fizz20220129_10q.htm
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Table of Contents



UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended January 29, 2022

or

 Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Commission file number 1-14170

 

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware59-2605822
(State of incorporation)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

8100 SW Tenth Street, Suite 4000, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33324

(Address of principal executive offices including zip code)

(954) 581-0922

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

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

 

Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $.01 per shareFIZZThe NASDAQ Global Select Market

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically 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).   Yes ☑ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer ☑ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company Emerging growth company

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 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). Yes No ☑

 

The number of shares of registrant’s common stock outstanding as of March 7, 2022 was 93,335,446.

 

 

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.

 

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

INDEX

 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
       
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) Page
       
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 29, 2022 and May 1, 2021 3
       
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended January 29, 2022 and January 30, 2021 4
       
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended January 29, 2022 and January 30, 2021 5
       
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Three and Nine Months Ended January 29, 2022 and January 30, 2021 6
       
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended January 29, 2022 and January 30, 2021 7
       
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 8
       
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 11
       
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 14
       
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 14
       
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
       
Item 1A. Risk Factors 15
       
Item 6. Exhibits 15
       
Signature 16

 

 

 

 PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except share data)

  

January 29,

  

May 1,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 

Assets

        

Current assets:

        

Cash and equivalents

 $40,372  $193,589 

Trade receivables - net

  82,172   86,442 

Inventories

  88,679   71,480 

Prepaid and other assets

  25,521   13,431 

Total current assets

  236,744   364,942 

Property, plant and equipment - net

  135,470   131,027 

Right-of-use assets

  36,517   41,676 

Goodwill

  13,145   13,145 

Intangible assets

  1,615   1,615 

Other assets

  4,782   4,832 

Total assets

 $428,273  $557,237 
         

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

        

Current liabilities:

        

Accounts payable

 $68,517  $88,754 

Accrued liabilities

  37,454   43,551 

Short-term lease obligations

  12,780   14,800 

Income taxes payable

  729   89 

Total current liabilities

  119,480   147,194 

Long-term debt

  50,000   - 

Deferred income taxes - net

  18,668   17,294 

Long-term lease obligations

  25,738   28,837 

Other liabilities

  8,137   7,915 

Total liabilities

  222,023   201,240 

Shareholders' equity:

        

Preferred stock, $1 par value - 1,000,000 shares authorized: Series C - 150,000 shares issued

  150   150 

Common stock, $.01 par value - 200,000,000 shares authorized; 101,708,558 shares issued (101,675,858 shares at May 1)

  1,017   1,016 

Additional paid-in capital

  39,191   38,375 

Retained earnings

  181,837   337,672 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

  8,288   3,017 

Treasury stock - at cost:

        

Series C preferred stock - 150,000 shares

  (5,100)  (5,100)

Common stock - 8,374,112 shares

  (19,133)  (19,133)

Total shareholders' equity

  206,250   355,997 

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

 $428,273  $557,237 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

   

Three Months Ended

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

January 29,

   

January 30,

   

January 29,

   

January 30,

 
   

2022

   

2021

   

2022

   

2021

 
                                 

Net sales

  $ 258,923     $ 245,931     $ 853,793     $ 811,107  
                                 

Cost of sales

    165,124       150,267       533,738       490,176  
                                 

Gross profit

    93,799       95,664       320,055       320,931  
                                 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    53,103       47,501       157,470       144,507  
                                 

Operating income

    40,696       48,163       162,585       176,424  
                                 

Other income (expense)- net

    (81 )     64       (103 )     402  
                                 

Income before income taxes

    40,615       48,227       162,482       176,826  
                                 

Provision for income taxes

    9,547       11,540       38,314       41,811  
                                 

Net income

  $ 31,068     $ 36,687     $ 124,168     $ 135,015  
                                 

Earnings per common share:

                               

Basic

  $ .33     $ .39     $ 1.33     $ 1.45  

Diluted

  $ .33     $ .39     $ 1.33     $ 1.44  
                                 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

                               

Basic

    93,329       93,296       93,319       93,273  

Diluted

    93,611       93,610       93,608       93,624  

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

   

Three Months Ended

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

January 29,

   

January 30,

   

January 29,

   

January 30,

 
   

2022

   

2021

   

2022

   

2021

 
                                 

Net income

  $ 31,068     $ 36,687     $ 124,168     $ 135,015  
                                 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

                               

Cash flow hedges

    7,984       885       5,271       7,774  
                                 

Comprehensive income

  $ 39,052     $ 37,572     $ 129,439     $ 142,789  

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

   

Three Months Ended

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

January 29, 2022

   

January 30, 2021

   

January 29, 2022

   

January 30, 2021

 
   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Shares

   

Amount

 

Series C Preferred Stock

                                                               

Beginning and end of period

    150     $ 150       150     $ 150       150     $ 150       150     $ 150  
                                                                 

Common Stock

                                                               

Beginning of period

    101,696       1,017       101,664       1,017       101,676       1,016       101,606       1,016  

Stock options exercised

    13       -       10       -       33       1       68       1  

End of Period

    101,709       1,017       101,674       1,017       101,709       1,017       101,674       1,017  
                                                                 

Additional Paid-In Capital

                                                               

Beginning of period

            38,836               37,944               38,375               37,422  

Stock options exercised

            181               72               292               475  

Stock-based compensation

            174               171               524               290  

End of period

            39,191               38,187               39,191               38,187  
                                                                 

Retained Earnings

                                                               

Beginning of period

            430,772               541,730               337,672               443,402  

Net income

            31,068               36,687               124,168               135,015  

Common stock cash dividend

            (280,003 )             (279,876 )             (280,003 )             (279,876 )

End of period

            181,837               298,541               181,837               298,541  
                                                                 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

                                                               

Beginning of period

            304               1,469               3,017               (5,420 )

Cash flow hedges, net of tax

            7,984               885               5,271               7,774  

End of period

            8,288               2,354               8,288               2,354  
                                                                 

Treasury Stock - Series C Preferred

                                                               

Beginning and end of period

    150       (5,100 )     150       (5,100 )     150       (5,100 )     150       (5,100 )
                                                                 

Treasury Stock - Common

                                                               

Beginning of period

    8,374       (19,133 )     8,374       (19,133 )     8,374       (19,133 )     8,278       (19,133 )

Stock repurchase

    -       -       -       -       -       -       96       -  

End of period

    8,374       (19,133 )     8,374       (19,133 )     8,374       (19,133 )     8,374       (19,133 )
                                                                 

Total Shareholders' Equity

          $ 206,250             $ 316,016             $ 206,250             $ 316,016  

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

January 29,

   

January 30,

 
   

2022

   

2021

 

Operating Activities:

               

Net income

  $ 124,168     $ 135,015  

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

               

Depreciation and amortization

    13,711       13,729  

Deferred income tax (benefit) provision

    (283 )     337  

Loss on sale of property, net

    11       4  

Stock-based compensation

    524       290  

Amortization of operating right of use assets

    10,117       9,845  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

               

Trade receivables

    4,270       9,252  

Inventories

    (17,199 )     (7,643 )

Operating lease right of use assets

    (5,827 )     (4,420 )

Prepaid and other assets

    (4,730 )     (4,444 )

Accounts payable

    (20,236 )     (3,001 )

Accrued and other liabilities

    (7,724 )     1,091  

Operating lease liabilities

    (4,250 )     (4,884 )

Net cash provided by operating activities

    92,552       145,171  
                 

Investing Activities:

               

Additions to property, plant and equipment

    (16,059 )     (16,997 )

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

    1       15  

Net cash used in investing activities

    (16,058 )     (16,982 )
                 

Financing Activities:

               

Borrowing under loan facility

    50,000       -  

Proceeds from stock options exercised

    292       475  

Dividend paid

    (280,003 )     (279,876 )

Net cash used in financing activities

    (229,711 )     (279,401 )
                 

Net Decrease in Cash and Equivalents

    (153,217 )     (151,212 )
                 

Cash and Equivalents - Beginning of Period

    193,589       304,518  
                 

Cash and Equivalents - End of Period

  $ 40,372     $ 153,306  
                 

Other Cash Flow Information:

               

Interest paid

  $ 189     $ 117  

Income taxes paid

  $ 42,401     $ 51,031  

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

National Beverage Corp. develops, produces, markets and sells a distinctive portfolio of sparkling waters, juices, energy drinks and carbonated soft drinks primarily in the United States and Canada. Incorporated in Delaware in 1985, National Beverage Corp. is a holding company for various operating subsidiaries. When used in this report, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” and “National Beverage” mean National Beverage Corp. and its subsidiaries.

 

 

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of National Beverage Corp. and its subsidiaries. Significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.

 

The accompanying interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all information and notes presented in the annual consolidated financial statements. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 1, 2021. The accounting policies used in these interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those used in the annual consolidated financial statements.

 

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results which might be expected for the entire fiscal year.

 

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or net realizable market. Inventories at January 29, 2022 were comprised of finished goods of $50.3 million and raw materials of $38.4 million. Inventories at May 1, 2021 were comprised of finished goods of $43.3 million and raw materials of $28.2 million.

 

Marketing Costs

The Company utilizes a variety of marketing programs, including cooperative advertising programs with customers, to advertise and promote its products to consumers. Marketing costs are expensed when incurred, except for prepaid advertising and production costs, which are expensed when the advertising takes place. Marketing costs, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses, totaled $12.9 million for the three months ended January 29, 2022 and $11.3 million for the three months ended January 30, 2021. Marketing costs totaled $36.0 million for the nine months ended January 29, 2022, and $31.2 million for the nine months ended January 30, 2021.

 

8

 

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are reported in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income. Such costs totaled $21.1 million for the three months ended January 29, 2022 and $18.0 million for the three months ended January 30, 2021. Shipping and handling costs totaled $65.5 million for the nine months ended January 29, 2022 and $55.9 million for the nine months ended January 30, 2021. Although our classification is consistent with many beverage companies, our gross margin may not be comparable to companies that include shipping and handling costs in cost of sales.

 

 

2. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

 

   

(In thousands)

 
   

January 29,

2022

   

May 1,

2021

 

Land

  $ 9,835     $ 9,835  

Buildings and improvements

    63,529       62,346  

Machinery and equipment

    271,469       257,119  

Total

    344,833       329,300  

Less accumulated depreciation

    (209,363 )     (198,273 )

Property, plant and equipment – net

  $ 135,470     $ 131,027  

 

Depreciation expense was $3.8 million and $11.6 million for the three and nine months ended January 29, 2022, respectively, and $3.7 million and $11.2 million for the three and nine months ended January 30, 2021, respectively.

 

 

3. DEBT

 

At January 29, 2022, a subsidiary of the Company maintained unsecured revolving credit facilities with banks aggregating $100 million (the “Credit Facilities”). The Credit Facilities expire from April 30, 2023 to October 28, 2024 and any borrowings would currently bear interest at 1.0% above one-month LIBOR. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facilities at January 29, 2022 or May 1, 2021. At January 29, 2022, $3 million of the Credit Facilities was reserved for standby letters of credit and $97 million was available for borrowings.

 

On December 21, 2021, a subsidiary of the Company entered into an unsecured revolving term loan facility with a national bank aggregating $50 million (the “Loan Facility”). The Loan Facility expires December 31, 2023 and borrowings bear interest at .95% above the Adjusted Daily Secured Overnight Funding Rate (SOFR). Since closing the Loan Facility, $50 million was borrowed and remains outstanding at January 29, 2022. At January 29, 2022, the interest rate was 1.11%.

 

The Credit Facilities and Loan Facility require the subsidiary to maintain certain financial ratios, including debt to net worth and debt to EBITDA (as defined in the agreements), and contain other restrictions, none of which are expected to have a material effect on our operations or financial position. At January 29, 2022, we were in compliance with all loan covenants.

 

 

4. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

During the nine months ended January 29, 2022, options to purchase 30,000 shares of common stock were granted, options to purchase 32,700 shares were exercised and options to purchase 8,400 shares were cancelled at weighted average exercise prices of $44.73, $8.91 and $33.01, respectively. At January 29, 2022, options to purchase 550,000 shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $19.35 per share were outstanding and stock-based awards to purchase 5,377,405 shares of common stock were available for grant.

 

9

 

 

 

5. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

From time to time, we enter into aluminum swap contracts to partially mitigate our exposure to changes in the cost of aluminum cans. Such financial instruments are designated and accounted for as a cash flow hedge. Accordingly, gains or losses attributable to the effective portion of the cash flow hedge are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) and reclassified into cost of sales in the period in which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of our cash flow hedge was immaterial. The following summarizes the gains (losses) recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and AOCI:

 

   

(In thousands)

 
   

Three Months Ended

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

2022

   

2021

   

2022

   

2021

 

Recognized in AOCI:

                               

Gain before income taxes

  $ 11,007     $ 2,461     $ 11,980     $ 9,672  

Less income tax provision

    2,633       589       2,866       2,314  

Net

  $ 8,374     $ 1,872     $ 9,114     $ 7,358  

Reclassified from AOCI to cost of sales:

                               

Gain (loss) before income taxes

  $ 512     $ 1,297     $ 5,052     $ (546 )

Less income tax provision (benefit)

    122       310       1,209       (130 )

Net

  $ 390     $ 987     $ 3,843     $ (416 )

Net change to AOCI

  $ 7,984     $ 885     $ 5,271     $ 7,774  

 

As of January 29, 2022, the notional amount of our outstanding aluminum swap contracts was $71.2 million and, assuming no change in commodity prices, $10.5 million of unrealized gain before tax will be reclassified from AOCI and recognized in earnings over the next 12 months.

 

As of January 29, 2022, the fair value of the derivative asset was $10.5 million, which was included as a component of prepaid and other assets. As of May 1, 2021, the fair value of the derivative asset was $3.6 million, which was included in prepaid and other assets. Such valuation does not entail a significant amount of judgment and the inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement are Level 2 as defined by the fair value hierarchy as they are observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

 

 

6. LEASES

 

The Company has entered into various non-cancelable operating lease agreements of our offices, buildings, machinery and equipment expiring at various dates through January 2030. The Company does not assume renewals in the determination of the lease term unless the renewals are deemed to be reasonably assured at lease commencement. Lease agreements generally do not contain material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. Operating lease cost for the three months ended January 29, 2022 and January 30, 2021 was $3.5 million. Operating lease cost totaled $11.1 million for the nine months ended January 29, 2022 and $10.8 million for the nine months ended January 30, 2021. As of January 29, 2022, the weighted-average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate of operating leases was 4.5 years and 3.1%, respectively. As of May 1, 2021, the weighted-average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate of operating leases was 3.06 years and 3.38%, respectively. Cash payments were $3.7 million for operating leases for the three months ended January 29, 2022 and $3.3 million for the three months ended January 30, 2021. Cash payments totaled $11.3 million for the nine months ended January 29, 2022 and $10.3 million for the nine months ended January 30, 2021.

 

10

 

The following is a summary of future minimum lease payments and related liabilities for all non-cancelable operating leases as of January 29, 2022:

 

  

(In thousands)

 

Fiscal 2022

 $4,601 

Fiscal 2023

  11,357 

Fiscal 2024

  8,836 

Fiscal 2025

  5,895 

Fiscal 2026

  3,946 

Thereafter

  6,536 

Total minimum lease payments including interest

  41,171 

Less: Amounts representing interest

  (2,653

)

Present value of minimum lease payments

  38,518 

Less: Current portion of lease liabilities

  (12,780

)

Non-current portion of lease liabilities

 $25,738 

 

 

7. CASH DIVIDEND

 

On December 2, 2021, the Company's board of directors declared a cash dividend of $3.00 per share payable to shareholders of record on December 13, 2021. The dividend of $280 million was paid on December 29, 2021.

 

 

ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

OVERVIEW

 

National Beverage Corp. innovatively refreshes America with a distinctive portfolio of sparkling waters, juices, energy drinks (Power+ Brands) and, to a lesser extent, Carbonated Soft Drinks. We believe our creative product designs, innovative packaging and imaginative flavors, along with our corporate culture and philosophy, make National Beverage unique as a stand-alone entity in the beverage industry.

 

Our strategy seeks the profitable growth of our products by (i) developing healthier beverages in response to the global shift in consumer buying habits and tailoring our beverage portfolio to the preferences of a diverse mix of ‘crossover consumers’ – a growing group desiring a healthier alternative to artificially sweetened and high-caloric beverages; (ii) emphasizing unique flavor development and variety throughout our brands that appeal to multiple demographic groups; (iii) maintaining points of difference through innovative marketing, packaging and consumer engagement and (iv) responding faster and more creatively to changing consumer trends than larger competitors who are burdened by legacy production and distribution complexity and costs.

 

 

The majority of our brands are geared to the active and health-conscious consumer including sparkling waters, energy drinks, and juices. Our portfolio of Power+ Brands includes LaCroix®, LaCroix Cúrate®, and LaCroix NiCola® sparkling water products; Clear Fruit® non-carbonated water beverages enhanced with fruit flavor; Rip It® energy drinks and shots; and Everfresh®, Everfresh Premier Varietals™ and Mr. Pure® 100% juice and juice-based products. Additionally, we produce and distribute carbonated soft drinks including Shasta® and Faygo®, iconic brands whose consumer loyalty spans more than 130 years.

 

Presently, our primary market focus is the United States and Canada. Certain of our products are also distributed on a limited basis in other countries and options to expand distribution to other regions are being considered. To service a diverse customer base that includes numerous national retailers, as well as thousands of smaller “up-and-down-the-street” accounts, we utilize a hybrid distribution system consisting of warehouse and direct-store delivery. The warehouse delivery system allows our retail partners to further maximize their assets by utilizing their ability to pick up product at our warehouses, further lowering their/our product costs.

 

Our operating results are affected by numerous factors, including fluctuations in the costs of raw materials, holiday and seasonal programming, changes in consumer purchasing habits and weather conditions. Beverage sales are seasonal with higher sales volume realized during the summer months when outdoor activities are more prevalent.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Three Months Ended January 29, 2022 (third quarter of fiscal 2022) compared to

Three Months Ended January 30, 2021 (third quarter of fiscal 2021)

 

Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2022 increased 5.3% to $258.9 million from $245.9 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2021. The increase in sales resulted primarily from a 10.1% increase in average selling price per case, partially offset by a 4.1% decline in case volume.

 

Gross profit for the third quarter of fiscal 2022 decreased to $93.8 million from $95.7 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2021. The decrease in gross profit is due to increased packaging, ingredients and freight costs. These cost increases were partially offset by the increase in average selling price. The cost of sales per case increased 15.0% and gross margin decreased to 36.2% from 38.9% for the third quarter of fiscal 2021.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter of fiscal 2022 increased $5.6 million to $53.1 million from $47.5 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2021. The increase was primarily due to an increase in shipping and marketing costs. As a percent of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 20.5% from 19.3% for the third quarter of fiscal 2021.

 

Other income (expense), net includes interest income of $39,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2022 and $109,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2021. Other income (expense), net for the third quarter of fiscal 2022 also includes interest expense of $62,000 relating to borrowings under the Loan Facility. The decrease in interest income is due to lower investment balances.

 

The Company’s effective income tax rate, based upon estimated annual income tax rates, was 23.6% for the third quarter of fiscal 2022 and 23.9% for the third quarter of fiscal 2021. The difference between the effective rate and the federal statutory rate of 21% was primarily due to the effects of state income taxes.

 

 

Nine Months Ended January 29, 2022 (first nine months of fiscal 2022) compared to

Nine Months Ended January 30, 2021 (first nine months of fiscal 2021)

 

Net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2022 increased 5.3% to $853.8 million from $811.1 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2021. The increase in sales resulted primarily from a 6.1% increase in average selling price per case, partially offset by a modest decrease in case volume.

 

Gross profit for the first nine months of fiscal 2022 was flat to the first nine months of fiscal 2021. The cost of sales per case increased 9.8% and gross margin decreased to 37.5% from 39.6% for the first nine months of fiscal 2021. The decrease in gross margin is due to increased packaging, ingredients and freight costs along with supply chain disruptions, which adversely affected manufacturing efficiencies.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first nine months of fiscal 2022 increased $13.0 million to $157.5 million from $144.5 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2021. The increase was primarily due to increased shipping and marketing costs, partially offset by decreased administrative costs. As a percent of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 18.4% from 17.8% for the first nine months of fiscal 2021.

 

Other income (expense), net includes interest income of $136,000 for the first nine months of fiscal 2022 and $506,000 for the first nine months of fiscal 2021. The decrease in interest income is due to lower investment balances.

 

The Company’s effective income tax rate, based upon estimated annual income tax rates, was 23.6% for the first nine months of fiscal 2022 and for the first nine months of fiscal 2021. The difference between the effective rate and the federal statutory rate of 21% was primarily due to the effects of state income taxes.

 

 

LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal source of funds is cash generated from operations. At January 29, 2022, we maintained $150 million unsecured revolving credit facilities, under which $50 million in borrowings were outstanding and $3 million was reserved for standby letters of credit. We believe existing capital resources will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital requirements for the next twelve months.

 

Cash Flows

The Company’s cash position decreased $153.2 million for the nine months of fiscal 2022, due primarily to the $280 million cash dividend paid on December 29, 2021.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2022 amounted to $92.6 million compared to $145.2 million for the nine months of fiscal 2021. Net cash provided by operating activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2022 was principally provided by net income of $124.2 million, depreciation and amortization of $13.7 million, and amortization of operating right of use assets of $10.1 million, offset in part by changes in working capital and other accounts.

 

Net cash used in investing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2022 reflects capital expenditures of $16.1 million, compared to capital expenditures of $17.0 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2021. We intend to continue production capacity and efficiency improvement projects, and expect fiscal 2022 capital expenditures to be comparable to fiscal 2021 levels.

 

 

Financial Position

At January 29, 2022, our working capital decreased to $117.3 million compared to $217.7 million at May 1, 2021. The current ratio was 2.0 to 1 at January 29, 2022 compared to 2.5 to 1 at May 1, 2021. The decrease in working capital and current ratio was due primarily to the payment of the $280 million cash dividend. Trade receivables decreased $4.3 million and days sales outstanding declined to 28.9 from 30.1. Inventories increased $17.2 million and inventory turns declined to 8.7 times from 9.6 times.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

There have been no material changes in market risks from those reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 1, 2021.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

National Beverage Corp. and its representatives may make written or oral statements relating to future events or results relative to our financial, operational and business performance, achievements, objectives and strategies. These statements are “forward-looking” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and include statements contained in this report and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in reports to our stockholders. Certain statements including, without limitation, statements containing the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “expects,” and “estimates” constitute “forward-looking statements” and involve known and unknown risk, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of our Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following: general economic and business conditions, pricing of competitive products, success of new product and flavor introductions, fluctuations in the costs and availability of raw materials and packaging supplies, ability to pass along cost increases to our customers, labor strikes or work stoppages or other interruptions in the employment of labor, continued retailer support for our products, changes in brand image, consumer demand and preferences and our success in creating products geared toward consumers’ tastes, success in implementing business strategies, changes in business strategy or development plans, government regulations, taxes or fees imposed on the sale of our products, unfavorable weather conditions and other factors referenced in this report, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other reports to our stockholders. We disclaim an obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

 

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

There have been no material changes in risk factors from those reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 1, 2021.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.   Description
     
10.15   Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated January 5, 2022 between NewBevco, Inc. and lender therein
     
10.17   Loan Agreement dated December 21, 2021 between NewBevco, Inc. and lender therein
     
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
31.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
32.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
101   The following financial information from National Beverage Corp. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended January 29, 2022, formatted in iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
     
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

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.

 

Date: March 10, 2022

 

  National Beverage Corp.
  (Registrant)
     
  By: /s/ George R. Bracken
    George R. Bracken
    Executive Vice President – Finance
    (Principal Financial Officer)

 

16
ex_343626.htm

Exhibit 10.15

 



 

AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

Between

 

NEWBEVCO, INC.

 

And

 

FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

 

DATED AS OF JANUARY 5, 2022

 

$50,000,000 Revolving Credit

 



 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS

1

1.1

Defined Terms

1

1.2

Other Definitional Provisions

10

     

SECTION 2. AMOUNT AND TERMS OF CREDIT

10

2.1

The Revolving Credit

10

2.2

[Intentionally deleted.]

12

2.3

Use of Proceeds of Revolving Credit

12

2.4

Interest Rate

12

2.5

Prepayment

12

2.6

Facility Fee

13

     

SECTION 3. SECURITY AND GUARANTY

13

3.1

Security Interest

13

3.2

Guaranty

13

     

SECTION 4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

14

4.1

Corporate Existence; Power; Compliance with Law; Restricted Subsidiaries; Name History

14

4.2

Capital Stock; Parent; Subsidiaries

14

4.3

Corporate Power and Authorization to Execute Loan Documents; No Conflict; No Consent

15

4.4

Enforceable Obligations

15

4.5

Financial Condition

15

4.6

No Litigation

16

4.7

Investment Company Act; Regulation

16

4.8

Disclosure and No Untrue Statements

16

4.9

Title to Assets; Leases in Good Standing

17

4.10

Investments

17

4.11

Payment of Taxes

17

4.12

Agreement or Contract Restrictions; No Default

18

4.13

Patents, Trademarks, Licenses, Etc

18

 

i

 

4.14

[RESERVED]

18

4.15

Compliance with ERISA; Multiemployer Plans

18

4.16

Compliance with Environmental Laws

19

4.17

Labor Relations

20

     

SECTION 5. CONDITIONS OF LENDING

20

5.1

Continuing Accuracy of Representations and Warranties

20

5.2

No Default

21

5.3

Opinion of the Borrower's Counsel

21

5.4

Insurance

21

5.5

Loan Documents

21

5.6

Supporting Documents

21

     

SECTION 6. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

21

6.1

Financial Reports and Other Information

21

6.2

Payment of Indebtedness to the Bank; Performance of other Covenants; Payment of Other Obligations

23

6.3

Conduct of Business; Maintenance of Existence and Rights

23

6.4

Maintenance of Property

23

6.5

Right of Inspection; Discussions

24

6.6

Notices

24

6.7

Payment of Taxes; Liens

25

6.8

Insurance of Properties

25

6.9

True Books

26

6.10

Observance of Laws

26

6.11

Further Assurances

26

6.12

ERISA

26

6.13

Change of Name, Principal Place of Business, Office, or Agent

26

6.14

Financial Covenants

26

     

SECTION 7. NEGATIVE COVENANTS

27

7.1

Limitations on Mortgages, Liens, Etc

27

7.2

Consolidation and Merger, Sale of Assets, Etc

27

7.3

Transfer and Sale of Assets; Sale and Leaseback

28

7.4

Payment Restrictions

29

7.5

Limitations on Distributions

29

7.6

[RESERVED]

29

7.7

Regulation U

29

 

ii

 

7.8

Transactions with Affiliates

29

7.9

Limitation on Nature of Business

29

7.10

Restricted Subsidiaries

29

7.11

Changes in Governing Documents, Accounting Methods, Fiscal Year

29

7.12

Limitation on Incurrence of Funded Debt

29

     

SECTION 8. EVENTS OF DEFAULT

30

8.1

Payment of Obligations Under Loan Documents

30

8.2

Representation or Warranty

30

8.3

Covenants Under this Agreement

30

8.4

Other Covenants Under the Loan Documents

30

8.5

Payment, Performance, or Default of other Monetary Obligations

30

8.6

Covenants or Defaults to the Bank or Others; Revocation of Guaranty

30

8.7

Liquidation; Dissolution; Bankruptcy; Etc

31

8.8

Involuntary Bankruptcy, Etc

31

8.9

Judgments

31

8.10

Attachment, Garnishment, Liens Imposed by Law

31

8.11

ERISA

32

8.12

Corporate Existence

32

     

SECTION 9. REMEDIES OF THE BANK

32

   

SECTION 10. CHANGES IN LAW OR CIRCUMSTANCES; INCREASED COSTS; PRICING GRID

33

10.1

Reimbursement of Prepayment Costs

33

10.2

Intentionally Deleted

33

10.3

Inability to Determine Rate

33

10.4

Illegality; Impracticability

33

10.5

Increased Cost of Advances

33

10.6

Other Increased Costs

34

10.7

Margin Adjustment

34

     

SECTION 11. MISCELLANEOUS

35

11.1

Course of Dealing; Amendment; Supplemental Agreements

35

11.2

Waiver By the Bank of Requirements

35

 

iii

 

11.3

Waiver of Default

35

11.4

Notices

35

11.5

No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies

36

11.6

Reliance Upon, Survival of, and Materiality of Representations and Warranties, Agreements, and Covenants

36

11.7

Set-Off

36

11.8

Severability and Enforceability of Provisions

36

11.9

Payment of Expenses, Including Attorneys' Fees and Taxes

37

11.10

Obligations Absolute

37

11.11

Successors and Assigns

37

11.12

Counterparts; Effective Date

37

11.13

Participations

38

11.14

Law of Florida

38

11.15

Consent to Jurisdiction

38

11.16

Title and Headings; Table of Contents

38

11.17

Complete Agreement; No Other Consideration

38

11.18

Legal or Governmental Limitations

39

11.19

Interest

39

11.20

Independence of Covenants

39

11.21

WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY

39

 

iv

 

EXHIBITS    
     
     
EXHIBIT A - Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note
EXHIBIT B - Request for Advance
EXHIBIT C - Joinder Agreement
EXHIBIT D - Certificate of Compliance

 

SCHEDULES    
1.1.A - Liens
1.1.B - Subsidiaries
1.1.C - Investsments
4.6  - Litigation
10.7 - Pricing Grid
     

 

 

v

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

 

This Amended and Restated Credit Agreement is made and entered into as of this 5th day of January, 2022, by and between NewBevCo, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), and Fifth Third Bank, National Association (the “Bank”).

