolidated with any other Person in a bankruptcy, reorganization, or other insolvency proceeding.
. This Agreement and each other Loan Document to which the Borrower is a party has been duly executed and delivered by the Borrower. This Agreement and each other Loan Document to which the Borrower is a party constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by (i) Debtor Relief Laws and general principles of equity and (ii) the need for filings, recordations and registrations necessary to create or perfect the Liens on the Collateral granted by the Borrower in favor of the Secured Parties.
Section 5.06Governmental Authorization
. No material approval, consent, exemption, authorization or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority is necessary or required in connection with (a) the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture, as applicable, of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or for the consummation of the Transactions, (b) the grant by the Borrower of the Liens granted by it pursuant to the Collateral Documents, (c) the perfection or maintenance of the Liens created under the Collateral Documents (including the priority thereof), if and to the extent required to be perfected hereunder, or (d) the exercise by the Administrative Agent or any Lender of its rights under the Loan Documents or the remedies in respect of the Collateral pursuant to the Collateral Documents, except for (i) filings, recordings and registrations with Governmental Authorities necessary to perfect the Liens on the Collateral granted by the Borrower in favor of the Secured Parties, (ii) the approvals, consents, exemptions, authorizations, actions, notices and filings which have been duly obtained, taken, given or made and are in full
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force and effect (except to the extent not required to be obtained, taken, given or made or to be in full force and effect pursuant to the Collateral Requirement) and (iii) those approvals, consents, exemptions, authorizations or other actions, notices or filings, the failure of which to obtain or make would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.07Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect
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(a)The Audited Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of, as of the Closing Date, the Double E Joint Venture as of such date, and thereafter, the Borrower and the Double E Joint Venture as of the dates thereof and (as applicable) its or their results of operations for the periods covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein.
(b)The forecasts of balance sheets and statements of income and cash flow of the Borrower and the Double E Joint Venture which have been furnished to the Administrative Agent prior to the Closing Date have 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 forecasts, it being understood that such forecasts are as to future events and not to be viewed as facts, such forecasts are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Borrower’s and the Double E Joint Venture’s control, that no assurance can be given that any particular projections will be realized, and actual results may vary from such forecasts and that such variations may be material.
(c)As of the Closing Date, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture, since the delivery of the Audited Financial Statements.
(d)As of the date of each Credit Extension after the Closing Date, and measured as of that date of Credit Extension, and as of the Term Conversion Date, measured as of that date, in each case to the knowledge of the Borrower, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture, since the Closing Date.
(e)The Borrower and the Double E Joint Venture, do not have any Indebtedness or other obligations or liabilities, direct or contingent (other than (i) obligations arising under or in accordance with the Loan Documents, (ii) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business and (iii) liabilities disclosed in the Audited Financial Statements) that, either individually or in the aggregate, have had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower or, as of the Closing Date, on the Double E Joint Venture.
Section 5.08Environmental Matters
. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.08 or for matters that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse
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Effect on the Borrower or, as of the Closing Date, on the Double E Joint Venture, (a) no unresolved Environmental Claim or penalty under Environmental Laws has been received or incurred by the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture, and there are no judicial, administrative or other actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture, which allege a violation of or liability under any Environmental Laws, (b) the Borrower and the Double E Joint Venture have obtained, and maintain in full force and effect, all permits, registrations and licenses required by Governmental Authorities under Environmental Laws for the conduct of their businesses and operations as currently conducted, and each of the Borrower and the Double E Joint Venture is, and has since its respective formation (or, following the fifth anniversary of its respective formation, in the last five (5) years) been, in compliance with the terms and conditions of all such permits, registrations and licenses and with all applicable Environmental Laws, (c) neither the Borrower nor the Double E Joint Venture is conducting, funding or responsible for any investigation, monitoring, remediation, remedial action or cleanup of any Release of Hazardous Materials, (d) there has been no Release or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened Release, of Hazardous Materials by the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture or by any other person, at any property currently or formerly owned or operated by the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture that would reasonably be expected to give rise to any liability of the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture or Environmental Claim against the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture under any Environmental Laws, (e) no Hazardous Material has been generated, owned, or controlled by the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture and transported to any location other than any property owned or operated by the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture for disposal or Released at any location in a manner that would reasonably be expected to give rise to an Environmental Claim or other liability under Environmental Laws of the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture, (f) neither the Borrower nor the Double E Joint Venture has retained or assumed, by contract or, to the Borrower’s knowledge, operation of law, any material liabilities or obligations of any other Person arising under Environmental Law, and (g) the Borrower and the Double E Joint Venture are in compliance with the applicable Equator Principles. Representations and warranties of the Borrower and the Double E Joint Venture with respect to environmental matters are limited to those in this Section 5.08 unless expressly stated.
. Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.09, there are no actions, suits, proceedings, claims, disputes or investigations pending or threatened in writing, at law, in equity, in arbitration or before any Governmental Authority, by or against the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture or against any of their respective properties or revenues that either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower or, as of the Closing Date, on the Double E Joint Venture.
. Each of the Borrower and the Double E Joint Venture has filed all U.S. federal and all other material tax returns required to be filed by it, and has paid all U.S. federal and other material Taxes levied or imposed on it or its properties that are due and payable, except those which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP. There is no proposed written Tax deficiency or assessment known to the Borrower that would, if made, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower or, as of the Closing Date, on the Double E Joint Venture. The Borrower is treated as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
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Section 5.11Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act
.
(a)The Borrower is not engaged nor will it engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, in either case in violation of Regulation U, and no proceeds of any Borrowings will be used for any purpose that violates Regulation U.
(b)Neither the Borrower nor any Person Controlling the Borrower is or is required to be registered as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Section 5.12Energy Regulatory Matters
.
(a)The Borrower is not subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as a “natural gas company” pursuant to the Natural Gas Act and will not become subject to such jurisdiction as a result of the Loans or Letters of Credit contemplated in this Agreement.
(b)Double E Joint Venture has obtained and accepted a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the construction and operation of the Project and is in material compliance with the terms of that certificate; upon placing the Project in-service and commencing transportation service, Double E Joint Venture shall be a “natural gas company” subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission pursuant to the Natural Gas Act.
(c)The Borrower reasonably expects the Energy Transfer Partners Interconnection Agreement to be executed on or before the date that is six (6) months prior to the Date Certain; provided that, as of the Closing Date, the Energy Transfer Partners Interconnection Agreement has not been executed; and provided, further, that, upon execution of the Energy Transfer Partners Interconnection Agreement, this section shall be deemed satisfied.
Section 5.13Ownership of Property
. The Borrower does not own or has ever owned any Real Property.
. As of the Closing Date, no report, financial statement, certificate or other written information furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture (other than projected financial information and information of a general economic or industry nature) to any Agent or any Lender or any independent consultant in connection with the Transactions and the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder or under any other Loan Document (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished), when taken as a whole, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein (when taken as a whole), in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading. With respect to projected financial information and pro forma financial information, the Borrower represents, as of the Closing Date, that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable
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at the time of preparation; it being understood that such projections may vary from actual results and that such variances may be material.
Section 5.15Subsidiaries; Equity Interests
. The Borrower and the Double E Joint Venture do not have any Subsidiaries other than as set forth on Schedule 5.15, and all of the outstanding Equity Interests owned by the Borrower and the Double E Joint Venture in any such Subsidiaries have been validly issued and are fully paid, and all Equity Interests owned by the Borrower and the Double E Joint Venture in any such Subsidiaries are owned free and clear of all Liens except (i) those created under the Collateral Documents and (ii) any other Permitted Lien. Schedule 5.15 (a) sets forth the name and jurisdiction of the Borrower and (b) sets forth the ownership interest of the Borrower in each Subsidiary of the Borrower, including the percentage of such ownership as of the Closing Date.
Section 5.16Security Documents
. Each Collateral Document delivered pursuant to Section 4.01, Section 6.11 and Section 6.13 will, upon execution and delivery thereof, be effective to create in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, legal, valid and enforceable Liens on, and security interests in, the Collateral described therein to the extent intended to be created thereby and (i) when financing statements and other filings in appropriate form are filed in the offices in the jurisdiction of organization of the Borrower and the Pledgor and (ii) upon the taking of possession or control by the Collateral Agent of such Collateral with respect to which a security interest may be perfected only by possession or control (which possession or control shall be given to the Collateral Agent to the extent possession or control by the Collateral Agent is required by the Security Agreement), the Liens created by the Collateral Documents shall constitute fully perfected Liens on, and security interests in (to the extent intended to be created thereby), all right, title and interest of the grantors in such Collateral to the extent perfection can be obtained by filing financing statements, possession or control, in each case subject to no Liens other than Permitted Liens.
. The Double E Joint Venture holds all Required ROW and Permits (including all Material Permits) (other than those that have been obtained or are not needed for construction or operation until a later date and are reasonably expected to be obtained by such date and consistent with the construction schedule in the Budget) for the construction and operation of the Project as presently conducted, except as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower or, as of the Closing Date, on the Double E Joint Venture.
Section 5.18Status as Senior Debt
. To the extent any Junior Financing exists, the Obligations are (a) “Senior Debt,” “Senior Indebtedness,” or “Senior Secured Financing” (or any comparable term) under, and as defined in, any Junior Financing Documentation and (b) “First Lien Obligations” (or any comparable term) under, and as defined in, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
.
(a)Except as would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower or, as of the Closing Date, on the Double E Joint Venture, each Plan maintained by the Borrower, the Double E Joint
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Venture or any ERISA Affiliate 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 with respect to any Plan has occurred during the five (5) year period prior to the date on which this representation is made or deemed made, or since the inception of any Plan (whichever is more recent), or is reasonably expected to occur, (ii) neither the Borrower, the Double E Joint Venture 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 the Borrower 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, and (iv) neither the Borrower, the Double E Joint Venture 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 preceding clauses of this Section 5.19(b), as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower or, as of the Closing Date, on the Double E Joint Venture.
(c)(i) The Plans of the Borrower, the Double E Joint Venture and any ERISA Affiliate are funded to the extent required by the terms of each Plan, if any, and by Law or otherwise to comply with the requirements of any Law applicable in the jurisdiction in which the relevant pension scheme is maintained, and (ii) neither the Borrower, the Double E Joint Venture nor any ERISA Affiliate maintains or contributes to a 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), except, with respect to each of the preceding clauses of this Section 5.19(c), as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower or, as of the Closing Date, on the Double E Joint Venture.
Section 5.20Material Contracts
. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.20, no material breach of any Material Contract or Additional Material Contract has occurred and is continuing.
.
(a)The Borrower shall use the proceeds of the Term Loans to fund the Borrower’s Required Contributions, pay Transaction Expenses, pay Debt Service prior to the Term Conversion Date, and to reimburse any Drawstop Equity Contributions.
(b)The Borrower shall use the proceeds of the Revolving Credit Loans (i) prior to the Term Conversion Date, for Project-related credit support requirements of the Double E Joint Venture and (ii) on and after the Term Conversion Date, for the Borrower’s working capital requirements and other general corporate purposes, to fund the Borrower’s Required Contributions, and to reimburse any drawings under any Letters of Credit.
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(c)The Borrower shall use the Letters of Credit (i) in the case of the DSR Letters of Credit, to support the Borrower’s obligation with respect to the Debt Service Reserve Account and (ii) in the case of Project Letters of Credit, on and after the Term Conversion Date, for Project-related credit support requirements of the Double E Joint Venture and for other general corporate purposes of the Borrower and of the Double E Joint Venture relating to the Project.
Section 5.22FCPA; USA PATRIOT Act; Anti-Terrorism Laws
.
(a)The Borrower, the Double E Joint Venture and their respective directors, officers, and employees (acting for or on behalf of the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture), and to the knowledge of the Borrower, their respective agents and controlled Subsidiaries, are in compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “FCPA”) and all other applicable anti-corruption laws. The Borrower and the Double E Joint Venture have instituted and maintain policies and procedures designed to promote and achieve continued compliance with applicable laws, including the FCPA, bearing in mind the nature and scope of their existing business activities.
(b)To the extent applicable, the Borrower, the Double E Joint Venture and their respective directors, officers and employees (acting for or on behalf of the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture), and to the knowledge of the Borrower, their respective agents and controlled Subsidiaries, are in compliance with (i) the Trading with the Enemy Act, as amended, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, as amended, and each of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 CFR Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended) and any other enabling legislation or executive order relating thereto, and (ii) the USA PATRIOT Act.
(c)Neither the Borrower nor the Double E Joint Venture or their respective directors, officers, and employees or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, their respective agents and controlled Subsidiaries, is a Person that is, or is owned or controlled by Persons that are currently, a Sanctioned Person or organized, resident in, or operating from a Sanctioned Country.
Article VI
Affirmative Covenants
Until Payment in Full, from and after the Closing Date, the Borrower shall, and to the extent the following expressly apply to the Double E Joint Venture, shall take Required Action to cause the Double E Joint Venture to (it being further understood and agreed that, as to any applicable covenant or obligation, if after the Borrower has taken Required Action with respect to the Double E Joint Venture and the Double E Joint Venture has not complied with such covenant or obligation, no Default or other breach of such covenant or obligation shall have occurred):
Section 6.01Financial Statements
.
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(a)Commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021, deliver to the Administrative Agent for prompt further distribution to each Lender, within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year, a balance sheet of the Borrower and, as at the end of such fiscal year, the related statements of income or operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form, the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied by a report and opinion of an independent registered public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not contain any qualifications or exceptions as to the scope of such audit or any “going concern” explanatory paragraph or like qualification (other than resulting from the impending maturity of any Indebtedness);
(b)Deliver to the Administrative Agent for prompt further distribution to each Lender, within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three (3) fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower, commencing with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2021, an unaudited balance sheet of the Borrower as at the end of such fiscal quarter and in comparative format, the prior fiscal year-end, and the related unaudited statements of income or operations for such fiscal quarter and the portion of the fiscal year then ended, setting forth in comparative form the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, and statements of stockholders’ equity for the current fiscal quarter and statement of cash flows for the portion of the fiscal year then ended, setting forth in each case in comparative form, the figures for the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and certified by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower as fairly presenting in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of the Borrower in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;
(c)Commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020, deliver to the Administrative Agent for prompt further distribution to each Lender, within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year, a balance sheet of the Double E Joint Venture and, as at the end of such fiscal year, the related statements of income or operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form, the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied by a report and opinion of an independent registered public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not contain any qualifications or exceptions as to the scope of such audit or any “going concern” explanatory paragraph or like qualification (other than resulting from the impending maturity of any Indebtedness); and
(d)Deliver to the Administrative Agent for prompt further distribution to each Lender, within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three (3) fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Double E Joint Venture, commencing with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2021, a balance sheet of the Double E Joint Venture as at the end of such fiscal quarter and in comparative format, the prior fiscal year-end and the related statements
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of income or operations for such fiscal quarter and the portion of the fiscal year then ended, setting forth in comparative form the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, and statements of stockholders’ equity for the current fiscal quarter and statement of cash flows for the portion of the fiscal year then ended, setting forth in each case in comparative form, the figures for the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and certified by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower as fairly presenting in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of the Double E Joint Venture, in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;
Documents required to be delivered pursuant to this Section 6.01 may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower) posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the website on the Internet at the Borrower’s website, or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrower’s behalf on IntraLinks, Debtdomain, Roadshow Access (each if applicable) 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); provided that: (i) upon written request by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents 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 (ii) 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. 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.
Section 6.02Maintenance of Insurance
. Maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance with respect to the Borrower’s and the Double E Joint Venture’s properties and business pursuant to Schedule 6.02. All such insurance shall (a) to the extent the applicable insurer will agree based on the commercially reasonable efforts of the Borrower and the Double E Joint Venture, provide that no cancellation thereof shall be effective until at least ten (10) days (or, to the extent reasonably available, thirty (30) days) after receipt by the Collateral Agent of written notice thereof (the Borrower shall deliver a copy of the policy (and to the extent any such policy is cancelled or renewed, a renewal or replacement policy), insurance certificate with respect thereto or other evidence thereof to the Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent), and (b) name the Collateral Agent as additional insured on behalf of the Secured Parties (in the case of liability insurance or property insurance held by the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture) (it being understood that, absent an Event of Default, any proceeds of any such property insurance shall be delivered by the insurer(s) to the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture, as applicable, and applied in accordance with this Agreement), as applicable.
Section 6.03Energy Regulatory Matters
. The Borrower shall not be subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as a “natural gas company” pursuant to the Natural Gas Act and shall not become subject to such jurisdiction as a result of the Loans or Letters of Credit contemplated in this Agreement. Upon placing the Project in-service and
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commencing transportation service, Double E Joint Venture shall be a “natural gas company” subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission pursuant to the Natural Gas Act; as such, Double E Joint Venture shall comply with all applicable regulations and requirements of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and with the terms of and conditions of its certificate of public convenience and necessity for the Project, except to the extent that its failure to comply would not result in an Material Adverse Effect on the Double E Joint Venture.
Section 6.04Certificates; Other Information
. Deliver to the Administrative Agent for prompt further distribution to each Lender:
(a)no later than five (5) Business Days after the actual delivery of the financial statements referred to in Section 6.01(a) and (b), a duly completed Compliance Certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower;
(b)at least two (2) Business Days prior to any mandatory prepayment of the Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.04(b)(iii), (b)(v) (solely with respect to Dispositions) and (b)(vii)(B) or the incurrence of Incremental Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.13, an Adjusted Base Case Model in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;
(c)promptly and in any case no later than 5 (five) Business Days after receipt thereof, (i) all Capital Call Notices, all Construction Opportunity Budgets, and other reports and information provided to the Borrower pursuant to and as defined in the JV LLC Agreement (other than ministerial documentation) and (ii) the monthly Construction Reports (as defined in the Construction Management Agreement); and
(d)promptly and in any case no later than 5 (five) Business Days, such material amendments and additional material information regarding the business, legal, financial or corporate affairs of the Borrower, or compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender through the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably request.
. Promptly, and in any case no later than 5 (five) Business Days, after a Responsible Officer of the Borrower has obtained knowledge thereof, notify the Administrative Agent:
(a)of the occurrence of any Default;
(b)of any matter that has resulted or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture;
(c)of the filing or commencement of any material action, suit, litigation or proceeding, whether at law or in equity by or before any Governmental Authority, (i) against the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture, or (ii) with respect to any Loan Document;
(d)of the resignation or replacement of any auditor;
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(e)of the occurrence of any Casualty Event;
(f)of the occurrence of a material ERISA Event;
(g)of any material action, suit, litigation or proceeding, whether at law or in equity by or before any Governmental Authority, material breach, force majeure claim, or termination arising under any Material Contract, Additional Material Contract or Permit, as a result of any non-compliance by the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture with any such Material Contract, Additional Material Contract or Permit; and
(h)of any material notices received by the Borrower (other than in the ordinary course of business) in connection with any Permits, the then-current Operating Budget (as such term is defined in the JV LLC Agreement), completion testing and construction progress reports
Each notice pursuant to this Section 6.05 shall be accompanied by a written statement of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower (x) that such notice is being delivered pursuant to Section 6.05(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) or (h) (as applicable) and (y) setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action the Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto.
Section 6.06Payment of Tax Obligations
. Pay, discharge or otherwise satisfy as the same shall become due and payable in the normal conduct of the Borrower’s and the Double E Joint Venture’s business, all of their obligations and liabilities in respect of U.S. federal income and other material Taxes imposed upon them or upon their income or profits or in respect of their property, except, in each case, to the extent any such Tax is being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings for which appropriate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP.
Section 6.07Preservation of Existence, Etc.
(a)Preserve, renew and maintain in full force and effect the Borrower’s and the Double E Joint Venture’s legal existence under the Laws of the jurisdiction of their organization, except in a transaction permitted by Section 7.03 or Section 7.05; and
(b)take all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges (including their good standing where applicable in the relevant jurisdiction), permits, licenses and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of their business,
except, in the case of clause (b), (i) to the extent that failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture, or (ii) pursuant to a transaction permitted by Article VII.
Section 6.08Compliance with Laws
(a)Comply in all material respects with the requirements of all Laws, including applicable Sanctions, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering rules and regulations,
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with respect to the Borrower and the Double E Joint Venture, and all material orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to them or to their business or property.
(b)Maintain policies and procedures designed to promote and achieve continued compliance with applicable laws, including the FCPA, bearing in mind the nature and scope of the Borrower’s and Double E Venture’s business activities.
(c)(i) Provide, on an annual basis for each calendar year following the Initial Funding Date, a certification that the Borrower is, and has used Required Action to cause the Double E Joint Venture to be, in material compliance with ESMPs and EPAP (in each case where applicable) and Environmental Laws, (ii) provide periodic reports (not less than annually) prepared by in-house staff in a format reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that (x) document compliance with the ESMPs and EPAP (in each case, where applicable) and (y) provide representations of compliance with Environmental Laws by Borrower, (iii) consent to the reporting of the Project name pursuant to Annex B of the applicable Equator Principles and (iv) to the extent occurring during the term of this Agreement, and where applicable and appropriate, decommission (and use Required Action to cause Double E Joint Venture to decommission) the Project’s material facilities that are permanently taken out of service in all material respects in accordance with applicable Environmental Laws and the Equator Principles in the manner they apply to the Borrower and the Double E Joint Venture. For purposes of this Section 6.08(b) the terms “ESMPs” and “EPAP” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Equator Principles.
. Maintain proper books of record and account, in which entries are full, true and correct in all material respects and are in conformity with GAAP consistently applied and which reflect all material financial transactions and matters involving the material assets and business of the Borrower and the Double E Joint Venture, as the case may be.
. Permit representatives and independent contractors of the Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent and each Lender to visit and inspect any of the Borrower’s or the Double E Joint Venture’s corporate offices, to examine their corporate, financial and operating records, and make copies thereof or abstracts therefrom, and to discuss their affairs, finances and accounts with their directors, officers, and independent public accountants (subject to such accountants’ customary policies and procedures), all at the reasonable expense of the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture, as applicable, and at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as may be reasonably desired, upon reasonable advance written notice to the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture, as applicable; provided that, excluding any such visits and inspections during the continuation of an Event of Default, only the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders may exercise rights of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under this Section 6.10 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 shall be at the Borrower’s or the Double E Joint Venture’s expense, as applicable; provided further that when an Event of Default exists, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or any Lender (or any of their respective representatives or independent contractors) may do any of the foregoing at the expense of the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture, as applicable, at any time during normal business hours and upon reasonable advance notice. The Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and
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the Lenders shall give the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture, as applicable, the opportunity to participate in any discussions with their independent public accountants. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 6.10, the Borrower and the Double E Joint Venture shall not be required to disclose, or 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, the Collateral Agent or any Lender (or their respective representatives or contractors) is prohibited by Law, or (iii) is subject to attorney-client or similar privilege or constitutes attorney work-product.
Section 6.11Additional Collateral
. At the Borrower’s expense, take all action necessary or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent to ensure that the Collateral Requirement continues to be satisfied, including if reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or, at the direction of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, within forty-five (45) days or, solely in the case of Real Estate Collateral, sixty (60) days, after such request (or such longer period as (x) may be reasonably necessary to deliver items that are not, with reasonable efforts, deliverable within such initial period or (y) that the Administrative Agent in its discretion or the Collateral Agent (as directed by the Administrative Agent) may agree in writing in its judgment), deliver to the Collateral Agent any items necessary from time to time to satisfy the Collateral Requirement with respect to perfection and existence of security interests with respect to property of the Borrower acquired after the Closing Date and subject to the Collateral Requirement.
Section 6.12Quarterly IE Report
. As soon as available and in any event promptly after the Borrower has received the report from the Independent Engineer within twenty (20) Business Days following the last day of each fiscal quarter, commencing with the first fiscal quarter following the Closing Date until the Term Conversion Date, the Borrower shall cause the Independent Engineer to deliver to the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders a report covering each of the matters referenced in Exhibit M (it being understood that the delivery of such report, and not the particular contents thereof, shall be the only requirement in respect thereof).
Section 6.13Further Assurances
. Promptly upon reasonable request by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent (at the direction of the Administrative Agent) (a) correct any material defect or error that may be discovered in the execution, acknowledgment, filing or recordation of any Intercreditor Agreement or any Collateral Document or other document or instrument relating to any Collateral, and (b) do, execute, acknowledge, deliver, record, re-record, file, re-file, register and re-register any and all such further acts, deeds, certificates, assurances and other instruments as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent may reasonably request from time to time in order to carry out more effectively the purposes of any Intercreditor Agreement or the Collateral Documents, to the extent required pursuant to the Collateral Requirement.
. The proceeds of the Loans shall be used as set forth in Section 5.21 and subject to Section 5.22.
. Each of the Borrower and the Double E Joint Venture shall not take any action that is reasonably likely to result in its separate existence being ignored or in
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its assets and liabilities being substantively consolidated with any other Person in a bankruptcy, reorganization, or other insolvency proceeding. Without limiting the foregoing and except as contemplated by the Loan Documents, each of the Borrower and the Double E Joint Venture shall, at all times:
(a)conduct in all material respects its own business in its own name and through authorized agents pursuant to its Organization Documents;
(b)maintain separate bank accounts in its own name and separate from those of any Affiliate; and
(c)not allow funds or other assets to be commingled with the funds and other assets of, held by, or registered in the name of, any Affiliate, and maintain its assets in such a manner that it is not costly or difficult to identify or ascertain such assets.
Section 6.16Maintenance of Properties
. Except if the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, maintain, preserve and protect all of the Borrower’s and the Double E Joint Venture’s material properties and equipment necessary in the operation of their business in good working order, repair and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted and fire, casualty or condemnation excepted.
Section 6.17Maintenance of Collateral Accounts
. Maintain each Collateral Account, to the extent required under Section 2.16 or any other applicable provision of any Loan Document.
Section 6.18Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreements
. No later than fifteen (15) Business Days after the Closing Date, the Borrower shall obtain and maintain (unless replaced) Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreements with one or more Hedge Banks covering a notional amount that shall equal at least 75% (but no more than 105%) of the principal balance of the Term Loans projected to be then outstanding (based on the Base Case Model) as of each payment date occurring on or after the Term Conversion Date (based on the Base Case Model’s sizing case) until the payment date projected to occur 10 years after the Initial Quarterly Payment Date.
Section 6.19Accounting Changes
. Continue to use the same fiscal year; provided, however, that the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture, as applicable, may, upon written notice to the Administrative Agent, change its fiscal year to any other fiscal year reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, in which case, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent will, and are hereby authorized by the Lenders to, make any adjustments to this Agreement that are necessary to reflect such change in fiscal year.
Section 6.20Preservation of Status as Senior Debt
. To the extent any Junior Financing exists, preserve the Obligations as (a) “Senior Debt,” “Senior Indebtedness,” or “Senior Secured Financing” (or any comparable term) under, and as defined in, any Junior Financing Documentation and (b) “First Lien Obligations” (or any comparable term) under, and as defined in, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
. Take Required Action to cause the Double E Joint Venture to comply with, maintain and enforce (a) each Material Contract, (b) each Additional Material Contract, and (c) each Material Permit; provided that if, after the Borrower has taken
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Required Action, the Joint Venture has not complied with the foregoing obligation, no breach of such obligation shall have occurred.
Until Payment in Full, from and after the Closing Date:
. The Borrower shall not create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, except for Permitted Liens.
. The Borrower shall not create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except for Permitted Debt.
. The Borrower shall not make or hold any Investments, except for Permitted Investments.
Section 7.04Fundamental Changes
. The Borrower shall not merge, dissolve, liquidate, consolidate with or into another Person, or Dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to or in favor of any Person or take any action or consent to any action (including the admission of any additional equity owner or member or the filing of any election) that would cause it to be treated as other than a disregarded entity for tax purposes, except for Permitted Fundamental Changes.
. The Borrower shall not make any Disposition, except for Permitted Dispositions.
Section 7.06Speculative Transactions
. The Borrower shall not enter into any Interest Rate Hedge Agreements except the Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreements (including all Hedge Transactions thereunder) provided by the Hedge Banks.
Section 7.07Restricted Payments
. The Borrower shall not declare or make any Restricted Payment, except (in each case of the following, except for clauses (a), (b), (d), and (g), solely to the extent of funds available in accordance with Section 2.16(i)(x)(A), Section 2.16(j)(i) and Section 2.16(m)):
(a)the Borrower may, if permitted pursuant to Section 2.13(e)(i), make a Restricted Payment on the date of the funding of the applicable Incremental Term Loans;
(b)the Borrower may make distributions for purposes of reimbursing Drawstop Equity Contributions following any Drawstop Period, to the extent of Drawstop Equity Contributions made during such Drawstop Period, from proceeds of any Term Loans made after such Drawstop Period, provided that to the extent any Drawstop Equity Contributions have been designated as Equity Commitment L/C Reducing Contributions and the Equity Commitment L/Cs have been reduced to account for such Equity Commitment L/C Reducing Contributions pursuant to Section 2.16(d)(ii), the Borrower shall only be entitled to make a distribution pursuant to this Section 7.07(b) to reimburse such Drawstop Equity
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Contribution if the Sponsors amend and increase an existing Equity Commitment L/C or provide an additional Equity Commitment L/C, in each case with a face value in an amount such that the aggregate face value of all Equity Commitment L/Cs is at least equal to the unfunded Minimum Equity Contribution Amount;
(c)the Borrower may declare and make Restricted Payments solely to Pledgor payable solely in the Equity Interests of Borrower; provided that any such Equity Interest shall be become Pledged Equity and that the Borrower shall promptly (and in no event no later than ten (10) days from such Restricted Payment, or confirmation in lieu thereof that such certificates, powers and instruments have been sent for overnight delivery to the Collateral Agent) deliver to the Collateral Agent certificates, to the extent any such Equity Interest is certificated, representing Equity Interest accompanied by undated stock or membership interest powers executed in blank and instruments evidencing the Pledged Debt indorsed in blank, in the form delivered on the Closing Date or otherwise reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;
(d)Restricted Payments that are made in an amount equal to the amount of Excluded Proceeds previously received and the Borrower elects to apply under this clause (d);
(e)to the extent constituting Restricted Payments, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may enter into and consummate transactions expressly permitted by any provision of Section 7.03 (other than clause (c) of the definition of “Permitted Investments”, Section 7.03 or Section 7.08 (other than Section 7.08(d));
(f)the Borrower may make Restricted Payments to any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower, with respect to each taxable year ending after the Closing Date for which the Borrower is treated as a partnership or disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the payment of distributions to the Borrower’s equity owners in an aggregate amount equal to the product of (A) the net taxable income of the Borrower (other than the taxable income of the Borrower directly or indirectly allocable to SMLP) for such taxable year, reduced by any cumulative and taxable loss of the Borrower with respect to all prior taxable years ending after the Closing Date to the extent such cumulative net taxable loss would have been deductible by the equity owners against such taxable income if such loss had been incurred in the taxable year in question (assuming that the equity owners have no items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit other than through the Borrower) and has not previously been taken into account in determining Permitted Tax Distributions and (B) the assumed tax rate, which reflects the effective U.S. federal, state and local income tax rates actually applicable to direct or indirect equity owners of Borrower, other than public shareholders indirectly owning equity in the Borrower through SMLP for such taxable year (taking into account the tax status of such equity owners, any foreign tax credits or other available credits and the character of the taxable income in question (long-term capital gain, qualified dividend income, etc. and the deductibility of state and local income taxes for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and any applicable limitation thereon)); provided that any distributions under this clause (f) with respect to any such taxable year may be made in installments during the course of the taxable year using reasonable estimates of the anticipated aggregate amount of distributions for such taxable year, with
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(x) any excess of aggregate installments with respect to any such taxable year over the actual amount of distributions permitted for such taxable year reducing any distributions under this clause (f) with respect to the immediately subsequent taxable year (and, to the extent such excess is not fully absorbed in the immediately subsequent taxable year, the following year(s)) and (y) any excess of the actual amounts of distributions permitted for such taxable year over the aggregate installments with respect to any such taxable year increasing any distributions under this clause (f) with respect to the immediately subsequent taxable year) (any such Restricted Payment permitted under this clause (f), a “Permitted Tax Distribution”), provided such proceeds are transferred from amounts on deposit in or credited to the Distribution Account or the Distribution Suspense Account, and provided, further, that each of the Restricted Payment Conditions (other than clause (e) of the definition thereof) shall be satisfied at the time of the making of any such Restricted Payment from the Distribution Suspense Account; and
(g)the Borrower may make Restricted Payment under any Junior Financing, so long as the Restricted Payment Conditions are satisfied.
