UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
| ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
For the fiscal year ended December 31 , 2021
OR
| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
For the transition period from ______________ to ______________
Commission File Number: 1-36254
_______________________
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
| (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |||||||||||||
| (Address of Principal Executive Offices, Including Zip Code) | ||||||||||||||
(978 ) 640-6789
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||||||||
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
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Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically 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).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, an emerging growth company or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “emerging growth company” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
x | Accelerated Filer | ☐ | |||||||||
| Non-accelerated Filer | o | 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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. Yes x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No x
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $1,667,368,942 based on the closing price of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on June 30, 2021. The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock as of February 25, 2022 was 44,679,990 .
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE | ||||||||||||||
| Document Description | 10-K Part | |||||||||||||
| Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders | III | |||||||||||||
AVID TECHNOLOGY, INC.
FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | ||||||||
| Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections | ||||||||
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CAUTIONARY NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K, or Form 10-K, filed by Avid Technology, Inc. together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Avid” or the “Company”, or “we”, “us,” or “our” unless the context indicates otherwise, includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For this purpose, any statements contained in this Form 10-K that relate to future results or events are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by use of forward-looking words, such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “confidence,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “feel,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “should,” “seek,” “will,” and “would,” or similar expressions.
Forward-looking statements may involve subjects relating to, among others, the following:
•the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic, including variants, and its related consequences may have on the national and global economy and on our business and operations, revenues, cash flows and profitability, and capital resources;
•our ability to successfully implement our strategy, including our cost saving measures and other actions implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic;
•the anticipated trends and developments in our markets and the success of our products in these markets;
•our ability to develop, market, and sell new products and services;
•our business strategies and market positioning;
•our ability to achieve our goal of expanding our market positions;
•our ability to accelerate growth of our cloud-enabled platform;
•anticipated trends relating to our sales, financial condition or results of operations, including our ongoing shift to a recurring revenue model and complex enterprise sales with long sales cycles;
•the expected timing of recognition of revenue backlog as revenue, and the timing of recognition of revenues from subscription offerings;
•our ability to successfully consummate acquisitions, and investment transactions and to successfully integrate acquired businesses;
•the anticipated performance of our products;
•our ability to maintain adequate supplies of products and components, including through sole-source supply arrangements;
•our plans regarding repatriation of foreign earnings;
•the outcome, impact, costs, and expenses of pending litigation or any new litigation or government inquiries to which we may become subject;
•our compliance with covenants contained in the agreements governing our indebtedness;
•our ability to service our debt and meet the obligations thereunder;
•the effect of seasonal changes in demand for our products and services;
•fluctuations in foreign exchange and interest rates;
•estimated asset and liability values;
•our ability to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights; and
•the expected availability of cash to fund our business and our ability to maintain adequate liquidity and capital resources, generally and in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic
Actual results and events in future periods may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this Form 10-K. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond our control, including the risk factors
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discussed in Item 1A of this Form 10-K. The forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K represent our estimates only as of the date of this filing and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update these forward-looking statements in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, whether to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions, changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking statements, or otherwise.
The information included under the heading “Stock Performance Graph” in Item 5 of this Form 10-K is “furnished” and not “filed” and shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or subject to Regulation 14A, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference.
We own or have rights to trademarks and service marks that we use in connection with the operation of our business. “Avid” is a trademark of Avid Technology, Inc. Other trademarks, logos, and slogans registered or used by us and our subsidiaries in the United States and other countries include, but are not limited to, the following: Avid, Avid NEXIS, AirSpeed, FastServe, MediaCentral, Media Composer, Pro Tools, and Sibelius. Other trademarks appearing in this Form 10-K are the property of their respective owners.
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PART I
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ITEM 1.BUSINESS
OVERVIEW
We develop, market, sell, and support software and integrated solutions for video and audio content creation, management, and distribution. We are a leading technology provider that powers the media and entertainment industry. We do this by providing an open and efficient platform for digital media, along with a comprehensive set of creative software tools and workflow solutions. Our solutions are used in production and post-production facilities; film studios; network, affiliate, independent and cable television stations; recording studios; live-sound performance venues; advertising agencies; government and educational institutions; corporate communications departments; and by independent video and audio creative professionals, as well as aspiring professionals. Projects produced using our tools, platform, and ecosystem include feature films, television programming, live events, news broadcasts, sports productions, commercials, music, video, and other digital media content. With over one million creative users and thousands of enterprise clients relying on our technology platforms and solutions around the world, Avid enables the industry to thrive in today’s connected media and entertainment world.
Our mission is to empower media creators with innovative technology and collaborative tools to entertain, inform, educate, and enlighten the world. Our clients rely on Avid to create prestigious and award-winning feature films, music recordings, television shows, live concerts, sporting events, and news broadcasts. Avid has been honored for technological innovation with 18 Emmy Awards, one Grammy Award, two Oscars, and the first ever America Cinema Editors Technical Excellence Award.
For a discussion of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Executive Overview - Impact of COVID-19 on Our Business" in Item 7 of this Form 10-K.
Avid was incorporated in Delaware in 1987. We are headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, with operations in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.
CORPORATE STRATEGY
Acceleration of digitization is having a tremendous impact on the media industry and altering the industry value chain. Today’s consumers are empowered to create and consume content on-demand, anywhere, anytime. Organizations in the media industry are under pressure to connect and automate the entire creation-to-consumption workflow, and are facing a number of challenges, including:
•Increasing rate of content creation and digitization of media assets - Many organizations are feeling intense pressure to create more and more content, increasingly tailored for audience niches, while also facing greater competition from nimble players. At the same time, access to creative software tools is wider today than ever before, giving more people the ability to tell their stories.
•Exponential growth of distribution platforms - The number of distribution platforms continues to expand, and the economic models of new distribution platforms are still evolving. To satisfy their customers, organizations need to develop or license content for their distribution platforms. Many organizations need to embrace new opportunities while also maximizing heritage business.
•Continued increase in content consumption - There has been a tremendous increase in viewership in the last decade, but it is spread across many outlets and channels. This increase in viewership is dwarfed by an increase in competitive content. In addition, with growing audience fragmentation, compelling content, brand equity, and relevance are even more critical today.
•Disparate mix of tools, skills, and workflows - Lack of commonality and a fragmented supplier landscape creates incompatibilities, inhibiting agility, collaboration, sharing, and efficiency.
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•Media technology budgets - Today’s economic realities are placing pressure on media technology budgets, while content output must increase exponentially to deliver on the market requirements. Many content creators and distributors have to work with essentially flat budgets, which demands more efficient workflows and solutions.
We believe we are well positioned in the media technology industry because we have a set of differentiated creative software tools (including ProTools for audio and Media Composer for video), a differentiated platform strategy (Avid MediaCentral platform described below) and a well-established market position. Our products and solutions allow our customers to (i) create high-quality, engaging, and immersive content, (ii) distribute to more outlets and devices, (iii) maximize and protect the value of media assets, and (iv) create operational and capital efficiency. As a result of our market position across the media industry, we believe we can take advantage of the following opportunities and trends:
•Large and growing market poised for transition - Our customers are facing significant disruption and need to make major changes and investments in their business and operational approaches to address the challenges described above. Our product offerings help them address those challenges.
•Deeply entrenched with a market leadership position - We can strategically leverage a significant global customer base that is loyal to our brand across TV, film, music, and media.
•Positioned to help the industry navigate disruption - Our unique approach encompasses a common technology platform, leading software applications and integrated solutions with a large and open ecosystem, which we believe differentiates us from our competitors.
•Ready to intercept the next emerging opportunity - By leveraging our partnership with Microsoft and our MediaCentral platform, we believe we can lead the media and entertainment industry into the cloud with market-leading Software as a Service, or SaaS, offerings.
Our strategy for connecting creative professionals and media enterprises with audiences in a powerful, efficient, collaborative, and profitable way leverages our creative software tools, including Pro Tools for audio and Media Composer for video, and our MediaCentral Platform - the open, extensible, and customizable foundation that streamlines and simplifies content workflows by integrating all Avid or third-party products and services that run on top of it. The platform provides secure and protected access, and enables fast and easy creation, delivery, and monetization of content.
We work to ensure that we are meeting customer needs, staying ahead of industry trends, and investing in the right areas through a close and interactive relationship with our customer base. The Avid Community Association was established to be an innovative and influential media technology community. It represents thousands of organizations and over 30,000 professionals from all levels of the industry including inspirational and award-winning thought leaders, innovators, and storytellers. The Avid Community Association fosters collaboration between Avid, its customers, and other industry colleagues to help shape our product offerings and provide a means to shape our industry together.
A key element of our strategy is our transition to a recurring revenue-based model through a combination of subscription offerings, maintenance contracts, and long-term agreements. We started offering subscription licensing options for some of our products and solutions in 2014 and by the end of 2021 had approximately 410,000 paid subscriptions. Starting in the third quarter of 2021, subscription count includes all paid and active seats under multi-seat licenses. These licensing options offer choices in pricing and deployment to suit our customers’ needs. We expect to increase subscription sales to media enterprises going forward as we expand offerings and move through customer upgrade cycles, which we expect will further increase recurring revenue on a longer-term basis. Our long-term agreements are comprised of multi-year agreements with large media enterprise customers to provide specified products and services, including SaaS offerings, and agreements with channel partners and resellers to purchase minimum amounts of products and service over a specified period of time.
During the third quarter of 2021, Avid began implementing a digital transformation which focuses on optimizing systems, processes, and back-office functions with the objective of improving our operations related to our digital and subscription
business. Over the next four years, we plan to significantly invest in transforming our enterprise-wide infrastructure and technologies to benefit customers and drive enhanced performance across the company.
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CUSTOMER MARKETS
We provide our solutions to the following markets:
•Media Enterprises. This market consists of broadcast, government, sports, and other organizations that acquire, create, process, and/or distribute audio and video content to a large audience for communication, entertainment, analysis, and/or forensic purposes. Customers in this market rely on workflows that span content acquisition, creation, editing, distribution, sales, and redistribution and utilize all content distribution platforms, including web, mobile, internet protocol television, cable, satellite, on-air, and various other proprietary platforms. Our expertise also allows us to provide customers in this market with a range of professional and learning services. We sell into this market through our direct sales force and resellers.
•Creative Professionals. This market is made up of individual artists and small entities that create audio and video media as a paid service but do not currently distribute media to end consumers on a large scale. This market spans a wide-ranging target audience that includes: independent video editors; facilities and filmmakers that produce video media as a business but are not broadcasters; professional sound designers, editors, and mixers and facilities that specialize in the creation of audio for picture; songwriters, musicians, producers, film composers, and engineers who compose and record music professionally; technicians, engineers, rental companies, and facilities that present, record, and broadcast audio and video for live performances; and students and teachers in career technical education programs in high schools, colleges, universities, and post-secondary vocational schools that prepare students for professional media production careers in the digital workplace. Our expertise also allows us to provide customers in this market with a broad range of professional services. We sell into this market through our webstore, resellers (including storefront and online retailers) and our direct sales force.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Overview
Avid’s growing product portfolio is rooted in providing open and extensible products that ensure our long-term position with customers. Our software and integrated solutions, as well as our services offerings, address the diverse needs, skills, and sophistication levels of our customers. In addition, we provide flexible deployment models, licensing options, and commercial structures so our customers can choose how, when, and where to deploy and use our tools.
The standalone software portion of our product portfolio consists of our Creative Software Solutions and our Enterprise Software Solutions, representing a large high-margin software and maintenance business.
Creative Software Solutions
Our Creative Software Solutions includes our Media Composer, Pro Tools, and Sibelius tools, as well as Avid Link, all of which are key components of our cloud-enabled software subscription strategy.
Media Composer
Our award-winning Media Composer product line is used to edit video content, including television programming, commercials, and films. Our cloud-enabled solutions that include Media Composer enable broadcast news, sports, reality television, and film professionals to acquire, access, edit, and finish stories anytime and from everywhere. Leveraging an integrated, yet open, end-to-end architecture, this solution gives contributors the ability to craft stories where and while they are happening and speed them to delivery, while maintaining connectivity with the central production operation. Media Composer also offers resolution flexibility and independence, accelerating high-res, HDR, and 4K workflows. We offer Media Composer through both subscription and perpetual license offerings.
Pro Tools
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Our Pro Tools digital audio workstation software facilitates the audio production process, including music and sound creation, recording, editing, signal processing, integrated surround mixing, and mastering and reference video playback. The Pro Tools platform supports a wide variety of internally developed and third-party software plug-ins and integrated hardware. Pro Tools solutions are offered at a range of price points and are used by professionals in music, film, television, radio, gaming, internet, and other media production environments. We offer Pro Tools software through both subscription and perpetual license offerings.
Sibelius
Our Sibelius product allows users to create, edit, and publish musical scores. It is used by composers, arrangers, and other music professionals. Student versions are also available to assist in the teaching of music composition and score writing. Sibelius music notation software offers sophisticated, yet easy-to-use tools that are proven and trusted by composers, arrangers, publishers, educators, and students alike. We also offer Sibelius | Cloud Sharing, which allows users to view and play scores anywhere from the cloud through a web browser and on mobile devices. We offer Sibelius through both subscription and perpetual license offerings.
Avid Link
Avid Link is a free desktop and mobile application that offers a creative community a variety of benefits and value along their journey to achieve their goals. It’s for anyone wanting to find, network, connect and engage in collaboration with other artists, producers, mixers, composers, editors, videographers, movie makers, and graphic designers, as well as explore the Avid Marketplace populated with third party applications and services to use within their workflow. Through Avid Link, users can subscribe to Avid Play and distribute their music to streaming services worldwide like Apple Music, Spotify, and TIDAL. Available for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android OS users, Avid Link is intended to make it easy for users to find, connect, message, and collaborate with audio and video creators, promote their work and skills to a vast network of media professionals, manage and keep their software up to date, and purchase new tools. We believe Avid Link will increase interest and demand for Avid’s suite of product offerings.
Enterprise Software Solutions
Avid’s Enterprise Software Solutions are built on the MediaCentral platform along with a suite of applications, modules, and services and is also the foundation of our cloud and SaaS offerings.
MediaCentral
MediaCentral | Cloud UX is Avid’s next-generation media production suite that further extends the Avid MediaCentral platform into the cloud. The MediaCentral platform scales from the simplest to the most sophisticated solutions. Built on a customizable cloud native microservices architecture, MediaCentral platform features a cloud-based user experience that runs on any device, as well as workflow modules for editorial, production, news, graphics, and asset management. It also features applications to enhance and scale any of those modules, and a wide array of media services and partner connectors. Every user is connected in a completely integrated workflow environment with a user-friendly interface, and gains a unified view into all their media with flexible deployment options for on premises, hybrid, or cloud (public/private) environments.
As part of the Avid MediaCentral platform, we also offer Avid Nexis| Edge, (formally known as Editorial Management) a module for smaller creative teams that provides the same robust media management capabilities used by the largest media enterprises in the industry. Integrated within Media Composer via a panel, Nexis| Edge connects directly to Avid NEXIS storage to provide easy access to media with hyper-search functionality. Avid Nexis| Edge also extends collaboration capabilities for the assistant editor in an easy to use web interface by allowing Media Composer bin creation, logging, and search capabilities, greatly expanding the efficiency of creative teams.
SaaS Solutions
We have a strategic partnership with Microsoft to deliver Azure-certified solutions to support end-to-end hybrid and cloud deployments of news workflows. Our partnership includes developing virtualized versions of many of our product offerings, allowing them to run in a private cloud, public cloud, or in hybrid deployments. This enables customers to migrate to more traditional IT infrastructures leveraging IP technology to integrate disparate systems within a post production and broadcast environment. We believe our new SaaS and cloud offerings will allow our customers to (i) scale production while lowering
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costs, (ii) enable anytime access, boosting efficiency and collaboration, and (iii) deliver content quickly and securely to any device, from anywhere. Our first enterprise SaaS offering, Edit on Demand, has been deployed in post production and news environments.
Integrated Solutions
The Integrated Solutions part of our portfolio mainly consists of four common, best-in-class hardware platforms that are combined with tightly integrated software elements to create powerful and differentiated solutions, all of which complement and enhance our overall software strategy.
Avid NEXIS
Our Avid NEXIS family of shared storage systems are real-time, open solutions that bring the power of shared storage to local, regional, national and multinational broadcasters, and post-production facilities at competitive prices. Customers can improve allocation of creative resources and support changing project needs with an open, shared storage platform that includes file system technology on lower cost hardware, support for third-party applications, and streamlined administration to create more content at an affordable price. Avid NEXIS is the industry’s first and only software-defined storage platform specifically designed for storing and managing media. Avid NEXIS enables fully virtualized storage so media organizations can adjust storage capacity mid-project, without disrupting workflows. Powered by our MediaCentral Platform, Avid NEXIS delivers media storage flexibility, scalability, and control for both Avid-based and third-party workflows. It has been designed to serve small production teams as powerfully as large media enterprises and is built with flexibility to grow with customers through their business stages. In addition to on-premises Avid NEXIS workflows, Avid NEXIS Cloud provides on-line, nearline and archive storage tiers in the cloud, and is a key component of our SaaS offerings.
Avid S6
Our Avid S6 product line offers customers a range of complementary control surfaces for sound recording, mixing and editing, leveraging the open industry standard protocol EUCON (Extended User Control) to provide open solutions that meet the needs of customers ranging from the independent professional to the high-end broadcaster. The Avid S6 was designed as a modular solution that scales to meet both current and future customer requirements. The Avid S6 is designed for audio professionals in demanding production environments, delivering the performance needed to complete projects faster while producing high quality mixes. Compact and portable, all control surfaces in the Artist line feature EUCON, allowing hands-on control of the user’s applications. Finally, the free Pro Tools | Control iOS application enables customers to record and mix faster and easier than working with a mouse and keyboard alone.
Avid S1 and Avid S4
The Avid S4 and Avid S1 audio control surfaces are for professionals at smaller facilities and project studios. Avid S4 brings the power and workflows of the Avid S6 control surface to budget-conscious audio professionals and small- to mid-size music and audio post facilities in an ergonomic and more compact package. The Avid S1 delivers the speed, rich visual feedback, and software integration of Avid’s high-end consoles in a portable, slimline surface that’s an easy fit for any space or budget.
Live Sound
Our VENUE product family and our VENUE | S6L live sound system includes console systems for mixing audio for live sound reinforcement for concerts, theater performances, and other public address events. We offer a range of VENUE systems designed for large performance settings, such as stadium concerts, as well as medium-sized theaters and houses of worship. VENUE systems allow the direct integration of Pro Tools solutions to mix and record live productions of any size.
Maestro
Our Maestro product line offers customers comprehensive production graphics solutions, ideal for any type of production needs in news, sports, and entertainment, creating greater accessibility, efficiency at scale to enable the delivery of content with graphics faster. Maestro features a core platform that includes a powerful render engine and featured design tool called
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Maestro | Designer that drives a line-up of applications that are designed to address the specific challenges broadcasters face when automating the integration of statistics and graphics for the creation of an engaging broadcast. By tightly integrating Maestro with MediaCentral we enable journalists and producers to add graphics remotely to news stories or enhance any story with innovative stats to drive augmented reality graphics for presenting data in new and compelling ways.
FastServe
Our FastServe video server product line assists broadcasters in making the move to UHD and IP based workflows with a new, modular architecture. The Avid FastServe family integrates with the MediaCentral platform, empowering creative teams to deliver content fast for news, sports, entertainment, and other media productions. Its 10GbE interface offers direct connection to Avid NEXIS storage, enabling real-time ingest, editing, and playout, even while media is being captured. Its modular architecture improves efficiency and provides a smooth transition from HD to UHD, and from SDI workflows to video over IP. We also continue to sell and support our on-air server solutions, including AirSpeed 5000 and AirSpeed 5500, which enable broadcasters to automate the ingest and playout of television and news programming. The AirSpeed 5000 and 5500 video servers work with a wide range of applications to improve workflow and provide cost-efficient ingest and play to air capabilities for broadcasters of any size.
I/O and Processing
We offer a number of hardware products that complement our Media Composer and Pro Tools creative solutions, which include I/O devices, interfaces, and audio and video processing equipment. We have recently updated our Pro Tools Hardware portfolio with new offerings including, Avid MTRX Studio and Avid Pro Tools| Carbon. Pro Tools| Carbon is our next generation music creation hardware platform.
Maintenance
We offer a variety of maintenance contracts for our software and integrated solutions, allowing each customer to select the level of technical and operational support that they need to maintain their operational effectiveness. Maintenance contracts typically include the right to the latest software updates, call support, and, in some cases, hardware maintenance. Maintenance contracts for individual products are sold bundled with initial product offerings or as renewals once initial contracts have lapsed. Maintenance contracts are also sold on an enterprise basis where a customer purchases maintenance for all Avid products owned. Our Customer Care team provides customers with a partner committed to giving them help and support when they need it. Our global Customer Care team of industry professionals offers a blend of technology expertise and real-world experience throughout the audio, visual, and entertainment industries. The team’s mission is to provide timely, informed responses to our customers’ issues and proactive maintenance for our solutions to help our customers maintain high standards of operational effectiveness.
Professional Services
Our Professional Services team delivers workflow design and consulting, program, and project management, system installation and commissioning, custom development, and role-based product level training. The Professional Services team facilitates the engagement with our customers to maximize their investment in technology, increase their operational efficiency, and enable them to reduce deployment risk and implement our solutions.
Learning Services
Our Learning Services team delivers public and private training classes as well as self-paced eLearning content to our customers and alliance partners to ensure that they have the necessary skills and technical competencies to deploy, use, administer, and create Avid solutions. The Learning Services team develops and licenses curriculum content for use by third-party Avid Learning partners to deliver training to customers, users, and alliance partners. The Learning Services team includes the Avid Certification program which validates the skills and competency of Avid users, administrators, instructors, support representatives, and developers.
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COMPETITION
The markets in which we serve our customers are highly competitive and subject to rapid change. The competitive landscape is fragmented with a large number of companies providing various types of products and services in different markets and geographic areas. We provide integrated solutions that compete based on total workflow value, features, quality, service, and flexibility of pricing and deployment options. Companies with which we compete in some contexts may also act as our partners in other contexts, such as large enterprise customer environments.
Certain companies that compete with us across some of our products and solutions are listed below by the market relevant to Avid in which they compete predominantly:
•Broadcast and Media: ChyronHego Corporation, Dalet S.A., Dell Technologies Inc. (EMC Isilon), EVS Corporation, Grass Valley, Harmonic Inc., Quantum Corporation, Ross Video Limited, and Vizrt Ltd., among others.
•Audio and Video Post and Professional: Ableton AG, Adobe Systems Incorporated, Apple Inc., AudioTonix Limited, Blackmagic Design Pty Ltd, PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc., and Yamaha Corporation, among others.
For additional information about risks associated with our competitors, see “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Form 10-K.
OPERATIONS
Sales and Services Channels
We market and sell our products and solutions through a combination of direct, indirect, and digital sales channels. Our direct sales channel consists of internal sales representatives serving select customers and markets. Our indirect sales channels include global networks of independent distributors, value-added resellers, system integrators, and retailers. Our digital sales channel is represented by the online Avid Marketplace, and also through the Xchange Market Platform, or XMP, with some of our key partners and distributors.
We have significant international operations with offices in 16 countries and the ability to reach approximately 171 countries through a combination of our direct sales force and resellers. Sales to customers outside the United States accounted for 58%, 60% and 63% of our total net revenues in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Additional information about the geographic breakdown of our revenues and long-lived assets can be found in Note P to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. For additional information about risks associated with our international operations, see “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Form 10-K.
We generally ship our products shortly after the receipt of an order. However, a high percentage of our revenues has historically been generated in the third month of each fiscal quarter and concentrated in the latter part of that month. Orders that may exist at the end of a quarter and have not been shipped are not recognized as revenues in that quarter and are included in revenue backlog.
We provide customer care services directly through regional in-house and contracted support centers and major-market field service representatives. We also provide customer care services indirectly through dealers, value-added resellers, and authorized third-party service providers. Depending on the solution, customers may choose from a variety of support offerings, including telephone and online technical support, on-site assistance, hardware replacement and extended warranty, and software upgrades. In addition to customer care services, we offer a broad array of professional services, including installation, integration, planning and consulting services, and customer training.
Manufacturing and Suppliers
Our manufacturing operations consist primarily of a network of contract manufacturers around the globe to manufacture many of our products, components and subassemblies, and original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, from whom we
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purchase finished assemblies. Our products undergo testing and quality assurance at the final assembly stage. We depend on sole-source suppliers for many key hardware product components and finished goods, including some critical items.
Our contract manufacturers and OEMs manufacture our products at a relatively limited number of facilities located throughout the world and, in most cases, the manufacturing of each of our products is concentrated in one or a few locations. For additional information about risks associated with our sole source suppliers and and manufacturing operations, see “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Form 10-K.
Research and Development
We are committed to delivering best-in-class digital media content-creation solutions that are designed for the unique needs, skills and sophistication levels of our target customer markets as well as a standardized media platform for the media industry. Having helped establish the digital media technology industry, we are building on a 30-year heritage of innovation and leadership in developing content-creation solutions and platforms. We have research and development, or R&D, operations in six facilities located in five countries. Our R&D efforts are focused on the development of digital media content-creation, distribution, and monetization tools as well as the media platform. These tools operate primarily on the Mac and on Windows platforms, whereas the media platform primarily operates on Linux platforms. Our R&D efforts also include highly optimized media storage solutions, standards-based media transfer and media asset management tools, and ingest and playout solutions to cover the entire workflow. Our R&D expenditures for 2021, 2020 and 2019 were $65.6 million, $57.0 million and $62.3 million, respectively, which represented 16%, 16% and 15% of our total net revenues, respectively.
Our philosophy is to prioritize research and development investments to take advantage of market opportunities based on the following short-term, medium-term, and long-term horizons:
•Here & Now - Improve performance, solidify core portfolio, improve margins, and ignite growth.
•Emerging - Expand opportunities by pursuing growth areas, extending our product portfolio, and expanding market opportunities.
•Transformational - Build for the future, creating unique defensible differentiation in our products and solutions with disruptive and visionary innovation.
Our company-operated R&D operations are located in: Burlington, Massachusetts; Berkeley, California; Munich, Germany; Kfar Saba, Israel; Szczecin, Poland; and Montreal, Canada. We also partner with a vendor in Kiev, Ukraine for outsourced R&D services. For additional information about risks associated with our R&D efforts, see “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Form 10-K.
Intellectual Property
We regard our software and hardware as proprietary and protect our proprietary interests under the laws of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, as well as through contractual provisions.
We have obtained patents and have registered copyrights, trademarks and service marks in the United States and in many foreign countries. At February 1, 2022, we held 111 U.S. patents, with expiration dates through 2040, and had 13 patent applications pending with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. We have also registered or applied to register various trademarks and service marks in the United States and a number of foreign countries, including Avid, Avid Nexis, AirSpeed, FastServe, MediaCentral, Media Composer, Pro Tools, and Sibelius. As a technology company, we regard our patents, copyrights, trademarks, service marks, and trade secrets as being among our most valuable assets, together with the innovative skills, technical competence, and marketing abilities of our personnel.
Our software is licensed to end users pursuant to shrink-wrap, embedded, click-through, or signed license agreements. Our products generally contain features to guard against unauthorized use. Policing unauthorized use of computer software is difficult, and software piracy is a persistent problem for us, as it is for the software industry in general. For additional information about risks associated with the protection of our intellectual property, see “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Form 10-K.
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HUMAN CAPITAL
We view our employees and our culture as key to our success. As of December 31, 2021, we had approximately 1,405 full-time employees and 333 external contractors located globally in 33 countries. Of these, 35% were located in the United States, Canada, and Latin America, 45% in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, and 20% in Asia-Pacific.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact lives and businesses around the world. We have taken proactive steps to help protect the health and safety of our employees and maintain business continuity. A vast majority of our office workers continue to telecommute as we have implemented a work from anywhere policy. This allows our employees to choose their workstyle whether it be fully remote, fully onsite, or a mix of the two. Within our office areas we have established a number of safety protocols, including face covering and physical distance requirements when necessary, enhanced cleaning, encouraging daily self-health checks, and access to virtual primary care physicians. All of the actions above are overseen by Avid’s Crisis Management Team, a multi-functional, multi-discipline team tasked with integrating all aspects of Avid’s COVID-19 response. In addition, we have created a TeamAvid Community, where employees can virtually share communications, collaborate, and engage with each other from their remote locations. This was implemented as a way to keep employees connected throughout the pandemic.
We believe in fostering great leaders. Through our Avid University platform, we have built the opportunity for employees to power their performance with continuous learning and development courses to provide skills and coaching to employees on a variety of topics, such as leading and inspiring teams. We believe this focus helps our employees grow as leaders and well-rounded individuals, and better positions Avid to operate our global business of empowering media creators with innovative technology and collaborative tools to entertain, inform, educate, and enlighten the world. We also offer tuition reimbursement for eligible classes at external education organizations that may not be covered under Avid University.
We believe a critical component of our success is our company culture. We are focused on creating a company culture of integrity and respect, with the goal of working together to drive our business to be creative, innovative and competitive. To achieve these objectives, we have adopted and regularly communicate to our employees our core values of Trusted, Empowered, Passionate, and Inclusive. We believe in the power of an increasingly diverse, inclusive, and collaborative team and we embrace and leverage the global community of TeamAvid. We believe that diverse and inclusive companies are more productive and deliver better performance than their counterparts, and we seek to better mirror our diverse customer and user base to best serve them.
To further that focus, Avid has implemented the Global Leadership Team, or GLT. The GLT is comprised of a group of global leaders throughout the organization who are either key stakeholders in our business or an important beacon of our culture. The GLT meets with the Executive Team and Senior Management Teams to align on corporate strategy, culture and development. Avid has taken many steps to expand diversity, equity and inclusion (“DEI”) within the company. At the governance level, Avid now has a Steering Committee for DEI; Mission, Vision and Goals statements for DEI; and a DEI Policy. In terms of recruitment, three women are on the executive leadership team, and in 2021 Avid recruited 58 percent women globally. Avid considers DEI training as an essential part of creating an inclusive culture with self-paced online learning topics addressing inclusion, LGBTQIA+ issues, and inclusive retention and career direction. Avid is enhancing its global onboarding process to include DEI training for all employees.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
We make available free of charge on our website, www.avid.com, copies of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports as soon as practicable after filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. Additionally, we will provide paper copies of all of these filings free of charge upon request. Alternatively, these reports can be accessed at the SEC’s Internet website at www.sec.gov. The information contained on our web site shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Exchange Act.
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ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, in addition to the other information included or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, before making an investment decision regarding our common stock. If any of the following risks were to actually occur, our business, financial condition or operating results would likely suffer, possibly materially, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose part or all of your investment. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of, or that we currently believe are not material, may also become important factors that adversely affect our business.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, and actions taken in response to it have adversely affected our business and are likely to continue to adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been the source of economic disruption, and has led to federal, state and local governments enacting various restrictions in an attempt to limit the spread of the virus. This has included declarations of states of emergency and school and business closings affecting a large number of countries. It has also prompted limitations on social or public gatherings and other social distancing measures, such as office closures, shelter in place orders, working remotely, travel restrictions and quarantines, some of which continue in effect in many cities and countries.
In these challenging and dynamic circumstances, Avid is working to protect its employees and the public, maintain business continuity and sustain its operations. We have taken, and may take in the future, actions as required by government authorities or that we determine are in the best interests of our employees, customers, manufacturers, and suppliers that diminish our ability to promote our products and services, and deliver required on-site professional services, including on-site support to our customers and users, and that could negatively impact our business and results of operations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased economic and demand uncertainty, which has caused a decline in the media, entertainment, and sports industries and, in turn, reduced demand for our products and services. These factors are expected to continue to reduce demand for our products and services, possibly significantly, including causing delays in purchasing and projects by our enterprise customers and channel partners. Additionally, the provision of on-site professional service may be impacted for a prolonged period of time due to site restrictions and related costs and delays, further impacting our business.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the response to it has and continues to adversely impact our operations and supply chain. If such impacts continue as a result of the ongoing pandemic, we could experience further interruptions in our supply chain, along with limitations in our and our manufacturers’ ability to timely procure products or their components and our ability to perform critical functions. Supply chain disruptions could also be exacerbated by and compounded with disruptions and limitations related to geopolitical instability, armed conflict and insurrection or the threat thereof, and other related conflict. The current conflict in Ukraine, including indirect impacts as a result of sanctions and economic disruption, may further complicate such supply chain disruptions. These limitations could significantly hamper our ability to supply our products to our customers. If we encounter delays or difficulties in the manufacturing process that disrupt our ability to supply our products, we may not be able to satisfy customer demand or we may experience a product stock-out, which would likely have a material adverse effect on our business.
If the pandemic continues and economic conditions worsen, we expect to experience additional adverse impacts on our operations and revenues and our collections of accounts receivable, which adverse impacts may be material.
Further, the continued spread of COVID-19 has led to disruption and volatility in the global capital markets, which may increase the cost of capital and adversely impact access to capital. If we experience further deterioration in demand and our cash flows from operations decrease, we may require additional funding and may not be able to obtain such funding on favorable terms, or at all.
The degree to which COVID-19 impacts our results going forward will depend on future developments, which remain uncertain and cannot be predicted, including, but not limited to, the duration and spread of COVID-19, its severity, the actions to contain the virus or treat its impact, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume. Any of the foregoing factors, or other cascading effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that are not currently foreseeable, could materially increase our costs, negatively impact our business and damage our results of operations and our liquidity position, possibly to a significant degree.
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Our success depends in significant part on our ability to offer innovative products and solutions in response to dynamic and rapidly evolving market demand.
To succeed in our market, we must offer innovative products and solutions. Innovation requires that we accurately predict future market trends and customer expectations, and that we quickly adapt our development efforts in response. We must also protect our product roadmap and new product initiatives from leaks that might reduce or eliminate any innovative edge that we seek. Predicting market trends is difficult because our market is dynamic and rapidly evolving. Additionally, given the complex, sophisticated nature of our solutions and our typically lengthy product development cycles, we may not be able to rapidly change our product direction or strategic course. If we are unable to accurately predict market trends or adapt to evolving market conditions, we may be unable to capture customer demand and our market reputation and financial performance will be negatively affected. Even to the extent we make accurate predictions and possess the requisite flexibility to adapt, we may be able to pursue only some of the possible innovations due to limited resources. Our success, therefore, further depends on our ability to identify and focus on the most promising innovations.
Our success also depends on our ability to manage a number of risks associated with new products that we introduce, including timely and successful product launch, market acceptance, and the availability of products in appropriate locations, quantities, and costs to meet demand. Our efforts may not be successful in the near future, or at all, and our competitors may take significant market share in similar efforts. If we fail to develop new products and to manage new product introductions and transitions properly, our financial condition and operating results could be harmed.
Our increased emphasis on a cloud strategy may give rise to risks that could harm our business.
Our cloud strategy requires continued investment in product development and cloud operations, where we have a limited operating history. Our cloud strategy has also led to changes in the way we price and deliver our products. Many of our competitors may have advantages over us due to their larger market presence, larger developer network, deeper experience in the cloud-based computing market, and greater sales and marketing resources. It is uncertain whether our cloud strategy will prove successful, or whether we will be able to develop the necessary infrastructure and business models more quickly than our competitors. Our cloud strategy may give rise to a number of risks, including the following:
•Our customers may prefer perpetual licenses, and we may not be as successful as we anticipate in selling subscriptions;
•although we intend to support our perpetual license business, the increased emphasis on a cloud strategy may raise concerns among our installed customer base;
•we may be unsuccessful in achieving our target pricing;
•our revenues might decline over the short or long term as a result of this strategy;
•our relationships with existing partners that resell perpetual licenses may be damaged; and
•we may incur costs at a higher than forecasted rate as we enhance and expand our cloud operations.
Certain of our enterprise offerings have long and complex sales cycles, which could result in a loss of customers and lower revenues.
With our transition to leveraging the Avid MediaCentral platform in our sales process, we have experienced longer and more complex sales cycles for some of our enterprise offerings. The length and complexity in these sales cycles are due to a number of factors, including, among other things, the need for our sales representatives to educate customers about the uses and benefits of our products and services, the desire of large and medium size organizations to undertake significant evaluation processes to determine their technology requirements prior to making information technology expenditures, and the need to negotiate large, complex, enterprise-wide contracts. These longer and more complex sales cycles could result in a loss of customers and lower revenues.
We spend substantial time and money on our sales efforts without any assurance that potential customers will ultimately purchase our solutions. As we target our sales efforts at larger enterprise customers, these trends are expected to continue. Our long and complex sales cycle for these products makes it difficult to predict when a given sales cycle will close.
There are a number of financial and accounting risks in our subscription model.
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A growing portion of our revenue is subscription-based pursuant to service and subscription agreements that are generally month-to-month or one year in length, and we intend to continue to expand our subscription-based offerings. Although the subscription model is designed to increase the number of customers who purchase our products and services on a recurring basis and create a more predictable revenue stream, there are certain risks inherent in a subscription-based model. These risks include the risk that customers will not renew their subscriptions, risks related to the timing of revenue recognition, and the risk of potential reductions in cash flows. Although many of our service and subscription agreements contain automatic renewal terms, generally, our customers have no obligation to renew their subscriptions for our services after the expiration of their initial subscription period. If customers do renew their subscriptions, these subscriptions may not be renewed on the same terms. Moreover, under certain circumstances, some of our customers have the right to cancel their service agreements prior to the expiration of the terms of their agreements. If our customers do not renew their subscriptions for our services or if they renew on terms less favorable to us, our revenues may decline. Our future growth is also affected by our ability to sell additional features and services to our current customers, which depends on a number of factors, including customers' satisfaction with our products and services, the prices of our offerings, and general economic conditions. If our efforts to cross-sell and upsell to our customers are unsuccessful, the rate at which our business grows may decline.
A portion of the subscription-based revenue we report each quarter results from the recognition of deferred revenue relating to subscription agreements entered into during previous quarters. A decline in new or renewed subscriptions in any period may not be immediately reflected in our reported financial results for that period but may result in a decline in our revenue in future quarters. If we were to experience significant downturns in subscription sales and renewal rates, our reported financial results might not reflect such downturns until future periods. Our subscription model could also make it difficult for us to rapidly increase our revenues from subscription-based services through additional sales in any period, as revenue from new customers will be recognized over the applicable subscription term. Further, any increases in sales under our subscription sales model could result in decreased revenues over the short term if these sales are offset by a decline in sales from perpetual license customers. If any of our assumptions about revenue from our new businesses or our addition of a subscription-based model prove incorrect, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated, estimated, or projected. We may be unable accurately to predict subscription renewal rates and the impact these rates may have on our future revenue and operating results.
We operate in highly fragmented and competitive markets, and our competitors may be able to draw upon a greater depth and breadth of resources than those available to us.
We operate in highly fragmented and competitive markets characterized by pressure to innovate, expand feature sets and functionality, accelerate new product releases, and reduce prices. Markets for certain of our products have limited barriers to entry. Also, the fragmentation in our markets creates an additional risk of consolidation among our competitors, which would result in fewer, more effective competitors. Customers consider many factors when evaluating our products relative to those of our competitors, including innovation, ease of use, price, feature sets, functionality, reliability, performance, reputation, and training and support, and we may not compare favorably against our competitors in all respects. Some of our current and potential competitors have longer operating histories, greater brand recognition, and substantially greater financial, technical, marketing, distribution, and support resources than we do. As a result, our competitors may be able to deliver greater innovation, respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in market demand, devote more resources to the development, marketing and sale of their products, successfully expand into emerging and other international markets, or price their products more aggressively than we can. If our competitors are more successful than we are in developing products, or in attracting and retaining customers, our financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected.
We obtain certain hardware product components and finished goods under sole-source supplier arrangements. Disruptions to these arrangements and other supply chain interruptions could jeopardize the manufacturing or distribution of certain of our hardware products.
Although we generally prefer to establish multi-source supply arrangements for our hardware product components and finished goods, multi-source arrangements are not always possible or cost-effective, and therefore we rely on sole-source suppliers for some of our hardware product components and finished goods. Reliance on sole source suppliers increases our susceptibility to supply chain limitations and interruptions. We do not generally carry significant inventories of, and may not in all cases have guaranteed supply arrangements for, these sole-sourced items. Our sole-source suppliers may cease, suspend, or otherwise limit production or shipment of our product components, or they may terminate our agreements or adversely modify supply terms or pricing, due to, among other things, macroeconomic events, political crises, natural or environmental disasters, labor shortages, or
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other unforeseen occurrences outside the control of us or our suppliers. Supply chain disruptions due to the conflict in Ukraine and any indirect effects may further complicate existing supply chain constraints. If any of these events occur, our ability to manufacture, distribute, and service our products would be impaired, and our business could be significantly harmed. We may not be able to obtain sole-sourced components or finished goods, or acceptable substitutes, from alternative suppliers or on commercially reasonable terms. If we are forced to change sole-source suppliers due to a contract termination or other production cessation, it may take a significant amount of time and expenses to obtain substitute suppliers, during which time our inventory may be significantly reduced, which may adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may also be required to expend significant development resources to redesign our products to work around the exclusion of any sole-sourced component or accommodate the inclusion of any substitute component. Although we have procedures in place to mitigate the risks associated with our sole-sourced suppliers, we cannot be certain that we will be able to obtain sole-sourced components or finished goods from alternative suppliers or that we will be able to do so on commercially reasonable terms without a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.
A natural disaster or catastrophic event may significantly limit our ability to conduct business as normal and harm our business.
Our operations, and the operations of our customers, are vulnerable to interruptions by natural disasters and catastrophic events, including pandemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as political unrest including armed conflicts such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We operate a complex, geographically dispersed business, which includes significant personnel, customers and facilities in California near major earthquake fault lines and in Manila which is subject to sever weather from typhoons and volcanic activity. We may not be able to protect our company from, and we are predominantly uninsured for, business continuity losses and disruptions caused by such catastrophic events. Disruption or failure of our or our customers’ networks or systems, or injury or damage to either parties’ personnel or physical infrastructure, caused by a natural disaster, public health crisis, terrorism, cyber-attack, political unrest, acts of war or armed conflict, or other catastrophic event may significantly limit our or our customers’ ability to conduct business as normal, including our ability to communicate and transact with customers, suppliers, distributors, and resellers, which may negatively affect our revenues and operating results. Additionally, a natural disaster or catastrophic event could cause us or our customers to suspend all or a portion of operations for a significant period of time, result in a permanent loss of resources, and require the relocation of personnel and material to alternate facilities that may not be available or adequate. Such an event could also cause an indirect economic impact on our customers, which could affect our customers’ purchasing decisions and reduce demand for our products and services. There could also be disruptions to our supply chain as a result of such events. We may also experience disruption to our internal operations if we are forced to restrict employee travel, cancel events with customers or partners, or even close office facilities as a result of such events. Any significant disruption resulting from such events on a large scale or over a prolonged period of time could cause significant delays and disruption to our business until the Company would be able to resume normal business operations or shift to other third-party vendors, negatively affecting our revenue and other financial results. A prolonged disruption of our business could also damage our reputation, particularly among our global news organization customers who are likely to require our solutions and support during such time. Any of these factors could cause a material adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results.
Our products may experience defects that could negatively impact our customer relationships, market reputation, and operating results.
Our software products occasionally include coding defects (commonly referred to as “bugs”), which in some cases may interfere with or impair a customer’s ability to operate or use the software. Similarly, our hardware products could include design or manufacturing defects that could cause them to malfunction. The quality control measures we use are not designed or intended to detect and remedy all defects. Any product defects could result in loss of customers or revenues, delays in revenue recognition, increased product returns, damage to our market reputation, and significant warranty or other expense and could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results.
Lengthy procurement lead times and unpredictable life cycles and customer demand for some of our products may result in significant inventory risks.
With respect to many of our products, particularly our audio products, we must procure component parts and build finished inventory far in advance of product shipments. Certain of these products may have unpredictable life cycles and encounter rapid technological obsolescence as a result of dynamic market conditions. We procure product components and build inventory based upon our forecasts of product life cycle and customer demand. If we are unable to accurately forecast product life cycle and customer demand or unable to manage our inventory levels in response to shifts in customer demand, the result may be
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insufficient, excess, or obsolete product inventory. Insufficient product inventory may impair our ability to fulfill product orders and negatively affect our revenues, while excess or obsolete inventory may require a write-down on products and components to their net realizable value, which would negatively affect our results of operations.
Our revenues and operating results depend significantly on our third-party reseller and distribution channels. Our failure to effectively manage our distribution channels for our products and services could adversely affect our revenues and gross margins and therefore our profitability.
We distribute many of our products indirectly through third-party resellers and distributors. We also distribute products directly to end-user customers. Successfully managing the interaction of our direct and indirect channel efforts to reach various potential customer industries for our products and services is a complex process. For example, in response to our direct sales strategies or for other business reasons, our current resellers and distributors may from time to time choose to resell our competitors’ products in addition to, or in place of, our products. Moreover, since each distribution method has distinct risks and gross margins, our failure to identify and implement the most advantageous balance in the delivery model for our products and services could adversely affect our revenues and gross margins and therefore our profitability.
Potential acquisitions could be difficult to consummate and integrate into our operations, and they could disrupt our business, dilute stockholder value, or impair our financial results.
As part of our business strategy, from time to time we may seek to grow our business through acquisitions of or investments in new or complementary businesses, technologies, or products that we believe can improve our ability to compete in our existing customer markets or allow us to enter new markets. There are numerous risks associated with acquisitions and investment transactions including, but not limited to, failing to realize anticipated returns on investment, unanticipated costs and liabilities associated with the acquisition, and difficulty assimilating the operations, policies and personnel of the acquired business.
Our revenues and operating results are difficult to predict and may fluctuate from period to period.
Our results of operations have been, and may continue to, be subject to significant quarterly variation. Our revenues and operating results for any particular quarter may also vary due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, those enumerated under the section “Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements,” appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K and:
•the timing of large or enterprise-wide sales and our ability to recognize revenues from such sales;
•demand planning and logistics;
•renewal rates under subscription contracts;
•reliance on third-party reseller and distribution channels;
•disruptions in our supply chain;
•changes in operating expenses;
•price protections and provisions for inventory obsolescence extended to resellers and distributors;
•seasonal factors, such as higher consumer demand at year-end; and
•complex accounting rules for revenue recognition.
The occurrence and interaction of these variables may cause our revenues and operating results to fluctuate from period to period. As a result, period-to-period comparisons of our revenues and operating results may not provide an adequate indication of our future performance. We cannot be certain when, or if, our operations will be profitable in future periods.
Our revenue backlog estimates are based on certain assumptions and are subject to unexpected adjustments and cancellations, and backlog orders may not be timely converted to revenues in any particular fiscal period, if at all, or be indicative of our actual operating results for any future period.
Our revenue backlog, as we define it, consists of firm orders received and includes both (i) orders where the customer has paid in advance of our performance obligations being fulfilled, which are reflected as deferred revenues on our balance sheet, and (ii) orders for future product deliveries or services that have not yet been invoiced by us. To the extent that our customers cancel their orders with us, or reduce their requirements during a particular period for any reason, we will not realize revenue or profit from
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the associated revenue backlog. Even where a project proceeds as scheduled, it is possible that the customer may default and fail to pay amounts owed to us. Material delays, payment defaults, or cancellations could reduce the amount of revenue backlog currently reported, and consequently, could inhibit the conversion of that backlog into revenues. Furthermore, orders included in our revenue backlog may not be profitable. We may experience variances in the realization of our revenue backlog because of project delays or cancellations resulting from external market factors and economic factors beyond our control. In addition, even if we realize all of the revenue from the projects in our revenue backlog, if our expenses associated with these projects are higher than expected, our results of operations and financial condition would be adversely affected.
Risks Related to Intellectual Property
Our intellectual property and trade secrets are valuable assets that may be subject to third-party infringement and misappropriation.
As a technology company, our intellectual property and trade secrets are among our most valuable assets. Infringement or misappropriation of these assets can result in lost revenues, and thereby ultimately reduce their value. We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret laws, as well as confidentiality procedures, contractual provisions, and anti-piracy technology in certain of our products to protect our intellectual property and trade secrets. Most of these tools require vigilant monitoring of competitor and other third-party activities and of end-user usage of our products to be effective. These tools may not provide adequate protection in all instances, may be subject to circumvention, or may require a vigilance that in some cases exceeds our capabilities or resources. Additionally, our business model is increasingly focused on software products and, as we offer more software products, our revenues may be more vulnerable to loss through piracy. The legal regimes of certain foreign jurisdictions in which we operate may not protect our intellectual property or trade secrets to the same extent as do the laws of the United States. These concerns may be heightened in areas of geopolitical conflict, such as Russian occupied areas of Ukraine, where law enforcement may not provide physical security sufficient to protect hard assets containing our IP. If our intellectual property or trade secrets are misappropriated in foreign jurisdictions, we may be without adequate remedies to address these issues. Regardless of jurisdiction, assuming legal protection exists, and infringement or misappropriation is detected, any enforcement action that we may pursue could be costly and time-consuming, the outcome will be uncertain, and the alleged offender in some cases may seek to have our intellectual property rights invalidated. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property and trade secrets, our business could be harmed.
Our results could be materially adversely affected if we are accused of, or found to be, infringing third parties’ intellectual property rights.
Because of technological change in our industry, extensive and sometimes uncertain patent coverage, and the rapid issuance of new patents, it is possible that certain of our products or business methods may infringe the patents or other intellectual property rights of third parties. Companies in the technology industry own large numbers of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets and frequently enter into litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. Our technologies may not be able to withstand any third-party claims or rights against their use. We have received claims and have been subject to litigation alleging that we infringe patents owned by third parties, and we may in the future be subject to such claims and litigation. Regardless of the scope or validity of such patents, or the merits of any patent claims by potential or actual litigants, we could incur substantial costs in defending intellectual property claims and litigation, and such claims and litigation could distract management’s attention from normal business operations. In addition, we provide indemnification provisions in agreements with certain customers covering potential claims by third parties of intellectual property infringement. These agreements generally provide that we will indemnify customers for losses incurred in connection with an infringement claim brought by a third party with respect to our products, and we have received claims for such indemnification. The results of any intellectual property litigation to which we are, or may become, a party, or for which we are required to provide indemnification, may require us to:
•cease selling or using products or services that incorporate the challenged intellectual property;
•make substantial payments for legal fees, settlement payments or other costs or damages;
•obtain a license, which may not be available on reasonable terms, to sell or use the relevant technology, which such license could require royalties that would significantly increase our cost of goods sold; or redesign products or services to avoid infringement, where such redesign could involve significant costs and result in delayed and/or reduced sales of the affected products.
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We depend on the availability and proper functioning of certain third-party technology that we incorporate into or bundle with our products. Third-party technology may include defects or errors that could adversely affect the performance of our products. If third-party technology becomes unavailable at acceptable prices, we may need to expend considerable resources integrating alternative third-party technology or developing our own substitute technology.
The profit margin for some of our products depends in part on the royalty, license, and purchase fees we pay in connection with third-party technology which we license for incorporation into our bundling with our products. To the extent we add additional third-party technology to our products and we are unable to offset associated costs, our profit margins may decline, and our operating results may suffer. In addition to cost implications, third-party technology may include defects or errors that could adversely affect the performance of our products, which may harm our market reputation or adversely affect our product sales. Third-party technology may also include certain open source software code that if used in combination with our own software may jeopardize our intellectual property rights or limit our ability to sell through certain sales channels. If any third-party technology license expires, is terminated, or ceases to be available on commercially reasonable terms, we may be required to expend considerable resources integrating alternative third-party technology or developing our own substitute technology. In the interim, sales of our products may be delayed or suspended, or we may be forced to distribute our products with reduced feature sets or functionality.
Risks Related to Our Liquidity and Financial Condition and Performance
If we are not able to generate and maintain adequate liquidity our ability to operate our business could be adversely affected.
Generating and maintaining adequate liquidity is important to our business operations. We meet our liquidity needs primarily through cash generated by operations, supplemented from time to time with the proceeds of long-term debt and borrowings under our revolving credit facility, governed by the credit agreement, dated January 5, 2021, among us, the lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, or the Credit Agreement. We have the ability to borrow up to $70.0 million under the revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”). We have also undertaken significant cost cutting measures and we may take additional measures to further improve our liquidity. Significant fluctuations in our cash balances could harm our ability to meet our immediate liquidity needs, impair our capacity to react to sudden or unexpected contractions or growth in our business, reduce our ability to withstand a sustained period of economic crisis, and impair our ability to compete with competitors with greater financial resources. In addition, fluctuations in our cash balances could cause us to draw on our Credit Facility and therefore reduce available funds under the Credit Facility (see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Item 7 of this Form 10-K). If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow or our borrowings are not sufficient, our liquidity may significantly decrease, which could have an adverse effect on our business.
Restrictions in the Credit Agreement may limit our activities.
The Credit Agreement contains restrictive covenants that limit our ability to engage in activities that could otherwise benefit us, including, among other things, limitations on our ability to make investments, incur additional indebtedness, sell assets, pay dividends and make other restricted payments, and create liens. We are also required to comply on an ongoing basis with certain financial covenants, including a maximum total net leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. Our ability to comply with these restrictions and covenants in the future is uncertain and could be affected by the levels of our cash flows from operations and events or circumstances beyond our control. Failure to comply with any of these restrictions or covenants may result in an event of default under the Credit Agreement, which could permit acceleration of the outstanding term loans and Credit Facility borrowings under the Credit Agreement and require us to repay such indebtedness before its scheduled due date. Certain events of default under the Credit Agreement may also give rise to a default under other future indebtedness. If an event of default were to occur, we might not have sufficient funds available to make the payments required. If we are unable to repay amounts owed, our lenders may be entitled to foreclose on and sell substantially all of our assets, which secure our borrowings under the Credit Agreement.
Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our business, cash flow and results of operations.
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As of December 31, 2021, we had $170.0 million of indebtedness, including borrowings under our Credit Agreement. This substantial level of indebtedness may:
•require us to dedicate a greater percentage of our cash flow from operations to payments on our debt, thereby reducing the availability of cash flow to fund capital expenditures, pursue other acquisitions or investments, and use for general corporate purposes;
•increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic conditions, including increases in interest rates with respect to borrowings under the Credit Agreement that bear interest at variable rates or when our indebtedness is being refinanced;
•limit our ability to obtain additional financing; and
•limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in or challenges relating to our business and industry, creating competitive disadvantages compared to other competitors with lower debt levels and borrowing costs.
Our cash flow from operations, combined with any additional borrowings available to us, may not be sufficient to enable us to repay our indebtedness, or to fund other liquidity needs. We may incur additional indebtedness in the future, which could cause these risks to intensify. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flows to repay our indebtedness when due or to fund our other liquidity needs, we may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as selling assets, restructuring debt, or obtaining additional equity capital on terms that may be onerous or highly dilutive. Our ability to refinance our indebtedness will depend on the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. We may not be able to engage in any of these activities or engage in these activities on desirable terms, which could result in a default on our debt obligations.
Risks Related to Our Stock
Delaware law and our charter documents may impede or discourage a takeover, which could reduce the market price of our common stock.
We are a Delaware corporation, and the anti-takeover provisions of Delaware law impose various impediments to the ability of a third party to acquire control of us, even if a change in control would be beneficial to our existing stockholders. In addition, our board of directors, or a committee thereof, has the power, without stockholder approval, to designate the terms of one or more series of preferred stock and issue shares of preferred stock. The ability of our board of directors to create and issue a new series of preferred stock and certain provisions of Delaware law and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, could impede a merger, takeover or other business combination involving us, or discourage a potential acquirer from making a tender offer for our common stock, which, under certain circumstances, could reduce the market price of our common stock.
Other Risks Related to our Business
Failure of our information systems or those of third parties or breaches of data security could cause significant harm to our business.