 

RECITALS

 

A.    Bank established a Fifty Million Dollar ($50,000,000.00) revolving line of credit in favor of the Borrower pursuant to that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between Bank and the Borrower dated as of October 28, 2020; and

 

                      B.    The Borrower has requested that Bank renew its revolving line of credit; and

 

B. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Bank is willing to renew the revolving line of credit in favor of the Borrower.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements, covenants, and conditions herein, the Borrower and the Bank agree as follows:

 

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS.

 

1.1    Defined Terms. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the capitalized terms used in the foregoing preamble and background sections and the following capitalized terms shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them for all purposes of this Agreement:

 

“Advance” means a borrowing requested by Borrower and made by Bank under Section 2.1(a) of this Agreement, including without limitation, any readvance, refunding or conversion of such borrowing pursuant to Section 2.1(c) hereof, and shall include, as applicable, a SOFR-based Advance and/or Prime- based Advance.

 

“Affiliate” means with respect to any Person, any other Person (i) which, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person or another Affiliate of such Person, (ii) which beneficially owns or holds ten percent (10%) or more of the shares of any class of the voting stock of such Person, or (iii) ten percent (10%) or more of the shares of any class of voting stock of which is beneficially owned or held of record by such Person or any of its Subsidiaries. The term “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting stock, by contract, or otherwise. The term “Affiliate,” when used herein without reference to any Person, shall mean an Affiliate of the Borrower.

 

“Agreement” means this Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented, or replaced from time to time in accordance with the provisions hereof.

 

“Applicable Facility Fee Percentage” shall mean, as of any date of determination thereof, the applicable percentage used to calculate the facility fee due and payable under Section 2.06 of this Agreement determined by reference to the appropriate columns in the pricing grid attached to this Agreement as Schedule 10.7, such Applicable Facility Fee Percentage to be adjusted solely as specified in Section 10.7 hereof

 

 

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“Applicable Interest Rate” shall mean the Prime-based Rate or the SOFR-based Rate, as selected by Borrower from time to time pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

“Applicable Letter of Credit Percentage” shall mean, as of any date of determination thereof, the applicable percentage used to calculate fees due and payable hereunder with respect to Letters of Credit determined by reference to the appropriate columns in the pricing grid attached to this Agreement as Schedule 10.7, such Applicable Letter of Credit Percentage to be adjusted as provided in Section 10.7 hereof.

 

“Applicable Margin” shall mean, as of any date of determination thereof, the applicable interest rate margin for the SOFR-based Rate and the Prime-based Rate determined by reference to the appropriate columns in the pricing grid attached to this Agreement as Schedule 10.7, such Applicable Margin to be adjusted as provided in Section 10.7 hereof.

 

“Attributable Indebtedness” shall mean, as of the date of any determination thereof, with respect to any Capital Lease under which any Person is a lessee, the sum of the present value of the amount of each remaining payment of rent under the terms of such Capital Lease (including any period for which the term of any such Capital Lease has been or may be, at the option of the lessor, extended), as such amount would be reflected on the liability side of a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Bank” has the meaning specified in the first sentence hereof.

 

“Bank of America Loan Agreement” means that certain Loan Agreement dated as of December 21, 2021 between Borrower and Bank of America, N.A., as may be amended, restated, supplemented or replaced from time to time.

 

“Borrower” has the meaning specified in the first sentence hereof.

 

“Business Day” means any day on which commercial banks are open for domestic and international business in Fort Lauderdale and New York.

 

“Capital Lease” means any Lease or other agreement for the use of property which is required to be capitalized on a balance sheet of the lessee or other user of property in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and any successor statute, together with the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

“Comerica Loan Agreement” means that certain Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 30, 2008 between Borrower and Comerica Bank, as amended, and as may be further amended, restated, supplemented or replaced from time to time.

 

“Committed Amount” has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(a) hereof.

 

“Consolidated Depreciation Expense” means, for any fiscal period, without duplication, the consolidated expense of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such fiscal period for depreciation and amortization, determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

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“Consolidated EBITDA” means for any period, Consolidated Net Income for such period, plus, without duplication and only to the extent reflected as a charge or reduction in the statement of such Consolidated Net Income for such period, the sum of (a) Consolidated Income Tax Expense, (b) Consolidated Interest Expense, and (c) Consolidated Depreciation Expense, in each case determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Consolidated Funded Debt” means at any date, the aggregate amount of all Funded Debt of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries at such date, all as determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Consolidated Income Tax Expense” means for any period the aggregate amount of taxes based on the income or profits of Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Consolidated Interest Expense” shall mean for any period the total interest expense (including that attributable to Capital Leases) of Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Consolidated Net Income” means for any period, the consolidated net income (or loss) of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that there shall be excluded (a) the income (or deficit) of any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or is merged into or consolidated with the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, (b) the income (or deficit) of any Person (other than a Restricted Subsidiary) in which the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has an ownership interest, except to the extent that any such income is actually received by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary in the form of dividends or similar distributions, and (c) the undistributed earnings of any Subsidiary of the Borrower to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by such Subsidiary is not at the time permitted by the terms of any agreement (other than under any Loan Document) or legal requirement applicable to such Subsidiary.

 

“Consolidated Net Worth” means at any date, the total common shareholders’ equity of Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as reflected on the most recent regularly prepared quarterly or annual balance sheet of Borrower and such Restricted Subsidiaries, which balance sheet shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP, minus all Investments of Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Permitted Investments.

 

“Default” means an event which with the giving of notice or passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

 

“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and any successor statute, together with the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

“ERISA Affiliate” means any Person which is under “common control” with the Borrower or any Subsidiary (within the meaning of Section 414 (b) or (c) of the Code or Section 4001 (a) (14) of ERISA).

 

“ERISA Termination Event” means (a) a “reportable events (within the meaning of Section 4043(b) of ERISA) with respect to a Pension Plan (other than a “reportable event” as to which the PBGC has by regulation waived the 30 day notice requirement under Section 4043 (a) of ERISA); provided, however, that a failure to meet the minimum funding standards of Section 412 of the Code shall be an ERISA Termination Event regardless of the issuance of any waiver under Section 412(d) of the Code; (b) the withdrawal of the Borrower, any Subsidiary, or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan during a plan year in which it was a “substantial employer” (within the meaning of Section 4001 (a) (2) of ERISA)

 

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(c)    the complete or partial withdrawal of the Borrower, any Subsidiary, or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan under Section 4201 or 4204 or ERISA; (d) the receipt by the Borrower, any Subsidiary, or any ERISA Affiliate of notice from a Multiemployer Plan that is in reorganization or insolvent under Section 4241 or 4245 of ERISA or that it intends to terminate or has terminated under Section 4041A of ERISA; (e) the providing of a notice of intent to terminate a Pension Plan pursuant to Section 4041(a) (2) of ERISA or the treatment of a Pension Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041(e) of ERISA; (f) the institution of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan or the appointment of a trustee to administer any Pension Plan under Section 4042 of ERISA; (g) the receipt by the Borrower, any Subsidiary, or any ERISA Affiliate of a notice from any Multiemployer Plan that any action described in clause (f) has been taken with respect to that Multiemployer Plan; or (h) any other event or condition which might constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan.

 

“Event of Default” means any of the events specified in Section 8 hereof.

 

“Exchange Act” means the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

 

“Federal Funds Effective Rate” means, for any day, a fluctuating interest rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published for such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for the next preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day which is a Business Day, the average of the quotations for such day on such transactions received by Bank from three (3) Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it, all as conclusively determined by the Bank, such sum to be rounded upward, if necessary, to the nearest whole multiple of 1/16th of 1%.

 

“Funded Debt” of any Person means (a) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of property or services as of such date (other than operating leases and trade liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business) or which is evidenced by a note, bond, debenture or similar instrument, (b) the principal component of all obligations of such person under Capital Leases, (c) all reimbursement obligations (actual, contingent or otherwise) of such Person in respect of letters of credit, acceptances or similar obligations issued or created for the account of such Person, (d) all liabilities secured by any liens on any property owned by such Person as of such date even though such Person has not assumed or otherwise become liable for the payment thereof, in each case determined in accordance with GAAP; provided, however, that so long as such Person is not personally liable for such liabilities, the amount of such liability shall be deemed to be the lesser of the fair market value at such date of the property subject to the lien securing such liability and the amount of the liability secured, and (e) all Guarantee Obligations in respect of any liability which constitutes Funded Debt.

 

“GAAP” shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, as in effect on the date hereof, consistently applied.

 

“Guaranty” and “Guaranties” have the meaning specified in Section 3.2 hereof.

 

“Guarantee Obligation” shall mean as to any Person (the “guaranteeing person”) any obligation of the guaranteeing person in respect of any obligation of another Person (including, without limitation, any bank under any letter of credit), the creation of which was induced by a reimbursement agreement, counter indemnity or similar obligation issued by the guaranteeing person, in either case guaranteeing or in effect guaranteeing any Debt, leases, dividends or other obligations (the “primary obligations”) of any other third Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, any obligation of the guaranteeing person, whether or not contingent, (i) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor, (ii) to advance or supply funds (1) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation or (2) to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor, (iii) to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation or (iv) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the owner of any such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof; provided, however, that the term Guarantee Obligation shall not include endorsements of instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business. The amount of any Guarantee Obligation of any guaranteeing person shall be deemed to be the lower of (a) an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such Guarantee Obligation is made and (b) the maximum amount for which such guaranteeing person may be liable pursuant to the terms of the instrument embodying such Guarantee Obligation, unless such primary obligation and the maximum amount for which such guaranteeing person may be liable are not stated or determinable, in which case the amount of such Guarantee Obligation shall be such guaranteeing person’s maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the Credit Parties in good faith.

 

4

 

“Interest Period” means, the period, as may be elected by the Borrower applicable to any SOFR- based Advance, commencing on the date such Advance is first made (or the date on which such Advance is refunded in accordance with Section 2.1(c)) and ending on the date that is immediately prior to the numerically corresponding day of each month thereafter; provided that:

 

(a)    any SOFR-Interest Period which would otherwise end on a day which is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such SOFR-Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day; and

 

(b)    any SOFR-Interest Period which begins on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the subsequent month shall end on the last Business Day of each subsequent month.

 

“Investment” means any loan, advance, or extension of credit, without duplication (except for accounts and notes receivable for merchandise sold or services furnished in the ordinary course of business, and amounts paid in advance on account of the purchase price of merchandise to be delivered to the payor within one year of the date of the advance), or purchase of stock, notes, bonds, or other securities, evidences of indebtedness, or property not used in the business activities of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary, or capital contribution to any Person, whether in cash or other property.

 

“IRS” means the Internal Revenue Service or any successor thereof.

 

“Lease” means any lease of property, whether real, personal, or mixed, with a remaining term of at least one year (including any period for which such lease is renewable at the option of the lessor) other than leases between the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries and leases between Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

“Letter of Credit” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(f) of this Agreement.

 

“Letter of Credit Documents” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(f) of this Agreement.

 

“Letter of Credit Reserve” shall mean as of any date of determination thereof, an amount equal to the undrawn amount of all Letters of Credit plus the unreimbursed amount of any draws under Letters of Credit honored by Bank.

 

5

 

“Lien” means any interest in property securing an obligation owed to, or a claim by, any Person other than the owner of the property, whether such interest shall be based on the common law, civil law, statute, civil code, or contract, whether or not such interest shall be recorded or perfected, and whether or not such interest shall be contingent upon the occurrence of some future event or events or the existence of some future circumstance or circumstances, and including the lien, privilege, security interest, or other encumbrance arising from a mortgage, deed of trust, hypothecation, transfer, assignment, pledge, adverse claim or charge, conditional sale, or trust receipt, or from a lease, consignment, or bailment for security purposes. The term “Lien” also includes reservations, exceptions, encroachments, easements, rights-of- way, covenants, conditions, restrictions, leases, and other title exceptions and encumbrances affecting property. For the purposes of this Agreement, a Person shall be deemed to be the owner of any property that such Person shall have acquired or shall hold subject to a conditional sale agreement or other arrangement (including a leasing arrangement) pursuant to which title to the property shall have been retained by or vested in some other Person for security purposes.

 

“Loan Documents” means this Agreement, the Revolving Credit Note, the Letter of Credit Documents, the Guaranties and each of the Security Documents delivered to Bank at any time after the date hereof.

 

“Moody's” means Moody's Investors Service, Inc.

 

“Multiemployer Plan” means any Plan that is a “multiemployer plan” (within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA).

 

“Parent” means National Beverage Corp., a Delaware corporation.

 

“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any successor thereof.

 

“Pension Plan” means any Plan that is an “employee pension benefit plan” (within the meaning of Section 3 (2) of ERISA).

 

“Permitted Acquisition” shall mean any acquisition (including by way of merger or consolidation) by Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of all or substantially all of the assets of another Person, a division or line of business of another Person, or the capital stock or other equity interests of another Person, which is conducted in accordance with the following requirements:

 

(a)    Both immediately before and after such acquisition, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

 

(b)    The board of directors (or other Person(s) exercising similar functions) of the seller of the assets or issuer of the capital stock or other equity interests being acquired shall not have disapproved such transaction or recommended that such transaction be disapproved.

 

“Permitted Investment” means any of the following Investments:

 

(a)    Marketable direct obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the United States of America or any agency thereof and maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;

 

(b)    Commercial paper of any corporation incorporated in the United States of America having a rating of “A-2” or better by S&P or “P-2” or better by Moody’s;

 

6

 

(c)    Certificates of deposit, repurchase agreements, bankers acceptances, eurocurrency deposits, and yankee certificates of deposit (i) in an amount not in excess of the maximum amount of insurance provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or (ii) issued by commercial banks or trust companies incorporated under the laws of the United States of America, each being a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and having unsecured long-term debt that is rated “A-” or better by S&P or “A3” or better by Moody's;

 

(d)    Readily marketable debt securities issued by any state or municipality within the United States or any political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof maturing within twelve (12) months or less of the date of acquisition and rated “MIG-1” or better by Moody’s;

 

(e)    Investments in so-called “money market funds” registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and organized under the laws of the United States of America or any jurisdiction thereof, having total net assets of at least One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000.00) and investing primarily in Investments of the types specified in clauses (a), (b), (c), and/or (d), but in each case without limitation as to maturity (so that it may reasonably be expected that at any time at least eighty percent (80%) of its invested funds will be invested in such Investments);

 

(f)    Trust certificates or other instruments evidencing an ownership interest in debt securities held by a trustee or custodian and meeting the requirements of clause (d) hereof (except as to maturity), so long as the holder thereof has the right, at least as often as every thirty (30) days, to cause the purchase of such trust certificate or other instrument by a bank which meets the requirements of clause (c) hereof;

 

(g)    Investments in (i) any Restricted Subsidiary or (ii) any corporation which, simultaneously therewith, becomes a Restricted Subsidiary and which, in either case, is a Guarantor;

 

                      (h)    Investments in joint ventures as to which:

 

(i)    no party to such joint venture (other than the entity created by such joint venture) shall be an Affiliate of the Borrower;

 

(ii)    the entity created by such joint venture shall not engage in any line of business other than the lines of business in which the Borrower may engage pursuant to Section 7.9 hereof; and

 

(iii)    the aggregate amount of the Borrower’s Investment in such joint venture shall not exceed the greater of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) and twenty percent (20%) of Consolidated Net Worth.

 

(i) Other Investments held by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary on the date of this Agreement and described on Schedule 1.1.C hereto.

 

“Permitted Liens” means:

 

(a)    Liens existing on the date of this Agreement which are: (i) described in Schedule 1.1.A hereto; or (ii) individually in each case, on property with a book value of less than Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000) and in the aggregate on property with a book value not exceeding One Million Dollars

 

$1,000,000) and which do not secure Funded Debt;

 

(b)    Liens securing taxes, assessments, governmental charges or levies or the claims or carriers, warehousemen, materialmen, mechanics and other like Persons not yet due or the payment of

 

which is not then required by this Agreement; provided, however, that this clause (b) shall not be deemed to permit any Liens which may be imposed pursuant to Section 4068 of ERISA or Section 412(n) of the Code;

 

7

 

(c)    Liens incidental to the ordinary course of business or the ownership of properties and assets, including, without limitation, (i) Liens, deposits, or pledges securing the performance of bids, tenders, leases, or trade contracts, (ii) Liens securing statutory obligations (including those arising under workers compensation, unemployment insurance, and other social security legislation), (iii) Liens to secure the performance of surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds, and other similar obligations; provided, however, that (A) any such Lien shall not be created in connection with and shall not secure Funded Debt; (B) any obligation secured by any such Lien shall not be overdue or, if overdue, is being contested in good faith by appropriate actions or proceedings during which there is no right on the part of the secured party to seize, take possession of or sell or cause the sale of the property subject to such Lien, and adequate book reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP; and (C) all such Liens, pledges, and deposits shall not in the aggregate materially impair the use or diminish the value of the properties of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the operation of the respective businesses of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries provided, further, that this clause (C) shall not be deemed to permit any Liens which may be imposed pursuant to Section 4068 of ERISA or Section 412(n) of the Code; or (iv) other Liens not in excess of ten percent (10%) of Consolidated Net Worth;

 

(d)  [RESERVED];

 

(e)    Minor survey exceptions and minor encumbrances, easements, or reservations, or rights of others for rights-of-way, utilities and other similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real properties, which are necessary for the conduct of the activities of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries or which customarily exist on properties of corporations engaged in similar activities and similarly situated and which do not in any event materially impair the use or diminish the value of any of such properties in the operation of the businesses of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(f)    Liens originally created to secure payment of a portion of the purchase price relating to fixed assets or equipment which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary acquires after the date hereof from a non-affiliate, provided, however, that (i) no such Lien shall extend to any other property of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary; (ii) the outstanding principal amount of indebtedness secured by any such Lien shall not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the cost of the property subject to such Lien;

 

(g)    Liens securing indebtedness of a corporation outstanding on the date such corporation (i) is designated as a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, (ii) merges into or consolidates with the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.3 hereof, or (iii) is acquired by the purchase of all or substantially all of such corporation’s assets and the assumption of such indebtedness of such corporation by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that such Liens are not applicable to the Borrower or any previously designated Restricted Subsidiary or the assets (other than the acquired assets) of the Borrower or any previously designated Restricted Subsidiary; provided, further, that none of such Liens is created prior to and in anticipation of such designation, merger, consolidation, or acquisition;

 

(h)    Liens which may arise to secure Indebtedness incurred under the Comerica Loan Agreement and the Bank of America Loan Agreement as a result of security interests granted Bank in accordance with clause (ii) of Section 3.1(b), so long as property of the Borrower and/or Restricted Subsidiaries is subjected to such Liens in compliance with the provisions of this Agreement; and

 

8

 

(i)    The extension, renewal, or replacement of any Lien specified in the foregoing clauses (a) through (h); provided, however that (i) no property shall become subject to such extended, renewal, or replacement Lien that was not subject to the Lien extended, renewed, or replaced; (ii) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness secured by any such extended, renewed, or replacement Lien shall not be increased by such extension, renewal, or replacement; (iii) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien could be incurred in compliance with the applicable limitations of this Agreement at the time of such extension, renewal, or replacement; and (iv) after giving effect thereto, no Event of Default shall exist.

 

“Person” means any corporation, business entity, natural person, firm, joint venture, partnership, trust, unincorporated organization, association, government, or any department or agency of any government.

 

“Plan” means any “employee benefit plan” (within the meaning of Section 3 (3) of ERISA) that the Borrower, any Subsidiary, or any ERISA Affiliate maintains, contributes to, or is obligated to contribute to for the benefit of employees or former employees of the Borrower, any Subsidiary, or any ERISA Affiliate.

 

“Prime-based Advance” means an Advance which bears interest at the Prime-based Rate.

 

“Prime-based Rate” means for any day, that rate of interest which is equal to the Applicable Margin plus the Prime Rate.

 

“Prime Rate” means the per annum rate of interest publicly announced by Bank, at its main office from time to time as its “prime rate” (it being acknowledged that such announced rate may not necessarily be the lowest rate charged by Bank to any of its customers), which Prime Rate shall change simultaneously with any change in such announced rate.

 

“Responsible Officer” means the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Chief Accounting Officer of the Borrower.

 

“Restricted Subsidiary” means the Subsidiaries designated as “Restricted Subsidiaries” in Schedule 1.1.B hereto, and any other Subsidiary that may be designated as a Restricted Subsidiary by resolution of the board of directors of the Borrower so long as (i) such Subsidiary conducts substantially all of its business and owns substantially all of its property within the United States or such other location as is consented to by the Bank, and (ii) at least eighty percent (80%) of each class of the voting stock and one hundred percent (100%) of the preferred stock of such Subsidiary is legally and beneficially owned by the Borrower; provided, however, that any such designation of a Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary shall not be effective unless the provisions of Section 7.10 hereof shall have been complied with. Once a Subsidiary becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, it may not thereafter become an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

“Revolving Credit” means the revolving credit loan to be advanced to the Borrower by Bank pursuant to Section 2.1 of this Agreement, in an aggregate amount, not to exceed, at any one time outstanding, the Committed Amount.

 

“Revolving Credit Note” means the revolving credit note described in Section 2.1 hereof, made by Borrower payable to Bank, in the form annexed to this Agreement as Exhibit “A”, as such note may be amended, restated or supplemented from time to time, and other note issued in substitution, replacement or renewal thereof from time to time.

 

“S&P” means Standard & Poor's Corporation.

 

“Sale Leaseback Transaction” has the meaning specified in Section 7.3(b) hereof. “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any successor organization. “Security Documents” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b) hereof.

 

“SOFR-based Advance” means an Advance which bears interest at the SOFR-based Rate.

 

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“SOFR-based Rate” means, with respect to any Interest Period, the per annum interest rate which is equal to the sum of (i) the Applicable Margin plus (ii) the rate per annum equal to the secured overnight financing rate published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or a successor administrator) on the administrator’s website (or any successor source for the secured overnight financing rate identified as such by the administrator) at approximately 2:30 p.m. (New York City time) on the immediately succeeding Business Day.

 

“Subsidiary” means, for any Person, any corporation, partnership, or other entity of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the securities or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power to elect the board of directors or having direct power to perform functions similar to that of a board of directors is at the time directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term, “Subsidiary” refers to a subsidiary of the Borrower.

 

“Substantial Sale of Assets” means the sale of any assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary out of the ordinary course of business which, when aggregated with the proceeds of all such asset sales by the Borrower and any Restricted Subsidiary after the date hereof, exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the total consolidated tangible assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on January 29, 2020, as determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Tax Sharing Agreement” means the Tax Sharing Agreement dated as of June 1, 1992, between the Borrower and the Parent as presently in effect and any similar agreement approved in writing by the Bank. The Borrower will not, nor will it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, amend or supplement any provision of a Tax Sharing Agreement without the prior written consent of the Bank, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.

 

“Termination Date” means October 28, 2024, subject to the provisions of Section 9 hereof.
 

“Unrestricted Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary which is not a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

“Voting Stock” means with respect to a corporation, the stock of such corporation the holders of which are ordinarily, in the absence of contingencies, entitled to elect members of the board of directors (or other governing body) of such corporation, and with respect to any partnership, the partnership interests in such partnership the owners of which are entitled to manage the management of the affairs of the partnership or the designation of another Person as the Person entitled to manage the affairs the partnership (it being understood that, in the case of any partnership, “shares of Voting Stock” shall refer to such partnership interests).

 

 

1.2

Other Definitional Provisions.

 

(a) The terms “material” and “materially” shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms under GAAP as such would be applied to the business of the Borrower or others, except as the context shall clearly otherwise require; (b) all of the terms defined in this Agreement shall have such defined meanings when used in other documents issued under, or delivered pursuant to, this Agreement unless the context shall otherwise require; (c) all terms defined in this Agreement in the singular shall have comparable meanings when used in the plural, and vice versa; (d) accounting terms to the extent not otherwise defined shall have the respective meanings given them under, and shall be construed in accordance with GAAP; (e) “hereof,” “herein,” “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement; (f) the masculine and neuter genders are used herein and whenever used shall include the masculine, feminine, and neuter as well; and (g) whenever in this Agreement any of the parties hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the successors and assigns of such parties unless the context shall expressly provide otherwise.

 

SECTION 2. AMOUNT AND TERMS OF CREDIT.

 

 

2.1

The Revolving Credit.

 

(a)    Revolving Credit Commitment. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Bank agrees to make Advances of the Revolving Credit to Borrower from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the effective date hereof until (but excluding) the Termination Date in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any one time outstanding Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000) (the “Committed Amount”). All of such Advances hereunder shall be evidenced by the Revolving Credit Note, under which advances, repayments and readvances may be made, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

(b)    Accrual of Interest and Maturity. The Revolving Credit Note, and all principal and interest outstanding thereunder, shall mature and become due and payable in full on the Termination Date, and each Advance evidenced by the Revolving Credit Note from time to time outstanding hereunder shall, from and after the date of such Advance, bear interest at its Applicable Interest Rate. The amount and date of each Revolving Credit Advance, its Applicable Interest Rate, its Interest Period (if any), and the amount and date of any repayment shall be noted on Bank's records, which records will be conclusive evidence thereof, absent manifest error; provided, however, that any failure by the Bank to record any such information shall not relieve Borrower of its obligation to repay the outstanding principal amount of such Advance, all interest accrued thereon and any amount payable with respect thereto in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

(c)    Requests for Advances and Requests for Refundings and Conversions of Advances. Borrower may request an Advance, and may request to refund any Advance in the same type of Advance or convert any Advance to any other type of Advance only after delivery to Bank of a Request for Advance executed by an authorized officer of Borrower, subject to the following and to the remaining provisions hereof:

 

(i)    each such Request for Advance shall set forth the information required on the Request for Advance form annexed hereto as Exhibit “B”, including without limitation:

 

 

(A)

the proposed date of the Advance, which must be a Business Day;

 

 

(B)

whether the Advance is a refunding or conversion of an outstanding Advance; and

 

 

(C)

whether such Advance is to be a Prime-based Advance or a SOFR-based Advance, and, except in the case of a Prime-based Advance, the first Interest Period applicable thereto;

 

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(ii)    each such Request for Advance shall be delivered to Bank by 11:00 a.m. (Fort Lauderdale time) two (2) Business Days prior to the proposed date of Advance, except in the case of a Prime-based Advance, for which the Request for Advance must be delivered by 10:00 a.m. (Fort Lauderdale time) on such proposed date;

 

(iii)    the principal amount of such requested Advance plus the principal amount of all other Advances then outstanding hereunder, plus the Letter of Credit Reserve, shall not exceed the Committed Amount;

 

(iv)    the principal amount of such Advance, plus the amount of any other outstanding indebtedness under this Agreement to be then combined therewith having the same Applicable Interest Rate and Interest Period, if any, shall be at least Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) or a larger integral multiple of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) and at any one time there shall not be in effect more than ten (10) Interest Periods;

 

(v)    each Request for Advance, once delivered to Bank, shall not be revocable by Borrower, and shall constitute and include a certification by the Borrower as of the date thereof that:

 

 

(A)

both before and after the Revolving Credit Advance, the obligations of the Borrower and Restricted Subsidiaries set forth in this Agreement are valid, binding and enforceable obligations of such parties;

 

 

(B)

to the best knowledge of Borrower, all conditions to Advances of the Revolving Credit have been satisfied; and

 

 

(C)

both before and after the Advance, there is no Default or Event of Default in existence.

 

(d)    Prime-based Advance in Absence of Election or Upon Default. If, as to any outstanding SOFR-based Advance, Bank has not received payment on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, or does not receive a timely Request for Advance meeting the requirements of this Section 2.1 with respect to the refunding or conversion of such Advance, or, subject to Section 2.4(d) hereof, if on such day a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the principal amount thereof which is not then prepaid shall be converted automatically to a Prime-based Advance and Bank shall thereafter promptly notify Borrower of said action.