Section 7.08Transactions with Affiliates
(a). The Borrower shall not, directly or indirectly, enter into any transaction of any kind with any Affiliate of the Borrower, whether or not in the ordinary course of business, involving aggregate payments or consideration in excess of $3,000,000, other than (a) on terms substantially as favorable to the Borrower as would be obtainable by the Borrower at the time in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate, (b) the Transactions and the payment of Transaction Expenses as part of or in connection with the Transactions, (c) any transaction with the Double E Joint Venture pursuant to the terms of the JV LLC Agreement, (d) Restricted Payments permitted under Section 7.06, and Investments permitted under Section 7.03, (e) the payment of customary fees and reasonable out of pocket costs to, and indemnities provided on behalf of, directors, managers, officers, employees and consultants of the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower) in the ordinary course of business to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of the Borrower to the extent such amounts are paid out of an Excluded Account, (f) transactions pursuant to agreements in existence on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 7.08 or any amendment thereto to the extent such an amendment is not adverse to the Lenders in any material respect, and (g) the issuance or transfer of Equity Interests of the Borrower to Pledgor.
. The Borrower (a) shall have no direct Subsidiaries other than the Double E Joint Venture and (b) shall not consent to the creation of, nor suffer to permit any Person to become, any Subsidiary of the Double E Joint Venture, other than in connection with a Special Construction Project (as defined in the JV LLC Agreement)), without having first obtained the consent of the Required Lenders, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.
Section 7.10Amendments to Borrower’s Organization Documents
. The Borrower shall not alter, modify or terminate its Organization Documents in a manner that is materially adverse to the interests of the Agents or the Lenders.
Section 7.11Change in Nature of Business
.
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(a)The Borrower shall not directly operate any material business; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the following (and activities incidental thereto) shall not constitute the operation of a business and shall in all cases be permitted to the extent not otherwise restricted under the terms of this Agreement: (i) the maintenance of its legal existence (including the ability to incur fees, costs and expenses relating to such maintenance and performance of activities relating to its officers, directors, managers and employees and those of its direct or indirect parent companies), (ii) the entering into, and performance of its obligations with respect to, the Loan Documents and any other Indebtedness expressly permitted under the Loan Documents, the consummation of the Transactions and the consummation of any other transaction otherwise expressly permitted by this Article VII, (iii) financing activities permitted by the Loan Documents, including the issuance of securities, incurrence of debt, payment of dividends, and making contributions to the Double E Joint Venture in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, (iv) participating in tax, accounting and other administrative matters, including compliance with applicable law and legal, tax and accounting matters related thereto and activities relating to its officers and directors, (v) holding any cash and Cash Equivalents, (vi) holding any other property received by it as a distribution from the Double E Joint Venture and making further distributions with such property to the extent that those distributions are expressly permitted by this Article VII, (vii) holding any property or assets received by it in connection with the receipt of any Excluded Proceeds, (viii) providing indemnification to officers and directors, (ix) holding director meetings, preparing organizational records and other organizational activities required to maintain its separate organizational structure or to comply with applicable law, (x) filing tax reports and paying taxes and other customary obligations related thereto in the ordinary course (and contesting any taxes), (xi) entering into and performance of obligations with respect to contracts and other arrangements in connection with the activities contemplated by this Section 7.11, (xii) the preparation of reports to Governmental Authorities and to Pledgor, (xiii) the consummation of transactions contemplated by the JV LLC Agreement, (xiv) the performance of obligations under and compliance with its Organization Documents, any demands or requests from or requirements of a Governmental Authority or any applicable law, ordinance, regulation, rule, order, judgment, decree or permit, including as a result of or in connection with the activities of its Subsidiaries; and (xv) any activities incidental to the foregoing or customary for passive holding companies. The Borrower shall not incur any Liens on Equity Interests of the Double E Joint Venture other than those for the benefit of any Secured Parties, the representatives to any First Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the creditors represented by such representatives and as permitted by the penultimate paragraph of Section 7.01.
(b)The Borrower shall not have any employees.
Section 7.12Capital Expenditures
. The Borrower shall not make or incur any Capital Expenditures other than (i) its pro rata share of the amount required to fund the Project, (ii) Capital Expenditures made using Excluded Proceeds, or (iii) in connection with a Permitted Expansion, Capital Expenditures made using proceeds of Incremental Term Loans.
Section 7.13Actions under the JV LLC Agreement
. (i) To the extent that the Borrower has consent rights under any section of the JV LLC Agreement, the Borrower shall not consent to
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the Double E Joint Venture taking any action under any such section to the extent such consent would reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect distributions, in each case without the approval of the Required Lenders (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), and (ii) to the extent that the Borrower has consent rights under Section 6.12 or Section 6.13 of the JV LLC Agreement (any such consent right of the Borrower, a “Required Consent Right”), the Borrower shall not consent to the Double E Joint Venture taking any action under any of Section 6.12(e) of the JV LLC Agreement (other than to the extent the Restricted Payment Conditions have then been met), Section 6.12(g) of the JV LLC Agreement (other than capital contributions made using Excluded Proceeds), Section 6.12 (i) of the JV LLC Agreement (other than as provided in Section 6.21 above or unless the Borrower delivers to the Administrative Agent a certificate from a Responsible Officer of the Borrower consistent with the certificate contemplated in clause (b)(y) of the definition of Additional Material Contract), Section 6.12(j) of the JV LLC Agreement (other than asset sales the Net Proceeds of which are used to prepay the Term Loan Facility or with respect to Permitted Dispositions), Section 6.12(s) of the JV LLC Agreement (and entry into capital leases or sale lease-backs or creation of Liens by the Double E Joint Venture in an aggregate principal amount in excess of $5,000,000) (other than with respect to Permitted Debt or Permitted Liens), Sections 6.12(u)(i)-(iii) of the JV LLC Agreement (other than with respect to Permitted Fundamental Changes), Section 6.12(w) of the JV LLC Agreement (other than an equity issuance in connection with a Special Construction Project (as defined in the JV LLC Agreement), an equity issuance the Net Proceeds of which are used to prepay the Term Loan Facility, or with respect to Permitted Investments), Sections 6.13(c), 6.13(d) or 6.13(e) of the JV LLC Agreement (collectively, the “Specified NCR Provisions”), in each case without having first obtained the consent of the Required Lenders, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; and the Borrower shall not consent to any amendment, terminations, modifications or waivers to the JV LLC Agreement that would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture without the prior written consent of the Required Lenders; provided that in no event may the Borrower amend the Specified NCR Provisions or amend the provisions of Section 3.10, Article 4, Section 5.3, Section 6.12 (to the extent constituting Required Consent Rights), Section 6.13 (to the extent constituting Required Consent Rights) or Section 8.1 of the JV LLC Agreement, or the defined terms related thereto set forth in Section 1.1 of the JV LLC Agreement, in each case without having first obtained the consent of the Required Lenders, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. For purposes of this Section 7.13, within each applicable clause of Permitted Debt, Permitted Dispositions, Permitted Liens and Permitted Investments, the words “by the Borrower” and “of the Borrower” shall be deemed to be followed immediately by the words “or the Double E Joint Venture”.
Section 7.14Accounting Changes; Change in Fiscal Year
. The Borrower shall not make any change in accounting treatment and reporting practices or tax reporting treatment except as (a) required by GAAP, consistently applied, or required by Law and, to the extent material, disclosed to the Administrative Agent and (b) agreed to by its independent public accountants (provided that the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture may change its fiscal year in accordance with Section 6.19).
.
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(a)The Borrower shall not request any Loan, and shall ensure that its directors, officers, employees and agents shall not directly or knowingly indirectly use the proceeds of any Loans (a) in further of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any Person in violation of any applicable anti-corruption and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including applicable portions of the USA PATRIOT Act, (b) for the purpose of funding or financing any activities, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any Sanctioned Country, in each case in violation of Sanctions applicable to any party hereto, or (c) in any other manner that would result in liability to any party hereto under any applicable Sanctions or the violation of any Sanctions by any such Person.
(b)No part of the proceeds of the Loans will be used, directly or knowingly indirectly, by the Borrower (i) in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any Person, in violation of the FCPA or any other applicable anti-corruption law; (ii) for the purpose of financing any activities or business of or with any Sanctioned Person or in any Sanctioned Country, in each case in violation of Sanctions applicable to any party hereto, or in any other manner that would result in a violation of Sanctions by any Person (including any Person participating in the Loans or Letters of Credit, whether as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer, Lender, underwriter, advisor, investor, or otherwise).
Section 7.16Negative Pledge Agreements
. The Borrower shall not enter into any agreement or instrument that by its terms prohibits the granting of Liens to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Collateral Documents, in each case other than (a) any contractual encumbrances or restrictions in effect on the Closing Date under any agreements related to Indebtedness existing on the Closing Date or any permitted renewal, extension or refinancing thereof that does not expand the scope of any such encumbrance or restriction, (b) any agreements governing any purchase money Liens or capital lease obligations otherwise permitted hereby (in which case, any prohibition or limitation shall only be effective against the assets which are the subject thereof), (c) customary restrictions contained in an agreement relating to Dispositions (to the extent permitted pursuant to Section 7.05), (d) customary provisions restricting assignment of any agreement and (e) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business which do not impair in any material respect the ability of the Borrower to comply with its obligations under the Loan Documents.
Article VIII
Events of Default and Remedies
. Any of the following from and after the Closing Date shall constitute an event of default (an “Event of Default”):
(a)Non-Payment. The Borrower fails to pay (i) when and as required to be paid herein, any amount of principal of any Loan or any Unreimbursed Amount, or (ii) within three (3) Business Days after the same becomes due, any interest on any Loan or any other amount payable hereunder or with respect to any other Loan Document; provided that, any payment default under this Section 8.01(a) shall be deemed cured to the extent (x) DSR Letters of Credit are then outstanding with aggregate undrawn face amounts equal to or
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greater than the amount required to cure such payment default, (y) the Collateral Agent has draw rights under such DSR Letters of Credit in connection with such payment default and (z) the applicable L/C Issuers have honored a drawing in such amount payable; or
(b)Specific Covenants. The Borrower fails to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in any of Section 6.05(a), Section 6.07(a), Section 6.20, or Article VII; or
(c)Other Defaults. The Borrower or the Pledgor fails to perform or observe any other covenant (not specified in Section 8.01(a) or (b) above) contained in Article VI on its part to be performed or observed and such failure continues for thirty (30) days after written notice thereof by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower; provided that, (i) if such failure does not involve the payment of money to any Person and is not susceptible to cure within such thirty (30) days from the earlier of the date a Responsible Officer of the Borrower obtains knowledge thereof or the Administrative Agent provides notice to the Borrower thereof, (ii) such Person is proceeding with diligence and good faith to cure such Default and such Default is susceptible to cure and (iii) in the case of each of clauses (i) and (ii), the existence of such failure has not resulted in a Material Adverse Effect, such thirty (30)-day period shall be extended as may be necessary to cure such failure, such extended period not to exceed ninety (90) days in the aggregate (inclusive of the original thirty (30)-day period); provided, further, that, if the Borrower has taken all Required Actions then required of Borrower hereunder and the Double E Joint Venture has not complied with any covenant contained in Article VI to the extent applicable to it, such action or omission of Double E Joint Venture shall not constitute or give rise to a Default or Event of Default; or
(d)Representations and Warranties. Any representation, warranty, certification or statement of fact made or deemed made by or on behalf of the Borrower herein, or by the Borrower or the Pledgor in any other Loan Document (including by the Borrower in respect of the Double E Joint Venture), or in any certificate required to be delivered in connection herewith or therewith shall be incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made provided that, if (i) the Borrower was not aware that such representation or warranty was incorrect at the time such representation or warranty was made, (ii) the fact, event or circumstance resulting in such incorrect representation or warranty is capable of being cured, corrected or otherwise remedied (including through the receipt and application of indemnification proceeds received from the prior owners of the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof), and (iii) such fact, event or circumstance resulting in such incorrect representation or warranty shall have been cured, corrected or otherwise remedied within thirty (30) days from the earlier date a Responsible Officer of the Borrower obtains knowledge thereof or the Administrative Agent provides notice to the Borrower thereof, such false or incorrect representation or warranty shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default for purposes of the Loan Documents; or
(e)Cross Payment Default; Cross-Acceleration. The Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture (i) fails to make any payment beyond the applicable grace period with respect thereto, if any, (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or otherwise) in respect of any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness for
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borrowed money hereunder) having an aggregate principal amount of not less than the Threshold Amount, or (ii) fails to observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to any such Indebtedness, or any other event occurs, and, in each case, continues beyond the applicable grace period with respect thereto, the effect of which default or other event is to cause, with the giving of notice if required, 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; provided that this clause (e)(ii) shall not apply to: (A) secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness, if such sale or transfer is permitted hereunder and under the documents providing for such Indebtedness; (B) Indebtedness consisting of any Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreements, unless such Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreement has been terminated and the Swap Termination Amount is in excess of the Threshold Amount; and (C) any event requiring a prepayment or offer to purchase pursuant to customary asset sale or change of control provisions; or
(f)Inability to Pay Debts; Attachment. (i) The Borrower, the Pledgor, the Double E Joint Venture becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due, (ii) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of such Person and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within sixty (60) days after its issue or levy, or (iii) any final, non-appealable judgments for declaratory or injunctive relief shall have been entered against the Borrower, the Pledgor, or the Double E Joint Venture that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture (other than any such judgment, the execution of which was effectively stayed within sixty (60) days after its entry and continues to be stayed); or
(g)Insolvency Proceedings, Etc. The Borrower, the Double E Joint Venture, or any counterparty to a Material Contract (unless such Material Contract counterparty reaffirms its obligations thereunder, such counterparty is continuing to perform all of its material obligations thereunder or such Material Contract is replaced by a replacement agreement on substantially similar terms or otherwise in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, in each case within six months) institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, inability or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator, administrator, administrative receiver or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator, administrator, administrative receiver or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for sixty (60) days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for sixty (60) days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or
(h)Judgments. There is entered against the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture a final judgment or order for the payment of money in an aggregate amount
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exceeding the Threshold Amount (to the extent not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer has been notified of such judgment or order and has not denied coverage) and such judgment or order shall not have been satisfied, vacated, discharged, stayed or bonded pending an appeal for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days; or
(i)Invalidity of Loan Documents. Any material provision of any Loan Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder (including as a result of a transaction permitted under Section 7.03 or Section 7.05) or as a result of acts or omissions by the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent or any Lender or the satisfaction in full of all the Obligations, ceases to be in full force and effect; or the Borrower or the Pledgor contests in writing the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Loan Document or the validity or priority of a Lien as required by the Collateral Documents on a material portion of the Collateral; or the Borrower or the Pledgor denies in writing that it has any or further liability or obligation under any Loan Document (other than as a result of repayment in full of the Obligations and termination of the Aggregate Commitments), or purports in writing to revoke or rescind any Loan Document; or
(j)Collateral Documents. Any Collateral Document after delivery thereof pursuant to Section 4.02 or Section 6.11 or Section 6.13 shall for any reason (other than pursuant to the terms thereof including as a result of a transaction not prohibited under this Agreement) cease to create a valid and perfected Lien, with the priority required by the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements on and security interest in the Collateral purported to be covered thereby, subject to Permitted Liens, except to the extent that any such perfection or priority is not required pursuant to the Collateral Requirement or any loss thereof results from the failure of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent to maintain possession of certificates actually delivered to and received by it representing securities pledged under the Collateral Documents or to file Uniform Commercial Code continuation statements; or
(k)Abandonment. Abandonment has occurred and is continuing; or
(l)Change of Control. There occurs any Change of Control; or
(m)Date Certain. Any condition to the Term Conversion Date shall not have been satisfied or waived (other than Section 4.04(b)) on or prior to the Date Certain; or
(n)ERISA. (i) An ERISA Event occurs which has resulted or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or (ii) the Borrower 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 and a Material Adverse Effect would reasonably be expected to result; or
(o)Material Contracts. Any Material Contract shall have been terminated, provided that (i) no Event of Default with respect to the termination of a Transportation
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Agreement shall be deemed to have occurred under this clause (o) so long as (A) Transportation Agreements representing at least ninety-five percent (95.0%) of Project gas volume projected in the Closing Date Base Case Model remain in effect (after giving effect to any replacement Transportation Agreements on commercially reasonable terms) or (B) (1) such Transportation Agreement has been replaced within six (6) months of the occurrence of a Default under this clause (o) by a replacement Transportation Agreement on substantially similar terms or otherwise in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Required Lenders or (2) within eighteen (18) months of such termination, prepayments of the Loans have been made, taking account of 100% of the cash applied at level Eighth of Section 2.16(i) on each Monthly Date on or following such termination, such that as a result of such payments (and any other equity capital contributions or draws on DSR Letters of Credit made for such purpose) the Debt Service Coverage Ratio equals or exceeds 1.30:1.00 and (ii) no Event of Default with respect to the termination of any other Material Contract shall be deemed to have occurred under this clause (o) so long as such Material Contract has been replaced within six (6) months of the occurrence of a Default under this clause (o) by a replacement agreement on substantially similar terms or otherwise in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Required Lenders; or
(p)Material Permit. Any Material Permit shall have been revoked and (i) such Material Permit has not been reinstated or replaced or (ii) such revocation has not otherwise been cured within 90 days thereof (provided that such 90 day period shall automatically renew for one additional period of 90 days so long as (x) the Double E Joint Venture is diligently seeking to reinstate or replace such revoked Material Permit and (y) no Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture has occurred and is continuing as a result of such revocation).
Section 8.02Remedies Upon Event of Default
. If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Administrative Agent may and, at the request of the Required Lenders, shall take any or all of the following actions:
(i)terminate the Commitments and thereupon the Commitments shall terminate immediately, and the Lenders and the L/C Issuers shall not be obligated, to make any additional Credit Extensions;
(ii)refuse to make (or permit to be made) any payments from any Collateral Account or any Proceeds (as defined in the UCC) or other funds held by Collateral Agent, Administrative Agent or Depositary Bank under the Loan Documents or on behalf of Borrower;
(iii)declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, any unpaid fees accrued hereunder and all other Obligations and other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower;
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(iv)require that the Borrower Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations (in an amount equal to the then Outstanding Amount thereof); and
(v)exercise on behalf of itself and the Lenders, and direct the Collateral Agent to exercise, all rights and remedies available to it and the Lenders, including under the Loan Documents, pursuant to the UCC, applicable Law, or at equity;
provided that upon the occurrence of an Event of Default pursuant to Section 8.01(g) or of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code, the Commitments shall automatically terminate, the obligation of each Lender to make Loans shall automatically terminate, any obligation of the L/C Issuers to make L/C Credit Extensions shall automatically terminate, the Obligations, including the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans and other amounts as aforesaid, shall automatically become due and payable and the obligation of the Borrower to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations as aforesaid shall automatically become effective, in each case without further act of the Administrative Agent or any Lender.
Section 8.03Application of Funds
. After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 8.01(a) (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable, the Commitments have been reduced accordingly, and the L/C Obligations have automatically been required to be Cash Collateralized as set forth in the proviso to Section 8.01(a)), any amounts or other distributions received on account of the Obligations, including any proceeds of Collateral, shall be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order (to the fullest extent permitted by mandatory provisions of applicable Law):
First, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (other than principal and interest, but including Attorney Costs payable under Section 10.04 and amounts payable under Article III) payable to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or the Depositary Bank in its capacity as such;
Second, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal and interest) payable to the Lenders (including Attorney Costs payable under Section 10.04 and amounts payable under Article III), ratably among them in proportion to the amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;
Third, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans together with amounts owing in accordance with Section 3.05, and any fees, premiums and scheduled periodic payments due under Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreements, ratably among the Secured Parties in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them;
Fourth, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans, to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations in accordance with this Agreement and to payment of any Swap Termination Amounts in connection with Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreements, ratably among the Secured Parties in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth held by them;
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Fifth, to the payment of all other Obligations of the Borrower 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 in full, to the Borrower or as otherwise required by Law.
In connection with the directing of payments described above, the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to receive and rely upon information provided by the Secured Parties in respect the amount of Obligations owing to such party, including without limitation in respect of amounts owing under Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreements.
Article IX
Administrative Agent and Other Agents
Section 9.01Appointment and Authorization of Agents
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(a)Each Lender (in its capacities as a Lender and on behalf of itself and its Affiliates as potential counterparts to Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreements) and each L/C Issuer hereby irrevocably appoints, designates and authorizes each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and each other Loan Document and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated to it by the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Lenders hereby expressly authorize the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to execute any and all documents (including releases) with respect to the Collateral and the rights of the Secured Parties with respect thereto, as contemplated by and in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Collateral Documents and acknowledge and agree that any such action by any Agent shall bind the Lenders. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained elsewhere herein or in any other Loan Document, neither the Administrative Agent nor the Collateral Agent shall have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein, nor shall the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender or Participant, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, discretion, judgment, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or any other Loan Document or otherwise exist against the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the use of the term “agent” herein and in the other Loan Documents with reference to any Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable Law. Instead, such term is used merely as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between independent contracting parties.
(b)Each L/C Issuer shall have all of the benefits and immunities (i) provided to the Agents in this Article IX with respect to any acts taken or omissions suffered by such L/C Issuer in connection with Letters of Credit issued by it or proposed to be issued by it
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and the applications and agreements for letters of credit pertaining to such Letters of Credit as fully as if the term “Agent” as used in this Article IX and in the definition of “Agent-Related Person” included such L/C Issuer with respect to such acts or omissions, and (ii) as additionally provided herein with respect to such L/C Issuer.
(c)Each of the Secured Parties hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Collateral Agent to act as the agent of (and to hold any security interest created by the Collateral Documents for and on behalf of or on trust for) such Secured Party for purposes of acquiring, holding and enforcing any and all Liens on Collateral granted by the Borrower to secure any of the Obligations, together with such powers and judgment as are reasonably incidental thereto. In this connection, the Collateral Agent (and any co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact appointed by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent pursuant to Section 9.02 for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof) granted under the Collateral Documents, or for exercising any rights and remedies thereunder), shall be entitled to the benefits of all provisions of this Article IX (including Section 9.07, as though such co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact were the Collateral Agent under the Loan Documents) as if set forth in full herein with respect thereto.
(d)Each Lender (in its capacities as a Lender and on behalf of itself and its Affiliates as potential counterparts to Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreements) and each L/C Issuer hereby (i) agrees that it will be bound by and will take no actions contrary to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreements once the same are agreed and to the extent then in effect, and (ii) authorizes and instructs the Collateral Agent to enter into each such Intercreditor Agreement as Collateral Agent on behalf of such Lender.
(e)Except as provided in Section 9.09 and Section 9.11, the provisions of this Article IX are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuers, and the Borrower shall not have rights as a third-party beneficiary of any of such provisions.
(f)By its acceptance of the benefits of the Collateral Documents, each Lender that is at any time itself a Hedge Bank, or having an Affiliate that is a Hedge Bank, hereby, for itself, and on behalf of any such Affiliate, in its capacity as a Hedge Bank, agrees to be bound by the terms of this Agreement applicable to Hedge Banks and to be bound by Section 10.05, Section 10.15 and Section 10.16 and Article IX as if it were a Lender; provided, that this subsection (f) shall not affect any of the terms of a Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreement or restrict a Hedge Bank from taking any action permitted by a Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreement.
(g)(i) Each Lender hereby agrees that (x) if the Administrative Agent notifies such Lender that the Administrative Agent has determined in its sole discretion that any funds received by such Lender from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates (whether as a payment. prepayment or repayment of principal, interest. fees or otherwise: individually and collectively. a “Payment”) were erroneously transmitted to such Lender (whether or not known to such Lender), and demands the return of such Payment (or a portion thereof). such Lender shall promptly, but in no event later than one (1) Business
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Day thereafter, return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made in same day funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such demand from the Administrative Agent was received by such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect, net of any reasonable and documented expenses of such Lender incurred in connection with such repayment, and (y) to the extent permitted by applicable law, such Lender shall not assert, and hereby waives, as to the Administrative Agent, 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 Payments received, including without limitation any defense based on “discharge for value” or any similar doctrine. A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender under this Section 9.01(g) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.
(ii)Each Lender hereby further agrees that if it receives a Payment 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 a notice of payment sent by the Administrative Agent (or any of its Affiliates) with respect to such Payment (a “Payment Notice”) or (y) that was not preceded or accompanied by a Payment Notice, it shall be on notice, in each such case, that an error has been made with respect to such Payment. Each Lender agrees that, in each such case, or if it otherwise becomes aware a Payment (or portion thereof) may have been sent in error, such Lender shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of such occurrence and, upon demand from the Administrative Agent, it shall promptly, but in no event later than one (1) Business Day thereafter. return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made in same day funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such demand from the Administrative Agent was received by such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect, net of any reasonable and documented expenses of such Lender incurred in connection with such repayment.
(iii)Each Lender’s obligations under this Section 9.01(g) shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any transfer of rights or obligations by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments or the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all Obligations under any Loan Document.
Section 9.02Delegation of Duties
. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may execute any of its respective duties under this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof) granted under the Collateral Documents or of exercising any rights and remedies thereunder) by or through agents, employees or attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel and other consultants or experts concerning all matters pertaining to such duties. The Administrative
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Agent, the Collateral Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Agent-Related Persons. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Agent-Related Persons of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the Facilities as well as activities as Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent. The Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agent or sub-agent or attorney-in-fact that it selects in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct (and in the case of the Administrative Agent, bad faith) (as determined in the final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction).
Section 9.03Liability of Agents
. No Agent-Related Person shall (a) be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of them under or in connection with this Agreement, including in connection with any selection or implementation of (or failure to select or implement) the Benchmark Replacement or any other Loan Document or the transactions contemplated hereby (except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by the final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, in connection with its duties expressly set forth herein), (b) except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity, (c) be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere herein, other than that the Administrative Agent shall confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent or (d) be responsible in any manner to any Lender or Participant for any recital, statement, representation or warranty made by the Borrower or any officer thereof, contained herein or in any other Loan Document, or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or the validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the existence, value or collectability of the Collateral, any failure to monitor or maintain any part of the Collateral, any loss or diminution in the value of the Collateral, or the perfection or priority of any Lien or security interest created or purported to be created under the Collateral Documents, or for any failure of the Borrower or any other party to any Loan Document to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder. No Agent-Related Person shall be under any obligation to any Lender or Participant 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 Loan Document, or to inspect the properties, books or records of the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision in any Loan Document, neither the Administrative Agent nor the Collateral Agent shall have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except, in the case of Administrative Agent, discretionary (or judgment-based, as applicable) rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders or Secured Parties, as applicable, as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents). For the avoidance of doubt, in each instance of reasonable judgment provided for with respect to the Collateral Agent in any Loan Document, the Collateral Agent’s action (or inaction) will be solely as directed by the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of Required Lenders acting
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reasonably); and provided, further, that the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent (as applicable) shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent (as applicable) to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable Law, including for the avoidance of doubt any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any Debtor Relief Law or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any Debtor Relief Law.
Section 9.04Reliance by Agents
. Each Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any writing, communication, signature, resolution, representation, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, facsimile, telex or telephone message, electronic mail message, statement or other document or conversation 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 such Agent. Each Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under any Loan Document unless it shall first receive such advice, direction or concurrence of the Required Lenders as it deems appropriate and, if it so requests, it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability and expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. Each Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document in accordance with a request or consent of the Required Lenders (or such greater number of Lenders as may be expressly required hereby in any instance) and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the Lenders.
. The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default, except with respect to defaults in the payment of principal, interest and fees required to be paid to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders, unless the Administrative Agent shall have received written notice from a Lender or the Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default” and the Administrative Agent shall notify the Lenders and the Collateral Agent of its receipt of any such notice. The Collateral Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default unless the Collateral Agent shall have received such written notice from the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to any Event of Default as may be directed by the Required Lenders in accordance with Article VIII, and the Collateral Agent shall take such action with respect to the Collateral with respect to any Event of Default as may be directed by the Administrative Agent as directed by the Required Lenders; provided that unless and until the Administrative Agent has received any such direction, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Event of Default as it shall deem advisable or in the best interest of the Lenders.
Section 9.06Credit Decision; Disclosure of Information by Agents
. Each Lender acknowledges that no Agent-Related Person has made any representation or warranty to it, and that no act by any Agent hereafter taken, including any consent to and acceptance of any assignment or review of the affairs of the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by any Agent-Related Person to any Lender as to any matter, including whether Agent-Related Persons have disclosed material information in their
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possession. Each Lender represents to each Agent that it has, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of, and investigation into, the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Borrower, and all applicable bank or other regulatory Laws relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, and made its own decision to enter into this Agreement and to extend credit to the Borrower hereunder. Each Lender also represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person 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 Loan Documents, and to make such investigations as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Borrower. Except for notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by any Agent herein, such Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition or creditworthiness of the Borrower or any of their Affiliates which may come into the possession of any Agent-Related Person.
Section 9.07Indemnification of Agents
. Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, the Lenders shall indemnify upon demand each Agent-Related Person (to the extent not reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrower and without limiting the obligation of the Borrower to do so), pro rata, and hold harmless each Agent-Related Person from and against any and all Indemnified Liabilities incurred by it; provided that no Lender shall be liable for the payment to any Agent-Related Person of any portion of such Indemnified Liabilities resulting from such Agent-Related Person’s own gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by the final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that no action taken or not taken in accordance with the directions of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be required by the Loan Documents) shall be deemed to constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct for purposes of this Section 9.07. In the case of any investigation, litigation or proceeding giving rise to any Indemnified Liabilities, this Section 9.07 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 each of 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 the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any document contemplated by or referred to herein, to the extent that the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, is not reimbursed for such expenses by or on behalf of the Borrower and without limiting their obligation to do so. The undertaking in this Section 9.07 shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments, the payment of all other Obligations and the resignation or removal of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be.
Section 9.08Agents in Their Individual Capacities
. MUFG Bank, Ltd., Mizuho Bank (USA) and Mizuho Bank, Ltd. and their respective Affiliates may make loans to, issue letters of credit for the account of, accept deposits from, acquire Equity Interests in and generally engage in
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any kind of banking, trust, financial advisory, underwriting or other business with the Borrower and its respective Affiliates as though MUFG Bank, Ltd. were not the Administrative Agent or an L/C Issuer hereunder, Mizuho Bank (USA) was not the Collateral Agent or an L/C Issuer hereunder and Mizuho Bank, Ltd. was not the Depositary Bank or an L/C Issuer hereunder and without notice to or consent of the Lenders. The Lenders acknowledge that, pursuant to such activities, MUFG Bank, Ltd., Mizuho Bank (USA) and Mizuho Bank, Ltd. or their respective Affiliates may receive information regarding the Borrower or its Affiliates (including information that may be subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of the Borrower or such Affiliate) and acknowledge that neither the Administrative Agent nor the Collateral Agent shall be under any obligation to provide such information to them. With respect to its Loans (if any), MUFG Bank, Ltd., Mizuho Bank (USA) and Mizuho Bank, Ltd. and their respective Affiliates shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Lender and may exercise such rights and powers as though it were not an Agent or had Working Capital Commitments, and the terms “Lender” and “Lenders” include MUFG Bank, Ltd., Mizuho Bank (USA) and Mizuho Bank, Ltd. in their respective individual capacities. Any successor to MUFG Bank, Ltd. as the Administrative Agent, Mizuho Bank (USA) as the Collateral Agent and Mizuho Bank, Ltd. as the Depositary Bank shall also have the rights attributed to such Agents, respectively, under this Section 9.08.
. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may resign as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, upon thirty (30) days’ notice to the Lenders, the Borrower and each other Agent and if either the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent is a Defaulting Lender, the Borrower may remove such Defaulting Lender from such role upon ten (10) days’ notice to the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as applicable, the Lenders and each other Agent. If the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent resigns or is removed by the Borrower, the Required Lenders shall appoint a successor agent, which successor agent shall (a) in the case of the Administrative Agent, be selected from among the Lenders and (b) be consented to by the Borrower at all times other than during the existence of a Payment or Bankruptcy Default (which consent of the Borrower shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided that in no event shall any such successor Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent be a Defaulting Lender or a Disqualified Lender. If no successor agent is appointed prior to the effective date of the resignation or removal of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, in the case of a resignation, and the Borrower, in the case of a removal may appoint, after consulting with the Lenders and the Borrower (in the case of a resignation), a successor agent which, in the case of the Administrative Agent, shall be from among the Lenders (subject to the proviso at the end of the immediately preceding sentence). Upon the acceptance of its appointment as successor agent, the Person acting as such successor agent shall succeed to all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent or retiring Collateral Agent under the Loan Documents and the term “Administrative Agent” or “Collateral Agent” shall mean such successor administrative agent or collateral agent, as the case may be, and the retiring Administrative Agent’s or Collateral Agent’s appointment, powers and duties as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent shall be terminated. After the retiring Administrative Agent’s or the Collateral Agent’s resignation or removal in accordance herewith as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, the provisions of this Article IX and the provisions of Section 10.04 and Section 10.05 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent in respect of the Loan Documents. If no successor agent has accepted appointment as the Administrative Agent or the
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Collateral Agent by the date which is thirty (30) days following the retiring Administrative Agent’s or Collateral Agent’s notice of resignation or ten (10) days following the Borrower’s notice of removal, the retiring Administrative Agent’s or the retiring Collateral Agent’s resignation shall nevertheless thereupon become effective and the Lenders shall perform all of the duties of the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent hereunder until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor agent as provided for above. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent in accordance herewith by a successor 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 Required Lenders may request, in order to (x) continue the perfection of the Liens granted or purported to be granted by the Collateral Documents or (y) otherwise ensure that Section 6.11 and Section 6.13 is satisfied, the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, discretion or judgment (as applicable), privileges, and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent under the Loan Documents, and the retiring Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under the Loan Documents. After the retiring Administrative Agent’s or Collateral Agent’s resignation hereunder as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, the provisions of this Article IX and Sections 10.04 and 10.05 shall continue in effect for its benefit in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent.
Section 9.10Administrative 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 relative to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or Working Capital Obligation shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be (to the fullest extent permitted by mandatory provisions of applicable Law) 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 in respect of the Loans, Working Capital Obligations and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the Collateral Agent and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders, the L/C Issuers, the Collateral Agent and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders, the Collateral Agent and the Administrative Agent under Section 2.08, Section 9.07, Section 10.04 and Section 10.05) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and
(b)to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;
and any custodian, curator, 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 or the Collateral 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 or the Collateral Agent any amount due for the reasonable
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compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Agents and their respective agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under Section 2.08, Section 10.04 and Section 10.05.
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender in any such proceeding.
Section 9.11Collateral Matters
. Each Lender (including in its capacity as a counterparty to a Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreement) and each other Secured Party by its acceptance of the Collateral Documents irrevocably agrees:
(a)that any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under any Loan Document shall be automatically released (i) upon termination of the Aggregate Commitments and payment in full in cash of all Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations not yet accrued and payable) and the expiration or termination or cash collateralization of all Letters of Credit (or if such Letters of Credit have been backstopped by letters of credit reasonably satisfactory to the applicable L/C Issuers or deemed reissued under another agreement reasonably satisfactory to the applicable L/C Issuers), (ii) at the time the property subject to such Lien is Disposed or to be Disposed as part of or in connection with any Disposition permitted hereunder or under any other Loan Document to any Person other than a Person required to grant a Lien to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under the Loan Documents (or, if such transferee is a Person required to grant a Lien to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent on such asset, at the option of the Borrower, such Lien on such asset may still be released in connection with the transfer so long as (x) the transferee grants a new Lien to the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent on such asset substantially concurrently with the transfer of such asset and (y) the priority of the new Lien is the same as that of the original Lien and the Lien of the Secured Parties on such asset is not impaired or otherwise adversely affected by such release and granting of such new Lien as reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent), (iii) subject to Section 10.01, if the release of such Lien is approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the Required Lenders, (iv) to the extent (and only for so long as) such property constitutes an “Excluded Asset” or (v) if the release of such Lien on such property is permitted under the terms of each applicable Collateral Document; and
(b)the Collateral Agent may, without any further consent of any Lender, enter into (or enter into any supplement or amendment thereto, or an amendment and restatement or replacement thereof) (i) a First Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the applicable Other Debt Representatives with respect to Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.02 where such Indebtedness is secured by Permitted Liens that the Borrower elects to secure on a pari passu basis with the Liens securing the Obligations and/or (ii) a Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the applicable Other Debt Representatives with respect to Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.02 where such Indebtedness is secured by Permitted Liens that the Borrower elects to secure on a junior basis to the Liens securing
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the Obligations. The Collateral Agent may rely exclusively on a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower as to whether any such other Liens are permitted. Any First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or any Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement (or any supplement or amendment thereto, or amendment and restatement or replacement thereof) entered into by the Collateral Agent in accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall be binding on the Secured Parties.
Upon request by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent at any time, the Required Lenders will confirm in writing the Administrative Agent’s or the Collateral Agent’s authority to release or subordinate its interest in particular types or items of property. In each case as specified in this Section 9.11, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent will promptly upon the request of the Borrower (and each Lender irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to), at the Borrower’s expense, execute and deliver to the Borrower such documents as the Borrower may reasonably request to evidence the release or subordination of such item of Collateral from the assignment and security interest granted under the Collateral Documents, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents and this Section 9.11 (and the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may rely conclusively on a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower to that effect provided to it by the Borrower upon its reasonable request without further inquiry). Any execution and delivery of documents pursuant to this Section shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent. For the avoidance of doubt, no release of Collateral effected in the manner permitted by this Section 9.11 shall require the consent of any holder of obligations under any Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreement.
Section 9.12Other Agents; Lead Arranger and Managers
. None of the Lenders or other Persons identified on the facing page or signature pages of this Agreement as a “bookrunner”, “coordinating lead arranger”, “co-syndication agent”, “co-documentation agent” or “coordinating lead arranger” shall have any right, power, obligation, liability, responsibility or duty under this Agreement other than those applicable to all Lenders as such. Without limiting the foregoing, none of the Lenders or other Persons so identified shall have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender. Each Lender acknowledges that it has not relied, and will not rely, on any of the Lenders or other Persons so identified in deciding to enter into this Agreement or in taking or not taking action hereunder.
Section 9.13Appointment of Supplemental Agents
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(a)It is the purpose of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents that there shall be no violation of any Law of any jurisdiction denying or restricting the right of banking corporations or associations to transact business as agent or trustee in such jurisdiction. It is recognized that in case of litigation under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, and in particular in case of the enforcement of any of the Loan Documents, or in case the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent deems that by reason of any present or future Law of any jurisdiction it may not exercise any of the rights, powers or remedies granted herein or in any of the other Loan Documents or take any other action which may be desirable or necessary in connection therewith, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent are hereby authorized to appoint an additional individual or institution selected by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent in its sole
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determination as a separate trustee, co-trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, administrative sub-agent or administrative co-agent (any such additional individual or institution being referred to herein individually as a “Supplemental Agent” and collectively as “Supplemental Agents”).
(b)In the event that the Collateral Agent appoints a Supplemental Agent with respect to any Collateral, (i) each and every right, power, privilege or duty expressed or intended by this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents to be exercised by or vested in or conveyed to the Collateral Agent with respect to such Collateral shall be exercisable by and vest in such Supplemental Agent to the extent, and only to the extent, necessary to enable such Supplemental Agent to exercise such rights, powers and privileges with respect to such Collateral and to perform such duties with respect to such Collateral, and every covenant and obligation contained in the Loan Documents and necessary to the exercise or performance thereof by such Supplemental Agent shall run to and be enforceable by either the Collateral Agent or such Supplemental Agent, and (ii) the provisions of this Article IX and of Section 10.04 and Section 10.05 that refer to the Administrative Agent shall inure to the benefit of such Supplemental Agent and all references therein to the Collateral Agent shall be deemed to be references to the Collateral Agent and/or such Supplemental Agent, as the context may require.
(c)Should any instrument in writing from the Borrower be required by any Supplemental Agent so appointed by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to him or it such rights, powers, privileges and duties, the Borrower shall execute, acknowledge and deliver any and all such instruments promptly upon request by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent. In case any Supplemental Agent, or a successor thereto, shall die, become incapable of acting, resign or be removed, all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of such Supplemental Agent, to the extent permitted by Law, shall vest in and be exercised by the Administrative Agent until the appointment of a new Supplemental Agent.
Section 9.14Withholding Tax Indemnity
. To the extent required by any applicable law, the Administrative Agent may withhold from any payment to any Lender an amount equivalent to any applicable withholding Tax. If the Internal Revenue Service or any other authority of the United States or other jurisdiction asserts a claim that the Administrative Agent did not properly withhold Tax from amounts paid to or for the account of any Lender for any reason (including because the appropriate form was not delivered or not properly executed, or because such Lender failed to notify the Administrative Agent of a change in circumstance that rendered the exemption from, or reduction of withholding Tax ineffective), such Lender shall, within ten (10) days after written demand therefor, indemnify and hold harmless the Administrative Agent (to the extent that the Administrative Agent has not already been reimbursed by the Borrower pursuant to Section 3.01 and Section 3.04 and without limiting the obligation of the Borrower to do so) for all amounts paid, directly or indirectly, by the Administrative Agent as Taxes or otherwise, together with all expenses incurred, including legal expenses and any other out-of-pocket expenses, whether or not such Tax was 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
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under this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any amount due the Administrative Agent under this Section 9.14. The agreements in this Section 9.14 shall survive the resignation and/or replacement of the Administrative Agent, any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations. For the avoidance of doubt, the term “Lender” for purposes of this Section 9.14 shall include each L/C Issuer.
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(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, that at least one of the following is and will be true:
(i)such Lender is not using “plan assets” (within the meaning of the Plan Asset Regulations) of one or more Benefit Plans in connection with the Term Loans,
(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, and the conditions for exemptive relief thereunder will be satisfied in connection with respect to, such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Term Loans, or
(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 Term Loans and this Agreement, and (C) the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Term Loans and this Agreement satisfies the requirements of sub-sections (a) through (g) of Part I of PTE 84-14.
(b)The Administrative Agent and the Coordinating Lead Arranger hereby informs the Lenders that each such Person is not undertaking to provide impartial investment advice, or to give advice in a fiduciary capacity, in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and that such Person has a financial interest in the transactions contemplated hereby in that such Person or an Affiliate thereof (i) may receive interest or other payments with respect to the Term Loans and this Agreement, (ii) may recognize a gain if it extended the Term Loans for an amount less than the amount being paid for an interest in the Term Loans by such Lender or (iii) may receive fees or other payments in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, the Loan Documents or otherwise, including structuring fees, commitment fees, arrangement fees, facility fees,
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upfront fees, underwriting fees, ticking fees, agency fees, administrative agent or collateral agent fees, utilization fees, minimum usage fees, letter of credit fees, fronting fees, deal-away or alternate transaction fees, amendment fees, processing fees, term out premiums, banker’s acceptance fees, breakage or other early termination fees or fees similar to the foregoing.
No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the Required Lenders, or by the Administrative Agent with the consent of the Required Lenders, and the Borrower (with an executed copy thereof promptly delivered to the Administrative Agent if not otherwise a party thereto) and each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided that any amendment or waiver contemplated in clauses (f) or (i) below, shall only require the consent of the Borrower and the Required Facility Lenders under the applicable Facility, as applicable; provided, further, that no such amendment, waiver or consent shall:
(a)extend or increase the Commitment of any Lender or, except as set forth in Section 2.15, extend the final maturity date of any Facility without the written consent of each Lender holding such Commitment (it being understood that a waiver of any condition precedent or of any Default, mandatory prepayment or mandatory reduction of the Commitments shall not constitute an extension or increase of any Commitment of any Lender);
(b)postpone or waive any date scheduled for, or reduce or forgive the amount of, any payment of principal or interest under Section 2.06 or Section 2.07 or any L/C Borrowing, in each case, without the written consent of each Lender holding the applicable Obligation (it being understood that the waiver of (or amendment to the terms of) any mandatory prepayment of the Term Loans shall not constitute a postponement of any date scheduled for the payment of principal or interest);
(c)reduce or forgive the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, any Loan or L/C Borrowing or (subject to clause (iii) of the third proviso to this Section 10.01) any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document (or change the timing of payments of such fees or other amounts) without the written consent of each Lender holding such Loan or L/C Borrowing or to whom such fee or other amount is owed; provided that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary to amend the definition of “Default Rate” or to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest at the Default Rate;
(d)change any provision of Section 2.16(i), Section 8.03 or Section 10.01 or the definition of “Working Capital Lenders,” “Required Lenders,” “Required Class Lenders,” “Required Facility Lenders” or any other provision specifying the number of Lenders or portion of the Loans or Commitments required to take any action under the
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Loan Documents, in each case, without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby;
(e)release all or substantially all of the Collateral in any transaction or series of related transactions (other than in connection with an Equity Sale in which the proceeds are applied to repay in full the Obligations under the Loan Documents), without the written consent of each Lender;
(f)(1) waive any condition set forth in Sections 4.01, 4.02 or 4.03 as to any Credit Extension under one or more Working Capital Facilities or (2) amend, waive or otherwise modify any term or provision which directly affects Lenders under one or more Working Capital Facilities and does not directly affect Lenders under any other Facility, in each case, without the written consent of the Working Capital Lenders under such applicable Working Capital Facility or Facilities (and in the case of multiple Facilities which are affected, with respect to any such Facility, such consent shall be effected by the Working Capital Lenders of such Facility); provided, however, that the waivers described in this clause (f) shall not require the consent of any Lenders other than the Working Capital Lenders under such Facility or Facilities;
(g)amend, waive or otherwise modify the portion of the definition of “Interest Period” that provides for one (1), two (2), three (3) or six (6) month intervals to automatically allow intervals in excess of six (6) months, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby;
(h)amend, modify, terminate or waive any obligation of Lenders relating to the purchase and funding of participations in Letters of Credit as provided in Section 2.03 or (ii) the making of any L/C Loans as provided in Section 2.03(c), in each case without the written consent of the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer;
(i)amend, waive or otherwise modify any term or provision (including the availability and conditions to funding under Section 2.13 (but not the conditions to implementing Incremental Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.13(e)(vii)) with respect to Incremental Term Loans, under Section 2.14 with respect to Refinancing Term Loans and Other Revolving Credit Commitments, under Section 2.15 with respect to Extended Term Loans or Extended Working Capital Commitments and, in each case, the rate of interest applicable thereto) which directly affects Lenders of one or more Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans, Other Revolving Credit Commitments, Extended Term Loans or Extended Working Capital Commitments and does not directly affect Lenders under any other Facility, in each case, without the written consent of the Required Facility Lenders under such applicable Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans, Other Revolving Credit Commitments, Extended Term Loans or Extended Working Capital Commitments (and in the case of multiple Facilities which are affected, with respect to any such Facility, such consent shall be effected by the Required Facility Lenders of such Facility); provided, however, that the waivers described in this clause (i) shall not require the consent of any Lenders other than the Required Facility Lenders under such applicable Incremental Term Loans, Incremental Revolving Credit Loans, Refinancing Term Loans, Other Revolving Credit Commitments, Extended Term Loans or Extended Working Capital Commitments,
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as the case may be, so long as such waivers are not material and adverse to any other Lender under any other Facility;
(j)amend or modify any term or provision under Section 2.12 or any other provision of any Loan Documents providing for the ratable treatment of the Lenders, in each case in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments and/or application of distributions required thereby, or change the definition of “Pro Rata Share” without the prior written consent of each of the Lenders;
(k)extend the stated expiration date of any Letter of Credit beyond the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, without the prior written consent of each Lender and L/C Issuer directly affected thereby; or
(l)amend, modify, terminate or waive any obligation of Working Capital Lenders relating to the purchase and funding of participations in Letters of Credit as provided in this Agreement without the written consent of Administrative Agent and each L/C Issuer.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by each L/C Issuer in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of an L/C Issuer under this Agreement or any Letter of Credit Application relating to any Letter of Credit issued or to be issued by it; (ii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or the Depositary Bank, as applicable, in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of, or any fees or other amounts payable to, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or the Depositary Bank, as applicable, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; and (iii) the consent of each of the Required Class Lenders of any Class of Commitments or Loans shall be required with respect to any amendment that by its terms adversely affects the rights of such Class in respect of payments or Collateral hereunder in a manner different than such amendment affects other Classes.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder (and any amendment, waiver or consent which by its terms requires the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender may be effected with the consent of the applicable Lenders other than Defaulting Lenders), except that (x) the Commitment of any Defaulting Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender and (y) any waiver, amendment or modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender that by its terms materially and adversely affects any Defaulting Lender (if such Lender were not a Defaulting Lender) to a greater extent than other affected Lenders shall require the consent of such Defaulting Lender.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 10.01, no Lender consent is required in connection with the execution and delivery by the Collateral Agent of any First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or other Intercreditor Agreement or arrangement permitted under this Agreement (or any supplement or amendment thereto, or an amendment and restatement thereof) that is for the purpose of adding (i) the Other Debt Representative with respect to any Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.02 where such
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Indebtedness is secured by Permitted Liens that the Borrower elects to secure on a pari passu basis with the Liens securing the Obligations or (ii) the Other Debt Representative with respect to Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.02 where such Indebtedness is secured by Permitted Liens that the Borrower elects to secure on a junior basis to the Liens securing the Obligations (it being understood that such other changes to the applicable Intercreditor Agreement (including in connection with any supplement or amendment thereto, or amendment and restatement thereof) may be made 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, 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, the Collateral Agent or the Depositary Bank hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or the Depositary Bank, as applicable.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 10.01, this Agreement and any other Loan Document may be amended solely with the consent of the Administrative Agent and, if applicable, the Collateral Agent or Depositary Bank (at the Administrative Agent’s direction) and the Borrower without the need to obtain the consent of any other Lender if such amendment is delivered in order (A) to correct or cure ambiguities, errors, omissions or defects, (B) to effect administrative changes of a technical or immaterial nature, (C) to fix incorrect cross references or similar inaccuracies in this Agreement or the applicable Loan Document, (D) to implement the “market flex” provisions set forth in the Fee Letter (and in such case the Borrower shall consent to any such amendments as provided in the Fee Letter), (E) add any financial covenant or other terms for the benefit of all Lenders or any Class of Lenders pursuant to the conditions imposed on the incurrence of any Indebtedness set forth elsewhere in this Agreement, or (F) to implement amendments permitted by the Intercreditor Agreements, this Agreement or the other Collateral Documents that do not by the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements or other Collateral Documents require lender consent, and, in each case of clauses (A), (B) and (C), such amendment shall become effective without any further action or the consent of any other party to any Loan Document if the same is not objected to in writing by the Required Lenders within ten (10) Business Days following receipt of notice thereof. The Collateral Documents and related documents in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may be in a form reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent and may be, together with this Agreement, amended, supplemented and waived with the consent of the Administrative Agent and, if applicable, the Collateral Agent or Depositary Bank (at the Administrative Agent’s direction) at the request of the Borrower without the need to obtain the consent of any other Lender if such amendment, supplement or waiver is delivered in order (i) to comply with local Law or advice of local counsel, (ii) to correct or cure ambiguities, omissions, mistakes or defects or (iii) to cause such Collateral Documents or other document to be consistent with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and, in each case, such amendment shall become effective without any further action or the consent of any other party to any Loan Document if the same is not objected to in writing by the Required Lenders within ten (10) Business Days following receipt of notice thereof.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 10.01 the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the relevant L/C Issuer(s) and the Borrower may amend, supplement or modify any provision of Section 2.03 (or any defined term as used in such Section 2.03, or any underlying definition thereto as used in Section 2.03) to make technical, ministerial or operational changes (or any other amendments, supplements or modifications which impact such consenting
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L/C Issuer) without the consent of any Lender so long as such amendments do not adversely affect any non-consenting Lender.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the contrary, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent may enter into any Incremental Amendment in accordance with Section 2.13, any Refinancing Amendment in accordance with Section 2.14 and any Extension Amendment in accordance with Section 2.15 and such Incremental Amendments, Refinancing Amendments and Extension Amendments shall be effective to amend the terms of this Agreement and the other applicable Loan Documents, in each case, without any further action or consent of any other party to any Loan Document. In addition, upon the initial incurrence of any Loans intended to be secured on a basis junior in right of priority to the Obligations or intended to be unsecured pursuant to any Incremental Amendment or Refinancing Amendment, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent (at the direction of the Administrative Agent) may, without the need to obtain consent of any other Lender, make changes to the Loan Documents reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent (at the direction of the Administrative Agent) that are necessary to reflect the junior Lien status or unsecured status of such Loans, including but not limited to (i) entering into the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the holders of such junior lien Loans, (ii) including such Loans in the definition of “Latest Maturity Date” or Weighted Average Life to Maturity limitations but only with respect to future Indebtedness secured on a junior lien basis to the Lien securing the Initial Term Loans and the Term Conversion Date Term Loans or unsecured (or not secured by the Collateral) and (iii) amending the Collateral Documents to exclude unsecured Loans from “Obligations” secured thereby.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document, the parties to this Agreement agree that, for purposes of voting on any Specified Swap Voting Matter, a Hedge Bank that is a counterparty to a Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreement, in its capacity as a counterparty or intermediary thereunder, shall be deemed to have made a Loan to Borrower in an amount equal to the then-outstanding Swap Termination Value of such Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreements. For purposes of voting on any Specified Swap Voting Matter, each Hedge Bank that is a counterparty under a Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreement shall be deemed a Lender to the extent of the Loan deemed to be made by such counterparty pursuant to this Section 10.01.
Section 10.02Notices and Other Communications; Facsimile Copies
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(a)General. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all notices and other communications provided for hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be in writing (including by facsimile transmission or electronic mail). 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:
(i)if to the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Depositary Bank or L/C Issuer, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such Person on Schedule 10.02(a) 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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(ii)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 and the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and each L/C Issuer.
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, four (4) 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 (which form of delivery is subject to the provisions of Section 10.02(d)), when delivered; provided that notices and other communications to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Depositary Bank and an L/C Issuer pursuant to Article II shall not be effective until actually received by such Person. In no event shall a voice mail message be effective as a notice, communication or confirmation hereunder. Any notice not given during normal business hours for the recipient shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient.
(b)Effectiveness of Facsimile Documents and Signatures. Loan Documents may be transmitted and/or signed by facsimile or other electronic communication. The effectiveness of any such documents and signatures shall, subject to applicable Law, have the same force and effect as manually signed originals and shall be binding on the Borrower, the Agents and the Lenders.
(c)Reliance by Agents and Lenders. The Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Depositary Bank and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices (including telephonic Committed Loan Notices) purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower even if (i) such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any other form of notice specified herein, or (ii) the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof. The Borrower shall indemnify each Agent-Related Person and each Lender from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct (and in the case of the Administrative Agent, any of the Administrative Agent’s Agent Related Persons, or any Lender, bad faith) as determined in a final and non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction. All telephonic notices to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or the Depositary Bank may be recorded by the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or the Depositary Bank, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to such recording.
(d)Electronic Communications. Notices and other communications to the Lenders and the L/C Issuers hereunder may be delivered or furnished by FpML messaging and Internet or intranet websites pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent acting reasonably, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender or L/C Issuer pursuant to Article II if such Lender or L/C Issuer, as applicable, has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such
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Article by such communication. The Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuers or the Borrower may each, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by FpML messaging and Internet or intranet websites pursuant to procedures approved by it, provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications. Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor.
Section 10.03No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies
. No failure by any Lender or the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided, and provided under each other Loan Document, are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by Law.
Section 10.04Attorney Costs and Expenses
. The Borrower agrees (a) to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Depositary Bank and the Coordinating Lead 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 Loan 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 of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including all Attorney Costs, which shall be limited to one primary counsel for the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Depositary Bank and the Coordinating Lead Arrangers (which shall be Latham & Watkins LLP for any and all of the foregoing in connection with the Transactions and other matters, including primary syndication, to occur on or prior to or otherwise in connection with the Closing Date) and one local counsel for the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the Coordinating Lead Arrangers as reasonably necessary in each relevant jurisdiction material to the interests of the Lenders taken as a whole (and solely in the case of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel for each group of similarly situated affected Indemnitees) and (b) from and after the Closing Date, to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Depositary Bank, the Coordinating Lead Arrangers and each Lender for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of any rights or remedies under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (including all such costs and expenses incurred during any legal proceeding, including any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law), and including all respective Attorney Costs which shall be limited to Attorney Costs of one counsel to the Administrative Agent and one counsel to the Collateral Agent and Depositary Bank (and one local counsel to the Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent as reasonably necessary in each relevant jurisdiction material to the interests of the Lenders taken as a whole (and solely in the case of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel to each group of similarly situated affected Indemnitees)). The foregoing costs and expenses shall include all reasonable search, filing, recording and title insurance charges and fees related thereto, and other reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by any Agent. The agreements in this Section 10.04
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shall survive the termination of the Aggregate Commitments, the repayment of all other Obligations and the resignation or removal of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent. All amounts due under this Section 10.04 shall be paid within thirty (30) days of receipt by the Borrower of an invoice relating thereto setting forth such expenses in reasonable detail including, if requested by the Borrower and to the extent reasonably available, backup documentation supporting such reimbursement request; provided that, with respect to the Closing Date, all amounts due under this Section 10.04 shall be paid on the Closing Date solely to the extent invoiced to the Borrower within two (2) Business Days of the Closing Date. If the Borrower fails to pay when due any costs, expenses or other amounts payable by it hereunder or under any Loan Document, such amount may be paid on behalf of the Borrower by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.
Section 10.05Indemnification by the Borrower
. The Borrower shall indemnify and hold harmless each Agent-Related Person, each Lender, each L/C Issuer, the Coordinating Lead Arranger and their respective Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees, partners, agents, advisors and other representatives of each of the foregoing (collectively the “Indemnitees”) from and against any and all liabilities (including Environmental Liabilities), obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses and disbursements (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, if reasonably necessary, one local counsel for all Indemnitees taken as a whole in each relevant jurisdiction that is material to the interests of the Lenders, and solely in the case of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel in each relevant material jurisdiction for all affected Indemnitees that are similarly situated taken as a whole) 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 arising out of or in connection with (a) the execution, delivery, enforcement, performance or administration of any Loan Document or any other agreement, letter or instrument delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated thereby or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, (b) any Commitment, Loan or Letter of Credit or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom including any refusal by an L/C Issuer to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit, or (c) 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), whether brought by a third party or by the Borrower, and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto (all the foregoing, collectively, the “Indemnified Liabilities”) in all cases, whether or not caused by or arising, in whole or in part, out of the negligence of the Indemnitee; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements (w) resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or of any of its Affiliates or Controlling Persons or their respective directors, officers, employees, partners, agents, advisors or other representatives, as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, (x) resulted from the bad faith of such Indemnitee or of any of its Affiliates or Controlling Persons or their respective directors, officers, employees, partners, agents, advisors or other representatives, as determined by a final nonappealable judgment of a court of competent
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jurisdiction (provided that this clause (x) shall not apply to the Collateral Agent or the Depositary Bank), (y) arising from a material breach of any obligations under any Loan Document by such Indemnitee or of any of its Affiliates or Controlling Persons or their respective directors, officers, employees, partners, agents, advisors or other representatives, as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction (provided that this clause (y) shall not apply to the Collateral Agent or the Depositary Bank) or (z) arising from any dispute solely among Indemnitees (other than any claims against an Indemnitee in its capacity or in fulfilling its role as an Agent, L/C Issuer, or Coordinating Lead Arranger or any similar role under any Facility and other than any claims arising out of any act or omission of the Borrower or any of its Affiliates). No Indemnitee shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by others of any information or other materials obtained through Debtdomain, Roadshow Access (if applicable) or other similar information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except to the extent such damages have resulted from the gross negligence, or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or of any of its Affiliates or Controlling Persons or their respective directors, officers, employees, partners, agents, advisors or other representatives, as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, nor, to the extent permissible under applicable Law, shall (A) any Indemnitee or (B) the Borrower, Sponsors, the Double E Joint Venture, or any of their respective Affiliates or Subsidiaries have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages relating to this Agreement or any other Loan 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 the preceding clause (B), in respect of any such damages incurred or paid by an Indemnitee to a third party and for any out-of-pocket expenses in each case subject to the indemnification provisions of this Section 10.05); it being agreed that this sentence shall not limit the indemnification obligations of the Borrower. In the case of an investigation, litigation or other proceeding to which the indemnity in this Section 10.05 applies, such indemnity shall be effective whether or not such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by the Borrower, any Subsidiary of the Borrower, 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 Loan Documents are consummated. All amounts due under this Section 10.05 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 the amount of any payment to the extent that there is a final judicial or arbitral determination that such Indemnitee was not entitled to indemnification rights with respect to such payment pursuant to the express terms of this Section 10.05.
The agreements in this Section 10.05 shall survive the resignation or removal of the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, the replacement of any Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 10.05 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.
Section 10.06Payments 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
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any settlement entered into by such Agent or such Lender in its discretion or judgment, as applicable) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall, to the fullest extent possible under provisions of applicable Law, 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 Overnight Bank Funding Rate from time to time in effect, in the applicable currency of such recovery or payment.
Section 10.07Successors and Assigns
.
(a)The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender (except as permitted by Section 7.03) and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an Assignee pursuant to an assignment made in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.07(b) (such an assignee, an “Eligible Assignee”) and (A) in the case of any Assignee that, immediately prior to or upon giving effect to such assignment, is an Affiliated Lender, Section 10.07(l), or (B) in the case of any Assignee that, immediately prior to or upon giving effect to such assignment, is a Debt Fund Affiliate, Section 10.07(o), (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.07(f), (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of Section 10.07(h), or (iv) to an SPC in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.07(i) (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void); provided, however, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary, no Lender may assign or transfer by participation any of its rights or obligations hereunder to (i) any Person that is a Defaulting Lender or a Disqualified Lender (so long as the Administrative Agent may make a schedule thereof available to any Lender upon request, in each case, subject to the confidentiality provisions of Section 10.08) (and any failure of the Borrower to respond to any request for consent of assignment shall not cause such Person to cease to constitute a Disqualified Lender), (ii) a natural Person or a holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of a natural Person or (iii) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in Section 10.07(f) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Indemnitees) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.