Our systems and processes involve the storage and transmission of proprietary information and sensitive or confidential data, including personal information of employees, customers, and others. In addition, we rely on information systems controlled by third parties. Information system failures, network disruptions, and system and data security breaches, manipulation, destruction, ransom, or leakage, whether intentional or accidental, could impair our ability to provide services to our customers or otherwise harm our ability to conduct our business. Any such failures, disruptions or breaches could also impede the development, manufacture or shipment of products, interrupt or delay processing of transactions and reporting financial results, result in theft or misuse of our intellectual property or other assets, or result in the unintentional disclosure of personal, proprietary, sensitive, or confidential information of employees, customers, and others. These concerns may be heightened in areas of geopolitical conflict, such as Russian occupied areas of Ukraine. Our development and use of the Avid MediaCentral Platform, public and private marketplaces, cloud-based offerings, as well as our evolution toward an enterprise subscription model that requires us to host increasing amounts of customer data, increases the risk that our and our customers’ data and financial and proprietary information could be more susceptible to such failures and data breaches. In addition, the need for substantial numbers of our employees to work remotely, such as due to the COVID-19 pandemic, could create additional data security risks.
Information system failures or unauthorized access could be caused by our failure to adequately maintain and enhance our systems and networks, external theft or attack, misconduct by our employees, contractors, vendors, or external bad actors, or
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many other causes such as power failures, earthquakes, fire, or other natural disasters. Our cyber security systems regularly detect threats of varying degrees of sophistication. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, increasing the difficulty of detecting and successfully defending against them. We may have no current capability to detect certain vulnerabilities, which may allow them to persist in the environment over long periods of time. Cyber threats can have cascading impacts that unfold with increasing speed across our internal networks and systems and those of our partners and customers.
Any information system failures or unauthorized access to our network or systems could expose us, our customers, or the individuals affected to a risk of loss or misuse of this information, resulting in litigation and potential liability for us. In addition, we could incur substantial costs related to detection and escalation, notification, and remediation costs, including costs associated with repairing our information systems, implementing further data protection measures, engaging third-party experts and consultants and related costs, and increased insurance premiums. In addition, significant or repeated reductions in the performance, reliability, security, or availability of our information systems and network infrastructure could lead to lost business and could significantly harm our brand and reputation and ability to attract and retain existing and potential users, customers, advertisers, and content providers.
Our international operations expose us to legal, regulatory, political and other risks including the risk of international instability and conflict.
We derive more than half of our revenues from customers outside of the United States, and we rely on foreign contractors for the supply and manufacture of many of our products. Sales to customers outside the United States accounted for 58%, 60% and 63% of our total net revenues in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We also conduct significant information technology, research and development activities overseas, including through third-party development vendors. For example, a portion of our research and development is outsourced to contractors operating in Kiev, Ukraine, we have customer support activities in the Philippines, and we have operations in Poland and Israel.
Our international operations expose us to a variety of risks, including:
•the financial and administrative burdens associated with environmental, tax, labor and employment, and export laws, as well as other business regulations, in foreign jurisdictions, including high compliance costs, inconsistencies among jurisdictions, and a lack of administrative or judicial interpretative guidance;
•reduced or varied protection for intellectual property rights in some countries;
•regional economic downturns;
•economic, social, and political instability, security concerns, and the risk of war or armed conflict, particularly in areas of heightened geopolitical tension and open conflict such as Ukraine where we have outsourced research and development activities;
•fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;
•longer collection cycles for accounts receivable;
•difficulties in enforcing contracts;
•difficulties in managing and staffing international implementations and operations, and executing our business strategy internationally;
•difficulties managing a global labor force;
•potentially adverse tax consequences, including the complexities of foreign value added or other tax systems and restrictions on the repatriation of earnings;
•increased financial accounting and reporting burdens and complexities;
•difficulties in maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls;
•costs and delays associated with developing products in multiple languages; and
•foreign exchange controls, sanctions, moratoria, and other financial and transactional boundaries that may prevent or limit our ability to repatriate income earned, make or receive payments, or execute transactions in foreign markets.
Our presence in Europe contributes to compliance uncertainty regarding certain transfers of personal data from Europe to the United States. The General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, which became effective in the European Union, or EU, in 2018, applies to any of our activities conducted from an establishment in the EU or related to products and services that we offer to EU users. The GDPR created a range of new data privacy related compliance obligations, which could cause us to change our
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business practices, and will significantly increase financial penalties for noncompliance, including possible fines of up to 4% of global annual turnover for the preceding financial year or €20 million (whichever is higher) for the most serious infringements.
We may not be successful in developing, implementing, or maintaining policies and strategies that will be effective in managing the varying risks in each country where we do business. Our failure to manage these risks successfully, including developing appropriate contingency plans for our outsourced research and development work, could harm our international operations, reduce our international sales, and increase our costs, thus adversely affecting our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates may result in short-term currency exchange losses and could adversely affect our revenues from foreign markets and our manufacturing costs in the long term.
Our international sales are largely transacted through foreign subsidiaries and generally in the currency of the end-user customers. Consequently, we are exposed to short-term currency exchange risks that may adversely affect our revenues, operating results, and cash flows. The majority of our international sales are transacted in euros. To hedge against the dollar/euro exchange exposure of the resulting forecasted payables, receivables and cash balances, we may enter into foreign currency contracts. The success of our hedging programs depends on the accuracy of our forecasts of transaction activity in foreign currency. To the extent that these forecasts are over- or understated during periods of currency volatility, we may experience currency gains or losses. Our hedging activities, if enacted, may only offset a portion of the adverse financial impact resulting from unfavorable movement in dollar/euro exchange rates, which could adversely affect our financial position or results of operations.
Furthermore, the significance to our business of sales in Europe subjects us to risks associated with long-term changes in the dollar/euro exchange rate. A sustained strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the euro would decrease our expected future U.S. dollar revenues from European sales, and could have a significant adverse effect on our overall profit margins. Continuing uncertainty regarding economic conditions, including the solvency of these countries and the stability of the Eurozone, could lead to significant long-term economic weakness and reduced economic growth in Europe, the occurrence of which, or the potential occurrence of which, could lead to a sustained strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the euro, adversely affecting the profitability of our European operations.
In addition, we source and manufacture many of our products in China and our costs may increase should the renminbi not remain stable with the U.S. dollar. Although the renminbi is pegged against a basket of currencies determined by the People’s Bank of China, the renminbi may appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar in the long term. In addition, if China were to permit the renminbi to float to a free market rate of exchange, it is widely anticipated that the renminbi would appreciate significantly in value against U.S. dollar. An increase in the value of the renminbi against the U.S. dollar would have the effect of increasing the labor and production costs of our Chinese manufacturers in U.S. dollar terms, which may result in their passing such costs to us in the form of increased pricing, which would adversely affect our profit margins if we could not pass those price increases along to our customers.
Global economic weakness and uncertainty could adversely affect our revenues, gross margins and expenses.
Our business is impacted by global economic conditions, which have been in recent years, and continue to be, volatile. Geopolitical conflict, such as the conflict in Ukraine, and related international economic sanctions and their impact may exacerbate this volatility. Specifically, our revenues and gross margins depend significantly on global economic conditions and the demand for our products and services in the markets in which we compete. Economic weakness and uncertainty have resulted, and may result in the future, in decreased revenue, gross margin, earnings or growth rates, and difficulty managing inventory levels. Sustained uncertainty about global economic conditions may adversely affect demand for our products and services and could cause demand to differ materially from our expectations as customers curtail or delay spending on our products and services. Economic weakness and uncertainty also make it more difficult for us to make accurate forecasts of revenues, gross margins and expenses.
Our international operations increase the risk that we could violate the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and similar foreign anti-corruption laws.
We operate in several foreign jurisdictions. The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA, and similar foreign anti-corruption laws generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from offering, promising, authorizing, or making payments to foreign officials for the purpose of influencing any act or decision of such official in his or her official capacity, inducing the official to do
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any act in violation of his or her lawful duty, or to secure any improper advantage in obtaining or retaining business. Recent years have seen a substantial increase in the global enforcement of anti-corruption laws, with more frequent voluntary self-disclosures by companies, aggressive investigations and enforcement proceedings by both the U.S. Department of Justice and the SEC resulting in record fines and penalties, increased enforcement activity by non-U.S. regulators, and increases in criminal and civil proceedings brought against companies and individuals.
We operate in a number of countries that are recognized as having governmental corruption problems to some degree and where local customs and practices may not foster strict compliance with anti-corruption laws, including China. Our continued operation and expansion outside the United States could increase the risk of such violations in the future. Although we have policies that mandate compliance with these anti-corruption laws and require training, we cannot assure you that these policies and procedures will protect us from unauthorized reckless or criminal acts committed by our employees or agents. In the event that we believe or have reason to believe that our employees or agents have or may have violated applicable anti-corruption laws, including the FCPA, we may be required to investigate or have outside counsel investigate the relevant facts and circumstances, which can be expensive and require significant time and attention from senior management. Violations of these laws may result in significant criminal or civil sanctions, which could disrupt our business and result in a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, results of operations, or financial condition.
We rely to a significant extent on manufacturing and hardware development vendors with operations in foreign jurisdictions. This may reduce our control over the manufacturing activities, create uncertainty with respect to intended cost savings and expose our proprietary assets to greater risk of misappropriation. Changes to these vendor relationships may result in delays or disruptions that could harm our business.
We rely to a significant extent on vendors for the development and manufacture of certain of our hardware products, primarily in Mexico. These relationships provide us with more flexible resource capabilities, access to global talent, and cost savings, but also expose us to risks that may not exist or may be less pronounced with respect to our internal operations. We are able to exercise only limited oversight of our contractors, including with respect to their engineering and manufacturing processes, resource allocations, delivery schedules, security procedures, and quality control. Language and cultural, and time zone differences complicate effective management of contractors that are located abroad. Additionally, competition for talent in certain locations may lead to high turnover rates that disrupt development or manufacturing continuity. The manufacturers we use also manufacture products for other companies, including our competitors. Our contractors could choose to prioritize capacity for other users, increase the prices they charge us or reduce or eliminate deliveries to us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Pricing terms offered by contractors may be highly variable over time reflecting, among other things, order volume, local inflation, and exchange rates. Some of our contractor relationships are based on contract, while others operate on a purchase order basis, where we do not have the benefit of written protections with respect to pricing or other critical terms.
Many of our contractors require access to our intellectual property and our confidential and proprietary information to perform their services. Protection of these assets in certain non-U.S. jurisdictions may be less robust than in the United States. We must rely on policies and procedures we have instituted with our contractors and certain confidentiality and contractual provisions in our written agreements, to the extent they exist, for protection. These safeguards may be inadequate to prevent breaches. If a breach were to occur, available legal or other remedies may be limited or otherwise insufficient to compensate us for any resulting damages.
Furthermore, if one of our international vendors were, for any reason, to cease or experience significant disruptions in its operations, among others as a result of political unrest, we might be unable to replace it on a timely basis with a comparably priced provider. We would also have to expend time and resources to train any new development or manufacturing vendor. If any of the vendors were to suffer an interruption in its business, or experience delays, disruptions, or quality control problems in development or manufacturing operations, or if we had to change development or manufacturing vendors, our ability to provide services to our customers would be delayed and our business, operating results and financial condition would be adversely affected.
Our success depends in part on our ability to hire and retain competent and skilled management and technical, sales, and other personnel.
We are dependent on the continued service and performance of our management team and key technical, sales, and other personnel and our success will depend in part on our ability to recruit and retain these employees in a competitive job market. If we fail to recruit and retain, including through competitive compensation, competent and skilled personnel, we may incur
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increased costs or experience challenges with the execution of our strategic plan. Also, if we fail to maintain an inclusive and discrimination-free workplace, we risk losing employees.
Our competitors may in some instances be able to offer a work environment with higher compensation or more opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology than we can. If we are unable to retain our key personnel or appropriately match skill sets with our needs, we would be required to expend significant time and financial resources to identify and hire new qualified personnel and to transfer significant internal historical knowledge, which might significantly delay or prevent the achievement of our business objectives. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the challenges we face in attracting, hiring, and retaining qualified personnel. The conflict in Ukraine may impact our ability to utilize outsourced service providers, which may strain personnel demands.
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ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2.PROPERTIES
We lease approximately 100,000 square feet in Burlington, Massachusetts for our principal corporate and administrative offices, as well as for significant R&D activities. The lease expires in May 2028.
We lease approximately 24,000 square feet in Dublin, Ireland for the final assembly and distribution of our products. We lease approximately 24,000 square feet in Manila, Philippines for our Asia operations, including customer support and administrative functions.
We also lease office space for sales operations and research and development in several other domestic and international locations.
ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are involved in legal proceedings from time to time arising from the normal course of business activities, including claims of alleged infringement of intellectual property rights and contractual, commercial, employee relations, product or service performance, or other matters. Our industry is characterized by the existence of a large number of patents and frequent claims and litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights.
The outcome of legal proceedings and claims brought against us is subject to significant uncertainty and, as a result, our financial position or results of operations may be negatively affected by the unfavorable resolution of one or more of these proceedings for the period in which a matter is resolved. See Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors – Risks Related to our Intellectual Property - Our results could be materially adversely affected if we are accused of, or found to be, infringing third parties’ intellectual property rights.”
For a discussion of certain other legal matters and contingencies, see the discussion under “Contingencies” in Note K to the financial statements included in herein.
ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not Applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 5.‘MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol AVID. The approximate number of holders of record of our common stock at February 25, 2022 was 228. This number does not include stockholders for whom shares were held in a “nominee” or “street” name.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Our Credit Agreement restricts our ability to declare and pay dividends in cash on our capital stock under certain circumstances. Our Credit Agreement permits us to pay up to $30.0 million of dividends in cash on our capital stock in any fiscal year if at the time of and immediately after giving effect (including giving effect on a pro forma basis) to such dividend no default or event of default under the Credit Agreement has occurred and is continuing; provided that the $30.0 million cap does not apply if our total net leverage ratio is less than or equal to 2.50 to 1.00 at the time of and immediately after giving effect (including giving effect on a pro forma basis) to such dividend.
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph compares the cumulative stockholder return on our common stock during the period from December 31, 2016 through December 31, 2021 with the cumulative return during the period for:
•the Nasdaq Composite Index (all companies traded on Nasdaq Capital, Global or Global Select Markets),
•the 2020 Avid Peer Group Index, and
•the 2021 Avid Peer Group Index (see details following the graph).
This comparison assumes the investment of $100 on December 31, 2016 in our common stock, the Nasdaq Market Index, and the Avid Peer Group Index, and assumes that dividends, if any, were reinvested.
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COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
Among Avid Technology, Inc., the Nasdaq Composite Index,
and the Avid Peer Groups
Because our products and services are diverse, we do not believe any single published industry index is appropriate for comparing stockholder return. As a result, we compare our common stock returns to a peer group index, which was composed of Nasdaq traded companies selected to best represent our peers based on various criteria, including industry classification, number of employees, and market capitalization.
The composition of the Avid Peer Group Index is dictated by the peer group selected by the compensation committee of our board of directors for reference in setting executive compensation. The compensation committee seeks generally to include companies with similar product and service offerings to those of Avid while also achieving a balance of smaller and larger sized peer companies in terms of market capitalizations and revenue.
The Avid Peer Group Index for 2021 was composed of: 3D Systems Corporation, A10 Networks Inc., Altair Engineering, Inc., Bottomline Technologies, Inc., Box, Inc., Brightcove Inc., Calix, Inc., Cerence Inc., Harmonic, Inc., IMAX Corporation, OneSpan Inc., Progress Software Corporation, Ribbon Communications Inc., Shutterstock, Inc., Turtle Beach Corporation, and Zix Corporation.
The Avid Peer Group Index is weighted based on market capitalization.
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Common Stock Repurchases
Share repurchase activity during the three months ended December 31, 2021 was as follows:
| Period | Total number of shares purchased | Average price paid per share | Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced programs | Maximum approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| October 1, 2021 - October 31, 2021 | 216,769 | $ | 29.26 | 216,769 | $ | 97,482,034 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| November 1, 2021 - November 30, 2021 | 96,661 | $ | 29.84 | 96,661 | $ | 94,594,470 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| December 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021 | 148,480 | $ | 31.52 | 148,480 | $ | 89,910,460 | ||||||||||||||||||||
On September 9, 2021, our board of directors approved the repurchase of up to $115.0 million of our outstanding shares. This authorization does not have a prescribed expiration date. As of December 31, 2021, approximately $89.9 million of the $115.0 million share repurchase authorization remained available. The Company has no obligation to repurchase any amount of its common stock, and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. For the year ended December 31, 2021 the Company repurchased 874,085 shares of its common stock for $25.1 million.
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ITEM 6. RESERVED
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ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
Business Overview
We develop, market, sell, and support software and integrated solutions for video and audio content creation, management and distribution. We are a leading technology provider that powers the media and entertainment industry. We do this by providing an open and efficient platform for digital media, along with a comprehensive set of tools and workflow solutions. Our solutions are used in production and post-production facilities; film studios; network, affiliate, independent and cable television stations; recording studios; live-sound performance venues; advertising agencies; government and educational institutions; corporate communications departments; and by independent video and audio creative professionals, as well as aspiring professionals. Projects produced using our tools, platform, and ecosystem include feature films, television programming, live events, news broadcasts, sports productions, commercials, music, video, and other digital media content. With over one million creative users and thousands of enterprise clients relying on our technology platforms and solutions around the world, Avid enables the industry to thrive in today’s connected media and entertainment world.
Our mission is to empower media creators with innovative technology and collaborative tools to entertain, inform, educate, and enlighten the world. Our clients rely on Avid to create prestigious and award-winning feature films, music recordings, television shows, live concerts, sporting events, and news broadcasts. Avid has been honored for technological innovation with 18 Emmy Awards, one Grammy Award, two Oscars, and the first ever America Cinema Editors Technical Excellence Award.
Operations Overview
Our strategy for connecting creative professionals and media enterprises with audiences in a powerful, efficient, collaborative, and profitable way leverages our creative software tools, including Pro Tools for audio and Media Composer for video, and our MediaCentral Platform - the open, extensible, and customizable foundation that streamlines and simplifies content workflows by integrating all Avid or third-party products and services that run on top of it. The platform provides secure and protected access, and enables fast and easy creation, delivery, and monetization of content.
We work to ensure that we are meeting customer needs, staying ahead of industry trends, and investing in the right areas through a close and interactive relationship with our customer base. The Avid Community Association was established to be an innovative and influential media technology community. It represents thousands of organizations and over 30,000 professionals from all levels of the industry including inspirational and award-winning thought leaders, innovators, and storytellers. The Avid Community Association fosters collaboration between Avid, its customers, and other industry colleagues to help shape our product offerings and provide a means to shape our industry together.
A key element of our strategy is our transition to a recurring revenue-based model through a combination of subscription offerings, maintenance contracts, and long-term agreements. We started offering subscription licensing options for some of our products and solutions in 2014 and by the end of 2021 had approximately 410,000 paid subscriptions. Starting in the third quarter of 2021, subscription count includes all paid and active seats under multi-seat licenses. These licensing options offer choices in pricing and deployment to suit our customers’ needs. We expect to increase subscription sales to media enterprises going forward as we expand offerings and move through customer upgrade cycles, which we expect will further increase recurring revenue on a longer-term basis. Our long-term agreements are comprised of multi-year agreements with large media enterprise customers to provide specified products and services, including SaaS offerings, and agreements with channel partners and resellers to purchase minimum amounts of products and service over a specified period of time.
During the third quarter of 2021, Avid began implementing a digital transformation which focuses on optimizing systems, processes, and back-office functions with the objective of improving our operations related to our digital and subscription
business. Over the next four years, we plan to significantly invest in transforming our enterprise-wide infrastructure and technologies to benefit customers and drive enhanced performance across the company.
A summary of our revenue sources for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, is as follows (in thousands):
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| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Subscriptions | $ | 108,443 | $ | 72,831 | $ | 45,181 | |||||||||||
| Maintenance | 122,411 | 124,175 | 130,443 | ||||||||||||||
| Subscriptions and Maintenance | 230,854 | 197,006 | 175,624 | ||||||||||||||
| Perpetual Licenses | 23,793 | 27,858 | 34,932 | ||||||||||||||
| Software Licenses and Maintenance | 254,647 | 224,864 | 210,556 | ||||||||||||||
| Integrated Solutions | 131,073 | 112,904 | 172,513 | ||||||||||||||
| Professional Services and Training | 24,224 | 22,698 | 28,719 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Revenue | $ | 409,944 | $ | 360,466 | $ | 411,788 | |||||||||||
Impact of COVID-19 on Our Business
The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant global economic uncertainty, and adversely impacted the business of our customers and partners. The pandemic adversely impacted our business and results of operations for the year ended 2020.
However, our results throughout 2021, reflected a gradual recovery in spending levels with the continuing positive signs of recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic driven by vaccination and government stimulus programs, particularly in the United States. At the same time, certain countries continue to face challenges and there remains uncertainty relating to the ongoing spread and severity of the virus and its variants. While we are encouraged by the trends we have seen during 2021, to the extent that the pandemic continues to have negative impacts on economies, our results could be affected and uneven. Consequently, we will continue to evaluate our financial position in light of future developments, particularly those relating to COVID-19. For further discussion of these issues, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We regularly reevaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to the following: revenue recognition and allowances for sales returns and exchanges; stock-based compensation; and income tax assets and liabilities. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and various other factors we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the amounts of revenues and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
We believe the following critical accounting estimates most significantly affect the portrayal of our financial condition and involve our most difficult and subjective estimates and judgments.
Revenue Recognition
We often enter into contractual arrangements that have multiple performance obligations, one or more of which may be delivered subsequent to the delivery of other performance obligations. These arrangements may include a combination of products, maintenance, training, and professional services. We allocate the transaction price of the arrangement based on the relative estimated standalone selling price, or SSP, of each distinct performance obligation.
Our process for determining SSP for each performance obligation involves significant management judgment. In determining SSP, we maximize observable inputs and consider a number of data points, including:
• the pricing of standalone sales (in the limited instances where available);
• the pricing established by management when setting prices for deliverables that are intended to be sold on a standalone
basis;
• contractually stated prices for deliverables that are intended to be sold on a standalone basis;
• other pricing factors, such as the geographical region in which the products are sold and expected discounts based on
the customer size and type.
Determining SSP for performance obligations which we never sell separately also requires significant judgment. In estimating the SSP in these circumstances, we consider the likely price that would have resulted from established pricing practices had the deliverable been offered separately and the prices a customer would likely be willing to pay.
We only include estimated amounts in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. We reduce transaction prices for estimated returns and other allowances that represent variable consideration under ASC 606, which we estimate based on historical return experience and other relevant factors, and we record a corresponding refund liability as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Other forms of contingent revenue or variable consideration are infrequent.
Stock-Based Compensation
We account for stock-based compensation at fair value. The vesting of stock options and restricted stock awards may be based on time, performance, market conditions, or a combination of time, performance, and market conditions. In the future, we may grant stock awards, options, or other equity-based instruments allowed by our stock-based compensation plans, or a combination thereof, as part of our overall compensation strategy.
We generally use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock option grants with time-based vesting. The Black-Scholes option pricing model relies on a number of key assumptions to calculate estimated fair values which are assessed annually. Our assumed dividend yield of zero is based on the fact that we have never paid cash dividends and we have no present intention to pay cash dividends. Our expected stock-price volatility assumption is based on actual historic stock volatility for periods equivalent to the expected term of the award. The assumed risk-free interest rate is the U.S. Treasury security rate with
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a term equal to the expected life of the option. The assumed expected life is based on company-specific historical experience, considering the exercise behavior of past grants and models the pattern of aggregate exercises.
We have also issued stock option grants or restricted stock unit awards with vesting based on market conditions. Performance-based restricted stock units will vest based on achievement of our relative total shareholder return against the Russell 2000 Index over a three-year period. The fair values and derived service periods for all grants that include vesting based on market conditions are estimated using the Monte Carlo simulation method. For stock option grants that include vesting based on performance conditions, the fair values are estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. For restricted stock unit awards that include vesting based on performance conditions, the fair values are estimated based on the intrinsic values of the awards at the date of grant as these awards have a purchase price of $0.01 per share. A significant change in any or a combination of the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of our stock option grants and restricted stock units could have an impact on the stock based compensation expense recorded in the statement of operations.
Income Tax Assets and Liabilities
We record deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the net tax effects of tax credits, operating loss carryforwards, and temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes compared to the amounts used for income tax purposes. We regularly review our deferred tax assets for recoverability with consideration for such factors as historical losses, projected future taxable income, and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Management believes the U.S deferred tax assets, based largely on the history of U.S. tax losses, warrant a full valuation allowance based on the weight of available negative evidence. We also determined that a full valuation allowance is warranted on a portion of our foreign deferred tax assets.
Our assessment of the valuation allowance on our U.S. and foreign deferred tax assets could change in the future based on our levels of pre-tax income and other tax-related adjustments. Reversal of the valuation allowance in whole or in part would result in a non-cash reduction in income tax expense during the period of reversal. To the extent some or all of our valuation allowance is reversed, future financial statements would reflect an increase in non-cash income tax expense until such time as our deferred tax assets are fully utilized.
We account for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in our financial statements by applying a two-step process to determine the amount of tax provision or benefit to be recognized. First, the tax position must be evaluated to determine the likelihood that it will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. If the tax position is deemed more likely than not to be sustained, the tax position is then assessed to determine the amount of provision or benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The amount of provision or benefit that may be recognized is the largest amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Our provision for income taxes includes the effects of any resulting tax reserves, referred to as unrecognized tax benefits, that are considered appropriate as well as the related net interest and penalties.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth certain items from our consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net revenues for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Net revenues: | |||||||||||||||||
| Subscription revenues | 26.4 | % | 20.2 | % | 11.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Maintenance revenues | 29.9 | % | 34.4 | % | 31.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Integrated solutions revenue | 43.7 | % | 45.4 | % | 57.3 | % | |||||||||||
| Total net revenues | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Cost of revenues | 35.2 | % | 36.7 | % | 39.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Gross margin | 64.8 | % | 63.3 | % | 60.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||||
| Research and development | 16.0 | % | 15.8 | % | 15.1 | % | |||||||||||
| Marketing and selling | 23.2 | % | 24.3 | % | 24.3 | % | |||||||||||
| General and administrative | 14.0 | % | 13.0 | % | 13.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | — | % | — | % | 0.2 | % | |||||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 0.3 | % | 1.4 | % | 0.1 | % | |||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 53.5 | % | 54.5 | % | 52.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Operating income | 11.3 | % | 8.8 | % | 7.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Interest and other expense, net | (0.6) | % | (5.3) | % | (7.2) | % | |||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 10.7 | % | 3.5 | % | 0.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | 0.6 | % | 0.4 | % | (1.2) | % | |||||||||||
| Net income | 10.1 | % | 3.1 | % | 1.8 | % | |||||||||||
Net Revenues
Our net revenues are derived mainly from sales of subscription software solutions, maintenance contracts, and integrated solutions for digital media content production, management and distribution, and related professional services. We commonly sell large, complex solutions to our customers that, due to their strategic nature, have long lead times where the timing of order execution and fulfillment can be difficult to predict. In addition, the rapid evolution of the media industry is changing our customers’ needs, businesses, and revenue models, which is influencing their short-term and long-term purchasing decisions. As a result of these factors, the timing and amount of product revenue recognized related to orders for large, complex solutions, as well as the services associated with them, can fluctuate from quarter to quarter and cause significant volatility in our quarterly and annual operating results. See the risk factors discussed in Part I - Item 1A under the heading “Risk Factors” of this Form 10-K.
Net Revenues for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | Change | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Revenues | $ | % | Net Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Subscription | $ | 108,443 | $ | 35,612 | 48.9% | $ | 72,831 | ||||||||||||||||
| Maintenance | 122,411 | (1,764) | (1.4)% | 124,175 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Integrated solutions & other | 179,090 | 15,630 | 9.6% | 163,460 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total net revenues | $ | 409,944 | $ | 49,478 | 13.7% | $ | 360,466 | ||||||||||||||||
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Net Revenues for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | Change | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Revenues | $ | % | Net Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Subscription | $ | 72,831 | $ | 27,650 | 61.2% | $ | 45,181 | ||||||||||||||||
| Maintenance | 124,175 | (6,268) | (4.8)% | 130,443 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Integrated solutions & other | 163,460 | (72,704) | (30.8)% | 236,164 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total net revenues | $ | 360,466 | $ | (51,322) | (12.5)% | $ | 411,788 | ||||||||||||||||
The following table sets forth the percentage of our net revenues attributable to geographic regions for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| United States | 42% | 40% | 37% | ||||||||||||||
| Other Americas | 5% | 7% | 8% | ||||||||||||||
| Europe, Middle East and Africa | 39% | 39% | 39% | ||||||||||||||
| Asia-Pacific | 14% | 14% | 16% | ||||||||||||||
Subscription Revenue
Subscription revenues have increased over the past two years, in line with expectations, as a result of new customers adopting our solutions and customers transitioning from our perpetual product licenses to our subscription-based model. The Company anticipates this trend to continue throughout the next few years as we continue to add new customers and transition to subscription and SAAS based solutions for our offerings.
Maintenance Revenue
Maintenance revenues have declined slightly over the past two years, in line with our expectations as some of our customers transition from our perpetual based licenses to our subscription licenses. We expect maintenance revenues to continue to remain relatively consistent in the coming years as customers with perpetual licenses continue to renew their maintenance contracts, offset by customers who are on maintenance contracts who migrate to our subscription and SAAS based solutions.
Integrated Solutions and other Revenues
2021 Compared to 2020
The increase in integrated solutions and other revenue was largely due to increased customer activity as a result of improvements in the economy in 2021. Purchases of our hardware products continued to increase, as businesses and live events began to resume normal operations. This also impacted professional services revenue, as project based work was able to resume for some of our larger customized solutions
2020 Compared to 2019
The decrease in integrated solutions and other revenue was largely due to the impacts of COVID-19. Purchases of our hardware products drastically declined as business and live events were cancelled globally due to COVID-19. This also impacted professional services revenue as there were project delays due to travel restrictions impacting the ability for our teams to be on site.
Revenue Backlog
At December 31, 2021, we had revenue backlog of approximately $412.8 million, of which approximately $226.0 million is expected to be recognized in the next 12 months, compared to $435.5 million of revenue backlog at December 31, 2020. Revenue
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backlog, as we define it, consists of firm orders received and includes both (i) orders where the customer has paid in advance of our performance obligations being fulfilled, and (ii) orders for future product deliveries or services that have not yet been invoiced by us. Revenue backlog associated with arrangement consideration paid in advance primarily consists of deferred revenue related to (i) the undelivered portion of annual maintenance contracts and (ii) Implied Maintenance Release PCS performance obligations. Revenue backlog associated with orders for future product deliveries and services where cash has not been received primarily consists of (i) product orders received but not yet shipped, (ii) professional services not yet rendered, and (iii) future years of multi-year maintenance agreements not yet billed. Our definition of backlog includes contractual commitments with customers that specify minimum future purchases, however, since these contractual arrangements do not specify which specific products and services must be purchased to fulfill these commitments, they do not meet the definition of an unfulfilled remaining performance obligation under GAAP.
Orders included in revenue backlog may be reduced, canceled, or deferred by our customers. The expected timing of the recognition of revenue backlog as revenue is based on our current estimates and could change based on a number of factors, including (i) the timing of delivery of products and services, (ii) customer cancellations or change orders, or (iii) changes in the estimated period of time Implied Maintenance Release PCS is provided to customers. As there is no industry standard definition of revenue backlog, our reported revenue backlog may not be comparable with other companies. Revenue backlog as of any particular date should not be relied upon as indicative of our net revenues for any future period.
Cost of Revenues, Gross Profit, and Gross Margin Percentage
Cost of revenues consists primarily of costs associated with:
•procurement of components and finished goods;
•assembly, testing, and distribution of finished products;
•warehousing;
•customer support related to maintenance;
•royalties for third-party software and hardware included in our products;
•amortization of technology; and
•providing professional services and training.
Costs of Revenues for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | Change | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Costs | $ | % | Costs | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Subscription | $ | 14,963 | $ | 8,093 | 117.8% | $ | 6,870 | ||||||||||||||||
| Maintenance | 22,981 | 1,330 | 6.1% | 21,651 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Integrated solutions & other | 106,196 | 2,571 | 2.5% | 103,625 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | $ | 144,140 | $ | 11,994 | 9.1% | $ | 132,146 | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 265,804 | $ | 37,484 | 16.4% | $ | 228,320 | ||||||||||||||||
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Costs of Revenues for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | Change | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Costs | $ | % | Costs | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Subscription | $ | 6,870 | $ | 3,194 | 86.9% | $ | 3,676 | ||||||||||||||||
| Maintenance | 21,651 | 655 | 3.1% | 20,996 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Integrated solutions & other | 103,625 | (30,678) | (22.8)% | 134,303 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | — | (3,738) | (100.0)% | 3,738 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total costs of revenues | $ | 132,146 | $ | (30,567) | (18.8)% | $ | 162,713 | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 228,320 | $ | (20,755) | (8.3)% | $ | 249,075 | ||||||||||||||||
Gross Margin Percentage
Gross margin percentage, which is net revenues less costs of revenues divided by net revenues, fluctuates based on factors such as the mix of products sold, the cost and proportion of third-party hardware and software included in the systems sold, the offering of product upgrades, price discounts and other sales-promotion programs, the distribution channels through which products are sold, the timing of new product introductions, sales of aftermarket hardware products such as disk drives, and currency exchange-rate fluctuations.
Gross Margin % for the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 Gross Margin % | (Decrease) Increase in Gross Margin % | 2020 Gross Margin % | (Decrease) Increase in Gross Margin % | 2019 Gross Margin % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subscription | 86.2% | (4.4)% | 90.6% | (1.3)% | 91.9% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Maintenance | 81.2% | (1.4)% | 82.6% | (1.3)% | 83.9% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Integrated solutions & other | 40.7% | 4.1% | 36.6% | (6.5)% | 43.1% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Gross Margin | 64.8% | 1.5% | 63.3% | 2.8% | 60.5% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 Compared to 2020
Subscription margin for 2021 decreased 4.4% from 2020, due to increased customer care costs being allocated to subscription, an increase in digital solution spending, as well as increased revenue on our lower margin cloud offerings. The maintenance margin decreased 1.4% from 2020 due to cost savings measures, primarily furloughs, in 2020. The margin for integrated solutions increased as a result of improved economic conditions in 2021.
2020 Compared to 2019
The increase in the total gross margin percentage was due to a change in the mix of products sold. During 2020 we sold significantly more high margin subscription software and had a decrease in our integrated solutions revenue as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Operating Expenses and Operating Income
Operating Expenses and Operating Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | Change | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses | $ | % | Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | $ | 65,559 | $ | 8,541 | 15.0% | $ | 57,018 | ||||||||||||||||
| Marketing and selling expenses | 95,494 | 7,857 | 9.0% | 87,637 | |||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 57,372 | 10,320 | 21.9% | 47,052 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 1,116 | (3,930) | (77.9)% | 5,046 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | $ | 219,541 | $ | 22,788 | 11.6% | $ | 196,753 | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 46,263 | $ | 14,696 | 46.6% | $ | 31,567 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating Expenses and Operating Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | Change | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses | $ | % | Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | $ | 57,018 | $ | (5,325) | (8.5)% | $ | 62,343 | ||||||||||||||||
| Marketing and selling expenses | 87,637 | (12,307) | (12.3)% | 99,944 | |||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 47,052 | (6,310) | (11.8)% | 53,362 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | — | (694) | (100.0)% | 694 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 5,046 | 4,417 | 702.2% | 629 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | $ | 196,753 | $ | (20,219) | (9.3)% | $ | 216,972 | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 31,567 | $ | (536) | (1.7)% | $ | 32,103 | ||||||||||||||||
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development, or R&D, expenses include costs associated with the development of new products and the enhancement of existing products, and consist primarily of employee salaries and benefits, facilities costs, depreciation, costs for consulting and temporary employees, and prototype and other development expenses. The table below provides further details regarding the changes in components of R&D expense.
Year-Over-Year Change in R&D Expenses for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 Increase From 2020 | 2020 Increase/(Decrease) From 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | % | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Personnel-related | $ | 4,703 | 13.3% | $ | (3,984) | (10.1)% | |||||||||||||||||
| Consulting and outside services | 1,400 | 15.9% | (196) | (2.2)% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Facilities and information technology | 2,009 | 19.2% | (368) | (3.4)% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Computer hardware and supplies | 337 | 26.5% | (933) | (42.3)% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other expenses | 92 | 9.2% | 156 | 18.2% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total research and development expenses change | $ | 8,541 | 15.0% | $ | (5,325) | (8.5)% | |||||||||||||||||
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2021 Compared to 2020
The increase in personnel-related expenses for 2021, compared to 2020, was primarily due to an increase in salary expense as a result of no furloughs in 2021, as well as an increase in variable related compensation as a result of the Company’s strong performance. The increase in facilities and information technology expenses is largely due to an increase in headcount in our R&D departments. Information technology expenses have increased during 2021, and the increase in R&D headcount results in more information technology related expenses being allocated to the R&D group. The increase in all other expense categories for 2021 compared to the same periods in 2020 were primarily due to increased activity as a result of improved economic conditions in 2021.
2020 Compared to 2019
The decrease in personnel-related expenses for 2020, compared to 2019, was primarily due to a decrease in salary expense as a result of our temporary furloughs and pay cuts and reduced travel expenses in 2020 as a result of COVID-19. The decrease in all other expense categories for 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019 were primarily due to our initiatives to increase operational efficiencies and reduce costs as a response to COVID-19.
Marketing and Selling Expenses
Marketing and selling expenses consist primarily of employee salaries and benefits for selling, marketing, and pre-sales customer support personnel, commissions, travel expenses, advertising and promotional expenses, web design costs, and facilities costs. The table below provides further details regarding the changes in components of marketing and selling expense.
Year-Over-Year Change in Marketing and Selling Expenses for Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 (Decrease)/Increase From 2020 | 2020 Increase/(Decrease) From 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | % | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign-exchange (gains) and losses | $ | 876 | 215.3% | $ | (150) | (26.9)% | |||||||||||||||||
| Personnel-related | 7,023 | 7.8% | (6,286) | (6.3)% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Consulting and outside services | (143) | (1.6)% | (545) | (5.1)% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Facilities and information technology | (561) | (2.4)% | (1,116) | (4.4)% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising and promotions | 1,366 | 111.5% | (4,787) | (79.6)% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other expenses | (704) | (11.8)% | 577 | 9.1% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total marketing and selling expenses change | $ | 7,857 | 9.0% | $ | (12,307) | (12.3)% | |||||||||||||||||
2021 Compared to 2020
For the year ended December 31, 2021, net foreign-exchange losses, which are included in marketing and selling expenses, were $1.3 million, compared to losses of $0.4 million for 2020. The foreign-exchange losses result from foreign currency denominated transactions and the revaluation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities. The increase in personnel-related expenses for 2021 compared to 2020 was primarily due to increases in salary expense as a result of no furlough program in 2021 and reduced travel expenses in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in our advertising expenses was largely due to increased activity as a result of the improved economic conditions in 2021. The decrease in consulting and outside services for 2021 compared to 2020 was due to the cancellation of certain trade shows and internal meetings in 2021, which events still took place during the first quarter of 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic began. This was offset by increases in other consulting spend as our business continues to grow during 2021. The decrease in facilities and information technology and other was primarily the result of a one-time bad debt expense in 2020 and a decrease in our facilities related costs as we continue to decrease our footprint as part of our corporate strategy.
2020 Compared to 2019
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For the year ended December 31, 2020, net foreign-exchange losses, which are included in marketing and selling expenses, were $0.4 million, compared to losses of $0.6 million for 2019. The foreign-exchange losses result from foreign currency denominated transactions and the revaluation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities. The decrease in personnel-related expenses for 2020 compared to 2019 was primarily due to decreases in salary expense as a result of our temporary furloughs and pay cuts and reduced travel expenses as a result of COVID-19. The decrease in all other expense categories for 2020 compared to 2019 were primarily due to our initiatives to increase operational efficiencies and reduce costs as a response to COVID-19.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative, or G&A, expenses consist primarily of employee salaries and benefits for administrative, executive, finance, and legal personnel, audit, legal, and strategic consulting fees, and insurance, information systems, and facilities costs. Information systems and facilities costs reported within G&A expenses are net of allocations to other expenses categories. The table below provides further details regarding the changes in components of G&A expense.
Year-Over-Year Change in G&A Expenses for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 (Decrease)/Increase From 2020 | 2020 (Decrease)/Increase From 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | % | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Consulting and outside services | $ | 3,064 | 28.3% | $ | (5,163) | (32.3)% | |||||||||||||||||
| Personnel-related | 6,392 | 28.6% | (816) | (3.5)% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Facilities and information technology | (1,492) | (19.6)% | (522) | (6.4)% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other expenses | 2,356 | 38.5% | 191 | 3.2% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total general and administrative expenses change | $ | 10,320 | 21.9% | $ | (6,310) | (11.8)% | |||||||||||||||||
2021 Compared to 2020
The increase in personnel-related expenses for 2021, compared to 2020, was primarily due to an increase in salary expense as a result of no furloughs in 2021, as well as an increase in variable related compensation as a result of the Company’s strong performance. The decrease in facilities is a result of cost saving initiatives made to reduce our property footprint as more employees are working remotely. The increase in all other expense categories for 2021 compared to the same periods in 2020, were primarily due to resuming our programs that were previously paused in 2020 due to COVID-19. In addition, we have incurred expenses in 2021 related to our share repurchase program, business development activities, and our digital transformation initiative.
2020 Compared to 2019
The decrease in personnel-related expenses for 2020, compared to 2019, was primarily due to a decrease in salary expense as a result of our temporary furloughs and pay cuts and reduced travel expenses as a result of COVID-19. The decrease in all other expense categories for 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019, were primarily due to our initiatives to increase operational efficiencies and reduce costs as a response to COVID-19.
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Intangible assets result from acquisitions and include developed technology, customer-related intangibles, trade names, and other identifiable intangible assets with finite lives. These intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of such assets, which are generally two years to 12 years. Amortization of developed technology is recorded within cost of revenues. Amortization of customer-related intangibles, trade names, and other identifiable intangible assets is recorded within operating expenses.
As of June 30, 2019, intangible assets were fully amortized.
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Restructuring Costs, Net
In February 2016, we committed to a restructuring plan that encompassed a series of measures intended to allow us to more efficiently operate in a leaner, more directed cost structure. These included reductions in our workforce, consolidation of facilities, transfers of certain business processes to lower cost regions, and reductions in other third-party services costs. In October 2020, we committed to a restructuring plan in order to reorganize the business to better support the company’s strategy and overall performance.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recorded $1.1 million of severance costs for 24 positions that were eliminated during 2021.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded $4.9 million of severance costs for 93 positions that were eliminated during 2020.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded restructuring costs of $0.6 million. The restructuring charges for the year ended December 31, 2019 included $0.6 million of severance costs related to approximately 54 positions eliminated during 2019.
Interest and Other Expense, Net
Interest and other expense, net, generally consists of interest income and interest expense.
Interest and Other Income (Expense) for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | Change | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Expense) | $ | % | Income (Expense) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | $ | 6 | $ | (64) | (91.4)% | $ | 70 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (7,155) | 12,916 | (64.4)% | (20,071) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | 4,841 | 3,973 | 457.7% | 868 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest and other expense, net | $ | (2,308) | $ | 16,825 | (87.9)% | $ | (19,133) | ||||||||||||||||
Interest and Other Income (Expense) for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | Change | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Expense) | $ | % | Income (Expense) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | $ | 70 | $ | 34 | 94.4% | $ | 36 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (20,071) | 6,641 | (24.9)% | (26,712) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | 868 | 3,770 | (129.9)% | (2,902) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest and other expense, net | $ | (19,133) | $ | 10,445 | (35.3)% | $ | (29,578) | ||||||||||||||||
2021 Compared to 2020
The decrease in interest expense for 2021 compared to 2020 was due to a lower interest rate on borrowings under the Credit Agreement signed in January 2021, compared to borrowings under our prior term loan. See Note Q, Long-Term Debt and Credit Agreement, to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information. The increase in other income (expense), net was due to the forgiveness of our PPP loan offset by the loss due to extinguishment of debt.
2020 Compared to 2019
The decrease in interest expense for 2020 compared to 2019 was due to the repayment of our outstanding convertible notes on June 15, 2020 as well as savings on our term loan interest under our prior credit facility due to the decrease in the LIBOR rate
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over 2020. See Note Q, Long-Term Debt and Credit Agreement, to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information.
Provision for Income Taxes
Provision for Income Taxes for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | Change | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision | $ | % | Provision | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | $ | 2,567 | $ | 1,195 | 87.1% | $ | 1,372 | ||||||||||||||||
Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | Change | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision | $ | % | Benefit | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for (benefit from) provision for income taxes | $ | 1,372 | $ | 6,448 | (127.0)% | $ | (5,076) | ||||||||||||||||
Our effective tax rate, which represents our tax provision as a percentage of income before tax, was 5.8%, 11.0%, and (201.0)%, respectively, for 2021, 2020, and 2019.
The increase in our 2021 provision was primarily driven by the increase in our profit before tax augmented by a non-recurring benefit in our 2020 provision due to release of a reserve for an uncertain tax position in our Israel subsidiary due to an audit settlement.
The increase in our 2020 provision was primarily driven by a non-recurring benefit in our 2019 provision. Our 2019 provision included the removal of valuation allowances on some of our foreign net operating loss carryforwards. During the year ended December 31, 2019 we determined that our Irish subsidiary had reached a level of sustained profitability sufficient enough to release a significant portion of the valuation allowance on its net operating loss carryforward. Accordingly, we recorded a $6.0 million benefit related to a valuation allowance against the Irish net operating loss carryforward deferred tax asset. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2019 we completed a legal entity reorganization that reduced the number of our German subsidiaries. This reorganization allowed us to remove a valuation allowance on the net operating loss carryforward deferred tax asset of one of the surviving German entities. Accordingly, we recorded a benefit of $1.5 million, which is net of a reserve for a related uncertain tax position. The year over year increase driven by the non-recurring combined benefit was partially offset by a decrease in the provision due to release of a reserve for an uncertain tax position in our Israel subsidiary due to an audit settlement and changes in the jurisdictional mix of earnings.
We have significant accumulated deferred tax assets including the tax effects of net operating losses and tax credit carryovers. The realization of the net deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of sufficient future taxable income in the applicable tax jurisdictions. We regularly review our deferred tax assets for recoverability with consideration for such factors as historical losses, projected future taxable income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences, and tax planning strategies. ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, requires us to record a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management believes the remaining deferred tax assets, based largely on the history of U.S. tax losses, warrant a valuation allowance based on the weight of available negative evidence. We have also determined that a full valuation allowance is warranted on a portion of our foreign deferred tax assets.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Act, or CARES Act, includes several income tax provisions such as net operating loss, or NOL, carryback and carryforward benefits and other tax deduction benefits. As noted previously, the U.S. deferred tax asset has a full valuation; accordingly, these NOL and other benefit provisions had no impact on our financial statements for the periods ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. The CARES Act accelerates the alternative minimum tax, or AMT, credit refund originally enacted by the Tax Cut and Jobs Act in 2017. As of December 31, 2020, we received the cash from the IRS associated with this refund receivable which had been recorded as a long-term asset at December 31, 2019.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity and Sources of Cash
Our principal source of liquidity is cash and cash equivalents, which totaled $56.8 million as of December 31, 2021. We have generally funded operations in recent years through the use of existing cash balances, supplemented from time to time with the proceeds of long-term debt and borrowings under our credit facilities.
Our cash requirements vary depending on factors such as the growth of the business, changes in working capital, and capital expenditures. We expect to operate the business and execute our strategic initiatives principally with funds generated from operations, remaining net proceeds from the term loan borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“A&R Credit Agreement”), and draws of up to a maximum of $70.0 million under the A&R Credit Agreement’s revolving credit facility described below. We anticipate that we will have sufficient internal and external sources of liquidity to fund operations and anticipated working capital and other expected cash needs for at least the next 12 months from the filing of our annual report as well as for the foreseeable future. Refer to the contractual obligations discussion below, for our anticipated cash requirements related to contractual obligations.
In quarter ended September 30, 2021, we committed to a digital transformation initiative focused around modernizing our enterprise-wide infrastructure and technologies to benefit our customers and drive enhanced performance across the company. Over the next four years we plan to invest significant funds and resources towards implementing these new technologies. These expenditures will be a mix of capital expenditures which will flow through our investing operations as well as SAAS based software solutions which will increase our use of cash from operations.
Credit Agreement
On January 5, 2021, we entered into the Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the administrative agent, or the Agent, and the lenders party thereto, or the Lenders. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Lenders agreed to provide us with (a) a term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $180.0 million, (or the Term Loan) and (b) a revolving credit facility of up to a maximum of $70.0 million in borrowings outstanding at any time, (or the Credit Facility). We borrowed the full amount of the $180.0 million Term Loan on the closing date, but did not borrow any amount under the Credit Facility on the closing date. The borrowings under the Term Loan and cash on hand were used to repay outstanding borrowings under the Company’s prior financing agreement with Cerberus Business Finance, LLC, which was then terminated. Prior to the maturity of the Credit Facility, any amounts borrowed under the Credit Facility could be repaid and, subject to the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, reborrowed in whole or in part without penalty.
Financial terms and prepayments. Under the Credit Agreement, interest accrued on outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan and the Credit Facility at a rate of the Adjusted LIBO Rate, the Adjusted EURIBO Rate or the Alternate Base Rate (each as defined in the Credit Agreement), at the option of the Company, plus a spread of 2.00% to 3.25% for Adjusted LIBO Rate and Adjusted EURIBO Rate loans, with a 0.25% LIBOR floor, and 1.00% to 2.25% for Alternate Base Rate loans, in each case depending on our total net leverage ratio. In addition, we had to pay the Lenders, on a quarterly basis, a commitment fee at a rate of 0.20% to 0.50%, depending on our leverage ratio, on the average daily amount equal to (1) the total revolving commitments under the Credit Facility less (2) total amount of the outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility during the immediately preceding three month period. During the term of the Credit Facility, we were entitled to reduce the maximum amounts of the Lenders’ commitments under the Credit Facility. We were also able to prepay all or any portion of the borrowings under the Credit Agreement prior to the stated maturity, subject to the payment of certain break funding amounts, if applicable. In addition, subject to exceptions we were required to prepay the Term Loan with proceeds we receive from specified events, including sales of assets, insurance proceeds and condemnation awards and the incurrence of certain indebtedness. The Term Loan required quarterly principal payments commencing in March 2021 equal to 5.0% of the original principal amount of the Term Loan in years 1 and 2, 7.5% of the original principal amount of the Term Loan in year 3, and 10% of the original principal amount of the Term Loan in years 4 and 5, with the remaining aggregate principal amount due at maturity.
Collateral and guarantees. We and our subsidiary, Avid Technology Worldwide, Inc., or Avid Worldwide, granted a security interest in substantially all of our assets to secure the obligations of all obligors under the Term Loan and the Credit Facility. Avid Worldwide provided a guarantee of all our obligations under the Credit Agreement. Our future subsidiaries (other than foreign subsidiaries and certain immaterial subsidiaries) were also required to become a party to the applicable security agreements and guarantee the obligations under the Credit Agreement.
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Representations and restrictive covenants. The Credit Agreement contained representations, warranties and restrictive covenants that are customary for an agreement of that kind, including, for example, covenants that limited or restricted us from incurring additional indebtedness, granting liens, making investments and restricted payments, making acquisitions, entering into swap agreements, paying dividends, making payments of or amending the terms of certain subordinated indebtedness, engaging in sale and leaseback transactions, and engaging in transactions with affiliates.
Events of default. The Credit Agreement contained customary events of default under which our payment obligations could be accelerated. These events of default included, among others, failure to pay amounts payable under the Credit Agreement when due, breach of representations and warranties, failure to perform covenants, a change of control, default or acceleration of material indebtedness, certain judgments and certain impairments to the collateral.
Financial covenants. The Credit Agreement contained two financial covenants. The Company was required to maintain a maximum total net leverage ratio, generally defined as the ratio of (x) consolidated total indebtedness minus liquidity maintained in the United States up to $25 million to (y) consolidated EBITDA, not to exceed 4.00 to 1:00 as of the end of the fiscal quarters ending March 31, 2021 through June 30, 2021; 3.75 to 1.00 as of the end of the fiscal quarters ending September 30, 2021 through December 31, 2021; 3.50 to 1.00 as of the end of the fiscal quarters ending March 31, 2022 through June 30, 2022; 3.25 to 1.00 as of the end of the fiscal quarters ending September 30, 2022 through December 31, 2022; and 3.00 to 1.00 as of the end of fiscal quarters ending on or after March 31, 2023. The Company was also required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio not less than 1.20 to 1.00 at the end of each fiscal quarter ending on or after March 31, 2021. The Credit Agreement’s fixed charge coverage ratio was generally defined as the ratio of (x) consolidated EBITDA minus unfinanced capital expenditures, cash tax expense and certain restricted payments to (y) consolidated fixed charges.
Credit Agreement Amendment. On February 25, 2022, the Company executed the A&R Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and the Lenders. The A&R Credit Agreement extended the term of the Term Loan by approximately one year to February 25, 2027, reduced the applicable interest rate margins by 0.25%, removed the LIBOR floor, moved the reference rate from LIBOR to SOFR, reset the principal amortization schedule, and eliminated the fixed charge coverage ratio. The A&R Credit Agreement also requires the Company to maintain a total net leverage ratio of no more than 4.00 to 1.00 initially, with step downs thereafter. Other terms of the A&R Credit Agreement remain substantially the same as the Credit Agreement.
The Term Loan, as amended, has an interest rate of SOFR plus an applicable margin of 2.25%, with no floor. The applicable margin for SOFR loans under the A&R Credit Agreement ranges from 1.75% to 3.0%, depending on the Company’s total net leverage ratio. The A&R Credit Agreement contains a financial covenant to maintain a total net leverage ratio, as defined in the A&R Credit Agreement, of no more than 4.00 to 1.00 initially, with step downs thereafter. Both the Term Loan and the revolving Credit Facility mature on February 25, 2027.
Our ability to satisfy the maximum total net leverage ratio covenant in the future depends on our ability to increase bookings and billings above levels experienced over the last 12 months. In recent quarters, we have experienced volatility in bookings and billings resulting from, among other things, (i) our transition towards subscription and recurring revenue streams and the resulting decline in traditional upfront product sales, (ii) dramatic changes in the media industry and the impact it has on our customers, (iii) the impact of new and anticipated product launches and features, and (iv) volatility in currency rates.
In the event bookings and billings in future quarters are lower than we currently anticipate, we may be forced to take remedial actions which could include, among other things (and where allowed by the Lenders), (i) further cost reductions, (ii) seeking replacement financing, (iii) raising additional debt or equity funding or (iv) disposing of certain assets or businesses. Such remedial actions, which may not be available on favorable terms or at all, could have a material adverse impact on our business. If we are not in compliance with the maximum total net leverage ratio and are unable to obtain an amendment or waiver, such noncompliance may result in an event of default under the A&R Credit Agreement, which could permit acceleration of the outstanding indebtedness under the A&R Credit Agreement and require us to repay such indebtedness before the scheduled due date. If an event of default were to occur, we might not have sufficient funds available to make the payments required. If we are unable to repay amounts owed, the Lenders may be entitled to foreclose on and sell substantially all of our assets that secure our borrowings under the A&R Credit Agreement.