 

 

(e)

[Intentionally deleted.]

 

(f)    Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Bank agrees to issue, or commit to issue, from time to time, standby letters of credit for the account of Borrower (herein individually called a “Letter of Credit” and collectively “Letters of Credit”) in aggregate undrawn amounts not to exceed three Million Dollars ($3,000,000) at any one time outstanding; provided, however, that the sum of the aggregate amount of Advances outstanding under the Revolving Credit Note plus the Letter of Credit Reserve shall not exceed the Committed Amount at any time; and provided further that no Letter of Credit shall, by its terms, have an expiration date which is more than twelve (12) months after issuance or which extends beyond the Termination Date. In addition to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the issuance of any Letters of Credit also shall be subject to the terms and conditions of any letter of credit applications and agreements (“Letter of Credit Documents”) executed and delivered by Borrower to Bank with respect thereto. Borrower shall pay to Bank in advance upon issuance of any Letter of Credit a fee equal to the Applicable Letter of Credit Percentage per annum of the amount of such Letter of Credit.

 

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2.2

[Intentionally deleted.]

 

2.3    Use of Proceeds of Revolving Credit. The proceeds of all Advances shall be used for working capital needs, capital expenditures, Permitted Acquisitions, and other lawful corporate purpose of Borrower, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

 

2.4

Interest Rate.

 

(a)    Prime-based Interest Payments. Interest on the unpaid balance of all Prime-based Advances from time to time outstanding shall accrue from the date of such Advances to the Termination Date (and until paid), at a per annum interest rate equal to the Prime-based Rate and shall be payable in immediately available funds on the first day of each calendar quarter, commencing with the first such date after the initial Advance hereunder. Interest accruing at the Prime-based Rate shall be computed on the basis of a 360 day year and assessed for the actual number of days elapsed, and in such computation effect shall be given to any change in the interest rate resulting from a change in the Prime-based Rate on the date of such change in the Prime-based Rate.

 

(b)    SOFR-based Interest Payments. Interest on each SOFR-based Advance shall accrue at its SOFR-based Rate and shall be payable in immediately available funds on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto. Interest accruing at the SOFR-based Rate shall be computed on the basis of a 360 day year and assessed for the actual number of days elapsed from the first day of the Interest Period applicable thereto to, but not including, the last day thereof.

 

(c)    Interest Payments on Conversions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2.4(a) or (b), all accrued and unpaid interest on any Advance refunded or converted pursuant to Section 2.1(c) hereof shall be due and payable in full on the date such Advance is refunded or converted.

 

(d) Interest on Default. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in Section 2.4(a), (b) or (c), in the event and so long as any Event of Default shall exist under this Agreement, interest shall be payable daily on the principal amount of all Advances from time to time outstanding (and on all other monetary obligations of Borrower hereunder and under the other Loan Documents) at a per annum rate equal to the Applicable Interest Rate in respect of each such Advance, plus, in the case of SOFR-based Advances, three percent (3%) per annum for the remainder of the then existing Interest Period (but only so long as any Event of Default shall continue to exist), if any, and at all other such times and for all Prime-based Advances, at a per annum rate equal to the Prime-based Rate, plus three percent (3%).

 

2.5    Prepayment. Borrower may prepay all or part of the outstanding balance of any Prime- based Advance(s) (subject to not less than one (1) Business Day’s notice to Bank) at any time, provided that the amount of any partial prepayment shall be at least Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) and the aggregate balance of Prime-based Advance(s) remaining outstanding under the Revolving Credit Note shall be at least Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000). Borrower may prepay all or part of any SOFR-based Advance (subject to not less than three (3) Business Days' notice to Bank) only on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, provided that the amount of any such partial prepayment shall be at least Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000), and the unpaid portion of such Advance which is refunded or converted under Section 2.1(c) shall be at least Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000). Any prepayment made in accordance with this Section 2.5 shall be without premium, penalty or prejudice to the right to reborrow under the terms of this Agreement. Any other prepayment of all or any portion of the Revolving Credit, whether by acceleration, mandatory or required prepayment or otherwise, shall be subject to Section 10 hereof, but otherwise without premium, penalty or prejudice.

 

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2.6    Facility Fee. As consideration for making the Revolving Credit available, the Borrower shall pay to the Bank a non-refundable quarterly facility fee in an amount equal to the Applicable Facility Fee Percentage times the Committed Amount. Such fee shall be payable quarterly in arrears beginning on December 31, 2021 and continuing on the last day of each calendar quarter thereafter, and on the Termination Date.

 

SECTION 3. SECURITY AND GUARANTY.

 

The obligations and liabilities of the Borrower hereunder and under the Loan Documents shall be secured and guaranteed as provided in this Section 3, subject to the provisions set forth below.

 

 

3.1

Security Interest.

 

 

(a)

The Revolving Credit Note shall be unsecured except as provided for in Section 3.1(b) below.

 

(b)    (i) In the event that any real or personal property of the Borrower becomes subject to a Lien (in violation of this Agreement) which is not a Permitted Lien and which Lien is not removed within thirty (30) days of Borrower's receipt of notice of any Lien (and without regard to any additional cure period) or (ii) upon the occurrence of any Event of Default which has not otherwise been cured or waived at any time, the Bank shall have the right after written notice to Comerica Bank and Bank of America, N.A. (with a copy to Borrower) to become secured by a first perfected (as set forth below) security interest in and mortgage of all the real and personal property of the Borrower now owned or hereafter acquired or arising, and all proceeds thereof. The Borrower shall execute and deliver to the Bank such mortgages and security agreements as the Bank shall require and as are customary for a transaction of that type, covering said real and personal property in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank (the “Security Documents”), securing the foregoing obligations to the full extent permitted under applicable law. The Security Documents shall be sufficient, when notice thereof is properly filed or recorded in the appropriate jurisdictions, to grant to the Bank a first perfected security interest in and lien on the Borrower's property, subject to no prior Liens or encumbrances except as expressly permitted herein, except the equal and ratable lien, if any, to be granted pursuant to the Comerica Loan Agreement and the Bank of America Loan Agreement, or except as the Bank permits in writing. The Borrower agrees to execute or otherwise provide to the Bank any and all financing statements, modifications, and other agreements or consents required by the Bank now or in the future to perfect Bank's interest in the collateral and otherwise in connection therewith. The grant of a lien and security interest pursuant to this Section shall not cure any violation of this Agreement; any such violation shall constitute an Event of Default hereunder taking into account the expiration of any applicable cure period.

 

3.2    Guaranty. Payment of the Revolving Credit Note, any other obligations under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, presently existing or hereafter arising, shall be guaranteed by each of the Restricted Subsidiaries as set forth in the Continuing and Unconditional Guaranty dated as of the date hereof executed by each Restricted Subsidiary (the “Guaranty”). In the event of the designation of any additional Restricted Subsidiaries, a joinder agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit “C” shall be executed and delivered to the Bank by each such additional Restricted Subsidiary (also, a “Guaranty”), together with such supporting attorney's opinion, if requested by Lender, evidence of corporate authorization, and other instruments and documents as the Bank may reasonably request.

 

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SECTION 4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

 

To induce the Bank to enter into this Agreement and to establish the Revolving Credit and make the Advances and issue the Letters of Credit, the Borrower represents and warrants to the Bank as follows:

 

4.1    Corporate Existence; Power; Compliance with Law; Restricted Subsidiaries; Name History. Each of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries is an entity duly incorporated or organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization. Each of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries has all requisite power and authority (corporate and otherwise) to own and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted, is duly qualified as a foreign entity to do business and is good standing in every jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify is reasonably likely to materially adversely affect the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. To their knowledge, each of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries has all licenses and permits necessary to carry on and conduct its business in all states and localities wherein it now operates and is in compliance with all other requirements of law, rule, or regulation applicable to it and to its business, if the failure to possess such licenses and permits or to so comply, either individually or in the aggregate, is reasonably likely to materially adversely affect the business, earnings, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

The Borrower is a Subsidiary of the Parent. All of the Subsidiaries of the Borrower are listed on Schedule 1.1.B hereto. None of the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries have merged, changed its name, or done business under a fictitious name during the past five (5) years, except as set forth in Schedule 1.1.B hereto.

 

 

4.2

Capital Stock; Parent; Subsidiaries.

 

(a)    The authorized capital stock of the Borrower consists of One Thousand (1,000) shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, which is voting stock and is vested with all the voting rights in the Borrower, of which One Hundred (100) shares are issued and outstanding, and One Thousand (1,000) shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which no shares are issued or outstanding. All such outstanding shares have been duly authorized, validly issued and are fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights. No shares of common stock are held in the treasury of the Borrower. There are no subscriptions, options, warrants, or calls relating to the issuance by the Borrower of any shares of common stock, including any right of conversion or exchange under any outstanding security or other instrument. There are no voting trusts or other agreements or understandings with respect to the voting of the common stock of the Borrower. The Borrower is not subject to any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to repurchase or otherwise acquire or retire any shares of its common stock or any security convertible into or exchangeable for any of its common stock. All of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Borrower are owned beneficially and of record by the Parent.

 

(b)    The authorized capital stock of the Parent consists of Two Hundred Million (200,000,000) shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, which is voting stock and, is vested with all the voting rights in the Parent, of which One Hundred One Million Six Hundred Ninety Six Thousand Three Hundred Fifty Eight (101,696,358) shares are issued and Ninety Three Million Three Hundred Twenty Two Thousand Two Hundred Forty Six (93,322,246) shares are outstanding, and One Million (1,000,000) shares of preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, of which One Hundred Fifty Thousand (150,000) shares are issued and none are outstanding.

 

(c)    The only significant Subsidiaries of the Borrower, as defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, are as listed in Schedule 1.1.B hereto. Schedule 1.1.B correctly sets forth as to each such Subsidiary its name, the jurisdiction of its incorporation if a corporation, or the jurisdiction of its formation if a partnership, whether such Subsidiary is a Restricted Subsidiary, the jurisdiction of its principal place of business, the address of its principal place of business, chief executive office, and the office where all books and records are kept, if different, the name of its parent company, the number of authorized shares, and the number of outstanding shares of each class of capital stock of such Subsidiary, and the number of such outstanding shares owned by the Borrower or other parent company. All of the outstanding shares of capital stock of each class of each Subsidiary have been validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable. The Borrower owns beneficially and of record all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of each Subsidiary indicated as being owned by it on Schedule 1.1.B hereto, free and clear of any Liens.

 

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4.3    Corporate Power and Authorization to Execute Loan Documents; No Conflict; No Consent. Each of the Parent, Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries has the corporate or limited liability company power and authority and the legal right to execute and deliver the Loan Documents to be executed by it and to perform its obligations thereunder, and has taken all corporate action necessary to authorize the execution, delivery, and performance of such Loan Documents and to authorize the transactions contemplated thereby. The execution, delivery, and performance by the Parent, the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries of the Loan Documents to be executed by it will not contravene, conflict with, result in the breach of, or constitute a violation of or default under, or result in the creation of any lien, charge, or encumbrance upon any property or assets of such Person, pursuant to the constituent documents or other governing instruments of such Person, or any applicable law, rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ, injunction, or decree or any indenture or other agreement or instrument to which the Borrower, the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary is a party, or by which such Person or its property may be bound or affected which has a material adverse effect on the business earnings, prospects, properties, or conditions (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole. No consent, license, or authorization of, or filing with, or notice to, any Person or entity (including, without limitation, any governmental authority), is necessary or required in connection with the execution, delivery, performance, validity, or enforceability of the Loan Documents and the transactions as contemplated thereunder, except for consents, licenses, authorizations, filings, and notices obtained or performed by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and of which the Bank has been provided written notice, or referred to or disclosed in the Loan Documents. Any such consents, licenses, authorizations, filings, or notices remain in full force and effect.

 

4.4    Enforceable Obligations. The Loan Documents constitute legal, valid, and binding agreements enforceable against the respective parties thereto and any property described therein in accordance with their respective terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, moratorium, or other laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally and (ii) general principles of equity, regardless of whether enforcement is considered in proceedings at law or in equity.

 

 

4.5

Financial Condition.

 

(a)    The consolidated financial statements of the Borrower as of October 31, 2021 and the consolidated financial statements of the Parent as of October 31, 2021, copies of which have been furnished to the Bank, fairly present the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and the Parent, respectively, as at the date of the financial statements, and fairly present the results of the operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and the Parent for the period covered thereby.

 

15

 

(b)    Neither the Borrower, nor any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, has any direct or contingent liabilities, liabilities for taxes, long-term leases, or unusual forward or long-term commitments as of the date of this Agreement which, either individually or in the aggregate, are or are reasonably likely to be material to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, which are not disclosed by provided for, or reserved against in the foregoing financial statements or referred to in notes thereto, other than liabilities incurred since October 31, 2021 in the ordinary course of business which in the aggregate have no material adverse effect on the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or on the conduct of the business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. The Borrower does not know of any basis for any material unrealized or anticipated losses of the Borrower. The financial statements furnished to the Bank have been prepared in accordance with GAAP maintained throughout the period involved. There has been no material adverse change in the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, since the date of such financial statements.

 

4.6    No Litigation. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.6 hereto, there is no suit or proceeding at law or in equity or other proceeding or investigation (including proceedings by or before any court, arbitrator, governmental or administrative commission, board or bureau, or other administrative agency) pending, or to the best knowledge of the Borrower threatened, by or against or involving the Parent, the Borrower, or any Subsidiary, or against any of their respective properties, existence, or revenues which, individually or in the aggregate, (a) if adversely determined, is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the properties, assets, or business, or on the condition, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (b) materially impair the right or ability of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to carry on their operations substantially as now conducted or as anticipated to be conducted in the future, (c) which would substantially impair the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents, or, regardless of outcome, which questions the validity of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, or (d) regardless of outcome, which would be required to be disclosed in notes to any balance sheet as of the date hereof of the Borrower prepared in reasonable detail in accordance with GAAP.

 

 

4.7

Investment Company Act; Regulation.

 

(a)    Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is an “investment company” or an “affiliated person” of an “investment company,” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company,” and neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is an “investment advisor” or an affiliated person” of an “investment advisor,” and as each of the quoted terms is defined or used in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

(b)    Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to regulation under any state or local public utilities code or any federal, state, or local statute or regulation limiting its ability to incur Indebtedness for Money Borrowed or to pledge assets of the type contemplated hereunder.

 

4.8    Disclosure and No Untrue Statements. No representation or warranty made by the Borrower in the Loan Documents or which will be made by the Borrower from time to time in connection with the Loan Documents (a) contains or will contain any misrepresentation or untrue statement of any material fact, or (b) omits or will omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. There is no fact (excluding information relating to world or national economic, social, or political conditions generally) known to any Responsible Officer of Borrower which materially adversely affects, or which would in the future materially adversely affect, the business, assets, properties, or condition, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or materially affects, or which might in the future materially adversely affect, the ability of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries to perform their obligations under the Loan Documents, or except as set forth or referred to in the Loan Documents or otherwise disclosed in writing to the Bank.

 

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4.9

Title to Assets; Leases in Good Standing.

 

(a)    Each of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries has good and valid title (or, with respect to interests as lessee or otherwise, its equivalent under applicable law) to properties and assets purported to be owned (or leased) by it that are material to the conduct of the business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and including properties and assets reflected in the financial statements and notes thereto described in Section 4.5 hereof, except for such assets as have been disposed of in the ordinary course of business. All such properties and assets are subject to no Liens, other than Permitted Liens. Schedule 1.1.A accurately lists (i) each financing statement, deed, agreement, or other instrument in effect on the date hereof which has been filed, recorded, or registered pursuant to any United States federal, state, or local law or regulation that names the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries as debtor or lessee or as the grantor or the transferor of the interest created thereby, and (ii) as to each such financing statement, deed, agreement, or other instrument, the names of the debtor, lessee, grantor, or transferor and the secured party, lessor, grantee, or transferee and the name of the jurisdiction in which such financing statement, deed, agreement or other instrument has been filed, recorded, or registered. Except as contemplated hereby, and pursuant to the Comerica Loan Agreement and the Bank of America Loan Agreement, neither the Borrower nor any of the Restricted Subsidiaries has signed any agreement or instrument in effect on the date hereof authorizing any secured party thereunder to file any such financing statement, deed, agreement, or other instrument (other than any such agreement or instrument relating to the Liens permitted under paragraph (d) or (f) of the definition of Permitted Liens).

 

(b)    Each of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries has the right to, and does, enjoy peaceful and undisturbed possession under all leases under which it is leasing property that are material to the conduct of the business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. All such leases are valid, subsisting and in full force and effect, subject only to Permitted Liens, and neither the Borrower nor any of its Restricted subsidiaries in default in the performance, observance, or fulfillment of any obligation under any provision of any such lease, which default is reasonably likely to result in a termination of such lease or have a material adverse effect on the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. No Responsible Officer has received any written notice that any other party to any such lease is in default under any such lease.

 

4.10    Investments. As of the date hereof, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries do not own any Investments other than Permitted Investments of the types described in clauses (a)-(e) of the definition of such term in Section 1.1 hereof and other than the Investments listed in Schedule 1.1.C hereto, which Item correctly sets forth the amounts (determined as provided in the definition of “Investments” in Section 1.1) of the Investments listed thereon.

 

4.11    Payment of Taxes. Each of the Borrower, and the Subsidiaries has filed or caused to be filed all, federal, state, and local tax returns which are required to be filed by it and has paid or caused to be paid all taxes as shown on said returns or on any assessment received by it, to the extent that such taxes have become due, other than taxes being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP. No controversy in respect of additional taxes of the Parent, the Borrower or any Subsidiary is pending, or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened, except as shown on the Borrower's financial statements described in Section 4.5 hereof or in notes thereto, and other than amounts in respect of business carried on by the Borrower, and the Subsidiaries in the ordinary course since the date of such financial statements, and other than amounts which, either individually or in the aggregate, do not materially and adversely affect, and are not likely to materially and adversely affect, the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

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4.12    Agreement or Contract Restrictions; No Default. Neither the Borrower nor any of the Subsidiaries is a party to, or is bound by, any agreement, contract, or instrument or subject to any charter or other corporate restriction which materially and adversely affects the business, properties, assets, operations, or condition, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. The ability of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to declare, make, or pay dividends in respect of any shares of its common stock is not expressly limited by the provisions of any agreement or instrument other than the Comerica Loan Agreement and the Bank of America Loan Agreement. Each of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries is in full compliance with and is not in default in the performance, observance, or fulfillment of any obligations, covenants, or conditions contained in any agreement or instrument to which it is a party, other than any defaults which individually or in the aggregate are not reasonably likely to materially adversely affect the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

4.13    Patents, Trademarks, Licenses, Etc. Each of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries owns, possesses, or has the right to use, and holds free from burdensome restrictions or known conflicts with the rights of others, all patents, patent rights, licenses, trademarks, trademark rights, trade names, trade name rights, and copyrights, and all rights with respect to the foregoing, necessary to conduct their respective businesses as now being conducted, and is in full compliance with the terms and conditions, if any, of all such patents, patent rights, licenses, trademarks, trademark rights, trade names, trade name rights, or copyrights and the terms and conditions of any agreements relating thereto, except for such conflicts or noncompliance which, either individually or in the aggregate, do not materially and adversely affect the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. Further, each of the Restricted Subsidiaries and the Borrower agree that they shall not transfer any and all patents, patent rights, licenses, trademarks, trademark rights, trade name, trade name rights and copyrights and all rights to the foregoing presently held by Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to any Person or entity including the Parent, however, transfers between (a) Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries; (b) Restricted Subsidiaries; and (c) Restricted Subsidiaries and Borrower shall be permitted.

 

 

4.14

      [RESERVED]

 

 

4.15

      Compliance with ERISA; Multiemployer Plans.

 

(a)    Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, the incurrence of the indebtedness hereunder by the Borrower, the application by the Borrower of the proceeds thereof, nor the consummation of any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, constitutes or will constitute a “prohibited transaction” (within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA).

 

(b)    Each Plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) is in compliance in all material respects with applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code. Each of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries has made all contributions to the Plans required to be made by them.

 

(c)    Except for liabilities to make contributions and to pay PGGC premiums and administrative costs, neither the Borrower, the Subsidiaries, nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred any material liability to or on, account of any Pension Plan under applicable provisions of ERISA or the Code, and no condition exists which presents a material risk to the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, or any ERISA Affiliate of incurring any such liability. No domestic Pension Plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) has failed to satisfy the minimum funding standard (within the meaning of Section 412 of the Code), whether or not waived. Neither the Parent, the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, any ERISA

 

Affiliate, the PBGC, nor any other Person has instituted any proceedings or taken any other action to terminate any Pension Plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan), nor (in the case of the Parent, the Borrower, or any Subsidiary) has any present intention of terminating any Pension Plan.

 

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(d)    Except with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, the present value of all accumulated benefit obligations under each Pension Plan (based on the assumptions used in the funding of such Pension Plan, which assumptions are reasonable, and determined as of the last day of the most recent plan year of such Pension Plan for which an annual report has been filed with the IRS, did not exceed the current fair market value of the assets of such Pension Plan as of such last day.

 

(e)    None of the Plans is a Multiemployer Plan, except as set forth in the Parent’s financial statements, Note 11, Pension Plans, as reported in the Parent’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 1, 2021 (and similar Notes for subsequent fiscal years).

 

 

4.16

       Compliance with Environmental Laws.

 

(a)    Each of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries is, and will continue to be, in full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws, regulations, and ordinances governing its business, products, properties, or assets with respect to all discharges into the ground and surface water, emissions into the ambient air and generation, accumulation, storage, treatment, transportation, labeling, or disposal of waste materials or process by-products, the violation of which is reasonably likely to materially and adversely affect the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and neither the Borrower nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is liable for any penalties, fines, or forfeitures for failure to comply with any such laws, regulations, and ordinances other than penalties, fines or forfeitures which are not reasonably likely to materially and adversely affect the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. All licenses, permits or registrations required for the business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as presently conducted and proposed to be conducted, under any federal, state, or local environmental laws, regulations or ordinances have been obtained or made, other than any such licenses, permits, or registrations the failure to obtain or make which, either individually or in the aggregate, do not materially and adversely affect, and are not reasonably likely to materially and adversely affect, the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries each is in compliance with all such licenses, permits, and registrations other than any such licenses, permits, or registrations the failure to obtain, make or comply with which, either individually or in the aggregate, do not materially and adversely affect, and are not reasonably likely to materially and adversely affect, the business, earnings, prospects, properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

(b)    No release, emission, or discharge into the environment of hazardous substances, as defined under the Comprehensive Environmental Responses, compensation, and Liability Act, as amended, or hazardous waste, as defined under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or air pollutants as defined under the Clean Air Act, or pollutants, as defined under the Clean Water Act, has occurred or is presently occurring on or from any property owned or leased by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries in excess of federal, state or local permitted release or reportable quantities, or other concentrations,, standards, or limitations under the foregoing laws, or any state or local law governing the protection of health and the environment, or under any other federal state, or local laws or regulations (then or now applicable, as the case may be) other than any such releases, emissions, or discharges which, either individually or in the aggregate, do not materially and adversely affect, and are not reasonably likely to materially and adversely affect, the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

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(c)    Neither the Borrower nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has ever (i) owned, occupied, or operated a site or structure on or in which any hazardous substance was or is stored, transported, or disposed of, or (ii) transported or arranged for the transportation of any hazardous substance except, in each case, in full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws, regulations, and ordinances governing its business, products, properties, or assets or the storage, transportation, or disposal of hazardous substances, which ownership, occupation, operation, transportation or arranging is reasonably likely to (i) subject the Parent, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries to any liabilities, expenses, fines or penalties which, individually or in the aggregate, are material to the Parent, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (ii) inhibit or result in the prohibition by the use by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of any property necessary in the conduct of the business of the Parent, the Borrower or such Subsidiary, the effect of which, individually or in the aggregate, is reasonably likely to materially adversely affect the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Parent, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. Neither the Parent, the Borrower nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has ever caused or been held legally responsible for any release or threatened release of any hazardous substance, or received notification from any federal, state, or other governmental authority of any such release or threatened release, of any hazardous substance from any site or structure owned, occupied, or operated by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably likely to lead to liabilities, expenses, fines, and penalties in an amount material to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

4.17    Labor Relations. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged in any unfair labor practice which is reasonably likely to materially adversely affect the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. There is (a) no unfair labor practice complaint pending or, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries before the National Labor Relations Board or any court or labor board, and no grievance or arbitration proceedings arising out of or under collective bargaining agreements is so pending or, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, threatened; (b) no strike, lock-out, labor dispute, slowdown, or work stoppage pending or, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; and (c) no union representation or certification question existing or pending with respect to the employees of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, no union organization activity taking place, which unfair labor practice complaint, grievance, or arbitration proceedings, strike, lock-out, labor dispute, slowdown, or work stoppage or union representation or certification question, individually or in the aggregate, is reasonably likely to have a material adverse affect on the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

SECTION 5. CONDITIONS OF LENDING.

 

The obligations of Bank to make any Advance or to issue or renew any Letters of Credit hereunder are subject to the condition that:

 

5.1    Continuing Accuracy of Representations and Warranties. At the time of each Advance or Letter of Credit, the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4 hereof, as supplemented by written disclosures by the Borrower to the Bank of changes affecting such representations and warranties (but which changes do not breach any term of this Agreement except as may have been waived or for which consent has been given by the Bank) or as supplemented by subsequent financial statements provided to the Bank, shall be true and correct on and as of the date of the borrowing with the same effect as though the representations and warranties had been made on and as of the date of the borrowing or issuance, except to the extent that such representations and warranties may expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case the shall continue to be true as of such date.

 

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5.2    No Default. At the time of each borrowing or issuance or renewal of a Letter of Credit hereunder, the Borrower shall be in compliance with all terms and conditions set forth herein, and no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of such borrowing, unless such Default or Event of Default shall have been waived by the Bank in writing.

 

5.3    Opinion of the Borrower's Counsel. On or prior to the date of this Agreement, the Bank shall have received the favorable opinion of counsel for the Borrower, in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank.

 

5.4    Insurance. On or prior to the date of this Agreement, the Bank shall have received certificates of insurance, in form and detail acceptable to the Bank, describing the types and amounts of insurance (property and liability) maintained by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

5.5    Loan Documents. On or prior to the date of this Agreement, the Bank shall have received, duly executed, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (with the exception of any Security Documents), all in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank and counsel for the Bank.

 

5.6    Supporting Documents. On or prior to the date of this Agreement, the Bank shall have received all other documents and instruments required hereunder or otherwise reasonably required by the Bank to be executed and delivered or otherwise provided to the Bank in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank and counsel for the Bank.

 

SECTION 6. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.

 

The Borrower covenants and agrees that until the Termination Date and thereafter until final payment in full of all obligations and liabilities hereunder, and under the Revolving Credit Note and the performance by the Borrower of all other obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, unless Bank shall otherwise consent in writing, the Borrower will fully comply and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to comply with the following provisions:

 

6.1   Financial Reports and Other Information. The Borrower will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Bank the following:

 

(a)    As soon as practicable and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower other than the last quarter of each fiscal year, a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries as at the last day of such quarter and the related consolidated statement of income for such quarter and cumulative fiscal year-to-date for the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, setting forth in each case in comparative form figures for the corresponding period in the preceding fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and satisfactory in scope to the Bank and certified by the chief financial officer of the Borrower as to the fairness of such financial statements and that the same have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, subject to changes resulting from normal, recurring year-end adjustments; provided, however, that if, so long as the Borrower is a Subsidiary of the Parent, the Parent duly files with the SEC any Form 12b-25 under the Exchange Act (or any successor form thereunder) with respect to its inability to timely file its quarterly report on Form l0-Q for a fiscal quarter and obtains a valid extension of such time to file, the financial information required to be delivered by this paragraph may be delivered later than forty-five (45) days after the end of such fiscal quarter but in no event later than the extended deadline for filing such quarterly report imposed by said Rule 12b-25.

 

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(b)    As soon as practicable and in any event within one hundred (100) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year, and related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings, and changes in financial position for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form figures for the corresponding period in the preceding calendar year, all in reasonable detail and satisfactory in scope to the Bank, provided, however, that if, so long as the Borrower is a Subsidiary of the Parent, the Parent shall duly file with the SEC any Form 12b-25 under the Exchange Act (or any successor form thereunder) with respect to its inability to timely file its annual report on Form 10-K for a fiscal year and obtains a valid extension of such time to file, the financial information required to be delivered by this paragraph may be delivered later than one hundred (100) days after the end of such fiscal year but in no event later than the extended deadline for filing such annual report imposed by said Rule 12b-25.