Any assignment or participation of a Loan or Commitment by a Lender without the Borrower’s consent (A) to a Disqualified Lender or (B) to the extent the Borrower’s consent is required under this Section 10.07, to any other Person, shall be null and void, and, in the event of any assignment or participation of any Loan or Commitment by a Lender in breach of the foregoing, the Borrower shall be entitled to seek specific performance to unwind any such
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assignment or participation in addition to any other remedies available to the Borrower at law or in equity. In addition, the Borrower may (i) terminate any Commitment of such Person and prepay any applicable outstanding Loans at a price equal to the lesser of par and the amount such Person paid to acquire such Loans, without premium, penalty, prepayment fee or breakage, and/or (ii) require such person to assign its rights and obligations to one or more Eligible Assignees at the price indicated above (which assignment shall not be subject to any processing and recordation fee) and if such Person does not execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a duly executed Assignment and Assumption reflecting such assignment within five (5) Business Days of the date on which the assignee Lender executes and delivers such Assignment and Assumption to such Person, then such Person shall be deemed to have executed and delivered such Assignment and Assumption without any action on its part, (b) no such person shall receive any information or reporting provided by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or any Lender, (c) for purposes of voting, any Loans or Commitments held by such Person shall be deemed not to be outstanding, and such Person shall have no voting or consent rights with respect to “Required Lender” or class votes or consents, (d) for purposes of any matter requiring the vote or consent of each Lender affected by any amendment or waiver, such Person shall be deemed to have voted or consented to approve such amendment or waiver if a majority of the affected class (giving effect to clause (c) above) so approves and (e) such Person shall not be entitled to any expense reimbursement or indemnification rights and shall be treated in all other respects as a Defaulting Lender; it being understood and agreed that the foregoing provisions shall only apply to the Person specified in clauses (A) or (B) of the first sentence of this paragraph and not to any assignee of such Person that becomes a Lender so long as such assignee becomes an assignee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 10.07. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to prejudice any right or remedy that the Borrower may otherwise have at law or equity. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that the Borrower and its Subsidiaries will suffer irreparable harm if such Lender breaches any obligation under this Section 10.07. Additionally, each Lender agrees that the Borrower may seek to obtain specific performance or other equitable or injunctive relief to enforce this paragraph against such Lender with respect to such breach without posting a bond or presenting evidence of irreparable harm.
The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible or have any liability for, or have any duty to ascertain, inquire into, monitor or enforce, compliance with the provisions hereof relating to Disqualified Lenders. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent shall not (a) be obligated to ascertain, monitor or inquire as to whether any Lender or participant or prospective Lender or participant is a Disqualified Lender or (b) have any liability with respect to any assignment or participation of loans, or disclosure of confidential information, to any Disqualified Lender. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, nothing in the foregoing shall prejudice any right or remedy that the Borrower may have at law or in equity against any Lender who enters into an assignment, participation or other transaction (including the disclosure of confidential information) with a Disqualified Lender in contravention of the terms of this Agreement.
(b)(i) Subject to Section 10.07(a) and the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) below, any Lender may assign to one or more assignees (“Assignees”) all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) of:
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(A)the Borrower; provided that the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment of any Term Loans unless it shall have objected thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within fifteen (15) Business Days after having received notice thereof to a Responsible Officer; provided, further that no consent of the Borrower shall be required for (i) an assignment of all or any portion of the Term Loans to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, (ii) such assignment is to a person listed on a schedule provided by the Borrower that is held with the Administrative Agent, which list shall be made available to any Lender upon request, (iii) if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or (iv) an assignment of all or a portion of the Loans pursuant to Section 10.07(l);
(B)the Administrative Agent; provided that no consent of the Administrative Agent shall be required for an assignment (i) of all or any portion of a Term Loan to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or (ii) all or any portion of the Loans pursuant to Section 10.07(l); and
(C)each L/C Issuer at the time of such assignment; provided that no consent of the L/C Issuers shall be required for any assignment not related to Working Capital Commitments or Working Capital L/C Exposure.
(ii)Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:
(A)except in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment or Loans of any Class, 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 $10,000,000 and shall be in increments of $500,000 in excess thereof (provided that simultaneous assignments to or from two or more Approved Funds shall be aggregated for purposes of determining compliance with this Section 10.07(b)(ii)(A)), unless each of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consents; provided that such amounts shall be aggregated in respect of each Lender and its Affiliates or Approved Funds, if any;
(B)the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption via an electronic settlement system acceptable to the Administrative Agent (or if previously agreed with the Administrative Agent, manually), together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500 (which fee may be waived or reduced in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent); provided that only one such fee shall be payable in the event of simultaneous assignments to or from two or more Approved Funds; and
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(C)the Assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire (in which the Assignee shall designate one or more credit contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Borrower and its Affiliates or their respective securities) will be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the Assignee’s compliance procedures and applicable laws, including federal and state securities laws) and all applicable tax forms required pursuant to Section 3.01(c).
This paragraph (b) shall not prohibit any Lender from assigning all or a portion of its rights and obligations among separate Facilities on a non-pro rata basis among such Facilities.
In connection with any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder, no such assignment shall be effective unless and until, in addition to the other conditions thereto set forth herein, the parties to the assignment shall make such additional payments to the Administrative Agent in an aggregate amount sufficient, upon distribution thereof as appropriate (which may be outright payment, purchases by the assignee of participations or subparticipations, or other compensating actions, including funding, with the consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, the applicable Pro Rata Share of Loans previously requested but not funded by the Defaulting Lender, to each of which the applicable assignee and assignor hereby irrevocably consent), to (x) pay and satisfy in full all payment liabilities then owed by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent or any Lender hereunder (and interest accrued thereon) and (y) acquire (and fund as appropriate) its full Pro Rata Share of all Loans and participations in Letters of Credit in accordance with its Pro Rata Share. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder shall become effective under applicable Law without compliance with the provisions of this paragraph, then the assignee of such interest shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender for all purposes of this Agreement until such compliance occurs.
(c)Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 10.07(d) and (e), from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, (1) the Eligible Assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and (2) the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Section 3.01, Section 3.04, Section 3.05, Section 10.04 and Section 10.05 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment). Upon request, and the surrender by the assigning Lender of its Note, the Borrower (at its expense) shall execute and deliver a Note to the assignee Lender. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this clause (c) shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with Section 10.07(f).
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(d)The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices in the United States a copy of each Assignment and Assumption, each Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption delivered to it, and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts (and related interest amounts) of the Loans, Working Capital Obligations (specifying Unreimbursed Amounts with respect to L/C Obligations), L/C Borrowings and the amounts due under Section 2.03 owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, any Agent and, with respect to such Lender’s own interest only, any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. This Section 10.07(d) and Section 2.10 shall be construed so that all Loans are at all times maintained in “registered form” within the meaning of Sections 163(f), 871(h)(2) and 881(c)(2) of the Code and any related Treasury Regulations (or any other relevant or successor provisions of the Code or of such Treasury Regulations). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Administrative Agent be obligated to ascertain, monitor or inquire as to whether any Lender is an Affiliated Lender nor shall the Administrative Agent be obligated to monitor the aggregate amount of Term Loans or Incremental Term Loans held by Affiliated Lenders. Upon request by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall (i) promptly (and in any case, not less than ten (10) Business Days (or shorter period as agreed to by the Administrative Agent) prior to the proposed effective date of any amendment, consent or waiver pursuant to Section 10.01) provide to the Administrative Agent, a complete list of all Affiliated Lenders holding Term Loans or Incremental Term Loans at such time and (ii) not less than ten (10) Business Days (or shorter period as agreed to by the Administrative Agent) prior to the proposed effective date of any amendment, consent or waiver pursuant to Section 10.01, provide to the Administrative Agent, a complete list of all Debt Fund Affiliates holding Term Loans or Incremental Term Loans at such time.
(e)Upon its receipt of, and consent to, a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an Assignee, an Administrative Questionnaire completed in respect of the assignee (unless the Assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) above, if applicable, and the written consent of the Administrative Agent, if required, and, if required, the Borrower and each L/C Issuer to such assignment and any applicable tax forms required pursuant to Section 3.01(c), the Administrative Agent shall promptly (i) accept such Assignment and Assumption and (ii) record the information contained therein in the Register. No assignment shall be effective unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph (e).
(f)Any Lender may at any time sell participations to any Person, subject to the proviso in the first paragraph of Section 10.07(a) (each, a “Participant”), in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans (including such Lender’s participation in Working
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Capital Obligations) owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Agents and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s 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 the other Loan Documents and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, waiver or other modification described in the second proviso to Section 10.01 that requires the affirmative vote of such Lender, in each case, to the extent the Participant is directly and adversely affected thereby. Subject to Section 10.07(g), the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 3.01, Section 3.04, Section 3.05 (subject to the requirements and limitations of such Sections, including the requirements under Section 3.01(c)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to Section 10.07(c). To the extent permitted by applicable Law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 10.09 as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.12 as though it were a Lender and Section 3.07 as though it were an Assignee. Each Participant will provide any applicable tax forms required pursuant to Section 3.01(c) solely to the participating Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and related interest amounts) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under this Agreement (the “Participant Register”); provided that 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 Participant’s interest in any Commitments, Loans or Letters of Credit or its other obligations under any Loan Document) except to the extent that (x) such disclosure is necessary in connection with an audit or other proceeding to establish that such Commitment, Loan, Letter of Credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations and proposed United States Treasury Regulations Section 1.163-5(b) (or any amended or successor version), (y) upon request of the Borrower, to confirm no Participant is a Disqualified Lender or (z) in connection with the request for consent for participation in respect of any Working Capital Facility or Working Capital L/C Exposure. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error and such Lender shall treat each person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary.
(g)A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 3.01, Section 3.04, Section 3.05 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the Borrower is informed of such greater payment and the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrower’s prior written consent, not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed (for the avoidance of doubt, the Borrower shall have reasonable basis
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for withholding consent if the participation would result in increased gross-up or indemnification obligations by the Borrower at such time).
(h)Any Lender may, without the consent of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement (including under its Note, if any) to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank or any central bank having jurisdiction over such Lender; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.
(i)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender (a “Granting Lender”) may grant to a special purpose funding vehicle identified as such in writing from time to time by the Granting Lender to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (an “SPC”) the option to provide all or any part of any Loan that such Granting Lender would otherwise be obligated to make pursuant to this Agreement; provided that (i) nothing herein shall constitute a commitment by any SPC to fund any Loan, (ii) if an SPC elects not to exercise such option or otherwise fails to make all or any part of such Loan, the Granting Lender shall be obligated to make such Loan pursuant to the terms hereof and (iii) such SPC and the applicable Loan or any applicable part thereof, shall be appropriately reflected in the Participant Register. Each party hereto hereby agrees that (i) an SPC shall be entitled to the benefit of Section 3.01, Section 3.04, Section 3.05 (subject to the requirements and the limitations of such Sections and it being understood that the documentation required under Section 3.01(c) shall be delivered to the Granting Lender), but neither the grant to any SPC nor the exercise by any SPC of such option shall increase the costs or expenses or otherwise increase or change the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement except in the case of Section 3.01 or Section 3.04, to the extent that the grant to the SPC was made with the prior written consent of the Borrower (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed; for the avoidance of doubt, the Borrower shall have reasonable basis for withholding consent if an exercise by SPC immediately after the grant would result in increased gross-up or indemnification obligations by the Borrower at such time), (ii) no SPC shall be liable for any indemnity or similar payment obligation under this Agreement for which a Lender would be liable, and (iii) the Granting Lender shall for all purposes, including the approval of any amendment, waiver or other modification of any provision of any Loan Document, remain the lender of record hereunder. The making of a Loan by an SPC hereunder shall utilize the Commitment of the Granting Lender to the same extent, and as if, such Loan were made by such Granting Lender. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any SPC may (i) with notice to, but without prior consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and with the payment of a processing fee of $3,500, assign all or any portion of its right to receive payment with respect to any Loan to the Granting Lender and (ii) disclose on a confidential basis any non-public information relating to its funding of Loans to any rating agency, commercial paper dealer or provider of any surety or Guarantee or credit or liquidity enhancement to such SPC.
(j)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, without the consent of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, (1) any Lender may in accordance
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with applicable Law create a security interest in all or any portion of the Loans owing to it and the Note, if any, held by it and (2) any Lender that is a Fund may create a security interest in all or any portion of the Loans owing to it and the Note, if any, held by it to the trustee for holders of obligations owed, or securities issued, by such Fund as security for such obligations or securities; provided that unless and until such trustee actually becomes a Lender in compliance with the other provisions of this Section 10.07, (i) no such pledge shall release the pledging Lender from any of its obligations under the Loan Documents and (ii) such trustee shall not be entitled to exercise any of the rights of a Lender under the Loan Documents even though such trustee may have acquired ownership rights with respect to the pledged interest through foreclosure or otherwise.
(k)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any L/C Issuer may, upon thirty (30) days’ notice to the Borrower and the Lenders, resign as an L/C Issuer; provided that on or prior to the expiration of such 30-day period with respect to such resignation, the relevant L/C Issuer shall have identified a successor L/C Issuer reasonably acceptable to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent willing to accept its appointment as successor L/C Issuer. In the event the resigning L/C Issuer shall not be able to identify a willing successor L/C Issuer, the Borrower shall be entitled subject to the consent of the Administrative Agent (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) to appoint from among the Lenders willing to accept such appointment a successor L/C Issuer hereunder; provided that no failure by the Borrower to appoint any such successor shall affect the resignation of the relevant L/C Issuer, except as expressly provided above. If an L/C Issuer resigns as an L/C Issuer, it shall retain all the rights and obligations of an L/C Issuer hereunder with respect to all Letters of Credit outstanding as of the effective date of its resignation as an L/C Issuer and all L/C Obligations with respect thereto (including the right to require the Lenders to make L/C Loans or fund risk participations in Unreimbursed Amounts pursuant to Section 2.03(c)).
(l)Any Lender may at any time, assign all or a portion of its rights and obligations with respect to Term Loans under this Agreement to a Person who is or will become, after such assignment, an Affiliated Lender through open market purchases on a pro rata or non-pro rata basis, in each case subject to the following limitations:
(i)the assigning Lender and the Affiliated Lender purchasing such Lender’s Term Loans shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an assignment agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit L-1 hereto (an “Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption”);
(ii)Affiliated Lenders will not receive information provided solely to Lenders by the Administrative Agent or any Lender and will not be permitted to attend or participate in conference calls or meetings attended solely by the Lenders and the Administrative Agent, other than the right to receive notices of prepayments and other administrative notices in respect of its Loans or Commitments required to be delivered to Lenders pursuant to Article II, and shall not be permitted to challenge the Administrative Agent’s or any Lender’s attorney-client privilege;
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(iii)the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans held at any one time by Affiliated Lenders shall not exceed twenty five (25.0%) of the principal amount of all Term Loans at such time outstanding (measured at the time of purchase) (such percentage, the “Affiliated Lender Cap”); provided that to the extent any assignment to an Affiliated Lender would result in the aggregate principal amount of all Loans held by Affiliated Lenders exceeding the Affiliated Lender Cap, the assignment of such excess amount will be void ab initio; and
(iv)as a condition to each assignment pursuant to this clause (l), the Administrative Agent shall have been provided an Affiliated Lender Notice in the form of Exhibit L-2 to this Agreement in connection with each assignment to an Affiliated Lender or a Person that upon effectiveness of such assignment would constitute an Affiliated Lender pursuant to which such Affiliated Lender shall waive any right to bring any action in connection with such Term Loans against the Administrative Agent, in its capacity as such.
Each Affiliated Lender agrees to notify the Administrative Agent promptly (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days) if it acquires any Person who is also a Lender, and each Lender agrees to notify the Administrative Agent promptly (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days) if it becomes an Affiliated Lender. Such notice shall contain the type of information required and be delivered to the same addressee as set forth in Exhibit L-2.
(m)Notwithstanding anything in Section 10.01 or the definition of “Required Lenders,” “Required Class Lenders” or “Required Facility Lenders” to the contrary, for purposes of determining whether the Required Lenders, the Required Class Lenders (in respect of a Class of Term Loans) or the Required Facility Lenders have (i) consented (or not consented) to any amendment, modification, waiver, consent or other action with respect to any of the terms of any Loan Document or any departure by the Borrower therefrom unless the action in question affects any Affiliated Lender in a disproportionately adverse manner than its effect on the other Lenders, or subject to Section 10.07(n), any plan of reorganization pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code, (ii) otherwise acted on any matter related to any Loan Document or (iii) directed or required the Administrative Agent or any Lender to undertake any action (or refrain from taking any action) with respect to or under any Loan Document, no Affiliated Lender shall have any right to consent (or not consent), otherwise act or direct or require the Administrative Agent or any Lender to take (or refrain from taking) any such action and:
(A)all Term Loans held by any Affiliated Lenders shall be deemed to be not outstanding for all purposes of calculating whether the Required Lenders, the Required Class Lenders (in respect of a Class of Term Loans) or the Required Facility Lenders have taken any actions; and
(B)all Term Loans held by Affiliated Lenders shall be deemed to be not outstanding for all purposes of calculating whether all Lenders have taken any action unless the action in question affects such Affiliated Lender in a disproportionately adverse manner than its effect on other Lenders.
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(n)Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents to the contrary, each Affiliated Lender hereby agrees that and each Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption shall provide a confirmation that, if a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law shall be commenced by or against the Borrower at a time when such Lender is an Affiliated Lender, such Affiliated Lender irrevocably authorizes and empowers the Administrative Agent to vote on behalf of such Affiliated Lender with respect to the Term Loans held by such Affiliated Lender in any manner in the Administrative Agent’s sole discretion, unless the Administrative Agent instructs such Affiliated Lender to vote, in which case such Affiliated Lender shall vote with respect to the Term Loans held by it as the Administrative Agent directs; provided that such Affiliated Lender shall be entitled to vote in accordance with its sole discretion (and not in accordance with the direction of the Administrative Agent) in connection with any plan of reorganization to the extent any such plan of reorganization proposes to treat any Obligations held by such Affiliated Lender in a disproportionately adverse manner to such Affiliated Lender than the proposed treatment of similar Obligations held by Lenders that are not Affiliated Lenders.
(o)Notwithstanding anything in Section 10.01 or the definition of “Required Lenders” to the contrary, for purposes of determining whether the Required Lenders have (i) consented (or not consented) to any amendment, modification, waiver, consent or other action with respect to any of the terms of any Loan Document or any departure by the Borrower therefrom, (ii) otherwise acted on any matter related to any Loan Document or (iii) directed or required the Administrative Agent or any Lender to undertake any action (or refrain from taking any action) with respect to or under any Loan Document, all Term Loans held by Debt Fund Affiliates may not account for more than 49.9% (pro rata among such Debt Fund Affiliates) of the Term Loans of consenting Lenders included in determining whether the Required Lenders have consented to any action pursuant to Section 10.01.
. Each of the Agents and the Lenders severally (and not jointly) agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information and not to disclose such information, except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and its and its Affiliates’ managers, administrators, directors, officers, employees, trustees, partners, investors, investment advisors and agents, including accountants, legal counsel, insurers and reinsurers, and other advisors (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 or asserting jurisdiction over such Person (including any Governmental Authority or examiner (including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or any other similar organization) regulating any Lender or its Affiliates); 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; (c) to the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency in connection with the issuance and monitoring of CUSIP numbers with respect to the Facilities; (d) to the extent required by applicable Laws 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
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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; (e) to any other party to this Agreement; (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions at least as restrictive as those set forth in this Section 10.08 (or as may otherwise be reasonably acceptable to the Borrower), to any pledgee referred to in Section 10.07(h), counterparty to a Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreement, Eligible Assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective Eligible Assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement (provided that the disclosure of any such 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 Information is being disseminated on a confidential basis) (on substantially the terms set forth in this Section 10.08 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 Information; (g) with the written consent of the Borrower; (h) to the extent such Information becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section 10.08 or becomes available to the Administrative Agent, the Coordinating Lead Arranger, any Lender, any L/C Issuer or any of their respective Affiliates on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Borrower or any Sponsor or their respective Affiliates (so long as such source is not known to the Administrative Agent, the Coordinating Lead Arranger, such Lender, such L/C Issuer or any of their respective Affiliates to be bound by confidentiality obligations to the Borrower); (i) to any Governmental Authority or examiner (including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or any other similar organization) regulating any Lender; (j) 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 Borrower and its Subsidiaries received by it from such Lender); (k) in connection with establishing a “due diligence” defense or (l) to the extent such Information is independently developed by the Administrative Agent, the Coordinating Lead Arranger, such Lender, such L/C Issuer or any of their respective Affiliates; provided that no disclosure shall be made to any Disqualified Lender. In addition, the Agents and the Lenders may disclose the existence of this Agreement and publicly available information about this Agreement to market data collectors, similar service providers to the lending industry, and service providers to the Agents and the Lenders in connection with the administration and management of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, the Commitments, and the Credit Extensions. For the purposes of this Section 10.08, “Information” means all information received from the Borrower relating to the Borrower, its Affiliates or its Affiliates’ directors, managers, officers, employees, trustees, investment advisors or agents, relating to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or its business, other than any such information that is publicly available to any Agent or any Lender prior to disclosure by the Borrower other than as a result of a breach of this Section 10.08; provided that all information received after the Closing Date from the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall be deemed confidential unless such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as not being confidential.
. In addition to any rights and remedies of the Lenders provided by Law, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, each Lender and its Affiliates (and the Collateral Agent, in respect of any unpaid fees, costs and expenses payable hereunder) is authorized at any time and from time to time, without prior notice to the Borrower, any such notice being waived by the Borrower (on its own behalf and on behalf of the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held by,
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and other Indebtedness at any time owing by, such Lender and its Affiliates or the Collateral Agent to or for the credit or the account of the respective Borrower and its Subsidiaries against any and all Obligations owing to such Lender and its Affiliates or the Collateral Agent hereunder or under any other Loan Document, now or hereafter existing, irrespective of whether or not such Agent or such Lender or Affiliate shall have made demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such Obligations may be contingent or unmatured or denominated in a currency different from that of the applicable deposit or Indebtedness; provided that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.17 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuers and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. Each Lender agrees promptly to notify the Borrower 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 setoff and application. The rights of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and each Lender under this Section 10.09 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the L/C Issuers and such Lender may have.
Section 10.10Interest Rate Limitation
. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the “Maximum Rate”). If any Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to the Borrower. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by an Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude optional prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.
. This Agreement and each other Loan Document may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery by telecopier or other electronic transmission of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement and each other Loan Document shall be effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Agreement and such other Loan Document. The Agents may also require that any such documents and signatures delivered by telecopier or other electronic transmission be confirmed by an original thereof; provided that the failure to request or deliver the same shall not limit the effectiveness of any document or signature delivered by telecopier or other electronic transmission.
Section 10.12Integration; Termination
. This Agreement, together with the other Loan Documents, comprises the complete and integrated agreement of the parties on the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersedes all prior agreements, written or oral, on such subject matter. The Depositary Bank shall be an express third party beneficiary hereof for purposes of Article IX and
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Sections 3.01, 10.01, 10.02 and 10.05. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and those of any other Loan Document, the provisions of this Agreement shall control; provided that the inclusion of supplemental rights or remedies in favor of the Agents or the Lenders in any other Loan Document shall not be deemed a conflict with this Agreement. Each Loan Document was drafted with the joint participation of the respective parties thereto and shall be construed neither against nor in favor of any party, but rather in accordance with the fair meaning thereof.
Section 10.13Survival of Representations and Warranties
. All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any other Loan Document or other document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and thereof. Such representations and warranties have been or will be relied upon by each Agent, each L/C Issuer and each Lender, regardless of any investigation made by any Agent, any L/C Issuer or any Lender or on their behalf and notwithstanding that any Agent, and L/C Issuer or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Credit Extension, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding.
. If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 10.14, if and to the extent that the enforceability of any provision in this Agreement relating to Defaulting Lenders shall be limited by Debtor Relief Laws, as determined in good faith by the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer, then such provisions shall be deemed to be in effect only to the extent not so limited.
.
(a)THIS AGREEMENT AND EACH OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
(b)ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING UNDER ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, SHALL BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN OR OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF SUCH STATE SITTING IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN, AND BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE BORROWER, EACH AGENT AND EACH LENDER CONSENTS, FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THOSE COURTS AND AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT COMMENCE OR SUPPORT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN
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ANOTHER JURISDICTION. THE BORROWER, EACH AGENT, EACH L/C ISSUER AND EACH LENDER IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION, INCLUDING ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS, WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN SUCH JURISDICTION IN RESPECT OF ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR OTHER DOCUMENT RELATED THERETO. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENTS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES (OTHER THAN TELECOPIER OR OTHER ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION) IN SECTION 10.02. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any Party hereto to serve process in any other manner permitted by Applicable Law. Nothing in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document shall affect aNY RIGHT THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY LENDER MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION TO ENFORCE ANY AWARD OR JUDGMENT OR EXERCISE ANY RIGHT UNDER THE COLLATERAL DOCUMENTS AGAINST ANY COLLATERAL OR ANY OTHER PROPERTY OF THE BORROWER IN ANY OTHER FORUM IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH COLLATERAL IS LOCATED.
Section 10.16WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY
. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING UNDER ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER FOUNDED IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE; AND EACH PARTY HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT ANY PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS Section 10.16 WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE SIGNATORIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.
. This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the L/C Issuers, and the Administrative Agent shall have been notified by each Lender and the L/C Issuers that each Lender and the L/C Issuers have executed it and thereafter this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, each Agent, each L/C Issuer and each Lender and their respective successors and assigns, in each case in accordance with Section 10.07 (if applicable) and except that the Borrower shall not have the right to assign its rights hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the Lenders except as permitted by Section 7.03.
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. Each Lender that is subject to the USA PATRIOT Act and the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name, address and tax identification number of the Borrower and other information regarding the Borrower that will allow such Lender, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, to identify the Borrower in accordance with the USA PATRIOT Act. This notice is given in accordance with the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act and is effective as to the Lenders, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent.
Section 10.19No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility
.
(a)In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby, the Borrower acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Affiliates’ understanding, that (i) the facilities provided for hereunder and any related arranging or other services in connection therewith (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document) are an arm’s-length commercial transaction between the Borrower and its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Agents, the Coordinating Lead Arranger and the Lenders, on the other hand, and the Borrower is capable of evaluating and understanding and understands and accepts the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or thereof), (ii) in connection with the process leading to such transaction, each of the Agents, the Coordinating Lead Arranger (and their respective Affiliates), the L/C Issuers and the Lenders is and has been acting solely as a principal and is not the financial advisor, agent or fiduciary, for the Borrower or any of its Affiliates, stockholders, creditors or employees or any other Person, (iii) none of the Agents, the Coordinating Lead Arranger (or their respective Affiliates), the L/C Issuers or the Lenders has assumed or will assume an advisory, agency or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Borrower with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto, including with respect to any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document (irrespective of whether any Agent or Lender has advised or is currently advising the Borrower or any of its Affiliates on other matters) and none of the Agents, the Coordinating Lead Arranger (or their respective Affiliates), the L/C Issuers or the Lenders has any obligation to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates with respect to the financing transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, (iv) the Agents, the Coordinating Lead Arranger (and their respective Affiliates), the L/C Issuers and the Lenders and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from, and may conflict with, those of the Borrower and its Affiliates, and none of the Agents, the Coordinating Lead Arranger, the L/C Issuers or the Lenders has any obligation to disclose any of such interests by virtue of any advisory, agency or fiduciary relationship and (v) the Agents, the Coordinating Lead Arranger (and their respective Affiliates), the L/C Issuers and the Lenders have not provided and will not provide any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document) and the Borrower has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent
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it have deemed appropriate. The Borrower hereby waives and releases, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims that it may have against the Agents, the Coordinating Lead Arranger (and their respective Affiliates), the L/C Issuers and the Lenders with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty under applicable law relating to agency and fiduciary obligations.
(b)The Borrower acknowledges and agrees that each Lender, the Coordinating Lead Arranger, each L/C Issuer and any Affiliate thereof may lend money to, invest in, and generally engage in any kind of business with, any of the Borrower, any Sponsor, any Affiliate thereof or any other person or entity that may do business with or own securities of any of the foregoing, all as if such Lender, the Coordinating Lead Arranger, such L/C Issuer or Affiliate thereof were not a Lender, the Coordinating Lead Arranger, an L/C Issuer or an Affiliate thereof (or an agent or any other person with any similar role under the Facilities) and without any duty to account therefor to any other Lender, the Coordinating Lead Arranger, any L/C Issuer, the Borrower, any Sponsor or any Affiliate of the foregoing. Each Lender, the Coordinating Lead Arranger, each L/C Issuer and any Affiliate thereof may accept fees and other consideration from the Borrower, any Sponsor or any Affiliate thereof for services in connection with this Agreement, the Facilities or otherwise without having to account for the same to any other Lender, the Coordinating Lead Arranger, any L/C Issuer, the Borrower, any Sponsor or any Affiliate of the foregoing. Some or all of the Lenders and the Coordinating Lead Arranger may have directly or indirectly acquired certain equity interests (including warrants) in the Borrower, a Sponsor or an Affiliate thereof or may have directly or indirectly extended credit on a subordinated basis to the Borrower, a Sponsor or an Affiliate thereof. Each party hereto, on its behalf and on behalf of its Affiliates, acknowledges and waives the potential conflict of interest resulting from any such Lender, the Coordinating Lead Arranger or an Affiliate thereof holding disproportionate interests in the extensions of credit under the Facilities or otherwise acting as arranger or agent thereunder and such Lender, the Coordinating Lead Arranger or any Affiliate thereof directly or indirectly holding equity interests in or subordinated debt issued by the Borrower, a Sponsor or an Affiliate thereof.
Section 10.20Electronic Execution
. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in this Agreement, in the Loan Documents or 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 record keeping 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.
Section 10.21Effect of Certain Inaccuracies
. In the event that any financial statement or Compliance Certificate previously delivered pursuant to Section 6.04(a) was inaccurate (regardless of whether this Agreement or the Commitments are in effect when such inaccuracy is discovered), and such inaccuracy, if corrected, would have led to the application of a higher Applicable Rate for any period (an “Applicable Period”) than the Applicable Rate applied for such Applicable Period, then (i) the Borrower shall as soon as practicable deliver to the Administrative Agent a corrected financial statement and a corrected Compliance Certificate for
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such Applicable Period, (ii) the Applicable Rate shall be determined based on the corrected Compliance Certificate for such Applicable Period, and (iii) the Borrower shall within fifteen (15) days after the delivery of the corrected financial statements and Compliance Certificate pay to the Administrative Agent the accrued additional interest or fees owing as a result of such increased Applicable Rate for such Applicable Period. This Section 10.21 shall not limit the rights of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders with respect to Section 2.07(b) and Section 8.01.
Section 10.22Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions
. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among any such parties, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any Affected Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document, to the extent such liability is unsecured, may be subject to the write-down and conversion powers of 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 Loan Document; or
(iii)the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority.
Section 10.23Opt-In to U.S. Special Resolution Regimes
. To the extent that the Loan Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for Secured Interest Rate 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 Loan 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): (a) 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
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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 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; and (b) in the event that a Covered Party or a QFC Affiliate of a Covered Party becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under the Loan 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 the Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and the Loan 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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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
SUMMIT PERMIAN TRANSMISSION, LLC,
as Borrower
By: /s/ James D. Johnston
Name: James D. Johnston
Title: Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Chief
Compliance Officer and Secretary
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MUFG Bank, Ltd.,
as Administrative Agent
By: /s/ Lawrence Blat
Name: Lawrence Blat
Title: Authorized Signatory
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Mizuho Bank (USA),
as Collateral Agent
By: /s/ Brian T. Caldwell
Name: BRIAN CALDWELL
Title: MANAGING DIRECTOR
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ING CAPITAL LLC,
as a Lender, Coordinating Lead Arranger
and L/C Issuer
By: /s/ Subha Pasumarti
Name: Subha Pasumarti
Title: Managing Director
By: /s/ Phoebe T.P. Nguyen
Name: Phoebe T.P. Nguyen
Title: Vice President
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MIZUHO BANK, LTD.,
as a Lender, Coordinating Lead Arranger
and L/C Issuer
By: /s/ Junji Hasegawa
Name: Junji Hasegawa
Title: Managing Director
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MUFG UNION BANK, N.A.,
as a Lender, Coordinating Lead Arranger
and L/C Issuer
By: /s/ Chip Lewis
Name: Chip Lewis
Title: Managing Director
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Exhibit A
to Credit Agreement
DEFINITIONS
“Abandonment” means any of the following shall have occurred: (a) the abandonment, suspension or cessation of all or substantially all of the activities related to the Project, in each case, for a period in excess of the earlier of ninety (90) consecutive days and one-hundred twenty (120) days within any 360 day period (other than as a result of force majeure so long as the Double E Joint Venture is diligently attempting to remediate and/or restart the Project) or (b) a formal, public announcement by the Double E Joint Venture of a decision to abandon, indefinitely cease or indefinitely defer all or substantially all of the activities related to the construction or operation of the Project for any reason.