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Paycheck Protection Program Loan
On May 11, 2020, we received $7.8 million of proceeds from a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Interest payments were deferred until a forgiveness decision was returned by the SBA. On July 6, 2021, the Company received notification that the SBA approved the Company’s PPP loan forgiveness application for the entire PPP loan balance plus all accrued interest. The forgiveness of the PPP loan was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2021 within other income on our Statement of Operations.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 62,489 | $ | 39,555 | $ | 19,641 | |||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (6,819) | (5,692) | (7,185) | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (77,735) | (24,549) | (7,644) | ||||||||||||||
| Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents | (1,016) | 1,748 | (331) | ||||||||||||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | (23,081) | $ | 11,062 | $ | 4,481 | |||||||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities aggregated $62.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The improvement compared to prior years was primarily attributable to cash flow generated by our increased net income.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2021, the net cash flow used in investing activities reflected $6.8 million used for the purchase of property and equipment. Our purchases of property and equipment largely consist of computer hardware and software to support R&D activities, and leasehold improvements.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash flows used in financing activities were primarily the result of our stock repurchase program and our common stock repurchases for tax withholdings for net settlement of equity awards. In addition, we paid down $21 million on our term loan as part of our refinancing activity in January 2021 and paid down an additional $9 million in principal payments throughout the year.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The following table outlines our contractual payment obligations as of December 31, 2021 (in thousands):
Total | Less than 1 Year | 2 – 5 Years | After 5 Years | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Term Loan | $ | 171,000 | $ | 9,000 | $ | 162,000 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other long-term debt | 1,023 | 158 | 756 | 109 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating leases | 36,151 | 7,323 | 22,326 | 6,502 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unconditional purchase obligations | 12,871 | 12,871 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 221,045 | $ | 29,352 | $ | 185,082 | $ | 6,611 | |||||||||||||||||||
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Other contractual arrangements that may result in cash payments consisted of the following at December 31, 2021 (in thousands):
Total | Less than 1 Year | 2 – 5 Years | After 5 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Stand-by letters of credit | 3,186 | 1,029 | 1,458 | 699 | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 3,186 | $ | 1,029 | $ | 1,458 | $ | 699 | ||||||||||||||||
We entered into a long-term agreement to purchase a variety of information technology solutions from a third party in the second quarter of 2020, which included an unconditional commitment to purchase a minimum of $32.2 million of products and services over the initial five years of the agreement. We have purchased $11.4 million of products and services pursuant to this agreement as of December 31, 2021.
We have letters of credit that are used as security deposits in connection with our leased Burlington, Massachusetts headquarters office space. In the event of default on the underlying leases, the landlords would, at December 31, 2021, be eligible to draw against the letters of credit to a maximum of $0.7 million in the aggregate.
In addition, we have letters of credit in connection with security deposits for other facility leases totaling $0.6 million in the aggregate, as well as letters of credit totaling $1.9 million that otherwise support our ongoing operations. These letters of credit have various terms and expire during 2022 and beyond, while some of the letters of credit may automatically renew based on the terms of the underlying agreements.
At December 31, 2021, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncement
See Note B, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for a description of recently adopted accounting standards.
Recent Accounting Pronouncement to be Adopted
See Note B, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for a description of certain issued accounting standards that have not been adopted and may impact our financial statements in future reporting periods.
ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
We have significant international operations and derive more than half of our revenues from customers outside the United States. This business is, for the most part, transacted through international subsidiaries and generally in the currency of the end-user customers. Therefore, we are exposed to the changes in foreign currency exchange rates that could adversely affect our revenues, net income and cash flow.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, we recorded net losses of $1.3 million, $0.4 million, and $0.6 million, respectively, that resulted from foreign currency denominated transaction$1.3 millions and the revaluation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
A hypothetical change of 10% in appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency exchange rates from the quoted foreign currency exchange rates as of December 31, 2021, would not have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
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Interest Rate Risk
Under the Credit Agreement entered into on January 5, 2021, interest accrues on outstanding borrowings at a rate of the Adjusted LIBO Rate, the Adjusted EURIBO Rate or the Alternate Base Rate (each as defined in the Credit Agreement), at the option of the Company, plus a spread of 2.00% to 3.25% for Adjusted LIBO Rate and Adjusted EURIBO Rate loans, with a 0.25% LIBOR floor, and 1.00% to 2.25% for Alternate Base Rate loans, in each case depending on our leverage ratio. A hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in interest rates paid on outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement would not have had a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
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ITEM 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
AVID TECHNOLOGY, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
| Page | |||||
| CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED IN ITEM 8: | |||||
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ( | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 | |||||
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 | |||||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 | |||||
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Stockholders and Board of Directors
Avid Technology, Inc.
Burlington, Massachusetts
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Avid Technology, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ deficit, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and our report dated March 1, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Revenue Recognition – Identification of Performance Obligations in certain contracts
As described in Note B, the Company enters into contracts with customers that include various combinations of products and services, which are generally capable of being distinct and may be accounted for as separate performance obligations. These arrangements may include a combination of products, maintenance, training, and professional services. Additionally, as described in Note P, the Company, from time to time, enters into enterprise agreements whereby the customer agrees to purchase specified products and services over an extended period of time, often for a single fixed contractual price. For such agreements, management identifies each performance obligation in the contract and allocates the total contract price to each performance obligation based on relative estimated stand-alone selling price. Once the transaction price is allocated to the individual
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performance obligations, the components are recognized in the respective categories of revenue consistent with the timing of the recognition of the Company’s identified performance obligations described in Note P.
We identified the determination of performance obligations in certain agreements as a critical audit matter. Auditing these transactions was especially challenging and complex due to the effort required to identify the substantial number of varying performance obligations present in each agreement.
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:
•Evaluating management’s accounting policies and practices, including the reasonableness of management’s judgments and assumptions related to the identification of each performance obligation and its pattern of delivery.
•Assessing the Company’s agreements based on magnitude and complexity to identify agreements for testing together with their underlying order documents to evaluate management’s identification of each distinct performance obligation and its respective pattern of revenue recognition.
/s/ BDO USA, LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2016.
Boston, Massachusetts
March 1, 2022
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AVID TECHNOLOGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Net revenues: | |||||||||||||||||
| Subscription | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Maintenance | |||||||||||||||||
| Integrated solutions & other | |||||||||||||||||
| Total net revenues | |||||||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues: | |||||||||||||||||
| Subscription | |||||||||||||||||
| Maintenance | |||||||||||||||||
| Integrated solutions & other | |||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | |||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||||
| Research and development | |||||||||||||||||
| Marketing and selling | |||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | |||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | |||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Other income (loss), net | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | |||||||||||||||||
| Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Net income per common share – basic | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Net income per common share – diluted | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic | |||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding – diluted | |||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
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AVID TECHNOLOGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income: | |||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
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AVID TECHNOLOGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share data)
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Restricted cash | |||||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,456 and $1,478 at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively | |||||||||||
| Inventories | |||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses | |||||||||||
| Contract assets | |||||||||||
| Other current assets | |||||||||||
| Total current assets | |||||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | |||||||||||
| Right of use assets | |||||||||||
| Deferred tax assets, net | |||||||||||
| Other long-term assets | |||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Accrued compensation and benefits | |||||||||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Income taxes payable | |||||||||||
| Short-term debt | |||||||||||
| Deferred revenues, short term | |||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt | |||||||||||
| Long-term deferred revenues | |||||||||||
| Long-term lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies (Note K) | |||||||||||
| Stockholders’ deficit: | |||||||||||
| Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding | |||||||||||
| Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 45,828 and 44,420 shares issued, and 44,954 shares and 44,420 shares outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively | |||||||||||
| Treasury stock at cost, 874 shares at December 31, 2021 | ( | ||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | |||||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total stockholders’ deficit | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit | $ | $ | |||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
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AVID TECHNOLOGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
(in thousands)
| Shares of Common Stock | Additional | Accumulated Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issued | In Treasury | Common Stock | Treasury Stock | Paid-in Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Stockholders’ Deficit | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances at December 31, 2018 | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Stock issued pursuant to employee stock plans, net of shares withheld for employee tax obligations | 7 | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Partial retirement of convertible senior notes conversion feature | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Partial unwind capped call cash receipt | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances at December 31, 2019 | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock issued pursuant to employee stock plans, net of shares withheld for employee tax obligations | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances at December 31, 2020 | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock issued pursuant to employee stock plans, net of shares withheld for employee tax obligations | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase of common stock | ( | — | ( | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances at December 31, 2021 | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
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AVID TECHNOLOGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||||||||
| Provision for doubtful accounts | |||||||||||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | |||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-cash provision for restructuring | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-cash interest expense | |||||||||||||||||
| Gain on forgiveness of PPP loan | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized foreign currency transaction (gains) losses | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Provision for (benefit from) deferred taxes | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Inventories | |||||||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Accrued expenses, compensation and benefits and other liabilities | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Income taxes payable | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Deferred revenue and contract assets | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from revolving line of credit | |||||||||||||||||
| Repayment on revolving line of credit | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from long-term debt | |||||||||||||||||
| Repayment of debt | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Payments for repurchase of common stock | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Payments for repurchase of outstanding notes | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from the issuance of common stock under employee stock plans | |||||||||||||||||
| Common stock repurchases for tax withholdings for net settlement of equity awards | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Prepayment penalty on extinguishment of debt | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Partial retirement of the convertible notes conversion feature and capped call option unwind | |||||||||||||||||
| Payments for credit facility issuance costs | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Supplemental information: | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Restricted cash | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Restricted cash included in other long-term assets | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Cash paid (refunded) for income taxes, net | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||
| Cash paid for interest | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Non-cash transaction – property and equipment included in accounts payable or accruals | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
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AVID TECHNOLOGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A.BUSINESS
Description of Business
Avid Technology, Inc. (“Avid”, “we” or “us”) develops, markets, sells, and supports software and integrated solutions for video and audio content creation, management, and distribution. We are a leading technology provider that powers the media and entertainment industry. We do this by providing an open and efficient platform for digital media, along with a comprehensive set of tools and workflow solutions. Our solutions are used in production and post-production facilities; film studios; network, affiliate, independent and cable television stations; recording studios; live-sound performance venues; advertising agencies; government and educational institutions; corporate communications departments; and by independent video and audio creative professionals, as well as aspiring professionals. Projects produced using our tools, platform, and ecosystem include feature films, television programming, live events, news broadcasts, sports productions, commercials, music, video, and other digital media content.
Impact of COVID-19 on Our Business
The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant global economic uncertainty, and adversely impacted the business of our customers and partners. The pandemic adversely impacted our business and results of operations for the year ended 2020.
However, our results throughout 2021, reflected a gradual recovery in spending levels with the continuing positive signs of recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic driven by vaccination and government stimulus programs, particularly in the United States. At the same time, certain countries continue to face challenges and there remains uncertainty relating to the ongoing spread and severity of the virus and its variants. While we are encouraged by the trends we have seen during 2021, to the extent that the pandemic continues to have negative impacts on economies, our results could be affected and uneven. Consequently, we will continue to evaluate our financial position in light of future developments, particularly those relating to COVID-19.
Reclassifications
As our business continues to shift towards a subscription-based model, we have reformatted our income statement presentation to conform with this shift. We have reclassified certain prior period amounts related to revenue and cost of goods sold within our consolidated statements of operations and accompanying notes to conform to our current period presentation. These reclassifications did not affect total revenue or total cost of goods sold.
B.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and our wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates
Our preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
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Revenue Recognition
We enter into contracts with customers that include various combinations of products and services, which are typically capable of being distinct and are accounted for as separate performance obligations. We account for a contract when (i) it has approval and commitment from both parties, (ii) the rights of the parties have been identified, (iii) payment terms have been identified, (iv) the contract has commercial substance, and (v) collectability is probable. We recognize revenue upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers, which typically occurs upon shipment or delivery depending on the terms of the underlying contracts, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products or services.
See Note P for disaggregated revenue schedules and further discussion on revenue and deferred revenue performance obligations and the timing of revenue recognition.
We often enter into contractual arrangements that have multiple performance obligations, one or more of which may be delivered subsequent to the delivery of other performance obligations. These arrangements may include a combination of products, maintenance, training, and professional services. We allocate the transaction price of the arrangement based on the relative estimated standalone selling price, or SSP, of each distinct performance obligation.
Our process for determining SSP for each performance obligation involves significant management judgment. In determining SSP, we maximize observable inputs and consider a number of data points, including:
•the pricing of standalone sales (in the limited instances where available);
•the pricing established by management when setting prices for deliverables that are intended to be sold on a standalone basis;
•contractually stated prices for deliverables that are intended to be sold on a standalone basis;
•other pricing factors, such as the geographical region in which the products are sold and expected discounts based on the customer size and type.
Determining SSP for performance obligations which we never sell separately also requires significant judgment. In estimating the SSP in these circumstances, we consider the likely price that would have resulted from established pricing practices had the deliverable been offered separately and the prices a customer would likely be willing to pay.
We only include estimated amounts in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. We reduce transaction prices for estimated returns and other allowances that represent variable consideration under ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”) and record a corresponding refund liability as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Other forms of contingent revenue or variable consideration are infrequent.
While not a common practice for us, in the event we grant the customer the option to acquire additional products or services in an arrangement, we consider if the option provides a material right to the customer that it would not receive without entering into the contract (e.g., an incremental discount compared to the range of discounts typically given for similar products or services). If a material right is deemed to exist, we account for the option as a distinct performance obligation and recognize revenue when those future products or services are transferred or when the option expires.
We also record as revenue all amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling costs and record the actual shipping costs as a component of cost of revenues. Reimbursements received from customers for out-of-pocket expenses are recorded as revenues, with related costs recorded as cost of revenues. We present revenues net of any taxes collected from customers and remitted to government authorities.
Our contracts rarely contain significant financing components as payments from customers are due within a short period from when our performance obligations are satisfied.
We are applying the practical expedient for the deferral of sales commissions and other contract acquisition costs, which are expensed as incurred, because the amortization period would be one year or less.
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Allowance for Sales Returns and Exchanges
We maintain allowances for estimated potential sales returns and exchanges from our customers, which represents variable consideration under ASC 606. We record a provision for estimated returns and other allowances as a reduction of revenues in the same period that related revenues are recorded based on historical experience and specific customer analysis. Use of management estimates is required in connection with establishing and maintaining a sales allowance for expected returns and other credits. The allowance also includes rebates offered through our partner program. If actual returns differ from the estimates, additional allowances could be required.
The following table sets forth the activity in the allowance for sales returns and exchanges for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
Allowance for sales returns and exchanges – beginning of year | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Additions and adjustments to the allowance | |||||||||||||||||
| Deductions against the allowance | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
Allowance for sales returns and exchanges – end of year | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
The allowance for sales returns and exchanges reflects an estimate of amounts invoiced that will not be collected, as well as other allowances and credits that have been or are expected to offset the trade receivables. The allowance for sales returns and exchanges is recorded as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities as of December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
Trade Receivables and Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
We classify our right to consideration in exchange for deliverables as either a receivable or a contract asset. A receivable is a right to consideration that is unconditional (i.e. only the passage of time is required before payment is due). We present such receivables in accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, in our consolidated balance sheets. We maintain allowances for estimated losses from bad debt resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments for products or services. When evaluating the adequacy of the allowances, we analyze accounts receivable balances, historical bad debt experience, customer concentrations, customer credit worthiness, and current economic trends. To date, actual bad debts have not differed materially from management’s estimates.
The following table sets forth the activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts – beginning of year | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Provision for doubtful accounts | |||||||||||||||||
| Reduction in allowance for doubtful accounts | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts – end of year | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Translation of Foreign Currencies
The functional currency of each of our foreign subsidiaries is the local currency, except for the Irish manufacturing branch and Orad Hi-Tech Systems Ltd. (“Orad”) that we acquired in June 2015. The functional currency for both the Irish manufacturing branch and Orad is the U.S. dollar due to the extensive interrelationship of the operations of the Irish branch, Orad, and the U.S. parent, and the high volume of intercompany transactions among the two subsidiaries and the parent. The assets and liabilities of the subsidiaries whose functional currencies are currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expense items for these entities are translated using rates that
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approximate those in effect during the period. Cumulative translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), which is reflected as a separate component of stockholders’ deficit. We do not record tax provisions or benefits for the net changes in the foreign currency translation adjustment as we intend to permanently reinvest undistributed earnings in our foreign subsidiaries.
The U.S. parent company, Irish manufacturing branch, and Orad, all of whose functional currency is the U.S. dollar, carry certain monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. These assets and liabilities typically include cash, accounts receivable, and intercompany operating balances denominated in foreign currencies. These assets and liabilities are remeasured into the U.S. dollar at the current exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Foreign currency transaction and remeasurement gains and losses are included within marketing and selling expenses in the results of operations.
The U.S. parent company and various other wholly owned subsidiaries have long-term intercompany loan balances denominated in foreign currencies that are remeasured into the U.S. dollar at the current exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Such loan balances are not expected to be settled in the foreseeable future. Any gains and losses relating to these loans are included in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), which is reflected as a separate component of stockholders’ deficit.
We have significant international operations and, therefore, our revenues, earnings, cash flows, and financial position are exposed to foreign currency risk from foreign-currency-denominated receivables, payables, sales and expense transactions, and net investments in foreign operations. We derive more than half of our revenues from customers outside the United States. The business is, for the most part, transacted through international subsidiaries and generally in the currency of the end-user customers. Therefore, we are exposed to the risks that changes in foreign currency could adversely affect our revenues, net income (loss), cash flow, and financial position. Foreign currency transaction and remeasurement losses and gains are included within marketing and selling expenses in the results of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 we recorded net losses of $1.3 million, $0.4 million, and $0.6 million respectively, that resulted from foreign currency denominated transactions and the revaluation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and accounts receivable. We place our cash and cash equivalents with financial institutions that management believes to be of high credit quality. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited due to the large number of customers that make up our customer base and their dispersion across different regions. No individual customer accounted for 10 % or more of our total net revenues or net accounts receivable in the periods presented.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined on a first-in, first-out basis) or net realizable value. Management regularly reviews inventory quantities on hand and writes down inventory to our realizable value to reflect estimated obsolescence or lack of marketability based on assumptions about future inventory demand and market conditions. Inventory in the digital-media market, including our inventory, is subject to rapid technological change or obsolescence; therefore, utilization of existing inventory may differ from our estimates.
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Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset. We typically depreciate our property and equipment using the following minimum and maximum useful lives:
| Depreciable Life | ||||||||||||||
| Minimum | Maximum | |||||||||||||
| Computer and video equipment and software, including internal use software | ||||||||||||||
| Manufacturing tooling and testbeds | ||||||||||||||
| Office equipment | ||||||||||||||
| Furniture, fixtures, and other | ||||||||||||||
We capitalize certain development costs incurred in connection with our internal use software. Costs incurred in the preliminary stages of development are expensed as incurred. Once an application has reached the development stage, internal and external costs, if direct, are capitalized until the software is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. Capitalized costs are recorded as part of property and equipment. Maintenance and training costs are expensed as incurred. Internal use software is amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life, generally three years .
Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the remaining term of the lease. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Upon retirement or other disposition of assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in “other income, net” in the results of operations.
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets and Goodwill
Acquisition-related intangible assets consisted of customer relationships, developed technology, trade names, and non-compete agreements. These assets were determined to have either finite or indefinite lives. For finite-lived intangible assets, amortization was straight-line over the estimated useful lives of such assets, which are generally two years to 12 years. Straight-line amortization was used because we cannot reliably determine a discernible pattern over which the economic benefits would be realized. We do not have any indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Long-Lived Assets
We periodically evaluate our long-lived assets for events and circumstances that indicate a potential impairment. A long-lived asset is assessed for impairment when the undiscounted expected future cash flows derived from that asset are less than its carrying value. The cash flows used for this analysis take into consideration a number of factors including past operating results, budgets and economic projections, market trends, and product development cycles. The amount of any impairment would be equal to the difference between the estimated fair value of the asset, based on a discounted cash flow analysis, and its carrying value.
Advertising Expenses
All advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are classified as marketing and selling expenses. Advertising expenses for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 were $2.9 million, $0.1 million, and $1.0 million, respectively.
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Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Development costs for software to be sold that are incurred subsequent to the establishment of technological feasibility, but prior to the general release of the product, are capitalized. Upon general release, these costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the expected life of the related products, generally 12 to 36 months. The straight-line method generally results in approximately the same amount of expense as that calculated using the ratio that current period gross product revenues bear to total anticipated gross product revenues. We periodically evaluate the assets, considering a number of business and economic factors, to determine if an impairment exists. No amounts have been capitalized during 2021, 2020, and 2019 as the costs incurred subsequent to the establishment of technological feasibility have not been material.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes using an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. We record deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the net tax effects of tax credits, operating loss carryforwards, and temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes compared to the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets are regularly reviewed for recoverability with consideration for such factors as historical losses, projected future taxable income, and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. We are required to record a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
We account for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in our financial statements by applying a two-step process to determine the amount of tax benefit to be recognized. First, the tax position must be evaluated to determine the likelihood that it will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. If the tax position is deemed more-likely-than-not to be sustained, the tax position is then assessed to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The amount of the benefit that may be recognized is the largest amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The provision for income taxes includes the effects of any resulting tax reserves (“unrecognized tax benefits”) that are considered appropriate, as well as the related net interest and penalties.
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
Our stock-based employee compensation plans allow us to grant stock awards, options, or other equity-based instruments, or a combination thereof, as part of our overall compensation strategy. For stock-based awards granted, we record stock-based compensation expense based on the grant date fair value over the requisite service periods for the individual awards, which generally equal the vesting periods. The vesting of stock-based award grants may be based on time, performance conditions, market conditions, or a combination of time, performance and market conditions. We account for forfeitures when they occur.
Product Warranties
We provide warranties on externally sourced and internally developed hardware. The warranty period for all of our products is generally 90 days to one year, but can extend up to five years depending on the manufacturer’s warranty or local law. For internally developed hardware and in cases where the warranty granted to customers for externally sourced hardware is greater than that provided by the manufacturer, we record an accrual for the related liability based on historical trends and actual material and labor costs. At the end of each quarter, we reevaluate our estimates to assess the adequacy of the recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the accrued amounts accordingly.
Computation of Net Income Per Share
Net income per share is presented for both basic earnings per share (“Basic EPS”) and diluted earnings per share (“Diluted EPS”). Basic EPS is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding non-vested restricted stock held by employees. Diluted EPS is based on the weighted-average number of common and potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares result from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units, the proceeds and remaining unrecorded compensation expense of which are then assumed to have been used to repurchase outstanding common stock using the treasury stock method. For periods when we
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Accounting for Restructuring Plans
Based on our policies for the calculation and payment of severance benefits, we account for employee-related restructuring charges as an ongoing benefit arrangement in accordance with ASC Topic 712, Compensation - Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits.
Related Party Transactions
From time to time we enter into arrangements with parties which may be affiliated with us, executive officers, and members of our board of directors. These transactions are primarily comprised of sales transactions in the normal course of business and are immaterial to the financial statements for all periods presented.
Leases
We have entered into a number of facility leases to support our research and development activities, sales operations, and other corporate and administrative functions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, which qualify as operating leases under U.S. GAAP. We also have a limited number of equipment leases that also qualify as operating leases. We determine if contracts with vendors represent a lease or have a lease component under U.S. GAAP at contract inception. During 2020, we also entered into a limited number of equipment leases that qualify as finance leases. Our leases have remaining terms ranging from less than one year to six years . We lease corporate office space in Burlington, Massachusetts, which expires in May 2028. Some of our leases include options to extend or terminate the lease prior to the end of the agreed upon lease term. For purposes of calculating lease liabilities, lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise such options.
Operating lease right of use assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the lease commencement date. As our leases generally do not provide an implicit rate, we use an estimated incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of future payments. The incremental borrowing rate represents an estimate of the interest rate we would incur at lease commencement to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term of a lease within a particular location and currency environment. The operating leases are included in “Right of use assets,” “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities,” and “Long-term lease liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheets.
Finance lease right of use assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the lease commencement date. Each lease agreement provides an implicit discount rate used to determine the present value of future payments.
Lease costs are included within research and development, marketing and selling, and general and administrative lines on the consolidated statements of operations, and the related cash payments are included in the operating cash flows on the consolidated statements of cash flows. Variable lease costs, finance lease costs, and sublease income are not material.
Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
We have elected the following lease exceptions and practical expedients:
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| Separation of lease and non-lease components | Non-lease components are excluded from our right of use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities and expensed as incurred. | ||||
| Short-term policy | We have elected the short-term lease recognition exemption for all applicable classes of underlying assets. Short-term disclosures include only those leases with a term greater than one month and 12 months or less, and expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less, that do not include an option to purchase the underlying asset that we are reasonably certain to exercise, are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets. | ||||
Treasury Stock
The Company records the aggregate purchase price of treasury stock at cost and includes treasury stock as a reduction to stockholders' equity.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncement
In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU 2019-12”). ASU 2019-12 is intended to enhance and simplify aspects of the income tax accounting guidance in ASC 740 as part of the FASB's simplification initiative. We adopted ASU 2019-12 as of January 1, 2021. The Company has determined the impact of this adoption was not material to our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements to be Adopted
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”). ASU 2020-04 is intended to provide temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the U.S. GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. This guidance is effective beginning on March 12, 2020, and the Company may elect to apply the amendments prospectively through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance may have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
C. NET INCOME PER SHARE
Net income per common share is presented for both Basic EPS and Diluted EPS. Basic EPS is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is based on the weighted-average number of common shares and common shares equivalents outstanding during the period.
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The following table sets forth (in thousands) common shares considered anti-dilutive securities at December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019:
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Options | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-vested restricted stock units | |||||||||||||||||
| Anti-dilutive potential common shares | |||||||||||||||||
The following table sets forth (in thousands) the basic and diluted weighted common shares outstanding at December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019:
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Weighted common shares outstanding - basic | |||||||||||||||||
| Net effect of common stock equivalents | |||||||||||||||||
| Weighted common shares outstanding - diluted | |||||||||||||||||
On June 15, 2015, we issued $125.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 2.00 % convertible senior notes due 2020 (the “Notes”) in an offering conducted in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. The Notes were convertible into cash, shares of our common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of common stock, at our election, based on an initial conversion rate, subject to adjustment. In connection with the offering of the Notes, we entered into a capped call transaction with a third party (the “Capped Call”). We used the treasury stock method in computing the dilutive impact of the Notes. The Notes were convertible into shares but our stock price was less than the conversion price at December 31, 2019, and therefore, the Notes were excluded from diluted income per share. The Capped Call was not reflected in diluted net income per share as it will always be anti-dilutive. The Notes were fully paid on June 15, 2020 when they came due.
D. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
We measure deferred compensation investments on a recurring basis. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, our deferred compensation investments were classified as either Level 1 or Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Assets valued using quoted market prices in active markets and classified as Level 1 are money market and mutual funds. Assets valued based on other observable inputs and classified as Level 2 are insurance contracts. The assets held at fair value are included in “Other current assets” and “Other long-term assets” on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021.
The following tables summarize our deferred compensation investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
| Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2021 | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred compensation investments | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred compensation investments | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
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E INVENTORIES
Inventories consisted of the following at December 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| Raw materials | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Work in process | |||||||||||
| Finished goods | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | |||||||||
F. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
| Computer and video equipment and software | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Manufacturing tooling and testbeds | ||||||||||||||
| Office equipment | ||||||||||||||
| Furniture, fixtures and other | ||||||||||||||
| Leasehold improvements | ||||||||||||||
| Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
We capitalize certain development costs incurred in connection with our internal use software. For the year ended December 31, 2021, we capitalized $2.6 million of contract labor and internal labor costs related to internal use software, and recorded the capitalized costs in computer and video equipment and software. There were $1.6 million of contract labor and internal labor costs capitalized for the year ended December 31, 2020. Internal use software is amortized on a straight line basis over its estimated useful life of three years , and we recorded $3.1 1.9 million of amortization expense in 2019.
Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment was $8.3 million, $8.5 million, and $9.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 respectively.
G. GOODWILL
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H. LEASES
As of December 31, 2021, the weighted average incremental borrowing rate on our operating leases was 6 % and the weighted average remaining lease term was 5.8 years. Lease costs for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Our total lease costs were $7.1 million, $9.1 million, and $9.7 million, and total related cash payments were $7.6 million, $9.0 million, and $9.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Short term lease costs were $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 and were immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. For the years December 31, 2021, right of use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities was $0.5 million.
The accompanying consolidated results of operations reflect rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the leases. Total expense under operating leases was $9.0 million, $10.2 million, and $10.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
The table below reconciles the undiscounted future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable leases with terms of more than one year to the total lease liabilities recognized on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2021 (in thousands):
| Year Ending December 31, | Operating Leases | Finance Leases | ||||||
| 2022 | ||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||
| 2024 | ||||||||
| 2025 | — | |||||||
| 2026 | — | |||||||
| Thereafter | — | |||||||
| Total future minimum lease payments | ||||||||
| Less effects of discounting | ( | ( | ||||||
| Total lease liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||
Reported as of December 31, 2021 | ||||||||
| Current lease liabilities included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities | ||||||||
| Long-term lease liabilities | — | |||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | — | |||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
Included in the operating lease commitments below are obligations under leases for which we have vacated the underlying facilities as part of various restructuring plans. These leases expire at various dates through 2026 and represent an aggregate obligation of $1.7 million. We received $0.6 million, $0.8 million, and $1.3 million of sublease income during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. The future minimum lease commitments under non-cancelable leases at December 31, 2021 were as follows (in thousands):
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| Year Ending December 31, | Operating Leases | ||||
| 2022 | $ | ||||
| 2023 | $ | ||||
| 2024 | $ | ||||
| 2025 | $ | ||||
| 2026 | $ | ||||
| Thereafter | $ | ||||
| Total | $ | ||||
Finance lease right of use assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the lease commencement date. Each lease agreement provides an implicit discount rate used to determine the present value of future payments. The weighted-average discount rate is 2.3 % as of September 30, 2020, the commencement date for our leases. The finance leases are included in “Other assets” and “Other long-term liabilities” on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021.
I. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following at December 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| Consulting and professional fees | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities - short term | |||||||||||
| Accrued royalties | |||||||||||
| Accrued warranty | |||||||||||
| Employee restructuring | |||||||||||
| Sales return & allowance | |||||||||||
| Other (individual items less than 5% of total current liabilities) | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | |||||||||
J. OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Other long-term liabilities consisted of the following at December 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| Finance lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Deferred compensation | |||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | |||||||||
K. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments
We entered into a long-term agreement to purchase a variety of information technology solutions from a third party in the second quarter of 2020, which included an unconditional commitment to purchase a minimum of $32.2 million of products and services
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over the initial -year term of the agreement. We have purchased $11.4 million pursuant to this agreement as of December 31, 2021 to develop Azure-certified solutions which includes developing virtualized versions of many of our product offerings, allowing them to run in a private cloud, public cloud, or in hybrid deployments.
We have letters of credit that are used as security deposits in connection with our leased Burlington, Massachusetts office space. In the event of default on the underlying leases, the landlords would, at December 31, 2021, be eligible to draw against the letters of credit to a maximum of $0.7 million in the aggregate.
We also have letters of credit in connection with security deposits for other facility leases totaling $0.6 million in the aggregate, as well as letters of credit totaling $1.9 million that otherwise support our ongoing operations. These letters of credit have various terms and expire during 2022 and beyond, while some of the letters of credit may automatically renew based on the terms of the underlying agreements.
We have future minimum lease commitments under non-cancelable leases totaling $36.2 million which are described in detail in Note H, Leases.
Purchase Commitments and Sole-Source Suppliers
At December 31, 2021, we entered into purchase commitments for certain inventory and other goods used in our normal operations. The purchase commitments covered by these agreements are for a period of less than 1 year and in the aggregate total $12.9 million as of December 31, 2021.
We depend on sole-source suppliers for certain key hardware components of our products. Although we have procedures in place to mitigate the risks associated with our sole-sourced suppliers, we cannot be certain that we will be able to obtain sole-sourced components or finished goods from alternative suppliers or that we will be able to do so on commercially reasonable terms without a material impact on our results of operations or financial position. We procure product components and build inventory based on forecasts of product life cycle and customer demand. If we are unable to provide accurate forecasts or manage inventory levels in response to shifts in customer demand, we may have insufficient, excess, or obsolete product inventory.
Contingencies
Our industry is characterized by the existence of a large number of patents and frequent claims and litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights. In addition to the legal proceedings described above, we are involved in legal proceedings from time to time arising from the normal course of business activities, including claims of alleged infringement of intellectual property rights and contractual, commercial, employee relations, product or service performance, or other matters. We do not believe these matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations. However, the outcome of legal proceedings and claims brought against us is subject to significant uncertainty. Therefore, our financial position or results of operations may be negatively affected by the unfavorable resolution of one or more of these proceedings for the period in which a matter is resolved. Our results could be materially adversely affected if we are accused of, or found to be, infringing third parties’ intellectual property rights.
Following the termination of our former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer on February 25, 2018, we received a notice alleging that we breached the former employee’s employment agreement. On April 16, 2019 we received an additional notice again alleging we breached the former employee’s employment agreement. We have since been in communications with our former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer’s counsel. While we intend to defend any claim vigorously, when and if a claim is actually filed, we are currently unable to estimate an amount or range of any reasonably possible losses that could occur as a result of this matter.
On July 14, 2020, we sent a notice to a customer demanding sums that we believe are due to Avid pursuant to a contract. On October 7, 2020, the customer sent a notice to us denying any legal liability and demanding payment for breach of contract resulting from various alleged delays by us. While we intend to defend any claim vigorously when and if a claim is actually filed, we are currently unable to estimate an amount or range of any reasonably possible losses that could occur related to this matter.
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We consider all claims on a quarterly basis and based on known facts assesses whether potential losses are considered reasonably possible, probable, and estimable. Based upon this assessment, we then evaluate disclosure requirements and whether to accrue for such claims in our consolidated financial statements.
We record a provision for a liability when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated and such amount is material. These provisions are reviewed at least quarterly and adjusted to reflect the impacts of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and other information and events pertaining to a particular case.
At December 31, 2021 and as of the date of filing of these consolidated financial statements, we believe that, other than as set forth in this note, no provision for liability nor disclosure is required related to any claims because: (a) there is no reasonable possibility that a loss exceeding amounts already recognized (if any) may be incurred with respect to such claim; (b) a reasonably possible loss or range of loss cannot be estimated; or (c) such estimate is immaterial.
Additionally, we provide indemnification to certain customers for losses incurred in connection with intellectual property infringement claims brought by third parties with respect to our products. These indemnification provisions generally offer perpetual coverage for infringement claims based upon the products covered by the agreement and the maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these indemnification provisions is theoretically unlimited. To date, we have not incurred material costs related to these indemnification provisions; accordingly, we believe the estimated fair value of these indemnification provisions is immaterial. Further, certain arrangements with customers include clauses whereby we may be subject to penalties for failure to meet certain performance obligations; however, we have not recorded any related material penalties to date.
We provide warranties on externally sourced and internally developed hardware. For internally developed hardware and in cases where the warranty granted to customers for externally sourced hardware is greater than that provided by the manufacturer, we record an accrual for the related liability based on historical trends and actual material and labor costs. The following table sets forth the activity in the product warranty accrual account for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in thousands):
Accrual balance at January 1, 2019 | $ | ||||
| Accruals for product warranties | |||||
| Cost of warranty claims | ( | ||||
Accrual balance at December 31, 2019 | |||||
| Accruals for product warranties | |||||
| Cost of warranty claims | ( | ||||
Accrual balance at December 31, 2020 | |||||
| Accruals for product warranties | |||||
| Cost of warranty claims | ( | ||||
Accrual balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | ||||
L. CAPITAL STOCK
Preferred Stock
We have authorized up to one million shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, for issuance. Each series of preferred stock shall have such rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions, including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges, and liquidation preferences, as may be determined by our board of directors.
Common Stock Repurchases
On September 9, 2021, our board of directors approved the repurchase of up to $115.0 million of our outstanding shares. This authorization does not have a prescribed expiration date. As of December 31, 2021, approximately $89.9 million of the $115.0 million share repurchase authorization remained available. The Company has no obligation to repurchase any amount of
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its common stock, and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. For the year ended December 31, 2021 the Company repurchased 874,085 shares of its common stock for $25.1 million. These amounts may differ from the repurchases of common stock amounts in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows due to unsettled share repurchases at the end of a period. As of February 28, 2022, we have purchased an additional 328,883 shares for $9.9 million.
Stock Incentive Plans
There is an aggregate of 9,940,000 of our shares of $0.01 par value per share common stock authorized and reserved for issuance under the Avid Technology, Inc. Amended and Restated 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan was originally adopted by our board of directors on September 14, 2014 and approved by our stockholders on October 29, 2014. In connection with the approval of the Plan, our Amended and Restated 2005 Stock Incentive Plan has been closed; no additional awards may be granted under that 2005 plan. As of December 31, 2021, there were no remaining shares available for issuance under the 2005 plan.
Under the Plan, we may grant stock awards or options to purchase our common stock to employees, officers, directors, and consultants. The exercise price for options generally must be no less than market price on the date of grant. Awards may be performance-based where vesting or exercisability is conditioned on achieving performance objectives, time-based, or a combination of both. Option grants become exercisable over various periods, typically three years to four years for employees and one year for non-employee directors, and have a maximum term of seven years to ten years . Restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards with time-based vesting typically vest over three years to four years for employees and one year for non-employee directors.
We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock option grants with time-based vesting. The Black-Scholes model relies on a number of key assumptions to calculate estimated fair value. The assumed dividend yield of zero is based on the fact that we have never paid cash dividends and has no present expectation to pay cash dividends. The expected volatility is based on actual historic stock volatility for periods equivalent to the expected term of the award. The assumed risk-free interest rate is the U.S. Treasury security rate with a term equal to the expected life of the option. The assumed expected life is based on company-specific historical experience considering the exercise behavior of past grants and models the pattern of aggregate exercises.
The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards with time-based vesting is based on the intrinsic value of the awards at the date of grant, as the awards have a purchase price of $0.01 per share.
We also issue option grants or restricted stock unit awards with vesting based on market conditions. Performance-based restricted stock units will vest based on achievement of our relative total shareholder return against the Russell 2000 Index over a three-year period. The fair values and derived service periods for all grants that include vesting based on market conditions are estimated using the Monte Carlo valuation method. For stock option grants that include vesting based on performance conditions, the fair values are estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. For restricted stock unit awards that include vesting based on performance conditions, the fair values are estimated based on the intrinsic values of the awards at the date of grant, as the awards have a purchase price of $0.01 per share.
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Information with respect to options granted under all stock option plans for the year ended December 31, 2021 was as follows:
| Total Number of Options | Weighted- Average Exercise Price | Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (years) | Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Options Outstanding at December 31, 2018 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited or Expired | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Options Outstanding at December 31, 2019 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited or Expired | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Options outstanding at December 31, 2020 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited or Expired | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Options outstanding at December 31, 2021 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercisable at: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2019 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2020 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2021 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The cash received from stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $1.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively. There was no cash received from stock options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Information with respect to non-vested time-based restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2021 was as follows:
| Number of Restricted Stock Units | Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value | Shares Retained to Cover Statutory Minimum Withholding Taxes | |||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2018 | $ | ||||||||||
| Granted | |||||||||||
| Vested | ( | ||||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | ||||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2019 | $ | ||||||||||
| Granted | |||||||||||
| Vested | ( | ||||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | ||||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2020 | $ | ||||||||||
| Granted | |||||||||||
| Vested | ( | ||||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | ||||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2021 | $ | ||||||||||
Information with respect to non-vested performance-based restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2021 was as follows:
| Number of Performance-based Restricted Stock Units | Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value | Shares Retained to Cover Statutory Minimum Withholding Taxes | |||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2018 | $ | ||||||||||
| Granted | |||||||||||
| Vested | ( | ||||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | ||||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2019 | $ | ||||||||||
| Granted | |||||||||||
| Vested | ( | ||||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | ||||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2020 | $ | ||||||||||
| Granted | |||||||||||
| Vested | ( | ||||||||||
| Forfeited | |||||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2021 | $ | ||||||||||
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The weighted-average grant date fair value of time and performance-based restricted stock units granted during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 was $22.54 , $7.05 , and $7.28 , respectively. The total weighted-average fair value of time and performance-based restricted stock units vested during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 was $12.8 million, $9.5 million, and $8.1 million, respectively.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
On February 27, 2008, the board of directors approved our Second Amended and Restated 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). On May 27, 2008 our stockholders approved an increase of the number of shares of our common stock authorized for issuance under the Second Amended and Restated ESPP from 1,700,000 to 2,500,000 shares. In May 2018, we registered an aggregate of 650,000 of our shares of $0.01 par value per share common stock, which have been authorized and reserved for issuance under the Avid Technology, Inc. Second Amended and Restated ESPP.
Our Second Amended and Restated ESPP offers our shares for purchase at a price equal to 85 % of the closing price on the applicable offering period termination date. Shares issued under the ESPP are considered compensatory. Accordingly, we are required to measure fair value and record compensation expense for share purchase rights granted under the ESPP. In July 2015, the board of directors approved an amendment to the ESPP to change the subscription period from to six months and accordingly to adjust the payroll cap to $5,000 per plan period. A total of 492,194 shares remained available for issuance under the ESPP at December 31, 2021.
We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the fair value of shares issued under the ESPP. The Black-Scholes model relies on a number of key assumptions to calculate estimated fair values. The following table sets forth the weighted-average key assumptions and fair value results for shares issued under the ESPP during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Expected dividend yield | |||||||||||||||||
| Risk-free interest rate | |||||||||||||||||
| Expected volatility | |||||||||||||||||
| Expected life (in years) | |||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average fair value of shares issued (per share) | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
The following table sets forth the quantities and average prices of shares issued under the ESPP for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Shares issued under the ESPP | |||||||||||||||||
| Average price of shares issued | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
We did not realize a material tax benefit from the tax deductions for stock option exercises, vested restricted stock units and shares issued under the ESPP during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, or 2019.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
The following table sets forth Stock-based compensation expense by award type for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively (in thousands):
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| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation expense by type: | |||||||||||||||||
| Time-based Restricted Stock Units | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Performance-based Restricted Stock Units | |||||||||||||||||
| ESPP | |||||||||||||||||
| Total Share-based compensation expense | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation was included in the following captions in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Marketing and selling expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2021, there was $17.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock-based compensation awards granted under our stock-based compensation plans. We expect this amount to be amortized approximately as follows: $9.6 million in 2022, $5.8 million in 2023, and $1.7 million in 2024. At December 31, 2021, the weighted-average recognition period of the unrecognized compensation cost was approximately 1.1 years.
M. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Employee Benefit Plans
We have a Section 401(k) plan, which we refer to as the 401(k) plan, that covers substantially all U.S. employees. The 401(k) plan allows employees to make contributions up to a specified percentage of their compensation. We may, upon resolution by our board of directors, make discretionary contributions to the plan. Our contributions to the 401(k) plan totaled $0.7 million in 2021, $0.5 million in 2020, and $1.6 million in 2019.
In addition, we have various retirement and post-employment plans covering certain international employees. Certain plans allow us to match employee contributions up to a specified percentage as defined by the plans. Our contributions to these plans totaled $1.4 million, $1.4 million, and $1.3 million in 2021, 2020, and 2019 respectively.
Deferred Compensation Plans
We maintain a nonqualified deferred compensation plan (the “Deferred Plan”). The Deferred Plan covers senior management and members of the board of directors. In November 2013, the board of directors determined to indefinitely suspend the Deferred Plan and not offer participants the opportunity to participate in the Deferred Plan as of 2014. The benefits payable under the Deferred Plan represent an unfunded and unsecured contractual obligation to pay the value of the deferred compensation in the future, adjusted to reflect deemed investment performance. Payouts are generally made upon termination of employment with us. The assets of the Deferred Plan, as well as the corresponding obligations, were approximately $0.1 million and $0.3 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and were recorded in “other current assets” and “accrued compensation and benefits” at those dates.
In connection with the acquisition of a business in 2010, we assumed the assets and liabilities of a deferred compensation arrangement for a single individual in Germany. The arrangement represents a contractual obligation to pay a fixed value, periodically adjusted for inflation, and paid in euros for a period specified in the contract. In connection with the acquisition of Orad, we assumed the assets and liabilities of a deferred compensation arrangement for employees in Israel. Our assets and
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N. INCOME TAXES
The CARES Act includes several income tax provisions such as net operating loss (“NOL”) carryback and carryforward benefits and other tax deduction benefits. As noted previously, the U.S. deferred tax asset has a full valuation; accordingly, these NOL and other benefit provisions had no impact on our financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The CARES Act accelerates the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) credit refund originally enacted by the TCJA. At December 31, 2020, we had received the cash from the Internal Revenue Service associated with this refund receivable which had been recorded as a long-term asset at December 31, 2019.
Income (loss) before income taxes and the components of the income tax provision (benefit) consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from operations before income taxes: | |||||||||||||||||
| United States | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Total income from operations before income taxes | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Provision for (Benefit from) income taxes: | |||||||||||||||||
| Current tax expense (benefit): | |||||||||||||||||
| Federal | $ | $ | $ | ( | |||||||||||||
| State | |||||||||||||||||
| Foreign benefit of net operating losses | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Other foreign | |||||||||||||||||
| Total current tax expense | |||||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax (benefit) expense: | |||||||||||||||||
| Federal | |||||||||||||||||
| Other foreign | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Total deferred tax (benefit) expense | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Total provision for (benefit from) income taxes | $ | $ | $ | ( | |||||||||||||
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Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) consisted of the following at December 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| Deferred tax assets: | |||||||||||
| Tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Allowances for bad debts | |||||||||||
| Difference in accounting for: | |||||||||||
| Revenues | |||||||||||
| Costs and expenses | |||||||||||
| Inventories | |||||||||||
| Acquired intangible assets | |||||||||||
| Long-term lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Gross deferred tax assets | |||||||||||
| Valuation allowance | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance | |||||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Difference in accounting for: | |||||||||||
| Revenues | |||||||||||
| Costs and expenses | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Inventories | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Right of use asset | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Gross deferred tax liabilities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net deferred tax assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Recorded as: | |||||||||||
| Deferred tax assets, net | |||||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities, net | |||||||||||
| Net deferred tax assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the net tax effects of the tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards and the temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The ultimate realization of the net deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of sufficient future taxable income in the applicable tax jurisdictions. During the year ended December 31, 2019 we determined that our Irish subsidiary has reached a level of sustained profitability sufficient enough to release a significant portion of the valuation allowance on its net operating loss carryforward. Accordingly, we reversed a $6.0 million valuation allowance against the Irish subsidiary’s net operating loss carryforward deferred tax asset. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2019 we completed a legal entity reorganization that reduced the number of our German subsidiaries. This reorganization allowed us to reverse a valuation allowance on the net operating loss carryforward deferred tax asset of one of the surviving German entities resulting in an increase to the deferred tax asset, net of a provision for related uncertain tax position, of $1.5 million. Management believes the remaining deferred tax assets, based largely on the history of U.S. tax losses, warrant a valuation allowance based on the weight of available negative evidence.
For U.S. federal and state income tax purposes at December 31, 2021, we had tax credit carryforwards of $47.7 million, which will expire between 2022 and 2041, and net operating loss carryforwards of $704.9 million, the majority of which will expire between 2022 and 2037.
The federal net operating loss and tax credit amounts are subject to annual limitations under Section 382 change of ownership rules of the Internal Revenue Code. We completed an assessment at December 31, 2020 regarding whether there may have been a
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Section 382 ownership change and concluded that it is more likely than not that none of our net operating loss and tax credit amounts are subject to any Section 382 limitation. Our Section 382 conclusion remains unchanged at December 31, 2021.
Additionally, we have foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $93.3 million and capital loss carryforwards of $1.5 million, each with an indefinite carryforward period and tax credit carryforwards of $6.1 million that begin to expire in 2030. We have determined there is uncertainty regarding the realization of a portion of these assets and have recorded a valuation allowance against $62.1 million of net operating losses, $1.5 million of capital losses and $6.1 million of tax credits at December 31, 2021.
Our assessment of the valuation allowance on the U.S. and foreign deferred tax assets could change in the future based on our levels of pre-tax income and other tax related adjustments. Reversal of the valuation allowance in whole or in part would result in a non-cash reduction in income tax expense during the period of reversal.
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of our income tax provision (benefit) to the statutory U.S. federal tax amount for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Statutory tax | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Tax credits utilized and expired | |||||||||||||||||
| Foreign operations | |||||||||||||||||
| Change in uncertain tax positions | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-deductible expenses and other | |||||||||||||||||
| Stock based compensation | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Non-deductible executive compensation | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-taxable income from PPP loan forgiveness | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Change in valuation allowance | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | $ | $ | $ | ( | |||||||||||||
The increase in our statutory tax is driven by the increase in our income from operations before taxes. The change in our tax credits is driven by expiring U.S. research and development tax credits exceeding current year tax credits generated. Changes in the jurisdictional mix of our foreign profitability drives the change in the taxes on foreign operations. The changes in our uncertain tax positions relates to the 2020 settlement of an audit issue in our Israel subsidiary. The change in our stock-based compensation was related to the increased deduction resulting from the increase in the market value of our stock compared to the book expense determined at the grant date. The increase in the non-deductible compensation was primarily related to the increased value of stock compensation awarded to our executives. An additional new line item is added in 2021 for the benefit related to the non-taxable income from the forgiveness of the PPP loan. The 2021 and 2020 decreases in our valuation allowance were primarily driven by the decreases of U.S. deferred tax assets and in 2019 by reversal of valuation allowances on our foreign net operating loss carryforwards. In 2019, we have determined that our Irish subsidiary reached a level of sustained profitability sufficient enough to release a significant portion of the valuation allowance on its net operating loss carryforward. Accordingly, we recorded a $6.0 million benefit related to a valuation allowance against the Irish subsidiary net operating loss carryforward deferred tax asset. Additionally, the reorganization of our German subsidiaries allowed us to reverse a valuation allowance on the net operating loss carryforward deferred tax asset of one of the surviving German entities. We recorded a gross benefit of $12.6 million for this release and correspondingly recorded an $11.1 million charge for a related uncertain tax position resulting in a net benefit of $1.5 million.
As a result of TCJA and the current U.S. taxation of deemed repatriated earnings, the additional taxes that might be payable upon repatriation of foreign earnings are not significant. However, we do not have any current plans to repatriate these earnings because the underlying cash will be used to fund the ongoing operations of the foreign subsidiaries.
A tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained before being recognized in the financial statements. It also requires the accrual of interest and penalties as applicable on unrecognized tax positions. At December 31, 2019, our unrecognized tax benefits and related accrued interest and penalties related to an audit issue at our subsidiary in Israel in the amount of $1.8 million, of which $1.8 million would affect our income tax provision and effective tax rate if recognized. During 2019 we had an increase in our unrecognized tax positions of $11.1 million related to our German subsidiary net operating loss carryforward; this increase
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relates to the German subsidiary’s legal entity reorganization mentioned above. During 2020, we reversed the accrual for the unrecognized tax position related to the audit issue at our subsidiary in Israel due to the settlement of the issue. The total decreases to the value of our unrecognized tax benefits during 2020, including the impacts of any foreign currency revaluations, were $(0.8 ) million. The balance of the unrecognized benefit at December 31,2020 relates only to the unrecognized tax position related to our German subsidiary net operating loss carryforward. During 2021, we had an decrease in our unrecognized tax positions of $(0.5 ) million of which $0.4 million related to a withholding tax issue in our Irish subsidiary and $(0.9) million related to foreign currency revaluations. The entire balance at December 31, 2021 would not affect our income tax provision or effective rate if recognized.
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in thousands):
Unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2019 | $ | ||||
| Increases for tax positions taken during a prior period | |||||
Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2019 | |||||
| Decreases for tax positions taken during a prior period | ( | ||||
Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2020 | |||||
| Decreases for tax positions taken during a prior period | ( | ||||
Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2021 | $ | ||||
We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. There were no accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2021 and 2020.
The tax years 2010 and forward remain open to examination by taxing authorities in the jurisdictions in which we operate. The most significant operating jurisdictions include: the United States, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Israel, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
O. RESTRUCTURING COSTS AND ACCRUALS
2016 Restructuring Plan
In February 2016, we committed to a restructuring plan that encompassed a series of measures intended to allow us to more efficiently operate in a leaner, more directed cost structure. These included reductions in our workforce, consolidation of facilities, transfers of certain business processes to lower cost regions, and reductions in other third-party services costs.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded restructuring costs of $0.6 million. The restructuring charges for the year ended December 31, 2019 included $0.6 million of severance costs related to approximately 54 positions eliminated during 2019.
2020 Restructuring Plan
In October 2020, we committed to a restructuring plan in order to undergo a strategic reorganization of our business. We are making significant changes in business operations to better support our strategy and overall performance.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recorded restructuring costs of $1.1 million. The restructuring charges for the year ended December 31, 2021 were a result of severance costs related to approximately 24 positions eliminated during 2021.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded restructuring costs of $5 million. The restructuring charges for the year ended December 31, 2020 were a result of severance costs related to approximately 93 positions eliminated during 2020.
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Restructuring Summary
The following table sets forth restructuring expenses recognized for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Employee | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Facility | |||||||||||||||||
| Total facility and employee charges | |||||||||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||||||||
| Total restructuring charges, net | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
The following table sets forth the activity in the restructuring accruals for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in thousands).
| Employee- Related | Facilities- Related | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Accrual balance at December 31, 2018 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring charges and revisions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash payments | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange impact on ending balance | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Effect of adoption of ASC 842 | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||
Accrual balance at December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring charges and revisions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash payments | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange impact on ending balance | ||||||||||||||||||||
Accrual balance at December 31, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring charges and revisions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash payments | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange impact on ending balance | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
Current accrual balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
The employee-related accruals at December 31, 2021 represent severance costs to former employees that will be paid out within 12 months, and are, therefore, included in the caption “accrued expenses and other current liabilities” in our consolidated balance sheets.
P. REVENUE
Revenue Components and Performance Obligations
Subscription Services
We offer subscription versions of many of our software products with monthly, annual and multi-year terms. While we are beginning to offer subscription versions for most of our product portfolio in connection with our cloud strategy, current subscription sales primarily consist of our Media Composer, Pro Tools, and Sibelius offerings. We sell these products to
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customers under standard terms and conditions and payment is due upfront, except for webstore transactions which are billed monthly. Contract assets for annual and multi-year subscriptions billed monthly are recorded on our balance sheet upon customer commitment, net of expected early cancellations where we estimate variable consideration based on historical experience. Subscription services have several performance obligations, including a right to use the software and stand-ready performance obligations to (i) provide unspecified bug fixes and software enhancements, or Software Updates, and (ii) call support when and if needed. The estimated SSP of the right to use the licensed software is recognized at a point in time once control has been transferred and the customer has the ability to access the software. Stand-ready performance obligations related to Software Updates and call support are satisfied over time and revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the subscription.
Maintenance Services
We offer maintenance contracts, which are typically annual, for our integrated solutions. Maintenance contracts for individual products are sold bundled with initial product offerings or as renewals once initial contracts have lapsed. Maintenance contracts are also sold on an enterprise basis where a customer purchases maintenance for all Avid products owned. Maintenance contracts are provided under our standard terms and conditions and payment is due in advance of the maintenance being provided. Maintenance contracts include stand-ready performance obligations to provide (i) Software Updates, (ii) call support, and (iii) hardware maintenance. Maintenance contract performance obligations are satisfied over time and revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the contract.
Historically, for many of our products, we had an ongoing practice of making when-and-if-available Software Updates available to customers free of charge for a period of time after initial sales to customers. The expectation created by this practice represents an implied performance obligation of a form of post-contract maintenance support (“Implied Maintenance Release PCS”) which represents a performance obligation. While we have ceased providing Implied Maintenance Release PCS on new product offerings, we continue to provide Implied Maintenance Release PCS for older products that were predominately sold in prior years. Revenue attributable to Implied Maintenance Release PCS performance obligations is recognized over time on a ratable basis over the period that Implied Maintenance Release PCS is expected to be provided, which is typically six years.