 

(c)    As soon as practicable, and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each fiscal quarter of the Parent, other than the last quarter of each fiscal year, a consolidated balance sheet as at the last day of such quarter and the related consolidated statement of income for such quarter and cumulative fiscal year-to-date for the Parent and its Subsidiaries, setting forth in each case in comparative form figures for the corresponding period in the preceding fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and satisfactory in scope to the Bank and certified by the chief accounting officer of the Parent as to the fairness of such financial statements and that the same have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, subject to changes resulting from nonrecurring year-end adjustments; provided, however, that the delivery of the Parent's quarterly report on Form 10-Q promptly after its timely filing with the SEC thereof shall satisfy the requirements of this paragraph with regard to consolidation of financial statements;

 

(d)    As soon as practicable, and in any event within one hundred (100) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Parent, the consolidated balance sheet of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year, and related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings, and changes in financial position for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form figures for the corresponding period in the preceding fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and satisfactory in scope to the Bank and certified by and containing an unqualified opinion of RSM US LLP, or other independent certified public accountants of recognized national standing selected by the Parent and reasonably satisfactory to the Bank; provided, however, that, the delivery of the Parent's annual report on Form 10-K promptly after its timely filing with the SEC thereof shall satisfy the requirements of this paragraph with regard to consolidated financial statements;

 

(e)    Together with each delivery of those items required by clauses (a) and (b) above, a Certificate of Compliance in the form attached hereto as Exhibit “D”, executed by the chief financial officer or the Vice President-Comptroller of the Borrower;

 

 

(f)

[Intentionally deleted.]

 

 

(g)

[Intentionally deleted.]

 

(h)    Promptly upon distribution thereof, copies of all annual or quarterly financial or other statements of Borrower and the Parent (including proxy statements, documents, and reports as the Borrower) shall send to any class of its shareholders;

 

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(i)    At any time when the Borrower or the Parent is obligated to file reports with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act, promptly, and in any event within fifteen (15) days after the filing thereof, copies of all periodic reports, current reports, and registration statements which the Borrower files with the SEC or any equivalent governmental agency and, promptly upon written request therefor, copies of any financial statements which the Borrower files annually with any federal, state, or local regulatory agency or agencies;

 

(j)    With reasonable promptness such additional financial or other information as the Bank may from time to time reasonably request (including, without limitation, consolidating financial statements with respect to any Subsidiary); provided, however, that the Borrower shall not be required to furnish any information requested pursuant to this paragraph to the extent that such information is not then available or may not be produced without unreasonable effort or expense.

 

Bank is hereby authorized to deliver a copy of any financial statements or any other information relating to the business, operations, or financial condition of the Parent, the Borrower, or the Subsidiaries, which may be furnished to it or come to its attention pursuant to the Loan Documents or otherwise, to any regulatory body or agency having jurisdiction over the Bank or to any Person which shall or shall have the right or obligation to, succeed to all or any part of the Bank's interest in the Loan Documents.

 

6.2    Payment of Indebtedness to the Bank; Performance of other Covenants; Payment of Other Obligations. The Borrower will (a) make full and timely payment of the principal of and interest on the indebtedness owed hereunder; and (b) duly comply with all the terms and covenants contained in the Loan Documents.

 

6.3    Conduct of Business; Maintenance of Existence and Rights. The Borrower will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to, (i) do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and to keep in full force and effect its respective corporate existence and rights and privileges as a corporation, and will not liquidate or dissolve, and will take and fulfill, or cause to be taken and fulfilled, all actions and conditions necessary to qualify, and to preserve and keep in full force and effect its qualification, to do business as a foreign corporation in the jurisdictions in which the conduct of its business or the ownership or leasing of its properties requires such qualification, except where the failure to so qualify or maintain such qualification is reasonably likely to materially adversely affect the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; provided, however, that this Section shall not be deemed to prohibit any transaction permitted by Sections 7.2 and 7.3 hereof, and (ii) obtain and maintain franchises, licenses, trade names, patents, trademarks, and permits which are necessary to the ownership of its property or to the continuance of its business except where the failure to obtain or maintain, either individually or in the aggregate, is reasonably likely to materially adversely affect the business earnings prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

6.4    Maintenance of Property. The Borrower will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to, maintain its property in good condition and repair and, from time to time, make all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, additions, betterments, and improvements thereto, so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be conducted in the ordinary course at all times.

 

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6.5    Right of Inspection; Discussions. The Borrower will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to, permit any Bank employee or agent designated by the Bank, at the Bank's expense, to visit and inspect any of the properties, corporate books, records, papers, and financial reports of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, including the making of any copies thereof and abstracts therefrom, and to discuss its affairs, finances, and accounts with its principal officers and independent certified accountants (and by this provision the Borrower hereby authorizes and directs said accountants to discuss with any such Person the finances and accounts of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries), all upon reasonable notice, at reasonable times during normal business hours, and with reasonable frequency. The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, also permit the Bank, or its designated representative, to audit or appraise any of its respective assets or financial and business records. Each such inspection (including any audit or appraisal) shall be at the expense of the Person making the inspection, unless such inspection shall be made during the continuance of an Event of Default (in which event the reasonable expenses of any Person making any such inspection shall be borne by the Borrower). Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, it is understood and agreed by the Borrower that all expenses in connection with any such inspection incurred by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, any officers and employees thereof, and the independent certified accountants therefor shall be expenses payable by the Borrower and shall not be expenses of the Person making the inspection.

 

6.6    Notices. The Borrower will promptly, and in any event within fifteen (15) Business Days thereafter, give notice to the Bank of:

 

(a)    the institution of any suit, action, or proceeding against the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary which is reasonably likely, in the reasonable judgment of the Borrower, to have a materially adverse effect on the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

 

(b)    upon the obtaining of knowledge thereof by any Responsible Officer, any change in any law which is reasonably likely to have a materially adverse effect on the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

 

(c)    copies of any notice of violation, order, or other document evidencing noncompliance with any environmental law which is reasonably likely to have a materially adverse effect on the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

 

(d)    upon the obtaining of actual knowledge thereof by any Responsible Officer, any Event of Default, specifying the nature and period of existence thereof, what action the Borrower has taken or is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto, and an estimate of the time necessary to cure such Event of Default;

 

(e)    upon any Responsible Officer being aware thereof, the occurrence of any (i) ERISA Termination Event; (ii) “prohibited transaction” (within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA), other than one to which an exemption applies; (iii) failure to make a timely contribution to any Pension Plan, if such failure has given rise to a lien under Section 412 (n) of the Code; or (iv) actual, asserted, or alleged violation of ERISA, the Code, or comparable provision of applicable foreign law, that, with respect to any of the events set forth in the forgoing clauses (i) through (iv), could result in a tax, penalty, or other consequence to the Borrower, any Subsidiary, or any ERISA Affiliate in connection with any Plan, which tax, penalty, or other consequence, individually or in the aggregate, would materially affect, individually or in the aggregate, the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, what action the Borrower is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto, and, when known, any action taken by the IRS, the U.S. Department of Labor, the PBGC, any foreign governmental entity, or any other Person with respect thereto;

 

(f)    upon the obtaining of actual knowledge by any Responsible Officer, that any franchise or license held by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary will be revoked, terminated, or suspended, other than any termination in connection with the sale of any assets pursuant to Sections 7.2 and 7.3 hereof, and other the revocations, terminations, and suspensions which, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect on the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

 

24

 

(g)    copies of all press releases and other written statements made available generally by the Borrower to its stockholders or to one or more financial news services concerning material developments in the business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

 

(h)    copies of any notice of the exercise of any remedy by any secured party with respect to any of the material assets or property of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

 

 

(i)

copies of any Form 8-K filed under the Exchange Act; and

 

(j)    the occurrence of any material casualty to any material facility of the Borrower or any other force majeure (including, without limitation, any strike or other labor disturbance) materially affecting the operation or value of any such facility and which is reasonably likely to have a materially adverse effect on the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (specifying whether or not such casualty or force majeure is covered by insurance).

 

6.7    Payment of Taxes; Liens. The Borrower will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to, pay and discharge promptly when due:

 

(a)    all taxes, assessments, and governmental charges and levies imposed upon it, its income, or profits or any of its properties, before the same shall become delinquent; and

 

(b)    all lawful claims of materialmen, mechanics, carriers, warehousemen, landlords, and other similar Persons for labor, materials, supplies and rentals that, if unpaid, might by law become a Lien upon any of its property;

 

provided, however, that none of the foregoing need be paid while the same is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted so long as adequate reserves shall have been established in accordance with GAAP with respect thereto, title of the Borrower or, any subsidiary, as the case may be, to the particular property shall not be divested thereby, and the right of the Borrower or such Subsidiary to use said property shall not be materially adversely affected thereby; provided, further, that any delinquency or non-payment of an immaterial amount which does not result in the imposition of a Lien which is not a Permitted Lien shall not be an Event of Default hereunder. Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries will file all federal, state and local tax returns and all other tax reports as required by law.

 

6.8    Insurance of Properties. The Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary to maintain, with respect to its business and properties, insurance at all times by insurance companies of nationally recognized stature and responsibility which the Borrower believes to be financially sound, of a character usually insured by corporations engaged in the same or a similar business similarly situated against loss or damage of the kinds and in the amounts customarily insured against and for by such corporations, and carry or cause to be carried, with such insurers in customary amounts (with customary deductibles), such other insurance, including public liability insurance, as is usually carried by corporations engaged in the same or a similar business similarly situated; provided, however, that all insurance maintained pursuant to this paragraph shall be carried in amounts sufficient to prevent the Borrower or any Subsidiary from incurring liability as a co-insurer under law or the terms of the applicable policy or policies.

 

25

 

6.9    True Books. The Borrower will, and will cause the Parent and its Subsidiaries to, keep proper books of record and account, in which entries will be made of all of its respective dealings and transactions in accordance with and to the extent required by GAAP, and establish on its books such accruals and reserves in amounts deemed adequate in the reasonable opinion of the Borrower, that, in accordance with GAAP, should be set aside in connection with the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including reserves for depreciation, obsolescence, amortization, third-party insurance payment, and claims and accruals for taxes based on or measured by income on profits, and for all other taxes.

 

6.10    Observance of Laws. The Borrower will, and will cause the Parent and its Subsidiaries to, conform to and duly observe all laws, regulations, and other valid requirements of any governmental authority with respect to the conduct of its business, the violation of which, individually or in the aggregate, is reasonably likely to materially adversely affect the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

6.11    Further Assurances. Upon request of the Bank, the Borrower will, and will cause Restricted Subsidiary to, duly execute and deliver or cause to be duly executed and delivered to. the Bank such further instruments or documents and do and cause to be done such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper in the reasonable opinion of the Bank to carry out more effectively the provisions and purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

6.12     ERISA.

 

(a)    Each of the Borrower, its Subsidiaries, and the ERISA Affiliates will take all actions and fulfill all conditions necessary to maintain any and all Plans (other than a Multiemployer Plan) in substantial compliance with applicable requirements of ERISA, the Code, and applicable foreign law until such Plans are terminated, and the liabilities thereof discharged, in accordance with applicable law.

 

(b)    No domestic Pension Plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) will fail to satisfy the minimum funding standard (within the meaning of Section 412 of the Code), and no foreign Pension Plan will be in violation of any funding requirement imposed by applicable foreign law, which deficiency or violation would or would be reasonably likely to, materially adversely affect the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

6.13    Change of Name, Principal Place of Business, Office, or Agent. The Borrower will provide the Bank with prior written notice of any change in the name of the Borrower, the Parent, or any Restricted Subsidiary, the principal place of business of the Borrower, the Parent, or any Restricted Subsidiary, the office where the books and records of the Borrower, the Parent, or any Restricted Subsidiary are kept, or any change in the registered agent of the Borrower, the Parent, or any subsidiary for the purposes of service of process.

 

6.14    Financial Covenants. The Borrower will, in accordance with GAAP, maintain as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, commencing with the fiscal quarter ending January 29, 2022:

 

(a)    A ratio of Consolidated Funded Debt to the sum of Consolidated Net Worth plus two (2) times EBITDA of not more than 1.0 to 1.0, and Consolidated Net Worth must be a positive balance.

 

(b)    A ratio of Consolidated Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDA for the four (4) fiscal quarters then ending of not more than 3.5 to 1.0.

 

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SECTION 7. NEGATIVE COVENANTS.

 

The Borrower covenants and agrees that from the date of this Agreement until payment in full of all present or future indebtedness hereunder, and termination of all present or future credit facilities established hereunder, unless the Bank shall otherwise consent in writing, the Borrower will fully comply and will cause each Subsidiary to fully comply with the following provisions:

 

7.1    Limitations on Mortgages, Liens, Etc. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume, or suffer or permit to exist, any Lien, other than in favor of Bank or the Permitted Liens.

 

7.2    Consolidation and Merger, Sale of Assets, Etc. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, merge into or consolidate with, or sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets, directly or indirectly, in one or a series of transactions, to any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it or any Restricted Subsidiary except:

 

(a)    The Borrower may permit any corporation to merge into it so long as: (i) the Borrower shall be the surviving corporation; (ii) immediately after giving effect to the transaction, the Borrower shall be permitted by the provisions of this Agreement to incur at least One Dollar ($1.00) of additional Funded Debt; and (iii) immediately before and after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of Default shall exist;

 

(b)    The Borrower may merge into or consolidate with, or sell all or substantially all of its assets to, any other corporation, so long as: (i) the corporation which survives such merger or results from such consolidation or acquires such assets shall be organized under the laws of the United States of America, a state thereof or the District of Columbia; (ii) the surviving corporation shall assume, by an instrument reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Bank, the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement; (iii) immediately after giving effect to the transaction, the surviving corporation shall be permitted by the provisions of this Agreement to incur at least One Dollar ($1.00) of additional Funded Debt; (iv) immediately before and after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of Default shall exist; and (v) an opinion of counsel (reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Bank) shall be delivered to the Bank upon consummation of the transaction to the effect that this Agreement, the Revolving Credit Note, and the instrument referred to in the foregoing clause (ii) are legal, valid, and binding obligations of the surviving corporation, enforceable against the surviving corporation in accordance with their respective terms, and as to such other matters as to which the Bank shall have received a legal opinion on the date of this Agreement as the Bank may reasonably request;

 

(c)    Any Restricted Subsidiary may merge into or consolidate with (i) the Borrower; (ii) any other Restricted Subsidiary; or (iii) any other corporation, so long as (x) if such other corporation is the surviving corporation, it is organized under the laws of the United States of America, a state thereof, or the District of Columbia and, simultaneously with the consummation of such merger or consolidation, is designated a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to Section 7.10 hereof; (y) immediately after and giving effect to such merger or consolidation, the Borrower shall be permitted by the Provisions of this Agreement to incur at least One Dollar ($1.00) of additional Funded Debt; and (z) immediately before and after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of Default shall exist; and

 

(d)   Any Restricted Subsidiary may sell all or substantially all of its assets to (i) the Borrower; (ii)    any other Restricted Subsidiary; or (iii) any other corporation, so long as (v) such transaction complies with the provisions of Sections 7.2 and 7.3 hereof, (w) any indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary to the Borrower and to any other Restricted Subsidiary is repaid prior to or contemporaneously with such transaction, (x) no Investment of such Restricted Subsidiary in the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary is included among the assets sold in such transaction, (y) immediately before and after giving effect to such transaction, the Borrower shall be permitted by the provisions of this Agreement to incur at least One Dollar ($1.00) of additional Funded Debt, and (z) immediately before and after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of Default shall exist.

 

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7.3

Transfer and Sale of Assets; Sale and Leaseback.

 

(a)    The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, through a single transaction or a series of transactions, sell, lease, transfer, or otherwise dispose of or suffer to be sold, leased, transferred, abandoned, or otherwise disposed of, all or any part of its assets except:

 

(i)    The Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary may sell its inventory, materials, and surplus and obsolete equipment in each case in the ordinary course of its business;

 

(ii)    The Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary may sell all or substantially all of its assets to the extent permitted under this Agreement;

 

(iii)    Any Restricted Subsidiary may sell, lease, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any of its assets to the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary; and

 

(iv)    The Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary may sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of assets to a Person which is not an Affiliate of the Borrower for cash and/or indebtedness issued by the purchaser of such assets in consideration therefor (each such sale, lease, or other disposition of assets pursuant to this clause (iii) being hereinafter referred to as a “sale”), so long as such sale (i) is determined in good faith by the Borrower to be for a price or rental at least equal to the fair market sale or rental value of the assets sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of and to be in the best interest of the Borrower, and (ii) does not constitute a Substantial Sale of Assets.

 

(b)    The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in connection with a transaction in which it is contemplated that such property, or any portion thereof, or any other property that the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, intends to use for substantially the same purpose as the property so sold, transferred, or otherwise disposed of, will simultaneously or subsequently be leased back to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (a “Sale Leaseback Transaction”) unless:

 

(i)    Such Sale Leaseback Transaction involves a lease which (x) if such Lease is an operating lease, would be permitted pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement and, (y) if such Lease is a Capital Lease, the Attributable Indebtedness associated with such Capital Lease would be permitted pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement;

 

(ii)    Such Sale Leaseback Transaction relates solely to property or assets with respect to which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary may create a Lien pursuant to the provisions of paragraphs (f), (g), or (h) of the definition of “Permitted Liens” set forth in Section 1.1 hereof; and

 

(iii)    Such Sale Leaseback Transaction either (x) complies with the provisions of this Agreement or (y) is consummated within twelve (12) months of the date on which the construction of all the leased assets has been completed, whichever is later.

 

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7.4    Payment Restrictions. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into any agreement, instrument, or other document which prohibits or restricts in any way or to otherwise, directly or indirectly, create or cause or suffer to exist or become effective any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to (i) pay dividends, or make any other distribution in respect of its capital stock or any other equity interest or participation in its profits owned by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or pay or repay any indebtedness owed to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) make loans or advances to the Borrower, or (iii) transfer any of its properties or assets to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (subject to the rights of any holder of a Lien on any such properties or assets which Lien is a Permitted Lien).

 

7.5    Limitations on Distributions. The Borrower will not declare or make, or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to declare or make, any distribution, dividend, payment or other distribution of assets, properties, cash, rights, obligations or securities (collectively, “Distributions”) on account of its capital stock, or purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire for value any capital stock, or any warrants, rights or options to acquire such capital stock, now or hereafter outstanding, except that:

 

(a)    The Borrower may pay dividends to its shareholders if no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, either before the declaration and payment of such dividends or after giving effect thereto; and

 

(b)    Restricted Subsidiaries may make Distributions to the Borrower or to other Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

 

7.6

[RESERVED]

 

7.7    Regulation U. The Borrower will not permit any part of the proceeds of the loan or loans made pursuant to this Agreement to be used to purchase or carry or to reduce or retire any loan incurred to purchase or carry any margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System) or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any such margin stock, or to be used for any other purpose which violates, or which would be inconsistent with, the provisions of Regulation U or other applicable regulation.

 

7.8    Transactions with Affiliates. Neither the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary will enter into any transaction (including, without limitation, the purchase, sale, lease, or exchange of any property, the rendering of any services, or the payment of management fees) with any Affiliate, except:

(i) transactions in the ordinary course of the business of the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, and in good faith and upon commercially reasonable terms that are no less favorable to it than it would obtain in a comparable arm's length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate; and (ii) transactions between the Borrower and any wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary which are not otherwise prohibited by this Agreement.

 

7.9    Limitation on Nature of Business. The Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries will remain engaged in lines of business related to the businesses in which the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries are currently engaged.

 

7.10    Restricted Subsidiaries. The Borrower will not hereafter designate any entity as a Restricted Subsidiary hereunder (and any such designation shall be without effect hereunder) unless:

 

(i)    The board of directors of the Borrower shall have duly adopted a resolution approving such designation, and the Bank shall have received a copy of such resolution certified by the secretary or assistant secretary of the company;

 

(ii)    Such entity satisfies the requirements of the definition of “Restricted Subsidiary” set forth in this Agreement;

 

(iii)    No Event of Default shall exist prior to, as a result of, or immediately after giving effect to, such designation;

 

(iv)    Immediately after such designation and including such entity in such determination, the Borrower shall be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Funded Debt pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement;

 

 

(v)

Such entity shall have executed a Guaranty pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.2 hereof and obtained, if required by the Bank, an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to it as to the due authorization, execution, and delivery of such Guaranty by such corporation; and


               (vi)    The Borrower shall promptly, and in any event within seven (7) Business Days after such designation, give notice to the Bank of the fact of such designation, the name, jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, principal business address, and business of such newly-designated Restricted Subsidiary, and certifications as to and computations showing compliance with the requirements of this Section, and shall deliver to the Bank with such notice the Guaranty and counsel opinion, if any; provided, however, that, for the purposes of this Section, any computation of any financial covenant in connection with the determination of the absence of an Event of Default or the ability of the Borrower to incur Indebtedness after giving effect to the designation of a corporation as a Restricted Subsidiary shall be made on a pro forma basis, and, without limitation, shall include the Indebtedness of such corporation in any such computation for the relevant period in the case of any such designation and include the net income or EBITDA of such corporation in such computation in the case of any such designation. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, to the extent that a Subsidiary is not designated a Restricted Subsidiary within ninety (90) days after the day on which such Subsidiary becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower, such Subsidiary shall be deemed to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary. Any designation of a Person as a Restricted Subsidiary shall be irrevocable.

 

7.11    Changes in Governing Documents, Accounting Methods, Fiscal Year. The Borrower will not, and will not permit its Subsidiaries to, amend in any respect its constituent documents from that in existence on the date of this Agreement or change its respective accounting methods or practices, its depreciation or amortization policy or rates, or its fiscal year end from that in existence as of the date of the financial statements provided to the Bank pursuant to Section 4.5 hereof, except as required to comply with law or with GAAP.

 

 

7.12

         Limitation on Incurrence of Funded Debt.

 

The Borrower agrees that throughout the term of the Revolving Credit:

 

(a)    Neither the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary shall at any time, directly or indirectly, incur, create, assume, guarantee or become liable in any manner with respect to any Funded Debt unless, immediately after giving effect to such incurrence: (i) the ratio of Consolidated Funded Debt (determined immediately after giving effect to such incurrence) to EBITDA (for the four (4) most recent full fiscal quarters) shall be equal to or less than 3.50 to 1.00; and (ii) no Event of Default shall exist.

 

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(b)    For purposes of this Section 7.12, if Funded Debt is incurred by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary for the purpose of acquiring Voting Stock of or any assets of any Person which is not a Restricted Subsidiary and, immediately after and giving effect to such acquisition, such Person will be a Restricted Subsidiary (in the case of an acquisition of Voting Stock) or such assets will be owned by Borrower of a Restricted Subsidiary (in the case of an acquisition of assets), then the amounts of EBITDA of such Person or of EBITDA attributable to such assets which would have been included in EBITDA if such Person had been a Restricted Subsidiary or such assets had been owned by Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary during the relevant fiscal quarters shall be included in EBITDA for the relevant fiscal quarters for purposes of determining compliance with this Section 7.12.

 

SECTION 8. EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

 

The following events shall constitute “Events of Default” hereunder:

 

8.1    Payment of Obligations Under Loan Documents. The Borrower fails to make timely payment of any principal, interest, or other amount due on any indebtedness owed the Bank under the Loan Documents or fails to make any other payment to the Bank as contemplated thereunder either by the terms hereof or otherwise when due, and such failure shall continue for five (5) days.

 

8.2    Representation or Warranty. Any representation or warranty made or deemed made by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary herein or in any writing furnished in connection with or pursuant to the Loan Documents, or any report certificate, financial statement, or other information provided by others and furnished by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to the Bank in connection with or pursuant to the Loan Documents, shall be false or misleading in any material respect on the date when made or when deemed made.

 

8.3    Covenants Under this Agreement. A default in the observance or performance of any of the conditions, covenants or agreements of Borrower set forth in Sections 6.5, 6.6(d), 6.14 or 7.1 through 7.13, inclusive.

 

8.4    Other Covenants Under the Loan Documents. The Borrower or any other Person fails to fully and promptly perform when due (i) any other agreement, covenant, term, or condition binding on it contained in this Agreement, and such failure shall have continued unremedied for thirty

(30)    days after notice thereof has been given to Borrower or (ii) any agreement, covenant, term or condition binding on it contained in any other Loan Document (taking into account applicable periods of notice and cure, if any).

 

8.5    Payment, Performance, or Default of other Monetary Obligations. The Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary fails to make payment on any contract obligation or of principal or interest on any indebtedness other than that created under the Loan Documents or otherwise owed to the Bank, individually or in the aggregate, exceeding Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000.00), beyond any period of grace provided with respect thereto, or fails to fully and promptly perform any other obligation, agreement, term, or condition contained in any agreement under which any such other Indebtedness is created, or there is otherwise a default or event of default thereunder, if the effect of any such failure or default is to cause, or permit the holder or holders of such indebtedness (or a trustee or other person or entity acting in behalf of such holder or holders) to cause, such indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity.

 

8.6    Covenants or Defaults to the Bank or Others; Revocation of Guaranty. The Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary fails to fully and promptly perform when due any agreement, covenant, term, or condition binding on it, contained in any lease, contract, or other agreement to which it is a party or in respect of which it is obligated, other than the Loan Documents and other than any monetary default (as described above), beyond any period of grace provided with respect thereto, or there is otherwise a default or event of default thereunder, if such failure or default would, either individually or in the aggregate, materially and adversely affect the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or conditions (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; or any Restricted Subsidiary revokes or attempts to revoke any Guaranty.

 

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8.7    Liquidation; Dissolution; Bankruptcy; Etc. Liquidation or dissolution of the Borrower, the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary, suspension of the business of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or the filing or commencement by the Borrower, the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of a voluntary petition, case, proceeding, or other action seeking reorganization, arrangement, readjustment of its debts, or any other relief under any existing or future law of any jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, state or federal, relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or relief of debtors, or any other action of the Borrower, the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any such petition, case, proceeding, or other action seeking to have an order for relief entered with respect to it or its debts; the application by the Borrower, the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary for, or the appointment, by consent or acquiescence of, a receiver, trustee, custodian, or other similar official for the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or for all or a substantial part of its respective property; the making by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or the inability of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or the admission by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in writing of its inability to pay its debts as they mature.

 

8.8    Involuntary Bankruptcy, Etc. Commencement of an involuntary petition, case, proceeding, or other action against the Borrower, the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary under the Bankruptcy Code or seeking reorganization, arrangement, readjustment of its debts, or any other relief under any existing or future law of any jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, state or federal, relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, or relief of debtors; or the involuntary appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, or other similar official for the Borrower, the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary, or for all or a substantial part of its respective property or assets; or there shall be commenced against the Borrower, the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary any case, proceeding, or other action seeking issuance of a warrant of attachment, execution, distraint, or similar process against all or any substantial part of the assets, or property of such person which results in the entry of an order for such relief, and the continuance of any of such for sixty (60) days without being vacated, discharged, stayed, bonded, or dismissed.

 

8.9    Judgments. The rendition of a judgment or judgments against the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary for the payment of damages or money, individually or in the aggregate, in excess of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000), if the same is/are not discharged or if a writ of execution or similar process is issued with respect thereto and is not stayed within the time allowed by law for filing notice of appeal of the final judgment.

 

8.10    Attachment, Garnishment, Liens Imposed by Law. The issuance of a writ of attachment or garnishment against, or the imposition of a lien by operation of law on, any property of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, if the amount of the claim or the value of the affected property is in excess of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000), individually or in the aggregate, and if forty-five (45) days have elapsed and the proceeding or lien has not been vacated, satisfied, dismissed, or stayed pending appeal.

 

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8.11

       ERISA.

 

(a)    Any domestic Pension Plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) shall fail to satisfy the minimum funding standard (within the meaning of Section 412 of the Code) with respect to any plan year; or

 

 

(b)

Any waiver shall be sought or granted under Section 412(c) of the Code; or

 

(c)    Any foreign Pension Plan shall violate any funding requirement imposed by applicable foreign law; or

 

(d)    Any Pension Plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) shall be, have been or be likely to be terminated or the subject of termination proceedings under ERISA; or

 

(e)    the Borrower, the Parent, any Subsidiary, or any ERISA Affiliate shall incur or be likely to incur a liability to or on account of a Pension Plan under Sections 4062, 4063, 4064, or 4201 of ERISA or comparable provision of applicable foreign law, and there shall result from one or more of the events set forth in the foregoing clauses (i) through (v) either a liability or a material risk of incurring a liability to the PBGC, any foreign governmental entity, or a Pension Plan, which could have a material and adverse effect on the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

8.12    Corporate Existence. Any act or omission (formal or informal) of the Borrower, the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary or its officers, directors, or shareholders leading to, or resulting in, the termination, invalidation (partial or total), revocation, suspension, interruption, or unenforceability of (i)    its corporate existence, rights, and privileges, or (ii) its licenses, franchises, or permits where the failure to maintain, either individually or in the aggregate, is reasonably likely to materially adversely affect the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

SECTION 9. REMEDIES OF THE BANK.