“Acceptable Credit Support” means one or a combination of (a) cash deposited in the Equity Commitment Account in excess of the Minimum Equity Contribution Amount, (b) Acceptable Letters of Credit and (c) any other credit support reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.
“Acceptable L/C Issuer” means (a) any bank or financial institution which has a rating for its long-term unsecured and noncredit-enhanced debt obligations of A- or higher by S&P (or if not rated by S&P, a comparable rating from an internationally recognized credit rating agency) or A3 or higher by Moody’s (or if not rated by Moody’s, a comparable rating from an internationally recognized credit rating agency) at the time it issues an Equity Commitment L/C or (b) any bank or financial institution that satisfied the requirements of clause (a) above and has ceased to satisfy such ratings requirement for a period of not more than forty-five (45) days.
“Acceptable Letter of Credit” means any letter of credit issued in favor of the Collateral Agent for which reimbursement and other payment obligations are not for the account of Borrower or secured by the Collateral, and otherwise in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent; it being agreed that a letter of credit substantially in the same form as the Equity Commitment L/Cs delivered on the Closing Date shall be deemed to be satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent.
“Additional Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.13(d).
“Additional Material Contract” means each Transportation Agreement and each Capacity Lease Agreement, in each case into which the Double E Joint Venture enters after the Closing Date that (a) has the effect of increasing the committed capacity beyond the committed capacity as of the Closing Date and (b) is taken into account in the most recent Adjusted Base Case Model; provided that the Double E Joint Venture shall not enter into any such agreement unless the Borrower delivers to the Administrative Agent a certificate from (x) the Independent Engineer, certifying that (i) the Project has sufficient uncontracted capacity to service such Additional Material Contract (it being understood that no such certificate shall be required in the case of Additional Material Contracts with respect to a Permitted Expansion), (ii) such Additional Material Contract will have no material adverse impact on the overall Project cash flows and (iii) such Additional Material Contract would not trigger any “most favored nation” provision under any other
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Transportation Agreement, in each case which is a Material Contract, and (y) a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, certifying that such Additional Material Contract would not result in a material breach of, or material default under, any other Transportation Agreement or Capacity Lease Agreement nor trigger the application of any “most favored nation” provision under any other Transportation Agreement, in each case which is a Material Contract.
“Additional Pari Passu Permitted Debt” means any Incremental First Lien Term Loans, Incremental Revolving Credit Loans, Incremental Equivalent First Lien Debt, Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt or Permitted First Lien General Debt.
“Additional Permitted Debt” means any Additional Pari Passu Permitted Debt and any Other Permitted Debt.
“Additional Refinancing Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).
“Adjusted Base Case Model” means the then current Adjusted Base Case Model as updated by the Borrower with any changes needed to take into account the Debt Resizing Triggers, in each case showing that (after giving pro forma effect, as applicable, to such sale and the application of the Net Proceeds therefrom and any other Prepayment Amount in accordance with Section 2.04(b)(iii), (b)(v) (solely with respect to Dispositions) or (b)(vii)(B) or such incurrence of Incremental Term Loans in accordance with Section 2.13) the Outstanding Amount of Term Loans or such Incremental Term Loans, as applicable, would not exceed as of any date of determination pursuant to Section 2.04(b)(iii), (b)(v) (solely with respect to Dispositions) or (b)(vii)(B) or Section 2.13, as applicable, the maximum amount of Term Loans or Incremental Term Loans, as applicable, that would be permitted by such Base Case Model, utilizing the same set of assumptions that resulted in the determination of $160,000,000 as the aggregate Commitments in respect of Initial Term Loans and Term Conversion Date Term Loans as of the Closing Date, and giving effect to the incurrence of any Incremental Term Loans, any Material Disposition, any Equity Sale, any prepayments of the Facilities related thereto, and any Commitment reductions, or any other events agreed by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent. For clarity, but without prejudice to the foregoing, such amount is intended to reflect the maximum amount of Term Loans or Incremental Term Loans, as applicable, that can be supported based on the Applicable Debt Sizing Criteria.
“Administrative Agent” means MUFG Bank, Ltd., in its capacity as administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent.
“Administrative Agent’s Office” means the Administrative Agent’s address and account as set forth on Schedule 10.02(a), or such other address or account as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Lenders.
“Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in such form as may be supplied from time to time by the Administrative Agent.
“Affected Financial Institution” means (a) any EEA Financial Institution or (b) any UK Financial Institution.
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“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.
“Affiliated Lender” means, at any time, any Lender that is (a) the Sponsor, (b) a Non-Debt Fund Affiliate of the Sponsor or the Borrower or (c) a direct or indirect holding company of the Borrower, at such time.
“Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(l)(i).
“Affiliated Lender Cap” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(l)(iii).
“Agent-Related Persons” means the Agents, together with their respective Affiliates and the officers, directors, employees, partners, agents, advisors, attorneys-in-fact and other representatives of such Persons and Affiliates.
“Agents” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Depositary Bank and the Supplemental Agents (if any).
“Aggregate Commitments” means the Commitments of all the Lenders.
“Agreement” means this Credit Agreement, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“All-In Yield” means, as to any Indebtedness, the yield thereof, whether in the form of interest rate, margin, OID, upfront fees, a Eurocurrency Rate or Base Rate floor, or otherwise, in each case, incurred or payable by the Borrower generally to all lenders of such Indebtedness; provided that OID and upfront fees shall be equated to an interest rate assuming a four (4)-year life to maturity on a straight line basis (e.g., 100 basis points of OID equals to 25 basis points of interest rate margin for a four (4) year average life to maturity); and provided, further, that (a) “All-In Yield” shall not include amendment fees, consent fees, arrangement fees, structuring fees, commitment fees, underwriting fees, placement fees, advisory fees, success fees, ticking fees, undrawn commitment fees and similar fees (regardless of whether any of the foregoing fees are paid to, or shared with, in whole or in part any or all lenders), any fees not paid or payable in the primary syndication of such Indebtedness or other fees not paid or payable generally to all lenders ratably and (b) if any Incremental Term Loans include a Eurocurrency Rate or Base Rate floor that is greater than the Eurocurrency Rate or Base Rate floor applicable to any existing Class of Term Loans, such differential between Eurocurrency Rate or Base Rate floors, as applicable, shall be included in the calculation of All-In Yield, but only to the extent an increase in the Eurocurrency Rate or Base Rate floor applicable to the existing Term Loans would cause an increase in the interest rate then in effect thereunder, and in such case the Eurocurrency Rate and Base Rate floors (but not the Applicable Rate, unless the Borrower otherwise elects in its sole discretion) applicable to the existing Term Loans shall be increased to the extent of such differential between Eurocurrency Rate or Base Rate floors, as the case may be.
“Amortization Schedule” means the amortization schedule set forth on Schedule 1.01B, as updated (i) from time to time as necessary to reflect the most recent Adjusted Base Case Model,
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and (ii) on the Term Conversion Date to reflect all then outstanding Initial Term Loans and Term Conversion Date Term Loans, which amortization schedule shall utilize the same set of assumptions contained in the Base Case Model as of the Closing Date.
“Applicable Debt Sizing Criteria” means, as applicable:
(a)(1) in the case of Section 2.04(b)(iii) or 2.04(b)(v), a sculpted 10-year amortization schedule with amortization payments commencing on the Initial Quarterly Payment Date (it being understood, for avoidance of doubt, that the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the commencement of such amortization payments is considered part of the amortization schedule) and (2) in the case of Section 2.13, a sculpted amortization schedule (whether actual or assumed) extending no longer than the terms of the Transportation Agreements entered into in connection with the applicable Permitted Expansion; and
(b)(1) in the case of Section 2.04(b)(iii) or 2.04(b)(v), the Debt Service Coverage Ratio Requirement, and (2) in the case of Section 2.13, the Debt Service Coverage Ratio Requirement taking into account the Available Cash and Operating Expenses including from such Permitted Expansion, the Projected Debt Service including for such Incremental Term Loans, and Transportation Agreements with Investment Grade Shippers and other Shippers including as entered into in connection with such Permitted Expansion.
“Applicable Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.21.
“Applicable Rate” means, (1) with respect to the Loans and Letters of Credit, a percentage per annum equal to (a) on or prior to the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date, (i) for Eurocurrency Rate Loans and Letter of Credit fees, 2.375%, and (ii) for Base Rate Loans, 1.375%, and (b) after the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date, (i) for Eurocurrency Rate Loans and Letter of Credit fees, 2.625%, and (ii) for Base Rate Loans, 1.625% and (2) with respect to unused Initial Term Commitments, Term Conversion Date Term Commitments (for avoidance of doubt, without duplication of Initial Term Commitments) and Working Capital Commitments, 30% of the amount set forth in clause (a)(i) or (b)(i), as applicable.
“Appropriate Lender” means, at any time, with respect to Loans of any Class, the Lenders of such Class.
“Approved Fund” means, with respect to any Lender, any Fund that is administered, advised or managed by (a) such Lender, (b) an Affiliate of such Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers, advises or manages such Lender.
“Assignees” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(b).
“Assignment and Assumption” means an Assignment and Assumption substantially in the form of Exhibit F.
“Attorney Costs” means and includes all reasonable and documented fees, expenses and disbursements of any law firm or other external legal counsel.
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“Attributable Indebtedness” means, on any date, in respect of any Capitalized Lease of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP.
“Audited Financial Statements” means the audited balance sheets and the related audited statements of income and cash flow for the Double E Joint Venture for the fiscal year ended on December 31, 2020.
“Auto-Extension Letter of Credit” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(b)(iii).
“Available Cash” means, for any Test Period, the sum (without duplication) of all Revenue that the Borrower actually receives in cash or Cash Equivalents during such Test Period, including interest income and amounts received in the form of dividends or similar distributions from the Double E Joint Venture.
“Available Draw Amount” means, as of any date of determination with respect to any letter of credit, the amount available to be drawn thereunder on such date.
“Available Tenor” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark, as applicable, any tenor for such Benchmark or payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark, as applicable, that is or may be used for determining the length of an Interest Period pursuant to this Agreement 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 3.03(b)(iv).
“Bail-In Action” means 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” means (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).
“Bankruptcy Code” means the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, being Title 11 of the U.S. Code.
“Base Case Model” means the Closing Date Base Case Model until an Adjusted Base Case Model exists, and thereafter, the then-current Adjusted Base Case Model.
“Base Rate” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the NYFRB Rate in effect on such day plus ½ of 1.0%, (b) the Prime Rate in effect for such day and (c) the Eurocurrency Rate on such day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day) for deposits in Dollars for a one-month Interest Period plus 1.0%; provided that for the avoidance of doubt, the Eurocurrency Rate for any day shall be the LIBO Screen Rate, at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two (2) Business Days prior to such day for deposits in
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Dollars with a term of one month commencing on such day. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Base Rate will be deemed to be 0.0% per annum if the Base Rate calculated pursuant to the foregoing provisions would otherwise be less than 0.0% per annum. If the Administrative Agent shall have determined (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that it is unable to ascertain the NYFRB Rate for any reason, including the inability or failure of the Administrative Agent to obtain sufficient quotations in accordance with the terms of the definition thereof, the Base Rate shall be determined without regard to clause (a) of the preceding sentence until the circumstances giving rise to such inability no longer exist. Any change in the Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, the NYFRB Rate or the Eurocurrency Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate, the NYFRB Rate or the Eurocurrency Rate, respectively.
“Base Rate Loan” means a Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate.
“Benchmark” means, initially, the Eurocurrency Rate; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-In Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to the Eurocurrency Rate or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate pursuant to Section 3.03(b)(i).
“Benchmark Replacement” means, for any Available Tenor, the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Administrative Agent for the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date:
(1) the sum of: (a) Term SOFR and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;
(2) the sum of: (a) Daily Simple SOFR and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;
(3) the sum of: (a) the alternate benchmark rate that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor 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 for the then-current Benchmark for U.S. dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;
provided that, in the case of clause (1), such Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement is 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. If the Benchmark Replacement as determined pursuant to clause (1), (2) or (3) above would be less than zero, the Benchmark Replacement will be deemed to be zero for the purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
“Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means, with respect to any replacement of the then-current Benchmark with an Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for any applicable Interest Period and Available Tenor for any setting of such Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement:
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(1) for purposes of clauses (1) and (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement,” the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Administrative Agent:
(a) the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) as of the Reference Time such Benchmark Replacement is first set for such Interest Period that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for the applicable Corresponding Tenor;
(b) the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) as of the Reference Time such Benchmark Replacement is first set for such Interest Period that would apply to the fallback rate for a derivative transaction referencing the ISDA Definitions to be effective upon an index cessation event with respect to such Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor; and
(2) for purposes of clause (3) of the definition of “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 for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (i) 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 on the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date or (ii) 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 U.S. dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities;
provided that, in the case of clause (1) above, such adjustment is displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such Benchmark Replacement Adjustment from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.
“Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of “Base Rate,” the definition of “Business Day,” the definition of “Interest Period,” timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices, length of lookback periods, the applicability of breakage provisions, and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that the Administrative Agent determines in good faith may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such Benchmark Replacement and to permit the 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 such Benchmark Replacement 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 Loan Documents).
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“Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:
(b) |
in the case of clause (c) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein; or |
For the avoidance of doubt, (i) if the event giving rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination and (ii) the “Benchmark Replacement Date” will be deemed to have occurred in the case of clause (1) or (2) 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” means 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 |
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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 no longer representative. |
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 Unavailability Period” means the period (if any) (x) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date pursuant to clauses (a) or (b) of that definition has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 3.03(b) and (y) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 3.03(b).
“Beneficial Ownership Certification” means a certification regarding beneficial ownership as required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.
“Beneficial Ownership Regulation” means 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230.
“Benefit Plan” means any of (a) an “employee benefit plan” (as define in ERISA) that is subject to Part 4 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA, (b) a “plan” as defined in Section 4975 of the Code to which Section 4975 of the Code applies or (c) any Person whose assets include (for within the meaning of the Plan Asset Regulations) the assets of any such “employee benefit plan” or “plan.”
“Bona Fide Debt Fund” means any fund or investment vehicle that is primarily engaged in the making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans, bonds and other similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course.
“Borrower” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.
“Borrowing” means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Loans of the same Class and Type and, in the case of Eurocurrency Rate Loans, having the same Interest Period.
“Borrowing Certificate” means a certificate, signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower in the form of Exhibit C.
“Budget” means the construction budget and schedule with respect to the Project reasonably agreed between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders) and attached hereto as Schedule 1.01E.
“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the state of New York,
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and if such day relates to any interest rate settings as to a Eurocurrency Rate Loan, any fundings, disbursements, settlements and payments in respect of any such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, or any other dealings to be carried out pursuant to this Agreement in respect of any such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, means any such day on which dealings in deposits are conducted by and between banks in the London interbank eurodollar market.
“Capacity Lease Agreement” mean each capacity lease agreement listed on Part I of Schedule 1.01D and any Qualified Capacity Lease Agreement.
“Capital Call Notice” has the meaning given to such term in the JV LLC Agreement, as applicable.
“Capital Expenditures” means, for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities and including in all events all amounts expended or capitalized under Capitalized Leases) by the Borrower during such period that, in conformity with GAAP, are or are required to be included as capital expenditures on the statement of cash flows of the Borrower.
“Capitalized Lease Obligation” means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a Capitalized Lease; provided that any obligations of the Borrower either existing on the Closing Date or created prior to any re-characterization described below (i) that were not included on the balance sheet of the Borrower as financing or capital lease obligations and (ii) that are subsequently re-characterized as financing or capital lease obligations or indebtedness due to a change in accounting treatment or otherwise, shall for all purposes under this Agreement not be treated as financing or capital lease obligations, Capitalized Lease Obligations or Indebtedness.
“Capitalized Leases” means all leases that have been or are required to be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as a lease with amounts required to be capitalized on both the balance sheet and income statement for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP; 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 a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP; provided, further, that for purposes of calculations made pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or compliance with any covenant, GAAP will be deemed to treat leases in a manner consistent with its current treatment under GAAP as of the Closing Date, notwithstanding any modifications or interpretive changes thereto that may occur thereafter.
“Cash Collateral” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(g).
“Cash Collateral Account” means a blocked account at a commercial bank specified by the Administrative Agent in the name of the Administrative Agent and under the sole dominion and control of the Administrative Agent, and otherwise established in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
“Cash Collateralize” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(g).
“Cash Equivalents” means any of the following types of Investments, to the extent owned by the Borrower:
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(a) Dollars (being the lawful money of the United States of America);
(b)securities issued or directly and fully and unconditionally guaranteed or insured by the U.S. 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 demand deposits and bankers’ acceptances, in each case with maturities not exceeding three hundred and sixty-five (365) days and bank deposits (including overnight bank deposits), in each case with the (x) the Depositary Bank or (y) any member bank of the Federal Reserve System which is organized under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof or under the laws of Canada, Switzerland, Japan, the United Kingdom or any country which is a member of the European Union bank having capital and surplus of not less than $250,000,000 in the case of U.S. banks and $1,000,000,000 in the case of non-U.S. banks;
(d)repurchase obligations with a term of not more than three hundred and sixty-five (365) days for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (b), (e), (f), and (g) entered into with any financial institution or recognized securities dealer meeting the qualifications applicable to banks specified in clause (iii) above;
(e)commercial paper and variable or fixed rate notes rated at least P-1 by Moody’s or at least A-1 by S&P (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency) and in each case maturing within one (1) year after the date of acquisition thereof;
(f)marketable short-term money market and similar funds having a rating of at least P-1 or A-1 from either Moody’s or S&P, respectively (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency);
(g)readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof having an investment grade rating from either Moody’s or S&P (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency) with maturities of twenty-four (24) 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” within the meaning of Rule 2a7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended rated AAA (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or Aaa3 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency), substantially all of whose assets are invested in investments issued by a financial institution having total assets in excess of $5,000,000,000; and
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(i)investment funds investing at least ninety percent (90%) of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (a) through (h) above.
For the avoidance of doubt, any items identified as Cash Equivalents under this definition will be deemed to be Cash Equivalents for all purposes regardless of the treatment of such items under GAAP.
“Casualty Event” means any event with respect to Borrower or its assets, or Double E Joint Venture or its assets, that gives rise to the receipt by any Person of any insurance proceeds (including casualty insurance settlements) or condemnation awards in respect of any equipment, fixed assets or real property (including any improvements thereon) to replace or repair such equipment, fixed assets or real property.
“Change of Control” shall be deemed to occur if:
For the avoidance of doubt, transfers of direct or indirect equity interests in SMLP or, if applicable, [***], shall not be deemed a Change of Control nor require any approvals from any of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, any Lender, any L/C Issuer or any other holder of Obligations.
“Class” (a) when used with respect to any Lender, refers to whether such Lender has a Loan or Commitment with respect to a particular Class of Loans or Commitments, (b) when used with respect to Commitments, refers to whether such Commitments are Working Capital Commitments, Extended Working Capital Commitments of a given Extension Series, Extended Term Loans of a given Extension Series, Other Revolving Credit Commitments, Initial Term Commitments, Term Conversion Date Term Commitments, Incremental Commitments, or Refinancing Term Commitments of a given Refinancing Series and (c) when used with respect to Loans or a Borrowing, refers to whether such Loans, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Working Capital Loans, L/C Loans, Working Capital Loans or L/C Loans under Extended Working Capital Commitments of a given Extension Series, Revolving Credit Loans under Other Revolving Credit Commitments, Initial Term Loans, Term Conversion Date Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Incremental Revolving Credit Loans, Refinancing Term Loans of a given Refinancing Series or Extended Term Loans of a given Extension Series. Working Capital Commitments, Extended Working Capital Commitments, Other Revolving Credit Commitments, Initial Term Commitments, Term Conversion Date Term Commitments, Incremental Commitments, Refinancing Term Commitments or Extended Term Loans of a given Extension Series (and in
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each case, the Loans made pursuant to such Commitments) that have different terms and conditions shall be construed to be in different Classes. Commitments (and, in each case, the Loans made pursuant to such Commitments) that have the same terms and conditions shall be construed to be in the same Class. There shall be no more than an aggregate of four (4) Classes of revolving credit facilities and eight (8) Classes of term loan facilities under this Agreement.
“Closing Date” means March 8, 2021, the first date on which all conditions precedent in Section 4.01 are satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 4.01.
“Closing Date Base Case Model” means the financial model entitled “Base Case Model” set forth in the excel spreadsheet “Double E Gas Model with Debt Sizing 2.25.2021” dated as of March 1, 2021.
“Closing Fee” means those fees required to be paid on the Closing Date pursuant to the Fee Letter.
“Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
“Collateral” means (i) the “Collateral” as defined in the Security Agreement, (ii) all the “Collateral”, “Pledged Assets” or “Account Collateral” as defined in any other Collateral Document and (iii) any other assets pledged or in which a Lien is granted, in each case, pursuant to any Collateral Document.
“Collateral Accounts” means the Debt Service Reserve Account, the Distribution Suspense Account, the Equity Commitment Account, the Extraordinary Proceeds Account, the Payment Account, the Required Contributions Reserve Account and the Revenue Account.
“Collateral Agent” means Mizuho Bank (USA), solely in its capacity as collateral agent or pledgee under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor collateral agent.
“Collateral Documents” means, collectively, the Security Agreement, the Pledge Agreement, the Depositary Agreement, each other similar agreement delivered to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent pursuant to Section 4.01(c), Section 6.11 or Section 6.13, and each of the other agreements, instruments or documents that creates or purports to create a Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties.
“Collateral Requirement” means, at any time, the requirement that:
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other instruments of transfer with respect thereto endorsed in blank); |
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this definition or anything in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the contrary:
|
(ii) |
(x) commercial tort claims where the amount of damages claimed by the Borrower is less than $5,000,000 and (y) motor vehicles and other assets subject to certificates of title, |
|
(iii) |
letter of credit rights, except to the extent constituting a supporting obligation for other Collateral as to which perfection of the security interest in such other |
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Collateral is accomplished by the filing of a Uniform Commercial Code financing statement, |
|
(vii) |
any assets acquired using Excluded Proceeds, or |
“Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender or L/C Issuer (to the extent applicable), such Lender’s or L/C Issuer’s Working Capital Commitment, L/C Issuer Commitment, Extended Working Capital Commitment of a given Extension Series, Other Revolving Credit Commitment of a given Refinancing Series, Initial Term Commitment, Term Conversion Date Term Commitment, Incremental Commitment, Extended Term Loans of a given Extension Series or Refinancing Term Commitment of a given Refinancing Series, as the context may require.
“Committed Loan Notice” means a notice of (a) a Borrowing, (b) a conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, or (c) a continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans, pursuant to Section 2.02(a), which shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit B or such other form as may be approved by the Administrative Agent (including any form on an electronic platform or electronic transmission system as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent), appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower.
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“Compensation Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(c)(ii).
“Compliance Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit E-1.
“Compression Addition” means any station or series of stations (including compressor units and related equipment) capable of compressing natural gas to specified pressures, or any other expansion, modification or enhancement (or series thereof) having the effect of upgrading compression with respect to any existing portion of the Project, with the results described as an “Expansion Opportunity” under the JV LLC Agreement, including as may be used to increase the capacity of the Project to up to approximately 1.85 Bcf/d.
“Construction Management Agreement” means the Construction Management Agreement, dated as of June 26, 2019, by and between the Summit Member and the Double E Joint Venture.
“Contractual Obligation” means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.
“Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.
“Coordinating Lead Arrangers” means ING Capital LLC, Mizuho Bank, Ltd. and MUFG Union Bank, N.A., in their respective capacities as coordinating lead arrangers and joint bookrunners.
“Corresponding Tenor” means, with respect to any Available Tenor, as applicable, either a tenor (including overnight) or an interest payment period having approximately the same length (disregarding business day adjustment) as such Available Tenor.
“Covered Entity” means 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” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.23.
“Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness” means (a) Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt, (b) Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt, (c) Permitted Unsecured Refinancing Debt or (d) other Indebtedness incurred pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment, in each case, issued, incurred or otherwise obtained (including by means of the extension or renewal of existing Indebtedness) in exchange for, or to extend, renew, replace, repurchase, retire or refinance, in whole or part, existing Term Loans, Working Capital Loans, L/C Loans or Working Capital Commitments, or any then-existing Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness (“Refinanced Debt”); provided that (i) such Indebtedness has a maturity no earlier, and, in the case of Refinancing Term Loans, a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Refinanced Debt, (ii) such Indebtedness shall not have a greater principal amount than the principal amount of the Refinanced Debt plus unused commitments in respect of the Refinanced Debt, accrued interest, fees, premiums (if any), Swap Termination Amounts and reasonable fees and
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expenses associated with the refinancing, (iii) the other terms and conditions of such Indebtedness shall either, at the option of the Borrower (I) reflect market terms and conditions (taken as a whole) at the time of incurrence or issuance (as determined by the Borrower) or (II) if not consistent with the terms of the Refinanced Debt being refinanced or replaced, not materially more restrictive (taken as a whole) to the Borrower (as determined by the Borrower) than those applicable to the Refinanced Debt being refinanced or replaced (except for (x) pricing, premiums, fees, rate floors and prepayment and redemption terms and (y) covenants or other provisions applicable only to periods after the Latest Maturity Date at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness and it being understood that to the extent any financial maintenance covenant is added for the benefit of such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness, no consent shall be required from the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders to the extent that such financial maintenance covenant is also added for the benefit of the Term Loans remaining outstanding after the incurrence or issuance of such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness (provided that a certificate of a Responsible Officer delivered to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the incurrence of such Indebtedness, 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 requirement of this clause (iii) shall be conclusive evidence that such terms and conditions satisfy such requirement unless the Administrative Agent, at the direction of the Required Lenders, notifies the Borrower within such ten (10) Business Day period that it disagrees with such determination (including a description of the basis upon which it disagrees)), and (iv) such Refinanced Debt shall be repaid, repurchased, retired, defeased or satisfied and discharged, all accrued interest, fees, premiums (if any), Swap Termination Amounts in connection therewith shall be paid, and all commitments thereunder terminated, on the date such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness is issued, incurred or obtained.
“Credit Extension” means each of the following: (a) a Borrowing and (b) an L/C Credit Extension.
“Daily Simple SOFR” means, for any day, SOFR, with the conventions for this rate (which will include a lookback) being established by the Administrative Agent in accordance with the conventions for this rate selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for determining “Daily Simple SOFR” for syndicated business loans; provided that if the Administrative Agent decides that any such convention is not administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent, then the Administrative Agent may establish another convention in its reasonable discretion.
“Date Certain” means [***]; provided that the Date Certain shall be extended on a day-for-day basis, without duplication, (i) if and to the extent the date set forth in Section 2(f) of the [***] is extended or (ii) if an event of force majeure under (and as may be defined in) any Material Contract has occurred and is continuing on [***], to the extent of the continuance of such event of force majeure; provided, further, that the Date Certain shall not extend later than December 31, 2022.
“Debt Fund Affiliate” means any Affiliate of the Sponsors and the Borrower (other than the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower) that is a Bona Fide Debt Fund or an investment vehicle that is engaged in the making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans, bonds and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course.
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“Debt Resizing Triggers” means, as applicable, (a) the sale of the applicable Equity Interests in the Double E Joint Venture, (b) the applicable Permitted Expansion for which any Incremental Term Loans will be incurred, or (c) the impact on Available Cash and Operating Expenses resulting from (1) any Material Disposition or (2) the entry by the Borrower into any Material Contracts (since the latest date of the Base Case Model).
“Debt Service” means, for any period, the sum of all (a) scheduled cash interest, commitment fees, letter of credit fees, and scheduled principal payable during such period in respect of the Pari Passu Permitted Debt less any net payments received by the Borrower during such period pursuant to Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreements and (b) any net payments paid by the Borrower during such period pursuant to Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreements. For the avoidance of doubt, Debt Service shall not include (i) mandatory prepayments pursuant to the Loan Documents, (ii) payments of principal under the Working Capital Facility and any Incremental Facility consisting of Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments and (iii) any amounts required to be transferred to the Debt Service Reserve Account.
“Debt Service Coverage Ratio” means, for any Test Period, the ratio of (a) Available Cash minus Operating Expenses to (b) Debt Service for such Test Period.
“Debt Service Coverage Ratio Requirement” means, in each case during any four consecutive fiscal quarters from the date of such Equity Sale or Incremental Amendment (as applicable) to the Maturity Date, of (I) the projected Available Cash less the projected Operating Expenses, to (II) the projected Debt Service, being no less than (A) 1.00:1.00 (with respect to take-or-pay cash flow under Transportation Agreements with Investment Grade Shippers) and (B) 1.35:1.00 (with respect to take-or-pay cash flow or usage fees under Transportation Agreements with all Shippers, provided that contracted take-or-pay cash flow from Affiliates of the Summit Member in excess of 7.5% of capacity of the Project shall not be included in such take-or-pay cash flow unless such Shippers have provided credit support similar to the credit support obligations under the Matador BPA).
“Debt Service Reserve Account” means account number [***] of the Borrower, established with the Depositary Bank pursuant to the Depositary Agreement.
“Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code 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” means any event or condition specified in Section 8.01 that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.
“Default Rate” means an interest rate equal to (a) the Base Rate plus (b) the Applicable Rate, if any, applicable to Loans that are Base Rate Loans plus (c) two percent (2.0%) per annum; provided that with respect to the overdue principal or interest in respect of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan, the Default Rate shall be an interest rate equal to the interest rate (including any Applicable Rate)
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otherwise applicable to such Loan, plus two percent (2.0%) per annum, in each case to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.
(i) Right of a party, whether contractual or otherwise (including, without limitation, rights incorporated by reference to any other contract, agreement, or document, and rights afforded by statute, civil code, regulation, and common law), to liquidate, terminate, cancel, rescind, or accelerate such agreement or transactions thereunder, set off or net amounts owing in respect thereto (except rights related to same-day payment netting), exercise remedies in respect of collateral or other credit support or property related thereto (including the purchase and sale of property), demand payment or delivery thereunder or in respect thereof (other than a right or operation of a contractual provision arising solely from a change in the value of collateral or margin or a change in the amount of an economic exposure), suspend, delay, or defer payment or performance thereunder, or modify the obligations of a party thereunder, or any similar rights; and
(ii) Right or contractual provision that alters the amount of collateral or margin that must be provided with respect to an exposure thereunder, including by altering any initial amount, threshold amount, variation margin, minimum transfer amount, the margin value of collateral, or any similar amount, that entitles a party to demand the return of any collateral or margin transferred by it to the other party or a custodian or that modifies a transferee’s right to reuse collateral or margin (if such right previously existed), or any similar rights, in each case, other than a right or operation of a contractual provision arising solely from a change in the value of collateral or margin or a change in the amount of an economic exposure.
“Defaulting Lender” means any Lender whose acts or failure to act, whether directly or indirectly, cause it to meet any part of the definition of “Lender Default.”
“Depositary Agreement” means that certain Depositary Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, between the Borrower, as depositor, and the Depositary Bank, as depository agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit G, which provides for the establishment of the Collateral Accounts.
“Depositary Bank” means Mizuho Bank, Ltd., solely in its capacity as depositary bank or securities intermediary (as applicable), or a successor selected by the Borrower and reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent.
“Disposition” or “Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction and any sale or issuance of Equity Interests in a Subsidiary) of any property by any Person, including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith; provided that “Disposition” and “Dispose” shall not be deemed to include any issuance by the Borrower of any its Equity Interests to Pledgor, by the Double E Joint Venture of any of its Equity Interests to another Person.