Integrated Solutions
We offer a wide range of video and audio products and solutions. Our video solutions consist of storage and workflow solutions, our media management solutions, and our video creative tools, which include our Media Composer, NEXIS, Airspeed, Maestro, and MediaCentral product lines that consist of software licenses or integrated hardware and software solutions. . Our audio solutions consist of sales of digital audio software and workstation solutions and our control surfaces, consoles and live-sound systems, which include our Pro Tools, Pro Tools HD, Pro Tools | S6, VENUE | S6L, and Sibelius product lines that consist of software licenses or integrated hardware and software solutions. We sell these products to customers under a contract or signed quote and payment terms are generally 30 to 60 days from delivery. Each individual product sold to a customer represents a distinct performance obligation for us and revenue is recognized at the point in time when control of the product transfers, which is typically when the product is shipped to the customer or, in the case of certain software licenses, when the software license term commences and is accessible by the customer.
Professional Services, Training, and Other
We sell a variety of professional services, training, and other services that complement product and maintenance offerings. Professional services consist primarily of standard configuration, commissioning (i.e., setting up equipment purchased) and on-air support (i.e., monitoring a customer’s production environment available during initial system go-live, live sporting events, etc.) and providing customization services for some of our products. We also offer training and certification programs for many of our products and workflows. Other revenues include shipping and handling charges and reimbursable travel expenses. We sell professional services, training and other services under a contract or signed quote, and for larger projects, statements of work that outline the customer’s specifications and requirements. Services are primarily sold on a time and materials basis, however, fixed fee arrangements are also executed from time to time. Payments are generally billed upon completion of the service or, for larger projects, on an installment basis as services are rendered. While the nature of service deliverables can vary significantly, each service deliverable generally represents a distinct performance obligation and revenue is recognized over time, typically in proportion of the total hours incurred as a percentage of total estimated hours required to complete the project.
Enterprise Agreements
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From time to time, we enter into enterprise wide agreements whereby the customer agrees to purchase specified products and services from us over an extended period of time, often for a single fixed contractual price. For such agreements, management identifies each performance obligation in the contract and allocates the total contract price to each performance obligation based on relative estimated SSP. Once the transaction price is allocated to individual performance obligations, the components are recognized in the respective categories of revenue above consistent with the timing of the recognition of performance obligations described therein.
Disaggregated Revenue and Geography Information
The following is a summary of our revenues by type for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Subscription services | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Maintenance services | |||||||||||||||||
| Integrated solutions | |||||||||||||||||
| Perpetual Licenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Professional services, training and other services | |||||||||||||||||
| Total net revenues | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
The following table sets forth our revenues by geographic region for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||
| United States | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Other Americas | |||||||||||||||||
| Europe, Middle East and Africa | |||||||||||||||||
| Asia-Pacific | |||||||||||||||||
| Total net revenues | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Contract Asset
Contract asset activity for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was as follows (in thousands):
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| Contract asset at beginning of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Revenue in excess of billings | |||||||||||
| Customer billings | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Contract asset at end of period | |||||||||||
| Less: current portion | |||||||||||
| Long-term portion | $ | $ | |||||||||
The increase in contract assets during the year ended December 31, 2021 is due to the timing of payments due under our enterprise network agreements which predominately are payable annually, whereas performance obligations are fulfilled on a continuous basis partially offset by continued growth in our subscription offerings. The long-term portion of contract assets is included in “other long-term assets” in our consolidated balance sheet for the year ended December 31, 2021.
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Deferred revenue activity for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was as follows (in thousands):
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| Deferred revenue at beginning of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Billings deferred | |||||||||||
| Recognition of prior deferred revenue | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Deferred revenue at end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
A summary of the performance obligations included in deferred revenue as of December 31, 2021 is as follows (in thousands):
| December 31, 2021 | |||||
| Product | $ | ||||
| Subscription | |||||
| Maintenance Contracts | |||||
| Implied Maintenance Release PCS | |||||
| Professional services, training and other | |||||
Deferred revenue at December 31, 2021 | $ | ||||
Remaining Performance Obligations
For transaction prices allocated to remaining performance obligations, we apply practical expedients and do not disclose quantitative or qualitative information for remaining performance obligations (i) that have original expected durations of one year or less and (ii) where we recognize revenue equal to what we have the right to invoice and that amount corresponds directly with the value to the customer of our performance to date.
We have remaining performance obligations of $5.8 million attributable to Implied Maintenance Release PCS recorded in deferred revenue as of December 31, 2021. We expect to recognize revenue for these remaining performance obligations of $2.2 million, $1.5 million, $1.0 million, $0.7 million, and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively, and $0.1 million thereafter.
As of December 31, 2021, we had approximately $30.4 million of transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations for certain enterprise agreements that have not yet been invoiced and are therefore not recorded as deferred revenue on our balance sheet. Unbilled remaining performance obligations represent obligations we have to deliver for specific products and services in the future where there is not yet an enforceable right to invoice the customer. Our unbilled remaining performance obligations do not include contractually committed minimum purchases that are common in our strategic purchase agreements with resellers since our specific obligations to deliver products or services is not yet known, as customers may satisfy such commitments by purchasing an unknown combination of current or future product offerings. While the timing of fulfilling individual performance obligations under the contracts can vary dramatically based on customer requirements, we expect to recognize the $35.2 million in installments through 2026.
Remaining performance obligation estimates are subject to change and are affected by several factors, including terminations due to contract breach, contract amendments and changes in the expected timing of delivery.
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Q. LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT AGREEMENT
Long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| Term loan, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and debt discount of $2,059 and $2,579 at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively | $ | $ | |||||||||
| PPP Loan | |||||||||||
| Other long-term debt | |||||||||||
| Total debt | |||||||||||
| Less: current portion | |||||||||||
| Total long-term debt | $ | $ | |||||||||
The following table summarizes the maturities of our borrowing obligations as of December 31, 2021 (in thousands):
| Fiscal Year | Term Loan | Other Long-Term Debt | Total | |||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Thereafter | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total before unamortized discount | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: unamortized discount and issuance costs | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
Less: current portion of long-term debt | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||
| Total long-term debt | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
Credit Agreement
On January 5, 2021, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as collateral and administrative agent, and a syndicate of banks, as lenders thereunder (the “Lenders”). Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Lenders agreed to provide the Company with (a) a term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $180.0 million (the “Term Loan”) and (b) a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) of up to a maximum of $70.0 million in borrowings outstanding at any time. The Credit Facility, which was undrawn at closing, can be used for working capital, other general corporate purposes and for other permitted uses. The proceeds from the Term Loan, plus available cash on hand, were used to repay outstanding borrowings in the principal amount of $201 million under the Company’s prior financing agreement with Cerberus Business Finance, LLC, which was then terminated. As a result of this termination, the Company incurred a loss on extinguishment of debt of $3.7 million as a result of writing off $2.6 million of remaining unamortized issuance costs as well as a $1.1 million prepayment penalty.
The Company and its subsidiary Avid Technology Worldwide, Inc. granted a security interest on substantially all of their assets to secure the obligations under the Credit Facility and the Term Loan.
The Term Loan had an initial interest rate of LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 3.00%, with a 0.25% LIBOR floor. The applicable margin for LIBOR loans under the Credit Agreement ranged from 2.00% to 3.25%, depending on the Company’s total net leverage ratio. The effective interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2021 was 2.99%.
The Term Loan required quarterly principal payments which commenced in March 2021 equal to 5.0% of the original principal amount of the Term Loan in years one and two, 7.5% of the original principal amount of the Term Loan in year three, and 10% of
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the original principal amount of the Term Loan in years four and five, with the remaining aggregate principal amount due at maturity.
The Credit Agreement contained two financial covenants: (i) a requirement to maintain a total net leverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, of no more than 4.00 to 1.00 through June 30, 2021, with step downs thereafter, and (ii) a requirement to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, of no less than 1.20 to 1.00. Both the Term Loan and the revolving Credit Facility were to mature on January 5, 2026. We were in compliance with the Credit Agreement covenants as of December 31, 2021.
In connection with the Credit Agreement, the Company incurred $2.5 million of issuance discounts and an immaterial amount of issuance costs. The Term Loan discount and issuance costs will be amortized over the five year life of the Credit Agreement. We recorded $5.3 million of interest expense on the Term Loan for the year ended December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2021, there were no amounts drawn under the Credit Facility.
Subsequent Event
On February 25, 2022, the Company executed an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “A&R Credit Agreement) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and the Lenders. The A&R Credit Agreement extended the term of the Term Loan by approximately one year to February 25, 2027, reduced the applicable interest rate margins by 0.25%, removed the LIBOR floor, moved the reference rate from LIBOR to SOFR, reset the principal amortization schedule, eliminated the fixed charge coverage ratio. The A&R Credit Agreement also requires the Company to maintain a total net leverage ratio of no more than 4.00 to 1.00 initially, with step downs thereafter. Other terms of the A&R Credit Agreement remain substantially the same as the Credit Agreement.
PPP Loan
On May 11, 2020, the Company received $7.8 million of proceeds in connection with its incurrence of a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) which was created through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Act (“CARES Act”) and is administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”). On July 6, 2021, the Company received notification from the Lender that the SBA approved the Company’s PPP loan forgiveness application for the entire PPP loan balance of $7.8 million plus all accrued interest. The Company recorded the forgiveness of $7.8 million of principal as a gain on forgiveness of debt, included in the Statements of Operations as other income.
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R. QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
The following information has been derived from unaudited consolidated financial statements that, in the opinion of management, include all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of such information.
| (In thousands, except per share data) | Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dec. 31 | Sept. 30 | June 30 | Mar. 31 | Dec. 31 | Sept. 30 | June 30 | Mar. 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Research and development | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marketing and selling | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring costs (recoveries), net | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (1,609) | (1,646) | (1,783) | (2,118) | (4,565) | (4,566) | (5,616) | (5,255) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) per share – basic | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) per share – diluted | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding – diluted | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not Applicable.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation and supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified under SEC rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2021. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2021, these disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable level of assurance.
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by our board of directors, management, and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP and includes those policies and procedures that:
(1)pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
(2)provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and
(3)provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of inherent limitations, no matter how well designed and operated, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of internal control over financial reporting must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have performed an evaluation of our internal control over financial
reporting under the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The objective of this assessment was to determine whether our internal control over
financial reporting was effective at December 31, 2021. Based on the results of this evaluation, we have concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective at December 31, 2021.
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Our independent registered public accounting firm, BDO USA, LLP, has audited our consolidated financial statements and has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, which report is included herein.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitation on the Effectiveness of Internal Controls
The effectiveness of any system of internal control over financial reporting is subject to inherent limitations, including the exercise of judgment in designing, implementing, operating, and evaluating the controls and procedures, and the inability to eliminate misconduct completely. Accordingly, any system of internal control over financial reporting can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurances. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. We intend to continue to monitor and upgrade our internal controls as necessary or appropriate for our business, but cannot assure that such improvements will be sufficient to provide us with effective internal control over financial reporting.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Stockholders and Board of Directors
Avid Technology, Inc.
Burlington, Massachusetts
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Avid Technology, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the “Company’s”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO criteria”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ deficit, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes and our report dated March 1, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Item 9A, “Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting”. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ BDO USA, LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
March 1, 2022
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ITEM 9B.OTHER INFORMATION
Not Applicable.
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not Applicable.
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PART III
ITEM 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to all our employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer. We will provide any person, without charge, with a copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics upon written request to Avid, 75 Network Drive, Burlington, MA 01803, Attention: Corporate Secretary. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is also available in the Investor Relations section of our website at www.avid.com. If we were to amend or waive any provision of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to any of our principal executive officers, our principal financial officer, our principal accounting officer, or any person performing similar functions, we intend to satisfy our disclosure obligations with respect to any such waiver or amendment by posting such information on our Internet website set forth above rather than by filing a Form 8-K.
The remainder of the response to this item will be contained in our Proxy Statement for our 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, or the 2022 Proxy Statement, under the captions “Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Delinquent 16(a) Reports,” “Board Committees,” and “Director Nomination Process,” all of which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The response to this item will be contained in our 2022 Proxy Statement under the captions “Director Compensation,” “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation Committee Report,” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The response to this item will be contained in our 2022 Proxy Statement under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and is incorporated herein by reference.
The disclosures required for securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans will be contained in the 2022 Proxy Statement under the caption “Equity Compensation Plan Information” and are incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The response to this item will be contained in our 2022 Proxy Statement under the captions “Board Committees” and “Related Person Transaction Policy” and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The response to this item will be contained in our 2022 Proxy Statement under the caption “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees” and is incorporated herein by reference.
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PART IV
ITEM 15.EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
| (a) 1. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||||
The following consolidated financial statements are included in Item 8:
- Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms
- Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019
- Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019
- Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020
- Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019
- Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019
- Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
| (a) 3. | LISTING OF EXHIBITS. The list of exhibits, which are filed or furnished with this report or are incorporated herein by reference, is set forth in the Exhibit Index immediately preceding the exhibits and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||||
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EXHIBIT INDEX
| Incorporated by Reference | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exhibit No. | Description | Filed with this Form 10-K | Form or Schedule | SEC Filing Date | SEC File Number | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.1 | 8-K | July 27, 2005 | 000-21174 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.2 | 10-Q | November 14, 2005 | 000-21174 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.3 | 8-K | October 21, 2011 | 000-21174 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.4 | 10-K | March 9, 2020 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.1 | Specimen Certificate representing the Registrant’s Common Stock | S-1 | March 11, 1993* | 033-57796 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.2 | 8-K | January 7, 2014 | 000-21174 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.3 | 10-K | March 9, 2020 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.1 | 8-K | November 25, 2009 | 000-21174 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.2 | 8-K | November 25, 2009 | 000-21174 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.3 | 10-K | February 29, 2008 | 000-21174 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.4 | 10-K | March 16, 2010 | 000-21174 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.5 | 10-K | September 12, 2014 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.6 | 1997 Stock Option Plan | 10-K | March 27, 1998 | 000-21174 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.7 | 1997 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended | 10-Q | May 14, 1997 | 000-21174 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.8 | 10-K | February 29, 2008 | 000-21174 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.9 | 10-K | March 16, 2005 | 000-21174 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.10 | 10-K | March 16, 2005 | 000-21174 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.11 | 10-Q | August 7, 2008 | 000-21174 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.12 | 10-K | September 12, 2014 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.13 | 10-K | September 12, 2014 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.14 | 10-K | September 12, 2014 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| #10.15 | 8-K | July 8, 2008 | 000-21174 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.16 | 8-K | July 8, 2008 | 000-21174 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.17 | 8-K | July 8, 2008 | 000-21174 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.18 | 8-K | July 8, 2008 | 000-21174 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.19 | 8-K | February 21, 2007 | 000-21174 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.20 | 8-K | February 21, 2007 | 000-21174 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.21 | 10-K | March 16, 2015 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.22 | 10-K | March 16, 2015 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.23 | 10-K | March 16, 2015 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.24 | 10-K | March 16, 2015 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.25 | 10-K | February 29, 2012 | 000-21174 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.26 | 10-K | September 12, 2014 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.27 | 8-K | July 25, 2013 | 000-21174 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.28 | 10-Q | September 23, 2014 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.29 | 8-K | April 13, 2015 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.30 | 8-K | April 13, 2015 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.31 | 10-Q | May 8, 2015 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.32 | 8-K/A | June 16, 2015 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.33 | 8-K/A | June 16, 2015 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10.34 | 10-Q | November 6, 2015 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.35 | 10-K | March 15, 2016 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.36 | 8-K | March 20, 2017 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.37 | 8-K | February 21, 2018 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.38 | 10-K | March 16, 2018 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.39 | 10-K | March 16, 2018 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.40 | 8-K | May 15, 2018 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.41 | 8-K | December 7, 2018 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.42 | 8-K | December 7, 2018 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.43 | 8-K | April 11, 2019 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.44 | 8-K | May 7, 2020 | 001-35254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.45 | 10-Q | May 7, 2020 | 001-35254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.46 | 10-Q | May 7, 2020 | 001-35254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.47 | 10-Q | May 7, 2020 | 001-35254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.48 | 10-Q | May 7, 2020 | 001-35254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.49 | 8-K | May 19, 2020 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.50 | 8-K | January 5, 2021 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 10.51 | 8-K | March 17, 2021 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.52 | 8-K | September 10, 2021 | 001-36254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.53 | X | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 21 | X | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 23.1 | X | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 31.1 | X | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 31.2 | X | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 32.1 | X | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| **101.INS | XBRL Instance Document | X | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| **101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | X | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| **101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document | X | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| **101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document | X | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| **101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document | X | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| **101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document | X | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
______________________________________
| # | Management contract or compensatory plan identified pursuant to Item 15(a)3. | |||||||
| * | Effective date of Form S-1. | |||||||
| ** | Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information is deemed not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections. | |||||||
93
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
AVID TECHNOLOGY, INC.
(Registrant)
| By: | /s/ Jeff Rosica | ||||
| Jeff Rosica President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | |||||
| Date: | March 1, 2022 | ||||
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| By: | /s/ Jeff Rosica | By: | /s/ Kenneth Gayron | By: | /s/ Garrard Brown | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Jeff Rosica President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | Kenneth Gayron Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) | Garrard Brown Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date: | March 1, 2022 | Date: | March 1, 2022 | Date: | March 1, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||
94
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
NAME | TITLE | DATE | ||||||||||||
| /s/ Peter Westley | ||||||||||||||
| Peter Westley | Chairman of the Board of Directors | March 1, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| /s/ Jeff Rosica | ||||||||||||||
| Jeff Rosica | President and Chief Executive Officer | March 1, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| /s/ Christian A. Asmar | ||||||||||||||
| Christian A. Asmar | Director | March 1, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| /s/ Robert M. Bakish | ||||||||||||||
| Robert M. Bakish | Director | March 1, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| /s/ Paula E. Boggs | ||||||||||||||
| Paula E. Boggs | Director | March 1, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| /s/ Elizabeth M. Daley | ||||||||||||||
| Elizabeth M. Daley | Director | March 1, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| /s/ Nancy Hawthorne | ||||||||||||||
| Nancy Hawthorne | Director | March 1, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| /s/ Michelle Munson | ||||||||||||||
| Michelle Munson | Director | March 1, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| /s/ Daniel B. Silvers | ||||||||||||||
| Daniel B. Silvers | Director | March 1, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| /s/ John P. Wallace | ||||||||||||||
| John P. Wallace | Director | March 1, 2022 | ||||||||||||
95
EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATION
I, Jeff Rosica, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Avid Technology, Inc.;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant's other certifying officer 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 the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
| Date: | March 1, 2022 | /s/ Jeff Rosica | |||||||||||||||
| Jeff Rosica | |||||||||||||||||
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | |||||||||||||||||
EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATION
I, Kenneth Gayron, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Avid Technology, Inc.;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant's other certifying officer 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 the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
| Date: | March 1, 2022 | /s/ Kenneth Gayron | |||||||||||||||
| Kenneth Gayron | |||||||||||||||||
| Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | |||||||||||||||||
| (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 Annual Report on Form 10-K of Avid Technology, Inc. (the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2021 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned, Jeff Rosica, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Kenneth Gayron, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:
(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 1, 2022 | /s/ Jeff Rosica | ||||||||||||
| Jeff Rosica | ||||||||||||||
| President and Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||||||||
| (Principal Executive Officer) | ||||||||||||||
| Date: | March 1, 2022 | /s/ Kenneth Gayron | ||||||||||||
| Kenneth Gayron | ||||||||||||||
| Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||||||||
| (Principal Financial Officer) | ||||||||||||||
A certification furnished pursuant to this item will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78r), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.
EXHIBIT 21
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2021
AVID SYSTEMS, INC. (California)
AVID CV LLC (Delaware)
AVID TECHNOLOGY WORLDWIDE, INC. (Delaware)
AVID TECHNOLOGY (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD (Australia)
AVID TECHNOLOGY CANADA CORP. (Canada)
AVID TECHNOLOGY (BEIJING) CO., LTD (China)
AVID TECHNOLOGY EUROPE LIMITED (England)
INTEGRATED BROADCAST SERVICES LIMITED (IBIS) (England)
IVSM LIMITED (England)
AVID TECHNOLOGY S.A.R.L. (France)
GETRIS SAS (France)
AVID TECHNOLOGY GMBH (Germany)
AVID TECHNOLOGY HOLDING GMBH (Germany)
AVID NORTH ASIA LIMITED (Hong Kong)
AVID TECHNOLOGY (INDIA) PRIVATE LIMITED (India)
JIM LTD. (Israel)
ORAD HI-TEC SYSTEMS LTD. (Israel)
ORADNET LTD. (Israel)
AVID TECHNOLOGY K.K. (Japan)
AVID TECHNOLOGY MEXICO, S. DE R.L. DE C.V. (Mexico)
AVID GENERAL PARTNER B.V. (Netherlands)
AVID TECHNOLOGY C.V. (Netherlands)
AVID TECHNOLOGY HOLDING B.V. (Netherlands)
AVID TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL B.V. (Netherlands)
ORAD NETHERLANDS B.V. (Netherlands)
AVID TECHNOLOGY POLAND SP. Z.O.O (Poland)
AVID TECHNOLOGY (S.E. ASIA) PTE LTD (Singapore)
AVID TECHNOLOGY S.L. (Spain)
ORAD HI-TEC SYSTEMS IBERIA SL (Spain)
AVID NORDIC A.B. (Sweden)
AVID TECHNOLOGY SERVICES TAIWAN CO., LTD (Taiwan)
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Avid Technology, Inc.
Burlington, Massachusetts
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-42569, 333-56631, 333-60181, 333-73321, 333-87539, 333-33674, 333-37952, 333-48338, 333-48340, 333-64016, 333-75470, 333-151202, 333-200139, 333-218677, 333-225279, 333-256257) of Avid Technology, Inc. of our reports dated March 1, 2022, relating to the consolidated financial statements, and the effectiveness of Avid Technology, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting, which appear in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
/s/ BDO USA, LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
March 1, 2022
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AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of February 25, 2022 among AVID TECHNOLOGY, INC. The Lenders Party Hereto JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. as Administrative Agent and CITIZENS BANK, N.A. PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION SILICON VALLEY BANK and TRUIST BANK as Co-Syndication Agents | ||||||||
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. CITIZENS BANK, N.A. PNC CAPITAL MARKETS LLC SILICON VALLEY BANK and TRUIST SECURITIES, INC. as Joint Bookrunners and Joint Lead Arrangers | ||||||||
|US-DOCS\128030525.7||
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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SCHEDULES: | ||
| Schedule 2.01 – Commitments | ||
| Schedule 3.01 – Subsidiaries | ||
| Schedule 3.06 – Disclosed Matters | ||
| Schedule 6.01 – Existing Indebtedness | ||
| Schedule 6.02 – Existing Liens | ||
EXHIBITS: | ||
| Exhibit A – Form of Assignment and Assumption | ||
| Exhibit B – Form of Opinion of Loan Parties’ Counsel | ||
| Exhibit C – List of Closing Documents | ||
| Exhibit D-1 – Form of U.S. Tax Certificate (Non-U.S. Lenders That Are Not Partnerships) | ||
| Exhibit D-2 – Form of U.S. Tax Certificate (Non-U.S. Lenders That Are Partnerships) | ||
| Exhibit D-3 – Form of U.S. Tax Certificate (Non-U.S. Participants That Are Not Partnerships) | ||
| Exhibit D-4 – Form of U.S. Tax Certificate (Non-U.S. Participants That Are Partnerships) | ||
| Exhibit E – Form of Increasing Lender Supplement | ||
| Exhibit F – Form of Augmenting Lender Supplement | ||
| Exhibit G-1 – Form of Borrowing Request | ||
| Exhibit G-2 – Form of Interest Election Request | ||
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AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of February 25, 2022 among AVID TECHNOLOGY, INC., the LENDERS from time to time party hereto and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
WHEREAS, the Borrower, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent thereunder, are currently party to the Credit Agreement, dated as of January 5, 2021 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified prior to the date hereof, the “Existing Credit Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the Borrower, the Lenders and the Administrative Agent have agreed to enter into this Agreement in order to (i) amend and restate the Existing Credit Agreement in its entirety; (ii) modify and re-evidence the “Obligations” under, and as defined in, the Existing Credit Agreement, which shall be repayable in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; and (iii) set forth the terms and conditions under which the Lenders will, from time to time, make loans and extend other financial accommodations to or for the benefit of the Borrower;
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the parties hereto that this Agreement not constitute a novation of the obligations and liabilities of the parties under the Existing Credit Agreement or be deemed to evidence or constitute full repayment of such obligations and liabilities, but that this Agreement amend and restate in its entirety the Existing Credit Agreement and modify and re-evidence the obligations and liabilities of the Borrower outstanding thereunder, which shall be payable in accordance with the terms hereof; and
WHEREAS, it is also the intent of the Borrower to confirm that all obligations under the “Loan Documents” (as referred to and defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) shall continue in full force and effect as modified and/or restated by the Loan Documents (as referred to and defined herein) and that, from and after the Effective Date, all references to the “Credit Agreement” contained in any such existing “Loan Documents” shall be deemed to refer to this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereto hereby agree that the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated as follows:
ARTICLE I
Definitions
Definitions
SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:
“ABR”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate. All ABR Loans shall be denominated in Dollars.
“Adjusted Daily Simple RFR” means, (i) with respect to any RFR Borrowing denominated in Pounds Sterling, an interest rate per annum equal to (a) the Daily Simple RFR for Pounds Sterling, plus (b) 0.0326%, and (ii) with respect to any RFR Borrowing denominated in Dollars, an interest rate per annum equal to (a) the Daily Simple RFR for Dollars, plus (b) 0.10%; provided that, if the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR as so determined would be less than the Floor, such rate shall be deemed to be equal to the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement.
“Adjusted EURIBO Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in euro for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum equal to (a) the EURIBO Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate; provided that, if the Adjusted EURIBO Rate as so determined would be less than the Floor, such rate shall be deemed to be equal to the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement.
“Adjusted Term SOFR Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum equal to (a) the Term SOFR Rate for such Interest Period, plus (b) 0.10%; provided that, if the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate as so determined would be less than the Floor, such rate shall be deemed to be equal to the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement.
“Adjusted TIBO Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Japanese Yen for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum equal to (a) the TIBO Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate; provided that, if the Adjusted TIBO Rate as so determined would be less than the Floor, such rate shall be deemed to be equal to the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement.
“Administrative Agent” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (including its branches and affiliates), in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders hereunder.
“Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.
“Affected Financial Institution” means (a) any EEA Financial Institution or (b) any UK Financial Institution.
“Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.
“Agent-Related Person” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.03(d).
“Agreed Currencies” means (i) Dollars, (ii) euro, (iii) Japanese Yen, (iv) Pounds Sterling and (v) any other currency (other than Dollars) (x) that is a lawful currency that is readily available and freely transferable and convertible into Dollars and (y) that is agreed to by the Administrative Agent and each of the Revolving Lenders.
“Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph.
“Alternate Base Rate” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the NYFRB Rate in effect on such day plus ½ of 1% and (c) the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate for a one month Interest Period as published two U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to such day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day) plus 1%; provided that, for the purpose of this definition, the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate for any day shall be based on the Term SOFR Reference Rate at approximately 5:00 a.m., Chicago time, on such day (or any amended publication time for the Term SOFR Reference Rate, as specified by the CME Term SOFR Administrator in the Term SOFR Reference Rate methodology). Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, the NYFRB Rate or the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate, the NYFRB Rate or the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, respectively. If the Alternate Base Rate is being used as an alternate rate of interest pursuant to Section 2.14 (for the avoidance of doubt, only until the Benchmark Replacement has been determined pursuant to Section 2.14(b)), then the Alternate Base Rate shall be the greater of clauses (a) and (b) above and shall be determined without reference to clause (c) above. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Alternate Base Rate as determined pursuant to the foregoing would be less than 1.00%, such rate shall be deemed to be 1.00% for purposes of this Agreement.
“Ancillary Document” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.06.
“Anti-Corruption Laws” means the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the United Kingdom Bribery Act of 2010, as amended.
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“Applicable LC Sublimit” means (i) with respect to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. in its capacity as an Issuing Bank under this Agreement and any of its Affiliates constituting Issuing Banks, $4,210,526.32, (ii) with respect to Citizens Bank, N.A. in its capacity as an Issuing Bank under this Agreement and any of its Affiliates constituting Issuing Banks, $3,947,368.42, (iii) with respect to PNC Bank, National Association in its capacity as an Issuing Bank under this Agreement and any of its Affiliates constituting Issuing Banks, $3,947,368.42, (iv) with respect to Silicon Valley Bank in its capacity as an Issuing Bank under this Agreement and any of its Affiliates constituting Issuing Banks, $3,947,368.42, (v) with respect to Truist Bank in its capacity as an Issuing Bank under this Agreement and any of its Affiliates constituting Issuing Banks, $3,947,368.42 and (vi) with respect to any other Person that becomes an Issuing Bank pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, such amount as agreed to in writing by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and such Person at the time such Person becomes an Issuing Bank pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, as each of the foregoing amounts may be decreased or increased from time to time with the written consent of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Banks (provided that any increase in the Applicable LC Sublimit with respect to any Issuing Bank shall only require the consent of the Borrower and such Issuing Bank).
“Applicable Parties” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.03(c).
“Applicable Percentage” means, with respect to any Lender, (a) with respect to Revolving Loans, LC Exposure or Swingline Loans, the percentage equal to a fraction the numerator of which is such Lender’s Revolving Commitment and the denominator of which is the aggregate Revolving Commitments of all Revolving Lenders (if the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, the Applicable Percentages shall be determined based upon the Revolving Commitments most recently in effect, giving effect to any assignments); provided that, in the case of Section 2.21 when a Defaulting Lender shall exist, any such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment shall be disregarded in the calculation and (b) with respect to the Term Loans, a percentage equal to a fraction the numerator of which is such Lender’s outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans and the denominator of which is the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans of all Term Lenders.
“Applicable Pledge Percentage” means 100%, but 65% in the case of a pledge by the Borrower or any Domestic Subsidiary of its voting Equity Interests in a Foreign Subsidiary.
“Applicable Rate” means, for any day, with respect to any Term Benchmark Loan, any ABR Loan, any RFR Loan or with respect to the commitment fees payable hereunder, as the case may be, the applicable rate per annum set forth below under the caption “Term Benchmark Spread”, “ABR Spread”, “RFR Spread” or “Commitment Fee Rate”, as the case may be, based upon the Total Net Leverage Ratio applicable on such date:
| Total Net Leverage Ratio: | Term Benchmark Spread | ABR Spread | RFR Spread | Commitment Fee Rate | |||||||||||||
Category 1: | < 1.25 to 1.00 | 1.75% | 0.75% | 1.75% | 0.20% | ||||||||||||
Category 2: | ≥ 1.25 to 1.00 but < 1.50 to 1.00 | 2.00% | 1.00% | 2.00% | 0.25% | ||||||||||||
Category 3: | ≥ 1.50 to 1.00 but < 2.00 to 1.00 | 2.25% | 1.25% | 2.25% | 0.30% | ||||||||||||
Category 4: | ≥ 2.00 to 1.00 but < 2.50 to 1.00 | 2.50% | 1.50% | 2.50% | 0.35% | ||||||||||||
Category 5: | ≥ 2.50 to 1.00 but < 3.00 to 1.00 | 2.75% | 1.75% | 2.75% | 0.40% | ||||||||||||
Category 6: | ≥ 3.00 to 1.00 | 3.00% | 2.00% | 3.00% | 0.50% | ||||||||||||
For purposes of the foregoing,
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(i) if at any time the Borrower fails to deliver the Financials on or before the date the Financials are due pursuant to Section 5.01, Category 6 shall be deemed applicable for the period commencing three (3) Business Days after the required date of delivery and ending on the date which is three (3) Business Days after the Financials are actually delivered, after which the Category shall be determined in accordance with the table above as applicable;
(ii) adjustments, if any, to the Category then in effect shall be effective three (3) Business Days after the Administrative Agent has received the applicable Financials (it being understood and agreed that each change in Category shall apply during the period commencing on the effective date of such change and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change); and
(iii) notwithstanding the foregoing, Category 3 shall be deemed to be applicable until the Administrative Agent’s receipt of the Financials for the Borrower’s fiscal year ending on December 31, 2021 and adjustments to the Category then in effect shall thereafter be effected in accordance with the preceding paragraphs.
“Applicable Time” means, with respect to any Borrowings and payments in any Foreign Currency, the local time in the place of settlement for such Foreign Currency as may be determined by the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, to be necessary for timely settlement on the relevant date in accordance with normal banking procedures in the place of payment.
“Approved Electronic Platform” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.03(a).
“Approved Fund” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04.
“Arranger” means each of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Citizens Bank, N.A., PNC Capital Markets LLC and Silicon Valley Bank in its capacity as a joint bookrunner and joint lead arranger hereunder.
“Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption agreement entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 9.04), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in the form of Exhibit A or any other form (including electronic records generated by the use of an electronic platform) approved by the Administrative Agent.
“Augmenting Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.22.
“Availability Period” means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the earlier of the Maturity Date and the date of termination of the Revolving Commitments.
“Available Revolving Commitment” means, at any time with respect to any Lender, the Revolving Commitment of such Lender then in effect minus the Revolving Credit Exposure of such Lender at such time; it being understood and agreed that any Lender’s Swingline Exposure shall not be deemed to be a component of the Revolving Credit Exposure for purposes of calculating the commitment fee under Section 2.12(a).
“Available Tenor” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark for any Agreed Currency, as applicable, any tenor for such Benchmark (or component thereof) or payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark (or component thereof), as applicable, that is or may be used for determining the length of an Interest Period for any term rate or otherwise, for determining any frequency of making payments of interest calculated pursuant to this Agreement as of such date and not including, for the avoidance of doubt, any tenor for such Benchmark that is then-removed from the definition of “Interest Period” pursuant to clause (e) of Section 2.14.
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“Bail-In Action” means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an Affected Financial Institution.
“Bail-In Legislation” means, (a) with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law, regulation, rule or requirement for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, Part I of the United Kingdom Banking Act 2009 (as amended from time to time) and any other law, regulation or rule applicable in the United Kingdom relating to the resolution of unsound or failing banks, investment firms or other financial institutions or their affiliates (other than through liquidation, administration or other insolvency proceedings).
“Banking Services” means each and any of the following bank services provided to the Borrower or any Subsidiary by any Lender or any of its Affiliates: (a) credit cards for commercial customers (including, without limitation, commercial credit cards and purchasing cards), (b) stored value cards, (c) merchant processing services and (d) treasury management services (including, without limitation, controlled disbursement, automated clearinghouse transactions, return items, any direct debit scheme or arrangement, overdrafts and interstate depository network services).
“Banking Services Agreement” means any agreement entered into by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in connection with Banking Services.
“Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code entitled “Bankruptcy”, as now and hereafter in effect, or any successor statute.
“Bankruptcy Event” means, with respect to any Person, such Person becomes the subject of a voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, or has had a receiver, conservator, trustee, administrator, custodian, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with the reorganization or liquidation of its business appointed for it, or, in the good faith determination of the Administrative Agent, has taken any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any such proceeding or appointment or has had any order for relief in such proceeding entered in respect thereof; provided that a Bankruptcy Event shall not result solely by virtue of any ownership interest, or the acquisition of any ownership interest, in such Person by a Governmental Authority or instrumentality thereof, unless such ownership interest results in or provides such Person with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permits such Person (or such Governmental Authority or instrumentality) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made by such Person.
“Benchmark” means, initially, with respect to any (i) RFR Loan in any Agreed Currency, the applicable Relevant Rate for such Agreed Currency or (ii) Term Benchmark Loan, the Relevant Rate for such Agreed Currency; provided that, if a Benchmark Transition Event and the related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to the applicable Relevant Rate or the then-current Benchmark for such Agreed Currency, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate pursuant to clause (b) of Section 2.14.
“Benchmark Replacement” means, for any Available Tenor, the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Administrative Agent for the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date; provided that, in the case of any Loan denominated in a Foreign Currency, “Benchmark Replacement” shall mean the alternative set forth in (2) below:
(1) in the case of any Loan denominated in Dollars, the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR for RFR Borrowings in Dollars;
(2) the sum of: (a) the alternate benchmark rate that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (i) any selection or
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recommendation of a replacement benchmark rate or the mechanism for determining such a rate by the Relevant Governmental Body or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a benchmark rate as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for syndicated credit facilities denominated in the applicable Agreed Currency at such time in the United States and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;
provided that if the Benchmark Replacement as determined pursuant to the foregoing would be less than the Floor, the Benchmark Replacement will be deemed to be the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
“Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means, with respect to any replacement of the then-current Benchmark with an Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for any applicable Interest Period and Available Tenor for any setting of such Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement, the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement by the Relevant Governmental Body on the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date and/or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for syndicated credit facilities denominated in the applicable Agreed Currency at such time.
“Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement and/or any Term Benchmark Revolving Loan denominated in Dollars, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of “Alternate Base Rate,” the definition of “Business Day,” the definition of “U.S. Government Securities Business Day,” the definition of “RFR Business Day,” the definition of “Interest Period,” timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices, length of lookback periods, the applicability of breakage provisions, and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that the Administrative Agent reasonably decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such Benchmark and to permit the administration thereof by the Administrative Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Administrative Agent decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Administrative Agent determines that no market practice for the administration of such Benchmark exists, in such other manner of administration as the Administrative Agent decides is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents).
“Benchmark Replacement Date” means, with respect to any Benchmark, the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to such then-current Benchmark:
(1) in the case of clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (a) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b) the date on which the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or
(2) in the case of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the first date on which such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) has been determined and announced by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) to be no longer representative; provided that such non-representativeness will be determined by reference to the most recent statement or publication referenced in such clause (3) and even if any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) continues to be provided on such date.
For the avoidance of doubt, (i) if the event giving rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the
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Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination and (ii) the “Benchmark Replacement Date” will be deemed to have occurred in the case of clause (1) or (2) with respect to any Benchmark upon the occurrence of the applicable event or events set forth therein with respect to all then-current Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).
“Benchmark Transition Event” means, with respect to any Benchmark, the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to such then-current Benchmark:
(1)a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof), permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof);
(2)a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof), the Board, the NYFRB, the CME Term SOFR Administrator, the central bank for the Agreed Currency applicable to such Benchmark, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component) or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), in each case which states that the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component) has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or
(3)a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) are no longer, or as of a specified future date will no longer be, representative.
For the avoidance of doubt, a “Benchmark Transition Event” will be deemed to have occurred with respect to any Benchmark if a public statement or publication of information set forth above has occurred with respect to each then-current Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).
“Benchmark Unavailability Period” means, with respect to any Benchmark, the period (if any) (x) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date pursuant to clauses (1) or (2) of that definition has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced such then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 2.14 and (y) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced such then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 2.14.
“Beneficial Ownership Certification” means a certification regarding beneficial ownership or control as required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.
“Beneficial Ownership Regulation” means 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230.
“Benefit Plan” means any of (a) an “employee benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) that is subject to Title I of ERISA, (b) a “plan” as defined in Section 4975 of the Code to which Section 4975 of the Code applies, and (c) any Person whose assets include (for purposes of the Plan Asset Regulations or otherwise for purposes of Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) the assets of any such “employee benefit plan” or “plan”.
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“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.
“Board” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America.
“Borrower” means Avid Technology, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
“Borrowing” means (a) Revolving Loans of the same Type, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Term Benchmark Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect, (b) a Term Loan of the same Type, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Term Benchmark Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect or (c) a Swingline Loan.
“Borrowing Request” means a request by the Borrower for a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.03, which shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit G-1 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.
“Burdensome Restrictions” means any consensual encumbrance or restriction of the type described in clause (a) or (b) of Section 6.08.
“Business Day” means any day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which banks are open for business in New York City or Chicago; provided that (i) in relation to Loans denominated in Pounds Sterling, any day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which banks are open for business in London, (ii) in relation to Loans denominated in Japanese Yen and in relation to the calculation or computation of the TIBO Rate, any day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which banks are open for business in Japan, (iii) in relation to Loans denominated in euro and in relation to the calculation or computation of the EURIBO Rate, any day which is a TARGET Day and (iv) in relation to RFR Loans and any interest rate settings, fundings, disbursements, settlements or payments of any such RFR Loan, or any other dealings in the applicable Agreed Currency of such RFR Loan, any such day that is only an RFR Business Day.
“Capital Lease Obligations” of any Person means the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as capital leases or financing leases on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP, and the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP.
“CBR Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate determined by reference to the Central Bank Rate.
“CBR Spread” means the Applicable Rate applicable to such Loan that is replaced by a CBR Loan.
“Central Bank Rate” means, (A) the greater of (i) for any Loan denominated in (a) Pounds Sterling, the Bank of England (or any successor thereto)’s “Bank Rate” as published by the Bank of England (or any successor thereto) from time to time, (b) euro, one of the following three rates as may be selected by the Administrative Agent: (1) the fixed rate for the main refinancing operations of the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto), or, if that rate is not published, the minimum bid rate for the main refinancing operations of the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto), each as published by the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto) from time to time, (2) the rate for the marginal lending facility of the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto), as published by the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto) from time to time or (3) the rate for the deposit facility of the central banking system of the Participating Member States, as published by the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto) from time to time, (c) Japanese Yen, the “short-term prime rate” as publicly announced by the Bank of Japan (or any successor thereto) from time to time and (d) any other Foreign Currency determined after the Effective Date, a central bank rate as determined by the
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Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion and (ii) the Floor; plus (B) the applicable Central Bank Rate Adjustment.
“Central Bank Rate Adjustment” means, for any day, for any Loan denominated in:
(a) Pounds Sterling, a rate equal to the difference (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) of (i) the average of Adjusted Daily Simple RFR for Pounds Sterling Borrowings for the five most recent RFR Business Days preceding such day for which SONIA was available (excluding, from such averaging, the highest and the lowest such Adjusted Daily Simple RFR applicable during such period of five RFR Business Days) minus (ii) the Central Bank Rate in respect of Pounds Sterling in effect on the last RFR Business Day in such period,
(b) euro, a rate equal to the difference (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) of (i) the average of the Adjusted EURIBO Rate for the five most recent Business Days preceding such day for which the EURIBO Screen Rate was available (excluding, from such averaging, the highest and the lowest Adjusted EURIBO Rate applicable during such period of five Business Days) minus (ii) the Central Bank Rate in respect of euro in effect on the last Business Day in such period,
(c) Japanese Yen, a rate equal to the difference (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) of (i) the average of the Adjusted TIBO Rate for the five most recent Business Days preceding such day for which the TIBO Screen Rate was available (excluding, from such averaging, the highest and the lowest Adjusted TIBO Rate applicable during such period of five Business Days) minus (ii) the Central Bank Rate in respect of Japanese Yen in effect on the last Business Day in such period, and
(d) any other Foreign Currency determined after the Effective Date, an adjustment as determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.
For purposes of this definition, (x) the term Central Bank Rate shall be determined disregarding clause (B) of the definition of such term and (y) each of the EURIBO Rate and the TIBO Rate on any day shall be based on the EURIBO Screen Rate or the TIBO Screen Rate, as applicable, on such day at approximately the time referred to in the definition of such term for deposits in the applicable Agreed Currency for a maturity of one month.
“Change in Control” means (a) the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any Person or group (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of the SEC thereunder as in effect on the date hereof), of Equity Interests representing more than 40% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Borrower on a fully diluted basis; or (b) during any period of 24 consecutive months, a majority of the members of the board of directors or other equivalent governing body of the Borrower ceases to be composed of individuals (i) who were members of that board or equivalent governing body on the first day of such period, (ii) whose election or nomination to that board or equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clause (i) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body or (iii) whose election or nomination to that board or other equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body; provided however that acquisitions by or on behalf of an employee benefit plan or an employee stock purchase plan of the Borrower shall not be included in determining whether a Change in Control shall have occurred.
“Change in Law” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement (or with respect to any Lender, if later, the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender), of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority, or (c) compliance by any Lender or Issuing Bank (or, for purposes of Section 2.15(b), by any lending office of such Lender or by such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any) with any request, rule, guideline, requirement or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement; provided however, that
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notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements and directives thereunder, issued in connection therewith or in implementation thereof, and (ii) all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements and directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign 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, issued or implemented.
“Class”, (a) when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Revolving Loans, Term Loans or Swingline Loans, (b) when used with respect to Lenders, refers to whether such Lenders have a Loan or Commitment with respect to a particular Class of Loans or Commitments and (c) when used with respect to Commitments, refers to whether such Commitments are Revolving Commitments or Term Loan Commitments.
“CME Term SOFR Administrator” means CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited as administrator of the forward-looking term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) (or a successor administrator).
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Collateral” means all of the “Collateral” referred to in the Collateral Documents and any and all other property of any Loan Party, now existing or hereafter acquired, that is or is intended under the terms of the Collateral Documents to be subject to a security interest or Lien in favor of Administrative Agent, on behalf of itself and the Secured Parties, to secure the Secured Obligations, other than the Excluded Assets.
“Collateral Documents” means, collectively, the Security Agreement and all other agreements, instruments and documents executed in connection with this Agreement that are intended to create, perfect or evidence Liens to secure the Secured Obligations, including, without limitation, all other security agreements, pledge agreements, loan agreements, notes, guarantees, subordination agreements, pledges, powers of attorney, consents, assignments, contracts, fee letters, notices, leases, financing statements and all other written matter whether heretofore, now, or hereafter executed by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and delivered to the Administrative Agent.
“Commitment” means, (a) the Revolving Commitments and the Term Loan Commitments and (b) with respect to each Lender, the sum of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment and Term Loan Commitment. The initial amount of each Lender’s Commitment is set forth on Schedule 2.01, or in the Assignment and Assumption or other documentation contemplated hereby pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Revolving Commitment, as applicable.
“Commodity Exchange Act” means the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.
“Communications” means, collectively, any notice, demand, communication, information, document or other material provided by or on behalf of any Loan Party pursuant to any Loan Document or the transactions contemplated therein which is distributed by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Issuing Bank by means of electronic communications pursuant to Section 8.03, including through an Approved Electronic Platform.
“Computation Date” is defined in Section 2.04.
“Consolidated Capital Expenditures” means, without duplication, any expenditures for any purchase or other acquisition of any asset other than a Permitted Acquisition which would be classified as a fixed or capital asset on a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries prepared in accordance with GAAP.
“Consolidated EBITDA” means, with reference to any period, Consolidated Net Income for such period plus, without duplication and to the extent deducted from revenues in determining
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Consolidated Net Income for such period, (i) Consolidated Interest Expense, (ii) expense for income taxes paid or accrued, (iii) depreciation, (iv) amortization, (v) extraordinary or non-recurring cash expenses or losses to the extent corresponding to extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring cash income or gains deducted from Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (3) below, (vi) non-cash charges, expenses or losses, (vii) fees, costs and expenses paid in connection with the financing transaction contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (viii) cash restructuring charges, expenses or losses (including severance costs); provided that in no event shall the aggregate amount added back pursuant to this clause (viii), together with the aggregate amounts added back pursuant to clause (x) and clause (xiii) below, exceed 25% of Consolidated EBITDA for the Reference Period ending on any date of determination (calculated prior to giving effect to the add-back of any item pursuant to this clause (viii) or pursuant to clause (x) or clause (xiii) below), (ix) cost savings identified (as a result of restructuring actions taken primarily in the Borrower’s fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2020) in an aggregate amount not to exceed $18,400,000 in the Borrower’s fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2020, (x) cash integration costs in connection with Permitted Acquisitions; provided that in no event shall the aggregate amount added back pursuant to this clause (x) together with the aggregate amounts added back pursuant to clause (viii) above and clause (xiii) below, exceed 25% of Consolidated EBITDA for the Reference Period ending on any date of determination (calculated prior to giving effect to the add-back of any item pursuant to this clause (x) or pursuant to clause (viii) above or clause (xiii) below), (xi) transaction costs and expenses incurred in connection with any proposed or actual Permitted Acquisitions, asset sales and dispositions permitted by Section 6.03, issuances of Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01 (including any amendment, modification or refinancing of such Indebtedness) and issuances of Equity Interests by the Borrower, in each case, whether or not successfully consummated and (xii) any losses related to legal settlements, fines, judgments and orders; provided that in no event shall the aggregate amount added back pursuant to this clause (xii) exceed 10% of Consolidated EBITDA for the Reference Period ending on any date of determination (calculated prior to giving effect to the add-back of any item pursuant to this clause (xii)) and (xiii) other adjustments that determined on a basis consistent with Article 11 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Exchange Act and as interpreted by the staff of the SEC (or any successor agency); provided that in no event shall the aggregate amount added back pursuant to this clause (xiii), together with the aggregate amounts added back pursuant to clause (viii) and clause (x) above, exceed 25% of Consolidated EBITDA for the Reference Period ending on any date of determination (calculated prior to giving effect to the add-back of any item pursuant to this clause (xiii) or pursuant to clause (viii) or clause (x) above; minus, to the extent included in Consolidated Net Income for such period, (1) income tax credits and refunds (to the extent not netted from tax expense), (2) any cash payments made during such period in respect of items described in clause (vi) above subsequent to the fiscal quarter in which the relevant non-cash charges, expenses or losses were incurred and (3) extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring income or gains realized other than in the ordinary course of business, all calculated for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP on a consolidated basis. The parties hereto agree that Consolidated EBITDA for the fiscal quarter ending (i) on March 31, 2020 shall be deemed to be $4,174,000 , (ii) on June 30, 2020 shall be deemed to be $7,500,000, and (iii) on September 30, 2020 shall be deemed to be $13,328,000. For the purposes of calculating Consolidated EBITDA for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters (each, a “Reference Period”), (i) if at any time during such Reference Period the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall have made any Material Disposition, the Consolidated EBITDA for such Reference Period shall be reduced by an amount equal to the Consolidated EBITDA (if positive) attributable to the property that is the subject of such Material Disposition for such Reference Period or increased by an amount equal to the Consolidated EBITDA (if negative) attributable thereto for such Reference Period, and (ii) if during such Reference Period the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall have made a Material Acquisition, Consolidated EBITDA for such Reference Period shall be calculated after giving effect thereto on a Pro Forma Basis as if such Material Acquisition occurred on the first day of such Reference Period. As used in this definition, “Material Acquisition” means any acquisition of property or series of related acquisitions of property that (a) constitutes (i) assets comprising all or substantially all or any significant portion of a business or operating unit of a business, or (ii) all or substantially all of the common stock or other Equity Interests of a Person, and (b) involves the payment of consideration by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in excess of $15,000,000; and “Material Disposition” means any sale, transfer or disposition of property or series of related sales, transfers, or dispositions of property that (a) constitutes (i) assets comprising all or substantially all or any significant portion of a business or operating unit of a business, or (ii) all or substantially all of the common stock or other Equity Interests of a Person, and (b) yields gross proceeds to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in excess of $15,000,000.
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“Consolidated Interest Expense” means, with reference to any period, the interest expense (including without limitation interest expense under Capital Lease Obligations that is treated as interest in accordance with GAAP) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries calculated on a consolidated basis for such period with respect to all outstanding Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries allocable to such period in accordance with GAAP. In the event that the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall have completed a Material Acquisition or a Material Disposition since the beginning of the relevant period, Consolidated Interest Expense shall be determined for such period on a Pro Forma Basis as if such acquisition or disposition, and any related incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness, had occurred at the beginning of such period.
“Consolidated Net Income” means, with reference to any period, the net income (or loss) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries calculated in accordance with GAAP on a consolidated basis (without duplication) for such period; provided that there shall be excluded any income (or loss) of any Person other than the Borrower or a Subsidiary, but any such income so excluded may be included in such period or any later period to the extent of any cash dividends or distributions actually paid in the relevant period to the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower.
“Consolidated Tangible Assets” means, as of any date of determination thereof, Consolidated Total Assets minus the Intangible Assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on such date.
“Consolidated Total Assets” means, as of the date of any determination thereof, total assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries calculated in accordance with GAAP on a consolidated basis as of such date.
“Consolidated Total Indebtedness” means at any time the sum, without duplication, of (a) the aggregate Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries calculated on a consolidated basis as of such time in accordance with GAAP, (b) the aggregate amount of Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries relating to the maximum drawing amount of all letters of credit outstanding and bankers acceptances and (c) Indebtedness of the type referred to in clauses (a) or (b) hereof of another Person guaranteed by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.
“Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.
“Corresponding Tenor” with respect to any Available Tenor means, as applicable, either a tenor (including overnight) or an interest payment period having approximately the same length (disregarding business day adjustment) as such Available Tenor.
“Covered Entity” means any of the following:
(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).
“Covered Party” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.19.
“Co-Syndication Agent” means each of Citizens Bank, N.A., PNC Bank, National Association, Silicon Valley Bank and Truist Bank in its capacity as co-syndication agent for the credit facilities evidenced by this Agreement.
“Credit Event” means a Borrowing, the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit, an LC Disbursement or any of the foregoing.
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“Credit Exposure” means, as to any Lender at any time, the sum of (a) such Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure at such time, plus (b) an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of its Term Loans outstanding at such time.
“Credit Party” means the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender or any other Lender.
“Daily Simple RFR” means, for any day (an “RFR Interest Day”), an interest rate per annum equal to, for any RFR Loan denominated in (i) Pounds Sterling, SONIA for the day that is five (5) RFR Business Days prior to (A) if such RFR Interest Day is an RFR Business Day, such RFR Interest Day or (B) if such RFR Interest Day is not an RFR Business Day, the RFR Business Day immediately preceding such RFR Interest Day and (ii) Dollars, Daily Simple SOFR.
“Daily Simple SOFR” means, for any day (a “SOFR Rate Day”), a rate per annum equal to SOFR for the day that is five (5) RFR Business Days prior to (i) if such SOFR Rate Day is an RFR Business Day, such SOFR Rate Day or (ii) if such SOFR Rate Day is not an RFR Business Day, the RFR Business Day immediately preceding such SOFR Rate Day, in each case, as such SOFR is published by the SOFR Administrator on the SOFR Administrator’s Website. Any change in Daily Simple SOFR due to a change in SOFR shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in SOFR without notice to the Borrower.
“Default” means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or which upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.
“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.
“Defaulting Lender” means any Lender that (a) has failed, within two (2) Business Days of the date required to be funded or paid, to (i) fund any portion of its Loans, (ii) fund any portion of its participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans or (iii) pay over to any Credit Party any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder, unless, in the case of clause (i) above, such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent to funding (specifically identified and including the particular default, if any) has not been satisfied, (b) has notified the Borrower or any Credit Party in writing, or has made a public statement to the effect, that it does not intend or expect to comply with any of its funding obligations under this Agreement (unless such writing or public statement indicates that such position is based on such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent (specifically identified and including the particular default, if any) to funding a Loan under this Agreement cannot be satisfied) or generally under other agreements in which it commits to extend credit, (c) has failed, within three (3) Business Days after request by a Credit Party, acting in good faith, to provide a certification in writing from an authorized officer of such Lender that it will comply with its obligations (and is financially able to meet such obligations) to fund prospective Loans and participations in then outstanding Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans under this Agreement, provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon such Credit Party’s receipt of such certification in form and substance satisfactory to it and the Administrative Agent, or (d) has become the subject of (A) a Bankruptcy Event or (B) a Bail-In Action. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be deemed to constitute a waiver by the Borrower of any of its rights or remedies (whether in equity or law) against any Lender which fails to fund any of its Loans hereunder at the time or in the amount required to be funded under the terms of this Agreement.
“Disclosed Matters” means the actions, suits and proceedings and the environmental matters disclosed in Schedule 3.06.
“Dollar Amount” of any amount of any currency means, at the time of determination thereof, (a) if such amount is expressed in Dollars, such amount, (b) if such amount is expressed in a Foreign Currency, the equivalent of such amount in Dollars determined by using the rate of exchange for the purchase of Dollars with such Foreign Currency last provided (either by publication or otherwise provided to the Administrative Agent) by the applicable Reuters source on the Business Day (New York
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City time) immediately preceding the date of determination or if such service ceases to be available or ceases to provide a rate of exchange for the purchase of Dollars with such Foreign Currency, as provided by such other publicly available information service which provides that rate of exchange at such time in place of Reuters chosen by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion (or if such service ceases to be available or ceases to provide such rate of exchange, the equivalent of such amount in Dollars as determined by the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Borrower, using any method of determination it deems reasonably appropriate) and (c) if such amount is denominated in any other currency, the equivalent of such amount in Dollars as determined by the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Borrower, using any method of determination it deems reasonably appropriate.