 

If any one or more of the Events of Default described in Section 8 shall occur, the Bank may, at its option at any time thereafter, take one or more of the following actions: (i) declare all amounts due and payable hereunder by the Borrower to the Bank and all other obligations and indebtedness owed by the Borrower to the Bank to be forthwith due and payable (with the exception of an Event of Default described in Sections 8.7 or 8.8, in which case the amounts due and payable hereunder by the Borrower to the Bank and all other obligations and indebtedness owed by the Borrower to the Bank shall automatically become due and payable), whereupon the indebtedness owed to the Bank by the Borrower hereunder and all other obligations owed by the Borrower to the Bank with accrued interest thereon, whether contingent or direct, shall forthwith become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest, or other notice of any kind from the Bank, all of which are hereby expressly waived, anything contained in the Loan Documents to the contrary notwithstanding, and all commitments to make Advances shall terminate; (ii) require the Borrower to grant a lien or a security interest in all assets of the Borrower to the Bank, subject to the provisions of Section 3.1(b) hereof, and (iii) immediately proceed to do all other things provided for by law or the Loan Documents to enforce its rights hereunder and to collect all amounts owing to the Bank by the Borrower. No right, power, or remedy conferred upon the Bank by the Loan Documents shall be exclusive of any other right, power, or remedy referred to therein or now or hereafter available at law or in equity.

 

Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, Borrower shall immediately upon demand by Bank deposit with Bank cash collateral in the amount equal to the maximum amount available to be drawn at any time under any Letter of Credit then outstanding.

 

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SECTION 10. CHANGES IN LAW OR CIRCUMSTANCES; INCREASED COSTS; PRICING GRID.

 

10.1    Reimbursement of Prepayment Costs. If Borrower makes any payment of principal with respect to any SOFR-based Advance (or converts or refunds, or attempts to convert or refund any such Advance) on any day other than the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto (whether voluntarily, by acceleration, or otherwise), or if Borrower fails to borrow, refund or convert any SOFR- based Advance after notice has been given by Borrower to Bank in accordance with the terms hereof requesting such Advance, or if Borrower fails to make any payment of principal or interest in respect of a SOFR-based Advance when due, Borrower shall reimburse Bank on demand for any resulting loss, cost or expense incurred by Bank as a result thereof, including, without limitation, any such loss, cost or expense incurred in obtaining, liquidating, employing or redeploying deposits from third parties, whether or not Bank shall have funded or committed to fund such Advance. Such amount payable by Borrower to Bank may include, without limitation, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (a) the amount of interest which would have accrued on the amount so prepaid, or not so borrowed, refunded or converted, for the period from the date of such prepayment or of such failure to borrow, refund or convert, through the last day of the relevant Interest Period, at the applicable rate of interest for said Advance(s) provided under this Agreement, over (b) the amount of interest (as reasonably determined by Bank) which would have accrued to Bank on such amount by placing such amount on deposit for a comparable period in the repurchase market. Calculation of any amounts payable to Bank under this paragraph shall be made as though such Bank shall have actually funded or committed to fund the relevant Advance through the purchase of an underlying deposit in an amount equal to the amount of such Advance and having a maturity comparable to the relevant Interest Period; provided, however, that Bank may fund any SOFR- based Advance in any manner it deems fit and the foregoing assumptions shall be utilized only for the purpose of the calculation of amounts payable under this paragraph. Upon the written request of Borrower, Bank shall deliver to Borrower a certificate setting forth the basis for determining such losses, costs and expenses, which certificate shall be conclusively presumed correct, absent manifest error.

 

 

10.2

      Intentionally Deleted.

 

 

10.3

      Intentionally Deleted.

 

 

10.4

      Intentionally Deleted.

 

10.5    Increased Cost of Advances. In the event that any applicable law, rule or regulation (whether domestic or foreign) now or hereafter in effect and whether or not currently applicable to Bank or any interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by Bank with any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) made by any such authority, central bank or comparable agency after the date hereof:

 

(a)    shall subject Bank to any tax, duty or other charge with respect to any Advance or any Note or shall change the basis of taxation of payments to Bank of the principal of or interest on any Advance or the Revolving Credit Note or any other amounts due under this Agreement in respect thereof (except for changes in the rate of tax on the overall net income or revenues of Bank imposed by the United States of America or the jurisdiction in which such Bank's principal executive office is located); or

 

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(b)    shall impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve (including, without limitation, any imposed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), special deposit or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by Bank or shall impose on Bank any other condition affecting any Advance or the Revolving Credit Note; and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the costs to Bank of making, funding or maintaining any part of the Indebtedness hereunder or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by the Bank under this Agreement or under the Revolving Credit Note then Bank shall promptly notify the Borrower in writing of such fact and demand compensation therefor and, within fifteen (15) days after such notice, Borrower agrees to pay to Bank such additional amount or amounts as will compensate Bank for such increased cost or reduction. A certificate of Bank setting forth the basis for determining such additional amount or amounts necessary to compensate Bank shall be conclusively presumed to be correct save for manifest error. For purposes of this Agreement, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives 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 a “change in law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.

 

10.6    Other Increased Costs. In the event that after the date hereof the adoption of or any change in any applicable law, treaty, rule or regulation (whether domestic or foreign) now or hereafter in effect and whether or not presently applicable to Bank, or any interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental authority charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by Bank with any guideline, request or directive of any such authority (whether or not having the force of law), including any risk based capital guidelines, affects or would affect the amount of capital required or expected to be maintained by Bank (or any corporation controlling Bank) and Bank determines that the amount of such capital is increased by or based upon the existence of Bank's obligations or Advances hereunder and such increase has the effect of reducing the rate of return on Bank's (or such controlling corporation's) capital as a consequence of such obligations or Advances hereunder to a level below that which Bank (or such controlling corporation) could have achieved but for such circumstances (taking into consideration its policies with respect to capital adequacy) by an amount deemed by Bank to be material, then the Borrower shall pay to Bank, from time to time, upon request by such Bank, additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Bank (or such controlling corporation) for any increase in the amount of capital and reduced rate of return which Bank reasonably determines to be allocable to the existence of Bank's obligations or Advances hereunder, provided, however, that for purposes of this Agreement, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives 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. A statement as to the amount of such compensation, prepared in good faith and in reasonable detail by Bank, shall be submitted by Bank to the Borrower, reasonably promptly after becoming aware of any event described in this Section 10.6 and shall be conclusive, absent manifest error in computation.

 

10.7    Margin Adjustment. Adjustments to the Applicable Margin, the Applicable Facility Fee Percentage and the Applicable Letter of Credit Percentage, based on Schedule 10.7, shall be implemented on a quarterly basis as follows:

 

(a)    Such adjustments shall be given prospective effect only, effective as to all Advances outstanding hereunder, the Applicable Facility Fee Percentage and the Applicable Letter of Credit Percentage, upon the date of delivery of the financial statements under Sections 6.1(a) and 6.1(b) hereunder and the Certificate of Compliance under Section 6.1(e) hereof, in each case establishing applicability of the appropriate adjustment and in each case with no retroactivity or claw-back. If Borrower shall fail timely to deliver such financial statements or the Certificate of Compliance and such failure continues for three (3) days, then (but without affecting the Event of Default resulting therefrom) from the date delivery of such financial statements and report was required until such financial statements and report are delivered, the Applicable Margin, the Applicable Facility Fee Percentage and Applicable Letter of Credit Percentage shall be at the highest level on the pricing grid attached to this Agreement as Schedule 10.7.

 

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(b)    From the date hereof until the required date of delivery (or, if earlier, delivery) of the financial statements under Section 6.1(a) or 6.1(b) hereof, as applicable, and the Certificate of Compliance under Section 6.1(e) hereof, for the fiscal quarter ending November 2, 2020, the Applicable Margin, the Applicable Facility Fee Percentage and Applicable Fee Percentage shall be those set forth under the Level I column of the pricing matrix attached to this Agreement as Schedule 10.7. Thereafter, the Applicable Margin, the Applicable Facility Fee Percentage and Applicable Fee Percentage shall be based upon the quarterly financial statements and Certificate of Compliance, subject to recalculation as provided in Section 10.7(a) above.

 

SECTION 11. MISCELLANEOUS.

 

11.1    Course of Dealing; Amendment; Supplemental Agreements. No course of dealing between the parties hereto shall be effective to amend, modify, or change any provision of this Agreement. This Agreement may not be amended, modified, or changed in any respect except by an agreement in writing signed by the party against whom such change is to be enforced. The parties hereto may, subject to the provisions of this Section, from time to time, enter into written agreements supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to this Agreement or changing in any manner the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder. Any such supplemental agreement in writing shall be binding upon the parties thereto.

 

11.2    Waiver By the Bank of Requirements. The Bank may, in its sole discretion, sign and deliver to the Borrower a written statement waiving any of the requirements of this Agreement and in such event the waiver shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given.

 

11.3    Waiver of Default. The Bank may, in its sole discretion, by written notice to the Borrower, at any time and from time to time, waive any Event of Default and its consequences, or any default in the performance or observance of any condition, covenant, or other term hereof and its consequences. Any such waiver shall be for such period and subject to such conditions as shall be specified in any such notice. In the case of any such waiver, the Borrower and the Bank shall be restored to their former positions prior to such Event of Default or default and shall have the same rights as they had thereto, and any Event of Default or default so waived shall be deemed to be cured and not continuing; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Event of Default or default or impair any right consequent thereto.

 

11.4    Notices. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary contained in the other Loan Documents, all notices, requests and demands to or upon the parties to this Agreement pursuant to any Loan Document shall be deemed to have been given or made when delivered by hand, or when deposited in the mail, postage prepaid by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed as follows or to such other address as may be hereafter designated in writing by one party to the other:

 

The Borrower:  NEWBEVCO, INC.  
  8100 SW 10th St. #4000  
  Plantation, Florida 33324 Attention: President  
  and  
  Attention: Legal Counsel  

 

35

 

The Bank: FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION  
  200 East Las Olas Boulevard Suite 1200  
  Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Attention: George Valle  
  Vice President  
     

 

except in cases where it is expressly herein provided that such notice, request, or demand is not effective until received by the party to whom it is addressed.

 

11.5    No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies. No omission or failure of the Bank to exercise and no delay in exercising by the Bank of any right, power, or privilege hereunder, shall impair such right, power, or privilege, shall operate as a waiver thereof or be construed to be a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power, or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power, or privilege. The rights and remedies provided in the Loan Documents are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law, and the warranties, representations, covenants, and agreements made therein shall be cumulative, except in the case of irreconcilable inconsistency, in which case the provisions of this Agreement shall control.

 

11.6    Reliance Upon, Survival of, and Materiality of Representations and Warranties, Agreements, and Covenants. All representations and warranties, agreements, and covenants made by the Borrower in the Loan Documents are material and shall be deemed to have been relied upon by the Bank and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of the loan or loans herein contemplated, and shall continue in full force and effect so long as any indebtedness is owed to the Bank by the Borrower pursuant hereto or so long as there shall be any commitment by the Bank to make loans to the Borrower hereunder. All statements contained in any certificate to the Bank by Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary at any time by or on behalf of the Borrower pursuant hereto shall constitute representations and warranties by the Borrower hereunder.

 

11.7    Set-Off. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the Bank is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, without notice to the Borrower, to set off, appropriate, and apply any and all monies, securities and other property of the Borrower and all proceeds thereof, now or hereafter held or received by, or in transit to, the Bank from or for the Borrower, and also upon any and all deposits (general or special) and credits of the Borrower, if any, at the Bank or all items hereinabove referred to against all indebtedness of the Borrower owed to the Bank, whether under the Loan Documents or otherwise, whether now existing or hereafter arising. The Bank shall be deemed to have exercised such right of set-off and to have made a charge against such items immediately upon the occurrence of such Event of Default although made or entered on its books subsequent thereof.

 

11.8    Severability and Enforceability of Provisions. If any one or more of the provisions of the Loan Documents is determined to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect as to one or more of the parties, all remaining provisions nevertheless shall remain effective and binding on the parties thereto and the validity, legality, and enforceability thereof shall not be affected or impaired thereby. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law that renders any provision hereof invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect.

 

36

 

11.9         Payment of Expenses, Including Attorneys' Fees and Taxes. The Borrower agrees (a)    to pay or reimburse the Bank for all its reasonable and customary out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, and delivery of, and any amendment,supplement, or modification to, or waiver or consent under, the Loan Documents, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, including, without limitation, the reasonable and customary fees and disbursements of counsel for the Bank, taxes, and all recording or filing fees, (b) except as expressly provided otherwise herein, to pay or reimburse the Bank for all of its costs and expenses incurred in connection with the administration, supervision, collection, or enforcement of, or the preservation of any rights under, the Loan Documents, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Bank, including attorneys' fees out of court, in trial, on appeal, in bankruptcy proceedings, or otherwise, (c) without limiting the generality of provision (a) hereof, to pay or reimburse the Bank for, and indemnify and hold the Bank harmless against liability for, any and all documentary stamp taxes, non-recurring intangible taxes, or other taxes, together with any interest, penalties, or other liabilities in connection therewith, that the Bank now or hereafter determines, are payable with respect to the Loan Documents, the obligations evidenced by the Loan Documents, any Advances under the Loan Documents, and any guaranties or mortgages or other security instruments, and (d) to pay, indemnify, and hold the Bank harmless from and against any and all other liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses, or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever with respect to the execution, delivery, enforcement, performance, and administration of the Loan Documents with the exception of the willful or gross negligence of the Bank. The agreements in this Section shall survive repayment of all other amounts payable hereunder or pursuant hereto, now or in the future, and shall be secured by all collateral that secures the loan or loans described herein.

 

11.10    Obligations Absolute. The obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement are primary, absolute, independent, unconditional, and irrevocable, and shall be paid and performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, under all circumstances whatsoever, including without limitation, the following circumstances:

 

(a)    Any lack of validity or enforceability of any portion of any letter of credit, this Agreement, or any agreement or instrument relating thereto;

 

(b)    Any amendment or waiver of or any consent to or actual departure from any letter of credit, this Agreement, or any agreement or instrument relating thereto;

 

 

(c)

Any exchange, release, or nonperfection of any collateral;

 

(d)    Any delay, extension of time, renewal, compromise, or other indulgence or modification granted to or agreed by the Bank, with or without notice to or approval by the Borrower in respect of any of the Borrower's indebtedness to the Bank under this Agreement; or

 

 

(e)

The failure of the Bank to give any notice to the Borrower hereunder.

 

11.11    Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Bank and the Borrower, and, to the extent permitted herein, their respective successors, assignees, or transferees. In the event of such transfer or assignment, the rights and privileges herein conferred upon the Bank shall automatically extend to and be vested in the successor, assignee, or transferee of the Bank, and the Bank shall be relieved of all liability hereunder. The Borrower may not assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Bank.

 

11.12    Counterparts; Effective Date. This Agreement may be signed in any number of separate counterparts, no one of which need contain all of the signatures of the parties, and as many of such counterparts as shall together contain all of the signatures of the parties shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument. A set of the counterparts of this Agreement signed by all parties hereto shall be lodged with the Bank. This Agreement shall become effective upon the receipt by the Bank of signed counterparts of this Agreement from each of the parties hereto or telecopy confirmation of the signing of counterparts of this Agreement by each of the parties hereto.

 

37

 

11.13    Participations. The Borrower recognizes that the Bank may enter into participation agreements with other financial institutions, including one or more banks or other lenders, whereby Bank will allocate a portion of the loan or loans contemplated hereunder. For the benefit of such other banks and lenders, the Borrower agrees that such other banks and lenders shall have the same rights of set-off against the Borrower granted the Bank in Section 11.7 hereof. The Bank will use its best efforts to advise the Borrower of the names of any participants and the extent of their interest herein.

 

11.14    Law of Florida. This Agreement and the Revolving Credit Note have been delivered at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Florida without regard to principles of conflicts of law, except to the extent that the Uniform Commercial Code, other personal property law or real property law of a jurisdiction where Collateral is located is applicable and except as and to the extent expressed to the contrary in any of the Loan Documents. Whenever possible each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

 

11.15    Consent to Jurisdiction. Borrower and Bank hereby irrevocably submit to the non- exclusive jurisdiction of any Florida state court or United States Federal court for the Southern District of Florida sitting in Fort Lauderdale in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, and Borrower and Bank hereby irrevocably agree that all claims in respect of such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in any such Florida state court or United States Federal court for the Southern District of Florida. Borrower irrevocably consents to the service of any and all process in any such action or proceeding brought in any court in or of the State of Florida by the delivery of copies of such process to Borrower at its address specified on the signature page hereto or by certified mail directed to such address or such other address as may be designated by Borrower in a notice to the other parties that complies as to delivery with the terms of Section 11.4. Nothing in this Section shall affect the right of the Bank to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or limit the right of Bank to bring any such action or proceeding against Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or any of its or their property in the courts of any other jurisdiction. Borrower hereby irrevocably waives any objection to the laying of venue of any such suit or proceeding in the above-described courts.

 

11.16    Title and Headings; Table of Contents. The titles and headings preceding the text of Sections and Sections of this Agreement and the Table of Contents have been included solely for convenience of reference and shall neither constitute a part of this Agreement nor affect its meaning, interpretation, or effect.

 

11.17    Complete Agreement; No Other Consideration. The Loan Documents contain the final, complete, and exclusive expression of the understanding of the Borrower and the Bank with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents and supersede any prior or contemporaneous agreement or representation, oral or written, by or between the parties related to the subject matter hereof. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, there does not exist any consideration or inducement other than as stated herein for the execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the Loan Documents.

 

38

 

11.18    Legal or Governmental Limitations. Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Bank shall not be obligated to extend credit or make loans to the Borrower in an amount in violation of any limitations or prohibitions provided by any applicable statute or regulation.

 

11.19    Interest. If the obligation of Borrower to pay interest on the principal balance of the Revolving Credit Notes is or becomes in excess of the maximum interest rate which Borrower is permitted by law to contract or agree to pay, giving due consideration to the execution date of this Agreement, then, in that event, the rate of interest applicable with respect to such Bank’s Percentage shall be deemed to be immediately reduced to such maximum rate and all previous payments in excess of the maximum rate shall be deemed to have been payments in reduction of principal and not of interest.

 

 

11.20    Independence of Covenants. Each covenant hereunder shall be given independent effect (subject to any exceptions stated in such covenant) so that if a particular action or condition is not permitted by any such covenant (taking into account any such stated exception), the fact that it would be permitted by an exception to, or would be otherwise within the limitations of, another covenant shall not avoid the occurrence of a Default or an Event of Default.

 

 

11.21    WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY. THE BORROWER AND THE BANK HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE THE RIGHT THEY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE LOAN DOCUMENTS AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENT EXECUTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE LOAN OR LOANS HEREUNDER, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENT (WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN), OR ACTION OF EITHER PARTY. THIS PROVISION IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR THE BANK TO ENTER INTO ANY LOAN TRANSACTIONS HEREUNDER.

 

[signature page to follow]

 

39

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their proper and duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

BORROWER:

 

NEWBEVCO, INC.

 

 

By: /s/ George Bracken          

George Bracken, Vice President and Treasurer

 

 

BANK:

 

FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

 

 

By:                                                                             

 

 

Its:                                                                              

 

 

40

 

 

EXHIBIT A
 

REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE

 

$50,000,000 January 5, 2022

 

On the Termination Date, FOR VALUE RECEIVED, NEWBEVCO, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Borrower”), promises to pay to the order of Fifth Third Bank, National Association (“Bank”), in lawful money of the United States of America, the sum of Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000), or so much of said sum as may from time to time have been advanced and then be outstanding hereunder pursuant to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as January 5, 2022, made by and between the Borrower and Bank, as the same may be amended from time to time (the “Agreement”), together with interest thereon as hereinafter set forth.

 

Each of the Advances made hereunder shall bear interest at the Applicable Interest Rate from time to time applicable thereto under the Agreement or as otherwise determined thereunder, and interest shall be computed, assessed and payable as set forth in the Agreement.

 

This Note is a note under which Advances (including refundings and conversions), repayments and readvances may be made from time to time, but only in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Agreement. This Note evidences borrowings under, is subject to, is secured in accordance with, and may be accelerated or matured under, the terms of the Agreement, to which reference is hereby made. Definitions and terms of the Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

 

Borrower waives presentment for payment, demand, protest and notice of dishonor and nonpayment of this Note and agrees that no obligation hereunder shall be discharged by reason of any extension, indulgence, release, or forbearance granted by any holder of this Note to any party now or hereafter liable hereon or any present or subsequent owner of any property, real or personal, which is now or hereafter security for this Note.

 

Nothing herein shall limit any right granted Bank by any other instrument or by law.

 

  NEWBEVCO, INC.  
       
       
       
  By:    
    George Bracken, Vice President and Treasurer  

 

1

 

EXHIBIT “B”

 

REQUEST FOR ADVANCE

 

No.                                                                          Dated:                                                                         

 

To: Fifth Third Bank, National Association

 

Re: Amended and Restated Credit Agreement by and between Fifth Third Bank, National Association (“Bank”) and Newbevco, Inc. (“Borrower”) dated as of January 5, 2022 (as amended from time to time, the “Agreement”).

 

Pursuant to the Agreement, the Borrower requests an Advance from Bank as follows:

 

 

A.

Date of Advance:

 

 

B.

Amount of Advance:$                                                             
Deposit to:
☐          Fifth Third Bank Account No.                                            
☐          Other:                                                                                     

 

 

C.

Type of Activity:
1.          Advance                           ☐
2.          Refunding                        ☐
3.          Conversion                      ☐

 

 

 

D.

Interest Rate:
1.          Prime-based Rate            ☐
2.          SOFR-based Rate            ☐

 

The Borrower certifies to the matters specified in Section 2.1(c) of the Agreement.

 

NEWBEVCO, INC.

 

By:                                                                

 

Its:                                                                 

 

 

2

 

 

EXHIBIT C

 

JOINDER AGREEMENT

 

 

THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT is dated as of                                             , 202             by                                                  , a                                                    corporation (“New Guarantor”).

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 3.2 of that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 5, 2022 (as may be amended, restated, supplemented or replaced from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) by and among Newbevco, Inc. (“Borrower”) and Fifth Third Bank, National Association (“Bank”), the New Guarantor has been designated a Restricted Subsidiary of Borrower and accordingly, the New Guarantor must execute and deliver a Joinder Agreement in accordance with the Credit Agreement and become obligated as a guarantor under that certain Continuing and Unconditional Guaranty dated June 18, 2015, executed by the Restricted Subsidiaries in favor of Bank with respect to the indebtedness of Borrower to Bank (as amended and/or restated from time to time, “Guaranty”).

 

NOW THEREFORE, as a further inducement to Banks to continue to provide credit accommodations to Borrower and the Account Parties (as defined in the Credit Agreement), New Guarantor hereby covenants and agrees as follows:

 

 

1.

All capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement unless expressly defined to the contrary.

 

 

2.

New Guarantor hereby enters into this Joinder Agreement in order to comply with Section 3.2 of the Credit Agreement and does so in consideration of the Advances made or to be made from time to time under the Credit Agreement (and the other Loan Documents), from which New Guarantor shall derive direct and indirect benefit as with the parties the Guaranty (all as set forth and on the same basis as in the Guaranty).

 

 

3.

New Guarantor shall be considered, and deemed to be, for all purposes of the Credit Agreement, the Guaranty and the other Loan Documents, a guarantor and obligated party under the Guaranty as fully as though New Guarantor had executed and delivered the Guaranty at the time originally executed and delivered under the Credit Agreement and New Guarantor hereby ratifies and confirms its obligations under the Guaranty, all in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

 

4.

No Default or Event of Default (each such term being defined in the Credit Agreement) has occurred and is continuing under the Credit Agreement.

 

 

5.

This Joinder Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of Florida without regard to principles of conflicts of law and shall be binding upon New Guarantor and its successors and assigns.

 

1

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned New Guarantor has executed and delivered this Joinder Agreement as of                                                              , 202         .

 

 

 

 [NEW GUARANTOR]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Its:

 

 

 

2

 

EXHIBIT D

 

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE

 

To:         Fifth Third Bank, National Association

 

Re:         NewBevCo., Inc. Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 5, 2022 (the “Agreement”)

 

This Certificate of Compliance (“Report”) is furnished pursuant to Section 6.1(e) of the Agreement and sets forth various information as of         ,         (the “Computation Date”).

 

1.    Consolidated Funded Debt to Consolidated Net Worth. On the Computation Date, the rate of Consolidated Funded Debt to the sum of Consolidated Net Worth plus two (2) times EBITDA, which is required to be not more than 1.0 to 1.0, wasto 1.0 as computed in the supporting documents attached hereto as Schedule 1.

 

2.    Consolidated Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDA. On the Computation Date, the ratio of Consolidated Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDA, which is required to be not more than 3.5 to 1.0, wasto 1.0 as computed in the supporting documents attached hereto as Schedule 2.

 

The undersigned officer of Borrower hereby certifies that:

 

A.    All of the information set forth in this Report (and in any Schedule attached hereto) is true and correct in all material respects.

 

B.    As of the Computation Date, the Borrower has observed and performed all of its covenants and other agreements contained in the Agreement and in the Revolving Credit Note and any other Loan Documents to be observed, performed and satisfied by them.

 

C.    I have reviewed the Agreement and this Report is based on an examination sufficient to assure that this Report is accurate.

 

D.    Except as stated in Schedule 3 hereto (which shall describe any existing Event of Default or event which with the passage of time and/or the giving of notice, would constitute an Event of Default and the notice and period of existence thereof and any action taken with respect thereto or contemplated to be taken by Borrower), no Event of Default, or event which with the passage of time and/or the giving of notice would constitute an Event of Default, has occurred and is continuing on the date of this Report.

 

Capitalized terms used in this Report and in the schedules hereto, unless specifically defined to the contrary, have the meanings given to them in the Agreement.

 

 

3

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower has caused this Report to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer this         day of         , 202         .

 

 

NEWBEVCO, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Its:

 

 

 

4

 

 

SCHEDULE 1.1.A LIENS

 

Debtor(s)

Secured Party(ies)

Filing No.

Filing Date

Filing Type

Collateral

Everfresh Beverages, Inc.

De Lage Landen Financial Services, Inc.

20181733548

3/13/2018

Original

Equipment

Everfresh Beverages, Inc.

CIT Bank, N.A.

20214614591

6/14/2021

Original

Equipment

   

20216901269

8/31/2021

Amendment

 

Everfresh Beverages, Inc.

CIT Bank, N.A.

20216960281

9/1/2021

Original

Equipment

   

20217969877

10/6/2021

Amendment

 

Everfresh Beverages, Inc.

CIT Bank, N.A.

20216960307

9/1/2021

Original

Equipment

   

20217972129

10/6/2021

Amendment

 

Everfresh Beverages, Inc.

CIT Bank, N.A.

20216961040

9/1/2021

Original

Equipment

Everfresh Beverages, Inc.

CIT Bank, N.A.

20216961057

9/1/2021

Original

Equipment

Everfresh Beverages, Inc.

CIT Bank, N.A.

20216961073

9/1/2021

Original

Equipment

   

20217973929

10/6/2021

Amendment

 

Everfresh Beverages, Inc.

Wisconsin Lift Truck Corp.

20213200550

9/9/2021

Original

Equipment

Faygo Beverages, Inc.

Fifth Third Bank

20170503000745-2

5/3/2017

Original

Equipment

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

HYG Financial Services, Inc.

20123968155

10/15/2012

Original

Equipment

   

20172987201

5/5/2017

Amendment

 
   

20172989280

5/5/2017

Continuation

 
   

20190696612

1/30/2019

Amendment

 

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

Fifth Third Bank

20164998165

8/17/2016

Original

Equipment

   

20190841838

2/5/2019

Amendment

 

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

Everbank Commercial Finance, Inc.

20173111082

5/11/2017

Original

Equipment and all

assets

   

20176502196

9/29/2017

Amendment

 
   

20176506726

9/29/2017

Amendment

 
   

20176624263

10/4/2017

Assignment

 

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

Wells Fargo Vendor Financial Services LLC

20174148901

6/23/2017

Original

Equipment

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

Toyota Industries Commercial Finance,

Inc.

20174849110

7/21/2017

Original

Equipment

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

Wells Fargo Bank, NA

20176754276

10/10/2017

Original

Equipment

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

Wells Fargo Bank, NA

20181417779

3/1/2018

Original

Equipment

Shasta

Beverages, Inc.

HYG Financial

Services, Inc.

20190740204

2/1/2019

Original

Equipment

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

HYG Financial Services, Inc.