“Disqualified Lenders” means (a) those Persons identified by the Borrower or the Sponsor to the Administrative Agent in writing on or prior to February 1, 2021 (and such Persons’ Affiliates clearly identifiable as such solely on the basis of their names), and (b) competitors (and such competitors’ sponsors and Affiliates identified to the Administrative Agent in writing or clearly
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identifiable as such solely on the basis of their names) of the Borrower and the Double E Joint Venture separately identified by the Borrower or the Sponsor to the Administrative Agent in writing from time to time (including after the Closing Date); provided that no updates to the Disqualified Lender list shall be deemed to retroactively disqualify any parties that have previously acquired an assignment or participation in respect of the Loans from continuing to hold or vote such previously acquired assignments and participations on the terms set forth herein for Lenders that are not Disqualified Lenders. Any supplement to the list of Disqualified Lenders pursuant to clause (b) above shall be made by the Borrower or Sponsors to the Administrative Agent in writing (including by email) and such supplement shall take effect the same Business Day such notice is received by the Administrative Agent. The list of Disqualified Lenders shall be made available to any Lender upon request to the Administrative Agent, subject to customary confidentiality requirements.
“Distressed Person” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Lender-Related Distress Event”.
“Distribution Account” means account number [***] of the Borrower held with the Depositary Bank or such other financial institution as the Borrower may from time to time select.
“Distribution Suspense Account” means account number [***] of the Borrower, established with the Depositary Bank pursuant to the Depositary Agreement.
“Division/Series Transaction” means with respect to any Person that is organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, that any such Person (a) divides into two or more Persons (whether or not the original Person survives such division) or (b) creates, or reorganizes into, one or more series, in each case, as contemplated under the laws of the State of Delaware.
“Dollar” and “$” mean lawful money of the United States.
“Double E Joint Venture” means Double E Pipeline, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
“Drawstop Equity Contributions” means any equity capital contributions made by any Sponsor during any Drawstop Period.
“Drawstop Period” means any period in which the conditions precedent to the making of any Term Loan cannot be satisfied.
“DSR Letter of Credit” means any irrevocable standby letter of credit, substantially in the form of Exhibit N-2 or such other form reasonably acceptable to the applicable L/C Issuer, the Borrower and the beneficiary thereof issued pursuant to Section 2.03(a)(ii)(B) by an L/C Issuer listed on Schedule 1.01A or an Acceptable L/C Issuer.
“DSR Requirement” means as of any date of determination, the next six (6) months of principal and interest scheduled to be payable hereunder after such date of determination in respect of the Initial Term Loans and the Term Conversion Date Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.06(a)(i) and Section 2.07(a) (calculated by the Borrower using an assumed Eurocurrency Rate for the Interest Period in effect as of such date of determination) (as adjusted for settlement amounts under the Interest Rate Hedge Agreements).
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“DSRA Deficiency Event” occurs when, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, the Funded DSR is less than the DSR Requirement.
“DSRA Overfunding Event” occurs when the Funded DSR exceeds the DSR Requirement.
“Early Opt-in Election” means, if the then-current Benchmark is the Eurocurrency Rate, the occurrence of:
(a) |
a notification by the Administrative Agent to (or the request by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent to notify) each of the other parties hereto that at least ten (10) currently outstanding U.S. dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time contain (as a result of amendment or as originally executed) a SOFR-based rate (including SOFR, a term SOFR or any other rate based upon SOFR) as a benchmark rate (and such syndicated credit facilities are identified in such notice and are publicly available for review), and |
(b) |
the joint election by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower to trigger a fallback from Eurocurrency Rate and the provision by the Administrative Agent of written notice of such election to the Lenders. |
“EEA Financial Institution” means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clauses (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.
“EEA Member Country” means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
“EEA Resolution Authority” means any public administrative authority or any person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution.
“Eligible Assignee” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(a).
“Energy Transfer Partners Interconnection Agreement” means that certain agreement entered into for the establishment of an interconnection in Pecos County, Texas, between the Project and the pipeline owned and operated by Trans-Pecos Pipelines, LLC, a Texas limited liability company, including any precedent agreement, superseding agreement, amendment, or restatement thereto.
“Environment” means the environment, including ambient air, surface water, groundwater, drinking water, land surface, subsurface strata, and natural resources such as wetlands, flora and fauna.
“Environmental Claim” means any and all actions, suits, orders, demand letters, requests for information, investigations, claims, complaints, notices of non-compliance or violation, notices of
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liability or potential liability, liens, proceedings, consent orders or consent agreements, in each instance in writing, relating to any actual or alleged violation of Environmental Law or any Release or threatened Release of, or exposure to, Hazardous Material.
“Environmental Laws” means any applicable Law relating to the prevention of pollution or the protection of the Environment and natural resources or the protection of human health and safety as it relates to exposure to Hazardous Materials, including any applicable Laws relating to the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment, disposal, Release, or threatened Release of, or exposure to, any Hazardous Materials.
“Environmental Liability” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of investigation and remediation, fines, or penalties), of the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials in violation of Environmental Laws, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, or (d) the Release of any Hazardous Materials into the Environment.
“EPC Contract” means that certain Pipeline Construction Contract No. DBLE-000128, dated as of May 15, 2020, by and between the Double E Joint Venture and Pumpco, Inc., a Texas corporation.
“Equator Principles” means the principles named “Equator Principles – A financial industry benchmark for determining, assessing and managing social and environmental risk in projects” adopted by various financing institutions in the form dated July 2020, available at: https://equator-principles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/The-Equator-Principles-July-2020-v2.pdf as in effect on the Closing Date.
“Equity Commitment Account” means account number [***] of the Borrower, established with the Depositary Bank pursuant to the Depositary Agreement.
“Equity Commitment L/C” means (a) the letters of credit set forth on Schedule 1.01C and/or (b) any other irrevocable direct letter(s) of credit issued by an Acceptable L/C Issuer (in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent), in each case, in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties which in the aggregate are in an original face amount equal to the Minimum Equity Contribution Amount.
“Equity Commitment L/C Expiry Date” means (i) for the Equity Commiment L/C delivered at the Closing Date, March 1, 2022 and (ii) for any subsequent Equity Commiment L/C, the expiry date indicated in such letter.
“Equity Commitment L/C Reducing Contributions” means any Equity Contributions of cash or Cash Equivalents made by the Sponsors and deposited into the Equity Commitment Account.
“Equity Contribution” means, collectively, the equity contributions of cash or Cash Equivalents made by the Sponsors in the Borrower on and after the Closing Date, including all amounts drawn on any Equity Commitment L/C, but excluding any Excluded Equity Proceeds.
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“Equity Contribution Account” means account number [***] of the Borrower held with the Depositary Bank or such other financial institution as the Borrower may from time to time select.
“Equity Interests” means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares, interests, rights, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests or units in) such Person and all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase, acquisition or exchange from such Person of any of the foregoing (including through convertible securities).
“Equity Overfunding Event” occurs when (a) the sum of (i) the balance of cash and Cash Equivalents credited to the Equity Commitment Account and (ii) all Available Draw Amounts in respect of all Equity Commitment L/Cs exceeds the Minimum Equity Contribution Amount and (b) such cash and Cash Equivalents in excess of the Minimum Equity Contribution Amount does not constitute Acceptable Credit Support.
“Equity Sale” means a Disposition of the Equity Interests owned by the Borrower in the Double E Joint Venture.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.
“ERISA Affiliate” means (a) any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with the Borrower, is treated as a single employer under 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 or (b) any entity (whether or not incorporated) that is under common control within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(14) of ERISA with the Borrower.
“ERISA Event” means (a) a Reportable Event; (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) a complete or partial withdrawal by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan; (d) the filing by the PBGC of a notice of intent to terminate any Pension Plan, the treatment of a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 or Section 4041A of ERISA, respectively, or the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (e) an event or condition which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of or the appointment of a trustee to administer any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (f) with respect to a Pension Plan, the failure to satisfy the minimum funding standards (within the meaning of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA) applicable to such Pension Plan, whether or not waived; (g) the occurrence of a nonexempt prohibited transaction (within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA) which could result in liability to the Borrower; or (h) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate.
“ERM Report” means that certain report of Environmental Resources Management (ERM), dated as of January 29, 2021.
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“EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule” means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor person), as in effect from time to time.
“Euro” and “€” mean the single currency of participating member states of the Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union.
“Eurocurrency Rate” means, with respect to any Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in any approved currency, for any Interest Period, the LIBO Screen Rate at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two (2) Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; provided that, to the extent that an interest rate is not ascertainable pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this definition, the “Eurocurrency Rate” shall be the interest rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent to be the average of the rates per annum at which deposits in such approved currency are offered for such relevant Interest Period to major banks in the London interbank market in London, England by the Administrative Agent at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the date that is two (2) Business Days prior to the beginning of such Interest Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Eurocurrency Rate in respect of any applicable Interest Period will be deemed to be 0.00% per annum if the Eurocurrency Rate for such Interest Period calculated pursuant to the foregoing provisions would otherwise be less than 0.00% per annum.
“Eurocurrency Rate Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on the Eurocurrency Rate.
“Event of Default” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.01.
“Excluded Accounts” means the Distribution Account and the Equity Contribution Account.
“Excluded Assets” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Collateral Requirement”.
“Excluded Debt Proceeds” means proceeds of any Additional Permitted Debt.
“Excluded Equity Proceeds” means proceeds in excess of the Minimum Equity Contribution Amount received by the Borrower after the Closing Date from contributions to its common equity capital.
“Excluded Proceeds” means Excluded Debt Proceeds and Excluded Equity Proceeds.
“Existing Term Loan Tranche” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.15(a).
“Existing Working Capital Tranche” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.15(b).
“Extended L/C Loans” means one or more Classes of L/C Loans that result from an Extension Amendment.
“Extended Term Loans” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.15(a).
“Extended Working Capital Commitments” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.15(b).
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“Extended Working Capital Loans” means one or more Classes of Working Capital Loans that result from an Extension Amendment.
“Extending Term Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.15(c).
“Extending Working Capital Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.15(c).
“Extension” means the establishment of an Extension Series by amending a Loan pursuant to Section 2.15 and the applicable Extension Amendment.
“Extension Amendment” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.15(d).
“Extension Election” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.15(c).
“Extension Request” means any Term Loan Extension Request or a Working Capital Extension Request, as the case may be.
“Extension Series” means any Term Loan Extension Series or Working Capital Extension Series, as the case may be.
“Extraordinary Proceeds” means all cash proceeds actually received by the Borrower of (A) any Material Disposition, (B) any Equity Sale (including any Total Sale), (C) any Material Contract Payment, (D) any Casualty Event and (E) any Indebtedness, in each case, to the extent the Net Proceeds with respect thereto, if any, would be required to be offered to prepay (x) Term Loans in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or (y) Additional Pari Passu Permitted Debt in accordance with the terms thereof.
“Extraordinary Proceeds Account” means account number [***] of the Borrower, established with the Depositary Bank pursuant to the Depositary Agreement.
“Exxon Member” means ExxonMobil Permian Double E Pipeline LLC.
“Facility” means the L/C Facility, the Working Capital Facility, the Term Loan Facility, a given Refinancing Series of Other Revolving Credit Commitments, a given Extension Series of Extended Working Capital Commitments, a given Class of Incremental Term Loans, a given Class of Incremental Revolving Credit Loans, a given Refinancing Series of Refinancing Term Loans, or a given Extension Series of Extended Term Loans, as the context may require.
“FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code), as of the Closing Date (and any amended or successor version thereof that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future Treasury Regulations or other official administrative guidance promulgated thereunder, and any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreement, treaty or convention among Governmental Authorities entered into in connection with the implementation of the foregoing.
“Federal Funds Rate” means, for any day, the rate calculated by the NYFRB based on such day’s federal funds transactions by depositary institutions, as determined in such manner as the NYFRB
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shall set forth on its public website from time to time, and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the NYFRB as the federal funds effective rate; provided that (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (b) if no such rate is so published for any day that is a Business Day, the average of the quotations for the day for such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent.
“Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Website” means the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source identified as such by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York from time to time.
“Fee Letter” means that certain Fee Letter dated February 1, 2021, between the Borrower and the Coordinating Lead Arrangers, as the same may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“First Lien Intercreditor Agreement” means any First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, among the Borrower, the Collateral Agent, and any Other Debt Representative that may from time to time become party thereto.
“FRB” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.
“Fronting Exposure” means, at any time there is a Defaulting Lender, with respect to the L/C Issuer, such Defaulting Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the outstanding L/C Obligations other than L/C Obligations as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders or Cash Collateralized in accordance with the terms hereof.
“Fund” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course.
“Funded DSR” means, as of any date of determination, the sum of (x) the balance of cash and Cash Equivalents credited to the Debt Service Reserve Account and (y) all Available Draw Amounts in respect of all DSR Letters of Credit.
“GAAP” means 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 an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change in accounting principles or change as a result of the adoption or modification of accounting policies (including, but not limited to, the impact of Accounting Standards Update 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) or similar revenue recognition policies or any change in the methodology of calculating reserves for returns, rebates and other chargebacks) 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
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such provision amended in accordance herewith, (ii) GAAP shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made, without giving effect to any election under FASB ASC Topic 825 (or any other Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any Indebtedness or other liabilities of the Borrower 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 financing or capital leases under GAAP as in effect on the Closing Date (including, without limitation, FASB Accounting Standards Codification 840) shall apply for the purposes of determining compliance with the provisions of this Agreement, including the definition of Capitalized Leases and obligations in respect thereof.
“Governmental Authority” means any nation or government, any state, locality, or other political subdivision thereof, any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, administrative tribunal, central bank or other entity, exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government, including any supra-national bodies (such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).
“Granting Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(i).
“Guarantee” means, as to any Person, without duplication, (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other monetary obligation payable or performable by another Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), or (b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien); provided that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit, in either case 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 shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or is then in effect or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term “Guarantee” as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
“Hazardous Materials” means all materials, pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, compounds, constituents, substances or wastes, or words of similar import, in any form, including petroleum
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or petroleum distillates, explosives, radioactive materials, friable asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, radon gas, toxic mold, or other emissions that are regulated, or which liability may be imposed, under Environmental Law.
“Hedge Bank” means any Person that (a) is the Coordinating Lead Arranger, an Agent or a Lender or an Affiliate of the Coordinating Lead Arranger, an Agent or a Lender at the time it enters into a Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreement, in its capacity as a party thereto or (b) was the Coordinating Lead Arranger, an Agent or a Lender or an Affiliate of a Coordinating Lead Arranger, an Agent or a Lender at the time it entered into a Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreement, in its capacity as a party thereto, and in each case (other than a Person party hereto as a Lender at the time it entered into a Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreement), unless it is a Lender or an Affiliate thereof, that has (or is guaranteed by any Person that has), as of the date of its execution of the applicable Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreement, a credit rating of at least BBB from S&P and at least Baa2 from Moody’s (or the equivalent from another rating agency).
“Hedge Transaction” means any transaction (such as swaps, caps, collars or floors) entered into under, and as may be defined in, a Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreement.
“Honor Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(c).
“IE Report” means that certain “Final Technical Due Diligence Report” dated as of June 5, 2020, as updated by that certain “Report Update Letter to Lenders’ Due Diligence Review of June 5, 2020” dated as of November 24, 2020, in each case prepared by the Independent Engineer.
“In-Service Date” has the meaning given to such term in the Construction Management Agreement.
“Incremental Amendment” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.13(g).
“Incremental Availability Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.13(e)(vi).
“Incremental Commitments” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.13(a).
“Incremental Equivalent Debt” has the meaning set forth in clause (l) of the definition of “Permitted Debt”.
“Incremental Equivalent First Lien Debt” means Incremental Equivalent Debt that is secured on a pari passu basis with the Obligations.
“Incremental Equivalent Junior Debt” means Incremental Equivalent Debt that is secured on a junior lien basis with the Obligations or is unsecured.
“Incremental Facility” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.13(a).
“Incremental Facility Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.13(e).
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“Incremental First Lien Term Loans” means Incremental Term Loans that are secured on a pari passu basis with the Obligations.
“Incremental Junior Term Loans” means Incremental Term Loans that are secured on a junior lien basis with the Obligations or are unsecured.
“Incremental Lenders” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.13(d).
“Incremental Loan Request” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.13(a).
“Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.13(a).
“Incremental Revolving Credit Loan” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.13(c).
“Incremental Term Commitments” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.13(a).
“Incremental Term Loan” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.13(b).
“Indebtedness” means, as to any Person at a particular time, without duplication, all of the following:
(a) |
all obligations of such Person for borrowed money and all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments; |
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(g) |
to the extent not otherwise included above, all Guarantees of such Person in respect of any of the foregoing. |
For all purposes hereof, the Indebtedness of any Person shall (A) include the Indebtedness of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which such Person is a general partner or a joint venturer, except to the extent such Person’s liability for such Indebtedness is otherwise expressly limited, (B) in the case of the Borrower, exclude all Indebtedness of the Double E Joint Venture, (C) exclude obligations under or in respect of Non-Capitalized Lease Obligations (to the extent they are treated as operating leases in the most recent financial statements in existence on the Closing Date), straight-line leases, operating leases or sale lease-back transactions (except any resulting Capitalized Lease Obligations), (D) exclude obligations in respect of contract acquisition costs and structured bonus payments in connection with contract acquisitions, synthetic joint ventures or otherwise, and (E) exclude obligations of the Double E Joint Venture created by operation of Section 4.2(e) of the JV LLC Agreement. The amount of any net obligation under any Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreement 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 (e) above shall be deemed to be equal to the lesser of (i) the aggregate unpaid amount of such Indebtedness (not to exceed the maximum amount of such Indebtedness for which such Person could be liable) 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 FASB 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” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.05.
“Indemnified Taxes” means, with respect to any Agent or any Lender, (a) all Taxes imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower under any Loan Document other than (i) Taxes imposed on or measured by its net income (however denominated), franchise (and similar) Taxes and branch profits (and similar) Taxes, in each case, (A) imposed by a jurisdiction as a result of such recipient being organized in or having its principal office (or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable Lending Office) in such jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof), or (B) that are Other Connection Taxes, (ii) Taxes attributable to a Lender’s or the Administrative Agent’s failure to comply with Section 3.01(c), (iii) in the case of any Lender, any U.S. federal withholding Tax that is 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 (x) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrower under Section 3.07) or (y) such Lender changes its applicable Lending Office, except in each case to the extent such Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled immediately prior to the time of designation of a new Lending Office (or assignment) to receive additional amounts or an indemnity with respect to such withholding Tax pursuant to Section 3.01, and (iv) any withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA, and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in clause (a) above, Other Taxes.
“Indemnitees” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.05.
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“Independent Engineer” means Lummus Consultants International LLC.
“Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.08.
“Initial Funding Date” means the first date on which all conditions precedent in Section 4.03 are satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 4.03 and the Borrower makes its initial Borrowing.
“Initial Quarterly Payment Date” means the last Business Day of the first full fiscal quarter ending after the occurrence of the Term Conversion Date.
“Initial Term Borrowings” means each Borrowing of Initial Term Loans on and after the Closing Date.
“Initial Term Commitment” means, as to each Lender, its obligation to make an Initial Term Loan to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01 in an aggregate amount not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name in Schedule 1.01A under the caption “Initial Term Commitments” or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement (including Section 2.13). The aggregate amount of the Initial Term Commitments of all Term Lenders on the Closing Date shall be $160,000,000.
“Initial Term Commitment Termination Date” means the earliest of (a) the Date Certain, (b) the Term Conversion Date, (c) date on which the Initial Term Commitment is drawn in full and (d) such earlier date on which the entire outstanding principal balance of the Initial Term Loans, together with all unpaid interest, fees, charges and costs and all other Obligations, become due and payable under this Agreement.
“Initial Term Loans” means the construction/term loans made by the Lenders on and after the Closing Date to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01.
“Insurance Consultant” means Aon Risk Consultants, Inc.
“Intercreditor Agreements” means any First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any supplement to any First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any supplement to any Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, collectively, in each case to the extent in effect.
“Interest and Fee Amounts” means (a) all indemnities, fees, and expenses (to the extent not paid for any Monthly Date pursuant to Section 2.16(i)(ii)), scheduled interest, commitment fees and letter of credit fees with respect to the Pari Passu Permitted Debt (other than Interest Rate Hedge Agreements entered in connection therewith) and (b) all scheduled payments (excluding any payment of Swap Termination Value) then due and payable in respect of Interest Rate Hedge Agreements entered into in connection with any Pari Passu Permitted Debt.
“Interest Payment Date” means, (a) as to any Eurocurrency Rate Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan and the Maturity Date of the Facility under which such Loan was made; provided that if any Interest Period for a Eurocurrency Rate Loan exceeds three (3) months, the respective dates that fall every three (3) months after the beginning of such Interest
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Period shall also be Interest Payment Dates and (b) as to any Base Rate Loan, the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December and the Maturity Date of the Facility under which such Loan was made.
“Interest Period” means, as to each Eurocurrency Rate Loan, the period commencing on the date such Eurocurrency Rate Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a Eurocurrency Rate Loan and ending on the date one (1), two (2), three (3) or six (6) months thereafter or, to the extent agreed by each Lender of such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, twelve (12) months or a shorter period thereafter, as selected by the Borrower in its Committed Loan Notice; provided that:
(c) |
no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date of the Facility under which such Loan was made. |
“Interest Rate Hedge Agreements” means any interest rate swap agreement, interest rate floor agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, interest rate hedging agreement, other similar agreement or arrangement or any combination of the foregoing, each of which is for the purpose of hedging the interest rate exposure associated with the Borrower’s operations and not for speculative purposes, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “Master Agreement”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.
“Interpolated Rate” means, at any time, the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) to be equal to the rate that results from interpolating on a linear basis between: (a) the rate as displayed on the applicable Bloomberg page (or on any successor or substitute page or service providing quotations of interest rates applicable to dollar deposits in the London interbank market comparable to those currently provided on such page, as determined by the Administrative Agent from time to time; in each case the “Screen Rate”) for the longest period (for which that Screen Rate is available) that is shorter than the Interest Period and (b) the Screen Rate for the shortest period (for which that Screen Rate is available) that exceeds the Interest Period, in each case, at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period.
“Investment” means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect acquisition or investment by such Person, whether by means of (a) the purchase or other acquisition of Equity Interests or debt or
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other securities of another Person, (b) a loan, advance or capital contribution to, Guarantee or assumption of Indebtedness of, or purchase or other acquisition of any other debt or equity participation or interest in, another Person, including any partnership or joint venture interest in such other Person or (c) the purchase or other acquisition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of all or substantially all of the property and assets or business of another Person or assets constituting a business unit, line of business or division of such Person. For purposes of covenant compliance, the amount of any Investment at any time shall be the amount actually invested (measured at the time made), without adjustment for subsequent increases or decreases in the value of such Investment.
“Investment Grade Shippers” means (a) each of Marathon Oil Company and XTO Energy Inc. for so long as it is a counterparty to any Transportation Agreement and remains a wholly owned subsidiary of a Person that maintains a rating of “BBB-” or better by S&P, or “Baa3” or better by Moody’s, and (b) any Shipper that is rated “BBB-” or better by S&P, or “Baa3” or better by Moody’s.
“IP Rights” means intellectual property rights.
“ISDA Definitions” means the 2006 ISDA Definitions published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or any successor thereto, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or any successor definitional booklet for interest rate derivatives published from time to time by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or such successor thereto.
“ISP” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the “International Standby Practices 1998” published by the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice, Inc. (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance).
“Junior Financing” means any Indebtedness that is or is required to be subordinated, in right of payment, to the Obligations pursuant to the terms of the Loan Documents.
“Junior Financing Documentation” means any documentation governing any Junior Financing.
“Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement” means any intercreditor agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, among the Collateral Agent and one or more collateral agents or representatives for the holders of Incremental Term Loans, Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt, or Incremental Equivalent Debt, as applicable, that are intended to be secured on a basis junior in right of priority to the Obligations.
“JV LLC Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Double E Pipeline, LLC, dated as of June 26, 2019, by and among the Exxon Member, the Borrower, the Double E Joint Venture, solely for purposes of acknowledging its agreement to Section 9.4 therein, and any other parties thereto from time to time, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time to the extent permitted under the Loan Documents.
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“L/C Advance” means, with respect to each Working Capital Lender, such Lender’s funding of its participation in any L/C Borrowing in accordance with its Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement.
“L/C Borrowing” means an extension of credit resulting from a drawing under any Letter of Credit that has not been reimbursed by the Borrower on the applicable Honor Date or refinanced as an L/C Loan.
“L/C Credit Extension” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the issuance thereof or extension of the expiry date thereof, or the reinstatement, renewal, amendment or increase of the amount thereof.
“L/C Disbursement” means any payment made by an L/C Issuer pursuant to a Letter of Credit.
“L/C Issuer” means the L/C Issuers listed on Schedule 1.01A and any other Lender that becomes an L/C Issuer in accordance with Section 2.03(k) or Section 10.07(k) in each case, in its capacity as an issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, or any successor issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder. If there is more than one L/C Issuer at any given time, the term L/C Issuer shall refer to the relevant L/C Issuer(s).
“L/C Loan” means any L/C Loan made pursuant to Section 2.01 or Extended L/C Loan, as the context may require.
“L/C Loan Borrowing” means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous L/C Loans of the same Type and, in the case of Eurocurrency Rate Loans, having the same Interest Period made by each of the Working Capital Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01.
“L/C Facility” means, at any time, the aggregate amount at such time of L/C Issuer Commitments and the obligations of the Working Capital Lenders to participate in the Letters of Credit and the extensions of credit made under this Agreement by the L/C Issuers and the Working Capital Lenders in respect of the Letters of Credit.
“L/C Issuer Commitment” means, as to any L/C Issuer, the commitment of such L/C Issuer to issue and continue to make available a Letter of Credit to the Borrower, in an aggregate stated or principal amount at any one time not to exceed the amount, expressed as a Dollar amount, set forth under the heading “L/C Issuer Commitment” opposite such L/C Issuer’s name on Schedule 1.01A. The L/C Issuer Commitment is part of, and not in addition to, the L/C Facility.
“L/C Obligations” means, as at any date of determination, the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit plus the aggregate of all L/C Borrowings. For purposes of computing the amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 2.03(l). 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.
“Latest Maturity Date” means, at any date of determination, unless otherwise specified to apply to a specific Class of Loans or Commitments, the latest Maturity Date applicable to any Loan or
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Commitment hereunder at such time, including the latest maturity date of any Refinancing Term Loan, any Refinancing Term Commitment, any Extended Term Loan, any Extended Working Capital Commitment, any Incremental Term Loans, any Incremental Revolving Credit Loans, or any Other Revolving Credit Commitments, in each case as extended in accordance with this Agreement from time to time.
“Laws” means, collectively, all international, foreign, federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, legally binding guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes and administrative or judicial precedents, orders, decrees, injunctions or authorities, including the legally binding interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority.
“Lender” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement, and, as the context requires, includes L/C Issuers, and their respective successors and assigns as permitted hereunder, each of which is referred to herein as a “Lender”, excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any Disqualified Lender.
“Lender Default” means (a) 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 any loans 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; (b) the failure of any Lender to pay over to the Administrative Agent, any L/C Issuer or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within one (1) Business Day of the date when due, unless subject to a good faith dispute; (c) a Lender has notified the Borrower or the Administrative Agent that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations, or has made a public statement to that effect with respect to its funding obligations, under any Facility or under other agreements generally in which it commits to extend credit; (d) a Lender has failed, within three (3) Business Days after request by the Administrative Agent, to confirm that it will comply with its funding obligations under any Facility or to deny that it is insolvent; or (e) a Lender has admitted in writing that it is insolvent or such Lender 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 (a) through (e) above shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and the applicable Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender (subject to Section 2.17(b) upon delivery of written notice of such determination to the Borrower, each L/C Issuer and each Lender).
“Lender-Related Distress Event” means, with respect to any Lender or any Person that directly or indirectly controls such Lender (each, a “Distressed Person”), as the case may be, 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 Person’s 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 (i) the ownership or
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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 thereof or (ii) Undisclosed Administration.
“Lending Office” means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lender’s Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.
“Letter of Credit” means, as applicable, a Project Letter of Credit or a DSR Letter of Credit.
“Letter of Credit Application” means an application and agreement for the issuance or amendment of a Letter of Credit in the form from time to time in use by the relevant L/C Issuer.
“Letter of Credit Expiration Date” means the day that is five (5) Business Days prior to the scheduled Maturity Date then in effect for the L/C Facility or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next preceding Business Day.
“LIBO Screen Rate” means, for any day and time, with respect to any Eurocurrency Rate Loan for Dollars and for any Interest Period, the London interbank offered rate as published on the applicable Bloomberg screen page (or such other commercially available source providing such quotations as may be designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) or, if the LIBO Screen Rate is quoted but there is no such quotation for the Interest Period elected, the Interpolated Rate.
“Lien” means any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, lease, license, sublease, option, right of first refusal, right of first offer, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional, installment, contingent sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, covenant, condition, restriction, defect, encroachment, right of way or other encumbrance on title to Real Property, and any Capitalized Lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).
“Loan” means a Term Loan or a Revolving Credit Loan, as the context may require.
“Loan Documents” means, collectively, (a) this Agreement, (b) the Notes, (c) the Collateral Documents, (d) each Intercreditor Agreement to the extent then in effect, (e) the Fee Letter and (f) any Refinancing Amendment, Incremental Amendment or Extension Amendment.
“Marathon” means Marathon Oil Company.
“Marathon BPA” means that certain Amended and Restated Binding Precedent Agreement, dated as of October 19, 2018, between the Double E Joint Venture and Marathon (as amended from time to time).
“Margin Stock” has the meaning set forth in Regulation U issued by the FRB.
“Master Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Interest Rate Hedge Agreement”.
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“Matador BPA” means that certain Binding Precedent Agreement, dated as of June 24, 2019, between the Double E Joint Venture and MRC Permian Company (as amended August 30, 2019, November 12, 2020 and from time to time).
“Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on (i) the business, operations, assets, liabilities (actual or contingent) or financial condition of the Borrower (or, if expressly provided herein, of the Double E Joint Venture), (ii) the ability of the Borrower to fully and timely perform its payment obligations under the Loan Documents, (iii) the material rights and remedies available to the Lenders and Agents, taken as a whole under the Loan Documents or (iv) the impairment of the validity, priority or perfection of the Secured Parties’ security interests in and Liens on the Collateral (subject to Permitted Liens).
“Material Contract” means the EPC Contract, each Transportation Agreement, and each Capacity Lease Agreement, in each case to which the Double E Joint Venture is from time to time a party.
“Material Contract Payments” means (i) all termination payments under any Material Contract paid in favor of the Double E Joint Venture (provided that no such termination payment shall become a “Material Contract Payment” if the Material Contract with respect to which such termination payment was received is replaced on substantially similar terms within 180 days of termination thereof, and in any event not until the date that is 180 days following termination of such Material Contract, provided, further, that such termination payment is held in a Collateral Account in accordance with the Depositary Agreement) and (ii) all payments of performance liquidated damages under any EPC Contract paid in favor of the Double E Joint Venture.
“Material Disposition” means any Disposition by Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture, in each case for which the purchase price exceeds $5,000,000 or for which, in aggregate with each other Disposition occurring in the twelve (12) months prior to the date of such Disposition, the purchase price (together with all such purchase prices) exceeds $25,000,000 during such period.
“Material Permits” means any and all material Permits necessary in the normal conduct of the Borrower’s and the Double E Joint Venture’s business listed in Schedule 4.01(j).