“Dollars” or “$” refers to lawful money of the United States of America.
“Domestic Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary organized under the laws of a jurisdiction located in the United States of America.
“ECP” means an “eligible contract participant” as defined in Section 1(a)(18) of the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and the applicable rules issued by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or the SEC.
“EEA Financial Institution” means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clauses (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.
“EEA Member Country” means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
“EEA Resolution Authority” means any public administrative authority or any Person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution.
“Effective Date” means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02).
“Electronic Signature” means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to, or associated with, a contract or other record and adopted by a Person with the intent to sign, authenticate or accept such contract or record.
“Environmental Laws” means all laws, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgments, injunctions or binding agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority, relating in any way to the environment, protection of natural resources, the management, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Material or to health and safety matters (but excluding occupational and safety matters, to the extent regulated by the Occupational and Safety Health Act).
“Environmental Liability” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of the Borrower or any Subsidiary directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.
“Equity Interests” means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in
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a Person, and any warrants, options or other rights entitling the holder thereof to purchase or acquire any such equity interest, but excluding any debt securities convertible into any of the foregoing.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
“ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with the Borrower, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.
“ERISA Event” means (a) any “reportable event”, as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder with respect to a Plan (other than an event for which the 30-day notice period is waived); (b) the failure to satisfy the “minimum funding standard” (as defined in Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived; (c) the filing pursuant to Section 412(c) of the Code or Section 302(c) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan; (d) the incurrence by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Plan; (e) the receipt by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan; (f) the incurrence by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal of the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates from any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (g) the receipt by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, concerning the imposition upon the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent or in reorganization, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA.
“EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule” means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor Person), as in effect from time to time.
“EURIBO Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in euro and for any Interest Period, the EURIBO Screen Rate, two (2) TARGET Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period.
“EURIBO Screen Rate” means the euro interbank offered rate administered by the European Money Markets Institute (or any other person that takes over the administration of such rate) for the relevant period displayed (before any correction, recalculation or republication by the administrator) on page EURIBOR01 of the Reuters screen (or any replacement Reuters page which displays that rate) or on the appropriate page of such other information service which publishes that rate from time to time in place of Reuters as published at approximately 11:00 a.m. Brussels time two TARGET Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period. If such page or service ceases to be available, the Administrative Agent may specify another page or service displaying the relevant rate after consultation with the Borrower.
“euro” or “€” means the single currency of the Participating Member States.
“Event of Default” has the meaning assigned to such term in Article VII.
“Excluded Assets” means the collective reference to (a) all Equity Interests in excess of the Applicable Pledge Percentage in any Foreign Subsidiary that is a Pledge Subsidiary, (b) any Equity Interests in any Foreign Subsidiary which is not a Pledge Subsidiary, (c) any Equity Interests in any Domestic Subsidiary which is not a Pledge Subsidiary, (d) all real property of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, (e) rights in any property to the extent that and only for as long as the grant of a security interest in such property (i) is prohibited by any law, treaty, rule or regulation or determination of an arbitrator or a court or other governmental authority applicable to or binding upon the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor, or (ii) constitutes a breach or default under or results in the termination of, or requires any consent not obtained under, any lease, license or agreement (other than to the extent that the provisions of any such lease, license or agreement are ineffective under applicable law or would be ineffective under Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the Uniform Commercial Code of any relevant
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jurisdiction to prevent the attachment of the security interest granted under the Collateral Documents), (f) property and assets owned by the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor in which a Lien may not be granted without governmental approval or consent (but only for so long as the Borrower or the applicable Subsidiary Guarantor has not obtained such approval or consents), (g) any United States Trademark, Copyright or Patent applications filed on the basis of the Borrower’s or any Subsidiary Guarantor’s intent-to-use such mark, but only if and to the extent that the granting of a security interest in such application would result in the invalidation of such application, provided that, upon the submission of evidence of use of such trademark, copyright or patent in interstate commerce is submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office or United States Copyright Office, such trademark, patent or copyright application shall automatically be included in the Collateral, (h) motor vehicles and other assets subject to certificates of title to the extent that a lien therein cannot be perfected by the filing of UCC financing statements in the jurisdictions of organization of the Borrower and the Subsidiary Guarantors, (i) any property (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, Equity Interests in a Pledge Subsidiary that is a First Tier Foreign Subsidiary) located in any jurisdiction outside the United States, (j) deposit accounts used in the ordinary course of business for payroll, payroll taxes and other employee wage and benefit payments to or for the benefit of any Loan Party’s salaried employees, which accounts are funded only in the ordinary course of business, pension fund accounts, 401(k) accounts, tax withholding accounts and trust accounts, and escrow or other fiduciary accounts maintained for the benefit of Persons who are not Loan Parties or any Affiliate of a Loan Party, (k) any Equity Interests in any Person (other than the Loan Parties) that is not wholly-owned by any Loan Party or any combination of Loan Parties to the extent the organization documents of such Person prohibits or requires the consent of any Person other than a Loan Party which has not been obtained as a condition to the creation by such Loan Party of a Lien on any right, title or interest in such Equity Interests but only to the extent, and for as long as, such prohibition is not terminated or rendered unenforceable or otherwise deemed ineffective by the UCC or any other applicable law, and (l) such other assets as may be reasonably agreed by the Administrative Agent in writing to the extent the Borrower and the Administrative Agent determine that the cost of creating or perfecting a security interest in such assets is too burdensome or excessive in relation to the value of the security interest to be afforded thereby. Notwithstanding the foregoing and for the avoidance of doubt, “Excluded Assets” shall not include any proceeds, products, substitutions or replacements of Excluded Assets (unless such proceeds, products, substitutions or replacements would otherwise constitute Excluded Assets).
“Excluded Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Loan Party, any Specified Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the Guarantee of such Loan Party of, or the grant by such Loan Party of a security interest to secure, such Specified Swap Obligation (or any Guarantee thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) by virtue of such Loan Party’s failure for any reason to constitute an ECP at the time the Guarantee of such Loan Party or the grant of such security interest becomes or would become effective with respect to such Specified Swap Obligation. If a Specified Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Specified Swap Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such Guarantee or security interest is or becomes illegal.
“Excluded Taxes” means, with respect to any payment made by any Loan Party under any Loan Document, any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient:
(a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, that are Other Connection Taxes;
(b) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 2.17(f);
(c) in the case of a Lender, U.S. Federal withholding Taxes resulting from any law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires its applicable ownership interest in the Loan or Commitment (other than a Lender acquiring its applicable ownership interest pursuant to Section 2.19(b)) or (ii) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 2.17, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender became a Lender with respect to its applicable ownership interest in the Loan or Commitment or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office; and
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(d) any withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.
“Existing Credit Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in the recitals.
“Existing Loans” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01.
“Existing Revolving Loans” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01.
“Existing Term Loans” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01.
“FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreement entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code and any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreement, treaty or convention among Governmental Authorities and implementing such Sections of the Code.
“Federal Funds Effective Rate” means, for any day, the rate calculated by the NYFRB based on such day’s federal funds transactions by depositary institutions, as determined in such manner as shall be set forth on the NYFRB’s Website from time to time, and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the NYFRB as the effective federal funds rate; provided that, if the Federal Funds Effective Rate as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for the purposes of this Agreement.
“Financial Officer” means the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, treasurer, assistant treasurer or controller of the Borrower.
“Financials” means the annual or quarterly financial statements, and accompanying certificates and other documents, of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or 5.01(b).
“First Tier Foreign Subsidiary” means each Foreign Subsidiary with respect to which any one or more of the Borrower and its Domestic Subsidiaries directly owns or Controls more than 50% of such Foreign Subsidiary’s issued and outstanding Equity Interests.
“Floor” means the benchmark rate floor, if any, provided in this Agreement initially (as of the execution of this Agreement, the modification, amendment or renewal of this Agreement or otherwise) with respect to the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, the Adjusted EURIBO Rate, the Adjusted TIBO Rate, each Adjusted Daily Simple RFR or the Central Bank Rate, as applicable. For the avoidance of doubt, the initial Floor for each of Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, Adjusted EURIBO Rate, Adjusted TIBO Rate, each Adjusted Daily Simple RFR or the Central Bank Rate shall be zero.
“Foreign Currencies” means Agreed Currencies other than Dollars.
“Foreign Currency Amount” of any amount of any Foreign Currency means, at the time of determination thereof, (a) if such amount is expressed in such Foreign Currency, such amount and (b) if such amount is expressed in Dollars, the equivalent of such amount in such Foreign Currency determined by using the rate of exchange for the purchase of such Foreign Currency with Dollars last provided (either by publication or otherwise provided to the Administrative Agent) by the applicable Reuters source on the Business Day (New York City time) immediately preceding the date of determination or if such service ceases to be available or ceases to provide a rate of exchange for the purchase of such Foreign Currency with Dollars, as provided by such other publicly available information service which provides that rate of exchange at such time in place of Reuters chosen by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion (or if such service ceases to be available or ceases to provide such rate of exchange, the equivalent of such amount in such Foreign Currency as determined by the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Borrower, using any method of determination it deems reasonably appropriate).
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“Foreign Currency LC Exposure” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the Dollar Amount of the aggregate undrawn and unexpired amount of all outstanding Foreign Currency Letters of Credit at such time plus (b) the aggregate principal Dollar Amount of all LC Disbursements in respect of Foreign Currency Letters of Credit that have not yet been reimbursed at such time.
“Foreign Currency Letter of Credit” means a Letter of Credit denominated in a Foreign Currency.
“Foreign Currency Sublimit” means $15,000,000.
“Foreign Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary which is not a Domestic Subsidiary.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.
“Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States of America, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.
“Guarantee” of or by any Person (the “guarantor”) means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment thereof, (b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof, (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation or (d) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty issued to support such Indebtedness or obligation; provided that the term Guarantee shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.
“Hazardous Materials” means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.
“Increasing Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.22.
“Incremental Term Loan” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.22.
“Incremental Term Loan Amendment” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.22.
“Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property acquired by such Person, (d) all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding current accounts payable, accrued salaries, vacation and other employee benefits, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business), (e) all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed; provided that if such Indebtedness has not been assumed, the amount thereof shall be deemed to be the lesser of (1) the actual amount of such Indebtedness and (2) the book value of such Person’s Property securing such Indebtedness, (f) all Guarantees by such Person of Indebtedness of others, (g) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person, (h) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit and letters of guaranty, (i) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of
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bankers’ acceptances and (j) all obligations of such Person under Sale and Leaseback Transactions. The Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any other entity (including any partnership in which such Person is a general partner) to the extent such Person is liable therefor as a result of such Person’s ownership interest in or other relationship with such entity, except to the extent the terms of such Indebtedness provide that such Person is not liable therefor.
“Indemnified Taxes” means (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on behalf of any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) Other Taxes.
“Indemnitee” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.03(c).
“Ineligible Institution” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(b).
“Information Memorandum” means the Confidential Information Memorandum dated December 2021 relating to the Borrower and the Transactions.
“Intangible Assets” means, as of any date of determination thereof, the aggregate amount, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, of all assets as of such date classified as intangible assets under GAAP, including, without limitation, customer lists, goodwill, computer software, trademarks, patents, copyrights, organization expenses, franchises, licenses, trade names, brand names, mailing lists, catalogs, unamortized debt discount and capitalized research and development costs.
“Interest Election Request” means a request by the Borrower to convert or continue a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.08, which shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit G-2 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.
“Interest Payment Date” means (a) with respect to any ABR Loan (other than a Swingline Loan), the last day of each March, June, September and December and the Maturity Date, (b) with respect to any RFR Loan, each date that is on the numerically corresponding day in each calendar month that is one month after the Borrowing of such RFR Loan (or, if there is no such numerically corresponding day in such month, then the last day of such month) and the Maturity Date, (c) with respect to any Term Benchmark Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than three months’ duration, each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of three months’ duration after the first day of such Interest Period and the Maturity Date and (d) with respect to any Swingline Loan, the day that such Loan is required to be repaid and the Maturity Date.
“Interest Period” means with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, three or six months (or, with the consent of each Lender and the Administrative Agent, such other duration) thereafter (in each case, subject to the availability for the Benchmark applicable to the relevant Loan or Commitment for any Agreed Currency), as the Borrower may elect; provided that (i) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day, (ii) any Interest Period that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the last calendar month of such Interest Period and (iii) no tenor that has been removed from this definition pursuant to Section 2.14(e) shall be available for specification in such Borrowing Request or Interest Election Request. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.
“IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
“Issuing Bank” means each of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Citizens Bank, N.A., PNC Bank, National Association, Silicon Valley Bank and Truist Bank and each other Lender designated by
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the Borrower as an “Issuing Bank” hereunder that has agreed to such designation (and is reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent), each in its capacity as the issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, and its successors in such capacity as provided in Section 2.06(i). Each Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued by Affiliates of such Issuing Bank, in which case the term “Issuing Bank” shall include any such Affiliate with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Affiliate. Each reference herein to the “Issuing Bank” in connection with a Letter of Credit or other matter shall be deemed to be a reference to the relevant Issuing Bank with respect thereto, and, further, references herein to “the Issuing Bank” shall be deemed to refer to each of the Issuing Banks or the relevant Issuing Bank, as the context requires.
“Japanese Yen” means the lawful currency of Japan.
“LC Collateral Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.06(j).
“LC Disbursement” means a payment made by an Issuing Bank pursuant to a Letter of Credit.
“LC Exposure” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn Dollar Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit at such time plus (b) the aggregate Dollar Amount of all LC Disbursements that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrower at such time. The LC Exposure of any Revolving Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the total LC Exposure at such time. For all purposes of this Agreement, if on any date of determination a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of Article 29(a) of the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 600 (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the applicable time) or Rule 3.13 or Rule 3.14 of the International Standby Practices, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 590 (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the applicable time) or similar terms of the Letter of Credit itself, or if compliant documents have been presented but not yet honored, such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be “outstanding” and “undrawn” in the amount so remaining available to be paid, and the obligations of the Borrower and each Revolving Lender shall remain in full force and effect until the relevant Issuing Bank and the Revolving Lenders shall have no further obligations to make any payments or disbursements under any circumstances with respect to any Letter of Credit.
“Lender Parent” means, with respect to any Lender, any Person as to which such Lender is, directly or indirectly, a subsidiary.
“Lender-Related Person” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.03(b).
“Lenders” means the Persons listed on Schedule 2.01 and any other Person that shall have become a Lender hereunder pursuant to Section 2.22 or pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or other documentation contemplated hereby, other than any such Person that ceases to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or other documentation contemplated hereby. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “Lenders” includes the Swingline Lender and the Issuing Banks.
“Letter of Credit” means any letter of credit issued pursuant to this Agreement.
“Letter of Credit Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.06(b).
“Liabilities” means any losses, claims (including intraparty claims), demands, damages or liabilities of any kind.
“Lien” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, charge or security interest in, on or of such asset, (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset and (c) in the case of securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities.
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“Liquidity” shall mean at any time the lesser of (i) $25,000,000 and (ii) the aggregate amount of unrestricted and unencumbered (other than Liens securing the Secured Obligations and Liens permitted under Section 6.02(h) or Section 6.02(i)) cash and Permitted Investments maintained by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in the United States as of such date.
“Loan Documents” means this Agreement, any promissory notes issued pursuant to Section 2.10(e) of this Agreement, any Letter of Credit applications, any Letter of Credit Agreement, the Collateral Documents, the Subsidiary Guaranty, and all other agreements, instruments, documents and certificates identified in Section 4.01 executed and delivered to, or in favor of, the Administrative Agent or any Lenders and including all other pledges, powers of attorney, consents, assignments, contracts, notices, letter of credit agreements and all other written matter whether heretofore, now or hereafter executed by or on behalf of any Loan Party, or any employee of any Loan Party, and delivered to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Any reference in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to a Loan Document shall include all appendices, exhibits or schedules thereto, and all amendments, restatements, supplements or other modifications thereto, and shall refer to this Agreement or such Loan Document as the same may be in effect at any and all times such reference becomes operative.
“Loan Parties” means, collectively, the Borrower and the Subsidiary Guarantors.
“Loans” means the loans made by the Lenders to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.
“Local Time” means (i) New York City time in the case of a Loan, Borrowing or LC Disbursement denominated in Dollars and (ii) local time in the case of a Loan, Borrowing or LC Disbursement denominated in a Foreign Currency (it being understood that such local time shall mean (a) London, England time with respect to any Foreign Currency (other than euro) and (b) Brussels, Belgium time with respect to euro, in each case of the foregoing clauses (a) and (b) unless the Borrower is otherwise notified by the Administrative Agent).
“Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, operations or financial condition of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole or (b) the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any and all other Loan Documents or the rights or remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders thereunder.
“Material Domestic Subsidiary” means (a) each Domestic Subsidiary (i) which, as of the most recent fiscal quarter of the Borrower, for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters then ended, for which Financials have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01, contributed greater than five percent (5%) of the Borrower’s Consolidated EBITDA for such period or (ii) which contributed greater than five percent (5%) of the Borrower’s Consolidated Total Assets as of such date; provided that, if at any time the aggregate amount of the Consolidated EBITDA or Consolidated Total Assets attributable to all Domestic Subsidiaries that are not Material Domestic Subsidiaries exceeds ten percent (10%) of the Borrower’s Consolidated EBITDA for any such period or ten percent (10%) of the Borrower’s Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of any such fiscal quarter, the Borrower (or, in the event the Borrower has failed to do so within ten (10) Business Days, the Administrative Agent) shall designate sufficient Domestic Subsidiaries as “Material Domestic Subsidiaries” to eliminate such excess, and such designated Subsidiaries shall for all purposes of this Agreement constitute Material Domestic Subsidiaries.
“Material Foreign Subsidiary” means each Foreign Subsidiary (i) which, as of the most recent fiscal quarter of the Borrower, for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters then ended, for which Financials have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01, contributed greater than seven and one-half percent (7.5%) of the Borrower’s Consolidated EBITDA for such period or (ii) which contributed greater than seven and one-half percent (7.5%) of the Borrower’s Consolidated Total Assets as of such date; provided that, if at any time the aggregate amount of the Consolidated EBITDA or Consolidated Total Assets attributable to all Foreign Subsidiaries that are not Material Foreign Subsidiaries exceeds fifteen percent (15.0%) of the Borrower’s Consolidated EBITDA for any such period or fifteen percent (15.0%) of the Borrower’s Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of any such fiscal quarter, the
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Borrower (or, in the event the Borrower has failed to do so within ten (10) Business Days, the Administrative Agent) shall designate sufficient Foreign Subsidiaries as “Material Foreign Subsidiaries” to eliminate such excess, and such designated Subsidiaries shall for all purposes of this Agreement constitute Material Foreign Subsidiaries.
“Material Indebtedness” means Indebtedness (other than the Loans and Letters of Credit), or obligations in respect of one or more Swap Agreements, of any one or more of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $15,000,000. For purposes of determining Material Indebtedness, the “principal amount” of the obligations of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of any Swap Agreement at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that the Borrower or such Subsidiary would be required to pay if such Swap Agreement were terminated at such time.
“Material Subsidiaries” means, collectively, Material Domestic Subsidiaries and Material Foreign Subsidiaries.
“Maturity Date” means February 25, 2027; provided, however, if such date is not a Business Day, the Maturity Date shall be the next preceding Business Day.
“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
“Multiemployer Plan” means a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.
“Net Proceeds” means, with respect to any event, (a) the cash proceeds received in respect of such event including (i) any cash received in respect of any non-cash proceeds (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment receivable or otherwise, but excluding any interest payments), but only as and when received, (ii) in the case of a casualty, insurance proceeds and (iii) in the case of a condemnation or similar event, condemnation awards and similar payments, net of (b) the sum of (i) all reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses paid by the Borrower or any Subsidiary to third parties (other than Affiliates) in connection with such event, (ii) in the case of a sale, transfer or other disposition of an asset (including pursuant to a Sale and Leaseback Transaction or a casualty or a condemnation or similar proceeding), the amount of all payments required to be made as a result of such event to repay Indebtedness (other than Loans) secured by such asset or otherwise subject to mandatory prepayment as a result of such event and (iii) the amount of all taxes paid (or reasonably estimated to be payable) and the amount of any reserves established to fund contingent liabilities reasonably estimated to be payable, in each case during the year that such event occurred or the next succeeding year and that are directly attributable to such event (as determined reasonably and in good faith by a Financial Officer).
“Non-U.S. Lender” means a Lender that is not a U.S. Person.
“NYFRB” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
“NYFRB Rate” means, for any day, the greater of (a) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day and (b) the Overnight Bank Funding Rate in effect on such day (or for any day that is not a Business Day, for the immediately preceding Business Day); provided that, if both such rates are not so published for any day that is a Business Day, the term “NYFRB Rate” means the rate quoted for such day for a federal funds transaction at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on such day received by the Administrative Agent from a federal funds broker of recognized standing selected by it; provided, further, that if any of the aforesaid rates as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.
“NYFRB’s Website” means the website of the NYFRB at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source.
“Obligations” means all unpaid principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans, all LC Exposure, all accrued and unpaid fees and all expenses, reimbursements, indemnities and
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other obligations and indebtedness (including interest and fees accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding), obligations and liabilities of any of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to any of the Lenders, the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any indemnified party, individually or collectively, existing on the Effective Date or arising thereafter, direct or indirect, joint or several, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, arising by contract, operation of law or otherwise, in each case arising or incurred under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or in respect of any of the Loans made or reimbursement or other obligations incurred or any of the Letters of Credit or other related instruments at any time evidencing any thereof.
“OFAC” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
“Other Connection Taxes” means, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Taxes (other than a connection arising from such Recipient having executed, delivered, enforced, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, or engaged in any other transaction pursuant to, any Loan Document).
“Other Taxes” means any present or future stamp, court, documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar excise or property Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, or from the registration, receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment or participation (other than an assignment pursuant to Section 2.19(b)).
“Overnight Bank Funding Rate” means, for any day, the rate comprised of both overnight federal funds and overnight eurodollar transactions denominated in Dollars by U.S.-managed banking offices of depository institutions, as such composite rate shall be determined by the NYFRB as set forth on the NYFRB’s Website from time to time, and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the NYFRB as an overnight bank funding rate.
“Overnight Rate” means, for any day, (a) with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, the NYFRB Rate and (b) with respect to any amount denominated in a Foreign Currency, an overnight rate determined by the Administrative Agent or the relevant Issuing Bank, as the case may be, in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.
“Participant” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(c).
“Participant Register” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(c).
“Participating Member State” means any member state of the European Union that adopts or has adopted the euro as its lawful currency in accordance with legislation of the European Union relating to economic and monetary union.
“Payment” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.06(c).
“Payment Notice” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.06(c).
“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA and any successor entity performing similar functions.
“Permitted Acquisition” means any acquisition (whether by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) or series of related acquisitions by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of (i) all or substantially all the assets of or (ii) all or substantially all the Equity Interests in, a Person or division or line of business of a Person, if, at the time of and immediately after giving effect thereto, (a) no Default has occurred and is continuing or would arise after giving effect thereto, (b) such Person or division or
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line of business is engaged in a line of business consistent with the provisions of Section 6.03(b), (c) all actions required to be taken with respect to such acquired or newly formed Subsidiary (if any) under Section 5.09 shall have been taken, (d) the Borrower and the Subsidiaries are in compliance, on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to such acquisition (but without giving effect to any synergies or cost savings unless permitted in accordance with Regulation S-X), with the financial covenant contained in Section 6.11 recomputed as of the last day of the most recently ended fiscal quarter of the Borrower for which financial statements are available, as if such acquisition (and any related incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness, with any new Indebtedness being deemed to be amortized over the applicable testing period in accordance with its terms) had occurred on the first day of each relevant period for testing such compliance and, if the aggregate consideration paid in respect of such acquisition exceeds $25,000,000, the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Borrower to such effect, together with all relevant financial information, statements and projections reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent and (e) in the case of an acquisition occurring by merger or consolidation involving the Borrower or another Loan Party, the Borrower or such other Loan Party is the surviving entity of such merger and/or consolidation.
“Permitted Call Spread Swap Agreements” means (a) a Swap Agreement pursuant to which the Borrower acquires a call option requiring the counterparty thereto to deliver to the Borrower shares of common stock of the Borrower, the cash value of such shares or a combination thereof from time to time upon exercise of such option and (b) a Swap Agreement pursuant to which the Borrower issues to the counterparty thereto warrants to acquire common stock of the Borrower, in each case entered into by the Borrower concurrently with the issuance of Permitted Convertible Notes; provided that (i) the terms, conditions and covenants of each such Swap Agreement shall be such as are typical and customary for Swap Agreements of such type (as determined by the Board of Directors of the Borrower in good faith) and (ii) in the case of clause (b) above, such Swap Agreement would be classified as an equity instrument in accordance with EITF 00-19, Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company’s Own Stock, or any successor thereto (including pursuant to the Accounting Standards Codification), and the settlement of such Swap Agreement does not require the Borrower to make any payment in cash or cash equivalents that would disqualify such Swap Agreement from so being classified as an equity instrument.
“Permitted Convertible Notes” means any unsecured notes issued by the Borrower that are convertible into common stock of the Borrower, cash or any combination thereof, and the Indebtedness thereunder is in compliance with the requirements of Section 6.01(j).
“Permitted Encumbrances” means:
(a) Liens imposed by law for Taxes that are not yet due or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;
(b) carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s and other like Liens imposed by law, arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not overdue by more than forty-five (45) days or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;
(c) pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, pension and other social security laws or regulations;
(d) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature, in each case in the ordinary course of business;
(e) judgment Liens in respect of judgments, orders, attachments, decrees or awards that do not constitute an Event of Default under clause (k) of Article VII;
(f) easements, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way and similar encumbrances on real property imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business that do not secure any monetary obligations and do not materially detract from the value of the affected property or interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;
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(g) unrecorded minor Liens, leases, easements or other encumbrances on the real property or other assets of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which do not interfere materially with the use of the property or assets affected in the ordinary course of such Person’s business and do not secure Indebtedness for borrowed money;
(h) any interest or title of a lessor, sublessor, licensee or licensor under any lease (other than a Capital Lease) or license agreement not prohibited by this Agreement, including any Lien filed to prevent the impairment of any such interest;
(i) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods;
(j) Liens of vendors arising in the ordinary course of business on assets sold by such vendors;
(k) Liens in favor of a banking or other financial institution arising as a matter of law or in the ordinary course of business under customary general terms and conditions encumbering deposits or other funds maintained with a financial institution (including the right of setoff) and that are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry or arising pursuant to such banking institution’s general terms and conditions;
(l) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods (other than fixed or capital assets) and proceeds thereof of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or letters of credit issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods in the ordinary course of business;
(m) Liens encumbering reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to commodity trading accounts or other brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;
(n) Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for the sale of goods;
(o) Liens imposed by law arising mandatorily on the assets of any Foreign Subsidiary; and
(p)Liens on Equity Interests (i) deemed to exist in connection with any options, put and call arrangements, rights of first refusal and similar rights relating to Investments in Persons that are not Material Subsidiaries of Borrower or (ii) of any joint venture or similar arrangement pursuant to any joint venture or similar arrangement;
provided that the term “Permitted Encumbrances” shall not include any Lien securing Indebtedness.
“Permitted Investments” means:
(a) direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States of America (or by any agency thereof to the extent such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America), in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;
(b) investments in commercial paper maturing within 270 days from the date of acquisition thereof and having, at such date of acquisition, the highest credit rating obtainable from S&P or from Moody’s;
(c) investments in certificates of deposit, banker’s acceptances and time deposits maturing within 180 days from the date of acquisition thereof issued or guaranteed by or placed with, and money market deposit accounts issued or offered by, any domestic office of any
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commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States of America or any State thereof which has a combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500,000,000;
(d) fully collateralized repurchase agreements with a term of not more than one year for securities described in clause (a) above and entered into with a financial institution satisfying the criteria described in clause (c) above;
(e) money market funds that (i) comply with the criteria set forth in SEC Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, (ii) are rated AAA by S&P and Aaa by Moody’s and (iii) have portfolio assets of at least $1,000,000,000; and
(f) investments made in accordance with the Investment Policy adopted by the Borrower’s Board of Directors as in effect on the date hereof, a copy of which has been furnished to the Administrative Agent and as amended, supplemented or modified after the date hereof with the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).
“Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
“Plan” means any employee pension benefit plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, and in respect of which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is (or, if such plan were terminated, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an “employer” as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.
“Plan Asset Regulations” means 29 CFR § 2510.3-101 et seq., as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA, as amended from time to time.
“Pledge Subsidiary” means (i) each Domestic Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary of a Foreign Subsidiary and (ii) each First Tier Foreign Subsidiary which is a Material Foreign Subsidiary.
“Pounds Sterling” means the lawful currency of the United Kingdom.
“Prepayment Event” means:
(a)any sale, transfer or other disposition (including pursuant to a Sale and Leaseback Transaction) of any property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, other than sales, transfers or dispositions described in Section 6.03(a); or
(b)any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary with a fair market value immediately prior to such event equal to or greater than $20,000,000; or
(c)the incurrence by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of any Indebtedness (other than Loans), other than Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01 or permitted by the Required Lenders pursuant to Section 9.02.
“Prime Rate” means the rate of interest last quoted by The Wall Street Journal as the “Prime Rate” in the U.S. or, if The Wall Street Journal ceases to quote such rate, the highest per annum interest rate published by the Board in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) (Selected Interest Rates) as the “bank prime loan” rate or, if such rate is no longer quoted therein, any similar rate quoted therein (as determined reasonably and in good faith by the Administrative Agent) or any similar release by the Board (as determined reasonably and in good faith by the Administrative Agent). Each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective from and including the date such change is publicly announced or quoted as being effective.
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“Pro Forma Basis” means, with respect to any event, that the Borrower is in compliance on a pro forma basis with the applicable covenant, calculation or requirement herein recomputed as if the event with respect to which compliance on a Pro Forma Basis is being tested had occurred on the first day of the four fiscal quarter period most recently ended on or prior to such date for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01.
“Proceeding” means any claim, litigation, investigation, action, suit, arbitration or administrative, judicial or regulatory action or proceeding in any jurisdiction.
“PTE” means a prohibited transaction class exemption issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, as any such exemption may be amended from time to time.
“QFC” has the meaning assigned to the term “qualified financial contract” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 5390(c)(8)(D).
“QFC Credit Support” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.19.
“Recipient” means, as applicable, (a) the Administrative Agent, (b) any Lender (and, in the case of a Lender that is classified as a partnership for U.S. Federal tax purposes, a Person treated as the beneficial owner thereof for U.S. Federal tax purposes) and (c) any Issuing Bank.
“Reference Time” with respect to any setting of the then-current Benchmark means (i) if such Benchmark is the Term SOFR Rate, 5:00 a.m., Chicago time, on the day that is two (2) Business Days preceding the date of such setting, (ii) if such Benchmark is the EURIBO Rate, 11:00 a.m., Brussels time two (2) TARGET Days preceding the date of such setting, (iii) if such Benchmark is the TIBO Rate, 11:00 a.m. Japan time two (2) Business Days preceding the date of such setting, (iv) if the RFR for such Benchmark is SONIA, then four (4) Business Days prior to such setting, (v) if the RFR for such Benchmark is Daily Simple SOFR, then four (4) Business Days prior to such setting or (vi) if such Benchmark is none of the Term SOFR Rate, Daily Simple SOFR, the EURIBO Rate, the TIBO Rate or SONIA, the time determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.
“Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04.
“Regulation S-X” means Regulation S-X under the Securities Act.
“Related Parties” means, with respect to any specified Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the respective directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such Person and such Person’s Affiliates.
“Relevant Governmental Body” means (i) with respect to a Benchmark Replacement in respect of Loans denominated in Dollars, the Board or the NYFRB, the CME Term SOFR Administrator, as applicable, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Board or the NYFRB or, in each case, any successor thereto, (ii) with respect to a Benchmark Replacement in respect of Loans denominated in Pounds Sterling, the Bank of England, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Bank of England or, in each case, any successor thereto, (iii) with respect to a Benchmark Replacement in respect of Loans denominated in euro, the European Central Bank, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the European Central Bank or, in each case, any successor thereto, (iv) with respect to a Benchmark Replacement in respect of Loans denominated in Japanese Yen, the Bank of Japan, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Bank of Japan or, in each case, any successor thereto and (v) with respect to a Benchmark Replacement in respect of Loans denominated in any other currency, (a) the central bank for the currency in which such Benchmark Replacement is denominated or any central bank or other supervisor which is responsible for supervising either (1) such Benchmark Replacement or (2) the administrator of such Benchmark Replacement or (b) any working group or committee officially endorsed or convened by (1) the central bank for the currency in which such Benchmark Replacement is denominated, (2) any central bank or other supervisor that is responsible for supervising either (A) such Benchmark Replacement or (B) the administrator of such Benchmark Replacement, (3) a group of those central banks or other supervisors or (4) the Financial Stability Board or any part thereof.
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“Relevant Rate” means (i) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars, the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, (ii) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in euro, the Adjusted EURIBO Rate, (iii) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Japanese Yen, the Adjusted TIBO Rate or (iv) with respect to any RFR Borrowing denominated in Pounds Sterling or Dollars, the applicable Adjusted Daily Simple RFR, as applicable.
“Relevant Screen Rate” means (i) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars, the Term SOFR Reference Rate, (ii) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in euro, the EURIBO Screen Rate or (iii) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Japanese Yen, the TIBO Screen Rate, as applicable.
“Required Lenders” means, subject to Section 2.21, (a) at any time prior to the earlier of the Loans becoming due and payable pursuant to Article VII or the Revolving Commitments terminating or expiring, Lenders having Credit Exposures and Unfunded Commitments representing more than 50% of the sum of the total Credit Exposures and Unfunded Commitments at such time; provided that, solely for purposes of declaring the Loans to be due and payable pursuant to Article VII, the Unfunded Commitment of each Revolving Lender shall be deemed to be zero; and (b) for all purposes after the Loans become due and payable pursuant to Article VII or the Revolving Commitments expire or terminate, Lenders having Credit Exposures representing more than 50% of the sum of the total Credit Exposures at such time; provided that, in the case of clauses (a) and (b) above, (x) the Revolving Credit Exposure of any Revolving Lender that is the Swingline Lender shall be deemed to exclude any amount of its Swingline Exposure in excess of its Applicable Percentage of all outstanding Swingline Loans, adjusted to give effect to any reallocation under Section 2.21 of the Swingline Exposures of Defaulting Lenders in effect at such time, and the Unfunded Commitment of such Lender shall be determined on the basis of its Revolving Credit Exposure excluding such excess amount and (y) for the purpose of determining the Required Lenders needed for any waiver, amendment, modification or consent of or under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, any Lender that is a Loan Party or an Affiliate of any Loan Party shall be disregarded.
“Resolution Authority” means an EEA Resolution Authority or, with respect to any UK Financial Institution, a UK Resolution Authority.
“Responsible Officer” means the chief executive officer, president, a Financial Officer or chief legal officer of the Borrower.
“Restricted Payment” means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interests in the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such Equity Interests in the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such Equity Interests in the Borrower or any Subsidiary.
“Reuters” means, as applicable, Thomson Reuters Corp., Refinitiv, or any successor thereto.
“Revolving Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the amount set forth on Schedule 2.01 opposite such Lender’s name under the heading “Revolving Commitment”, or in the Assignment and Assumption or other documentation or record (as such term is defined in Section 9-102(a)(70) of the New York Uniform Commercial Code) contemplated hereby pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Revolving Commitment, as applicable, and giving effect to (a) any reduction in such amount from time to time pursuant to Section 2.09, (b) any increase from time to time pursuant to Section 2.22 and (c) any reduction or increase in such amount from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04; provided that at no time shall the Revolving Credit Exposure of any Lender exceed its Revolving Commitment. The initial aggregate amount of the Revolving Commitments on the Effective Date is $70,000,000.
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“Revolving Credit Exposure” means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the sum of the outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s Revolving Loans, its LC Exposure and its Swingline Exposure at such time.
“Revolving Lender” means, as of any date of determination, each Lender that has a Revolving Commitment or, if the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, a Lender with Revolving Credit Exposure.
“Revolving Loan” means a Loan made by a Revolving Lender pursuant to Section 2.01(a).
“RFR” means, for any RFR Loan denominated in (a) Pounds Sterling, SONIA and (b) Dollars, Daily Simple SOFR.
“RFR Borrowing” means, as to any Borrowing, the RFR Loans comprising such Borrowing.
“RFR Business Day” means, for any Loan denominated in (a) Pounds Sterling, any day except for (i) a Saturday, (ii) a Sunday or (iii) a day on which banks are closed for general business in London and (b) Dollars, a U.S. Government Securities Business Day.
“RFR Interest Day” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Daily Simple RFR”.
“RFR Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR.
“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC business.
“Sale and Leaseback Transaction” means any sale or other transfer of any property or asset owned by any Person with the intent to lease such property or asset as lessee.
“Sanctioned Country” means, at any time, a country, region or territory which is itself the subject or target of any Sanctions (at the time of this Agreement, Crimea Region of Ukraine, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria).
“Sanctioned Person” means, at any time, (a) any Person listed in any Sanctions-related lists of designated Persons maintained by OFAC, the U.S. Department of State, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, any European Union member state in which the Borrower or any Subsidiary conducts business or Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom or other relevant sanctions authority, (b) any Person operating, organized or resident in a Sanctioned Country or (c) any Person 50% or more owned or controlled by any such Person or Persons described in the foregoing clauses (a) or (b).
“Sanctions” means all economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by (a) the U.S. government, including those administered by OFAC or the U.S. Department of State or (b) the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, any European Union member state in which the Borrower or any Subsidiary conducts business or Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom or other relevant sanctions authority.
“SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Securities Act” means the United States Securities Act of 1933.
“Secured Banking Services Obligations” means any and all obligations of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions
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therefor) in connection with Banking Services with respect to which, at or prior to the Effective Date or the time that the Banking Services Agreement is entered into (other than any Banking Services Agreement relating to Secured Banking Services Obligations owing to the Administrative Agent or an Affiliate thereof), the Borrower (or any Subsidiary) and the Lender (or Affiliate thereof) providing such Banking Services (except in the case of the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates) shall have delivered written notice to the Administrative Agent that such transaction has been entered into and that it constitutes a Secured Banking Services Obligation entitled to the benefits of the Collateral Documents.
“Secured Obligations” means all Obligations, together with all Secured Swap Obligations and Secured Banking Services Obligations owing to one or more Lenders or their respective Affiliates; provided that the definition of “Secured Obligations” shall not create or include any guarantee by any Loan Party of (or grant of security interest by any Loan Party to support, as applicable) any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Loan Party for purposes of determining any obligations of any Loan Party.
“Secured Parties” means the holders of the Secured Obligations from time to time and shall include (i) each Lender and the Issuing Bank in respect of its Loans and LC Exposure respectively, (ii) the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders in respect of all other present and future obligations and liabilities of the Borrower and each Subsidiary of every type and description arising under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (iii) each Lender and Affiliate of such Lender in respect of Secured Swap Obligations and Secured Banking Services Obligations, (iv) each indemnified party under Section 9.03 in respect of the obligations and liabilities of the Borrower to such Person hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, and (v) their respective successors and (in the case of a Lender, permitted) transferees and assigns.
“Secured Swap Obligations” means any and all obligations of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor), under (a) any and all Swap Agreements permitted hereunder with a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, and (b) any and all cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any such Swap Agreement transaction in each case with respect to which, at or prior to the Effective Date or the time that the Swap Agreement is entered into (other than any Swap Agreement relating to Secured Swap Obligations owing to the Administrative Agent or an Affiliate thereof), the Borrower (or any Subsidiary) and the Lender (or Affiliate thereof) party to such Swap Agreement (except in the case of the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates) shall have delivered written notice to the Administrative Agent that such transaction has been entered into and that it constitutes a Secured Swap Obligation entitled to the benefits of the Collateral Documents.
“Security Agreement” means that certain Pledge and Security Agreement (including any and all supplements thereto), dated as of the Effective Date, between the Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, and any other pledge or security agreement entered into, after the date of this Agreement by any other Loan Party (as required by this Agreement or any other Loan Document), or any other Person that becomes a Loan Party, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“SOFR” means a rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the SOFR Administrator.
“SOFR Administrator” means the NYFRB (or a successor administrator of the secured overnight financing rate).
“SOFR Administrator’s Website” means the NYFRB’s Website, currently at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source for the secured overnight financing rate identified as such by the SOFR Administrator from time to time.
“SOFR Rate Day” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Daily Simple SOFR”.
“Solvent” and “Solvency” mean, with respect to any Person on any date of determination, that on such date (a) the fair value of the property of such Person is greater than the total amount of
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liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the present fair saleable value of the assets of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Person’s ability to pay such debts and liabilities as they mature, (d) such Person is not engaged in business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in business or a transaction, for which such Person’s property would constitute an unreasonably small capital, and (e) such Person is able to pay its debts and liabilities, contingent obligations and other commitments as they mature in the ordinary course of business. The amount of contingent liabilities at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in the light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.
“SONIA” means, with respect to any Business Day, a rate per annum equal to the Sterling Overnight Index Average for such Business Day published by the SONIA Administrator on the SONIA Administrator’s Website on the immediately succeeding Business Day.
“SONIA Administrator” means the Bank of England (or any successor administrator of the Sterling Overnight Index Average).
“SONIA Administrator’s Website” means the Bank of England’s website, currently at http://www.bankofengland.co.uk, or any successor source for the Sterling Overnight Index Average identified as such by the SONIA Administrator from time to time.
“Specified Ancillary Obligations” means all obligations and liabilities (including interest and fees accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding) of any of the Subsidiaries, existing on the Effective Date or arising thereafter, direct or indirect, joint or several, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, arising by contract, operation of law or otherwise, to the Lenders or any of their Affiliates under any Swap Agreement or any Banking Services Agreement; provided that the definition of “Specified Ancillary Obligations” shall not create or include any guarantee by any Loan Party of (or grant of security interest by any Loan Party to support, as applicable) any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Loan Party for purposes of determining any obligations of any Loan Party.
“Specified Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Loan Party, any obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of Section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act or any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Statutory Reserve Rate” means a fraction (expressed as a decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve percentage (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves) expressed as a decimal established by the Board to which the Administrative Agent is subject with respect to the Adjusted EURIBO Rate or the Adjusted TIBO Rate, as applicable, for eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency liabilities” in Regulation D of the Board) or any other reserve ratio or analogous requirement of any central banking or financial regulatory authority imposed in respect of the maintenance of the Commitments or the funding of the Loans. Such reserve percentage shall include those imposed pursuant to Regulation D of the Board. Term Benchmark Loans shall be deemed to constitute eurocurrency funding and to be subject to such reserve requirements without benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available from time to time to any Lender under Regulation D of the Board or any comparable regulation. The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in any reserve percentage.
“Subordinated Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary the payment of which is subordinated to payment of the Secured Obligations.
“Subordinated Indebtedness Documents” means any document, agreement or instrument evidencing any Subordinated Indebtedness or entered into in connection with any Subordinated Indebtedness.
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“subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person (the “parent”) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the parent in the parent’s consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP as of such date, as well as any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity (a) of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, Controlled or held, or (b) that is, as of such date, otherwise Controlled, by the parent or one or more subsidiaries of the parent or by the parent and one or more subsidiaries of the parent.
“Subsidiary” means any subsidiary of the Borrower.
“Subsidiary Guarantor” means each Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary that is a Material Domestic Subsidiary that is party to the Subsidiary Guaranty. The Subsidiary Guarantors on the Effective Date are identified as such in Schedule 3.01 hereto.
“Subsidiary Guaranty” means that certain Guaranty dated as of the Effective Date (including any and all supplements thereto) and executed by each Subsidiary Guarantor, as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Supported QFC” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.19.
“Swap Agreement” means any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, future or derivative transaction or option or similar agreement involving, or settled by reference to, one or more rates, currencies, commodities, equity or debt instruments or securities, or economic, financial or pricing indices or measures of economic, financial or pricing risk or value or any similar transaction or any combination of these transactions; provided that no phantom stock or similar plan providing for payments only on account of services provided by current or former directors, officers, employees or consultants of the Borrower or the Subsidiaries shall be a Swap Agreement.
“Swingline Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans outstanding at such time. The Swingline Exposure of any Lender at any time shall be the sum of (without duplication) (a) its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans outstanding at such time (excluding, in the case of any Lender that is a Swingline Lender, Swingline Loans made by it that are outstanding at such time to the extent that the other Lenders shall not have funded their participations in such Swingline Loans), adjusted to give effect to any reallocation under Section 2.21 of the Swingline Exposure of Defaulting Lenders in effect at such time, and (b) in the case of any Lender that is a Swingline Lender, the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans made by such Lender outstanding at such time, less the amount of participations funded by the other Lenders in such Swingline Loans.
“Swingline Lender” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as lender of Swingline Loans hereunder.
“Swingline Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.05.
“Swingline Sublimit” means $10,000,000.
“TARGET2” means the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (TARGET2) payment system which utilizes a single shared platform and which was launched on November 19, 2007.
“TARGET Day” means any day on which TARGET2 (or, if such payment system ceases to be operative, such other payment system (if any) reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent to be a suitable replacement) is open for the settlement of payments in euro.
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“Taxes” means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), value added taxes, or any other goods and services, use or sales taxes, assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.
“Term Benchmark”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, means that such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, bears interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, the Adjusted EURIBO Rate or the Adjusted TIBO Rate.
“Term Benchmark Payment Office” of the Administrative Agent shall mean, for each Foreign Currency, the office, branch, affiliate or correspondent bank of the Administrative Agent for such currency as specified from time to time by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower and each Lender.
“Term Lender” means, as of any date of determination, each Lender having a Term Loan Commitment or that holds Term Loans.
“Term Loan Commitment” means, with respect to any Term Lender, such Term Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Term Loans.
“Term Loans” means the term loans made by the Term Lenders to the Borrower on January 5, 2021 pursuant to the Existing Credit Agreement. The aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans as of the Effective Date is $171,000,000 and each Term Lender’s respective portion of the Term Loans on the Effective Date is set forth on Schedule 2.01.
“Term SOFR Determination Day” has the meaning assigned to it under the definition of Term SOFR Reference Rate.
“Term SOFR Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars and for any tenor comparable to the applicable Interest Period, the Term SOFR Reference Rate at approximately 5:00 a.m., Chicago time, two U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to the commencement of such tenor comparable to the applicable Interest Period, as such rate is published by the CME Term SOFR Administrator.
“Term SOFR Reference Rate” means, for any day and time (such day, the “Term SOFR Determination Day”), with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars and for any tenor comparable to the applicable Interest Period, the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent as the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR. If by 5:00 pm (New York City time) on such Term SOFR Determination Day, the “Term SOFR Reference Rate” for the applicable tenor has not been published by the CME Term SOFR Administrator and a Benchmark Replacement Date with respect to the Term SOFR Rate has not occurred, then the Term SOFR Reference Rate for such Term SOFR Determination Day will be the Term SOFR Reference Rate as published in respect of the first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day for which such Term SOFR Reference Rate was published by the CME Term SOFR Administrator, so long as such first preceding Business Day is not more than five (5) Business Days prior to such Term SOFR Determination Day.
“TIBO Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Japanese Yen and for any Interest Period, the TIBO Screen Rate two (2) Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period.
“TIBO Screen Rate” means the Tokyo interbank offered rate administered by the Ippan Shadan Hojin JBA TIBO Administration (or any other person which takes over the administration of that rate) for the relevant currency and period displayed on page DTIBOR01 of the Reuters screen (or, in the event such rate does not appear on such Reuters page or screen, on any successor or substitute page on such screen that displays such rate, or on the appropriate page of such other information service that publishes such rate as selected by the Administrative Agent from time to time in its reasonable discretion) as published at approximately 1:00 p.m., Japan time, two (2) Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period.
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“Total Net Leverage Ratio” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.11.
“Total Revolving Credit Exposure” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans at such time and (b) the total LC Exposure at such time.
“Transactions” means the execution, delivery and performance by the Loan Parties of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, the borrowing of Loans and other credit extensions hereunder, the use of the proceeds thereof and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder.
“Type”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, the Adjusted EURIBO Rate, the Adjusted TIBO Rate, the Alternate Base Rate or the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR.
“UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New York or any other state the laws of which are required to be applied in connection with the issue of perfection of security interests.
“UK Financial Institution” means any BRRD Undertaking (as such term is defined under the PRA Rulebook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Prudential Regulation Authority) or any person falling within IFPRU 11.6 of the FCA Handbook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which includes certain credit institutions and investment firms, and certain affiliates of such credit institutions or investment firms.
“UK Resolution Authority” means the Bank of England or any other public administrative authority having responsibility for the resolution of any UK Financial Institution.
“Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement excluding the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.
“Unfinanced Capital Expenditures” means, for any period, Consolidated Capital Expenditures made during such period which are not financed from the proceeds of any Indebtedness (other than the Revolving Loans; it being understood and agreed that, to the extent any Consolidated Capital Expenditures are financed with Revolving Loans, such Consolidated Capital Expenditures shall be deemed Unfinanced Capital Expenditures).
“Unfunded Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the Revolving Commitment of such Lender less its Revolving Credit Exposure.
“Unliquidated Obligations” means, at any time, any Secured Obligations (or portion thereof) that are contingent in nature or unliquidated at such time, including any Secured Obligation that is: (i) an obligation to reimburse a bank for drawings not yet made under a letter of credit issued by it; (ii) any other obligation (including any guarantee) that is contingent in nature at such time; or (iii) an obligation to provide collateral to secure any of the foregoing types of obligations.
“U.S. Government Securities Business Day” means any day except for (i) a Saturday, (ii) a Sunday or (iii) a day on which the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends that the fixed income departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of trading in United States government securities.
“U.S. Person” means a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.
“U.S. Special Resolution Regime” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.19.
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“U.S. Tax Certificate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.17(f)(ii)(D)(2).
“Wholly-Owned Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary with respect to which 100% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests are owned directly or indirectly by the Borrower (other than (i) directors’ qualifying shares; (ii) shares issued to foreign nationals to the extent required by applicable law; and (iii) shares held by a Person on trust for, or otherwise where the beneficial interest is held by, the Borrower (directly or indirectly)).
“Withdrawal Liability” means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.
“Withholding Agent” means the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.
“Write-Down and Conversion Powers” means, (a) with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule, and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, any powers of the applicable Resolution Authority under the Bail-In Legislation to cancel, reduce, modify or change the form of a liability of any UK Financial Institution or any contract or instrument under which that liability arises, to convert all or part of that liability into shares, securities or obligations of that person or any other person, to provide that any such contract or instrument is to have effect as if a right had been exercised under it or to suspend any obligation in respect of that liability or any of the powers under that Bail-In Legislation that are related to or ancillary to any of those powers.
SECTION 1.02. Classification of Loans and Borrowings. For purposes of this Agreement, Loans may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Loan”) or by Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Loan” or an “RFR Loan”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Revolving Loan” or an “RFR Revolving Loan”). Borrowings also may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Borrowing”) or by Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Borrowing” or an “RFR Borrowing”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing” or an “RFR Revolving Borrowing”).
SECTION 1.03. Terms Generally. The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”. The word “law” shall be construed as referring to all statutes, rules, regulations, codes and other laws (including official rulings and interpretations thereunder having the force of law or with which affected Persons customarily comply), and all judgments, orders and decrees, of all Governmental Authorities. Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, restatements, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any definition of or reference to any law, statute, rule or regulation shall be construed as referring thereto as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (including by succession of comparable successor laws), (c) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns (subject to any restrictions on assignment set forth herein) and, in the case of any Governmental Authority, any other Governmental Authority that shall have succeeded to any or all functions thereof, (d) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (e) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement and (f) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.
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SECTION 1.04. Accounting Terms; GAAP. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that, if at any time any change in GAAP would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Loan Document, and either the Borrower or the Required Lenders shall so request, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP (subject to the approval of the Required Lenders); provided further that, (A) until so amended, such ratio or requirement shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective and (B) the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP. Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature used herein shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made (i) without giving effect to any election under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 825 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any Indebtedness or other liabilities of the Borrower or any Subsidiary at “fair value”, as defined therein, (ii) without giving effect to any treatment of Indebtedness under Accounting Standards Codification 470-20 or 2015-03 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any such Indebtedness in a reduced or bifurcated manner as described therein, and such Indebtedness shall at all times be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof and (iii) with respect to capital leases, the amounts of Capital Lease Obligations, any lease that was classified or accounted for as an operating lease as of (and any similar lease entered into after) December 31, 2015 in accordance with GAAP shall be classified or accounted for as an operating lease and not a capital lease, even though, as a result of a change in GAAP or the Borrower’s implementation of FASB ASC 840 or other applicable accounting standard, such lease would be classified and accounted for as a capital lease under GAAP.
SECTION 1.05. Status of Obligations. In the event that the Borrower or any other Loan Party shall at any time issue or have outstanding any Subordinated Indebtedness, the Borrower shall take or cause such other Loan Party to take all such actions as shall be necessary to cause the Secured Obligations to constitute senior indebtedness (however denominated) in respect of such Subordinated Indebtedness and to enable the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to have and exercise any payment blockage or other remedies available or potentially available to holders of senior indebtedness under the terms of such Subordinated Indebtedness. Without limiting the foregoing, the Secured Obligations are hereby designated as “senior indebtedness” and as “designated senior indebtedness” and words of similar import under and in respect of any indenture or other agreement or instrument under which such Subordinated Indebtedness is outstanding and are further given all such other designations as shall be required under the terms of any such Subordinated Indebtedness in order that the Lenders may have and exercise any payment blockage or other remedies available or potentially available to holders of senior indebtedness under the terms of such Subordinated Indebtedness.
SECTION 1.06. Interest Rates; Benchmark Notification. The interest rate on a Loan denominated in Dollars or a Foreign Currency may be derived from an interest rate benchmark that may be discontinued or is, or may in the future become, the subject of regulatory reform. Upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, Section 2.14(b) provides a mechanism for determining an alternative rate of interest. The Administrative Agent does not warrant or accept any responsibility for, and shall not have any liability with respect to, the administration, submission, performance or any other matter related to any interest rate used in this Agreement, or with respect to any alternative or successor rate thereto, or replacement rate thereof, including without limitation, whether the composition or characteristics of any such alternative, successor or replacement reference rate will be similar to, or produce the same value or economic equivalence of, the existing interest rate being replaced or have the same volume or liquidity as did any existing interest rate prior to its discontinuance or unavailability. The Administrative Agent and its affiliates and/or other related entities may engage in transactions that affect the calculation of any interest rate used in this Agreement or any alternative, successor or alternative rate (including any Benchmark Replacement) and/or any relevant adjustments thereto, in each case, in a manner adverse to the Borrower. The Administrative Agent may select information sources or services in its reasonable discretion to ascertain any interest rate used in this Agreement, any component thereof, or
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rates referenced in the definition thereof, in each case pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and shall have no liability to the Borrower, any Lender or any other person or entity for damages of any kind, including direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental or consequential damages, costs, losses or expenses (whether in tort, contract or otherwise and whether at law or in equity), for any error or calculation of any such rate (or component thereof) provided by any such information source or service.
SECTION 1.07. Divisions. For all purposes under the Loan Documents, in connection with any division or plan of division under Delaware law (or any comparable event under a different jurisdiction’s laws): (a) if any asset, right, obligation or liability of any Person becomes the asset, right, obligation or liability of a different Person, then it shall be deemed to have been transferred from the original Person to the subsequent Person, and (b) if any new Person comes into existence, such new Person shall be deemed to have been organized and acquired on the first date of its existence by the holders of its Equity Interests at such time.