20190741319

2/1/2019

Original

Equipment

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

Fifth Third Bank

20191992390

3/22/2019

Original

Equipment

Shasta

Beverages, Inc.

HYG Financial

Services, Inc.

20195232389

7/29/2019

Original

Equipment

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

Tomco2 Systems Company

20212483445

3/30/2021

Original

Equipment

 

Borrower and all other Subsidiaries
None

 

1

 

 

SCHEDULE 1.1.B

 

RESTRICTED SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES OF BORROWER

 

 

Name of Subsidiary
Principal Place of Business

Jurisdiction

of Subsidiary

Assumed Name

Number of Authorized Shares

 

Number of Outstanding Shares

   

Number of Outstanding Shares Owned by

Newbevco

 

BevCo Sales, Inc.
1165 Palmour Drive

Gainesville, GA 30501

Delaware

Bevco, Inc.

2,500 Common Shares, $.01 Par

    100       100  

Beverage Corporation

Delaware

 

2,500 Common

    100       100  

International, Inc.

 

None

Shares, $.01 Par

               

8100 SW 10th St., Suite 4000

                     

Plantation, FL 33324

                     

Big Shot Beverages, Inc. f/k/a Winnsboro Beverage Packers,
Inc. 5600 Jefferson Highway

Suite 112

Harahan LA 70123

Delaware

None

2,600 Common Shares, $.01 Par

2,500 Preferred Shares, $.01 Par

    2,600       2,600  

Everfresh Beverages, Inc. 6600
East 9 Mile Road

Warren, MI 48091

Delaware

Sundance Beverage Company

2,500 Common Shares, $.01 Par

    100       100  

Faygo Beverages, Inc.

Michigan

None

82,490 Common

    1,000       1,000  

3579 Gratiot Avenue

   

Shares, $1.00 Par

               

Detroit, MI 48207

                     
     

2,000 Preferred

               
     

Shares, $100 Par

    0          

LaCroix Beverages, Inc.
8100 SW 10th St., Suite 4000

Plantation, FL 33324

Delaware

None

10,000 Common Shares, $.001 Par

    100       100  

National Beverage Vending

Delaware

Shasta

2,500 Common

    100       100  

Company

 

Vending

Shares, $.01 Par

               

f/k/a Shasta Sales, Inc

                     

2031 Industrial Blvd.

                     

Lexington, SC 29072

                     

National Retail Brands, Inc.
1165 Palmour Drive

Gainesville, GA 30501

Delaware

None

2,500 Common Shares, $.01 Par

    100       100  

Paco, Inc.

8100 SW 10th St., Suite 4000

Plantation, FL 33324

Delaware

None

1,000 Common Shares, $.01 Par

    100       100  
     

1,000 Preferred

Shares, $.01 Par

               

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

8100 SW 10th St., Suite 4000

Plantation, FL 33324

Delaware

None

2,500 Common Shares, $.01 Par

    100       100  

Shasta Beverages International, Inc.

1227 Andover Park East Tukwila, WA 98188

Delaware

None

2,500 Common Shares, $.01 Par

    100       100  

Shasta Sales, Inc.

f/k/a Sea Acquisition Corp.
6156 St. Andrews Road, #105

Columbia, SC 29212

Delaware

None

2,500 Common Shares, $.01 Par

    100       100  

Shasta Sweetener Corp.
8100 SW 10th St., Suite 4000

Plantation, FL 33324

Delaware

None

2,500 Common Shares, $.01 Par Class A Voting

2,500 Common Shares, $.01 Par

Class B Voting

    100       100  

Shasta West, Inc. f/k/a Shasta Northwest, Inc.

14405 East Artesia Blvd. La Mirada, CA 90638

Delaware

None

2,500 Common Shares, $.01 Par

    100       100  

 

 

UNRESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES OF BORROWER

 

 

None

 

1

 

 

SCHEDULE 1.1.C.

INVESTMENTS

 

Advances to Parent - NET  
 Amount as of October 31, 2021  $943,812,000.00

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

2

 

SCHEDULE 4.6

LITIGATION DISCLOSURE

 

 

None

 

3

 

SCHEDULE 10.7

PRICING GRID

 

BASIS FOR PRICING

LEVEL I

LEVEL II

LEVEL III

LEVEL IV

LEVEL V

CONSOLIDATED FUNDED DEBT TO EBITDA RATIO

< 0.75 to 1.0

>0.75 to 1.0

and

< 1.5 to 1.0

>1.5 to 1.0

and

< 2.0 to 1.0

>2.0 to 1.0 <

and

< 2.5 to 1.0

> 2.5 to 1.0

APPLICABLE FACILITY FEE PERCENTAGE

(expressed as basis points)

20.00

20.00

25.00

25.00

25.00

APPLICABLE LETTER OF CREDIT PERCENTAGE

(expressed as basis points)

100.00

110.00

135.00

160.00

180.00

APPLICABLE PRIME- BASED RATE MARGIN

(expressed as basis points)

-20.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

50.00

APPLICABLE SOFR  BASED RATE MARGIN

(expressed as basis points)

105.00

115.00

140.00

165.00

185.00

APPLICABLE SOFR - BASED FLOOR

(expressed as basis points)

25

25

25

25

25

 

4
 
ex_343627.htm

Exhibit 10.17

 

 

LOAN AGREEMENT

 

This Loan Agreement (the “Agreement”), dated as of December 21, 2021, is entered into between BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. (the "Bank") and NEWBEVCO, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower").

 

Recitals

 

The Borrower has requested that the Bank establish a draw to term loan in the principal amount of up to Fifty Million and 00/100 Dollars ($50,000,000.00) on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements, covenants and conditions set forth herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.            DEFINITIONS

 

In addition to the terms which are defined elsewhere in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings indicated for the purposes of this Agreement:

 

1.1         "Advance Termination Date" is defined in Section 2.2 of this Agreement.

 

1.2         "Availability Period" is defined in Section 2.2 of this Agreement.

 

1.3         "Bank" has the meaning specified in the first sentence of this Agreement.

 

1.4         “Beneficial Ownership Certification” means a certification regarding beneficial ownership required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.

 

1.5         “Beneficial Ownership Regulation” means 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230.

 

1.6         "Borrower" has the meaning specified in the first sentence of this Agreement.

 

1.7         "Comerica Loan Agreement" means that certain Credit Agreement dated as of June 30, 2008, executed between Comerica Bank and the Borrower, as the same has been, or may be, amended or restated from time to time.

 

1.8         "Consolidated Funded Debt" means at any date, the aggregate amount of all Funded Debt of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries at such date, all as determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

1.9        "Consolidated Net Worth" means at any date, the total common shareholders' equity of Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as reflected on the most recent regularly prepared quarterly or annual balance sheet of Borrower and such Restricted Subsidiaries, which balance sheet shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP, minus all Investments of Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Permitted Investments.

 

1.10       "Credit Limit" means Fifty Million and 00/100 Dollars ($50,000,000.00).

 

1.11       “EBITDA" means net income, less income or plus loss from discontinued operations (including unusual and infrequent items, agreed to at the sole discretion of the Bank), plus income taxes, plus interest expense, plus depreciation, depletion, and amortization.

 

1.12       "Fifth Third Loan Agreement" means that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 28, 2020, executed between Fifth Third Bank, National Association and the Borrower, as the same has been, or may be, amended or restated from time to time.

 

 

1

 

1.13      "Funded Debt" of any Person means (a) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of property or services as of such date (other than operating leases and trade liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business) or which is evidenced by a note, bond, debenture or similar instrument, (b) the principal component of all obligations of such person under Capital Leases, (c) all reimbursement obligations (actual, contingent or otherwise) of such Person in respect of letters of credit, acceptances or similar obligations issued or created for the account of such Person, (d) all liabilities secured by any liens on any property owned by such Person as of such dateeven though such Person has not assumed or otherwise become liable for the payment thereof, in each case determined in accordance with GAAP; provided, however, that so long as such Person is not personally liable for such liabilities, the amount of such liability shall be deemed to be the lesser of the fairmarket value at such date of the property subject to the lien securing such liability and the amount of the liability secured, and (e) all Guarantee Obligations in respect of any liability which constitutes Funded Debt.

 

1.14      "Guarantor(s)" means, individually and collectively, the parties listed on Schedule 1.14 hereto and shall include all Restricted Subsidiaries. In the event of the designation of any additional Restricted Subsidiaries, such additional Restricted Subsidiaries shall be required to enter into a Guaranty in substantially the same form as the Guaranties entered into by the existing Restricted Subsidiaries on the date hereof, together with such supporting attorney's opinion, if requested by Lender, evidence of corporate authorization, and other instruments and documents as the Bank may reasonably request.

 

1.15      "Lien" means any interest in property securing an obligation owed to, or a claim by, any Person other than the owner of the property, whether such interest shall be based on the common law, civil law, statute, civil code, or contract, whether or not such interest shall be recorded or perfected, and whether or not such interest shall be contingent upon the occurrence of some future event or events or the existence of some future circumstance or circumstances, and including the lien, privilege, securityinterest, or other encumbrance arising from a mortgage, deed of trust, hypothecation, transfer, assignment, pledge, adverse claim or charge, conditional sale, or dust receipt, or from a lease, consignment, or bailment for security purposes. The term "Lien" also includes reservations, exceptions, encroachments, easements, rights-of- way, covenants, conditions, restrictions, leases, and other title exceptions and encumbrances affecting property. For the purposes of this Agreement, a Person shall be deemed to be the owner of any property that such Person shall have acquired or shall hold subject to a conditional sale agreement or other arrangement (including a leasing arrangement) pursuant to whichtitle to the property shall have been retained by or vested in some other Person for security purposes.

 

1.16       "Line of Credit" is defined in Section 2.1 hereof.

 

1.17       "Loan Documents" means this Loan Agreement, the Note, the Guaranties, and each other document executed in connection herewith.

 

1.18       "Note" is defined in Section 2.1 hereof.

 

1.19       “Obligor” means the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary.

 

1.20       "Parent" means National Beverage Corp., a Delaware corporation.

 

1.21       Intentionally Deleted.

 

1.22      "Permitted Acquisition" shall mean any acquisition (including by way of merger or consolidation) by Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of all or substantially all of the assets of another Person, a division or line of business of another Person, or the capital stock or other equity interests of another Person, which is conducted in accordance with the following requirements:

 

(a)    Both immediately before and after such acquisition, no default or Event ofDefault shall have occurred and be continuing; and

 

(b)    The board of directors (or other Person(s) exercising similar functions) of the seller of the assets or issuer of the capital stock or other equity interests being acquired shall not have disapproved such transaction or recommended that such transaction be disapproved.

 

2

 

1.23       "Permitted Investment" means any of the following Investments:

 

(a)    Marketable direct obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the United States of America or any agency thereof and maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;

 

(b)    Commercial paper of any corporation incorporated in the United States of America having a rating of "A-2" or better by S&P or "P-2" or better by Moody's;

 

(c)    Certificates of deposit, repurchase agreements, bankers acceptances, eurocurrency deposits, and certificates deposit (i) in an amount not in excess of the maximum amount of insurance provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or (ii) issued by commercial banks or trust companies incorporated under the laws of the United States of America, each being a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and havingunsecured long- term debt that is rated "A-" or better by S&P or "A3" or better by Moody's;

 

(d)    Readily marketable debt securities issued by any state or municipality within the United States or any political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof maturing within twelve (12) months or less of the date of acquisition and rated "MIG-1" or better by Moody's;

 

(e)    Investments in so-called "money market funds" registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and organized under the laws of the United States of America or any jurisdiction thereof, having total net assets of at least One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000.00) and investing primarily in Investments of the types specified in clauses (a), (b), (c), and/or (d), but in each case without limitation as to maturity (so that it may reasonably be expected that at any time at least eighty percent (80%) of its invested funds willbe invested in such Investments);

 

(f)    Trust certificates or other instruments evidencing an ownership interest in debt securities held by a trustee or custodian and meeting the requirements of clause (d) hereof (except as to maturity), so long as the holder thereof has the right, at least as often as everythirty (30) days, to cause the purchase of such trust certificate or other instrument by a bank which meets the requirements of clause (c) hereof;

 

(g)    Investments in (i) any Restricted Subsidiary or (ii) any corporation which, simultaneously therewith, becomes a Restricted Subsidiary and which, in either case, is a Guarantor;

 

(h)    Investments in joint ventures as to which:

 

 

(i)

no party to such joint venture (other than the entity created by such joint venture) shall be an Affiliate of the Borrower;

 

  (ii)

the entity created by such joint venture shall not engage in any line of business other than the lines of business in which the Borrower may engage pursuant to Section 7.10 hereof; and

 

  (iii)

the aggregate amount of the Borrower's Investment in such joint venture shall not exceed the greater of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) and twenty percent (20%) of Consolidated Net Worth.

 

(i)    Other Investments held by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary on the date of this Agreement and described on Schedule 1.18 hereto.

 

3

 

1.24       "Permitted Liens" means:

 

(a)

Liens existing on the date of this Agreement which are: (i) described in Schedule 1.24 hereto; or in the aggregate on property and equipment with a book value not exceeding $17 million, and which do not secure Funded Debt.

 

(b)

 

Liens securing taxes, assessments, governmental charges or levies or the claims or carriers, warehousemen, materialmen, mechanics and other like Persons not yet due or the payment of which is not then required by this Agreement; provided, however that this clause (b) shall not be deemed to permit any Liens which may be imposed pursuant to Section 4068 of ERISA or Section 412(n) of the Code;

 

(c)

 

Liens incidental to the ordinary course of business or the ownership of properties and assets, including, without limitation, (i) Liens, deposits, or pledges securing the performance of bids, tenders, leases, or trade contracts, (ii) Liens securing statutory obligations (including those arising under workers compensation, unemployment insurance, and other social security legislation), (iii) Liens to secure the performance of surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds, and other similar obligations; provided, however, that (A) any such Lien shall not be created in connection with and shall not secure Funded Debt; (B) any obligation secured by any such Lien shall not be overdue or, if overdue, is being contested in good faith by appropriate actions or proceedings during which there is no right on the part of the secured party to seize, take possession of or sell or cause the sale of the property subject to such Lien, and adequate book reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP; and (C) all such Liens, pledges,and deposits shall not in the aggregate materially impair the use or diminish the value of the properties of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the operation of the respective businesses of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries provided, further, that this clause (C)shall not be deemed to permit any Liens which may be imposed pursuant to Section 4068 of ERISA or Section 412(n) of the Code; or (iv) other Liens not in excess of ten percent (10%) of Consolidated Net Worth;

 

(d)

[RESERVED];

 

(e)

 

Minor survey exceptions and minor encumbrances, easements, or reservations, or rights of others for rights-of-way, utilities and other similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real properties, which are necessary for the conduct of the activities of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries or which customarily exist on properties of corporations engagedin similar activities and similarly situated and which do not in any event materially impair the use or diminish the value of any of such properties in the operation of the businesses of the Borrowerand the Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(f)

 

Liens originally created to secure payment of a portion of the purchase price relating to fixed assets or equipment which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary acquires after the date hereof from a non-affiliate, provided, however, that (i) no such Lien shall extend to any other property of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary; and (ii) the outstanding principal amountof indebtedness secured by any such Lien shall not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the cost of the property subject to such Lien.

 

4

 

(g)

 

Liens securing indebtedness of a corporation outstanding on the date such corporation (i) is designated as a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, (ii) merges into or consolidates with the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.10 hereof, or (iii) is acquired by the purchase of all or substantially all of suchcorporation's assets and the assumption of such indebtedness of such corporation by theBorrower or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that such Liens are not applicable to the Borrower or any previously designated Restricted Subsidiary or the assets (other than the acquired assets) of the Borrower or any previously designated Restricted Subsidiary; provided, further, that none of such Liens is created prior to and in anticipation of such designation,merger, consolidation, or acquisition;

 

(h)

 

Liens which may arise to secure Indebtedness incurred under the Comerica Loan Agreement or the Fifth Third Loan Agreement as a result of security interests granted Bank in accordance with clause (b) of Section 3 of this Agreement, so long as property of the Borrower and/or Restricted Subsidiaries is subjected to such Liens in compliance with the provisions of this Agreement; and

 

(i)

 

The extension, renewal, or replacement of any Lien specified in the foregoing clauses (a) through (h); provided, however that (i) no property shall become subject to such extended, renewal, or replacement Lien that was not subject to the Lien extended, renewed, or replaced; the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness secured by any such extended, renewed, or replacement Lien shall not be increased by such extension, renewal, or replacement; (iii) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien could be incurred in compliance the applicable limitations of this Agreement at the time of such extension, renewal, or replacement; and (iv) after giving effectthereto, no Event of Default shall exist.

 

1.25       "Person" means any corporation, business entity, natural person, firm, joint venture, partnership, trust, unincorporated organization, association, government, or any department or agency of any government.

 

1.26       "Responsible Officer" means the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Chief Accounting Officer of the Borrower.

 

1.27      "Restricted Subsidiary" "Restricted Subsidiary" means the Subsidiaries designated as "Restricted Subsidiaries" in Schedule 1.27 hereto, and any other Subsidiary that may be designated as aRestricted Subsidiary by resolution of the board of directors of the Borrower so long as (i) such Subsidiary conducts substantially all of its business and owns substantially all of its property the United States or such other location as is consented to by the Bank, and (ii) at least eighty percent (80%) ofeach class of the voting stock and one hundred percent (100%) of the preferred stock of such Subsidiary is legally and beneficially owned by the Borrower; provided, however, that any such designation of a Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary shall not be effective unless the provisions of Section 7.10 hereof shall have been complied with. Once a Subsidiary becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, it may not thereafterbecome an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

1.28       "Subsidiary" means, for any Person, any corporation, partnership, or other entity of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the securities or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power to elect the board of directors or having direct power to perform functions similar to that of a board of directors is at the time directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term, "Subsidiary' refers to a subsidiary of the Borrower.

 

5

 

1.29      "Substantial Sale of Assets" means the sale of any assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary out of the ordinary course of business which, when aggregated with the proceeds of all such asset sales by the Borrower and any Restricted Subsidiary after the date hereof, exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the total consolidated tangible assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

1.30       "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary which is not a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

1.31.     Other Terms. (a) The terms "material" and "materially" shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms under GAAP as such would be applied to the business of the Borrower or others, except as the context shall clearly otherwise require; (b) all of the terms defined in this Agreement shall have such defined meanings when used in other documents issued under, or delivered pursuant to, this Agreement unless the context shall otherwise require; (c) all terms defined in this Agreement in the singular shall have comparable meanings when used in the plural, and vice versa; (d) accounting terms to the extent not otherwise defined shall have the respective meanings given them under, and shall be construed in accordance with GAAP; (e) "hereof," "herein," "hereunder" and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement;(f) the masculine and neuter genders are used herein and whenever used shall include the masculine, feminine, and neuter as well; and (g) whenever in this Agreement any of the parties hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the successors and assigns of such parties unless the context shall expressly provide otherwise.

 

2.           UP TO $50,000,000.00 DRAW TO TERM VARIABLE RATE LOAN

 

2.1         Loan Amount.

 

During the Availability Period, the Borrower shall be entitled to borrow from the Bank, on a revolving basis, any amount of up to Fifty Million and 00/100 Dollars ($50,000,000.00) (the "Loan"), on the terms and conditions set forth herein. The Borrower's obligations under the Loan shall be evidenced by a promissory note (as amended, extended, renewed or restated from time to time, the “Note”) of even date herewith, executed by the Borrower in favor of the Bank in the original principal amount of up to Fifty Million and 00/100 Dollars ($50,000,000.00).

 

2.2         Availability Period.

 

The Borrower shall be entitled to advances under the Note, on a revolving basis, during the period (the "Availability Period") between the date hereof, and December 31, 2022 (the "Advance Termination Date"). The Borrower shall not be entitled to any further advances under the Note after the Advance Termination Date.

 

2.3         Payments and Interest.

 

The Note shall bear interest at the rate set forth in the Note and shall be payable as set forth in the Note.

 

3.           COLLATERAL

 

(a)

The Loan shall be unsecured except as provided for in 3(b) below.

 

6

 

(b)

 

(i) In the event that any real or personal property of the Borrower becomes subject to a Lien (in violation of this Agreement) which is not a Permitted Lien and which Lien is not removed within thirty (30) days of Borrower's receipt of notice of any Lien (and without regard to any additional cure period) or (ii) upon the occurrence of any Event of Default which has not otherwise been cured or waived at any time, the Bank shall have the right after written notice to Fifth Third Bank National Association and to Comerica Bank (with a copy to Borrower) to become secured by a first perfected (as set forth below) security interest in and mortgage of all the real and personal property of the Borrower now owned or hereafter acquired or arising, and all proceeds thereof. The Borrower shall execute and deliver to the Bank such mortgages and security agreements as the Bank shall require and as are customary for a transaction of that type, covering said real and personal property in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank (the "Security Documents"), securing the foregoing obligations to the full extent permitted under applicable law. The Security Documents shall be sufficient, when notice thereof is properly filed or recorded in the appropriate jurisdictions, to grant to the Bank a first perfected security interest in and lien on the Borrower's property, subject to no prior Liens or encumbrances except as expressly permitted herein, except the equal and ratable lien, if any, to be granted pursuant to: (a) the Comerica Loan Agreement, (b) the Fifth Third Loan Agreement, or except as the Bank permits in writing. The Borrower agrees to execute or otherwise provide to the Bank any and all financing statements, modifications, and other agreements or consents required by the Bank now or in thefuture to perfect Bank's interest in the collateral and otherwise in connection therewith. The grantof a lien and security interest pursuant to this Section shall not cure any violation of this Agreement; any such violation shall constitute an Event of Default hereunder taking into accountthe expiration of any applicable cure period.

 

4.           LOAN ADMINISTRATION AND FEES

 

4.1         Fees.

 

The Borrower will pay to the Bank the fees set forth on Schedule A.

 

4.2         Collection of Payments; Payments Generally.

 

(a)

 

Regularly scheduled interest and principal payments will be made by debit to a deposit account, if direct debit is provided for in this Agreement or is otherwise authorized by the Borrower. For regularly scheduled interest and principal payments not made by direct debit and for all other payments, such payments will be made by such other method as may be permitted by the Bank.

 

(b)

Each disbursement by the Bank and each payment by the Borrower will be evidenced by records kept by the Bank which will, absent manifest error, be conclusively presumed to be correct and accurate and constitute an account stated between the Borrower and the Bank.

 

(c)

All payments to be made by the Borrower shall be made free and clear of and without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff.

 

4.3         Borrower’s Instructions.

 

Subject to the terms, conditions and procedures stated elsewhere in this Agreement, the Bank may honor instructions for advances or repayments and any other instructions under this Agreement given by the Borrower (if an individual), or by any one of the individuals the Bank reasonably believes is authorized to sign loan agreements on behalf of the Borrower, or any other individual(s) designated by any one of such authorized signers (each an “Authorized Individual”). The Bank may honor any such instructions made by any one of the Authorized Individuals, whether such instructions are given in writing or by telephone, telefax or Internet and intranet websites designated by the Bank with respect to separate products or services offered by the Bank.

 

7

 

4.4         Direct Debit.

 

(a)

 

The Borrower agrees that on the due date of any amount due under this Agreement, the Bank will debit the amount due from deposit account number 3871131848 owned by NewBevCo, Inc., or such other of the Borrower’s accounts with the Bank as designated in writing by the Borrower (the "Designated Account"). Should there be insufficient funds in the Designated Account to pay all such sums when due, the full amount of such deficiency shall be immediately due and payable bythe Borrower.

 

(b)

The Borrower may terminate this direct debit arrangement at any time by sending written notice to the Bank at the address specified at the end of this Agreement.

 

4.5         Banking Days.

 

Unless otherwise provided in the Note or this Agreement, a banking day is a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close, or are in fact closed, in the state where the Bank's lending office is located, and, if such day relates to amounts bearing interest at an offshore rate (if any), means any such day on which dealings in dollar deposits are conducted among banks in the offshore dollar interbank market. All payments and disbursements which would be due or which are received on a day which is not a banking day will be due or applied, as applicable, on the next banking day.

 

4.6         Additional Costs.

 

The Borrower will pay the Bank, on demand, for the Bank's costs or losses arising from any Change in Law which are allocated to this Agreement or any credit outstanding under this Agreement. The allocation will be made as determined by the Bank, using any reasonable method. The costs include, without limitation, the following:

 

(a)

any reserve or deposit requirements (excluding any reserve requirement already reflected in the calculation of the interest rate in this Agreement); and

 

(b)

any capital requirements relating to the Bank's assets and commitments for credit.

 

“Change in Law” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of the adoption or taking effect of any new or changed law, rule, regulation or treaty, or the issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any governmental authority; provided that (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives issued in connection with that Act, and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor 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 orissued.

 

4.7         Interest Calculation.

 

Except as otherwise stated in the Note or this Agreement, all interest and fees, if any, will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number of days elapsed. This results in more interest or a higher fee than if a 365-day year is used. Installments of principal which are not paid when due under this Agreement shall continue to bear interest until paid. To the extent that any calculation of interest or any fee required to be paid under the Note or this Agreement shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed zero for purposes of this Agreement.

 

4.8         Default Rate.

 

Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default or after maturity or after judgment has been rendered on any obligation under the Note or this Agreement, all amounts outstanding under the Note, including any unpaid interest, fees, or costs, will at the option of the Bank bear interest at a rate which is three percentage points (3.0) higher than the rate of interest otherwise provided under the Note. This may result in compounding of interest. This will not constitute a waiver of any default or Event of Default.

 

8

 

5.           CONDITIONS

 

Before the Bank is required to extend any credit to the Borrower under this Agreement, it must receive any documents and other items it may reasonably require, in form and content acceptable to the Bank, including any items specifically listed below.

 

5.1         Authorizations.

 

Evidence that the execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary of this Agreement or any other Loan Documents required under this Agreement have been duly authorized.

 

5.2         Governing Documents.

 

A copy of the Borrower's and each Restricted Subsidiary's organizational documents.

 

5.3         KYC Information.

 

(a)

 

Upon the request of the Bank, the Borrower shall have provided to the Bank, and the Bank shall be reasonably satisfied with, the documentation and other information so requested in connection with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money-laundering rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the PATRIOT Act.

 

(b)

If the Borrower qualifies as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, it shall have provided a Beneficial Ownership Certification to the Bank if so requested.

 

5.4         Guaranties.

 

A Continuing and Unconditional Guaranty (each, a "Guaranty") signed by each Guarantor.

 

5.5         Payment of Fees.

 

Payment of all fees, expenses and other amounts due and owing to the Bank. If any fee is not paid in cash, the Bank may, in its discretion, treat the fee as a principal advance under this Agreement or deduct the fee from the loan proceeds.

 

5.6         Good Standing.

 

Certificates of good standing for the Borrower and each Guarantor from its respective state of formation and from any other state in which the Borrower or such Guarantor is required to qualify to conduct its business.

 

5.7         Legal Opinion.

 

A written opinion from the Borrower's legal counsel, covering such matters as the Bank may require. The legal counsel and the terms of the opinion must be acceptable to the Bank.

 

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5.8         Intercreditor Agreement.

 

An Intercreditor Agreement signed between the Bank, Comerica Bank and Fifth Third Bank, National Association.

 

5.9         Insurance.

 

Evidence of insurance coverage, as required in the "Covenants" section of this Agreement.

 

6.           REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

When the Borrower signs this Agreement, and until the Bank is repaid in full, the Borrower makes the following representations and warranties. Each request for an extension of credit constitutes a renewal of these representations and warranties as of the date of the request:

 

6.1         Formation.

 

The Borrower, each Restricted Subsidiary and each Guarantor is duly formed and existing under the laws of the state or other jurisdiction where organized.

 

6.2         Authorization.

 

This Agreement, and each other Loan Document required under this Agreement, are within the Borrower's or applicable Guarantor's powers, have been duly authorized, and do not conflict with any of the applicable party's organizational papers.

 

6.3         Beneficial Ownership Certification.

 

The information included in the Beneficial Ownership Certification most recently provided to the Bank, if applicable, is true and correct in all respects.

 

6.4         Good Standing.

 

To Borrower’s and each Guarantor’s understanding, in each state or other jurisdiction in which the Borrower or any Guarantor does business, such entity is properly licensed, in good standing, and, where required, in compliance with fictitious name (e.g. trade name or d/b/a) statutes.

 

6.5         Government Sanctions.

 

(a)

 

The Borrower represents that no Obligor, nor any affiliated entities of any Obligor, including in the case of any Obligor that is not a natural person, subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of the Borrower, any owner, trustee, director, officer, employee, agent, affiliate or representative of the Borrower or any other Obligor is an individual or entity (“Person”) currently the subject of any sanctions administered or enforced by the United States Government, including, without limitation, the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, Her Majesty’s Treasury, or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “Sanctions”), nor is the Borrower or any other Obligor located, organized orresident in a country or territory that is the subject of Sanctions.