“Maturity Date” means the earlier of (1) (a) with respect to the Initial Term Loans, the Term Conversion Date Term Loans, the Working Capital Facility and the L/C Facility, the earlier of (i) the sixth (6th) anniversary of the Term Conversion Date and (ii) the date that is seven (7) years after the Initial Funding Date, (b) with respect to any tranche of Extended Term Loans, the final maturity date applicable thereto as specified in the applicable Extension Request accepted by the respective Lender or Lenders, (c) with respect to any Refinancing Term Loans, the final maturity date applicable thereto as specified in the applicable Refinancing Amendment and (d) with respect to any Incremental Term Loans or Incremental Revolving Credit Loans, the final maturity date applicable thereto as specified in the applicable Incremental Amendment and (2) such earlier date on which the entire outstanding principal balance of the applicable Loans, together with all unpaid interest, fees, charges and costs, become due and payable, as applicable, under this Agreement, the applicable Extension Request, the applicable Refinancing Amendment or the applicable Incremental Amendment; provided, in each case, that if such date is not a Business Day, then the applicable Maturity Date shall be the next succeeding Business Day.
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“Maximum Rate” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.10.
“Mechanical Completion Date” means the date that (a) Substantial Completion (as such term is defined under the EPC Contract) occurs and (b) clause (a) of the In-Service Date is satisfied.
“Minimum Collateral Amount” means, at any time, with respect to Cash Collateral consisting of cash, an amount equal to 102% of the Fronting Exposure of all L/C Issuers with respect to Letters of Credit issued and outstanding at such time.
“Minimum Equity Contribution Amount” means $144,882,406, as such amount (i) may be reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis by any drawing on an Equity Commitment L/C, (ii) may be reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis by any Equity Commitment L/C Reducing Contributions, or (iii) may be reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis by any Drawstop Equity Contributions made and increased on a dollar-for-dollar basis by any reimbursements of Drawstop Equity Contributions made pursuant to Section 7.07(b).
“Monthly Date” means the last Business Day of each calendar month.
“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto.
“Multiemployer Plan” means any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding five (5) plan years, has made or been obligated to make contributions if liability to the Borrower remains.
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than in connection with a payment in respect of any such liability) shall be deemed to be Net Proceeds of such Disposition or Casualty Event occurring on the date of such reduction); |
(c) |
one hundred percent (100%) of the cash proceeds (including cash distributed by the Double E Joint Venture) from any Material Contract Payment, net of all taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be payable as a result thereof and fees, costs and other expenses, in each case incurred in connection with such Material Contract Payment; |
provided that, for purposes of calculating the amount of Net Proceeds, fees, commissions and other costs and expenses payable to the Borrower shall be disregarded.
“Non-Capitalized Lease Obligation” means a lease obligation that is not required to be accounted for as a financing or capital lease on both the balance sheet and the income statement for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP. For the avoidance of doubt, a straight-line or operating lease shall be considered a Non-Capitalized Lease Obligation.
“Non-Consenting Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.07(d).
“Non-Debt Fund Affiliate” means any Affiliate of the Borrower other than (a) the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Borrower, (b) any Debt Fund Affiliates and (c) any natural person.
“Non-Defaulting Lender” means, at any time, a Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender.
“Non-Extension Notice Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(b)(iii).
“Not Otherwise Applied” means, with reference to any amount of net proceeds of any transaction or event, that such amount (a) was not previously (and is not concurrently being) applied in determining the permissibility of a transaction under the Loan Documents where such permissibility was or is (or may have been) contingent on receipt of such amount or utilization of such amount for a specified purpose and (b) was not previously (and is not concurrently being) applied to reduce the Available Draw Amount under any Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 2.16(h)(i). The Borrower shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of any application of such amount as contemplated by clause (a) above.
“Note” means a Term Note or a Working Capital Note, as the context may require.
“NYFRB” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
“NYFRB Rate” means, for any day, the greater of (a) the Federal Funds Rate in effect on such day and (b) the Overnight Bank Funding Rate in effect on such day (or for any day that is not a Business Day, for the immediately preceding Business Day).
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“O&M Agreement” means the Operations and Maintenance Agreement, dated as of June 26, 2019, between Summit Permian Transmission II, LLC and the Double E Joint Venture.
“Obligations” means all (x) advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, the Borrower arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against the Borrower of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding and (y) any Secured Hedge Obligations of the Borrower. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Obligations of the Borrower under the Loan Documents include the obligation to pay principal, interest, reimbursement obligations, charges, expenses, fees, Attorney Costs, indemnities and other amounts payable by the Borrower under any Loan Document, in each such case, to the extent that any of the foregoing are required to be paid under the Loan Documents. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Secured Hedge Obligations shall be secured pursuant to the Collateral Documents only to the extent that, and for so long as, the other Obligations are so secured.
“OFAC” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury.
“Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by two Responsible Officers of the Borrower.
“OID” means original issue discount.
“Operating Expenses” means operating costs and expenses of the Borrower and its other administrative, management and overhead costs and expenses (including (a) franchise and similar taxes and other fees, direct taxes and expenses, in each case, required to maintain its corporate existence, (b) indemnity payments in connection with its management and maintenance, (c) amounts relating to insurance (including the costs of premiums and deductibles and brokers’ expenses), (d) amounts related to obtaining and maintaining any approval from any Governmental Authority and (e) legal, accounting, general administrative and other overhead costs and expenses and professional fees). For the avoidance of doubt, Operating Expenses shall not include (i) income taxes, (ii) depreciation or amortization and other non-cash charges and (iii) any expenses of Double E Joint Venture.
“Organization Documents” means (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.
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“Other Debt Representative” means, with respect to any series of Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt, Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt or Incremental Equivalent Debt, the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent under the indenture or agreement pursuant to which such Indebtedness is issued, incurred or otherwise obtained, as the case may be, and in the case each of their successors and assigns in such capacities.
“Other Permitted Debt” means any Incremental Junior Term Loans, Incremental Revolving Credit Loans, Incremental Equivalent Junior Debt, Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt, Permitted Unsecured Refinancing Debt or Permitted Junior General Debt.
“Other Required Contributions and Member Loans” means with respect to the Double E Joint Venture, (i) upon the issuance of a Capital Call Notice, the Borrower’s pro rata share (based on its Percentage Interest, as defined in the JV LLC Agreement) of the amounts necessary to fund the expenditures specified in any Construction Opportunity Budget relating to any Construction Opportunity as provided in Section 6.8(c) of the JV LLC Agreement (as the foregoing terms are defined therein), and (ii) any loan made by the Borrower in accordance with Section 4.2 of the JV LLC Agreement.
“Other Revolving Credit Commitments” means one or more Classes of revolving credit commitments hereunder that result from a Refinancing Amendment.
“Other Revolving Credit Loans” means one or more Classes of Revolving Credit Loans that result from a Refinancing Amendment.
“Other Connection Taxes” means, with respect to any Agent or Lender, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Agent or Lender and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such Agent or Lender having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan or Loan Document).
“Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 3.07).
“Outstanding Amount” means (a) with respect to Term Loans, Working Capital Loans and L/C Loans on any date, the aggregate outstanding principal amount thereof after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Term Loans, Working Capital Loans or L/C Loans (including any refinancing of outstanding unpaid drawings under Letters of Credit or L/C Credit Extensions as an L/C Borrowing), as the case may be, occurring on such date; or (b) with respect to any L/C Obligations on any date, the aggregate outstanding amount thereof on such date after giving effect to any L/C Credit Extension occurring on such date and any other changes thereto as of such date, including as a result of any reimbursements of outstanding unpaid drawings under any Letters of Credit (including any refinancing of outstanding unpaid drawings under Letters of
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Credit or L/C Credit Extensions as an L/C Borrowing) or any reductions in the maximum amount available for drawing under Letters of Credit taking effect on such date.
“Outside Funding Date” means June 30, 2021.
“Overnight Bank Funding Rate” means, for any day, the rate comprised of both overnight federal funds and overnight eurocurrency borrowings by U.S.-managed banking offices of depository institutions, as such composite rate shall be determined by the NYFRB as set forth on its public website from time to time, and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the NYFRB as an overnight bank funding rate (from and after such date as the NYFRB shall commence to publish such composite rate).
“Pari Passu Permitted Debt” means the Obligations and any Additional Pari Passu Permitted Debt.
“Participant” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(f).
“Participant Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(f).
“Payment” has the meaning set forth in 9.01(g)(i).
“Payment Notice” has the meaning set forth in 9.01(g)(ii).
“Payment Account” means account number [***] of the Borrower, established with the Depositary Bank pursuant to the Depositary Agreement.
“Payment in Full” means the payment in full in cash of the Loans and all other Obligations (other than contingent reimbursement obligations) that are accrued and payable and the termination of the Commitments and the termination or expiration of all outstanding Letters of Credit (unless the Outstanding Amount of the L/C Obligations related thereto has been Cash Collateralized, back-stopped by a letter of credit reasonably satisfactory to the applicable L/C Issuer or deemed reissued under another agreement reasonably acceptable to the applicable L/C Issuer).
“Payment or Bankruptcy Default” means an Event of Default under Section 8.01(a), (f) or(g).
“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
“Pension Plan” means 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 the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate or to which the Borrower 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 five (5) plan years if liability to the Borrower remains.
“Permit” means any and all licenses, permits, approvals, notifications, certifications, registrations, authorizations, exemptions, qualifications, Liens and other rights, privileges and approvals required to be obtained from a Governmental Authority under any Laws.
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“Permitted Debt” means, with respect to the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture, as applicable:
(a)Indebtedness of the Borrower under the Loan Documents;
(b)Indebtedness outstanding on the Closing Date and listed on Schedule 7.02 and any Permitted Refinancing thereof;
(c)Indebtedness in the form of unsecured or subordinated loans or notes issued to one or more of the Sponsors or their respective Subsidiaries, in each case, that is subordinated to the Indebtedness incurred pursuant to clause (a) of the definition of “Permitted Debt” pursuant to the terms set forth on Exhibit O (including any Junior Financing); provided, that any principal payment on, or redemption, repurchase, defeasement or acquisition or retirement for value, in each case, prior to any scheduled repayment, sinking fund payment or maturity of any Indebtedness of the Borrower that is subordinated to the Pari Passu Permitted Debt shall only be made with amounts on deposit in an Excluded Account;
(d)Indebtedness in respect of the Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreements;
(e)Indebtedness incurred in connection with an Investment expressly permitted hereunder or any Disposition, in each case, constituting indemnification obligations or obligations in respect of purchase price (including earnouts) or other similar adjustments;
(f)Indebtedness consisting of obligations of the Borrower under deferred compensation or other similar arrangements incurred by such Person in connection with the Transactions and Investments expressly permitted hereunder;
(g)Indebtedness in respect of netting services, automatic clearinghouse arrangements, overdraft protections and similar arrangements in each case in connection with deposit accounts;
(h)(i) Indebtedness of the Borrower, in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding that at the time of, and after giving effect to, the incurrence thereof, would not exceed $5,000,000 at such time (after giving effect to any concurrent Investments), plus (ii) additional Indebtedness of the Borrower in an aggregate outstanding principal amount not greater than one hundred percent (100%) of the net cash and Cash Equivalent proceeds received by the Borrower up to such time from the issuance or sale of its Equity Interests to Pledgor and/or a contribution to its common equity by Pledgor with the net cash and Cash Equivalent proceeds from the issuance and sale by Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent of Borrower) of its Equity Interests to Pledgor or a contribution by Pledgor to Borrower’s common equity, to the extent that such net cash and Cash Equivalent proceeds are Not Otherwise Applied and any Permitted Refinancing of such Indebtedness;
(i)Indebtedness consisting of the financing of insurance premiums;
(j)Indebtedness in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees, bankers’ acceptances or similar instruments issued or created in the ordinary course of business;
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provided that any reimbursement obligations in respect thereof are reimbursed within thirty (30) days following the incurrence thereof;
(k)obligations in respect of appeal and surety bonds and performance and completion guarantees and similar obligations or obligations in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments related thereto, in each case in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice;
(l)Indebtedness of the Borrower in respect of one or more series of senior secured loans or notes, junior secured or unsecured “mezzanine” loans or notes or senior unsecured or subordinated loans or notes (whether issued in a public offering, under Rule 144A of the Securities Act or in another private placement or otherwise), in each case, pursuant to an indenture, interim agreement, loan agreement, note purchase agreement or otherwise and any extensions, renewals, refinancings and replacements thereof, including in the case of any such notes, any Registered Equivalent Notes (the “Incremental Equivalent Debt”); provided that (i) any such Incremental Equivalent Debt that is secured shall not be secured by any property or assets of the Borrower other than the Collateral, (ii) any such Incremental Equivalent Debt shall have a Weighted Average Life to Maturity (in the case of debt securities, as measured with respect to the redemption date) not shorter than the longest remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Facilities (after giving effect to any prior payments that would otherwise modify such Weighted Average Life to Maturity), (iii) such Incremental Equivalent Debt shall have a maturity date (or, in the case of debt securities, redemption date) that is on or after the Latest Maturity Date of the Term Loans outstanding at the time such Indebtedness is incurred, and in the case of Incremental Equivalent Junior Debt, have a maturity date that is at least ninety-one (91) days after the Latest Maturity Date, (iv) such Incremental Equivalent Debt shall not require any prepayments that are inconsistent with Section 2.16, (v) such Incremental Equivalent Debt shall not be subject to mandatory redemption, repurchase, prepayment or sinking fund obligations (except with respect to any customary asset sale, event of loss, change of control, event of default, or, in the case of Incremental Equivalent Debt in the form of loans, excess cash flow provisions that provide for prior Payment in Full), in each case on or prior to the Latest Maturity Date of the Term Loans outstanding at the time such Indebtedness is incurred (and any such permitted mandatory prepayments shall be required to be shared, for the avoidance of doubt, on at least a pro rata basis with the Term Loan Facility), (vi) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all Incremental Equivalent Debt incurred in accordance with this clause (l) of the definition of “Permitted Debt”, together with the aggregate principal amount of all Incremental Commitments and Incremental Term Loans shall not exceed the Incremental Availability Amount, (vii) the security agreements, if applicable, relating to such Indebtedness are substantially the same as the Collateral Documents (with such differences as are reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent), (viii) if such Incremental Equivalent Debt is secured, it shall rank pari passu or junior in right of payment and of security (including with respect to the Permitted Expansion) with the Initial Term Loans and the Term Conversion Date Term Loans and the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness shall have become party to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement and/or Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, as applicable, (ix) subject to clauses (ii) and (iii) above, the amortization, pricing, rate floors, discounts, fees, premiums and optional
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prepayment and redemption provisions applicable to such Incremental Equivalent Debt shall be determined by the Borrower and the holders of such Incremental Equivalent Debt and (x) each the conditions precedent to the Incremental Facility Closing Date in Section 2.13(e)(i) shall apply mutatis mutandis to the incurrence of any Incremental Equivalent Debt;
(m)Indebtedness supported by a letter of credit with respect to which the Borrower has any reimbursement obligations, so long as such reimbursement obligations constitute Indebtedness permitted pursuant to any other clause of this Section 7.02;
(n)Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness; and
(o)all premiums (if any), interest (including post-petition interest), fees, expenses, charges and additional or contingent interest on obligations described in clauses (a) through (n) above.
For purposes of determining compliance with Section 7.02, in the event that an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Indebtedness described in clauses (a) through (o) above, the Borrower shall, in its sole discretion, classify or later divide, classify or reclassify all or a portion of such item of Indebtedness or any portion thereof in a manner that complies with Section 7.02 and will only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness in one or more of the above clauses; provided that all Indebtedness outstanding under the Loan Documents and, in each case, any Permitted Refinancing thereof, will at all times be deemed to be outstanding in reliance only on the exception in clause (a) of the definition of “Permitted Debt” (but without limiting the right of the Borrower to classify and reclassify, or later divide, classify or reclassify, Indebtedness incurred under Section 2.13 or clause (l) of the definition of “Permitted Debt”.
“Permitted Dispositions” means, with respect to the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture, as applicable:
(a)Dispositions of property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in the ordinary course of business;
(b)to the extent constituting Dispositions, transactions permitted by Sections 7.01, 7.03, 7.04 and 7.07;
(c)Dispositions contemplated as of the Closing Date and listed on Schedule 7.05;
(d)Dispositions, liquidations or use of Cash Equivalents;
(e)transfers of property subject to Casualty Events;
(f)Dispositions of property; provided that (i) at the time of such Disposition (other than any such Disposition made pursuant to a legally binding commitment entered into at a time when no Event of Default exists), no Event of Default shall exist or would immediately result from such Disposition, (ii) the Net Proceeds of such Material
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Dispositions are applied in accordance with Section 2.04(b) (other than Net Proceeds of Dispositions of assets no longer used or useful for the business of the Borrower or the construction or operation of the Project) and (iii) with respect to any Disposition pursuant to this clause (f), the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture shall receive one hundred percent (100%) of such consideration in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents; provided, however, that for the purposes of this clause (f)(iii), any securities received from such transferee that are converted into cash or Cash Equivalents (to the extent of the cash or Cash Equivalents received) within ninety (90) days following the closing of the applicable Disposition shall be deemed to be cash;
(g)the unwinding, including any termination, transfer, liquidation or novation, of any Interest Rate Hedge Agreement;
(h)subject to the applicable requirements of Section 2.04(b), Dispositions of Investments in the Double E Joint Venture to the extent required by, or made pursuant to customary buy/sell arrangements between, the joint venture parties set forth in the JV LLC Agreement, provided that such Disposition does not constitute a Total Sale (other than in connection with prepayment of the Facilities);
(i)the lapse or abandonment in the ordinary course of business any registrations or applications for registration of any immaterial IP Rights; and
(j)Disposition of any property or assets acquired using Excluded Proceeds, in an amount equal to the amount of Excluded Proceeds previously received and the Borrower elects to apply under this clause (j);
provided that any Disposition of any property pursuant to clauses (c), (f) or (j) of the definition of “Permitted Dispositions” shall be for no less than the fair market value of such property at the time of such Disposition as determined by the Borrower in good faith. To the extent any Collateral is Disposed of as expressly permitted by Section 7.05 to any Person other than the Borrower, such Collateral shall be sold free and clear of the Liens created by the Loan Documents, and the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall be authorized to take any actions in order to effect the foregoing.
“Permitted Expansion” has the meaning given to the term “Construction Opportunity” in the JV LLC Agreement, other than the Compression Addition.
“Permitted First Lien General Debt” means any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to clause (h) of the definition of “Permitted Debt” that is permitted to be secured pursuant to clause (p) of the definition of “Permitted Liens” and is secured on a pari passu basis with the Obligations.
“Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt” means any Permitted First Priority Refinancing Notes and any Permitted First Priority Refinancing Loans.
“Permitted First Priority Refinancing Loans” means any Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness in the form of secured loans incurred by the Borrower in the form of one or more tranches of Loans under this Agreement; provided that (a) such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis (but without regard to the control of remedies) with the Liens
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securing the Obligations, is not secured by any property or assets of the Borrower other than the Collateral, and ranks on the same basis in right of payment as the Refinanced Debt, (b) if such Indebtedness is in the form of Refinancing Term Loans, it does not mature on or prior to the date that is the Latest Maturity Date and does not have a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the longest Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Term Loans hereunder, in either case at the time such Indebtedness is incurred or issued, (c) if such Indebtedness in the form of Other Revolving Credit Loans or Other Revolving Credit Commitments, it does not mature on or prior to the date that is the Latest Maturity Date of the Revolving Credit Loans or Revolving Credit Commitments being refinanced, (d) the security agreements relating to such Indebtedness are substantially the same as or more favorable to the Borrower than the Collateral Documents (with such differences as are reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) and (e) an Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness shall have become party to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
“Permitted First Priority Refinancing Notes” means any Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness in the form of secured Indebtedness (including any Registered Equivalent Notes) incurred by the Borrower in the form of one or more series of senior secured notes (whether issued in a public offering, Rule 144A, private placement or otherwise); provided that (a) such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis (but without regarding to the control of remedies) with the Liens securing the Obligations, is not secured by any property or assets of the Borrower other than the Collateral, and ranks on the same basis in right of payment as the Refinanced Debt, (b) such Indebtedness does not mature on or prior to the date that is the Latest Maturity Date and does not have a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the longest Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Term Loans hereunder, in either case at the time such Indebtedness is incurred or issued, (c) the security agreements relating to such Indebtedness are substantially the same as or more favorable to the Borrower than the Collateral Documents (with such differences as are reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) and (d) an Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness shall have become party to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement. Permitted First Priority Refinancing Notes will include any Registered Equivalent Notes issued in exchange therefor.
“Permitted Fundamental Changes” means, with respect to the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture, as applicable:
(a)the Borrower may change its legal form if the Borrower determines in good faith that such action is in the best interest of the Borrower, as applicable, and if not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders; it being understood that a change in the status of the Borrower that causes the Borrower to no longer be treated as a disregarded entity for tax purposes shall be deemed to be materially disadvantageous to the Lenders; it being understood that a Division/Series Transaction with respect to the Borrower shall be deemed to be materially disadvantageous to the Lenders; and
(b)so long as no Event of Default exists or would immediately result therefrom, and subject to clause (a) above, the Borrower may merge into or consolidate with any other Person; provided that (i) the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving limited liability company or (ii) if the Person formed by or surviving any such merger or consolidation is not the Borrower (any such Person, the “Successor Company”), (A) the Successor
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Company shall be an entity organized or existing under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof, (B) the Successor Company shall expressly assume all the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which the Borrower is a party pursuant to a supplement hereto or thereto in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, and (C) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer and an opinion of counsel, each stating that such merger or consolidation and such supplement to this Agreement or any Collateral Document preserves the enforceability of this Agreement and the Collateral Documents and the perfection of the Liens under the Collateral Documents; provided, further, that if the foregoing are satisfied, the Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for, the Borrower under this Agreement.
“Permitted Investments” means, with respect to the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture, as applicable:
(a)Investments in Cash Equivalents;
(b)Investments in the Double E Joint Venture and Investments constituting Equity Interests in the Double E Joint Venture; provided that Required Contributions and Other Required Contributions and Member Loans may only be made with amounts on deposit in any Excluded Account and any applicable amounts available in accordance with Section 2.16(i)(iii) and Section 2.16(i)(x)(A);
(c)Investments existing or contemplated on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 7.03, and any modification, replacement, renewal, reinvestment or extension thereof;
(d)Investments in Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreements permitted under clause (d) of the definition of “Permitted Debt”;
(e)promissory notes and other non-cash consideration received in connection with Dispositions permitted by Section 7.05;
(f)the Transactions and Investments made in connection with the Transactions;
(g)Investments in the ordinary course of business consisting of UCC Article 3 endorsements for collection or deposit and UCC Article 4 customary trade arrangements with customers consistent with past practices;
(h)other Investments, which when combined with the aggregate amount of other Investments outstanding pursuant to this clause (i) (valued at the time of the making thereof, and without giving effect to any write downs or write offs thereof, but giving effect to any positive return in respect thereof, including dividends, interest, distributions, returns of principal, profits on sale, repayments, income and similar amounts), does not exceed at the time when any such new Investment is made, $3,000,000;
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(i)Investments that are made in an amount equal to the amount of Excluded Proceeds previously received and the Borrower elects to apply under this clause (j) of the definition of “Permitted Investments”;
(j)earnest money deposits required in connection with any Investment otherwise expressly permitted under Section 7.03; and
(k)Investments that are made using cash and Cash Equivalents in any Excluded Account.
“Permitted Junior General Debt” means any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to clause (h) of the definition of “Permitted Debt” other than Permitted First Lien General Debt.
“Permitted Liens” means, with respect to the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture, as applicable:
(a)Liens pursuant to any Loan Document;
(b)(i) Liens existing on the Closing Date and listed on Schedule 7.02, and (ii) any modifications, replacements, renewals, refinancings, or extensions of any of the foregoing; provided that (A) the Lien does not extend to any additional property other than (x) after-acquired property that is affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien, and (y) proceeds and products thereof, and (B) the modification, replacement, renewal, extension or refinancing of the obligations secured or benefited by such Liens, to the extent constituting Indebtedness, is permitted by Section 7.02;
(c)Liens for Taxes that are not overdue for a period of more than sixty (60) days or that are being contested in good faith and by appropriate actions, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person to the extent required in accordance with GAAP;
(d)statutory or common law Liens of landlords, sublandlords, carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen, repairmen, construction contractors or like Liens that secure amounts not overdue for a period of more than sixty (60) days, or if more than sixty (60) days overdue, that are unfiled and no other action has been taken to enforce such Lien or that are being contested in good faith and by appropriate actions diligently conducted and for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP;
(e)pledges and deposits in the ordinary course of business 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, liability or casualty insurance to the Borrower;
(f)pledges, deposits or Liens to secure statutory or regulatory obligations, surety, stay, and appeal bonds, and other obligations of a like nature (including (i) those to secure health, safety and environmental obligations and (ii) letters of credit and bank
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guarantees required or requested by any Governmental Authority in connection with any contract or Law) incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(g)Liens (i) securing judgments or orders for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under Section 8.01(h) or (ii) securing appeal or other surety bonds related to such judgments;
(h)leases, licenses, subleases or sublicenses granted to others (i) in the ordinary course of business, and (ii) which do not (A) materially and adversely interfere with the business of the Borrower, taken as a whole or (B) secure any Indebtedness;
(i)Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code on items in the course of collection and (ii) in favor of a banking or other financial institution arising as a matter of Law or under customary general terms and conditions encumbering deposits or other funds maintained with a financial institution (including the right of set-off) and that are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry or arising pursuant to such banking institution’s general terms and conditions;
(j)Liens (i) on cash advances or Cash Equivalents in favor of the seller of any property to be acquired in an Investment permitted pursuant to clauses (c) and (i) of the definition of “Permitted Investment” to be applied against the purchase price for such Investment, and (ii) consisting of an agreement to Dispose of any property in a Disposition permitted under Section 7.05, 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;
(k)any interest or title of a lessor, sublessor, licensor or sublicensor under leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses entered into in the ordinary course of business, which do not individually or in the aggregate materially and adversely interfere with the conduct of the business of the Borrower, taken as a whole;
(l)Liens that are contractual rights of set-off or rights of pledge (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness or (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Borrower to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower;
(m)Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits made in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement permitted hereunder;
(n)Liens arising from precautionary Uniform Commercial Code financing statement or similar filings;
(o)Liens on insurance policies and the proceeds thereof securing the financing of the premiums with respect thereto;
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(p)Liens with respect to property or assets of the Borrower securing obligations in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time not to exceed $2,000,000, determined as of the date of incurrence; provided, that if such Indebtedness is secured by Liens on the Collateral, the representative of the holders of any such Indebtedness (including any Other Debt Representative) becomes party, in the event that it is not already a party, to (i) if such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis (but without regard to the control of remedies) with the Obligations, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement as a “Senior Representative” (as defined in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement), in the event that a Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement is in effect at such time, and the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement and (ii) if such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a second priority (or other junior priority) basis to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement as a “Second Priority Representative” (as defined in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement);
(q)Liens to secure Indebtedness permitted under clause (l) of the definition of “Permitted Debt”; provided that the representative of the holders of each such Indebtedness becomes party to (i) if such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis (but without regard to the control of remedies) with the Obligations, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement (if any) as a “Senior Representative” (or similar term, in each case, as defined in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement), if applicable, and the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement and (ii) if such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a junior priority basis to the Liens securing the Obligations, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement as a “Junior Lien Representative” (or similar term, in each case, as defined in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement);
(r)Liens on the Collateral securing obligations in respect of (i) Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness constituting Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt or Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt (and any Permitted Refinancing of any of the foregoing); provided that the representative of the holders of each such Indebtedness (including any Other Debt Representative) becomes party, in the event that it is not already a party, to (A) if such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis (but without regard to the control of remedies) with the Obligations, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement as a “Senior Representative” (as defined in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement), in the event that a Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement is in effect at such time, and a First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, and (B) if such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a second priority (or other junior priority) basis to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement as a “Second Priority Representative” (as defined in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement), and (ii) Incremental Facilities;
(s)Liens on assets or property constituting Excluded Proceeds contributed to the Borrower; and
(t)Liens created by operation of the JV LLC Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no consensual Liens shall exist on Equity Interests that constitute Collateral other than pursuant to clauses (a), (c), (g), (p), (q) and (r) above.
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For purposes of determining compliance with Section 7.01, (A) Liens need not be incurred solely by reference to one category of Liens permitted by Section 7.01 but are permitted to be incurred in part under any combination thereof and of any other available exemption and (B) in the event that such Lien (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of one or more of the categories of Liens permitted by Section 7.01, the Borrower shall, in its sole discretion, classify or reclassify such Lien (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with such provision.
“Permitted Other Debt Conditions” means, with respect to Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt and Permitted Unsecured Refinancing Debt, that such Indebtedness (a) does not mature on or prior to the date that is the Latest Maturity Date, does not have scheduled amortization payments of principal in excess of the original principal amount thereof or payments of principal and is not subject to mandatory redemption, repurchase, prepayment or sinking fund obligations (except customary asset sale, event of loss, change of control, or event of default provisions) prior to the Latest Maturity Date and does not have a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the longest Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Term Loans hereunder, in either case at the time such Indebtedness is incurred or issued, (b) is in the form of Other Revolving Credit Loans or Other Revolving Credit Commitments, and (c) to the extent secured, the security agreements relating to such Indebtedness are substantially the same as or more favorable to the Borrower than the Collateral Documents (with such differences as are reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent).
“Permitted Refinancing” means, with respect to any Person, any modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement or extension of any Indebtedness of such Person; provided that (a) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) thereof does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of the Indebtedness so modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended except by an amount equal to unpaid accrued interest, premium and penalties thereon plus other reasonable amounts paid, and fees and expenses reasonably incurred, in connection with such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement or extension and by an amount equal to any existing commitments unutilized thereunder, (b) such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement or extension has 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 Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended, (c) at the time thereof, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (except if as a result of such Permitted Refinancing such Default or Event of Default shall no longer be continuing) and (d) if such Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended is Junior Financing, (i) to the extent such Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended is subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations, such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement or extension is subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations on terms at least as favorable (as determined by the Borrower) to the Lenders taken as a whole, as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended, (ii) such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement or extension is incurred by the Person who is the obligor of the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended and (iii) if the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended was subject to an Intercreditor Agreement, the holders of such modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended
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Indebtedness (if such Indebtedness is secured) or their representative on their behalf shall become party to such Intercreditor Agreement.
“Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt” means secured Indebtedness (including any Registered Equivalent Notes) incurred by the Borrower in the form of one or more series of second lien (or other junior lien) secured notes or second lien (or other junior lien) secured loans; provided that (a) such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a second priority (or other junior priority) basis to the liens securing the Obligations and the obligations in respect of any Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt and is not secured by any property or assets of the Borrower other than the Collateral, ranks on the same or lower basis in right of payment as the Indebtedness being refinanced, (b) such Indebtedness may be secured by a Lien on the Collateral that is junior to the Liens securing the Obligations and the obligations in respect of any Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in the definition of “Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness,” (c) an Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness shall have become party to the provisions of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement as a “Second Priority Representative” thereunder, and (d) such Indebtedness meets the Permitted Other Debt Conditions. Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt will include any Registered Equivalent Notes issued in exchange therefor.
“Permitted Tax Distribution” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.07(f).
“Permitted Transferee” means [***] and any Person that, (i) (a) (1) when considered collectively with its Affiliates, has, or is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of a Person that has, a credit rating for senior unsecured long term indebtedness of BBB- or higher from either S&P Global Ratings or Fitch, Inc. or Baa3 or higher from Moody’s or (2) has, or is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of a Person that has, a tangible net worth, assets under management or uncalled capital commitments in an aggregate amount of at least $500,000,000 or, if its securities are publicly traded, equity value of at least $500,000,000 and (b) (1) such Person has substantial experience in the natural gas gathering, processing or transmission business in the United States or has contracted with a third party operator which has substantial experience in the natural gas gathering, processing or transmission business in the United States or (2) Exxon Member assumes control as “operator” of the Project in accordance with the JV LLC Agreement and the O&M Agreement or (ii) is otherwise approved by Required Lenders (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed).
“Permitted Unsecured Refinancing Debt” means unsecured Indebtedness (including any Registered Equivalent Notes) incurred by the Borrower in the form of one or more series of senior unsecured notes or loans; provided that such Indebtedness meets the Permitted Other Debt Conditions.
“Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
“Plan” means any “employee benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, sponsored, maintained or contributed to by the Borrower or, with respect to any such plan that is subject to Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA, any ERISA Affiliate.
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“Plan Asset Regulations” means the regulations issued by the United States Department of Labor at Section 2510.3-101 of Part 2510 of Chapter XXV, Title 29 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations, as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA.
“Pledge Agreement” means the Pledge Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date and substantially in the form of Exhibit I, between the Pledgor and the Collateral Agent.
“Pledged Debt” has the meaning set forth in the Security Agreement.
“Pledged Equity” has the meaning set forth in the Security Agreement.
“Pledgor” means Summit Permian Transmission Holdco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
“Prepayment Amount” means, as applicable:
(b) |
in the case of Equity Sales (other than a Total Sale), in the amount required under the Adjusted Base Case Model (calculated on a pro forma basis, taking into account such Equity Sales); and |
(c) |
in the case of one or more Material Contract Payments or Casualty Events as a result of which Borrower has received Net Proceeds in the aggregate equal to or in excess of $5,000,000, an amount up to such Net Proceeds received by Borrower in connection with such Material Contract Payment or Casualty Event to the extent required to cause the remaining amount of Term Loans in aggregate to be equal or less than the maximum amount thereof that achieves the Applicable Debt Sizing Criteria based upon (and calculated on a pro forma basis, taking into account such Material Contract Payment or Casualty Event, in accordance with) the Adjusted Base Case Model. |
“Prime Rate” means the rate of interest last quoted by The Wall Street Journal as the “Prime Rate” in the U.S. or, if The Wall Street Journal ceases to quote such rate, the highest per annum interest rate published by the Federal Reserve Board in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) (Selected Interest Rates) as the “bank prime loan” rate or, if such rate is no longer quoted therein,
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any similar rate quoted therein (as determined by the Administrative Agent) or any similar release by the Federal Reserve Board (as determined by the Administrative Agent).
“Principal Payment Amounts” means (a) scheduled principal and other payments with respect to Pari Passu Permitted Debt (other than Interest Rate Hedge Agreements entered into in connection therewith and any Working Capital Loans or L/C Loans then outstanding) and (b) any Swap Termination Value then due and payable in respect of Interest Rate Hedge Agreements entered into in connection with any Pari Passu Permitted Debt.
“Pro Rata Share” means, with respect to each Lender, at any time a fraction (expressed as a percentage, carried out to the ninth decimal place), the numerator of which is the amount of the Commitments and, if applicable and without duplication, Loans of such Lender under the applicable Facility or Facilities at such time and the denominator of which is the amount of the Aggregate Commitments under the applicable Facility or Facilities and, if applicable and without duplication, Loans under the applicable Facility or Facilities at such time; provided that, in the case of the Working Capital Facility and the L/C Facility, if such Commitments have been terminated, then the Pro Rata Share of each Lender shall be determined based on the Pro Rata Share of such Lender immediately prior to such termination and after giving effect to any subsequent assignments made pursuant to the terms hereof.
“Project” refers to that 1.35 Bcf/d Double E pipeline to be owned by the Double E Joint Venture and which will have a 42” mainline and two 30” laterals, together with interconnections, meter stations, and related assets, and provide natural gas transportation from various receipt points in the Delaware Basin and various delivery points in and around the Waha hub.
“Project L/C Sublimit” means the lesser of (a) $5,000,000 and (b) the aggregate unused amount of the Working Capital Commitments then in effect.
“Project Letter of Credit” means any irrevocable standby letter of credit, substantially in the form of Exhibit N-1 or such other form reasonably acceptable to the applicable L/C Issuer and the Borrower, issued pursuant to Section 2.03(a)(ii)(A).
“Projected Debt Service” means, for any period, the sum of the following projected amounts: (a) scheduled cash interest, commitment fees, letter of credit fees, and scheduled principal payable during such period in respect of the applicable Incremental Facility less any net payments receivable by the Borrower during such period pursuant to Interest Rate Hedge Agreements in connection with the applicable Incremental Facility and (b) any net payments payable by the Borrower during such period pursuant to Interest Rate Hedge Agreements in connection with the applicable Incremental Facility. For the avoidance of doubt, Projected Debt Service shall not include (i) mandatory prepayments pursuant to the Loan Documents applicable to such Incremental Facility and (ii) any amounts required to be transferred to the Debt Service Reserve Account.
“PTE” means a prohibited transaction class exemption issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, as any such exemption may be amended from time to time.
“QFC Affiliate” has the meaning given in Section 2(k) of the Bank Holding Company Act (12 U.S.C. 1841(k)) and Section 225.2(a) of the FRB’s Regulation Y (12 CFR 225.2(a)).
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“QFC Credit Support” has the meaning given in Section 10.23.
“Qualified Capacity Lease Agreement” means any capacity lease agreement having an initial term of at least one (1) year and having substantially similar terms to the terms of the Capacity Lease Agreements in effect on the Closing Date, or as otherwise would be more beneficial to the Double E Joint Venture.
“Qualified Transportation Agreement” means any transportation agreement having an initial term of at least two (2) years and having substantially similar terms to the terms of the Transportation Agreements in effect on the Closing Date, or as otherwise would be more beneficial to the Double E Joint Venture.
“Quarterly Payment Date” means (a) the Initial Quarterly Payment Date and (b) the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first full quarter after the Initial Quarterly Payment Date.
“Real Property” means, collectively, all right, title and interest (including any leasehold, mineral or other estate) in and to any and all parcels of or interests in real property owned or leased by any Person, whether by lease, license or other means, together with, in each case, all easements, hereditaments and appurtenances relating thereto, all improvements and appurtenant fixtures and equipment, all general intangibles and contract rights and other property and rights incidental to the ownership, lease or operation thereof.
“Reference Time” means, with respect to any setting of the then-current Benchmark, (1) if such Benchmark is the Eurocurrency Rate, 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the day that is two London banking days preceding the date of such setting, and (2) if such Benchmark is not the Eurocurrency Rate, the time determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.
“Refinanced Debt” has the meaning set forth in the definition of Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness.
“Refinancing Amendment” means an amendment to this Agreement executed by each of (a) the Borrower, (b) the Administrative Agent, (c) each Additional Refinancing Lender and (d) each Lender that agrees to provide any portion of Refinancing Term Loans, Other Revolving Credit Commitments or Other Revolving Credit Loans incurred pursuant thereto, in accordance with Section 2.14.
“Refinancing Series” means all Refinancing Term Loans, Refinancing Term Commitments, Other Revolving Credit Commitments or Other Revolving Credit Loans that are established pursuant to the same Refinancing Amendment (or any subsequent Refinancing Amendment to the extent such Refinancing Amendment expressly provides that the Refinancing Term Loans, Refinancing Term Commitments, Other Revolving Credit Commitments or Other Revolving Credit Loans provided for therein are intended to be a part of any previously established Refinancing Series) and that provide for the same All-In Yield and, in the case of Refinancing Term Loans or Refinancing Term Commitments, amortization schedule.
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“Refinancing Term Commitments” means one or more Classes of Term Commitments hereunder that are established to fund Refinancing Term Loans of the applicable Refinancing Series hereunder pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment.
“Refinancing Term Loans” means one or more Classes of Term Loans hereunder that result from a Refinancing Amendment.
“Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(d).
“Registered Equivalent Notes” means, with respect to any notes originally issued in an offering pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act or other private placement transaction under the Securities Act of 1933, substantially identical notes (having the same guarantees) issued in a dollar-for-dollar exchange therefor pursuant to an exchange offer registered with the SEC.
“Release” means any spilling, leaking, leaching, pumping, pouring, emitting, escaping, emptying, seeping, discharging, injecting, dumping, depositing or disposing into or through the Environment.
“Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or any successor thereto.
“Reportable Event” means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder with respect to a Pension Plan, other than events for which the thirty (30) day notice period has been waived.
“Request for Credit Extension” means (a) with respect to a Borrowing, continuation or conversion of Term Loans or Revolving Credit Loans, a Committed Loan Notice and (b) with respect to an L/C Credit Extension, a Letter of Credit Application.
“Required Action” means, with respect to any matter, right, obligation or restriction relating to the Double E Joint Venture under the Loan Documents, Material Contracts and Additional Material Contracts with respect to which the JV LLC Agreement grants voting, approval or consent rights to the Borrower, or otherwise provides the Borrower with the ability to cause the Double E Joint Venture to take, or restrict the Double E Joint Venture from taking, any action, the exercise by the Borrower of such voting, approval or consent rights under the JV LLC Agreement and the fiduciary duties, if any, of the Borrower as such exercise may be limited by applicable law, to ensure that the obligations or restrictions applicable to the Double E Joint Venture under the Loan Documents are complied with, the Material Contracts are enforced or complied with, and/or rights granted to the Double E Joint Venture under the Loan Documents are enforced (or restrictions thereon, not suffered to exist), as applicable, in accordance with the Loan Documents, Material Contracts or Additional Material Contracts.
“Required Class Lenders” means, with respect to any Class on any date of determination, Lenders having more than fifty percent (50.0%) of the sum of (i) the outstanding Loans under such Class and (ii) the aggregate unused Commitments under such Facility; provided that the unused Commitments (if any) of, and the portion of the outstanding Loans under such Class held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of the Required Class Lenders; provided, further, that, to the same extent set forth in
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Section 10.07(m) with respect to determination of Required Lenders, the Loans of any Affiliated Lender shall in each case be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Class Lenders.
“Required Consent Right” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.13.
“Required Contributions” means, with respect to the Double E Joint Venture, upon the issuance of a Capital Call Notice, the Borrower’s pro rata share (based on its Percentage Interest, as defined in the JV LLC Agreement) of the amounts necessary to fund (A) the expenditures specified in the Budget, including any applicable Permitted Overrun, and including any Final Completion Amount approved in accordance with Section 6.18 of the JV LLC Agreement, (B) the expenditures specified in any Construction Opportunity Budget relating to any Construction Opportunity (as defined in the JV LLC Agreement) that was approved prior to Final Completion as provided in Section 6.12(c) of the JV LLC Agreement (including any applicable Permitted Overrun), (C) Emergency Expenditures, and (D) the expenditures specified in any Special Construction Project Budget for a Special Construction Project for which such Member is a Participating Member (as such terms are defined in the JV LLC Agreement).
“Required Contributions Reserve Account” means account number [***] of the Borrower, established with the Depositary Bank pursuant to the Depositary Agreement.
“Required Facility Lenders” mean, as of any date of determination, with respect to any Facility, Lenders having more than fifty percent (50.0%) of the sum of (a) the Total Outstanding under such Facility (with the aggregate amount of each Lender’s risk participation and funded participation in Working Capital Obligations under such Facility being deemed “held” by such Lender for purposes of this definition) and (b) the aggregate unused Commitments under such Facility; provided that the unused Commitments (if any) of, and the portion of the Total Outstanding under such Facility held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of the Required Facility Lenders; provided, further, that, to the same extent set forth in Section 10.07(m) with respect to determination of Required Lenders, the Loans of any Affiliated Lender shall in each case be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Facility Lenders.
“Required Lenders” means, as of any date of determination, Lenders having more than fifty percent (50.0%) of the sum of the (a) Total Outstanding (with the aggregate amount of each Lender’s risk participation and funded participation in Working Capital Obligations being deemed “held” by such Lender for purposes of this definition), (b) aggregate unused Term Commitments, and (c) aggregate unused Working Capital Commitments; provided that the unused Term Commitments (if any) and unused Working Capital Commitments (if any) of, and the portion of the Total Outstanding held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders; provided, further, that, to the same extent set forth in Section 10.07(m) with respect to determination of Required Lenders, the Loans of any Affiliated Lender shall in each case be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders.
“Required ROW” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(k).
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“Resolution Authority” means an EEA Resolution Authority or, with respect to any UK Financial Institution, a UK Resolution Authority.
“Responsible Officer” means the chief executive officer, president, vice president, chief financial officer, chief legal officer, treasurer, assistant treasurer, secretary, assistant secretary or any Person who is a manager or managing member of a limited liability company (or any of the preceding with regard to any such manager or managing member) or any other similar officer of the Borrower responsible for the administration of the obligations of the Borrower in respect of the Loan Documents. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of the Borrower and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of the Borrower.
“Restricted Payment Conditions” means, (a) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (b) the amount of the Funded DSR shall be at least equal to the DSR Requirement, (c) the Term Conversion Date shall have occurred, (d) no Revolving Credit Loans made to reimburse drawings on the Letters of Credit or Unreimbursed Amounts are outstanding, (e) the Debt Service Coverage Ratio shall equal or exceed 1.20:1.00, and (f) no breach by the Double E Joint Venture of a Material Contract shall have occurred and be continuing which could reasonably be expected to result in (x) a reduction of projected distributions from the Double E Joint Venture to the Borrower that, at the time of such Restricted Payment, would cause the Debt Service Coverage Ratio to be less than 1.20:1.00 or (y) a Material Adverse Effect on (1) the Borrower, if the breach relates to an Additional Material Contract entered into in connection with a Permitted Expansion or Compression Addition, or (2) the Borrower or the Double E Joint Venture, if the breach relates to any Material Contract that is not an Additional Material Contract covered under clause (f)(y)(1) of this definition.
“Restricted Payments” means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interest of the Borrower, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, defeasance, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such Equity Interest, or on account of any return of capital to the Borrower’s stockholders, partners or members (or the equivalent Persons thereof); provided that Restricted Payments shall exclude any payments made from the Distribution Account or any other Excluded Account.
“Revenue” means, collectively, all contributions, distributions, dividends and other cash and Cash Equivalents actually received by the Borrower other than: (a) Excluded Equity Proceeds; (b) Excluded Debt Proceeds; (c) proceeds of the Initial Term Loans, Term Conversion Date Term Loans and Working Capital Loans; (d) except to the extent transferred from the Equity Commitment Account in accordance with Section 2.16(l)(ii), proceeds of (i) drawings on the Equity Commitment L/C and (ii) Equity Commitment L/C Reducing Contributions; (e) Extraordinary Proceeds; and (f) proceeds of the liquidation or Disposition of Cash Equivalents credited to any Collateral Account (other than Cash Equivalents credited to the Revenue Account) or Excluded Account.
“Revenue Account” means account number [***] of the Borrower, established with the Depositary Bank pursuant to the Depositary Agreement.
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“Revolving Credit Commitments” means any Working Capital Commitments, Other Revolving Credit Commitments, or Extended Working Capital Commitments.
“Revolving Credit Loan Increase” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.13(a).
“Revolving Credit Loans” means any Working Capital Loan or L/C Loan made pursuant to Section 2.01, Other Revolving Credit Loans, Extended Working Capital Loans, Extended L/C Loans or Incremental Revolving Credit Loans, as the context may require.
“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Financial Services, a subsidiary of S&P Global Inc., and any successor thereto.
“Same Day Funds” means immediately available funds.
“Sanctions” means any international economic sanction administered or enforced by relevant Governmental Authorities, including those administered by the United States government (including without limitation, OFAC and the U.S. Department of State), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union or its Member States, or Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom.
“Sanctioned Country” means, at any time, a country or territory which is the subject or target of comprehensive Sanctions, presently, as of the date hereof, Cuba, Crimea (Ukraine), Iran, Syria and North Korea.
“Sanctioned Person” means any Person that is the target of Sanctions, including (a) any Person listed in any list of designated Persons maintained by the US government, including OFAC, the US Department of State, or the US Department of Commerce, or relevant non-US authorities, including the United Nations Security Council, the European Union or its Member States or Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom, (b) any Person organized or resident in a Sanctioned Country, or (c) any Person 50% or more owned or, where relevant under applicable Sanctions, controlled by any of the foregoing Person or Persons or acting for or on behalf of any of the foregoing Person or Persons.
“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.
“Secured Hedge Obligations” means the obligations owed by the Borrower to any Hedge Bank under any Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreement.
“Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreement” means any Interest Rate Hedge Agreement that is entered into by and between the Borrower and any Hedge Bank.
“Secured Parties” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Depositary Bank, the L/C Issuers, the Lenders, the Hedge Banks, the Supplemental Agents and each co-agent or sub-agent appointed by the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent from time to time pursuant to Section 9.02.
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
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“Security Agreement” means the Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date and substantially in the form of Exhibit H, between the Borrower and the Collateral Agent.
“Service Commencement Date” has the meaning given to such term in each Transportation Agreement.
“Shipper” means each counterparty to a Transportation Agreement listed on Part II of Schedule 1.01D and each counterparty to any Transportation Agreement entered in by the Double E Joint Venture after the Closing Date, as the case may be.
“SMLP” means Summit Midstream Partners, LP, a Delaware limited partnership.
“SOFR” means, with respect to any Business Day, a rate per annum equal to the secured overnight financing rate for such Business Day published at approximately 8:00 a.m. (New York City time) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as the administrator of the Benchmark (or a successor administrator) on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Website.
“Solvent” and “Solvency” mean, with respect to any Person on any date of determination, that on such date (a) the fair value of the assets of such Person exceeds its debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, (b) the present fair saleable value of the property of such Person is greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of its debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured, (c) such Person is able to pay its debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such liabilities become absolute and matured and (d) such Person is not engaged in, and is not about to engage in, business for which it has 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.
“SPC” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(i).
“Specified NCR Provisions” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.13.
“Specified Swap Voting Matters” has the meaning given in the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
“Specified Transaction” means any Investment, Disposition, incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness, Restricted Payment or Incremental Term Loan in respect of which the terms of this Agreement require any test to be calculated on a “pro forma basis” or after giving “pro forma effect”.
“Sponsors” means the Summit Member and, if the [***] acquires Equity Interests in the Pledgor, the [***].
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“Subsidiary” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which (a) a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned, (b) more than half of the issued share capital is at the time beneficially owned or (c) the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiaries” shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Borrower.
“Summit Member” means Summit Midstream Permian II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
“Supplemental Agent” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.13(a) and “Supplemental Agents” shall have the corresponding meaning.
“Supported QFC” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.22(b)(ii).
“Swap Termination Amount” means, with respect to a Hedge Transaction, all amounts due and payable by the Borrower under and in connection with a Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreement as a result of the termination of a Hedge Transaction (in whole or in part) pursuant to the terms of such Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreement.
“Swap Termination Value” means, in respect of any one or more Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreements, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreements, (a) for any date on or after the date such Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreements have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s) (expressed as a negative number if due and payable to the Borrower and otherwise a positive number), 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 Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreements, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Secured Interest Rate Hedge Agreements (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender) (expressed as a negative number if due and payable to a Borrower and otherwise a positive number), subject to a minimum of zero.
“Taxes” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(a).
“Term Commitment” means any Initial Term Commitment, Term Conversion Date Term Commitment, Incremental Commitment, Extended Term Loans of a given Extension Series or Refinancing Term Commitment, as the context may require.
“Term Commitment Termination Date” means the earliest of (a) the Date Certain, (b) the Term Conversion Date after the funding of Term Conversion Date Term Loans on the Term Conversion Date and (c) such earlier date on which the entire outstanding principal balance of the Initial Term Loans and Term Conversion Date Term Loans, together with all unpaid interest, fees, charges and costs and all other Obligations, become due and payable under this Agreement.
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“Term Conversion Conditions” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.04.
“Term Conversion Date” means the date on which each of the Term Conversion Conditions have been satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 4.04.
“Term Conversion Date Term Commitment” means, as to each Lender, its obligation to make a Term Conversion Date Term Loan to the Borrower on the Term Conversion Date pursuant to Section 2.01 in an aggregate amount not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name in Schedule 1.01A under the caption “Term Conversion Date Term Commitments” or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement (including Section 2.13). The aggregate Term Conversion Date Term Commitments of all Lenders shall be $160,000,000.
“Term Conversion Date Term Loans” means the term loans made by the Lenders on the Term Conversion Date to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01.
“Term Lender” means, at any time, a Lender that has Term Commitment or Term Loan at such time.
“Term Loan Amortization Amount” means, with respect to any Quarterly Payment Date, the outstanding principal amount of the Initial Term Loans and Term Conversion Date Term Loans corresponding to such Quarterly Payment Date, as identified in the Amortization Schedule.
“Term Loan Extension Request” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.15(a).
“Term Loan Extension Series” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.15(a).
“Term Loan Facility” means, at any time, the aggregate amount at such time of the Term Commitments and the extensions of credit made under this Agreement by the Term Lenders.
“Term Loan Increase” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.13(a).
“Term Loans” any Initial Term Loan, Term Conversion Date Term Loan, Incremental Term Loan, Refinancing Term Loan or Extended Term Loan, as the context may require.
“Term Note” means a promissory note of the Borrower payable to any Term Lender or its registered assigns, in substantially the form of Exhibit D-1 hereto, evidencing the aggregate Indebtedness of the Borrower to such Term Lender resulting from the Term Loans made by such Term Lender.
“Term SOFR” means, for the applicable Corresponding Tenor as of the applicable Reference Time, the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body.
“Test Period” means (a) for any date of determination under this Agreement, the latest four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower for which financial statements have been delivered to the Administrative Agent after the Closing Date and/or for which financial statements are required
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to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01, as applicable and (b) solely for any date of determination for the calculation of the Debt Service Coverage Ratio under this Agreement occurring prior to December 31, 2021, such number of fiscal quarters of the Borrower for which financial statements are required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01, which have been completed since December 31, 2021; provided that, for the period prior to the first anniversary of the Closing Date, for any calculation based upon the Test Period, such calculation shall be adjusted based upon its product with the number of days elapsed between such date of determination and the Closing Date, divided by 365 days.
“Threshold Amount” means, in the case of Borrower, $5,000,000, and in the case of the Double E Joint Venture, $10,000,000.
“Total Outstanding” means the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Loans and all L/C Obligations.
“Total Sale” means an Equity Sale that results in the Borrower no longer owning at least 20% of the voting Equity Interests in the Double E Joint Venture.
“Total Working Capital Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate amount of the Working Capital L/C Exposure of the L/C Issuers outstanding at such time plus the aggregate principal amount of all Working Capital Loans and L/C Loans outstanding at such time.
“TPG Preferred Equity” means the “Series A Preferred Units” as defined in that certain Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Pledgor, dated as of December 24, 2019.
“Transaction Expenses” means any fees or expenses incurred or paid by the Sponsors and the Borrower in connection with the Transactions (including expenses in connection with hedging transactions related to the Obligations and any original issue discount or upfront fees), this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
“Transactions” means, collectively, (a) the funding of the Initial Term Loans on the Closing Date and the execution and delivery of Loan Documents, (b) the establishment of the Collateral Accounts on the Closing Date, (c) the issuance of one or more Equity Commitment L/Cs and (d) the payment of Transaction Expenses.
“Transportation Agreement” means each transportation agreement listed in Part II of Schedule 1.01D and any Qualified Transportation Agreement.
“Type” means, with respect to a Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan or a Eurocurrency Rate Loan.
“UK Financial Institution” means 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.
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“UK Resolution Authority” means the Bank of England or any other public administrative authority having responsibility for the resolution of any UK Financial Institution.
“Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement excluding the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.
“Undisclosed Administration” means, in relation to a Lender or its direct or indirect parent company, the appointment of an administrator, provisional liquidator, conservator, receiver, trustee, custodian, or other similar official by a supervisory authority or regulator under or based on the law in the country where such Lender or such parent company is subject to home jurisdiction, if applicable law requires that such appointment not be disclosed.
“Uniform Commercial Code” or “UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as the same may from time to time be in effect in the State of New York; provided that, if perfection or the effect of perfection or non-perfection or the priority of the security interest in any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of New York, “UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in such other jurisdiction for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such perfection, effect of perfection or non-perfection or priority.
“United States” or “U.S.” means the United States of America.
“United States Tax Compliance Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibits J-1, J-2, J-3 and J-4 hereto, as applicable.
“Unreimbursed Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(c).
“USA PATRIOT Act” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, Public Law 10756, as amended or modified from time to time.
“U.S. Person” means any Person that is a “United States Person” (as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code).
“U.S. Special Resolution Regime” has the meaning given in Section 10.22(b)(ii).
“Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing: (a) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (i) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity or redemption, in respect thereof, by (ii) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment; by (b) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.
“wholly owned” means, with respect to a Subsidiary of a Person, a Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Equity Interests of which (other than (x) director’s qualifying shares and (y) shares issued to foreign nationals to the extent required by applicable Law) are owned by such Person and/or by one or more wholly owned Subsidiaries of such Person.
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“Withdrawal/Transfer Certificate” has the meaning given in Section 2.16(n).
“Withholding Agent” means the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.
“Working Capital Availability Period” means:
(a)with respect to Working Capital Loans, the period from and including the Initial Funding Date to (and excluding) the earlier of (i) the Maturity Date and (ii) the date of termination of the Working Capital Commitments in accordance with this Agreement;
(b)with respect to Project Letters of Credit and L/C Loans made in respect of draws under such Project Letters of Credit, the period from and including the Initial Funding Date to (and excluding) the earlier of (i) the date that is five (5) Business Days prior to the Maturity Date and (ii) the date of termination of the Working Capital Commitments in accordance with this Agreement; and
(c)with respect to DSR Letters of Credit and L/C Loans made in respect of draws under such DSR Letters of Credit, the period from and including the Term Conversion Date to (and excluding) the earlier of (i) the date that is five (5) Business Days prior to the Maturity Date and (ii) the date of termination of the Working Capital Commitments in accordance with this Agreement.
“Working Capital Commitment” means, with respect to each Working Capital Lender, the commitment, if any, of such Lender to make Working Capital Loans and to acquire participations in Letters of Credit and to make L/C Loans, expressed as an amount representing the maximum aggregate amount that such Lender agrees to make available as its Working Capital Loans and L/C Loans, as such commitment may from time to time be reduced or increased pursuant to one or more Assignment and Assumptions entered into by such Working Capital Lender pursuant to Section 10.07(a) or otherwise in accordance with this Agreement. The initial amount of each Working Capital Lender’s Working Capital Commitment and Pro Rata Share of the total Working Capital Commitment is set forth on Schedule 1.01A, or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Working Capital Lender shall have assumed its Working Capital Commitment, as applicable. The initial aggregate amount of all the Working Capital Lenders’ Working Capital Commitments is $15,000,000.
“Working Capital Extension Request” has the meaning provided in Section 2.15(b).
“Working Capital Extension Series” has the meaning provided in Section 2.15(b).
“Working Capital Facility” means, at any time, the aggregate amount at such time of the Working Capital Lenders’ Working Capital Commitments and L/C Issuer Commitments with respect to Letters of Credit and the extensions of credit made under this Agreement by the L/C Issuers with respect to Letters of Credit and the Working Capital Lenders.
“Working Capital L/C Exposure” means, with respect to any L/C Issuer, at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn amount of any Letter of Credit outstanding at such time issued by such L/C Issuer plus (b) the amount of any L/C Borrowing outstanding at such time under any Letter of Credit issued by such L/C Issuer.
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“Working Capital Lender” means any Lender identified in Schedule 1.01A as having a Working Capital Commitment, and each other person that acquires the rights and obligations of any Working Capital Lender in accordance with Section 10.07.
“Working Capital Loans” means one or more Classes of Loans made under the Working Capital Facility, or Extended Working Capital Loans, as the context may require.
“Working Capital Note” means a promissory note of the Borrower payable to any Working Capital Lender or its registered assigns, in substantially the form of Exhibit D-2 hereto, evidencing the aggregate Indebtedness of the Borrower to such Working Capital Lender resulting from the Working Capital Loans and L/C Loans made by such Working Capital Lender.
“Working Capital Obligations” means, as at any date of determination, the aggregate undrawn amount of all Working Capital Commitments plus the aggregate of all Borrowings of Working Capital Loans and L/C Loans made by the Working Capital Lenders. For avoidance of doubt, the Working Capital Obligations include (without duplication), as the context requires, the L/C Obligations of the L/C Issuers.
“Write-Down and Conversion Powers” means, (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.
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RULES OF INTERPRETATION
. With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan 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 Loan Document shall refer to such Loan Document as a whole and not to any particular provision thereof.
(c)Article, Section, Exhibit and Schedule references are to the Loan Document in which such reference appears (and, for avoidance of doubt, Article, Section, Exhibit and Schedule references in this Exhibit A are to the Credit Agreement unless otherwise specified herein).
(d)The term “including” is 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” means “from and including;” the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding;” and the word “through” means “to and including.”
(g)Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
(h)When reference is made herein or in any other Loan Document to judgment of the Administrative Agent (but, for avoidance of doubt, not of the Collateral Agent or any other non-fiduciary Agent), such reference to judgment shall be construed to mean discretion, solely insofar as such term applies to the Administrative Agent.
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(i)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, except as otherwise specifically prescribed herein.
(j)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 Debt Service Coverage Ratio shall be calculated with respect to such period and such Specified Transaction on a pro forma basis.
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. Any financial ratios required to be maintained 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).
Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, (a) references to Organization Documents, agreements (including the Loan Documents) 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 by the Loan Documents; and (b) references to any Law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing, implementing or interpreting such Law.
. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable).
. 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 the definition of “Interest Period”) or performance shall extend to the immediately succeeding Business Day.
. For purposes of determining whether the Borrower complies with any exception to Article VII where compliance with any such exception is based on a financial ratio or metric being satisfied as of a particular point in time, it is understood that (a) compliance shall be measured at the time when the relevant event is undertaken, as such financial ratios and metrics are intended to be “incurrence” tests and not “maintenance” tests and (b) correspondingly, any such ratio and metric shall only prohibit the Borrower from creating, incurring, assuming, suffering to exist or making, as the case may be, any new, for example, Liens, Indebtedness or Investments, but shall not result in any previously permitted, for example, Liens, Indebtedness or Investments ceasing to be permitted hereunder. For avoidance of doubt, with respect to determining whether the Borrower complies with any negative covenant in Article VII, to the extent that any obligation or transaction could be attributable to more than one exception to any such negative covenant, the Borrower may elect to categorize all or any portion of such obligation or transaction to any one or more exceptions to such negative covenant that permit such obligation or transaction.
. For all purposes under the Loan Documents, in connection with any division or plan of division under Delaware law (or any comparable event under a different jurisdiction’s laws), including a statutory division pursuant to Section 18-217 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act: (a) if any asset or property of any Person becomes the asset or property of one or more different Persons, then such asset or property shall be deemed to have been Disposed of from the original Person to the subsequent
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Person(s) on the date such division becomes effective, (b) if any obligation or liability of any Person becomes the obligation or liability of one or more different Person(s), then the original Person shall be deemed to have been automatically released from such obligation or liability and such obligation or liability shall be deemed to have been assumed by the subsequent Person(s), in each case, on the date such division becomes effective and (c) 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 on the date such division becomes effective
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EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Heath Deneke, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Summit Midstream Partners, LP;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: |
May 7, 2021 |
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/s/ Heath Deneke |
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Heath Deneke |
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President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Summit Midstream GP, LLC (the general partner of Summit Midstream Partners, LP) |
EX 31.1-1
EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Marc D. Stratton, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Summit Midstream Partners, LP;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: |
May 7, 2021 |
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/s/ Marc D. Stratton |
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Marc D. Stratton |
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Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Summit Midstream GP, LLC (the general partner of Summit Midstream Partners, LP) |
EX 31.2-1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Summit Midstream Partners, LP (the “Registrant”) for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned, Heath Deneke, as President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Summit Midstream GP, LLC, the general partner of the Registrant, and Marc D. Stratton, as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Summit Midstream GP, LLC, the general partner of the Registrant, each hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to his knowledge:
(1) |
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
(2) |
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant. |
/s/ Heath Deneke |
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Name: |
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Heath Deneke |
Title: |
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President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Summit Midstream GP, LLC |
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(the general partner of Summit Midstream Partners, LP) |
Date: |
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May 7, 2021 |
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/s/ Marc D. Stratton |
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Name: |
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Marc D. Stratton |
Title: |
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Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Summit Midstream GP, LLC |
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(the general partner of Summit Midstream Partners, LP) |
Date: |
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May 7, 2021 |
EX 32.1-1