SECTION 1.08. Letter of Credit Amounts. Unless otherwise specified herein, the amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to be the Dollar Amount of such Letter of Credit available to be drawn at such time; provided that, with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any Letter of Credit Agreement related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the available amount thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the maximum Dollar Amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum amount is available to be drawn at such time.
SECTION 1.09. Amendment and Restatement of Existing Credit Agreement. The parties to this Agreement agree that, upon (i) the execution and delivery by each of the parties hereto of this Agreement and (ii) satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 4.01, the terms and provisions of the Existing Credit Agreement shall be and hereby are amended, superseded and restated in their entirety by the terms and provisions of this Agreement. This Agreement is not intended to and shall not constitute a novation. All “Loans” made and “Obligations” incurred under the Existing Credit Agreement which are outstanding on the Effective Date shall continue as Loans and Obligations under (and shall be governed by the terms of) this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Without limiting the foregoing, upon the Effective Date: (a) all references in the “Loan Documents” (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) to the “Administrative Agent”, the “Credit Agreement” and the “Loan Documents” shall be deemed to refer to the Administrative Agent, this Agreement and the Loan Documents, (b) the existing Letters of Credit which remain outstanding on the Effective Date shall continue as Letters of Credit under (and shall be governed by the terms of) this Agreement, (c) all obligations constituting “Obligations” owed to any Lender or any Affiliate of such Lender which are outstanding on the Effective Date shall continue as Obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (d) the Administrative Agent shall make such reallocations, sales, assignments or other relevant actions in respect of each Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure under the Existing Credit Agreement as are necessary in order that each such Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure and outstanding Revolving Loans hereunder reflects such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the outstanding aggregate Revolving Credit Exposures on the Effective Date and (e) the Borrower hereby agree to compensate each Lender for any and all losses, costs and expenses incurred by such Lender in connection with the sale and assignment of any Eurocurrency Loans (as defined in this Agreement prior to the Effective Date) (including the “Eurocurrency Loans” under the Existing Credit Agreement) and such reallocation described above, in each case on the terms and in the manner set forth in Section 2.16 hereof.
SECTION 1.10. Exchange Rates; Currency Equivalents.
(a) The Administrative Agent or the relevant Issuing Bank, as applicable, shall determine the Dollar Amount of Term Benchmark Borrowings, RFR Borrowings or Letters of Credit denominated in Foreign Currencies. Such Dollar Amount shall become effective as of such Computation Date and shall be the Dollar Amount of such amounts until the next Computation Date to occur. Except for purposes of financial statements delivered by the Borrower hereunder or calculating financial covenants hereunder or except as otherwise provided herein, the applicable amount of any Agreed Currency (other than Dollars) for purposes of the Loan Documents shall be such Dollar Amount as so determined by the Administrative Agent or the relevant Issuing Bank, as applicable.
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(b) Wherever in this Agreement in connection with a Borrowing, conversion, continuation or prepayment of a Term Benchmark Loan or an RFR Loan or the issuance, amendment or extension of a Letter of Credit, an amount, such as a required minimum or multiple amount, is expressed in Dollars, but such Borrowing, Loan or Letter of Credit is denominated in a Foreign Currency, such amount shall be the Dollar Amount of such amount (rounded to the nearest unit of such Foreign Currency, with 0.5 of a unit being rounded upward), as determined by the Administrative Agent or the relevant Issuing Bank, as the case may be.
ARTICLE II
The Credits
The Credits
SECTION 1.01. Commitments. Prior to the Effective Date, (x) certain term loans were previously made to the Borrower under the Existing Credit Agreement which remain outstanding as of the Effective Date (such outstanding loans being hereinafter referred to as the “Existing Term Loans”) and (y) certain revolving loans were made to the Borrower under the Existing Credit Agreement which remain outstanding as of the date of this Agreement (such outstanding revolving loans being hereinafter referred to as the “Existing Revolving Loans” and, together with the Existing Term Loans, the “Existing Loans”)). Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Borrower and each of the Lenders agree that on the Effective Date but subject to the reallocation and other transactions described in Section 1.07, the Existing Loans shall be reevidenced as Revolving Loans or Term Loans, as applicable, under this Agreement and the terms of the Existing Loans shall be restated in their entirety and shall be evidenced by this Agreement. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Revolving Lender (severally and not jointly) agrees to make Revolving Loans to the Borrower in Agreed Currencies from time to time during the Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount that will not result (after giving effect to any application of proceeds of such Borrowing to any Swingline Loans outstanding pursuant to Section 2.10(a)) in, subject to Sections 2.04 and 2.11(b), (i) the Dollar Amount of such Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure exceeding such Lender’s Revolving Commitment, (ii) the Dollar Amount of the Total Revolving Credit Exposure exceeding the aggregate Revolving Commitments or (iii) the Dollar Amount of the total outstanding Revolving Loans and LC Exposure, in each case denominated in Foreign Currencies, exceeding the Foreign Currency Sublimit. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow Revolving Loans. The Term Loans have been funded and may not be reborrowed. Amounts repaid or prepaid in respect of Term Loans may not be reborrowed.
SECTION 1.02. Loans and Borrowings. (a) Each Loan (other than a Swingline Loan) shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Loans of the same Class and Type made by the applicable Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments of the applicable Class. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan required to be made by it shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations hereunder; provided that the Commitments of the Lenders are several and no Lender shall be responsible for any other Lender’s failure to make Loans as required. Any Swingline Loan shall be made in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.05. The Term Loans shall amortize as set forth in Section 2.10.
(b) Subject to Section 2.14, each Revolving Borrowing and each Term Loan Borrowing shall be comprised (i) in the case of Borrowings in Dollars, entirely of ABR Loans or Term Benchmark Loans and (ii) in the case of Borrowings in any other Agreed Currency, entirely of Term Benchmark Loans or RFR Loans, as applicable, in each case of the same Agreed Currency, as the Borrower may request in accordance herewith; provided that each ABR Loan shall only be made in Dollars. Each Swingline Loan shall be an ABR Loan. Each Lender at its option may make any Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan (and in the case of an Affiliate, the provisions of Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 2.17 shall apply to such Affiliate to the same extent as to such Lender); provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
(c) At the commencement of each Interest Period for any Term Benchmark Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $100,000 (or, if such Borrowing is denominated in (i) Japanese Yen, JPY 10,000,000 or (ii) a Foreign Currency other than
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Japanese Yen, 1,000,000 units of such currency) and not less than $2,500,000 (or, if such Borrowing is denominated in (i) Japanese Yen, JPY 250,000,000 or (ii) a Foreign Currency other than Japanese Yen, 2,500,000 units of such currency). At the time that each ABR Borrowing and/or RFR Borrowing is made, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $100,000 and not less than $500,000; provided that an ABR Revolving Borrowing may be in an aggregate amount that is equal to the entire unused balance of the aggregate Revolving Commitments or that is required to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.06(e). Each Swingline Loan shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $50,000 and not less than $250,000. Borrowings of more than one Type and Class may be outstanding at the same time; provided that there shall not at any time be more than a total of eight (8) Term Benchmark Borrowings or RFR Borrowings outstanding.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Borrower shall not be entitled to request, or to elect to convert or continue, any Borrowing if the Interest Period requested with respect thereto would end after the Maturity Date.
SECTION 1.03. Requests for Borrowings. To request a Borrowing, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request (a) by irrevocable written notice (via a written Borrowing Request signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower) (i) in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars, euro or Japanese Yen, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, three (3) Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing and (ii) in the case of an RFR Borrowing denominated in Pounds Sterling, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, five (5) RFR Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing or (b) by irrevocable written notice (via a written Borrowing Request signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower) in the case of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the date of the proposed Borrowing. Each such Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:
(i) the aggregate principal amount of the requested Borrowing;
(ii) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;
(iii) whether such Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing, a Term Benchmark Borrowing or an RFR Borrowing;
(iv) whether such Borrowing is a Revolving Borrowing or a Term Loan Borrowing;
(v) in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing or an RFR Borrowing, the Agreed Currency to be applicable thereto;
(vi) in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”; and
(vii) the location and number of the Borrower’s account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.07.
If no election as to the currency of a Borrowing is specified, then the requested Borrowing shall be made in Dollars. If no election as to the Type of Borrowing is specified, then, in the case of a Borrowing denominated in Dollars, the requested Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing. If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested Term Benchmark Borrowing, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration. Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of the amount of such Lender’s Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing.
SECTION 1.04. Determination of Dollar Amounts. The Administrative Agent will determine the Dollar Amount of:
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(a) any Loan denominated in a Foreign Currency, on each of the following: (i) the date of the Borrowing of such Loan and (ii)(A) with respect to any Term Benchmark Loan, each date of a conversion or continuation of such Loan pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and (B) with respect to any RFR Loan, each date that is on the numerically corresponding day in each calendar month that is one month after the Borrowing of such Loan (or, if there is no such numerically corresponding day in such month, then the last day of such month),
(b) any Letter of Credit denominated in a Foreign Currency, on each of the following: (i) the date on which such Letter of Credit is issued, (ii) the first Business Day of each calendar month and (iii) the date of any amendment of such Letter of Credit that has the effect of increasing the face amount thereof, and
(c) any Credit Event, on any additional date as the Administrative Agent may determine at any time when an Event of Default exists.
Each day upon or as of which the Administrative Agent determines Dollar Amounts as described in the preceding clauses (a), (b) and (c) is herein described as a “Computation Date” with respect to each Credit Event for which a Dollar Amount is determined on or as of such day.
SECTION 1.05. Swingline Loans. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Swingline Lender may in its sole discretion make Swingline Loans in Dollars to the Borrower from time to time during the Availability Period, in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding that will not result in (i) the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Swingline Loans exceeding the Swingline Sublimit, (ii) the Swingline Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure exceeding its Revolving Commitment or (iii) the Dollar Amount of the Total Revolving Credit Exposure exceeding the aggregate Revolving Commitments; provided that the Swingline Lender shall not be required to make a Swingline Loan to refinance an outstanding Swingline Loan. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow Swingline Loans.
(b) To request a Swingline Loan, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by irrevocable written notice (via a written Borrowing Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower), not later than 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on the day of a proposed Swingline Loan. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the requested date (which shall be a Business Day) and amount of the requested Swingline Loan. The Administrative Agent will promptly advise the Swingline Lender of any such notice received from the Borrower. The Swingline Lender shall make each Swingline Loan available to the Borrower by means of a credit to an account of the Borrower with the Administrative Agent designated for such purpose (or, in the case of a Swingline Loan made to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.06(e), by remittance to the relevant Issuing Bank) by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the requested date of such Swingline Loan.
(c) The Swingline Lender may by written notice given to the Administrative Agent require the Revolving Lenders to acquire participations in all or a portion of the Swingline Loans outstanding. Such notice shall specify the aggregate amount of Swingline Loans in which Revolving Lenders will participate. Promptly upon receipt of such notice, the Administrative Agent will give notice thereof to each Revolving Lender, specifying in such notice such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan or Loans. Each Revolving Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees, promptly upon receipt of such notice from the Administrative Agent (and in any event, if such notice is received by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on a Business Day, no later than 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on such Business Day and if received after 12:00 noon, New York City time, on a Business Day, no later than 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the immediately succeeding Business Day), to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Swingline Lender, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan or Loans. Each Revolving Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations in Swingline Loans pursuant to this paragraph is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever. Each Revolving Lender shall
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comply with its obligation under this paragraph by wire transfer of immediately available funds, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.07 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.07 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the payment obligations of the Revolving Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the Swingline Lender the amounts so received by it from the Revolving Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower of any participations in any Swingline Loan acquired pursuant to this paragraph, and thereafter payments in respect of such Swingline Loan shall be made to the Administrative Agent and not to the Swingline Lender. Any amounts received by the Swingline Lender from the Borrower (or other party on behalf of the Borrower) in respect of a Swingline Loan after receipt by the Swingline Lender of the proceeds of a sale of participations therein shall be promptly remitted to the Administrative Agent; any such amounts received by the Administrative Agent shall be promptly remitted by the Administrative Agent to the Revolving Lenders that shall have made their payments pursuant to this paragraph and to the Swingline Lender, as their interests may appear; provided that any such payment so remitted shall be repaid to the Swingline Lender or to the Administrative Agent, as applicable, if and to the extent such payment is required to be refunded to the Borrower for any reason. The purchase of participations in a Swingline Loan pursuant to this paragraph shall not relieve the Borrower of any default in the payment thereof.
(d) The Swingline Lender may be replaced at any time by written agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the replaced Swingline Lender and the successor Swingline Lender. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Revolving Lenders of any such replacement of the Swingline Lender. At the time any such replacement shall become effective, the Borrower shall pay all unpaid interest accrued for the account of the replaced Swingline Lender pursuant to Section 2.13(a). From and after the effective date of any such replacement, (i) the successor Swingline Lender shall have all the rights and obligations of the replaced Swingline Lender under this Agreement with respect to Swingline Loans made thereafter and (ii) references herein to the term “Swingline Lender” shall be deemed to refer to such successor or to any previous Swingline Lender, or to such successor and all previous Swingline Lenders, as the context shall require. After the replacement of a Swingline Lender hereunder, the replaced Swingline Lender shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights and obligations of a Swingline Lender under this Agreement with respect to Swingline Loans made by it prior to its replacement, but shall not be required to make additional Swingline Loans.
(e) Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Swingline Lender, the Swingline Lender may resign as a Swingline Lender at any time upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent, the Borrower and the Revolving Lenders, in which case, such Swingline Lender shall be replaced in accordance with Section 2.05(d) above.
SECTION 1.06. Letters of Credit. (a) General. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may request the issuance of, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Issuing Bank agrees to provide, Letters of Credit denominated in Agreed Currencies as the applicant thereof for the support of its or its Subsidiaries’ obligations, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the relevant Issuing Bank, at any time and from time to time during the Availability Period. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions of any form of letter of credit application or other agreement submitted by the Borrower to, or entered into by the Borrower with, the relevant Issuing Bank relating to any Letter of Credit, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no Issuing Bank shall have any obligation hereunder to issue any Letter of Credit the proceeds of which would be made available to any Person (i) to fund any activity or business of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding, is itself the subject of any Sanctions, unless such activity or business is not prohibited by Sanctions or (ii) in any manner that would result in a violation of any Sanctions by any party to this Agreement.
(b) Notice of Issuance, Amendment, Extension; Certain Conditions. To request the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or the amendment or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit), the Borrower shall hand deliver or telecopy (or transmit by electronic communication, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the relevant Issuing Bank) to the relevant Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent (reasonably in advance of the requested date of issuance, amendment or extension, but in any event no less than three (3) Business Days) a notice requesting the issuance of a Letter of
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Credit, or identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended or extended, and specifying the date of issuance, amendment or extension (which shall be a Business Day), the date on which such Letter of Credit is to expire (which shall comply with paragraph (c) of this Section), the amount of such Letter of Credit, the Agreed Currency applicable thereto, the name and address of the beneficiary thereof and such other information as shall be necessary to prepare, amend or extend such Letter of Credit. In addition, as a condition to any such Letter of Credit issuance, the Borrower shall have entered into a continuing agreement (or other letter of credit agreement) for the issuance of letters of credit and/or shall submit a letter of credit application, in each case, as required by the relevant Issuing Bank and using such Issuing Bank’s standard form (each, a “Letter of Credit Agreement”). In the event of any inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions of any Letter of Credit Agreement, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control. A Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended or extended only if (and upon issuance, amendment or extension of each Letter of Credit the Borrower shall be deemed to represent and warrant that), after giving effect to such issuance, amendment or extension, subject to Sections 2.04 and 2.11(b), (i) the Dollar Amount of the LC Exposure shall not exceed $20,000,000, (ii) the Dollar Amount of the Total Revolving Credit Exposure shall not exceed the aggregate Revolving Commitments, (iii) the Dollar Amount of each Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure shall not exceed such Lender’s Revolving Commitment, (iv) the Dollar Amount of the total outstanding Revolving Loans and LC Exposure, in each case denominated in Foreign Currencies, shall not exceed the Foreign Currency Sublimit and (v) the Dollar Amount of the aggregate face amount of all Letters of Credit issued and then outstanding by any Issuing Bank shall not exceed such Issuing Bank’s Applicable LC Sublimit.
No Issuing Bank shall be under any obligation to issue any Letter of Credit if any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain such Issuing Bank from issuing such Letter of Credit, or any law applicable to such Issuing Bank shall prohibit, or require that such Issuing Bank refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon such Issuing Bank with respect to such Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which such Issuing Bank is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Effective Date, or shall impose upon such Issuing Bank any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense that was not applicable on the Effective Date and that such Issuing Bank in good faith deems material to it.
(c) Expiration Date. Each Letter of Credit shall expire (or be subject to termination by notice from the relevant Issuing Bank to the beneficiary thereof) at or prior to the close of business on the earlier of (i) the date one year after the date of the issuance of such Letter of Credit (or, in the case of any extension of the expiration date thereof, one year after such extension) and (ii) the date that is five (5) Business Days prior to the Maturity Date.
(d) Participations. By the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or an amendment to a Letter of Credit increasing the amount thereof) and without any further action on the part of the relevant Issuing Bank or the Revolving Lenders, the relevant Issuing Bank hereby grants to each Revolving Lender, and each Revolving Lender hereby acquires from the relevant Issuing Bank, a participation in such Letter of Credit equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the aggregate amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit. In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Revolving Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the relevant Issuing Bank, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of each LC Disbursement made by such Issuing Bank and not reimbursed by the Borrower on the date due as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section, or of any reimbursement payment required to be refunded to the Borrower for any reason, including after the Maturity Date. Each Revolving Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations pursuant to this paragraph in respect of Letters of Credit is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including any amendment or extension of any Letter of Credit or the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever.
(e) Reimbursement. If the relevant Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement in respect of a Letter of Credit, the Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement by paying to the Administrative Agent in Dollars the Dollar Amount equal to such LC Disbursement, calculated as of the
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date such Issuing Bank made such LC Disbursement (or if such Issuing Bank shall so elect in its sole discretion by notice to the Borrower, in such other Agreed Currency which was paid by such Issuing Bank pursuant to such LC Disbursement in an amount equal to such LC Disbursement) not later than 12:00 noon, Local Time, on the date that such LC Disbursement is made, if the Borrower shall have received notice of such LC Disbursement prior to 10:00 a.m., Local Time, on such date, or, if such notice has not been received by the Borrower prior to such time on such date, then not later than 12:00 noon, Local Time, on the Business Day immediately following the day that the Borrower receives such notice, if such notice is not received prior to such time on the day of receipt; provided that, if such LC Disbursement is not less than the Dollar Amount of $500,000, the Borrower may, subject to the conditions to borrowing set forth herein, request in accordance with Section 2.03 or 2.05 that such payment be financed with (i) to the extent such LC Disbursement was made in Dollars, an ABR Revolving Borrowing, Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan in Dollars in an amount equal to such LC Disbursement or (ii) to the extent that such LC Disbursement was made in a Foreign Currency, a Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing or an RFR Revolving Borrowing, as applicable, in such Foreign Currency in an amount equal to such LC Disbursement and, in each case, to the extent so financed, the Borrower’s obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting ABR Revolving Borrowing, Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing, RFR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan, as applicable. If the Borrower fails to make such payment when due, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Revolving Lender of the applicable LC Disbursement, the payment then due from the Borrower in respect thereof and such Lender’s Applicable Percentage thereof. Promptly following receipt of such notice, each Revolving Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent its Applicable Percentage of the payment then due from the Borrower, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.07 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.07 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the payment obligations of the Revolving Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the relevant Issuing Bank the amounts so received by it from the Revolving Lenders. Promptly following receipt by the Administrative Agent of any payment from the Borrower pursuant to this paragraph, the Administrative Agent shall distribute such payment to such Issuing Bank or, to the extent that Revolving Lenders have made payments pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse such Issuing Bank, then to such Lenders and such Issuing Bank as their interests may appear. Any payment made by a Revolving Lender pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse the relevant Issuing Bank for any LC Disbursement (other than the funding of ABR Revolving Loans, Term Benchmark Revolving Loans, RFR Revolving Loans or a Swingline Loan as contemplated above) shall not constitute a Loan and shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to reimburse such LC Disbursement. If the Borrower’s reimbursement of, or obligation to reimburse, any amounts in any Foreign Currency would subject the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender to any stamp duty, ad valorem charge or similar tax that would not be payable if such reimbursement were made or required to be made in Dollars, the Borrower shall, at its option, either (x) pay the amount of any such tax requested by the Administrative Agent, the relevant Issuing Bank or the relevant Lender or (y) reimburse each LC Disbursement made in such Foreign Currency in Dollars, in an amount equal to the Dollar Amount thereof calculated on the date such LC Disbursement is made.
(f) Obligations Absolute. The Borrower’s obligation to reimburse LC Disbursements as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under any and all circumstances whatsoever and irrespective of (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit, any Letter of Credit Agreement or this Agreement, or any term or provision therein or herein, (ii) any draft or other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent or invalid in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, (iii) any payment by the relevant Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or other document that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit, (iv) any other event or circumstance whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that might, but for the provisions of this Section, constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, the Borrower’s obligations hereunder or (v) any adverse change in the relevant exchange rates or in the availability of the relevant Foreign Currency to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or in the relevant currency markets generally. Neither the Administrative Agent, the Revolving Lenders nor the Issuing Banks, nor any of their respective Related Parties, shall have any liability or responsibility by reason of or in connection with the issuance or transfer of any Letter of Credit or any payment or failure to make any payment thereunder (irrespective of any of the circumstances referred to in the preceding sentence), or any error, omission, interruption, loss or delay in transmission or delivery of any draft, notice or other communication under or relating to any Letter of
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Credit (including any document required to make a drawing thereunder), any error in interpretation of technical terms, any error in translation or any consequence arising from causes beyond the control of the relevant Issuing Bank; provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse the relevant Issuing Bank from liability to the Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by the Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable law) suffered by the Borrower that are caused by such Issuing Bank’s failure to exercise care when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof. The parties hereto expressly agree that, in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of such Issuing Bank (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction), such Issuing Bank shall be deemed to have exercised care in each such determination. In furtherance of the foregoing and without limiting the generality thereof, the parties agree that, with respect to documents presented which appear on their face to be in substantial compliance with the terms of a Letter of Credit, each Issuing Bank may, in its sole discretion, either accept and make payment upon such documents without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, or refuse to accept and make payment upon such documents if such documents are not in strict compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit.
(g) Disbursement Procedures. Each Issuing Bank shall, within the time allowed by applicable law or the specific terms of the Letter of Credit following its receipt thereof, examine all documents purporting to represent a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit. Each Issuing Bank shall promptly after such examination notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower by telephone (confirmed by telecopy) of such demand for payment and whether such Issuing Bank has made or will make an LC Disbursement thereunder; provided that any failure to give or delay in giving such notice shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to reimburse such Issuing Bank and the Revolving Lenders with respect to any such LC Disbursement.
(h) Interim Interest. If any Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement, then, unless the Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement in full on the date such LC Disbursement is made and notice thereof is provided to the Borrower in accordance with paragraph (e) of this Section, the unpaid amount thereof shall bear interest, for each day from and including the date such LC Disbursement is made to but excluding the date that the reimbursement is due and payable, at the rate per annum then applicable to ABR Revolving Loans (or in the case such LC Disbursement is denominated in a Foreign Currency, at the Overnight Rate for such Agreed Currency plus the then effective Applicable Rate with respect to Term Benchmark Revolving Loans) and such interest shall be due and payable on the date when such reimbursement is payable; provided that, if the Borrower fails to reimburse such LC Disbursement when due pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section, then Section 2.13(d) shall apply. Interest accrued pursuant to this paragraph shall be for the account of the relevant Issuing Bank, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any Revolving Lender pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section to reimburse such Issuing Bank shall be for the account of such Revolving Lender to the extent of such payment.
(i) Replacement of Issuing Bank. (A) Any Issuing Bank may be replaced at any time by written agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the replaced Issuing Bank and the successor Issuing Bank. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Revolving Lenders of any such replacement of any Issuing Bank. At the time any such replacement shall become effective, the Borrower shall pay all unpaid fees accrued for the account of the replaced Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.12(b). From and after the effective date of any such replacement, (i) the successor Issuing Bank shall have all the rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit to be issued thereafter and (ii) references herein to the term “Issuing Bank” shall be deemed to refer to such successor or to any previous Issuing Bank, or to such successor and all previous Issuing Banks, as the context shall require. After the replacement of an Issuing Bank hereunder, the replaced Issuing Bank shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit then outstanding and issued by it prior to such replacement, but shall not be required to issue additional Letters of Credit or extend or otherwise amend any existing Letter of Credit.
(B) Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Issuing Bank, any Issuing Bank may resign as an Issuing Bank at any time upon thirty days’ prior written notice to the
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Administrative Agent, the Borrower and the Revolving Lenders, in which case, such Issuing Bank shall be replaced in accordance with Section 2.06(i)(A) above.
(j) Cash Collateralization. If any Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, on the Business Day that the Borrower receives notice from the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders (or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated, Revolving Lenders with LC Exposure representing greater than 50% of the total LC Exposure) demanding the deposit of cash collateral pursuant to this paragraph, the Borrower shall deposit in an account with the Administrative Agent, in the name of the Administrative Agent and for the benefit of the Revolving Lenders (the “LC Collateral Account”), an amount in cash equal to 105% of the Dollar Amount of the LC Exposure as of such date plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon; provided that (i) the portions of such amount attributable to undrawn Foreign Currency Letters of Credit or LC Disbursements in a Foreign Currency that the Borrower is not late in reimbursing shall be deposited in the applicable Foreign Currencies in the actual amounts of such undrawn Letters of Credit and LC Disbursements and (ii) the obligation to deposit such cash collateral shall become effective immediately, and such deposit shall become immediately due and payable, without demand or other notice of any kind, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default with respect to the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of Article VII. For the purposes of this paragraph, the Dollar Amount of the Foreign Currency LC Exposure shall be calculated on the date notice demanding cash collateralization is delivered to the Borrower. The Borrower also shall deposit cash collateral pursuant to this paragraph as and to the extent required by Section 2.11(b). Such deposit shall be held by the Administrative Agent as collateral for the payment and performance of the Secured Obligations. In addition, and without limiting the foregoing or Section 2.06(c), if any LC Exposure remains outstanding after the expiration date specified in Section 2.06(c)(ii), the Borrower shall immediately deposit into the LC Collateral Account an amount in cash equal to 105% of the Dollar Amount of such LC Exposure as of such date plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon. The Administrative Agent shall have exclusive dominion and control, including the exclusive right of withdrawal, over such account and the Borrower hereby grants the Administrative Agent a security interest in the LC Collateral Account. Other than any interest earned on the investment of such deposits, which investments shall be made at the option and sole discretion of the Administrative Agent and at the Borrower’s risk and expense, such deposits shall not bear interest. Interest or profits, if any, on such investments shall accumulate in such account. Moneys in such account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to reimburse the relevant Issuing Bank for LC Disbursements for which it has not been reimbursed, together with related fees, costs and customary processing charges, and, to the extent not so applied, shall be held for the satisfaction of the reimbursement obligations of the Borrower for the LC Exposure at such time or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated (but subject to the consent of Revolving Lenders with LC Exposure representing greater than 50% of the total LC Exposure), be applied to satisfy other Secured Obligations. If the Borrower is required to provide an amount of cash collateral hereunder as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Default, such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to the Borrower within three (3) Business Days after all Events of Default have been cured or waived.
(k) Letters of Credit Issued for Account of Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding that a Letter of Credit issued or outstanding hereunder supports any obligations of, or is for the account of, a Subsidiary, or states that a Subsidiary is the “account party,” “applicant,” “customer,” “instructing party,” or the like of or for such Letter of Credit, and without derogating from any rights of the relevant Issuing Bank (whether arising by contract, at law, in equity or otherwise) against such Subsidiary in respect of such Letter of Credit, the Borrower (i) shall reimburse, indemnify and compensate such Issuing Bank hereunder for such Letter of Credit (including to reimburse any and all drawings thereunder) as if such Letter of Credit had been issued solely for the account of the Borrower and (ii) irrevocably waives any and all defenses that might otherwise be available to it as a guarantor or surety of any or all of the obligations of such Subsidiary in respect of such Letter of Credit. The Borrower hereby acknowledges that the issuance of such Letters of Credit for its Subsidiaries inures to the benefit of the Borrower, and that the Borrower’s business derives substantial benefits from the businesses of such Subsidiaries.
(l) Issuing Bank Agreements. Each Issuing Bank agrees that, unless otherwise requested by the Administrative Agent, such Issuing Bank shall report in writing to the Administrative Agent (i) on or prior to each Business Day on which such Issuing Bank expects to issue, amend or extend any Letter of Credit, the date of such issuance, amendment or extension, and the aggregate face amount
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and currency of the Letters of Credit to be issued, amended or extended by it and outstanding after giving effect to such issuance, amendment or extension occurred (and whether the amount thereof changed), (ii) on each Business Day on which such Issuing Bank pays any amount in respect of one or more drawings under Letters of Credit, the date of such payment(s) and the amount and currency of such payment(s), (iii) on any Business Day on which the Borrower fails to reimburse any amount required to be reimbursed to such Issuing Bank on such day, the date of such failure and the amount and currency of such payment in respect of Letters of Credit and (iv) on any other Business Day, such other information as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request.
SECTION 1.07. Funding of Borrowings. (a) Each Lender shall make each Loan to be made by it hereunder on the proposed date thereof solely by wire transfer of immediately available funds (i) in the case of Loans denominated in Dollars, by 1:00 p.m., New York City time, to the account of the Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders and (ii) in the case of each Loan denominated in a Foreign Currency, by 1:00 p.m., Local Time, in the city of the Administrative Agent’s Term Benchmark Payment Office for such currency and at such Term Benchmark Payment Office for such currency; provided that (i) Term Loans shall be made as provided in Section 2.01(b) and (ii) Swingline Loans shall be made as provided in Section 2.05. Except in respect of the provisions of this Agreement covering the reimbursement of Letters of Credit, the Administrative Agent will make such Loans available to the Borrower by promptly crediting the funds so received to (x) an account of the Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent and designated by the Borrower in the applicable Borrowing Request, in the case of Loans denominated in Dollars and (y) an account of the Borrower in the relevant jurisdiction and designated by the Borrower in the applicable Borrowing Request, in the case of Loans denominated in a Foreign Currency; provided that Revolving Loans made to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.06(e) shall be remitted by the Administrative Agent to the relevant Issuing Bank.
(b) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing (or in the case of an ABR Borrowing, prior to 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on the date of such Borrowing) that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of such Lender, the greater of the applicable Overnight Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation or (ii) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to ABR Loans, or in the case of Foreign Currencies, in accordance with such market practice, in each case, as applicable.
SECTION 1.08. Interest Elections. (a) Each Borrowing initially shall be of the Type and Agreed Currency specified in the applicable Borrowing Request and, in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such Borrowing Request. Thereafter, the Borrower may elect to convert such Borrowing to a different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section. The Borrower may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, in which case each such portion shall be allocated ratably among the Lenders holding the Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing. This Section shall not apply to Swingline Loan Borrowings, which may not be converted or continued.
(b) To make an election pursuant to this Section, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election (by irrevocable written notice via an Interest Election Request signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower) by the time that a Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.03 if the Borrower were requesting a Borrowing of the Type resulting from such election to be made on the effective date of such election. Notwithstanding any contrary provision herein,
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this Section shall not be construed to permit the Borrower to (i) change the currency of any Borrowing, (ii) elect an Interest Period for Term Benchmark Loans that does not comply with Section 2.02(d) or (iii) convert any Borrowing to a Borrowing of a Type not available under the Class of Commitments pursuant to which such Borrowing was made.
(c) Each Interest Election Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:
(i) the Agreed Currency and principal amount of the Borrowing to which such Interest Election Request applies and, if different options are being elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Borrowing (in which case the information to be specified pursuant to clauses (iii) and (iv) below shall be specified for each resulting Borrowing);
(ii) the effective date of the election made pursuant to such Interest Election Request, which shall be a Business Day;
(iii) whether the resulting Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing, a Term Benchmark Borrowing or an RFR Borrowing; and
(iv) if the resulting Borrowing is a Term Benchmark Borrowing, the Interest Period after giving effect to such election, which Interest Period shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”.
If any such Interest Election Request requests a Term Benchmark Borrowing but does not specify an Interest Period, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration.
(d) Promptly following receipt of an Interest Election Request, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of such Lender’s portion of each resulting Borrowing.
(e) If the Borrower fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Borrowing shall be deemed to have an Interest Period that is one (1) month. If the Borrower fails to deliver a timely and complete Interest Election Request with respect to a Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in a Foreign Currency prior to the end of the Interest Period therefor, then, unless such Term Benchmark Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected that such Term Benchmark Borrowing shall automatically be continued as a Term Benchmark Borrowing in its original Agreed Currency with an Interest Period of one month at the end of such Interest Period. Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Required Lenders, so notifies the Borrower, then, so long as an Event of Default is continuing (i) no outstanding Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a Term Benchmark Borrowing and (ii) unless repaid, (x) each Term Benchmark Borrowing and each RFR Borrowing, in each case denominated in Dollars shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing (in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing) at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto or (in the case of an RFR Borrowing) on the next Interest Payment Date in respect thereof and (y) each Term Benchmark Borrowing and each RFR Borrowing, in each case denominated in a Foreign Currency shall bear interest at the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Agreed Currency plus the CBR Spread; provided that, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Agreed Currency cannot be determined, any outstanding affected Term Benchmark Loans or RFR Loans denominated in any Foreign Currency shall either be (A) converted to an ABR Borrowing denominated in Dollars (in an amount equal to the Dollar Amount of such Foreign Currency) at the end of the Interest Period, as applicable, therefor or (B) prepaid at the end of the applicable Interest Period, as applicable, in full; provided that, if no election is made by the Borrower by the earlier of (x) the date that is three (3) Business Days after receipt by the Borrower of
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such notice and (y) the last day of the current Interest Period for the applicable Term Benchmark Loan, the Borrower shall be deemed to have elected clause (A) above.
SECTION 1.09. Termination and Reduction of Commitments. (a) Unless previously terminated, the Revolving Commitments shall terminate on the Maturity Date.
(b) The Borrower may at any time terminate, or from time to time reduce, the Revolving Commitments; provided that (i) each reduction of the Revolving Commitments shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $5,000,000 and (ii) the Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Revolving Commitments if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Loans in accordance with Section 2.11, (A) the Dollar Amount of any Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure would exceed its Revolving Commitment or (B) the Dollar Amount of the Total Revolving Credit Exposure would exceed the aggregate Revolving Commitments.
(c) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of any election to terminate or reduce the Commitments under paragraph (b) of this Section at least three (3) Business Days prior to the effective date of such termination or reduction, specifying such election and the effective date thereof. Promptly following receipt of any notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each notice delivered by the Borrower pursuant to this Section shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination of the Commitments delivered by the Borrower may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities or other transactions specified therein, in which case such notice may be revoked by the Borrower (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. Any termination or reduction of the Commitments shall be permanent. Each reduction of the Commitments shall be made ratably among the Lenders in accordance with their respective Commitments.
SECTION 1.10. Repayment and Amortization of Loans; Evidence of Debt. (a) The Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan on the Maturity Date in the currency of such Loan and (ii) to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swingline Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Swingline Loan on the earlier of the Maturity Date and the fifth (5th) Business Day after such Swingline Loan is made; provided that on each date that a Revolving Borrowing is made, the Borrower shall repay all Swingline Loans then outstanding and the proceeds of any such Borrowing shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to repay any Swingline Loans outstanding. The Borrower shall repay Term Loans on each date set forth below in the aggregate principal amount set forth opposite such date (as adjusted from time to time pursuant to Section 2.11(a) and Section 2.11(d)):
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| Date | Amount | ||||
| June 30, 2022 | $2,137,500 | ||||
| September 30, 2022 | $2,137,500 | ||||
| December 31, 2022 | $2,137,500 | ||||
| March 31, 2023 | $2,137,500 | ||||
| June 30, 2023 | $2,137,500 | ||||
| September 30, 2023 | $2,137,500 | ||||
| December 31, 2023 | $2,137,500 | ||||
| March 31, 2024 | $2,137,500 | ||||
| June 30, 2024 | $3,206,250 | ||||
| September 30, 2024 | $3,206,250 | ||||
| December 31, 2024 | $3,206,250 | ||||
| March 31, 2025 | $3,206,250 | ||||
| June 30, 2025 | $4,275,000 | ||||
| September 30, 2025 | $4,275,000 | ||||
| December 31, 2025 | $4,275,000 | ||||
| March 31, 2026 | $4,275,000 | ||||
| June 30, 2026 | $4,275,000 | ||||
| September 30, 2026 | $4,275,000 | ||||
| December 31, 2026 and the last date of each calendar quarter thereafter | $4,275,000 | ||||
To the extent not previously repaid, all unpaid Term Loans shall be paid in full in Dollars by the Borrower on the Maturity Date.
(b) Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from each Loan made by such Lender, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.
(c) The Administrative Agent shall maintain accounts in which it shall record (i) the amount of each Loan made hereunder, the Class, Agreed Currency and Type thereof and the Interest Period applicable thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to each Lender hereunder and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder for the account of the Lenders and each Lender’s share thereof.
(d) The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein; provided that the failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the Obligations.
(e) Any Lender may request that Loans made by it be evidenced by a promissory note. In such event, the Borrower shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a promissory note payable to such Lender (or, if requested by such Lender, to such Lender and its registered assigns) and in a form approved by the Administrative Agent. Thereafter, the Loans evidenced by such promissory note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after assignment pursuant to Section 9.04) be represented by one or more promissory notes in such form payable to the payee named therein (or, if such promissory note is a registered note, to such payee and its registered assigns).
SECTION 1.11. Prepayment of Loans.
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(a) The Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any Borrowing in whole or in part, subject to prior notice in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2.11(a). The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent (and, in the case of prepayment of a Swingline Loan, the Swingline Lender) by written notice of any prepayment hereunder (i) (x) in the case of prepayment of (A) a Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars, euro or Japanese Yen, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, three (3) Business Days before the date of prepayment or (B) an RFR Borrowing denominated in Dollars, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, five (5) RFR Business Days before the date of prepayment or (y) in the case of prepayment of an RFR Borrowing denominated in Pounds Sterling, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, five (5) RFR Business Days before the date of prepayment, (ii) in the case of prepayment of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, one (1) Business Day before the date of prepayment or (iii) in the case of prepayment of a Swingline Loan, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the date of prepayment. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date and the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid; provided that, if a notice of prepayment is given in connection with a conditional notice of termination of the Commitments as contemplated by Section 2.09, then such notice of prepayment may be revoked if such notice of termination is revoked in accordance with Section 2.09. Promptly following receipt of any such notice relating to a Borrowing, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each partial prepayment of any Borrowing shall be in an amount that would be permitted in the case of an advance of a Borrowing of the same Type as provided in Section 2.02. Each prepayment of a Revolving Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Revolving Loans included in the prepaid Revolving Borrowing, each voluntary prepayment of a Term Loan Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Term Loans included in the prepaid Term Loan Borrowing in such order of application as directed by the Borrower, and each mandatory prepayment of a Term Loan Borrowing shall be applied in accordance with Section 2.11(d). Prepayments shall be accompanied by (i) accrued interest to the extent required by Section 2.13 and (ii) break funding payments pursuant to Section 2.16.
(b) If at any time, (i) other than as a result of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, (A) the aggregate principal Dollar Amount of the Total Revolving Credit Exposure (calculated, with respect to those Credit Events denominated in Foreign Currencies, as of the most recent Computation Date with respect to each such Credit Event) exceeds the aggregate Revolving Commitments or (B) the aggregate principal Dollar Amount of the Total Revolving Credit Exposure denominated in Foreign Currencies (the “Foreign Currency Exposure”) (so calculated), as of the most recent Computation Date with respect to each such Credit Event, exceeds the Foreign Currency Sublimit or (ii) solely as a result of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, (A) the aggregate principal Dollar Amount of the Total Revolving Credit Exposure (so calculated) exceeds 105% of the aggregate Revolving Commitments or (B) the Foreign Currency Exposure, as of the most recent Computation Date with respect to each such Credit Event, exceeds 105% of the Foreign Currency Sublimit, the Borrower shall in each case immediately repay Revolving Borrowings or cash collateralize LC Exposure in an account with the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.06(j), as applicable, in an aggregate principal amount sufficient to cause (x) the aggregate Dollar Amount of the Total Revolving Credit Exposure (so calculated) to be less than or equal to the aggregate Revolving Commitments and (y) the Foreign Currency Exposure to be less than or equal to the Foreign Currency Sublimit, as applicable.
(c) In the event and on each occasion that any Net Proceeds are received by or on behalf of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in respect of any Prepayment Event, the Borrower shall, within three (3) Business Days after such Net Proceeds are received, prepay the Obligations as set forth in Section 2.11(d) below in an aggregate amount equal to 100% of such Net Proceeds; provided that, in the case of any event described in clause (a) or (b) of the definition of the term “Prepayment Event”, if the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Financial Officer to the effect that the Borrower or its relevant Subsidiaries intend to apply the Net Proceeds from such event (or a portion thereof specified in such certificate), within 270 days after receipt of such Net Proceeds, to acquire (or replace or rebuild) real property, equipment or other tangible assets (excluding inventory) to be used in the business of the Borrower and/or its Subsidiaries, and certifying that no Default has occurred and is continuing, then no prepayment shall be required pursuant to this paragraph in respect of the Net Proceeds specified in such certificate; provided further that, to the extent of any such Net Proceeds therefrom that have not been so applied by the end of such 270 day period, at which time a prepayment shall be required in an amount equal to such Net Proceeds that have not been so applied.
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(d) All such amounts pursuant to Section 2.11(c) shall be applied ratably to the Term Loans and shall be applied to reduce the then-remaining installments of the Term Loans on a pro rata basis based upon the remaining principal amounts thereof.
SECTION 1.12. Fees. (a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Lender a commitment fee, which shall accrue at the Applicable Rate on the average daily amount of the Available Revolving Commitment of any Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the date on which such Revolving Commitment terminates; provided that, if such Lender continues to have any Revolving Credit Exposure after its Revolving Commitment terminates, then such commitment fee shall continue to accrue on the daily amount of such Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure from and including the date on which its Revolving Commitment terminates to but excluding the date on which such Lender ceases to have any Revolving Credit Exposure. Accrued commitment fees shall be payable in arrears on the fifteenth (15th) day following the last day of March, June, September and December of each year and on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate, commencing on the first such date to occur after the date hereof. All commitment fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day and the last day of each period but excluding the date on which the Commitments terminate).
(b) The Borrower agrees to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Lender a participation fee with respect to its participations in Letters of Credit, which shall accrue at the same Applicable Rate used to determine the interest rate applicable to Term Benchmark Revolving Loans on the average daily Dollar Amount of such Revolving Lender’s LC Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date on which such Revolving Lender’s Revolving Commitment terminates and the date on which such Revolving Lender ceases to have any LC Exposure and (ii) to the relevant Issuing Bank for its own account a fronting fee, which shall accrue at the rate of 0.125% per annum on the average daily Dollar Amount of the LC Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) attributable to Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date of termination of the Revolving Commitments and the date on which there ceases to be any LC Exposure, as well as such Issuing Bank’s standard fees and commissions with respect to the issuance, amendment, cancellation, negotiation, transfer, presentment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or processing of drawings thereunder. Unless otherwise specified above, participation fees and fronting fees accrued through and including the last day of March, June, September and December of each year shall be payable on the fifteenth (15th) day following such last day, commencing on the first such date to occur after the Effective Date; provided that all such fees shall be payable on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate and any such fees accruing after the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate shall be payable on demand. Any other fees payable to any Issuing Bank pursuant to this paragraph shall be payable within ten (10) days after demand with reasonable detail to determine the amount owed. All participation fees and fronting fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). Participation fees and fronting fees in respect of Letters of Credit denominated in Dollars shall be paid in Dollars, and participation fees and fronting fees in respect of Letters of Credit denominated in a Foreign Currency shall be paid in Dollars in the Dollar Amount thereof.
(c) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for its own account, fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.
(d) All fees payable hereunder shall be paid on the dates due, in Dollars (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 2.12) and immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent (or to each Issuing Bank, in the case of fees payable to it) for distribution, in the case of commitment fees and participation fees, to the applicable Lenders. Fees paid shall not be refundable under any circumstances.
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SECTION 1.13. Interest. (a) The Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing (including each Swingline Loan) shall bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.
(b) The Loans comprising each Term Benchmark Borrowing shall bear interest at the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, the Adjusted EURIBO Rate or the Adjusted TIBO Rate, as applicable, for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Rate.
(c) Each RFR Loan shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Adjusted Daily Simple RFR plus the Applicable Rate.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any principal of or interest on any Loan or any fee or other amount payable by the Borrower hereunder is not paid when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, such overdue amount shall bear interest, after as well as before judgment, at a rate per annum equal to (i) in the case of overdue principal of any Loan, 2% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loan as provided in the preceding paragraphs of this Section or (ii) in the case of any other amount, 2% plus the rate applicable to ABR Loans as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section.
(e) Accrued interest on each Loan shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan and, in the case of Revolving Loans, upon termination of the Revolving Commitments; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Section shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan (other than a prepayment of an ABR Revolving Loan prior to the end of the Availability Period), accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment and (iii) in the event of any conversion of any Term Benchmark Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion.
(f) Interest computed by reference to the Term SOFR Rate, the EURIBO Rate or Daily Simple RFR with respect to Dollars hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days. Interest computed by reference to the Daily Simple RFR with respect to Pounds Sterling, the TIBO Rate or the Alternate Base Rate at times when the Alternate Base Rate is based on the Prime Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year). In each case interest shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). All interest hereunder on any Loan shall be computed on a daily basis based upon the outstanding principal amount of such Loan as of the applicable date of determination. The applicable Alternate Base Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, Term SOFR Rate, Adjusted EURIBO Rate, EURIBO Rate, Adjusted TIBO Rate, TIBO Rate, Adjusted Daily Simple RFR or Daily Simple RFR shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error.
(g) Interest in respect of Loans denominated in Dollars shall be paid in Dollars, and interest in respect of Loans denominated in a Foreign Currency shall be paid in such Foreign Currency.
SECTION 1.14. Alternate Rate of Interest.
(a) Subject to clauses (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) of this Section 2.14, if:
(i) the Administrative Agent reasonably determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) (A) prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Term Benchmark Borrowing, that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, the Term SOFR Rate, the Adjusted EURIBO Rate, the EURIBO Rate, the Adjusted TIBO Rate or the TIBO Rate (including because the Relevant Screen Rate is not available or published on a current basis) for the applicable currency and such Interest Period or (B) at any time, that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the applicable Adjusted Daily Simple RFR, Daily Simple RFR or RFR for the applicable Agreed Currency; or
(ii) the Administrative Agent is advised by the Required Lenders that (A) prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Term Benchmark Borrowing, the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, the Adjusted EURIBO Rate or the Adjusted TIBO Rate for the
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applicable Agreed Currency and such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of making or maintaining their Loans included in such Borrowing for the applicable Agreed Currency and such Interest Period or (B) at any time, the applicable Adjusted Daily Simple RFR for the applicable Agreed Currency will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of making or maintaining their Loans included in such Borrowing for the applicable Agreed Currency;
then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Borrower and the Lenders by telephone, telecopy or electronic mail as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until (x) the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist with respect to the relevant Benchmark and (y) the Borrower delivers a new Interest Election Request in accordance with the terms of Section 2.08 or a new Borrowing Request in accordance with the terms of Section 2.03, (A) for Loans denominated in Dollars, any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Revolving Borrowing to, or continuation of any Revolving Borrowing as, a Term Benchmark Borrowing and any Borrowing Request that requests a Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing shall instead be deemed to be an Interest Election Request or a Borrowing Request, as applicable, for (x) an RFR Borrowing denominated in Dollars so long as the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR for Dollar Borrowings is not also the subject of Section 2.14(a)(i) or (ii) above or (y) an ABR Borrowing if the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR for Dollar Borrowings also is the subject of Section 2.14(a)(i) or (ii) above and (B) for Loans denominated in a Foreign Currency, any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Revolving Borrowing to, or continuation of any Revolving Borrowing as, a Term Benchmark Borrowing and any Borrowing Request that requests a Term Benchmark Borrowing or an RFR Borrowing, in each case, for the relevant Benchmark, shall be ineffective; provided that, if the circumstances giving rise to such notice affect only one Type of Borrowings, then all other Types of Borrowings shall be permitted. Furthermore, if any Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan in any Agreed Currency is outstanding on the date of the Borrower’s receipt of the notice from the Administrative Agent referred to in this Section 2.14(a) with respect to a Relevant Rate applicable to such Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan, then until (x) the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist with respect to the relevant Benchmark and (y) the Borrower delivers a new Interest Election Request in accordance with the terms of Section 2.08 or a new Borrowing Request in accordance with the terms of Section 2.03, (A) for Loans denominated in Dollars, any Term Benchmark Loan shall on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day), be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute, (x) an RFR Borrowing denominated in Dollars so long as the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR for Dollar Borrowings is not also the subject of Section 2.14(a)(i) or (ii) above or (y) an ABR Loan if the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR for Dollar Borrowings also is the subject of Section 2.14(a)(i) or (ii) above, on such day and (B) for Loans denominated in a Foreign Currency, (1) any Term Benchmark Loan shall, on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day) bear interest at the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Foreign Currency plus the CBR Spread; provided that, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Foreign Currency cannot be determined, any outstanding affected Term Benchmark Loans denominated in such Foreign Currency shall, at the Borrower’s election prior to such day: (A) be prepaid by the Borrower on such day or (B) solely for the purpose of calculating the interest rate applicable to such Term Benchmark Loan, such Term Benchmark Loan denominated in such Foreign Currency shall be deemed to be a Term Benchmark Loan denominated in Dollars and shall accrue interest at the same interest rate applicable to Term Benchmark Loans denominated in Dollars at such time and (2) any RFR Loan shall bear interest at the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Foreign Currency plus the CBR Spread; provided that, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Foreign Currency cannot be determined, any outstanding affected RFR Loans denominated in any Foreign Currency, at the Borrower’s election, shall either (A) be converted into ABR Loans denominated in Dollars (in an amount equal to the Dollar Amount of such Foreign Currency) immediately or (B) be prepaid in full immediately.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred prior to the Reference Time in respect of any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then (x) if a Benchmark
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Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (1) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” with respect to Dollars for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in respect of such Benchmark setting and subsequent Benchmark settings without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document and (y) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” with respect to any Agreed Currency for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in respect of any Benchmark setting at or after 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date notice of such Benchmark Replacement is provided to the Lenders without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document so long as the Administrative Agent has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such Benchmark Replacement from Lenders comprising the Required Lenders.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, the Administrative Agent will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
(d) The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of (i) any occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, (ii) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, (iii) the effectiveness of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes, (iv) the removal or reinstatement of any tenor of a Benchmark pursuant to clause (f) below and (v) the commencement or conclusion of any Benchmark Unavailability Period. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Administrative Agent or, if applicable, any Lender (or group of Lenders) pursuant to this Section 2.14, including any determination with respect to a tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action or any selection, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and may be made in its or their sole discretion and without consent from any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section 2.14 or any related definitions.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, at any time (including in connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement), (i) if the then-current Benchmark is a term rate (including the Term SOFR Rate, the EURIBO Rate or the TIBO Rate) and either (A) any tenor for such Benchmark is not displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion or (B) the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark has provided a public statement or publication of information announcing that any tenor for such Benchmark is or will be no longer representative, then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for any Benchmark settings at or after such time to remove such unavailable or non-representative tenor and (ii) if a tenor that was removed pursuant to clause (i) above either (A) is subsequently displayed on a screen or information service for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement) or (B) is not, or is no longer, subject to an announcement that it is or will no longer be representative for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement), then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor.
(f) Upon the Borrower’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, the Borrower may revoke any request for a Term Benchmark Borrowing or RFR Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Term Benchmark Loans to be made, converted or continued during any Benchmark Unavailability Period and, failing that, either (x) the Borrower will be deemed to have converted any request for a Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars into a request for a Borrowing of or conversion to (A) an RFR Borrowing denominated in Dollars so long as the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR for Dollar Borrowings is not the subject of a Benchmark Transition Event or (B) an ABR Borrowing if the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR for Dollar Borrowings is the subject of a Benchmark Transition Event or (y) any Term Benchmark Borrowing or RFR Borrowing denominated in a
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Foreign Currency shall be ineffective. During any Benchmark Unavailability Period or at any time that a tenor for the then-current Benchmark is not an Available Tenor, the component of ABR based upon the then-current Benchmark or such tenor for such Benchmark, as applicable, will not be used in any determination of ABR. Furthermore, if any Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan in any Agreed Currency is outstanding on the date of the Borrower’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period with respect to a Relevant Rate applicable to such Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan, then until such time as a Benchmark Replacement for such Agreed Currency is implemented pursuant to this Section 2.14, (A) for Loans denominated in Dollars any Term Benchmark Loan shall on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day), be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute, (x) an RFR Borrowing denominated in Dollars so long as the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR for Dollar Borrowings is not the subject of a Benchmark Transition Event or (y) an ABR Loan if the Adjusted Daily Simple RFR for Dollar Borrowings is the subject of a Benchmark Transition Event, on such day and (B) for Loans denominated in a Foreign Currency, (1) any Term Benchmark Loan shall, on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day) bear interest at the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Foreign Currency plus the CBR Spread; provided that, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Foreign Currency cannot be determined, any outstanding affected Term Benchmark Loans denominated in any Foreign Currency shall, at the Borrower’s election prior to such day: (A) be prepaid by the Borrower on such day or (B) solely for the purpose of calculating the interest rate applicable to such Term Benchmark Loan, such Term Benchmark Loan denominated in any Foreign Currency shall be deemed to be a Term Benchmark Loan denominated in Dollars and shall accrue interest at the same interest rate applicable to Term Benchmark Loans denominated in Dollars at such time and (2) any RFR Loan shall bear interest at the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Foreign Currency plus the CBR Spread; provided that, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Foreign Currency cannot be determined, any outstanding affected RFR Loans denominated in any Foreign Currency, at the Borrower’s election, shall either (A) be converted into ABR Loans denominated in Dollars (in an amount equal to the Dollar Amount of such Foreign Currency) immediately or (B) be prepaid in full immediately.
SECTION 1.15. Increased Costs. (a) If any Change in Law shall:
(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, liquidity or similar requirement (including any compulsory loan requirement, insurance charge or other assessment) against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender (except any such reserve requirement reflected in the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, the Adjusted EURIBO Rate or the Adjusted TIBO Rate, as applicable) or any Issuing Bank;
(ii) impose on any Lender or any Issuing Bank or the applicable offshore interbank market for the applicable Agreed Currency any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes or any condition, cost or expense reflected in the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, the Adjusted EURIBO Rate or the Adjusted TIBO Rate, as applicable) affecting this Agreement or Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein; or
(iii) subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes and (B) Excluded Taxes (including any change in the rate of Excluded Taxes)) on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto;
and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender or such other Recipient of making, continuing, converting or maintaining any Loan or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan or to increase the cost to such Lender, such Issuing Bank or such other Recipient of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender, such Issuing Bank or such other Recipient hereunder, whether of principal, interest or otherwise, then the Borrower will pay to such Lender, such Issuing Bank or such other Recipient, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender, such
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Issuing Bank or such other Recipient, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.
(b) If any Lender or any Issuing Bank determines that any Change in Law regarding capital or liquidity requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, to a level below that which such Lender or such Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy and liquidity), then from time to time the Borrower will pay to such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.
(c) A certificate of a Lender or an Issuing Bank setting forth in reasonable detail the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or such Issuing Bank or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) days after receipt thereof.
(d) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or any Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or an Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 180 days prior to the date that such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s intention to claim compensation therefor; provided further that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.
SECTION 1.16. Break Funding Payments.