 

(b)

 

The Borrower represents and covenants that it will not, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of the credit provided under this Agreement, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person, to fund any activities of or business with any Person, or in any country or territory, that, at the time of such funding, is the subject of Sanctions, or in any other manner that will result in a violation by any Person (including any Person participating in the transaction, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise) of Sanctions.

 

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6.6         Financial Information.

 

All financial and other information that has been or will be supplied to the Bank is sufficiently complete to give the Bank accurate knowledge of the Borrower's (and any other Obligor's) financial condition, including all material contingent liabilities. Since the date of the most recent financial statement provided to the Bank, there has been no material adverse change in the business condition (financial or otherwise),operations, properties or prospects of the Borrower (or any other Obligor).

 

6.7         Lawsuits.

 

There is no material lawsuit, tax claim or other dispute pending or threatened against the Borrower or any other Obligor which, if lost, would impair the Borrower's or such Obligor’s financial condition or ability to repayits obligations as contemplated by this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby, except as have been disclosed in writing to the Bank prior to the date of this Agreement.

 

6.8         Other Obligations.

 

Neither the Borrower nor any Guarantor is in default on any obligation for borrowed money, any purchase money obligation or any other material lease, commitment, contract, instrument or obligation, except as have been disclosed in writing to the Bank prior to the date of this Agreement.

 

6.9         Tax Matters.

 

The Borrower has no knowledge of any pending assessments or adjustments of income tax for itself or for any Restricted Subsidiary for any year and all taxes due have been paid, except as have been disclosed in writing to the Bank prior to the date of this Agreement.

 

6.10       Title to Assets.

 

(a)

 

Each of the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary has good and valid title (or, with respect to interests as lessee or otherwise, its equivalent under applicable law) to properties and assets purported to be owned (or leased) by it that are material to the conduct of the business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiary, taken as a whole, and including properties and assets reflected in the financial statements and notes thereto provided to the Bank, except for such assets as have been disposed of in the ordinary course of business. All such properties and assets are subject to no Liens, other than Permitted Liens. Schedule 1.24 accurately lists (i)each financing statement, deed, agreement, or other instrument in effect on the date hereof which has been filed, recorded, or registered pursuant to any United States federal, state, or local law or regulation that names the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries as debtor orlessee or as the grantor or the franchisor of the interest created thereby, and (ii) as to each such financing statement, deed, agreement, or other instrument, the names of the debtor, lessee, grantor, or transferor and the secured party, lessor, grantee, or transferee and the name of the jurisdiction in which such financing statement, deed, agreement or other instrument has been filed, recorded, or registered. Except as contemplated hereby, and pursuant to the Comerica Loan Agreement and/or the Fifth Third Loan Agreement, neither the Borrower nor any of the Restricted Subsidiaries has signed any agreement or instrument in effect on the date hereof authorizing any secured party thereunder to file any such financing statement, deed, agreement, or other instrument (other than any such agreement or instrument relating to the Liens permitted under paragraph (d) or (f) of the definition of Permitted Liens).

 

11

 

(b)

 

Each of the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary has the right to, and does, enjoy peaceful and undisturbed possession under all leases under which it is leasing property that are material to the conduct of the business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiary, taken as a whole. All such leases are valid, subsisting and in full force and effect, subject only to Permitted Liens, and neither the Borrower nor any of the Restricted Subsidiaries is in default in the performance, observance, or fulfillment of any obligation under any provision of any such lease, which default is reasonably likely to result in a termination of such lease or have a material adverse effect on the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. No written notice has been received that any other party to any such lease is in default under any such lease.

 

6.11       No Event of Default.

 

There is no event which is, or with notice or lapse of time or both would be, an Event of Default under the Note, this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

6.12       Location of Borrower.

 

The place of business of the Borrower or, if the Borrower has more than one place of business, its chief executive office) is located at the address listed on the signature page of this Agreement.

 

6.13       ERISA Plans.

 

(a)

 

Each Plan (other than a multiemployer plan) is in compliance in all material respects with ERISA, the Code and other federal or state law, including all applicable minimum funding standards and there have been no prohibited transactions with respect to any Plan (other than a multiemployer plan), which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse effect.

 

(b)

With respect to any Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA:

 

  (i)

No reportable event has occurred under Section 4043(c) of ERISA which requires notice.

 

  (ii)

No action by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate to terminate or withdraw from any Plan has been taken and no notice of intent to terminate a Plan has been filed under Section 4041 or 4042 of ERISA.

 

(c)

The following terms have the meanings indicated for purposes of this Agreement:

 

  (i)

"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

  (ii)

"ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

 

  (iii)

"ERISA Affiliate" means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) undercommon control with the Borrower within the meaning of Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code.

 

  (iv)

"Plan" means a plan within the meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA maintained or contributed to by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate, including any multiemployer plan within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

 

6.14       No Plan Assets.

 

The Borrower represents that, as of the date hereof and throughout the term of this Agreement, no Borrower or Restricted Subsidiary is (1) an employee benefit plan subject to Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), (2) a plan or account subject to Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”); (3) an entity deemed to hold “plan assets” of any such plans or accounts for purposes of ERISA or the Code; or (4) a “governmental plan” within the meaning of ERISA.

 

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6.15       Enforceable Agreement.

 

This Agreement is a legal, valid and binding agreement of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its terms, and any instrument or agreement required under this Agreement, when executed and delivered, will be similarly legal, valid, binding and enforceable.

 

6.16       No Conflicts.

 

This Agreement does not conflict with any law, agreement, or obligation by which the Borrower or any other Obligor is bound.

 

6.17       Permits, Franchises.

 

The Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary possesses all permits, memberships, franchises, contracts and licenses required and all trademark rights, trade name rights, patent rights, copyrights, and fictitious name rights necessary to enable it to conduct the business in which it is now engaged.

 

6.18       Insurance.

 

The Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary has obtained, and maintained in effect, the insurance coverage required in the "Covenants" section of this Agreement.

 

6.19       Investment Company Act: Regulation.

 

(a)

 

Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is an "investment company" or an "affiliated person" of an "investment company," or a company "controlled" by an "investment company," and neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is an "investment advisor" or an affiliated person" of an "investment advisor," and as each of the quoted terms is defined or used in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

(b)

Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to regulation under any state or local public utilities code or any federal, state, or local statute or regulation limiting its ability to incur Indebtedness for Money Borrowed or to pledge assets of the type contemplated hereunder.

 

7.           COVENANTS

 

The Borrower agrees, so long as credit is available under this Agreement and until the Bank is repaid in full, the Borrower shall, and shall cause each Restricted Subsidiary:

 

7.1         Use of Proceeds.

 

To use the proceeds of the Note for general corporate purposes and the issuance of a specialdividend.

 

7.2         Financial Information.

 

To provide the following financial information and statements in form and content acceptable to the Bank, and such additional information as requested by the Bank from time to time. The Bank reserves the right, upon written notice to the Borrower, to require the Borrower to deliver financial information and statements to the Bank more frequently than otherwise provided below, and to use such additional information and statements to measure any applicable financial covenants in this Agreement.

 

13

 

(a)

 

As soon as practicable and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower other than the last quarter of each fiscal year, a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries as at the last day of such quarter and the related consolidated statement of income for such quarter and cumulative fiscal year-to-date for the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, setting forth in each case in comparative form figures for the corresponding period in the preceding fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and satisfactory in scope to the Bank and certified by the chief financial officer of the Borrower as to the fairness of such financial statements and that the same have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, subject to changes resulting from normal, recurring year-end adjustments; provided, however, that if, so long as the Borrower is a Subsidiary of the Parent, the Parent duly files with the SEC any Form 12b-25 under the Exchange Act (or any successor form thereunder) with respect to its inability to timely file its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for a fiscal quarter and obtains a valid extension of such time to file, the financial information required to be delivered by this paragraph may be delivered later than forty-five (45) days after the end of such fiscal quarterbut in no event later than the extended deadline for filing such quarterly report imposed by said Rule 12b-25.

 

(b)

 

As soon as practicable and in any event within one hundred (100) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year, and related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings, and changes in financial position for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form figures for the corresponding period in the preceding calendar year, all in reasonable detail and satisfactory in scope to the Bank, provided, however, that if, so long as the Borrower is a Subsidiary of the Parent, the Parent shall duly file with the SEC any Form 12b- 25 under the Exchange Act (or any successor form thereunder) with respect to its inability to timely file its annual report on Form 10-K for a fiscal year and obtains a valid extension of such time to file, the financial information required to be delivered by this paragraph may be delivered later than one hundred (100) days after the end of such fiscal year but in no event later than the extended deadline for filing such annual report imposed by said Rule 12b-25.

 

(c)

 

As soon as practicable, and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each fiscal quarter of the Parent, other than the last quarter of each fiscal year, a consolidated balancesheet as at the last day of such quarter and the related consolidated statement of income for such quarter and cumulative fiscal year-to-date for the Parent and its Subsidiaries, setting forthin each case in comparative form figures for the corresponding period in the preceding fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and satisfactory in scope to the Bank and certified by the chief accounting officer of the Parent as to the fairness of such financial statements and that the samehave been prepared in accordance with GAAP subject to changes resulting from nonrecurring year-end adjustments; provided, however, that the delivery of the Parent's quarterly report on Form 10-Q promptly after its timely filing with the SEC thereof shall satisfy the requirements of this paragraph with regard to consolidation of financial statements;

 

(d)

 

As soon as practicable, and in any event within one hundred (100) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Parent, the consolidated balance sheet of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year, and related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings, and changes in financial position for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form figures for the corresponding period in the preceding fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and satisfactory in scope to the Bank and certified by and containing an unqualified opinion of RSM

 

US LLP, or other independent certified public accountants of recognized national standingselected by the Parent and reasonably satisfactory to the Bank; provided, however, that, the delivery of the Parent's annual report on Form 10-K promptly after its timely filing with the SEC thereof shall satisfy the requirements of this paragraph with regard to consolidated financial statements;

 

14

 

(e)

Together with each delivery of those items required by clauses (a) and (b) above, a Certificate of Compliance in the form attached hereto as Exhibit "D", executed by the chief financial officer or the Vice President-Comptroller of the Borrower;

 

(f)

Promptly upon distribution thereof, copies of all annual or quarterly financial or other statements of Borrower and the Parent (including proxy statements, documents, and reports as the Borrower) shall send to any class of its shareholders;

 

(g)

 

At any time when the Borrower or the Parent is obligated to file reports with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act, promptly, and in any event within fifteen (15) days after the filing thereof, copies of all periodic reports, current reports, and registration statements which the Borrower files with the SBC or any equivalent governmental agency and, promptly upon written request therefor, copies of any financial statements which the Borrower files annually with any federal, state, or local regulatory agency or agencies;

 

(h)

 

With reasonable promptness such additional financial or other information as the Bank may from time to time reasonably request (including, without limitation, consolidating financial statements with respect to any Subsidiary); provided, however, that the Borrower shall not be required to furnish any information requested pursuant to this paragraph to the extent that such information is not then available or may not be produced without unreasonable effort or expense.

 

Bank is hereby authorized to deliver a copy of any financial statements or any other information relating to the business, operations, or financial condition of the Parent, the Borrower, or the Subsidiaries, which may be furnished to it or come to its attention pursuant to the Loan Documents or otherwise, to any regulatory body or agency having jurisdiction over the Bank or to any Person which shall or shall havethe right or obligation to, succeed to all or any part of the Bank's interest in the Loan Documents.

 

7.3         Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio.

 

To maintain on a consolidated basis (to include the Borrower and all Restricted Subsidiaries) a ratio of Funded Debt to EBITDA not exceeding 3.5 to 1.0. This covenant shall be tested on a quarterly basis.

 

7.4         Bank as Principal Depository.

 

To maintain a depository relationship with the Bank.

 

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7.5         Other Debts.

 

The Borrower agrees that throughout the term of the Loan:

 

(a)

 

Neither the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary shall at any time, directly or indirectly, incur, create, assume, guarantee or become liable in any manner with respect to any Funded Debt unless, immediately after giving effect to such incurrence: (i) the ratio of Consolidated Funded Debt (determined immediately after giving effect to such incurrence) to EBITDA (for the four (4) most recent full fiscal quarters) shall be equal to or less than 3.50 to I .00; and (ii) no Event of Default shall exist.

 

(b)

 

For purposes of this Section 7.5, if Funded Debt is incurred by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary for the purpose of acquiring Voting Stock of or any assets of any Person which is not a Restricted Subsidiary and, immediately after and giving effect to such acquisition, such Person will be a Restricted Subsidiary (in the case of an acquisition of Voting Stock) or such assets will be owned by Borrower of a Restricted Subsidiary (in the case of an acquisition of assets), then the amounts of EBITDA of such Person or of EBITDA attributable to such assets which would have been included in EBITDA if such Person had been a Restricted Subsidiary or such assets had been owned by Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary during the relevant fiscal quarters shall be included in EBITDA for the relevant fiscal quarters for purposes of determining compliance with this Section 7.5.

 

This above does not prohibit:

 

(i)

Acquiring goods, supplies, or merchandise on normal trade credit.

 

(ii)

Liabilities, lines of credit and leases in existence on the date of this Agreement disclosed in writing to the Bank in the Borrower's most recent financial statement.

 

7.6         Other Liens.

 

The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume, or suffer or permit to exist, any Lien, other than in favor of Bank or the Permitted Liens.

 

7.7         Maintenance of Assets.

 

(a)

 

The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, merge into or consolidate with, or sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets, directly or indirectly, in one or a series of transactions, to any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it or any Restricted Subsidiary except:

 

  (i)

 

The Borrower may permit any corporation to merge into it so long as: (A) the Borrower shall be the surviving corporation; (B) immediately after giving effect to the transaction, the Borrower shall be permitted by the provisions of this Agreement to incur at least One Dollar ($1.00) of additional Funded Debt; and (C) immediately before and after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of Default shall exist;

 

  (ii)

 

Borrower may merge into or consolidate with, or sell all or substantially all of its assets to, any other corporation, so long as: (A) the corporation which survives such merger or results from such consolidation or acquires such assets shall be organized under the laws of theUnited States of America, a state thereof or the District of Columbia; (B) the surviving corporation shall assume, by an instrument reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Bank, the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement; (C) immediately after giving effect to the transaction, the surviving corporation shall be permitted by the provisions of this Agreement to incur at least One Dollar ($1.00) of additional Funded Debt; (D) immediately before and after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of Default shall exist; and (E) an opinion of counsel (reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Bank) shall be delivered to the Bank upon consummation of the transaction to the effect that this Agreement, the Note, and the instrument referred to in the foregoing clause (B) are legal, valid, and binding obligations of the surviving corporation, enforceable against the surviving corporation in accordance with their respective terms, and as to such other matters as to which the Bank shall have received a legal opinion on the date of this Agreement as the Bank may reasonably request;

 

16

 

  (iii)

 

Any Restricted Subsidiary may merge into or consolidate with (A) the Borrower; (B) any other Restricted Subsidiary; or (iii) any other corporation, so long as (x) if such other corporation is the surviving corporation, it is organized under the laws of the United States of America, a state thereof, or the District of Columbia and, simultaneously the consummation of such merger or consolidation, is designated a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to this Agreement; (y) immediately after and giving effect to such merger or consolidation, the Borrower shall be permitted by the Provisions of this Agreement to incur at least One Dollar ($1.00) of additional Funded Debt; and (z) immediately before and after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of Default shall exist;

 

(b)

 

Any Restricted Subsidiary may sell all or substantially all of its assets to (i) the Borrower; (ii) any other Restricted Subsidiary; or (iii) any other corporation, so long as (v) such transaction complies with the provisions of this Agreement, (w) any indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary to the Borrower and to any other Restricted Subsidiary is repaid prior to or contemporaneously with such transaction, (x) no investment of such Restricted Subsidiary in the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary is included among the assets sold in such transaction, immediately before and after giving effect to such transaction, the Borrower shall be permitted by the provisions of this Agreement to incur at least One Dollar ($1.00) of additional Funded Debt, and (z) immediately before and after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of Default shall exist.

 

7.8          Transfer and Sale of Assets/Sale and Leaseback.

 

(a)

The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, through a single transaction or a series of transactions, sell, lease, transfer, or otherwise disposeof or suffer to be sold, leased, transferred, abandoned, or otherwise disposed of, all or any partof its assets except:

 

  (i)

The Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary may sell its inventory, materials, and surplus and obsolete equipment in each case in the ordinary course of its business;

 

  (ii)

The Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary may sell all or substantially all of its assets to the extent permitted under this Agreement;

 

  (iii)

Any Restricted Subsidiary may sell, lease, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any of its assets to the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary; and

 

  (iv)

 

or any Restricted Subsidiary may sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of assets to a Person which is not an Affiliate of the Borrower for cash and/or indebtedness issued by the purchaser of such assets in consideration therefor (each such sale, lease, or other disposition of assets pursuant to this clause (iii) being hereinafter referred to as a "sale"), so long as such sale (i) is determined in good faith by the Borrower to be for a price or rental at least equal to the fair market sale or rental value of the assets sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of and to be in the best interest of the Borrower, and (ii) does not constitute a Substantial Sale of Assets.

                                             

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(b)

 

The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in connection with a transaction in which it is contemplated that such property, or any portion thereof, or any other property that the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, intends to use for substantially the same purpose as the property so sold, transferred, or otherwise disposed of, will simultaneously or subsequently be leased back to theBorrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (a "Sale Leaseback Transaction") unless:

 

  (i)

 

Such Sale Leaseback Transaction involves a lease which (x) if such Lease is an operating lease, would be permitted pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement and, (y) if such Lease is a Capital Lease, the Attributable Indebtedness associated with such Capital Lease would be permitted pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement;

 

  (ii)

Such Sale Leaseback Transaction relates solely to property or assets with respect to which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary may create a Lien pursuant to the provisions of paragraphs (f), (g), or (h) of the definition of "Permitted Liens" set forth in Section 1 hereof; and

 

  (iii)

Such Sale Leaseback Transaction either (x) complies with the provisions of this Agreement or (y) is consummated within twelve (12) months of the date on which the construction of all the leased assets has been completed, whichever is later.

 

7.9         Payment Restrictions. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into any agreement, instrument, or other document which prohibits or restricts in any way or to otherwise, directly or indirectly, create or cause or suffer to exist or become effective any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to (i) pay dividends, or make any other distribution in respect of its capital stock or any other equity interest or participation in its profits owned by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or pay or repay any indebtedness owed to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) make loans or advances to the Borrower, or (iii) transfer any of its properties orassets to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (subject to the rights of any holder of a Lien on any such properties or assets which Lien is a Permitted Lien).

 

7.10       Restricted Subsidiaries. The Borrower will not hereafter designate any entity as a Restricted Subsidiary hereunder (and any such designation shall be without effect hereunder) unless:

 

(a)

The board of directors of the Borrower shall have duly adopted a resolution approving such designation, and the Bank shall have received a copy of such resolution certified by the secretary or assistant secretary of the company;

 

(b)

Such entity satisfies the requirements of the definition of "Restricted Subsidiary" set forth in this Agreement;

 

(c)

No Event of Default shall exist prior to, as a result of, or immediately after giving effect to, such designation;

 

(d)

Immediately after such designation and including such entity in such determination the Borrower shall be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Funded Debt pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement;

 

(e)

Such entity shall have executed a Guaranty pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.4 hereof and obtained, if required by the Bank, an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to it as to the due authorization, execution, and delivery of such Guaranty by such corporation; and

 

(f)

 

The Borrower shall promptly, and in any event within seven (7) Business Days after such designation, give notice to the Bank of the fact of such designation, the name, jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, principal business address, and business of such newly- designated Restricted Subsidiary, and certifications as to and computations showing compliance with the requirements of this Section, and shall deliver to the Bank with such notice the Guaranty and counsel opinion, if any; provided, however, that, for the purposes of this Section, any computation of any financial covenant in connection with the determination of the absence of an Event of Default or the ability of the Borrower to incur Indebtedness after giving effect to the designation of a corporation as a Restricted Subsidiary shall be made on a pro forma basis, and, without limitation, shall include the Indebtedness of such corporation in any such computation for the relevant period in the case of any such designation and include the net income or EBITDA of such corporation in such computation in the case of any such designation. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, to the extent that a Subsidiary is not designated a Restricted Subsidiary within ninety (90) days after the day on which such Subsidiary becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower, such Subsidiary shall be deemed to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary. Any designation of a Person as a Restricted Subsidiary shall be irrevocable.

 

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7.11       Intentionally Deleted.

 

7.12      Limitations on Distributions. The Borrower will not declare or make, or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to declare or make, any distribution, dividend, payment or other distribution of assets, properties, cash, rights, obligations or securities (collectively, "Distributions") on account of its capital stock, or purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire for value any capital stock, or any warrants, rights or options to acquire such capital stock, now or hereafter outstanding, except that:

 

(a)

The Borrower may pay dividends to its shareholders if no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, either before the declaration and payment of such dividends or after giving effect thereto; and

 

(b)

Restricted Subsidiaries may make Distributions to the Borrower or to other Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

7.13       Investments.

 

As of the date hereof, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries do not own any Investments other than Permitted Investments of the types described in clauses (a)-(e) of the definition of such term in Section 1 hereof and other than the Investments listed in Schedule 1.23 hereto, which Item correctly setsforth the amounts of the Investments listed thereon.

 

7.14       Loans.

 

Not to make any loans, advances or other extensions of credit to any individual or entity, except for:

 

(a)

Existing extensions of credit disclosed to the Bank in writing prior to the date of this Agreement.

 

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(b)

Extensions of credit to the Borrower’s and each Restricted Subsidiary's current subsidiaries or affiliates.

 

(c)

Extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the sale or lease of goods or services in the ordinary course of business to non-affiliated entities.

 

7.15       Transactions with Affiliates.

 

Neither the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary will enter into any transaction (including, without limitation, the purchase, sale, lease, or exchange of any property, the rendering of any services, or the payment of management fees) with any Affiliate, except: (i) transactions in the ordinary course of the business of the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, and in good faith and upon commercially reasonable terms that are no less favorable to it than it would obtain in a comparable arm's length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate; and (ii) transactions between the Borrower and any wholly- owned Restricted Subsidiary which are not otherwise prohibited by this Agreement.

 

7.16       Notices to Bank.

 

The Borrower will promptly, and in any event within fifteen (15) Business Days thereafter, give notice to the Bank of:

 

(a)

 

the institution of any suit, action, or proceeding against the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary which is reasonably likely, in the reasonable judgment of the Borrower, to have a materially adverse effect on the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

 

(b)

upon the obtaining of knowledge thereof by any Responsible Officer, any change in any law which is reasonably likely to have a materially adverse effect on the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

 

(c)

 

copies of any notice of violation, order, or other document evidencing noncompliance with any environmental law which is reasonably likely to have a materially adverse effect on the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

 

(d)

upon the obtaining of actual knowledge thereof by any Responsible Officer, any Event of Default, specifying the nature and period of existence thereof, what action the Borrower has taken or is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto, and an estimate of the time necessary to cure such Event of Default;

 

(e)

 

upon any Responsible Officer being aware thereof, the occurrence of any (i) ERISA Termination Event; (ii) "prohibited transaction" (within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA), other than one to which an exemption applies; (iii) failure to make a timely contribution to any Pension Plan, if such failure has given rise to a lien under Section 412 (n) of the Code; or (iv) actual, asserted, or alleged violation of ERISA, the Code, or comparable provision of applicable foreign law, that, with respect to any of the events set forth in the forgoingclauses (i) through (iv), could result in a tax, penalty, or other consequence to the Borrower, any Subsidiary, or any ERISA Affiliate in connection with any Plan, which tax, penalty, or other consequence, individually or in the aggregate, would materially affect, individually or in the aggregate, the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, what action the Borrower istaking or proposes to take with respect thereto, and, when known, any action taken by the IRS, the U.S. Department of Labor, the PBGC, any foreign governmental entity, or any other Person with respect thereto;

 

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(f)

 

upon the obtaining of actual knowledge by any Responsible Officer, that any franchise or license held by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary will be revoked, terminated, or suspended, other than any termination in connection with the sale of any assets permitted pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, and other the revocations, terminations, and suspensions which, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect on the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

 

(g)

copies of all press releases and other written statements made available generally by the Borrower to its stockholders or to one or more financial news services concerning material developments in the business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

 

(h)

copies of any notice of the exercise of any remedy by any secured party with respect to any of the material assets or property of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

 

(i)

copies of any Form 8-K filed under the Exchange Act;

 

(j)

 

the occurrence of any material casualty to any material facility of the Borrower or any other force majeure (including, without limitation, any strike or other labor disturbance) materially affecting the operation or value of any such facility and which is reasonably likely to have a materially adverse effect on the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (specifying whether or not such casualty or force majeure is covered by insurance);

 

(k)

Any event of default under this Agreement, or any event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute an event of default; and

 

(l)

Any change in any Obligor’s name, legal structure, state of registration (for a registered entity), place of business, or chief executive office if the Obligor has more than one place of business.

 

7.17       Insurance.

 

(a)

 

General Business Insurance. To maintain insurance satisfactory to the Bank as to amount, nature and carrier covering property damage (including loss of use and occupancy) to any of the Obligor’s properties, business interruption insurance, public liability insurance including coverage for contractual liability, product liability and workers' compensation, and any other insurance which is usual for such Obligor’s business. Each policy shall include a cancellation clause in favor of the Bank.

 

(b)

Evidence of Insurance. Upon the request of the Bank, to deliver to the Bank a copy of each insurance policy, or, if permitted by the Bank, a certificate of insurance listing all insurance in force.

 

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7.18       Compliance with Laws.

 

To comply with the requirements of all laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its business or property, except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted; or (b) the failure to comply therewith could not reasonably be expected to cause a material adverse change in any Obligor's business condition (financial or otherwise), operations or properties, or ability to repay the credit, or, in the case of the Controlled Substances Act, result in the forfeiture of any material property of any Obligor.

 

7.19       Books and Records.

 

To maintain adequate books and records, including complete and accurate records.

 

7.20       Audits.

 

Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default hereunder, or if the Bank, in its reasonable discretion, determines that there has been a material adverse change to the Borrower, the Borrower shall allow the Bank and its agents, upon prior notice and during normal business hours, to inspect the Borrower's properties and examine, audit, and make copies of books and records. If any of the Borrower's properties, books or records are in the possession of a third party, the Borrower authorizes that third party to permit the Bank or its agents to have access to perform inspections or audits and to respond to the Bank's requests for information concerning such properties, books and records.

 

7.21       Perfection of Liens.

 

To help the Bank perfect and protect its security interests and liens, and reimburse it for related costs it incurs to protect its security interests and liens.

 

7.22       Cooperation.

 

To take any action reasonably requested by the Bank to carry out the intent of this Agreement.

 

7.23       Patriot Act; Beneficial Ownership Regulation.

 

Promptly following any request therefor, to provide information and documentation reasonably requested by the Bank for purposes of compliance with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money-laundering rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the PATRIOT Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.

 

7.24       Subsidiary Guaranties and Collateral.

 

Restricted Subsidiaries. The Borrower will cause each of its domestic subsidiaries whether newly formed, after acquired or otherwise existing to promptly (and in any event within thirty (30) days after such subsidiary is formed or acquired (or such longer period of time as agreed to by the Bank in its reasonable discretion)) become a Restricted Subsidiary hereunder by way of execution of a Guaranty, in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank. In connection therewith,the Borrower shall give notice to the Bank not less than ten (10) days prior to creating asubsidiary (or such shorter period of time as agreed to by the Bank in its reasonable discretion),or acquiring the equity interests of any other person. In connection with the foregoing, the Borrower shall deliver to the Bank, with respect to each new Restricted Subsidiary, such other documents and agreements as reasonably required by the Bank, including, without limitation, resolutions, organizational documents and incumbency certificates with respect to such new Restricted Subsidiary.

 

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8.           DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

 

If any of the following events (each, an "Event of Default") occurs, the Bank may do one or more of the following without prior notice except as required by law or expressly agreed in writing by Bank: declare the Borrower in default, stop making any additional credit available to the Borrower, and require the Borrower to repay its entire debt immediately. If an event which, with notice or the passage of time, will constitute an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Bank has no obligation to make advances or extend additional credit under this Agreement. In addition, if any Event of Default occurs, the Bank shall have all rights, powers and remedies available under any instruments and agreements required by or executed in connection with this Agreement, as well as all rights and remedies available at law or in equity. If an Event of Default occurs under the paragraph entitled “Bankruptcy/Receivers,” belowwith respect to any Obligor, then the entire debt outstanding under this Agreement will automatically be due immediately.