(a) With respect to Term Benchmark Loans, in the event of (i) the payment of any principal of any Term Benchmark Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default or as a result of any prepayment pursuant to Section 2.11), (ii) the conversion of any Term Benchmark Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (iii) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Term Benchmark Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked under Section 2.11(a) and is revoked in accordance therewith), (iv) the assignment of any Term Benchmark Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.19 or 9.02(e) or (v) the failure by the Borrower to make any payment of any Loan or drawing under any Letter of Credit (or interest due thereof) denominated in a Foreign Currency on its scheduled due date or any payment thereof in a different currency, then, in any such event, the Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event. A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) days after receipt thereof.
(b) With respect to RFR Loans, in the event of (i) the payment of any principal of any RFR Loan other than on the Interest Payment Date applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default or as a result of any prepayment pursuant to Section 2.11), (ii) the failure to borrow or prepay any RFR Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked under Section 2.11(a) and is revoked in accordance therewith), (iii) the assignment of any RFR Loan other than on the Interest Payment Date applicable thereto as a result of a
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request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.19 or 9.02(e) or (iv) the failure by the Borrower to make any payment of any Loan or drawing under any Letter of Credit (or interest due thereof) denominated in a Foreign Currency on its scheduled due date or any payment thereof in a different currency, then, in any such event, the Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event. A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) days after receipt thereof.
SECTION 1.17. Taxes. (a) Withholding of Taxes; Gross-Up. Each payment by or on behalf of any Loan Party under any Loan Document shall be made without withholding for any Taxes, unless such withholding is required by any law. If any Withholding Agent determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it is so required to withhold Taxes, then such Withholding Agent may so withhold and shall timely pay the full amount of withheld Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law. If such Taxes are Indemnified Taxes, then the amount payable by such Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that, net of such withholding (including such withholding applicable to additional amounts payable under this Section), the applicable Recipient receives the amount it would have received had no such withholding been made.
(b) Payment of Other Taxes by the Borrower. The Borrower shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law, or at the option of the Administrative Agent timely reimburse it for, any Other Taxes.
(c) Evidence of Payments. As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by any Loan Party to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section, such Loan Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
(d) Indemnification by the Loan Parties. The Loan Parties shall indemnify each Recipient for any Indemnified Taxes that are paid or payable by such Recipient in connection with any Loan Document (including amounts payable under this Section 2.17(d)) and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. The indemnity under this Section 2.17(d) shall be paid within ten (10) days after the Recipient delivers to the Borrower a certificate stating the amount of any Indemnified Taxes so payable by such Recipient. Such certificate shall be conclusive of the amount so payable absent manifest error. Such Recipient shall deliver a copy of such certificate to the Administrative Agent. In the case of any Lender making a claim under this Section 2.17(d) on behalf of any of its beneficial owners, an indemnity payment under this Section 2.17(d) shall be due only to the extent that such Lender is able to establish that, with respect to the applicable Indemnified Taxes, such beneficial owners supplied to the applicable Persons, in accordance with Section 2.17(f), such properly completed and executed documentation necessary to claim any applicable exemption from, or reduction of, such Indemnified Taxes.
(e) Indemnification by the Lenders. Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Administrative Agent for any Taxes (including any Taxes attributable to a failure to comply with the provisions of Section 9.04(c) relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register but, in the case of any Indemnified Taxes, only to the extent that any Loan Party has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Loan Parties to do so) attributable to such Lender that are paid or payable by the Administrative Agent in connection with any Loan Document and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. The indemnity under this Section 2.17(e) shall be paid within ten (10) days after the Administrative Agent delivers to the applicable Lender a certificate stating the amount of Taxes so paid or payable by the Administrative Agent. Such certificate shall be conclusive of the amount so paid or payable absent manifest error. Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under any Loan Document or otherwise payable by the
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Administrative Agent to the Lender from any other source against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this paragraph (e).
(f) Status of Lenders. (i) Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from, or reduction of, any applicable withholding Tax with respect to any payments under any Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without, or at a reduced rate of, withholding. In addition, any Lender, if requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 2.17(f)(ii)(A) through (E) and (iii) below) shall not be required if in the Lender’s judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender. Upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, any Lender shall update any form or certification previously delivered pursuant to this Section 2.17(f). If any form or certification previously delivered pursuant to this Section expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect with respect to a Lender, such Lender shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of such expiration, obsolescence or inaccuracy and update the form or certification if it is legally eligible to do so.
(ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if the Borrower is a U.S. Person, any Lender with respect to the Borrower shall, if it is legally eligible to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies reasonably requested by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent) on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a party hereto, duly completed and executed copies of whichever of the following is applicable:
(A) in the case of a Lender that is a U.S. Person, an executed copy of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. Federal backup withholding tax;
(B) in the case of a Non-U.S. Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (1) with respect to payments of interest under any Loan Document, an executed copy of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. Federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty and (2) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Loan Document, an executed copy of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. Federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty;
(C) in the case of a Non-U.S. Lender for whom payments under any Loan Document constitute income that is effectively connected with such Lender’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States, an executed copy of IRS Form W-8ECI;
(D) in the case of a Non-U.S. Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code both (1) an executed copy of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, and (2) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D (a “U.S. Tax Certificate”) to the effect that such Lender is not (a) a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (b) a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, (c) a “controlled foreign corporation” related to the Borrower described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code and (d) conducting a trade or business in the United States with which the relevant interest payments are effectively connected;
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(E) in the case of a Non-U.S. Lender that is not the beneficial owner of payments made under this Agreement (including a partnership or a participating Lender) (1) an executed copy of IRS Form W-8IMY on behalf of itself and (2) the relevant forms prescribed in clauses (A), (B), (C) and (D) of this paragraph (f)(ii) that would be required of each such beneficial owner or partner of such partnership if such beneficial owner or partner were a Lender; provided, however, that if the Lender is a partnership and one or more of its partners are claiming the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, such Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Certificate on behalf of such partners; or
(F) any other form prescribed by law as a basis for claiming exemption from, or a reduction of, U.S. Federal withholding Tax together with such supplementary documentation necessary to enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine the amount of Tax (if any) required by law to be withheld.
(iii) If a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. Federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Withholding Agent, at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Withholding Agent, such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Withholding Agent as may be necessary for the Withholding Agent to comply with its obligations under FATCA, to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this Section 2.17(f)(iii), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.
(g) Treatment of Certain Refunds. If any party determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section 2.17 (including additional amounts paid pursuant to this Section 2.17), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including any Taxes) of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund). Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid to such indemnified party pursuant to the previous sentence (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.17(g), in no event will any indemnified party be required to pay any amount to any indemnifying party pursuant to this Section 2.17(g) if such payment would place such indemnified party in a less favorable position (on a net after-Tax basis) than such indemnified party would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid. This Section 2.17(g) shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes which it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.
(h) FATCA. For purposes of determining withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA, the Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent shall treat (and the Lenders hereby authorize the Administrative Agent to treat) this Agreement and the Loans as not qualifying as “grandfathered obligations” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.1471-2(b)(2)(i).
(i) Issuing Bank. For purposes of Section 2.17(e) and (f), the term “Lender” includes each Issuing Bank.
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SECTION 1.18. Payments Generally; Allocations of Proceeds; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs.
(a) The Borrower shall make each payment or prepayment required to be made by it hereunder (whether of principal, interest, fees or reimbursement of LC Disbursements, or of amounts payable under Section 2.15, 2.16 or 2.17, or otherwise) prior to (i) in the case of payments denominated in Dollars, 12:00 noon, New York City time and (ii) in the case of payments denominated in a Foreign Currency, 12:00 noon, at the Applicable Time, in the city of the Administrative Agent’s Term Benchmark Payment Office for such currency, in each case on the date when due or the date fixed for any prepayment hereunder, in immediately available funds, without set-off, recoupment or counterclaim (subject to the right to revoke a prepayment notice in accordance with Section 2.11). Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. All such payments shall be made (i) in the same currency in which the applicable Credit Event was made (or where such currency has been converted to euro, in euro) and (ii) to the Administrative Agent at its offices at 10 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603 or, in the case of a Credit Event denominated in a Foreign Currency, the Administrative Agent’s Term Benchmark Payment Office for such currency, except payments to be made directly to any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender as expressly provided herein and except that payments pursuant to Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto. The Administrative Agent shall distribute any such payments denominated in the same currency received by it for the account of any other Person to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof. If any payment hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, if, after the making of any Credit Event in any Foreign Currency, currency control or exchange regulations are imposed in the country which issues such currency with the result that the type of currency in which the Credit Event was made (the “Original Currency”) no longer exists or the Borrower is not able to make payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders in such Original Currency, then all payments to be made by the Borrower hereunder in such currency shall instead be made when due in Dollars in an amount equal to the Dollar Amount (as of the date of repayment) of such payment due, it being the intention of the parties hereto that the Borrower takes all risks of the imposition of any such currency control or exchange regulations.
(b) All payments and any proceeds of Collateral received by the Administrative Agent (i) not constituting a specific payment of principal, interest, fees or other sum payable under the Loan Documents (which shall be applied as specified by the Borrower) or (ii) after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent so elects or the Required Lenders so direct, shall be applied ratably first, to pay any fees, non-contingent indemnification obligations, or expense reimbursements including amounts then due to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Banks from the Borrower, second, to pay any fees or expense reimbursements then due to the Lenders from the Borrower, third, to pay interest then due and payable on the Loans ratably, fourth, to prepay principal on the Loans and unreimbursed LC Disbursements and any other amounts owing with respect to Secured Banking Services Obligations and Secured Swap Obligations ratably, fifth, to pay an amount to the Administrative Agent equal to one hundred five percent (105%) of the aggregate undrawn face amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit, to be held as cash collateral for such Obligations, and sixth, to the payment of any other Secured Obligation due to the Administrative Agent or any Lender by the Borrower. Notwithstanding the foregoing, amounts received from any Loan Party shall not be applied to any Excluded Swap Obligation of such Loan Party. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, unless so directed by the Borrower, or unless a Default is in existence, none of the Administrative Agent or any Lender shall apply any payment which it receives to any Term Benchmark Loan of a Class, except (a) on the expiration date of the Interest Period applicable to any such Term Benchmark Loan or (b) in the event, and only to the extent, that there are no outstanding ABR Loans of the same Class and, in any event, the Borrower shall pay the break funding payment required in accordance with Section 2.16. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall have the continuing and exclusive right to apply and reverse and reapply any and all such proceeds and payments to any portion of the Secured Obligations.
(c) At the election of the Administrative Agent, all payments of principal, interest, LC Disbursements, fees, premiums, reimbursable expenses (including, without limitation, all
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reimbursement for fees and expenses pursuant to Section 9.03), and other sums payable under the Loan Documents, may be paid from the proceeds of Borrowings made hereunder whether made following a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.03 or a deemed request as provided in this Section or may be deducted from any deposit account of the Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent. The Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes (i) the Administrative Agent to make a Borrowing for the purpose of paying each payment of principal, interest and fees as it becomes due hereunder or any other amount due under the Loan Documents and agrees that all such amounts charged shall constitute Loans (including Swingline Loans) and that all such Borrowings shall be deemed to have been requested pursuant to Sections 2.03 or 2.05, as applicable and (ii) the Administrative Agent to charge any deposit account of the Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent for each payment of principal, interest and fees as it becomes due hereunder or any other amount due under the Loan Documents.
(d) If, except as expressly provided herein, any Lender shall, by exercising any right of set-off or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements or Swingline Loans resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other similarly situated Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans of other Lenders to the extent necessary so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by all such Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this paragraph shall apply). The Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against the Borrower rights of set-off and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.
(e) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the relevant Lenders or the relevant Issuing Banks hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the relevant Lenders or the relevant Issuing Banks, as the case may be, the amount due. In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the relevant Lenders or the relevant Issuing Banks, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or such Issuing Bank with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation (including without limitation the applicable Overnight Rate).
(f) If any Lender shall fail to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.05(c), 2.06(d) or (e), 2.07(b), 2.18(e) or 9.03(c), then the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion (notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof), (i) apply any amounts thereafter received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender and for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender or the Issuing Banks to satisfy such Lender’s obligations to it under such Section until all such unsatisfied obligations are fully paid and/or (ii) hold any such amounts in a segregated account as cash collateral for, and application to, any future funding obligations of such Lender under any such Section; in the case of each of clauses (i) and (ii) above, in any order as determined by the Administrative Agent in its discretion.
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SECTION 1.19. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders. (a) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15, or the Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or Affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.15 or 2.17, as the case may be, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.
(b) If (i) any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15, (ii) the Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17 or (iii) any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04), all its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to payments pursuant to Sections 2.15 or 2.17) and obligations under the Loan Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (i) the Borrower shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent (and if a Revolving Commitment is being assigned, the Issuing Banks and the Swingline Lender), which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, delayed or conditioned, (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts) and (iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.15 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.17, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply. Each party hereto agrees that (i) an assignment required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the assignee (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants), and (ii) the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to and be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender, provided that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto.
SECTION 1.20. Judgment Currency. If for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert a sum due from the Borrower hereunder in the currency expressed to be payable herein (the “specified currency”) into another currency, the parties hereto agree, to the fullest extent that they may effectively do so, that the rate of exchange used shall be that at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Administrative Agent could purchase the specified currency with such other currency at the Administrative Agent’s main New York City office on the Business Day preceding that on which final, non-appealable judgment is given. The obligations of the Borrower in respect of any sum due to any Lender or the Administrative Agent hereunder shall, notwithstanding any judgment in a currency other than the specified currency, be discharged only to the extent that on the Business Day following receipt by such Lender or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) of any sum adjudged to be so due in such other currency such Lender or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) may in accordance with normal, reasonable banking procedures purchase the specified currency with such other currency. If the amount of the specified currency so purchased is less than the sum originally due to such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, in the specified currency, the Borrower agrees, to the fullest extent that it may effectively do so, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, to indemnify such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case
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may be, against such loss, and if the amount of the specified currency so purchased exceeds (a) the sum originally due to any Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, in the specified currency and (b) any amounts shared with other Lenders as a result of allocations of such excess as a disproportionate payment to such Lender under Section 2.18, such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, agrees to remit such excess to the Borrower.
SECTION 1.21. Defaulting Lenders. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the following provisions shall apply for so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender:
(a) fees shall cease to accrue on the unfunded portion of the Revolving Commitment of such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.12(a);
(b) any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Section 2.18(b) or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 9.08 shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second, to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender hereunder; third, to cash collateralize each Issuing Bank’s LC Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender in accordance with this Section; fourth, as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; fifth, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a deposit account and released pro rata in order to (x) satisfy such Defaulting Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Loans under this Agreement and (y) cash collateralize each Issuing Bank’s future LC Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender with respect to future Letters of Credit issued under this Agreement, in accordance with this Section; sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or the Swingline Lender as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender, any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document; seventh, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document; and eighth, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that, if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or LC Disbursements in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share, and (y) such Loans were made or the related Letters of Credit were issued at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of, and LC Disbursements owed to, all non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of, or LC Disbursements owed to, such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Loans and funded and unfunded participations in the Borrower’s obligations corresponding to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure and Swingline Loans are held by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with the Commitments without giving effect to clause (d) below. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post cash collateral pursuant to this Section shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto;
(c) the Commitment and Revolving Credit Exposure of such Defaulting Lender shall not be included in determining whether the Required Lenders have taken or may take any action hereunder (including any consent to any amendment, waiver or other modification pursuant to Section 9.02); provided that any amendment, waiver or other modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or all Lenders directly affected thereby shall not, except as otherwise provided in Section 9.02, require the consent of such Defaulting Lender in accordance with the terms hereof;
(d) if any Swingline Exposure or LC Exposure exists at the time such Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender then:
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(i) all or any part of the Swingline Exposure and LC Exposure of such Defaulting Lender (other than, in the case of a Defaulting Lender that is the Swingline Lender, the portion of such Swingline Exposure referred to in clause (b) of the definition of such term) shall be reallocated among the non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages but only to the extent that such reallocation does not, as to any non-Defaulting Lender, cause such non-Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure to exceed its Revolving Commitment;
(ii) if the reallocation described in clause (i) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Borrower shall within one (1) Business Day following notice by the Administrative Agent (x) first, prepay such Swingline Exposure and (y) second, cash collateralize for the benefit of each Issuing Bank only the Borrower’s obligations corresponding to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure (after giving effect to any partial reallocation pursuant to clause (i) above) in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.06(j) for so long as such LC Exposure is outstanding;
(iii) if the Borrower cash collateralizes any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure pursuant to clause (ii) above, the Borrower shall not be required to pay any fees to such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.12(b) with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure during the period such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure is cash collateralized;
(iv) if the LC Exposure of the non-Defaulting Lenders is reallocated pursuant to clause (i) above, then the fees payable to the Lenders pursuant to Sections 2.12(a) and Section 2.12(b) shall be adjusted in accordance with such non-Defaulting Lenders’ Applicable Percentages; and
(v) if all or any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure is neither reallocated nor cash collateralized pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) above, then, without prejudice to any rights or remedies of the relevant Issuing Bank or any other Lender hereunder, all letter of credit fees payable under Section 2.12(b) with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure shall be payable to such Issuing Bank until and to the extent that such LC Exposure is reallocated and/or cash collateralized; and
(e) so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender, the Swingline Lender shall not be required to fund any Swingline Loan and the relevant Issuing Bank shall not be required to issue, amend or increase any Letter of Credit, unless it is satisfied that the related exposure and the Defaulting Lender’s then outstanding LC Exposure will be 100% covered by the Revolving Commitments of the non-Defaulting Lenders and/or cash collateral will be provided by the Borrower in accordance with Section 2.21(d), and Swingline Exposure related to any such newly made Swingline Loan or LC Exposure related to any newly issued or increased Letter of Credit shall be allocated among non-Defaulting Lenders in a manner consistent with Section 2.21(d)(i) (and such Defaulting Lender shall not participate therein).
If (i) a Bankruptcy Event or a Bail-In Action with respect to a Lender Parent shall occur following the date hereof and for so long as such event shall continue or (ii) the Swingline Lender or any Issuing Bank has a good faith belief that any Lender has defaulted in fulfilling its obligations under one or more other agreements in which such Lender commits to extend credit, the Swingline Lender shall not be required to fund any Swingline Loan and no Issuing Bank shall be required to issue, amend or increase any Letter of Credit, unless the Swingline Lender or the relevant Issuing Bank, as the case may be, shall have entered into arrangements with the Borrower or such Lender, satisfactory to the Swingline Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, to defease any risk to it in respect of such Lender hereunder.
In the event that the Administrative Agent, the Borrower, the Swingline Lender and each Issuing Bank each agrees that a Defaulting Lender has adequately remedied all matters that caused such Lender to be a Defaulting Lender, then the Swingline Exposure and LC Exposure of the Lenders shall be readjusted to reflect the inclusion of such Lender’s Commitment and on such date such Lender shall purchase at par such of the Loans of the other Lenders (other than Swingline Loans) as the Administrative Agent shall
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determine may be necessary in order for such Lender to hold such Loans in accordance with its Applicable Percentage.
Nothing contained in this Section 2.21 shall be deemed to be a waiver by the Borrower of any claim the Borrower may have against any Defaulting Lender, whether in equity or at law, for its failure to perform its obligations under this Agreement or other Loan Documents.
SECTION 1.22. Expansion Option. The Borrower may from time to time elect to increase the Revolving Commitments or enter into one or more tranches of term loans (each an “Incremental Term Loan”), in each case in a minimum amount of $10,000,000 and in minimum increments of $5,000,000 in excess thereof so long as, after giving effect thereto, the aggregate amount of such increases and all such Incremental Term Loans does not exceed the sum of (A) the greater of (x) $50,000,000 and (y) 75% of Consolidated EBITDA set forth in the compliance certificate delivered by the Borrower pursuant to Section 5.01(c) in connection with the most recently delivered Financials pursuant to Section 5.01 at the time of any such increase or Incremental Term Loans and (B) an unlimited additional amount so long as, in the case of this clause (B) only, immediately after giving effect (including pro forma effect) to such increase and/or such Incremental Term Loans (assuming that any such increased Revolving Commitments and/or Incremental Term Loans, as applicable, are drawn in full (but excluding the proceeds of any such increased Revolving Commitments and/or Incremental Term Loans, as applicable, for purposes of calculating Liquidity in the calculation of the Total Net Leverage Ratio)), the Total Net Leverage Ratio would not exceed 3.00 to 1.00 (other than to the extent such increased Revolving Commitments and/or Incremental Term Loans are incurred pursuant to this clause (B) concurrently with the incurrence of increased Revolving Commitments and/or Incremental Term Loans in reliance on clause (A) of this sentence, in which case the Total Net Leverage Ratio shall be permitted to exceed 3.00 to 1.00 to the extent of such increased Revolving Commitments, and/or Incremental Term Loans incurred in reliance on such clause (A)); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, increased Revolving Commitments and Incremental Term Loans may be incurred pursuant to this clause (B) prior to utilization of the amount set forth in clause (A) of this sentence. The Borrower may arrange for any such increase or tranche to be provided by one or more Lenders (each Lender so agreeing to an increase in its Revolving Commitment, or to participate in such Incremental Term Loans, an “Increasing Lender”), or by one or more new banks, financial institutions or other entities (each such new bank, financial institution or other entity, an “Augmenting Lender”; provided that no Ineligible Institution may be an Augmenting Lender), which agree to increase their existing Revolving Commitments, or to participate in such Incremental Term Loans, or provide new Revolving Commitments, as the case may be; provided that (i) each Augmenting Lender shall be subject to the approval of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and (ii) (x) in the case of an Increasing Lender, the Borrower and such Increasing Lender execute an agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit E hereto, and (y) in the case of an Augmenting Lender, the Borrower and such Augmenting Lender execute an agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit F hereto. No consent of any Lender (other than the Lenders participating in the increase or any Incremental Term Loan) shall be required for any increase in Revolving Commitments or Incremental Term Loan pursuant to this Section 2.22. Increases and new Revolving Commitments and Incremental Term Loans created pursuant to this Section 2.22 shall become effective on the date agreed by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the relevant Increasing Lenders or Augmenting Lenders, and the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no increase in the Revolving Commitments (or in the Revolving Commitment of any Lender) or tranche of Incremental Term Loans shall become effective under this paragraph unless, (i) on the proposed date of the effectiveness of such increase or Incremental Term Loans, (A) the conditions set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 4.02 shall be satisfied or waived by the Required Lenders and the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate to that effect dated such date and executed by a Financial Officer of the Borrower and (B) the Borrower shall be in compliance (on a pro forma basis) with the covenant contained in Section 6.11 and (ii) the Administrative Agent shall have received (x) documents and opinions consistent with those delivered on the Effective Date as to the organizational power and authority of the Borrower to borrow hereunder after giving effect to such increase or Incremental Term Loans and (y) reaffirmations from the Loan Parties. On the effective date of any increase in the Revolving Commitments or any Incremental Term Loans being made, (i) each relevant Increasing Lender and Augmenting Lender shall make available to the Administrative Agent such amounts in immediately available funds as the Administrative Agent shall determine, for the benefit of the other Lenders, as being required in order to cause, after giving effect to such increase and the use of
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such amounts to make payments to such other Lenders, each Lender’s portion of the outstanding Revolving Loans of all the Lenders to equal its Applicable Percentage of such outstanding Revolving Loans, and (ii) except in the case of any Incremental Term Loans, the Borrower shall be deemed to have repaid and reborrowed all outstanding Revolving Loans as of the date of any increase in the Revolving Commitments (with such reborrowing to consist of the Types of Revolving Loans, with related Interest Periods if applicable, specified in a notice delivered by the Borrower, in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.03). The deemed payments made pursuant to clause (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall be accompanied by payment of all accrued interest on the amount prepaid and, in respect of each Term Benchmark Loan, shall be subject to indemnification by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.16 if the deemed payment occurs other than on the last day of the related Interest Periods. The Incremental Term Loans (a) shall rank pari passu in right of payment with the Revolving Loans and the initial Term Loans, (b) shall not mature earlier than the Maturity Date (but may have amortization prior to such date) and (c) shall be treated substantially the same as (and in any event no more favorably than) the Revolving Loans and the initial Term Loans, as applicable; provided that (i) the terms and conditions applicable to any tranche of Incremental Term Loans maturing after the Maturity Date may provide for material additional or different financial or other covenants or prepayment requirements applicable only during periods after the Maturity Date and (ii) the Incremental Term Loans may be priced differently (whether in the form of interest rate margin, upfront fees, original issue discount, call protection or otherwise) than the Revolving Loans and the initial Term Loans. Incremental Term Loans may be made hereunder pursuant to an amendment or restatement (an “Incremental Term Loan Amendment”) of this Agreement and, as appropriate, the other Loan Documents, executed by the Borrower, each Increasing Lender participating in such tranche, each Augmenting Lender participating in such tranche, if any, and the Administrative Agent. The Incremental Term Loan Amendment may, without the consent of any other Lenders, effect such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.22. Nothing contained in this Section 2.22 shall constitute, or otherwise be deemed to be, a commitment on the part of any Lender to increase its Revolving Commitment hereunder, or provide Incremental Term Loans, at any time.
ARTICLE III
Representations and Warranties
Representations and Warranties
The Borrower represents and warrants to the Lenders that:
SECTION 1.01. Organization; Powers; Subsidiaries. Each of the Borrower and its Material Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all requisite corporate or other power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required. On the Effective Date, Schedule 3.01 hereto (as supplemented from time to time) identifies each Subsidiary, noting whether such Subsidiary is a Material Domestic Subsidiary, the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, as the case may be, the percentage of issued and outstanding shares of each class of its capital stock or other equity interests owned by the Borrower and the other Subsidiaries and, if such percentage is not 100% (excluding directors’ qualifying shares as required by law), a description of each class issued and outstanding. On the Effective Date, all of the outstanding shares of capital stock and other equity interests of each Pledge Subsidiary are validly issued and outstanding and fully paid and nonassessable and all such shares and other equity interests indicated on Schedule 3.01 as owned by the Borrower or another Loan Party are owned, beneficially and of record, by the Borrower or any Subsidiary free and clear of all Liens, other than Liens created under the Loan Documents and Permitted Encumbrances. On the Effective Date, except as set forth on Schedule 3.01, there are no outstanding commitments or other obligations of any Pledge Subsidiary to issue, and no options, warrants or other rights of any Person to acquire, any shares of any class of capital stock or other equity interests of any Pledge Subsidiary.
SECTION 1.02. Authorization; Enforceability. The Transactions are within each Loan Party’s organizational powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary organizational actions and, if required, actions by equity holders. The Loan Documents to which each Loan Party is a party
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have been duly executed and delivered by such Loan Party and constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.
SECTION 1.03. Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts. The Transactions (a) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, except such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect and except for filings necessary to perfect Liens created pursuant to the Loan Documents, (b) will not in any material respect violate any applicable law or regulation or the charter, by-laws or other organizational documents of the Borrower or any other Loan Party or any order of any Governmental Authority, (c) will not violate or result in a default under any indenture, material agreement or other material instrument binding upon the Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries or its assets, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by the Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries, unless, in the case of this clause (c), such violation, default or creation of payment could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, and (d) will not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, other than Liens created under the Loan Documents.
SECTION 1.04. Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change. (a) The Borrower has heretofore furnished to the Lenders its consolidated balance sheet and statements of income, stockholders equity and cash flows (i) as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 reported on by BDO USA, LLP, independent public accountants, and (ii) as of and for the fiscal quarters and the portion of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2021, certified by its chief financial officer. Such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of such dates and for such periods in accordance with GAAP except as set forth therein, subject to year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes in the case of the statements referred to in clause (ii) above.
(b) Since December 31, 2020, there has been no material adverse change in the business, assets, operations or financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
SECTION 1.05. Properties. (a) Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has good title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all its real and personal property material to its business, except for minor defects in title that do not interfere with its ability to conduct its business as currently conducted or to utilize such properties for their intended purposes.
(b) Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries owns, or is licensed to use, all trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property material to its business, and the use thereof by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries does not infringe upon the rights of any other Person, except for any failure to be owned or licensed or such infringements that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 1.06. Litigation, Environmental and Labor Matters. (a) There are no actions, suits, proceedings or investigations by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (i) as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect (other than the Disclosed Matters) or (ii) that involve the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the Transactions.
(b) Except for the Disclosed Matters, and except with respect to any other matters that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries (i) has failed to comply with any Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any permit, license or other approval required under any Environmental Law, (ii) has become subject to any Environmental Liability, (iii) has received notice of
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any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or (iv) knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability.
(c) There are no strikes, lockouts or slowdowns against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries pending or, to their knowledge, threatened, or any violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The hours worked by and payments made to employees of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable Federal, state, local or foreign law relating to such matters, to the extent such violation could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. All material payments due from the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or for which any claim may be made against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits, have been paid or accrued as liabilities on the books of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, except to the extent the failure to make such payments or accruals individually or in the aggregate could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The consummation of the Transactions will not give rise to any right of termination or right of renegotiation on the part of any union under any collective bargaining agreement under which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is bound.
SECTION 1.07. Compliance with Laws and Agreements. Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries is in compliance with all laws, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property and all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 1.08. Investment Company Status. Neither the Borrower nor any of the other Loan Parties is an “investment company” as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940.
SECTION 1.09. Taxes. Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and has paid or caused to be paid all Taxes required to have been paid by it, except (a) Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as applicable, has set aside on its books adequate reserves or (b) to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 1.10. ERISA. No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events for which liability is reasonably expected to occur, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 1.11. Disclosure. Neither the Information Memorandum nor any of the other reports, financial statements, certificates or other information furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished), taken as a whole and as of the date furnished, contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, the Borrower represents only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time (it being understood that projected financial information are predictions as to future events and are not to be viewed as facts and are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, which are beyond the control of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and that no assurance or guarantee can be given that any such projected financial information will be realized, that actual results may differ and such differences may be material). As of the Effective Date, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, the information included in the Beneficial Ownership Certification provided (if any) on or prior to the Effective Date to any Lender in connection with this Agreement is true and correct in all respects.
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SECTION 1.12. Federal Reserve Regulations. No part of the proceeds of any Loan have been used or will be used, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose that violates any of the Regulations of the Board, including Regulations T, U and X.
SECTION 1.13. Liens.
There are no Liens on any of the real or personal properties of the Borrower or any Subsidiary except for Liens permitted by Section 6.02.
SECTION 1.14. No Default. No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
SECTION 1.15. No Burdensome Restrictions. The Borrower is not subject to any Burdensome Restrictions except Burdensome Restrictions permitted under Section 6.08.
SECTION 1.16. Solvency. Immediately after the consummation of the Transactions to occur on the Effective Date, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, are and will be Solvent.
SECTION 1.17. Insurance. The Borrower maintains, and has caused each Subsidiary to maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance on all their real and personal property in such amounts, subject to such deductibles and self-insurance retentions and covering such properties and risks as are adequate and customarily maintained by companies engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations, subject to commercially reasonable adjustments made by Borrower and its Subsidiaries; provided that the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may reduce the amount of insurance required to be maintained above to the extent the Borrower reasonably determines that it is prudent and appropriate to maintain self‑insurance coverage in lieu of such insurance.
SECTION 1.18. Security Interest in Collateral. Collectively, the provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents create legal and valid Liens on all the Collateral in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and such Liens constitute perfected and continuing Liens on the Collateral in which a security interest may be perfected under the UCC (except to the extent otherwise provided or permitted by the Loan Documents), securing the Secured Obligations, enforceable against the applicable Loan Party and all third parties, and having priority over all other Liens on the Collateral except in the case of (a) Permitted Encumbrances and other liens permitted by Section 6.02, (b) Liens perfected only by possession or control (including possession of any certificate of title) to the extent the Administrative Agent has not obtained or does not maintain possession or control of such Collateral, (c) the filing of financing statements or fixture filings or the recordation of the security agreements with respect to intellectual property, in each case which have not been made and (d) Liens which have priority by operation of law.
SECTION 1.19. Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions. The Borrower has implemented and maintains in effect policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote compliance by the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and appointed agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions, and the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of the Borrower, their respective officers and directors, are in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects. None of (a) the Borrower, any Subsidiary, or to the knowledge of the Borrower, any of their respective directors, officers or employees, or (b) to the knowledge of the Borrower, any appointed agent of the Borrower or any Subsidiary that will act in any capacity in connection with or directly benefit from the credit facilities established hereby, is a Sanctioned Person. No Borrowing or Letter of Credit, use of proceeds or other transaction contemplated by this Agreement will violate any Anti-Corruption Law or applicable Sanctions.
SECTION 1.20. Affected Financial Institutions. No Loan Party is an Affected Financial Institution.
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ARTICLE IV
Conditions
Conditions
SECTION 1.01. Effective Date. The obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of the Issuing Banks to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective until the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02):
(a) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received (i) from each party hereto a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party (which, subject to Section 9.06, may include any Electronic Signatures transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf, or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page) and (ii) duly executed copies of the other Loan Documents and such other legal opinions, certificates, documents, instruments and agreements as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request in connection with the Transactions, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel and as further described in the list of closing documents attached as Exhibit C.
(b) The Administrative Agent shall have received a favorable written opinion (addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and dated the Effective Date) of Covington & Burling LLP, legal counsel for the Loan Parties, substantially in the form of Exhibit B, covering such matters relating to the Loan Parties, the Loan Documents or the Transactions as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request. The Borrower hereby requests such counsel to deliver such opinion.
(c) The Administrative Agent shall have received such documents and certificates as the Administrative Agent or its counsel may reasonably request relating to the organization, existence and good standing (jurisdiction of organization only) of the initial Loan Parties, the authorization of the Transactions and any other legal matters relating to such Loan Parties, the Loan Documents or the Transactions, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel and as further described in the list of closing documents attached as Exhibit C.
(d) The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, dated the Effective Date and signed by the President, a Vice President or a Financial Officer of the Borrower, confirming compliance with the conditions set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 4.02.
(e) [Intentionally Omitted].
(f) (i) The Administrative Agent shall have received, at least five (5) days prior to the Effective Date, all documentation and other information regarding the Borrower requested in connection with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the Patriot Act, to the extent requested in writing of the Borrower at least ten (10) days prior to the Effective Date and (ii) to the extent the Borrower qualifies as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, at least five (5) days prior to the Effective Date, any Lender that has requested, in a written notice to the Borrower at least ten (10) days prior to the Effective Date, a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to the Borrower shall have received such Beneficial Ownership Certification (provided that, upon the execution and delivery by such Lender of its signature page to this Agreement, the condition set forth in this clause (f) shall be deemed to be satisfied).
(g) The Administrative Agent shall have received all fees and other amounts due and payable on or prior to the Effective Date, including, to the extent invoiced, reimbursement or payment of all out-of-pocket expenses required to be reimbursed or paid by the Borrower hereunder.
The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding.
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SECTION 1.02. Each Credit Event. The obligation of each Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing, and of the Issuing Banks to issue, amend or extend any Letter of Credit, is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
(a) The representations and warranties of the Borrower set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects (or, in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect, in all respects) on and as of the date of such Borrowing or the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable (except to the extent that any such representations and warranties are made as of an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects (or, in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect, in all respects) on and as of such earlier date).
(b) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing or the issuance, amendment or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.
Each Borrowing and each issuance, amendment or extension of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section.
ARTICLE V
Affirmative Covenants
Affirmative Covenants
Until the Commitments have expired or been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder shall have been paid in full and all Letters of Credit shall have expired, terminated or been cash collateralized to the reasonable satisfaction of the Administrative Agent, in each case, without any pending draw, and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed, the Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:
SECTION 1.01. Financial Statements and Other Information. The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender:
(a) within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower (or, if earlier, by the date three (3) Business Days after the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Borrower for such fiscal year would be required to be filed under the rules and regulations of the SEC, giving effect to any automatic extension available thereunder for the filing of such form), its audited consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all reported on by independent public accountants of recognized national standing (without a “going concern” or like qualification or exception and without any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP;
(b) within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower (or, if earlier, by the date three (3) Business Days after the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Borrower for such fiscal quarter would be required to be filed under the rules and regulations of the SEC, giving effect to any automatic extension available thereunder for the filing of such form), its consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal quarter and the then elapsed portion of the fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous fiscal year, all certified by one of its Financial Officers as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and
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its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;
(c) concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) or (b) above, a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Borrower (i) certifying as to whether a Default has occurred and, if a Default has occurred, specifying the details thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto, (ii) setting forth reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with Section 6.11 and (iii) stating whether any change in GAAP or in the application thereof has occurred since the date of the audited financial statements referred to in Section 3.04 and, if any such change has occurred, specifying the effect of such change on the financial statements accompanying such certificate;
(d) as soon as available, but in any event not more than ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a copy of the plan and forecast (including a projected consolidated balance sheet, income statement and funds flow statement) of the Borrower for the following fiscal year in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;
(e) promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other reports, proxy statements and other materials filed by the Borrower or any Subsidiary with the SEC, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of said Commission, or with any national securities exchange, or distributed by the Borrower to its shareholders generally, as the case may be; and
(f) promptly following any request therefor, (x) such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or compliance with the terms of this Agreement, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) may reasonably request and (y) information and documentation reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender for purposes of compliance with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the Patriot Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.
Documents required to be delivered pursuant to clauses (a), (b) and (e) of this Section 5.01 shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date on which such documents are filed for public availability on the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering and Retrieval System. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, in every instance the Borrower shall be permitted to provide electronic copies of the compliance certificates required by clause (c) of this Section 5.01 to the Administrative Agent.
SECTION 1.02. Notices of Material Events. The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender prompt written notice after a Responsible Officer has knowledge of the following:
(a) the occurrence of any Default;
(b) the filing or commencement of any action, suit or proceeding by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority against or affecting the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;
(c) the occurrence of any ERISA Event that, alone or together with any other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;
(d) any other development that results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect; and
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(e) any change in the information provided in the Beneficial Ownership Certification delivered to such Lender that would result in a change to the list of beneficial owners identified in such certification.
Each notice delivered under this Section shall be accompanied by a statement of a Financial Officer or other executive officer of the Borrower setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.
SECTION 1.03. Existence; Conduct of Business. The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Material Subsidiaries to, do or cause to be done (i) all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and (ii) take, or cause to be taken, all reasonable actions to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect the rights, qualifications, licenses, permits, privileges, franchises, governmental authorizations and intellectual property rights material to the conduct of its business, and maintain all requisite authority to conduct its business in each jurisdiction in which its business is conducted, except, in the case of this clause (ii), where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Effect; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any merger, consolidation, liquidation, disposition of assets or dissolution permitted under Section 6.03.
SECTION 1.04. Payment of Obligations. The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, pay its obligations, including Tax liabilities, that, if not paid, could result in a Material Adverse Effect before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (a) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (b) the Borrower or such Subsidiary has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP and (c) the failure to make payment while such contest is pending could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 1.05. Maintenance of Properties; Insurance. The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, (a) keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and (b) maintain with financially sound and reputable carriers insurance in such amounts (with no greater risk retention) and against such risks and such other hazards, as is customarily maintained by companies of established repute engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations, subject to commercially reasonable adjustments made by Borrower and its Subsidiaries; provided that the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may reduce the amount of insurance required to be maintained above to the extent the Borrower reasonably determines that it is prudent and appropriate to maintain self‑insurance coverage in lieu of such insurance. The Borrower will furnish to the Lenders, upon request of the Administrative Agent, information in reasonable detail as to the insurance so maintained. The Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent endorsements (x) to all “All Risk” physical damage insurance policies on all of the Loan Parties’ tangible personal property and assets naming the Administrative Agent as lender loss payee, and (y) to all general liability and other liability policies naming the Administrative Agent an additional insured. In the event the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries at any time or times hereafter shall fail to obtain or maintain any of the policies or insurance required herein or to pay any premium in whole or in part relating thereto, then the Administrative Agent, without waiving or releasing any obligations or resulting Default hereunder, may at any time or times thereafter (but shall be under no obligation to do so) obtain and maintain such policies of insurance and pay such premiums and take any other action with respect thereto which the Administrative Agent reasonably deems advisable; provided that the Administrative Agent provides the Borrower with prior written notice of its intent to obtain such insurance policies. All sums so disbursed by the Administrative Agent shall constitute part of the Obligations, payable as provided in this Agreement. The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders prompt written notice of any casualty or other insured damage to any material portion of the Collateral with a fair market value immediately prior to such event greater than $5,000,000 or the commencement of any action or proceeding for the taking of any material portion of the Collateral with a fair market value immediately prior to such event greater than $5,000,000 or interest therein under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding.
SECTION 1.06. Books and Records; Inspection Rights. The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities. The
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Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, upon reasonable prior notice, to visit and inspect its properties, to examine and make extracts from its books and records, including environmental assessment reports and Phase I or Phase II studies, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and independent accountants, all at reasonable times and during normal business hours; provided that so long as no Event of Default exists the Administrative Agent and Lenders shall not be entitled to visit and inspect the Borrower and its Subsidiaries more than one (1) time per year (such visit and inspection to be conducted by the Administrative Agent). The Borrower acknowledges that the Administrative Agent, after exercising its rights of inspection, may prepare and distribute to the Lenders certain reports pertaining to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries’ assets for internal use by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders.
SECTION 1.07. Compliance with Laws and Material Contractual Obligations. The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, (i) comply with all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property (including without limitation Environmental Laws) and (ii) perform in all material respects its obligations under material agreements to which it is a party, in each case except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The Borrower will maintain in effect and enforce policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure compliance by the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions.
SECTION 1.08. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of (a) the Revolving Loans will be used only (i) to finance the working capital needs and for general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and (ii) to finance Permitted Acquisitions and (b) the Term Loans will be used only (i) to refinance Indebtedness in existence on the Effective Date under the Existing Credit Agreement and (ii) to finance the working capital needs and for general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business. No part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the Regulations of the Board, including Regulations T, U and X. The Borrower will not request any Borrowing or Letter of Credit, and the Borrower shall not use, and shall procure that its Subsidiaries shall not use, the proceeds of any Borrowing or Letter of Credit (i) in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any Person in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws, (ii) for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any activities, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any Sanctioned Country, to the extent such activities, businesses or transaction would be prohibited by Sanctions or (iii) in any manner that would result in the violation of any Sanctions applicable to any party hereto.
SECTION 1.09. Subsidiary Guarantors; Pledges; Additional Collateral; Further Assurances.
(a) As promptly as possible but in any event within sixty (60) days (or such later date as may be agreed upon by the Administrative Agent) after (i) any Person (other than an existing Subsidiary) becomes a Subsidiary that qualifies as a Material Domestic Subsidiary or (ii) the end of a fiscal quarter during which any Subsidiary qualifies independently as, or is designated by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as, a Material Domestic Subsidiary pursuant to the definition of “Material Domestic Subsidiary”, the Borrower shall provide the Administrative Agent with written notice thereof setting forth information in reasonable detail describing the material assets of such Person and shall cause each such Subsidiary which also qualifies as a Material Domestic Subsidiary to deliver to the Administrative Agent a joinder to the Subsidiary Guaranty and the Security Agreement (in each case in the form contemplated thereby) pursuant to which such Subsidiary agrees to be bound by the terms and provisions thereof, such Subsidiary Guaranty and the Security Agreement to be accompanied by appropriate corporate resolutions, other corporate documentation and legal opinions to the extent requested by, and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to, the Administrative Agent and its counsel.
(b) The Borrower will cause, and will cause each other Loan Party to cause, all of its owned property constituting Collateral (whether personal, tangible, intangible, or mixed but excluding
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Excluded Assets) to be subject at all times to first priority, perfected (to the extent any such Lien may be perfected under the UCC) Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties to secure the Secured Obligations to the extent required by the terms and conditions of the Collateral Documents, subject in any case to Liens permitted by Section 6.02. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Borrower will cause the Applicable Pledge Percentage of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of each Pledge Subsidiary directly owned by the Borrower or any other Loan Party to be subject at all times to a first priority, perfected Lien (subject in any case to Liens permitted by Section 6.02) in favor of the Administrative Agent to secure the Secured Obligations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Collateral Documents or such other pledge and security documents as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such foreign law governed pledge agreement in respect of the Equity Interests of a Foreign Subsidiary shall be required until the date that occurs ninety (90) days after the date such pledge agreement is reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or such later date as the Administrative Agent may agree in the exercise of its reasonable discretion with respect thereto.
(c) Without limiting the foregoing, the Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, to the Administrative Agent such documents, agreements and instruments, and will take or cause to be taken such further actions (including the filing and recording of financing statements and other documents and such other actions or deliveries of the type required by Section 4.01, as applicable, but excluding any mortgages, deeds of trust or fixture filings), which may be required by law or which the Administrative Agent may, from time to time, reasonably request to carry out the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to ensure perfection and priority of the Liens created or intended to be created by the Collateral Documents, all at the expense of the Borrower. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Loan Documents, no actions in any jurisdiction outside the United States or required by the laws of any jurisdiction outside the United States shall be required (other than with respect to the pledge of Equity Interests in a Pledge Subsidiary that is a First Tier Foreign Subsidiary) in order to create any security interests in any asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary physically located in any jurisdiction outside the United States or subject to a document of title governed by the laws of any jurisdiction outside the United States or to perfect any security interests under such laws.
ARTICLE VI
Negative Covenants
Negative Covenants
Until the Commitments have expired or terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder have been paid in full and all Letters of Credit have expired, terminated or been cash collateralized to the reasonable satisfaction of the Administrative Agent, in each case, without any pending draw, and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed, the Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:
SECTION 1.01. Indebtedness. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness, except:
(a) the Secured Obligations;
(b) Indebtedness existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 6.01 and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness with Indebtedness of a similar type that does not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof (except by the amount of any accrued interest and premiums with respect to such Indebtedness and transaction fees, costs and expenses in connection with such extension, renewal or replacement thereof);
(c) Indebtedness of the Borrower to any Subsidiary and of any Subsidiary to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary; provided that Indebtedness of any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party to any Loan Party shall be subject to the limitations set forth in Section 6.04(d);
(d) Guarantees by the Borrower of Indebtedness of any Subsidiary and by any Subsidiary of Indebtedness of the Borrower or any other Subsidiary;
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(e) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary incurred to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of any fixed or capital assets, including Capital Lease Obligations and any Indebtedness assumed in connection with the acquisition of any such assets or secured by a Lien on any such assets prior to the acquisition thereof, and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof (except by the amount of any accrued interest and premiums with respect to such Indebtedness and transaction fees, costs and expenses in connection with such extension, renewal or replacement thereof); provided that (i) such original Indebtedness (but not extensions, renewals or replacements thereof) is incurred prior to or within ninety (90) days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (e) shall not exceed $15,000,000 at any time outstanding;
(f) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary as an account party in respect of trade letters of credit;
(g) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any other Loan Party secured by a Lien on any asset of the Borrower or any other Loan Party; provided that the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (g) shall not in the aggregate exceed $10,000,000 at any time;
(h) Swap Obligations permitted under Section 6.05;
(i) Indebtedness under performance bonds, letter of credit obligations to provide security for workers compensation claims and bank overdrafts, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;
(j) unsecured Indebtedness of the Borrower (including unsecured Subordinated Indebtedness to the extent subordinated to the Secured Obligations on terms reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and Permitted Convertible Notes), to the extent not otherwise permitted under this Section 6.01, and any Indebtedness of the Borrower constituting refinancings, renewals or replacements of any such Indebtedness; provided that (i) both immediately prior to and after giving effect (including pro forma effect) thereto, no Default or Event of Default shall exist or would result therefrom, (ii) such Indebtedness matures after, and does not require any scheduled amortization or other scheduled payments of principal prior to, the date that is 181 days after the Maturity Date (it being understood that neither (x) any provision requiring an offer to purchase such Indebtedness as a result of change of control or asset sale or other fundamental change nor (y) any early conversion of any Permitted Convertible Notes in accordance with the terms thereof shall violate the foregoing restriction), (iii) such Indebtedness is not guaranteed by any Subsidiary of the Borrower other than the Subsidiary Guarantors (which guarantees, if such Indebtedness is subordinated, shall be expressly subordinated to the Secured Obligations on terms not less favorable to the Lenders than the subordination terms of such Subordinated Indebtedness) and (iv) the covenants applicable to such Indebtedness are not more onerous or more restrictive in any material respect (taken as a whole) than the applicable covenants set forth in this Agreement (as determined by the Board of Directors of the Borrower in good faith);
(k) unsecured Indebtedness of any Person that becomes, and continues as, a Subsidiary after the date hereof and unsecured Indebtedness in respect of assets acquired pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition and existing at the time of such Permitted Acquisition; provided that such Indebtedness is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such Permitted Acquisition or such Person becoming a Subsidiary, as the case may be;
(l) Indebtedness in respect of overdraft facilities, foreign exchange facilities, payment facilities, cash management obligations and similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(m) unsecured Indebtedness of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $20,000,000 at any time outstanding; and
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(n) Indebtedness of any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Loan Party; provided that the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (n) shall not in the aggregate exceed $10,000,000.
SECTION 1.02. Liens. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it, or assign or sell any income or revenues (including accounts receivable) or rights in respect of any thereof, except:
(a) Liens created pursuant to any Loan Document;
(b) Permitted Encumbrances;
(c) Liens or assignments of life insurance policies owned by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries securing borrowings against the cash value of such policies provided that the Indebtedness in respect of such borrowings is permitted under Section 6.01;
(d) any Lien on any property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 6.02; provided that (i) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary other than any proceeds therefrom and (ii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date hereof and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof (except by the amount of any accrued interest and premiums with respect to such Indebtedness and transaction fees, costs and expenses in connection with such extension, renewal or replacement thereof);
(e) any Lien existing on any property or asset prior to the acquisition thereof by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or existing on any property or asset of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary after the date hereof prior to the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary; provided that (i) such Lien is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition or such Person becoming a Subsidiary, as the case may be, (ii) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary (other than the acquired Subsidiary) and (iii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date of such acquisition or the date such Person becomes a Subsidiary, as the case may be, and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof (except by the amount of any accrued interest and premiums with respect to such Indebtedness and transaction fees, costs and expenses in connection with such extension, renewal or replacement thereof);
(f) Liens on fixed or capital assets acquired, constructed or improved by the Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided that (i) such security interests secure Indebtedness permitted by clause (e) of Section 6.01, (ii) such security interests and the Indebtedness secured thereby are incurred prior to or within ninety (90) days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement, (iii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed the cost of acquiring, constructing or improving such fixed or capital assets (except by the amount of any accrued interest and premiums with respect to such Indebtedness, acquisition, construction or improvement and transaction fees, costs and expenses in connection therewith) and (iv) such security interests shall not apply to any other property or assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;
(g) Liens on any cash earnest money deposit made by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in connection with any letter of intent or acquisition agreement that is not prohibited by this Agreement;
(h) Liens arising as a matter of law or in the nature of (i) normal and customary rights of setoff and bankers’ liens upon deposits of cash in favor of banks or other depository institutions and (ii) Liens securing reasonable and customary fees for services in favor of banks, securities intermediaries or other depository institutions;
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(i) Liens arising in the ordinary course of business from treasury, depository or cash management services, overdraft facilities, foreign exchange facilities, payment facilities or automated clearing house transfers of funds;
(j) Liens on assets that secure Indebtedness permitted by clause (n) of Section 6.01 so long as such Liens shall only encumber the assets of Subsidiaries of the Borrower that are not Loan Parties and shall not encumber any assets of a Loan Party; and
(k) Liens on assets of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties not otherwise permitted above so long as the aggregate principal amount of the Indebtedness and other obligations subject to such Liens does not at any time exceed $10,000,000.
SECTION 1.03. Fundamental Changes and Asset Sales. (a) The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, merge into or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, or sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (in one transaction or in a series of transactions) any of its assets (including pursuant to a Sale and Leaseback Transaction), or any of the Equity Interests of any of its Subsidiaries (in each case, whether now owned or hereafter acquired), or liquidate or dissolve, except that, if at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto no Default shall have occurred and be continuing:
(i) any Person may merge into the Borrower in a transaction in which the Borrower is the surviving corporation;
(ii) any Subsidiary may merge into a Loan Party in a transaction in which the surviving entity is such Loan Party (provided that any such merger involving the Borrower must result in the Borrower as the surviving entity), and any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party may merge with or into any other Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party;
(iii) any Subsidiary may sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of its assets to a Loan Party;
(iv) the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may (A) sell inventory, dispose of cash and cash equivalents, lease or sublease interests in real property, dispose of accounts receivable in connection with the collection or compromise thereof, surrender or waive contractual rights or settle, release or surrender contract or tort claims, in each case, in the ordinary course of business, (B) effect sales, trade-ins or dispositions of used or obsolete equipment for value in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (C) enter into licenses of technology in the ordinary course of business, (D) sell or otherwise dispose of auction rate securities and (E) make any other sales, transfers, leases or dispositions of assets not otherwise permitted under this Section 6.03, the book value of which (excluding goodwill relating thereto), together with all other property of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries previously leased, sold, transferred or disposed of as permitted by this clause (E) during any fiscal year of the Borrower, does not exceed 10% of Consolidated Tangible Assets (determined as of the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter for which financial statements shall have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or Section 5.01(b) (or, prior to the delivery of any such financial statements, the last day of the last fiscal quarter included in the financial statements referred to in Section 3.04(a)); provided that the aggregate book value of all of the assets (excluding goodwill relating thereto) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries sold, transferred, leased or disposed of in reliance upon this clause (E) during the term of this Agreement shall not exceed an amount equal to $70,000,000;
(v) [Reserved];
(vi) any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party may (A) liquidate or dissolve if the Borrower determines in good faith that such liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of the Borrower and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders and (B) sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of its assets to another Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party;
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(vii) the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may enter into Sale and Leaseback Transactions permitted under Section 6.10;
(viii) the sale or discount or factoring, in each case without recourse and in the ordinary course of business, of overdue accounts receivable arising in the ordinary course of business; and
(ix) the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may make Investments permitted by Section 6.04, create, incur or assume any Lien permitted under Section 6.02 and make any Restricted Payments permitted by Section 6.07;
provided that any such merger or consolidation involving a Person that is not a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary immediately prior to such merger or consolidation shall not be permitted unless it is also permitted by Section 6.04.
(b) The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, engage to any material extent in any business other than businesses of the type conducted by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) on the date of execution of this Agreement and businesses reasonably related, ancillary, similar, complementary or synergistic thereto or reasonable extensions, development or expansion thereof.
(c) The Borrower will not, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, change its fiscal year from the basis in effect on the Effective Date.
SECTION 1.04. Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, purchase, hold or acquire (including pursuant to any merger or consolidation with any Person that was not a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary prior to such merger or consolidation) any capital stock, evidences of indebtedness or other securities (including any option, warrant or other right to acquire any of the foregoing) of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, Guarantee any obligations of, or make or permit to exist any investment or any other interest in, any other Person, or purchase or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of transactions) any Person or any assets of any other Person constituting a business unit, except:
(a) Permitted Investments;
(b) Permitted Acquisitions;
(c) investments by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries existing on the date hereof in the capital stock of its Subsidiaries and such other investments of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries existing on the date hereof and set forth on Schedule 6.01;
(d) investments, loans, advances or capital contributions made by the Borrower in or to any Subsidiary and made by any Subsidiary in or to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary (provided that the aggregate amount of such investments, loans, advances and capital contributions that are made and remain outstanding, at any time, by Loan Parties to Subsidiaries which are not Loan Parties does not exceed 10% of Consolidated Total Assets (determined as of the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter for which financial statements shall have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or Section 5.01(b) (or, prior to the delivery of any such financial statements, the last day of the last fiscal quarter included in the financial statements referred to in Section 3.04(a));
(e) Guarantees constituting Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01;
(f) loans or advances to officers and directors of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries the net proceeds of which are used solely to purchase Equity Interests in the Borrower pursuant to a restricted stock or stock purchase plan;
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(g) loans or advances to officers and employees of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (in addition to those permitted by clause (f)), not at any time in excess of $5,000,000 thereof in the aggregate for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries;
(h) loans or advances to, or deposits with, contractors and suppliers in the ordinary course of business not at any time in excess of $10,000,000;
(i) any loan to a Person purchasing or leasing real property or equipment from the Borrower or any Subsidiary;
(j) investments consisting of promissory notes received as proceeds of asset dispositions permitted by Section 6.03;
(k) bank deposits in the ordinary course of business;
(l) investments, loans or advances in or to joint ventures so long as the aggregate amount of all such investments, loans and advances made in any fiscal year does not exceed $15,000,000;
(m) Swap Agreements permitted under Section 6.05;
(n) investments consisting of the redemption, purchase, repurchase or retirement of Equity Interests permitted under Section 6.07;
(o) Investments of a Person (i) existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary or consolidates or merges with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or (ii) that are acquired as part of an Permitted Acquisition, in each case, so long as such Investments were not made in contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary or of such consolidation or merger or other Permitted Acquisition; and
(p) any other investment, loan or advance (other than acquisitions) so long as the aggregate outstanding amount of all such investments, loans and advances at any time does not exceed $10,000,000.