 

8.1         Payment of Obligations Under Loan Documents. The Borrower fails to make timely payment of any principal, interest, or other amount due on any indebtedness owed the Bank under the Loan Documents, or fails to make any other payment to the Bank as contemplated thereunder either by the terms hereof or otherwise when due, and such failure shall continue for five (5) days.

 

8.2         Representation or Warranty. Any representation or warranty made or deemed made by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary herein or in any writing furnished in connection with or pursuant to the Loan Documents, or any report certificate, financial statement, or other information provided by others and furnished by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to the Bank in connection with or pursuant to the Loan Documents, shall be false or misleading in any material respect on the date when made or when deemed made.

 

8.3         Covenants under this Agreement, A default in the observance or performance of any of the conditions, covenants or agreements of Borrower set forth in Sections 7 of this Agreement.

 

8.4         Other Covenants Under the Loan Documents. The Borrower or any other Person fails to fully and promptly perform when due (i) any other agreement, covenant, term or condition binding on it contained in this Agreement, and such failure shall have continued unremedied for thirty (30) days after notice thereof has been given to Borrower or (ii) any agreement, covenant, term or condition binding on itcontained in any other Loan Document (taking into account applicable periods of notice and cure, if any).

 

8.5         Payment, Performance or Default of other Monetary Obligations. The Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary fails to make payment on any contract obligation or of principal or interest on any indebtedness other than that created under the Loan Documents or otherwise owed to the Bank,individually or in the aggregate, exceeding Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000.00), beyond any period of grace provided with respect thereto, or fails to fully and promptly perform any other obligation, agreement, term, or condition contained in any agreement under which any such other Indebtedness is created, or there is otherwise a default or event of default thereunder, if the effect of any such failure or default is to cause, or permit the holder or holders of such indebtedness (or a trustee or other person or entity acting in behalf of such holder or holders) to cause, such indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity.

 

8.6        Covenants or Defaults to the Bank or Others: Revocation of Guaranty. The Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary fails to fully and promptly perform when due any agreement, covenant, term, or condition binding on it, contained in any lease, contract, or other agreement to which it is a party or in respect of which it is obligated, other than the Loan Documents and other than any monetary default (as described above), beyond any period of grace provided with respect thereto, or there is otherwise a default or event of default thereunder, if such failure or default would, either individually or in the aggregate, materially and adversely affect the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or conditions (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; or any Restricted Subsidiary revokes or attempts to revoke any Guaranty.

 

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8.7        Liquidation: Dissolution: Bankruptcy: Etc. Liquidation or dissolution of the Borrower, the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary, suspension of the business of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or the filing or commencement by the Borrower, the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of a voluntary petition, case, proceeding, or other action seeking reorganization, arrangement, readjustment of its debts, or any other relief under any existing or future law of any jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, state or federal, relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or relief of debtors, or any other action of the Borrower, the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any such petition, case, proceeding, or other action seeking to have an order for relief entered with respect to it or its debts; the application by the Borrower, the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary for, or the appointment, by consent or acquiescence of, a receiver, trustee, custodian, or other similar official for the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or for all or a substantial part of its respective property; the making by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or the inability of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or the admission by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in writing of its inability to pay its debts as they mature.

 

8.8         Involuntary Bankruptcy, Etc. Commencement of an involuntary petition, case, proceeding, or other action against the Borrower, the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary under the Bankruptcy Code orseeking reorganization, arrangement, readjustment of its debts, or any other relief under any existing or future law of any jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, state or federal, relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, or relief of debtors; or the involuntary appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, or other similar official for the Borrower, the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary, or for all or a substantial part of its respective property or assets; or there shall be commenced against the Borrower, the Parentor any Restricted Subsidiary any case, proceeding, or other action seeking issuance of a warrant of attachment, execution, distraint, or similar process against all or any substantial part of the assets, or property of such person which results in the entry of an order for such relief, and the continuance of any of such for sixty (60) days without being vacated., discharged, stayed, bonded, or dismissed.

 

8.9        Judgments. The rendition of a judgment or judgments against the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary for the payment of damages or money, individually or in the aggregate, in excess of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000), if the same is/are not discharged or if a writ of execution or similar process is issued with respect thereto and is not stayed within the time allowed by law for filing notice of appeal of the final judgment.

 

8.10       Attachment. Garnishment. Liens Imposed by Law. The issuance of a writ of attachment or garnishment against, or the imposition of a lien by operation of law on, any property of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, if the amount of the claim or the value of the affected property is in excess of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000), individually or in the aggregate, and if forty- five (45) days have elapsed and the proceeding or lien has not been vacated, satisfied, dismissed, or stayed pending appeal.

 

8.11       ERISA.

 

Any domestic Pension Plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) shall fail to satisfy the minimum funding standard (within the meaning of Section 412 of the Code) with respect to any plan year; or

 

Any waiver shall be sought or granted under Section 412(c) of the Code; or

 

Any foreign Pension Plan shall violate any funding requirement imposed by applicable foreign law; or

 

Any Pension Plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) shall be, have been or be likely to be terminated or the subject of termination proceedings under ERISA; or the Borrower, the Parent, any Subsidiary, or any ERISA Affiliate shall incur or be likely to incur a liability to or on account of a Pension Plan under Sections 4062, 4063, 4064, or 4201 of ERISA or comparable provision of applicable foreign law, and there shall result from one or more of the events set forth in the foregoing clauses (i) through (v) either a liability or a material risk of incurring a liability to the PBGC, any foreign governmental or a Pension Plan, which could have a material and adverse effect on the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

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8.12      Corporate Existence. Any act or omission (formal or informal) of the Borrower, the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary or its officers, directors, or shareholders leading to, or resulting in, the termination, invalidation (partial or total), revocation, suspension, interruption, or unenforceability Of (i) its corporate existence, rights, and privileges, or (ii) its licenses, franchises, or permits where the failure to maintain, either individually or in the aggregate, is reasonably likely to materially adversely affect the business, earnings, prospects, properties, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

8.13       False Information.

 

The Borrower or any other Obligor has given the Bank false or misleading information or representations.

 

8.14       Forfeiture.

 

A judicial or nonjudicial forfeiture or seizure proceeding is commenced by a government authority and remains pending with respect to any property of Borrower or any part thereof, on the grounds that the property or any part thereof had been used to commit or facilitate the commission of a criminal offense by any person, including any tenant, pursuant to any law, including under the Controlled Substances Act or the Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act, regardless of whether or not the property shall become subject to forfeiture or seizure in connection therewith.

 

9.           ENFORCING THIS AGREEMENT; MISCELLANEOUS

 

9.1         GAAP.

 

Except as otherwise stated in this Agreement, all financial information provided to the Bank and all financial covenants will be made under generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied.

 

9.2         Governing Law.

 

Except to the extent that any law of the United States may apply, this Agreement shall be governed and interpreted according to the laws of Florida (the “Governing Law State”), without regard to any choice of law, rules or principles to the contrary. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to limit or otherwise affect any rights or remedies of the Bank under federal law.

 

9.3         Venue and Jurisdiction.

 

The Borrower agrees that any action or suit by or against the Bank arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be filed in federal court or state court located in the Southern District of Florida sitting in Fort Lauderdale in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, and Borrower and Bank hereby irrevocably agree that all claims in respect of such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in any such Florida state court or United States Federal court for the Southern District of Florida.

 

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9.4         Successors and Assigns.

 

This Agreement is binding on the Borrower's and the Bank's successors and assignees. The Borrower agrees that it may not assign this Agreement without the Bank's prior consent. The Bank may sell participations in or assign this loan and the related loan documents, and may exchange information about the Borrower and any other Obligor (including, without limitation, any information regarding any hazardous substances) with actual or potential participants or assignees: (a) upon the continuation of any Event of default; or (b) if no Event of Default is continuing, then with the prior written consent of the Borrower (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). If a participation is sold or the loan is assigned, the purchaser will have the right of set-off against the Borrower.

 

9.5         Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER DOCUMENT EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (a) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (b) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER DOCUMENTS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION AND (c) CERTIFIES THAT THIS WAIVER IS KNOWINGLY, WILLINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY MADE.

 

9.6         Waiver of Class Actions.

 

The terms “Claim” or “Claims” refer to any disputes, controversies, claims, counterclaims, allegations of liability, theories of damage, or defenses between Bank of America, N.A., its subsidiaries and affiliates, on the one hand, and the other parties to this Agreement, on the other hand (all of the foregoing each being referred to as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties”). Whether in state court, federal court, or any other venue, jurisdiction, or before any tribunal, the Parties agree that all aspects of litigation and trial of any Claim will take place without resort to any form of class or representative action. Thus the Parties may only bring Claims against each other in an individual capacity and waive any right they may have to do so as a class representative or a class member in a class or representative action. THIS CLASS ACTION WAIVER PRECLUDES ANY PARTY FROM PARTICIPATING IN OR BEING REPRESENTED IN ANY CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION REGARDING A CLAIM.

 

9.7         Severability; Waivers.

 

If any part of this Agreement is not enforceable, the rest of the Agreement may be enforced. The Bank retains all rights, even if it makes a loan after default. If the Bank waives a default, it may enforce a later default. Any consent or waiver under this Agreement must be in writing.

 

9.8         Expenses.

 

(a)

 

The Borrower shall pay to the Bank immediately upon demand the full amount of all payments, advances, charges, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, expended or incurred by the Bank in connection with (i) the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement and any related agreements, the Bank's continued administration of this Agreement and such related agreements, and the preparation of any amendments and waivers related to this Agreement or such related agreements, (ii) filing, recording and search fees, appraisal fees, field examination fees, title report fees, and documentation fees with respect to any collateral and books and records of the Borrower or any other Obligor; (iii) the Bank's costs or losses arising from any changes in law which are allocated to this Agreement or any credit outstanding under this Agreement, and (iv) costs or expenses required to be paid by the Borrower or any other Obligor that are paid, incurred or advanced by the Bank.

 

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(b)

 

Except for the willful conduct or gross negligence of the Bank, the Borrower will indemnify and hold the Bank harmless from any loss, liability, damages, judgments, and costs of any kind relating to or arising directly or indirectly out of (i) this Agreement, the Note or any document required hereunder, (ii) any credit extended or committed by the Bank to the Borrower hereunder and under the Note, and (iii) any litigation or proceeding related to or arising out of this Agreement, the Note, any such document, or any such credit, including, without limitation, any act resulting from (A) the Bank complying with instructions the Bank reasonably believes are made by any Authorized Individual and (B) the Bank’s reliance on any Communication executed using an Electronic Signature, or in the form of an Electronic Record, that the Bank reasonably believes is made by any Authorized Individual. This paragraph will survive this Agreement's termination, and will benefit the Bank and its officers, employees, and agents.

 

(c)

 

The Borrower shall reimburse the Bank for any reasonable costs and attorneys' fees incurred by the Bank in connection with (a) the enforcement or preservation of the Bank's rights and remedies and/or the collection of any obligations of the Borrower which become due to the Bank and in connection with any "workout" or restructuring, and (b) the prosecution or defense of any action in any way related to this Agreement, including but not limited to the Note, the credit provided hereunder or any related agreements, including without limitation, any action for declaratory relief, whether incurred at the trial or appellate level, in an arbitration proceeding or otherwise, and including any of the foregoing incurred in connection with any bankruptcy proceeding (including without limitation, any adversary proceeding, contested matter or motion brought by the Bank or any other person) relating to the Borrower or any other person or entity.

 

9.9         Set-Off.

 

Upon and after the occurrence of an event of default under this Agreement, (a) the Borrower hereby authorizes the Bank at any time without notice and whether or not the Bank shall have declared any amount owing by the Borrower to be due and payable, to set off against, and to apply to the payment of, the Borrower’s indebtedness and obligations to the Bank under this Agreement and all related agreements, whether matured or unmatured, fixed or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, any and all amounts owing by the Bank to the Borrower, and in the case of deposits, whether general or special (except trust and escrow accounts), time or demand and however evidenced, and (b) pending any such action, to hold such amounts as collateral to secure such indebtedness and obligations of the Borrower tothe Bank and to return as unpaid for insufficient funds any and all checks and other items drawn against any deposits so held as the Bank, in its sole discretion, may elect. The Borrower hereby grants to the Bank a security interest in all deposits and accounts maintained with the Bank to secure the payment of all such indebtedness and obligations of the Borrower to the Bank.

 

9.10       One Agreement.

 

This Agreement, the Note and any related security or other agreements required by this Agreement constitute the entire agreement between the Borrower and the Bank with respect to each credit subject hereto and supersede all prior negotiations, communications, discussions and correspondence concerning the subject matter hereof. In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and any other agreements required by this Agreement, this Agreement will prevail.

 

9.11       No Oral Agreement.

 

This Agreement, the Note and any related security or other agreements required by this Agreement supersede all prior negotiations, communications, discussions and correspondence concerning the subject matter hereof. In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and any other agreements required by this Agreement, this Agreement will prevail.

 

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9.12       Notices.

 

Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement or in another agreement between the Bank and the Borrower, all notices required under this Agreement shall be personally delivered or sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, or by overnight courier, to the addresses on the signature page of this Agreement, or sent by facsimile to the fax number(s) listed on the signature page, or to such other addresses as the Bank and the Borrower may specify from time to time in writing (any such notice a “Written Notice”). Written Notices shall be effective (i) if mailed, upon the earlier of receipt or five (5) days after deposit inthe U.S. mail, first class, postage prepaid, (ii) if telecopied, when transmitted, or (iii) if hand-delivered, by courier or otherwise (including telegram, lettergram or mailgram), when delivered. In lieu of a Written Notice, notices and/or communications from the Bank to the Borrower may, to the extent permitted bylaw, be delivered electronically (i) by transmitting the communication to the electronic address providedby the Borrower or to such other electronic address as the Borrower may specify from time to time in writing, or (ii) by posting the communication on a website and sending the Borrower a notice to the Borrower’s postal address or electronic address telling the Borrower that the communication has been posted, its location, and providing instructions on how to view it (any such notice, an “Electronic Notice”). Electronic Notices shall be effective when the communication, or a notice advising of its posting to a website, is sent to the Borrower’s electronic address.

 

9.13       Headings.

 

Article and paragraph headings are for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation or meaning of any provisions of this Agreement.

 

9.14       Borrower/Obligor Information; Reporting to Credit Bureaus.

 

The Borrower authorizes the Bank at any time to verify or check any information given by the Borrower to the Bank, check the Borrower’s credit references, verify employment, and obtain credit reports and other credit bureau information from time to time in connection with the administration, servicing and collection of the loans under this Agreement. The Borrower agrees that the Bank shall have the right at all times to disclose and report to credit reporting agencies and credit rating agencies such information pertaining to the Borrower and all other Obligors as is consistent with the Bank's policies and practices from time to time in effect.

 

9.15       Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs.

 

To the extent that this Agreement and any document executed in connection with this Agreement (collectively, “Loan Documents”) provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for any Swap Contract 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 Governing Law State 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 Resolution Regime, the transfer of such Supported QFC and the benefit of such QFC Credit Support (and any interest and obligation in orunder 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. In the event a Covered Party or a BHC Act Affiliate of a Covered Party becomes subject to a proceedingunder 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 such 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.

 

28

 

(b)

As used in this paragraph, the following terms have the following meanings:

 

BHC Act Affiliate” of a party means an “affiliate” (as such term is defined under, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 1841(k)) of such party.

 

Covered Entity” means any of the following: (i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b); (ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or (iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).

 

Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.

 

QFC” has the meaning assigned to the term “qualified financial contract” in, and shall beinterpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 5390(c)(8)(D).

 

Swap Contract” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactionsof any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “Master Agreement”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.

 

9.16       Amendments.

 

This Agreement may only be amended by a writing signed by the parties hereto; which, to the extent expressly agreed to by the Bank in its discretion, may include being amended by an Electronic Record signed by the parties hereto using Electronic Signatures pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

29

 

9.17       Electronic Records and Signatures.

 

This Agreement and any document, amendment, approval, consent, information, notice, certificate, request, statement, disclosure or authorization related to this Agreement (each a “Communication”), including Communications required to be in writing, may, if agreed by the Bank, be in the form of an Electronic Record and may be executed using Electronic Signatures, including, without limitation, facsimile and/or .pdf. The Borrower agrees that any Electronic Signature (including, without limitation, facsimile or .pdf) on or associated with any Communication shall be valid and binding on the Borrower to the same extent as a manual, original signature, and that any Communication entered into by Electronic Signature, will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with the terms thereof to the same extent as if a manually executed original signature was delivered to the Bank. Any Communication may be executed in as many counterparts as necessary or convenient, including both paper and electronic counterparts, but all such counterparts are one and the same Communication. For the avoidance of doubt, the authorization under this paragraph may include, without limitation, use or acceptance by the Bank of a manually signed paper Communication which has been converted into electronic form (such as scanned into PDF format), or an electronically signed Communication converted into another format, for transmission, delivery and/or retention. The Bank may, at its option, create one or more copies of any Communication in the form of animaged Electronic Record (“Electronic Copy”), which shall be deemed created in the ordinary course ofthe Bank’s business, and destroy the original paper document. All Communications in the form of an Electronic Record, including an Electronic Copy, shall be considered an original for all purposes, and shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a paper record. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Bank is under no obligation to accept an Electronic Signature in any form or in any format unless expressly agreed to by the Bank pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided, further, without limiting the foregoing, (a) to the extent the Bank has agreed to accept such Electronic Signature, the Bank shall be entitled to rely on any such Electronic Signature purportedly given by or on behalf of any Obligor without further verification and (b) upon the request of the Bank any Electronic Signature shall be promptly followed by a manually executed, original counterpart. Forpurposes hereof, “Electronic Record” and “Electronic Signature” shall have the meanings assigned to them, respectively, by 15 USC §7006, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

9.18       Waiver of Confidentiality.

 

The Borrower authorizes the Bank to discuss the Borrower's financial affairs and business operations with any accountants, auditors, business consultants, or other professional advisors employed by the Bank. In addition, the Bank may, upon prior notice, to the extent permitted by law, rule or regulation, to the Borrower with the Borrower's prior consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) in connection with any other request by the Bank, discuss the Borrower's financial affairs and business operations withany accountants, auditors, business consultants, or other professional advisors employed by Borrower, and subject to the conditions above, the Borrower, authorizes such parties to disclose to the Bank such financial and business information or reports (including management letters) concerning the Borrower as the Bank may request.

 

9.19       Limitation of Interest and Other Charges.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement, the Bank does not intend to charge and the Borrower shall not be required to pay any amount of interest or other fees or charges that is in excess of the maximum permitted by applicable law. Any payment in excess of such maximum shall be refunded to the Borrower or credited against principal, at the option of the Bank. It is the express intent hereof that the Borrower not pay and the Bank not receive, directly or indirectly, interest in excess of that which may be lawfully paid under applicable law, including the usury laws in force in the state of Florida.

 

[SIGNATURES APPEAR ON FOLLOWING PAGE]

 

30

 

The parties have executed this Agreement as of the date stated at the top of the first page, intending to create an instrument executed under seal.

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., a national banking association 

NEWBEVCO, INC.

a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:                                                                                           

By:

/s/ George Bracken

 

 

Print Name:                                                                                 

Print  Name:

George Bracken

 

 

Title:                                                                                         

Title:

 Vice President and Treasurer 

 

         
      (SEAL)  
         
  Address where notices to    Address where notices to  
  the Bank are to be sent:    the Borrower are to be sent:  
         
  Bank of America, N.A.    8100 SW 10th St., Suite 4000  
  Doc Retention Center    Plantation, FL 33324  
      Attention: President  
  Gateway Village-900 Building    Attention: Legal Counsel  
  NC1-026-06-06       
  900 W Trade Street      
  Charlotte, NC 28255      

 

Federal law requires Bank of America, N.A. (the Bank) to provide the following notice. The notice is not part of the foregoing agreement or instrument and may not be altered. Please read the notice carefully.

 

(1)         USA PATRIOT ACT NOTICE

 

Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account or obtains a loan. The Bank will ask for the Borrower’s legal name, address, tax ID number or social security number and other identifying information. The Bank may also ask for additional information or documentation or take other actions reasonably necessary to verify the identity of the Borrower, guarantors or other related persons.

 

31

 

SCHEDULE A FEES

 

(a)          Waiver Fee.

 

If the Bank, at its discretion, agrees to waive or amend any terms of this Agreement, the Borrower will, at the Bank's option, pay the Bank a fee for each waiver or amendment in an amount advised by the Bank at the time the Borrower requests the waiver or amendment. Nothing in this paragraph shall imply that the Bank is obligated to agree to any waiver or amendment requested by the Borrower. The Bank may impose additional requirements as a condition to any waiver or amendment.

 

(b)          Late Fee.

 

To the extent permitted by law, the Borrower agrees to pay a late fee in an amount not to exceed four percent (4%) of any payment that is more than fifteen (15) days late. The imposition and payment of a late fee shall not constitute a waiver of the Bank’s rights with respect to the default.

 

 

32

 

SCHEDULE 1.14
 

GUARANTORS

 

Name of Subsidiary Principal Place of Business

Jurisdiction

Assumed Name

BevCo Sales, Inc.

1165 Palmour Drive

Gainesville, GA 30501

Delaware

Bevco, Inc.

Beverage Corporation International, Inc.

8100 SW 10th St., Suite 4000

Plantation, FL 33324

Delaware

None

Big Shot Beverages, Inc.

f/k/a Winnsboro Beverage Packers, Inc.

5600 Jefferson Highway

Suite 112

Harahan, LA 70123

Delaware

None

Everfresh Beverages, Inc.

6600 East 9 Mile Road

Waren, MI 48091

Delaware

Sundance

Beverage Company

Faygo Beverages, Inc.

3579 Gratiot Avenue

Detroit, MI48207

Michigan

None

LaCroix Beverages, Inc.

8100 SW 10th St., Suite 4000

Plantation, FL 33324

Delaware

None

National Beverage Vending Company

2031 Industrial Blvd.

Lexington, SC 29072

Delaware

Shasta Vending

National Retail Brands, Inc.

1165 Palmour Drive

Gainesville GA 30501

Delaware

None

Paco, Inc.

8100 SW 10th St., Suite 4000

Plantation, FL 33324

Delaware

None

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

8100 SW 10th St., Suite 4000

Plantation, FL 33324

Delaware

None

Shasta Beverages International, Inc.

1227 Andover Park East

Tukwila, WA 98188

Delaware

None

Shasta Sales, Inc.

f/k/a Sea Acquisition Corp.

6156 St. Andrews Road, #105
Columbia, SC 29212

Delaware

None

 

   

Shasta Sweetener Corp.

8100 SW 10th St., Suite 4000

Plantation, FL 33324

Delaware

None

Shasta West, Inc.

14405 East Artesia Blvd. La Mirada, CA 90638

Delaware

None

 

 

 

33

 

SCHEDULE 1.23

INVESTMENTS

 

34

 

SCHEDULE 1.24

EXISTING LIENS

 

Debtor

Secured Party(ies)

Filing No.

Filing Date

Filing Type

Collateral

Everfresh

Beverages, Inc

De Lage Landen

Financial Services

20181733548

3/13/2018

Original

Equipment

Everfresh Beverages, Inc

CIT Bank, N.A.

20214614591

6/14/2021

Original

Equipment

   

20216901269

8/31/2021

Amendment

 

Everfresh Beverages, Inc.

Wisconsin Lift Truck Corp.

20216218581

8/6/2021

Original

Equipment

   

20218544877

10/25/2021

Termination

 

Everfresh Beverages, Inc.

CIT Bank, N.A.

20216960281

9/1/2021

Original

Equipment

   

20217969877

10/6/2021

Amendment

 

EverFresh Beverages, Inc.

CIT Bank, N.A.

20216960307

9/1/2021

Original

Equipment

   

20217972129

10/6/2021

Amendment

 

Everfresh Beverages, Inc.

CIT Bank, N.A.

20216961040

9/1/2021

Original

Equipment

Everfresh Beverages, Inc.

CIT Bank, N.A.

20216961057

9/1/2021

Original

Equipment

Everfresh Beverages, Inc.

CIT Bank, N.A.

20216961073

9/1/2021

Original

Equipment

   

20217973929

10/6/2021

Amendment

 

Everfresh Beverages, Inc.

Wisconsin Lift Truck Corp.

20217157986

9/9/2021

Original

Equipment

Faygo Beverages, Inc.

Fifth Third Bank

20170503000745-

2

5/3/2017

Original

Equipment

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

NMHG Financial Services, Inc.

20123968155

10/15/2012

Original

Equipment

   

20172987201

5/5/2017

Amendment

 
   

20172989280

5/5/2017

Continuation

 
   

20190696612

1/30/2019

Amendment

 

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

Fifth Third Bank

20164998165

8/17/2016

Original

Equipment

   

20190841838

2/5/2019

Amendment

 

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

Summit Funding Group, Inc.

20173111082

5/11/2017

Original

Equipment

   

20176502196

9/29/2017

Amendment

 
   

20176506726

9/29/2017

Amendment

 
   

20176624263

10/4/2017

Assignment

 

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

Wells Fargo Vendor Financial

Services, LLC

20174148901

6/23/2017

Original

Equipment

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

Toyota Industries Commercial

Finance, Inc.

20174849110

7/21/2017

Original

Equipment

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

20176754276

10/10/2017

Original

Equipment

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

20181417779

3/1/2018

Original

Equipment

Shasta Beverages,

Inc.

HYG Financial

Services, Inc.

20190740204

2/1/2019

Original

Equipment

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

HYG Financial Services, Inc.

20190741319

2/1/2019

Original

Equipment

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

Fifth Third Bank

20191992390

3/22/2019

Original

Equipment

Shasta Beverages,

Inc.

HYG Financial

Services, Inc.

20195232389

7/29/2019

Original

Equipment

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

TOMCO2

Systems Company

20212483445

3/30/2021

Original

Equipment

 

Borrower and all other Subsidiaries 

None

 

35

SCHEDULE 1.27

RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES

 

Name of Subsidiary

Principal Place of Business

Jurisdiction

Assumed

Name

BevCo Sales, Inc.

1165 Palmour Drive

Gainesville, GA 30501

Delaware

Bevco, Inc.

Beverage Corporation

International, Inc.

8100 SW 10th St., Suite 4000

Plantation, FL 33324

Delaware

None

Big Shot Beverages, Inc. f/k/a Winnsboro

Beverage Packers, Inc.

5600 Jefferson Highway

Suite 112

Harahan, LA 70123

Delaware

None

Everfresh Beverages, Inc.

6600 East 9 Mile Road

Waren, MI 48091

Delaware

Sundance Beverage Company

Faygo Beverages, Inc.

3579 Gratiot Avenue

Detroit, MI48207

Michigan

None

LaCroix Beverages, Inc.

8100 SW 10th St., Suite 4000

Plantation, FL 33324

Delaware

None

National Beverage Vending Company

2031 Industrial Blvd.

Lexington, SC 29072

Delaware

Shasta Vending

National Retail Brands, Inc.

1165 Palmour Drive

Gainesville GA 30501

Delaware

None

Paco, Inc.

8100 SW 10th St., Suite 4000

Plantation, FL 33324

Delaware

None

Shasta Beverages, Inc.

8100 SW 10th st., Suite 4000

Plantation FL 33324

Delaware

None

Shasta Beverages International, Inc.

1227 Andover Park East

Tukwila, WA 98188

Delaware

None

Shasta Sales, Inc.

f/k/a Sea Acquisition Corp.

6156 St. Andrews Road, #105

Columbia, SC 29212

Delaware

None

Shasta Sweetener Corp.

8100 SW 10th Street, Suite 4000

Plantation, FL 33324

Delaware

None

Shasta West, Inc.

14405 East Artesia Blvd.

La Mirada, CA 90638

Delaware

None

 

36

EXHIBIT 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Nick A. Caporella, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of National Beverage Corp.;

 

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 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 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 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: March 10, 2022

 

/s/ Nick A. Caporella

Nick A. Caporella

Chairman of the Board and

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

EXHIBIT 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, George R. Bracken, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of National Beverage Corp.;

 

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 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 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 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: March 10, 2022

 

/s/ George R. Bracken

George R. Bracken

Executive Vice President – Finance

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

EXHIBIT 32.1

 

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 of National Beverage Corp. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended January 29, 2022 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Nick A. Caporella, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my 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 Company.

 

Date: March 10, 2022

 

/s/ Nick A. Caporella

Nick A. Caporella

Chairman of the Board and

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

EXHIBIT 32.2

 

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 of National Beverage Corp. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended January 29, 2022 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, George R. Bracken, Executive Vice President - Finance of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my 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 result of operations of the Company.

 

Date: March 10, 2022

 

/s/ George R. Bracken

George R. Bracken

Executive Vice President – Finance

(Principal Financial Officer)