SECTION 1.05. Swap Agreements. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into any Swap Agreement, except (a) Swap Agreements not entered into for speculative purposes, (b) Swap Agreements entered into in order to effectively cap, collar or exchange interest rates (from fixed to floating rates, from one floating rate to another floating rate or otherwise) with respect to any interest-bearing liability or investment of the Borrower or any Subsidiary and (c) the Borrower may enter into, and perform its obligations under, Permitted Call Spread Swap Agreements.
SECTION 1.06. Transactions with Affiliates. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, sell, lease or otherwise transfer any property or assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, except (a) in the ordinary course of business at prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary than could be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated third parties, (b) transactions between or among the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (c) any employment and severance arrangements for and compensation, bonuses, stock option and stock ownership plans and indemnification arrangements and benefit plans (and the marking of payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant thereto or the funding thereof) for officers, directors and employees of the Loan Parties, (d) any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 6.07, (e) any investment permitted by Section 6.04, and (f) any sale, lease, license, transfer or disposition permitted under Section 6.03.
SECTION 1.07. Restricted Payments.
The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, declare or make, or agree to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, except (a) the Borrower may declare
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and pay dividends with respect to its Equity Interests payable solely in additional shares of its common stock, (b) Subsidiaries may declare and pay Restricted Payments ratably with respect to their Equity Interests, (c) the Borrower may make Restricted Payments pursuant to and in accordance with stock option plans or other benefit plans for management or employees of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (d) the Borrower may enter into, exercise its rights and perform its obligations under Permitted Call Spread Swap Agreements, (e) the Borrower may make cash payments and/or deliveries of shares of its common stock upon conversion of Permitted Convertible Notes pursuant to the terms thereof, (f) the Borrower may make interest payments in respect of Indebtedness under Permitted Convertible Notes, (g) the Borrower or its Subsidiaries may make payments or distributions to dissenting stockholders pursuant to applicable law, (h) the Borrower or any Subsidiary may make cash payments in lieu of fractional shares in connection with the conversion of any Equity Interests or make cash settlement payments upon the exercise of warrants to purchase its Equity Interest or “net share settle” warrants, (i) the Borrower and each Subsidiary may distribute Equity Interests to shareholders of any Person (other than an Affiliate of the Borrower) acquired by merger pursuant to an acquisition permitted under this Agreement, (j) the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may make Restricted Payments so long as at the time of and immediately after giving effect (including giving effect on a Pro Forma Basis) thereto no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing in an aggregate amount during any fiscal year of the Borrower made in reliance on this clause (j) not to exceed $30,000,000 and (k) the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may make any other Restricted Payment so long as at the time of and immediately after giving effect (including giving effect on a Pro Forma Basis) thereto (x) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and (y) the Total Net Leverage Ratio is less than or equal to 2.50 to 1.00.
SECTION 1.08. Restrictive Agreements.
The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into, incur or permit to exist any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon (a) the ability of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to create, incur or permit to exist any Lien upon any of its property or assets, or (b) the ability of any Subsidiary to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to holders of its Equity Interests or to make or repay loans or advances to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary or to Guarantee the Obligations; provided that (i) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed by law or by any Loan Document, (ii) the foregoing shall not apply to customary restrictions and conditions contained in leases, subleases or licenses entered into in the ordinary course of business or agreements relating to the sale of a Subsidiary or assets pending such sale, provided such restrictions and conditions apply only to the Subsidiary or assets that are to be sold and such sale is permitted hereunder, (iii) the foregoing shall not apply to such restrictions and conditions applicable to any Subsidiary acquired after the date hereof if such restrictions and conditions existed at the time such Subsidiary was acquired and were not created in anticipation of such acquisitions, (iv) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions or conditions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted by this Agreement if such restrictions or conditions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness, (v) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to customary provisions in permits, leases and other contracts restricting the assignment or subletting thereof, (vi) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to agreements are entered into with any person in connection with a sale, lease, license, transfer or disposition permitted under Section 6.03 relating solely to the assets to be sold, leased, licensed, transferred or disposed of, (vii) the foregoing shall not apply to customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements applicable to joint ventures permitted hereunder and applicable solely to such joint venture entered into in the ordinary course of business, and (viii) the foregoing shall not apply to customary negative pledges and restrictions on Liens in favor of any holder of (y) Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01(e) or (l), or (z) Indebtedness under Section 6.01(g) or (n) secured by a Lien permitted under Section 6.02(e), (j) or (k), in each case, solely to the extent any negative pledge relates to the property financed by or the subject of such Indebtedness.
SECTION 1.09. Subordinated Indebtedness and Amendments to Subordinated Indebtedness Documents.
Except to the extent permitted in accordance with any applicable subordination agreement executed by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly voluntarily prepay, defease or in substance defease, purchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire, any Subordinated Indebtedness or any Indebtedness from time to time
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outstanding under the Subordinated Indebtedness Documents. Furthermore, the Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, amend the Subordinated Indebtedness Documents or any document, agreement or instrument evidencing any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to the Subordinated Indebtedness Documents (or any replacements, substitutions, extensions or renewals thereof) or pursuant to which such Indebtedness is issued where such amendment, modification or supplement amends, modifies or adds any provision thereof in a manner which (i) when taken as a whole, is materially adverse to the Borrower, any Subsidiary and/or the Lenders or (ii) is more onerous, when taken as a whole with any other applicable amendments, modifications or supplements, than the existing applicable provision in the Subordinated Indebtedness Documents, as determined in the good faith judgment of the board of directors of the Borrower.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 6.09 shall not apply to any Indebtedness evidenced by Permitted Convertible Notes.
SECTION 1.10. Sale and Leaseback Transactions.
The Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any Sale and Leaseback Transaction, other than Sale and Leaseback Transactions in respect of which the net cash proceeds received in connection therewith does not exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate during any fiscal year of the Borrower, determined on a consolidated basis for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.
SECTION 1.11. Financial Covenant. The Borrower will not permit the ratio (the “Total Net Leverage Ratio”), determined as of the end of each of its fiscal quarters ending on and after March 31, 2022, of (i) (x) Consolidated Total Indebtedness minus (y) Liquidity to (ii) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters ending with the end of such fiscal quarter, all calculated for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, to be greater than (A) for each fiscal quarter ending on and after March 31, 2022 through June 30, 2022, 4.00 to 1.00, (B) for each fiscal quarter ending on and after September 30, 2022 through December 31, 2022, 3.75 to 1.00, (C) for each fiscal quarter ending on March 31, 2023 through June 30, 2023, 3.50 to 1.00, (D) for each fiscal quarter ending on September 30, 2023 through December 31, 2023, 3.25 to 1.00, and (E) for each fiscal quarter ending on and after March 31, 2024, 3.00 to 1.00.
ARTICLE VII
Events of Default
Events of Default
If any of the following events (“Events of Default”) shall occur:
(a) the Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan when and as the same shall become due and payable or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or otherwise;
(b) the Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in clause (a) of this Article) payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of five (5) Business Days;
(c) any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any amendment or modification hereof or thereof or waiver hereunder or thereunder, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder, shall prove to have been materially incorrect when made or deemed made;
(d) the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 5.02(a), 5.03 (with respect to the Borrower’s existence), 5.08 or 5.09 or in Article VI or in Article X;
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(e) the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor, as applicable, shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement (other than those specified in clause (a), (b) or (d) of this Article) or any other Loan Document, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice thereof from the Administrative Agent to the Borrower (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender);
(f) the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall fail to make any payment (whether of principal or interest and regardless of amount) in respect of any Material Indebtedness, when and as the same shall become due and payable after giving effect to any grace or cure periods applicable thereto;
(g) any event or condition occurs that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or that enables or permits (with or without the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both) the holder or holders of any Material Indebtedness or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause any Material Indebtedness to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity; provided that this clause (g) shall not apply to (i) any secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness, (ii) any requirement to make a cash payment as a result of the early termination of a Permitted Call Spread Swap Agreement and (iii) any requirement to deliver cash upon conversion of Permitted Convertible Notes;
(h) an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary or its debts, or of a substantial part of its assets, under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for sixty (60) days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;
(i) the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in clause (h) of this Article, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (vi) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;
(j) the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary shall become insolvent or admit in writing its inability or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due;
(k) one or more final judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $20,000,000 (excluding any portion thereof which is covered by insurance so long as the insurer is an unaffiliated creditworthy insurer, is reasonably likely to be able to pay and has accepted a tender of defense and indemnification without reservation of rights) shall be rendered against the Borrower, any Material Subsidiary or any combination thereof and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any assets of the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary to enforce any such judgment;
(l) an ERISA Event shall have occurred that, in the reasonable opinion of the Required Lenders, when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;
(m) a Change in Control shall occur;
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(n) any Loan Document for any reason ceases to be valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder (or the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall challenge the enforceability of any Loan Document or shall assert in writing, or engage in any action or inaction based on any such assertion, that any provision of any of the Loan Documents has ceased to be or otherwise is not valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms); or
(o) any Collateral Document shall for any reason (other than due to a failure of the Administrative Agent to take any required action within its control to maintain the perfection or priority of the Liens created in favor of the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Loan Documents but excluding any action or inaction based on facts or circumstances for which the Administrative Agent has not been notified in accordance with the provisions of the Loan Documents) fail to create a valid and perfected first priority security interest (subject to Liens permitted under Section 6.02) in any material portion of the Collateral purported to be covered thereby, except as permitted by the terms of any Loan Document;
then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may with the consent of the Required Lenders, and shall at the request of the Required Lenders, by notice to the Borrower, take any or all of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the Commitments, and thereupon the Commitments shall terminate immediately, (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), and thereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other Secured Obligations of the Borrower accrued hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, shall become due and payable immediately, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower, and (iii) require cash collateral for the LC Exposure in accordance with Section 2.06(j); and in case of any event with respect to the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article, the Commitments shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding and cash collateral for the LC Exposure, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other Secured Obligations accrued hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, shall automatically become due and payable, and the obligation of the Borrower to cash collateralize the LC Exposure as provided in clause (iii) above shall automatically become effective, in each case, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower.
In addition to any other rights and remedies granted to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in the Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders may exercise all rights and remedies of a secured party under the UCC or any other applicable law. The Administrative Agent shall apply the net proceeds of any action taken by it pursuant to this Article VII, after deducting all reasonable costs and expenses of every kind incurred in connection therewith or incidental to the care or safekeeping of any of the Collateral or in any other way relating to the Collateral or the rights of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereunder, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, to the payment in whole or in part of the Secured Obligations, in such order as set forth in Section 2.18(b), and only after such application and after the payment by the Administrative Agent of any other amount required by any provision of law, including Section 9-615(a)(3) of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, need the Administrative Agent account for the surplus, if any, to any Loan Party.
ARTICLE VIII
The Administrative Agent
The Administrative Agent
SECTION 1.01. Authorization and Action.
(a) Each Lender and Issuing Bank hereby irrevocably appoints the entity named as Administrative Agent in the heading of this Agreement and its successors and assigns to serve as the administrative agent and collateral agent under the Loan Documents and each Lender and Issuing Bank authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as are delegated to the Administrative Agent
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under such agreements and to exercise such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Further, each of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, on behalf of itself and any of its Affiliates that are Secured Parties, hereby irrevocably empower and authorize JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) to execute and deliver the Collateral Documents and all related documents or instruments as shall be necessary or appropriate to effect the purposes of the Collateral Documents. In addition, to the extent required under the laws of any jurisdiction other than within the United States, each Lender and Issuing Bank hereby grants to the Administrative Agent any required powers of attorney to execute and enforce any Collateral Document governed by the laws of such jurisdiction on such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s behalf. Without limiting the foregoing, each Lender and Issuing Bank hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under, each of the Loan Documents to which the Administrative Agent is a party, and to exercise all rights, powers and remedies that the Administrative Agent may have under such Loan Documents.
(b) As to any matters not expressly provided for herein and in the other Loan Documents (including enforcement or collection), the Administrative Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the written instructions of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, pursuant to the terms in the Loan Documents), and, unless and until revoked in writing, such instructions shall be binding upon each Lender and Issuing Bank; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that (i) the Administrative Agent in good faith believes exposes it to liability unless the Administrative Agent receives an indemnification and is exculpated in a manner satisfactory to it from the Lenders and the Issuing Banks with respect to such action or (ii) is contrary to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or applicable law, including any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any requirement of law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any requirement of law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors; provided, further, that the Administrative Agent may seek clarification or direction from the Required Lenders prior to the exercise of any such instructed action and may refrain from acting until such clarification or direction has been provided. Except as expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. Nothing in this Agreement shall require the Administrative Agent to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.
(c) In performing its functions and duties hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent is acting solely on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks (except in limited circumstances expressly provided for herein relating to the maintenance of the Register), and its duties are entirely mechanical and administrative in nature. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:
(i) the Administrative Agent does not assume and shall not be deemed to have assumed any obligation or duty or any other relationship as the agent, fiduciary or trustee of or for any Lender, any Issuing Bank or any other Secured Party other than as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, regardless of whether a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing (and it is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” (or any similar term) herein or in any other Loan Document with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary duty or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable law, and that such term is used as a matter of market custom and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties); additionally, each Lender agrees that it will not assert any claim against the Administrative Agent based on an alleged breach of fiduciary duty by the Administrative Agent in connection with this Agreement and/or the transactions contemplated hereby;
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(ii) where the Administrative Agent is required or deemed to act as a trustee in respect of any Collateral over which a security interest has been created pursuant to a Loan Document expressed to be governed by the laws of any jurisdiction other than the United States of America, or is required or deemed to hold any Collateral “on trust” pursuant to the foregoing, the obligations and liabilities of the Administrative Agent to the Secured Parties in its capacity as trustee shall be excluded to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law; and
(iii) nothing in this Agreement or any Loan Document shall require the Administrative Agent to account to any Lender for any sum or the profit element of any sum received by the Administrative Agent for its own account.
(d) The Administrative Agent may perform any of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any of their respective duties and exercise their respective rights and powers through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities pursuant to this Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub-agent except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and nonappealable judgment that the Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agent.
(e) None of any Co-Syndication Agent or any Arranger shall have obligations or duties whatsoever in such capacity under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and shall incur no liability hereunder or thereunder in such capacity, but all such persons shall have the benefit of the indemnities provided for hereunder.
(f) In case of the pendency of any proceeding with respect to any Loan Party under any federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on any Loan Party) shall be entitled and empowered (but not obligated) by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:
(i) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, LC Disbursements and all other Secured Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Administrative Agent (including any claim under Sections 2.12, 2.13, 2.15, 2.17 and 9.03) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and
(ii) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;
and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender, each Issuing Bank and each other Secured Party to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or the other Secured Parties, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due to it, in its capacity as the Administrative Agent, under the Loan Documents (including under Section 9.03). Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender or any Issuing Bank any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Secured Obligations or the rights of any Lender or any Issuing Bank or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender or any Issuing Bank in any such proceeding.
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(g) The provisions of this Article VIII are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, and, except solely to the extent of the Borrower’s rights to consent pursuant to and subject to the conditions set forth in this Article VIII, none of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any of their respective Affiliates, shall have any rights as a third party beneficiary under any such provisions. Each Secured Party, whether or not a party hereto, will be deemed, by its acceptance of the benefits of the Collateral and of the Guarantees of the Secured Obligations provided under the Loan Documents, to have agreed to the provisions of this Article VIII.
SECTION 1.02. Administrative Agent’s Reliance, Limitation of Liability, Etc.
(a) Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its Related Parties shall be (i) liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by such party, the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties under or in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (x) with the consent of or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith to be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in the Loan Documents) or (y) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct (such absence to be presumed unless otherwise determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and non-appealable judgment) or (ii) responsible in any manner to any of the Lenders for any recitals, statements, representations or warranties made by any Loan Party or any officer thereof contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Administrative Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document or for the value, validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with the Administrative Agent’s reliance on any Electronic Signature transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf, or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page) or for any failure of any Loan Party to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder.
(b) The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any (i) notice of any of the events or circumstances set forth or described in Section 5.02 unless and until written notice thereof stating that it is a “notice under Section 5.02” in respect of this Agreement and identifying the specific clause under said Section is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower or (ii) notice of any Default or Event of Default unless and until written notice thereof (stating that it is a “notice of Default” or a “notice of an Event of Default”) is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower, a Lender or an Issuing Bank, and the Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with any Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered thereunder or in connection therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth in any Loan Document or the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, (iv) the sufficiency, validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of any Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere in any Loan Document, other than to confirm receipt of items (which on their face purport to be such items) expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent or satisfaction of any condition that expressly refers to the matters described therein being acceptable or satisfactory to the Administrative Agent or (vi) the creation, perfection or priority of Liens on the Collateral or the existence of the Collateral.
(c) Without limiting the foregoing, the Administrative Agent (i) may treat the payee of any promissory note as its holder until such promissory note has been assigned in accordance with Section 9.04, (ii) may rely on the Register to the extent set forth in Section 9.04(b), (iii) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel to the Borrower), independent public accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts, (iv) makes no warranty or representation to any Lender or any Issuing Bank and shall not be responsible to any Lender or any Issuing Bank for any statements, warranties or representations made by or on behalf of any Loan Party in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (v) in determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the issuance of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or an Issuing Bank, may presume that such condition is
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satisfactory to such Lender or an Issuing Bank unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender or such Issuing Bank sufficiently in advance of the making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit and (vi) shall be entitled to rely on, and shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by acting upon, any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which writing may be a fax, any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) or any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to be genuine and signed or sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper party or parties (whether or not such Person in fact meets the requirements set forth in the Loan Documents for being the maker thereof).
SECTION 1.03. Posting of Communications.
(a) The Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make any Communications available to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks by posting the Communications on IntraLinks™, DebtDomain, SyndTrak, ClearPar or any other electronic platform chosen by the Administrative Agent to be its electronic transmission system (the “Approved Electronic Platform”).
(b) Although the Approved Electronic Platform and its primary web portal are secured with generally-applicable security procedures and policies implemented or modified by the Administrative Agent from time to time (including, as of the Effective Date, a user ID/password authorization system) and the Approved Electronic Platform is secured through a per-deal authorization method whereby each user may access the Approved Electronic Platform only on a deal-by-deal basis, each of the Lenders, each of the Issuing Banks and the Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the distribution of material through an electronic medium is not necessarily secure, that the Administrative Agent is not responsible for approving or vetting the representatives or contacts of any Lender that are added to the Approved Electronic Platform, and that there may be confidentiality and other risks associated with such distribution. Each of the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Borrower hereby approves distribution of the Communications through the Approved Electronic Platform and understands and assumes the risks of such distribution.
(c) THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE COMMUNICATIONS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE”. THE APPLICABLE PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE COMMUNICATIONS, OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE COMMUNICATIONS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY THE APPLICABLE PARTIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMMUNICATIONS OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY ARRANGER, ANY CO-SYNDICATION AGENT OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE RELATED PARTIES (COLLECTIVELY, “APPLICABLE PARTIES”) HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY LOAN PARTY, ANY LENDER, ANY ISSUING BANK OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING DIRECT OR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSSES OR EXPENSES (WHETHER IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF ANY LOAN PARTY’S OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT’S TRANSMISSION OF COMMUNICATIONS THROUGH THE INTERNET OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM EXCEPT WITH RESPECT TO ACTUAL AND DIRECT DAMAGES TO THE EXTENT DETERMINED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION BY FINAL AND NONAPPEALABLE JUDGMENT TO HAVE RESULTED FROM THE WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE OF ANY APPLICABLE PARTY; PROVIDED THAT ANY COMMUNICATION TO ANY LENDERS, PROSPECTIVE LENDERS, PARTICIPANTS OR PROSPECTIVE PARTICIPANTS OR, TO THE EXTENT SUCH DISCLOSURE IS OTHERWISE PERMITTED, TO ANY OTHER PERSON THROUGH AN APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM SHALL BE MADE SUBJECT TO THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE BY SUCH PERSON THAT SUCH
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COMMUNICATION IS BEING DISSEMINATED OR DISCLOSED ON A CONFIDENTIAL BASIS (ON TERMS SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 9.12 OR OTHERWISE REASONABLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND THE BORROWER), WHICH SHALL IN ANY EVENT REQUIRE “CLICK THROUGH” OR OTHER AFFIRMATIVE ACTIONS ON THE PART OF THE RECIPIENT TO ACCESS SUCH COMMUNICATION.
(d) Each Lender and each Issuing Bank agrees that notice to it (as provided in the next sentence) specifying that Communications have been posted to the Approved Electronic Platform shall constitute effective delivery of the Communications to such Lender for purposes of the Loan Documents. Each Lender and each Issuing Bank agrees (i) to notify the Administrative Agent in writing (which could be in the form of electronic communication) from time to time of such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s (as applicable) email address to which the foregoing notice may be sent by electronic transmission and (ii) that the foregoing notice may be sent to such email address.
(e) Each of the Lenders, each Issuing Bank and the Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but (except as may be required by applicable law) shall not be obligated to, store the Communications on the Approved Electronic Platform in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s generally applicable document retention procedures and policies.
(f) Nothing herein shall prejudice the right of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank to give any notice or other communication pursuant to any Loan Document in any other manner specified in such Loan Document.
SECTION 1.04. The Administrative Agent Individually. With respect to its Commitments, Loans (including Swingline Loans) and Letters of Credit, the Person serving as the Administrative Agent shall have and may exercise the same rights and powers hereunder and is subject to the same obligations and liabilities as and to the extent set forth herein for any other Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be. The terms “Issuing Bank”, “Lenders”, “Required Lenders” and any similar terms shall, unless the context clearly otherwise indicates, include the Administrative Agent in its individual capacity as a Lender, an Issuing Bank or as one of the Required Lenders, as applicable. The Person serving as the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust or other business with, the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing as if such Person was not acting as the Administrative Agent and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders or the Issuing Bank.
SECTION 1.05. Successor Administrative Agent.
(a) The Administrative Agent may resign at any time by giving 30 days’ prior written notice thereof to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Borrower, whether or not a successor Administrative Agent has been appointed. Upon any such resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Administrative Agent. If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders, and shall have accepted such appointment, within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent’s giving of notice of resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, appoint a successor Administrative Agent, which shall be a bank with an office in New York, New York or an Affiliate of any such bank. In either case, such appointment shall be subject to the prior written approval of the Borrower (which approval may not be unreasonably withheld and shall not be required while an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing). Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Administrative Agent by a successor Administrative Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall succeed to, and become vested with, all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent. Upon the acceptance of appointment as Administrative Agent by a successor Administrative Agent, the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Prior to any retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder as Administrative Agent, the retiring Administrative Agent shall take such action as may be reasonably necessary to assign to the successor Administrative Agent its rights as Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents.
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(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this Section, in the event no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its intent to resign, the retiring Administrative Agent may give notice of the effectiveness of its resignation to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Borrower, whereupon, on the date of effectiveness of such resignation stated in such notice, (i) the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents; provided that, solely for purposes of maintaining any security interest granted to the Administrative Agent under any Collateral Document for the benefit of the Secured Parties, the retiring Administrative Agent shall continue to be vested with such security interest as collateral agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and continue to be entitled to the rights set forth in such Collateral Document and Loan Document, and, in the case of any Collateral in the possession of the Administrative Agent, shall continue to hold such Collateral, in each case until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed and accepts such appointment in accordance with this Section (it being understood and agreed that the retiring Administrative Agent shall have no duty or obligation to take any further action under any Collateral Document, including any action required to maintain the perfection of any such security interest) and (ii) the Required Lenders shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent; provided that (A) all payments required to be made hereunder or under any other Loan Document to the Administrative Agent for the account of any Person other than the Administrative Agent shall be made directly to such Person and (B) all notices and other communications required or contemplated to be given or made to the Administrative Agent shall directly be given or made to each Lender and each Issuing Bank. Following the effectiveness of the Administrative Agent’s resignation from its capacity as such, the provisions of this Article VIII and Section 9.03, as well as any exculpatory, reimbursement and indemnification provisions set forth in any other Loan Document, shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent and in respect of the matters referred to in the proviso under clause (i) above.
SECTION 1.06. Acknowledgements of Lenders and Issuing Banks.
(a) Each Lender and each Issuing Bank represents and warrants that (i) the Loan Documents set forth the terms of a commercial lending facility, (ii) it is engaged in making, acquiring or holding commercial loans and in providing other facilities set forth herein as may be applicable to such Lender or such Issuing Bank, in each case in the ordinary course of business, and not for the purpose of purchasing, acquiring or holding any other type of financial instrument (and each Lender and the Issuing Bank agrees not to assert a claim in contravention of the foregoing), (iii) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any Co-Syndication Agent or any other Lender or Issuing Bank, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement as a Lender, and to make, acquire or hold Loans hereunder and (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to make, acquire and/or hold commercial loans and to provide other facilities set forth herein, as may be applicable to such Lender or such Issuing Bank, and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to make, acquire and/or hold such commercial loans or to provide such other facilities, is experienced in making, acquiring or holding such commercial loans or providing such other facilities. Each Lender and each Issuing Bank also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any Co-Syndication Agent or any other Lender or Issuing Bank, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information (which may contain material, non-public information within the meaning of the United States securities laws concerning the Borrower and its Affiliates) as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.
(b) Each Lender, by delivering its signature page to this Agreement on the Effective Date, or delivering its signature page to an Assignment and Assumption or any other Loan Document pursuant to which it shall become a Lender hereunder, shall be deemed to have acknowledged receipt of, and consented to and approved, each Loan Document and each other document required to be delivered to, or be approved by or satisfactory to, the Administrative Agent or the Lenders on the Effective Date.
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(c)
(i) Each Lender hereby agrees that (x) if the Administrative Agent notifies such Lender that the Administrative Agent has determined in its sole discretion that any funds received by such Lender from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates (whether as a payment, prepayment or repayment of principal, interest, fees or otherwise; individually and collectively, a “Payment”) were erroneously transmitted to such Lender (whether or not known to such Lender), and demands the return of such Payment (or a portion thereof), such Lender shall promptly, but in no event later than one (1) Business Day thereafter, return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made in same day funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect, and (y) to the extent permitted by applicable law, such Lender shall not assert, and hereby waives, as to the Administrative Agent, any claim, counterclaim, defense or right of set-off or recoupment with respect to any demand, claim or counterclaim by the Administrative Agent for the return of any Payments received, including without limitation any defense based on “discharge for value” or any similar doctrine. A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender under this Section 8.06(c) shall be conclusive and binding, absent manifest error.
(ii) Each Lender hereby further agrees that if it receives a Payment from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates (x) that is in a different amount than, or on a different date from, that specified in a notice of payment sent by the Administrative Agent (or any of its Affiliates) with respect to such Payment (a “Payment Notice”) or (y) that was not preceded or accompanied by a Payment Notice, it shall be on notice, in each such case, that an error has been made with respect to such Payment. Each Lender agrees that, in each such case, or if it otherwise becomes aware a Payment (or portion thereof) may have been sent in error, such Lender shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of such occurrence and, upon demand from the Administrative Agent, it shall promptly, but in no event later than one (1) Business Day thereafter, return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made in same day funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect.
(iii) The Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby agrees that (x) in the event an erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) are not recovered from any Lender that has received such Payment (or portion thereof) for any reason, the Administrative Agent shall be subrogated to all the rights of such Lender with respect to such amount and (y) an erroneous Payment shall not pay, prepay, repay, discharge or otherwise satisfy any Obligations (or any other Secured Obligations) owed by the Borrower or any other Loan Party, except to the extent such erroneous Payment is, and solely with respect to the amount of such erroneous Payment that is, comprised of funds received by the Administrative Agent from the Borrower or any other Loan Party for the purpose of satisfying an Obligation (or any other Secured Obligation).
(iv) Each party’s obligations under this Section 8.06(c) shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any transfer of rights or obligations by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments or the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all Obligations under any Loan Document.
SECTION 1.07. Collateral Matters.
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(a) Except with respect to the exercise of setoff rights in accordance with Section 9.08 or with respect to a Secured Party’s right to file a proof of claim in an insolvency proceeding, no Secured Party shall have any right individually to realize upon any of the Collateral or to enforce any Guarantee of the Secured Obligations, it being understood and agreed that all powers, rights and remedies under the Loan Documents may be exercised solely by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties in accordance with the terms thereof. In its capacity, the Administrative Agent is a “representative” of the Secured Parties within the meaning of the term “secured party” as defined in the UCC. In the event that any Collateral is hereafter pledged by any Person as collateral security for the Secured Obligations, the Administrative Agent is hereby authorized, and hereby granted a power of attorney, to execute and deliver on behalf of the Secured Parties any Loan Documents necessary or appropriate to grant and perfect a Lien on such Collateral in favor of the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties. The Lenders hereby authorize the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion, to release any Lien granted to or held by the Administrative Agent upon any Collateral (i) as described in Section 9.02(d); (ii) as permitted by, but only in accordance with, the terms of the applicable Loan Document; or (iii) if approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the Required Lenders, unless such release is required to be approved by all of the Lenders hereunder. Upon request by the Administrative Agent at any time, the Lenders will confirm in writing the Administrative Agent’s authority to release particular types or items of Collateral pursuant hereto. Upon any sale or transfer of assets constituting Collateral which is permitted pursuant to the terms of any Loan Document, or consented to in writing by the Required Lenders or all of the Lenders, as applicable, and upon at least five (5) Business Days’ prior written request by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent shall (and is hereby irrevocably authorized by the Lenders to) execute such documents as may be necessary to evidence the release of the Liens granted to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties herein or pursuant hereto upon the Collateral that was sold or transferred; provided, however, that (i) the Administrative Agent shall not be required to execute any such document on terms which, in the Administrative Agent’s reasonable opinion, would expose the Administrative Agent to liability or create any obligation or entail any consequence other than the release of such Liens without recourse or warranty, and (ii) such release shall not in any manner discharge, affect or impair the Secured Obligations or any Liens upon (or obligations of the Loan Parties in respect of) all interests retained by any Loan Party, including (without limitation) the proceeds of the sale, all of which shall continue to constitute part of the Collateral. Any execution and delivery by the Administrative Agent of documents in connection with any such release shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent.
(b) In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation thereof, no Banking Services Agreement or Swap Agreement will create (or be deemed to create) in favor of any Secured Party that is a party thereto any rights in connection with the management or release of any Collateral or of the obligations of any Loan Party under any Loan Document. By accepting the benefits of the Collateral, each Secured Party that is a party to any such Banking Services Agreement or Swap Agreement, as applicable, shall be deemed to have appointed the Administrative Agent to serve as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Loan Documents and agreed to be bound by the Loan Documents as a Secured Party thereunder, subject to the limitations set forth in this paragraph.
(c) The Secured Parties irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion, to subordinate any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted by Section 6.02(b). The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have a duty to ascertain or inquire into any representation or warranty regarding the existence, value or collectability of the Collateral, the existence, priority or perfection of the Administrative Agent’s Lien thereon or any certificate prepared by any Loan Party in connection therewith, nor shall the Administrative Agent be responsible or liable to the Lenders or any other Secured Party for any failure to monitor or maintain any portion of the Collateral.
SECTION 1.08. Credit Bidding. The Secured Parties hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at the direction of the Required Lenders, to credit bid all or any portion of the Secured Obligations (including by accepting some or all of the Collateral in satisfaction of some or all of the Secured Obligations pursuant to a deed in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise) and in such manner purchase (either directly or through one or more acquisition vehicles) all or any portion of the Collateral (a) at any sale thereof conducted under the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, including under Sections 363, 1123 or 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, or any similar laws in any other jurisdictions to
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which a Loan Party is subject, or (b) at any other sale, foreclosure or acceptance of collateral in lieu of debt conducted by (or with the consent or at the direction of) the Administrative Agent (whether by judicial action or otherwise) in accordance with any applicable law. In connection with any such credit bid and purchase, the Secured Obligations owed to the Secured Parties shall be entitled to be, and shall be, credit bid by the Administrative Agent at the direction of the Required Lenders on a ratable basis (with Secured Obligations with respect to contingent or unliquidated claims receiving contingent interests in the acquired assets on a ratable basis that shall vest upon the liquidation of such claims in an amount proportional to the liquidated portion of the contingent claim amount used in allocating the contingent interests) for the asset or assets so purchased (or for the equity interests or debt instruments of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles that are issued in connection with such purchase). In connection with any such bid, (i) the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to form one or more acquisition vehicles and to assign any successful credit bid to such acquisition vehicle or vehicles, (ii) each of the Secured Parties’ ratable interests in the Secured Obligations which were credit bid shall be deemed without any further action under this Agreement to be assigned to such vehicle or vehicles for the purpose of closing such sale, (iii) the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to adopt documents providing for the governance of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles (provided that any actions by the Administrative Agent with respect to such acquisition vehicle or vehicles, including any disposition of the assets or equity interests thereof, shall be governed, directly or indirectly, by, and the governing documents shall provide for, control by the vote of the Required Lenders or their permitted assignees under the terms of this Agreement or the governing documents of the applicable acquisition vehicle or vehicles, as the case may be, irrespective of the termination of this Agreement and without giving effect to the limitations on actions by the Required Lenders contained in Section 9.02 of this Agreement), (iv) the Administrative Agent on behalf of such acquisition vehicle or vehicles shall be authorized to issue to each of the Secured Parties, ratably on account of the relevant Secured Obligations which were credit bid, interests, whether as equity, partnership interests, limited partnership interests or membership interests, in any such acquisition vehicle and/or debt instruments issued by such acquisition vehicle, all without the need for any Secured Party or acquisition vehicle to take any further action, and (v) to the extent that Secured Obligations that are assigned to an acquisition vehicle are not used to acquire Collateral for any reason (as a result of another bid being higher or better, because the amount of Secured Obligations assigned to the acquisition vehicle exceeds the amount of Secured Obligations credit bid by the acquisition vehicle or otherwise), such Secured Obligations shall automatically be reassigned to the Secured Parties pro rata with their original interest in such Secured Obligations and the equity interests and/or debt instruments issued by any acquisition vehicle on account of such Secured Obligations shall automatically be cancelled, without the need for any Secured Party or any acquisition vehicle to take any further action. Notwithstanding that the ratable portion of the Secured Obligations of each Secured Party are deemed assigned to the acquisition vehicle or vehicles as set forth in clause (ii) above, each Secured Party shall execute such documents and provide such information regarding the Secured Party (and/or any designee of the Secured Party which will receive interests in or debt instruments issued by such acquisition vehicle) as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request in connection with the formation of any acquisition vehicle, the formulation or submission of any credit bid or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by such credit bid.
SECTION 1.09. Certain ERISA Matters.
(a) Each Lender (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any other Loan Party, that at least one of the following is and will be true:
(i) such Lender is not using “plan assets” (within the meaning of Section 3(42) of ERISA or otherwise) of one or more Benefit Plans in connection with the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments,
(ii) the transaction exemption set forth in one or more PTEs, such as PTE 84-14 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by independent qualified professional asset managers), PTE 95-60 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts), PTE 90-1 (a class exemption for certain transactions
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involving insurance company pooled separate accounts), PTE 91-38 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds) or PTE 96-23 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers), is applicable with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement,
(iii) (A) such Lender is an investment fund managed by a “Qualified Professional Asset Manager” (within the meaning of Part VI of PTE 84-14), (B) such Qualified Professional Asset Manager made the investment decision on behalf of such Lender to enter into, participate in, administer and perform the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement, (C) the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement satisfies the requirements of sub-sections (b) through (g) of Part I of PTE 84-14 and (D) to the best knowledge of such Lender, the requirements of subsection (a) of Part I of PTE 84-14 are satisfied with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement, or
(iv) such other representation, warranty and covenant as may be agreed in writing between the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, and such Lender.
(b) In addition, unless either (1) sub-clause (i) in the immediately preceding clause (a) is true with respect to a Lender or (2) a Lender has provided another representation, warranty and covenant in accordance with sub-clause (iv) in the immediately preceding clause (a), such Lender further (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any other Loan Party, that the Administrative Agent is not a fiduciary with respect to the Collateral or the assets of such Lender involved in the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement (including in connection with the reservation or exercise of any rights by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, any Loan Document or any documents related hereto or thereto).
(c) The Administrative Agent and the Arrangers hereby inform the Lenders that each such Person is not undertaking to provide investment advice, or to give advice in a fiduciary capacity, in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and that such Person has a financial interest in the transactions contemplated hereby in that such Person or an Affiliate thereof (i) may receive interest or other payments with respect to the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments, this Agreement and any other Loan Documents, (ii) may recognize a gain if it extended the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments for an amount less than the amount being paid for an interest in the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments by such Lender or (iii) may receive fees or other payments in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, the Loan Documents or otherwise, including structuring fees, commitment fees, arrangement fees, facility fees, upfront fees, underwriting fees, ticking fees, agency fees, administrative agent fees or collateral agent fees, utilization fees, minimum usage fees, letter of credit fees, fronting fees, deal-away or alternate transaction fees, amendment fees, processing fees, term out premiums, banker’s acceptance fees, breakage or other early termination fees or fees similar to the foregoing.
ARTICLE IX
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
SECTION 1.01. Notices. (a) Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and subject to paragraph (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by telecopy, as follows:
(i) if to the Borrower, to it at 75 Network Drive, Burlington, MA 01803, Attention of Chief Financial Officer, with a copy (in the case of a notice of Default) which shall not
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constitute notice, to Covington & Burling LLP, Attn: Brent Little, One CityCenter, 850 Tenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001-4956 (email: blittle@cov.com, telephone: (202) 662-5118);
(ii) if to the Administrative Agent, (A) in the case of Borrowings, to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 10 South Dearborn, Floor L2S, Chicago, Illinois 60603-2300, Attention of Joseph Breslin (email: joseph.l.breslin@jpmorgan.com and jpm.agency.cri@jpmorgan.com), and (B) for all other notices, to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 237 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017, Attention of Justin Kelley (Telecopy No. (917) 464-6072);
(iii) if to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. in its capacity as an Issuing Bank, to it at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 10 South Dearborn, Floor L2S, Chicago, Illinois 60603-2300, Attention of LC Trade Execution Team (email: cb.trade.execution.team@chase.com);
(iv) if to the Swingline Lender, to it at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 10 South Dearborn, Floor L2S, Chicago, Illinois 60603-2300, Attention of Joseph Breslin (email: joseph.l.breslin@jpmorgan.com and jpm.agency.cri@jpmorgan.com); and
(v) if to any other Lender or Issuing Bank, to it at its address (or telecopy number) set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire.
Notices sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices sent by facsimile shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient). Notices delivered through Approved Electronic Platforms, to the extent provided in paragraph (b) below, shall be effective as provided in said paragraph (b).
(b) Notices and other communications to any Loan Party, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereunder may be delivered or furnished by using Approved Electronic Platforms pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices pursuant to Article II unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the applicable Lender. The Administrative Agent or the Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.
(c) Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient, at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i), of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii) above, if such notice, email or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient.
(d) Any party hereto may change its address or telecopy number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.
SECTION 1.02. Waivers; Amendments. (a) No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders hereunder and under
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the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by the Borrower therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.
(b) Except as provided in Section 2.22 with respect to an Incremental Term Loan Amendment or as provided in Section 2.14(b) and Section 2.14(c), neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrower and the Required Lenders or by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with the consent of the Required Lenders; provided that no such agreement shall (i) increase the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of such Lender, (ii) reduce the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce any fees payable hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby (except that any amendment or modification of the financial covenants in this Agreement (or defined terms used in the financial covenants in this Agreement) shall not constitute a reduction in the rate of interest or fees for purposes of this clause (ii)), (iii) postpone the scheduled date of payment of the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement, or any interest thereon, or any fees payable hereunder, or reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone the scheduled date of expiration of any Commitment, without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby (other than any reduction of the amount of, or any extension of the payment date for, the mandatory prepayments required under Section 2.11, in each case which shall only require the approval of the Required Lenders), (iv) change Section 2.09(c) or Section 2.18(b) or (d) in a manner that would alter the ratable reduction of Commitments or the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby, without the written consent of each Lender, (v) change the payment waterfall provisions of Section 2.18(b) or Section 2.21(b) without the written consent of each Lender, (vi) change any of the provisions of this Section or the definition of “Required Lenders” or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to waive, amend or modify any rights hereunder or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender (it being understood that, solely with the consent of the parties prescribed by Section 2.22 to be parties to an Incremental Term Loan Amendment, Incremental Term Loans may be included in the determination of Required Lenders on substantially the same basis as the Commitments and the Loans are included on the Effective Date), (vii) (x) except as provided in Section 9.14, release all or substantially all of the Subsidiary Guarantors from their obligations under the Subsidiary Guaranty or (y) release the Borrower from its obligations under Article X, in each case, without the written consent of each Lender, or (viii) except as provided in clause (d) of this Section or in any Collateral Document, release all or substantially all of the Collateral, without the written consent of each Lender; provided further that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, such Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender, as the case may be (it being understood that any change to Section 2.21 shall require the consent of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Swingline Lender); and provided further that no such agreement shall amend or modify the provisions of Section 2.06 without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Banks; and provided further any amendment or waiver that by its terms affects the rights or duties of Lenders holding Loans or Commitments of a particular Class (but not the Lenders holding Loans or Commitments of any other Class) will require only the requisite percentage in interest of the affected Class of Lenders that would be required to consent thereto if such Class of Lenders were the only Class of Lenders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no consent with respect to any amendment, waiver or other modification of this Agreement shall be required of any Defaulting Lender, except with respect to any amendment, waiver or other modification referred to in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) of the first proviso of this paragraph and then only in the event such Defaulting Lender shall be directly affected by such amendment, waiver or other modification.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement and any other Loan Document may be amended (or amended and restated) with the written consent of the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (x) to add one or more credit facilities (in addition to the
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Incremental Term Loans pursuant to an Incremental Term Loan Amendment) to this Agreement and to permit extensions of credit from time to time outstanding thereunder and the accrued interest and fees in respect thereof to share ratably in the benefits of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents with the Revolving Loans, the initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans and the accrued interest and fees in respect thereof and (y) to include appropriately the Lenders holding such credit facilities in any determination of the Required Lenders and Lenders (it being understood and agreed that any such amendment or Incremental Term Loan Amendment to implement new Commitments or increases to the Commitments or Incremental Term Loans in accordance with, and pursuant to the requirements of, Section 2.22 shall require solely the consent of the parties prescribed by such Section and shall not require the consent of the Required Lenders).
(d) The Lenders hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its sole discretion, to release any Liens granted to the Administrative Agent by the Loan Parties on any Collateral (i) upon the termination of all the Commitments, payment and satisfaction in full in cash of all Secured Obligations (other than Secured Swap Obligations not yet due and payable, Secured Banking Services Obligations not yet due and payable, Unliquidated Obligations for which no claim has been made and other Obligations expressly stated to survive such payment and termination), and the cash collateralization of all Unliquidated Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations in respect of which no claim has been asserted) in a manner satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (ii) constituting property being sold or disposed of if the Borrower certifies to the Administrative Agent that the sale or disposition is made in compliance with the terms of this Agreement (and the Administrative Agent may rely conclusively on any such certificate, without further inquiry), (iii) constituting property leased to the Borrower or any Subsidiary under a lease which has expired or been terminated in a transaction permitted under this Agreement, or (iv) as required to effect any sale or other disposition of such Collateral in connection with any exercise of remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Article VII. Any such release shall not in any manner discharge, affect, or impair the Secured Obligations or any Liens (other than those expressly being released) upon (or obligations of the Loan Parties in respect of) all interests retained by the Loan Parties, including the proceeds of any sale, all of which shall continue to constitute part of the Collateral. In addition, each of the Lenders, on behalf of itself and any of its Affiliates that are Secured Parties, irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion, (i) to subordinate any Lien on any assets granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted by Section 6.02(f) or (ii) in the event that the Borrower shall have advised the Administrative Agent that, notwithstanding the use by the Borrower of commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the consent of such holder (but without the requirement to pay any sums to obtain such consent) to permit the Administrative Agent to retain its liens (on a subordinated basis as contemplated by clause (i) above), the holder of such other Indebtedness requires, as a condition to the extension of such credit, that the Liens on such assets granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document be released, to release the Administrative Agent’s Liens on such assets.
(e) If, in connection with any proposed amendment, waiver or consent requiring the consent of “each Lender” or “each Lender directly affected thereby,” the consent of the Required Lenders is obtained, but the consent of other necessary Lenders is not obtained (any such Lender whose consent is necessary but not obtained being referred to herein as a “Non-Consenting Lender”), then the Borrower may elect to replace a Non-Consenting Lender as a Lender party to this Agreement, provided that, concurrently with such replacement, (i) another bank or other entity which is reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall agree, as of such date, to purchase for cash the Loans and other Obligations due to the Non-Consenting Lender pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption and to become a Lender for all purposes under this Agreement and to assume all obligations of the Non-Consenting Lender to be terminated as of such date and to comply with the requirements of clause (b) of Section 9.04, (ii) the Borrower shall pay to such Non-Consenting Lender in same day funds on the day of such replacement (1) all interest, fees and other amounts then accrued but unpaid to such Non-Consenting Lender by the Borrower hereunder to and including the date of termination, including without limitation payments due to such Non-Consenting Lender under Sections 2.15 and 2.17, and (2) an amount, if any, equal to the payment which would have been due to such Lender on the day of such replacement under Section 2.16 had the Loans of such Non-Consenting Lender been prepaid on such date rather than sold to the replacement Lender and (iii) such Non-Consenting Lender shall have received the outstanding principal amount of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements. Each party hereto agrees that (i)
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an assignment required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the assignee (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants), and (ii) the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to and be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender, provided that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto.
(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein the Administrative Agent may, with the consent of the Borrower only, amend, modify or supplement this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents to cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency.
SECTION 1.03. Expenses; Limitation of Liability; Indemnity; Etc.
(a) Expenses. The Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates (which shall be limited in the case of legal fees and expenses, to the reasonable and documented fees, charges and disbursements of one primary counsel for the Administrative Agent and, if applicable, a single local counsel to the Administrative Agent in each relevant jurisdiction), in connection with the syndication and distribution (including, without limitation, via the internet or through a service such as Intralinks) of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Issuing Banks in connection with the issuance, amendment or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iii) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank and any Lender (which shall be limited, in the case of legal fees and expenses, to the reasonable and documented fees, charges and disbursements of one counsel for the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders (and, if reasonably necessary, a single local counsel to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders in each relevant jurisdiction and regulatory counsel), unless a Lender reasonably determines that it would create a conflict of interest to not have individual counsel, in which case similarly affected lenders may have one additional firm of counsel), in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights in connection with this Agreement and any other Loan Document, including its rights under this Section, or in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit.
(b) Limitation of Liability. To the extent permitted by applicable law (i) the Borrower and any other Loan Party shall not assert, and the Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby waives, any claim against the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any Co-Syndication Agent, any Issuing Bank and any Lender, and any Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called a “Lender-Related Person”) for any Liabilities arising from the use by others of information or other materials (including, without limitation, any personal data) obtained through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems (including the Internet), and (ii) no party hereto shall assert, and each such party hereby waives, any Liabilities against any other party hereto, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the Transactions, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof; provided that, nothing in this Section 9.03(b) shall relieve the Borrower or any other Loan Party of any obligation it may have to indemnify an Indemnitee, as provided in Section 9.03(c), against any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages asserted against such Indemnitee by a third party; provided further that nothing in this Section 9.03(b) shall limit any Lender-Related Person’s obligations under Section 9.12.
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(c) Indemnity. The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank and each Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all Liabilities and related expenses (which shall be limited, in the case of legal fees and expenses, to the reasonable and documented, including the fees, charges and disbursements of one primary counsel for the Indemnitees (and of a single local counsel to the Indemnitees in each relevant jurisdiction and regulatory counsel) unless an Indemnitee reasonably determines that it would create a conflict of interest to not have individual counsel, in which case similarly affected Indemnitees may have one additional firm of counsel (and, to the extent reasonably required by such Indemnitees, a single local counsel for all of the such Indemnitees in each relevant jurisdiction and regulatory counsel)), incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of any Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations thereunder or the consummation of the Transactions or any other transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by any Issuing Bank to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iv) any actual or prospective Proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether or not such Proceeding is brought by the Borrower or any other Loan Party or its or their respective equity holders, Affiliates, creditors or any other third Person and whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such Liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from (x) the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee, (y) a material breach by such Indemnitee of its express contractual obligations under the Loan Documents pursuant to a claim made by the Borrower or (z) any dispute solely among Indemnitees (not arising as a result of any act or omission by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates) other than any Proceeding against any Indemnitee in its capacity as, or in fulfilling its role as, the Administrative Agent, an Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender, a lead arranger, bookrunner, agent or any similar role under or in connection with this Agreement. This Section 9.03(c) shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims or damages arising from any non-Tax claim.
(d) Lender Reimbursement. To the extent that the Borrower fails to pay any amount required to be paid by it under paragraph (a) or (c) of this Section, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, such Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each, an “Agent-Related Person”), as the case may be, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount (it being understood that the Borrower’s failure to pay any such amount shall not relieve the Borrower of any default in the payment thereof); provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified Liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against such Agent-Related Person in its capacity as such.
(e) Payments. All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than fifteen (15) days after written demand therefor.
SECTION 1.04. Successors and Assigns. (a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of any Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), except that (i) the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender (and any attempted assignment or transfer by the Borrower without such consent shall be null and void) and (ii) no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer its rights or obligations hereunder except in accordance with this Section. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of any Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), Participants (to the extent provided in paragraph (c) of this Section) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent, the
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Issuing Banks and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.
(b) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) below, any Lender may assign to one or more Persons (other than an Ineligible Institution) all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitments, participations in Letters of Credit and the Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) of:
(A) the Borrower (provided that the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within ten (10) Business Days after having received notice thereof); provided, further, that no consent of the Borrower shall be required for an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, an Approved Fund or, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any other assignee;
(B) the Administrative Agent;
(C) the Issuing Banks; provided that no consent of the Issuing Banks shall be required for an assignment of all or any portion of a Term Loan; and
(D) the Swingline Lender; provided that no consent of the Swingline Lender shall be required for an assignment of all or any portion of a Term Loan.
(ii) Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:
(A) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment or Loans of any Class, the amount of the Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than $5,000,000 (in the case of Revolving Commitments and Revolving Loans) or $1,000,000 (in the case of a Term Loan) unless each of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consent, provided that no such consent of the Borrower shall be required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;
(B) each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, provided that this clause shall not be construed to prohibit the assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations in respect of one Class of Commitments or Loans;
(C) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent (x) an Assignment and Assumption or (y) to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and the parties to the Assignment and Assumption are participants, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500, such fee to be paid by either the assigning Lender or the assignee Lender or shared between such Lenders;
(D) the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire in which the assignee designates one or more credit contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Borrower and its Affiliates and their Related Parties or their respective securities) will be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the assignee’s compliance procedures and applicable laws, including federal and state securities laws;
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(E) without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, no assignment shall be made to a prospective assignee that bears a relationship to the Borrower described in Section 108(e)(4) of the Code; and
(F) so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, no such assignment shall be made to any Person that is not capable of lending (1) Agreed Currencies to the Borrower, and (2) each Type and Class of Loan.
For the purposes of this Section 9.04(b), the terms “Approved Fund” and “Ineligible Institution” have the following meanings:
“Approved Fund” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business and that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.
“Ineligible Institution” means (a) a natural person, (b) a Defaulting Lender or its Lender Parent, (c) the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its Affiliates, or (d) a company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of, a natural person or relative(s) thereof.
(iii) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to paragraph (b)(iv) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section 9.04 shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with paragraph (c) of this Section.
(iv) The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitment of, and principal amount (and stated interest) of the Loans and LC Disbursements owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, any Issuing Bank and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.
(v) Upon its receipt of (x) a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee or (y) to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and the parties to the Assignment and Assumption are participants, the assignee’s completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section and any written consent to such assignment required by paragraph (b) of this Section, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register; provided that if either the assigning Lender or the assignee shall have failed to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.05(c), 2.06(d) or (e), 2.07(b), 2.18(e) or 9.03(d), the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information therein in the Register unless and until such payment shall have been made in full, together with all accrued interest thereon. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph.
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(c) Any Lender may, without the consent of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or the Swingline Lender, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities (a “Participant”), other than an Ineligible Institution, in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans owing to it); provided that (A) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (B) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (C) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to Section 9.02(b) that affects such Participant. The Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.15, 2.16 and 2.17 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Section 2.17(f) (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 2.17(f) shall be delivered to the participating Lender)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section; provided that such Participant (A) agrees to be subject to the provisions of Sections 2.18 and 2.19 as if it were an assignee under paragraph (b) of this Section; and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 2.15 or 2.17, with respect to any participation, than its participating Lender would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Change in Law that occurs after the Participant acquired the applicable participation. Each Lender that sells a participation agrees, at the Borrower’s request and expense, to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Borrower to effectuate the provisions of Section 2.19(b) with respect to any Participant. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.18(d) as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under the Loan Documents (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any Commitments, Loans, Letters of Credit or its other obligations under any Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such Commitment, Loan, Letter of Credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations or Section 1.163-5(b) of the Proposed United States Treasury Regulations (or, in each case, any amended or successor version). The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.
(d) Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including without limitation any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, and this Section shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.
SECTION 1.05. Survival. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other
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amount payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document is outstanding and unpaid (other than Unliquidated Obligations) or any Letter of Credit is outstanding (unless such Letter of Credit has been cash collateralized or backstopped pursuant to arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) and so long as the Commitments have not expired or terminated. The provisions of Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 and Article VIII shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of the Letters of Credit and the Commitments or the termination of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any provision hereof or thereof.
SECTION 1.06. Counterparts; Integration; Electronic Execution; Effectiveness. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement, the other Loan Documents and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof which, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of (x) this Agreement, (y) any other Loan Document and/or (z) any document, amendment, approval, consent, information, notice (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any notice delivered pursuant to Section 9.01), certificate, request, statement, disclosure or authorization related to this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or the transactions contemplated hereby and/or thereby (each an “Ancillary Document”) that is an Electronic Signature transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf, or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement, such other Loan Document or such Ancillary Document, as applicable. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document shall be deemed to include Electronic Signatures, deliveries or the keeping of records in any electronic form (including deliveries by telecopy, emailed pdf, or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page), each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be; provided that nothing herein shall require the Administrative Agent to accept Electronic Signatures in any form or format without its prior written consent and pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided, further, without limiting the foregoing, (i) to the extent the Administrative Agent has agreed to accept any Electronic Signature, the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders shall be entitled to rely on such Electronic Signature purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower or any other Loan Party without further verification thereof and without any obligation to review the appearance or form of any such Electronic Signature and (ii) upon the request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, any Electronic Signature shall be promptly followed by a manually executed counterpart. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby (i) agrees that, for all purposes, including without limitation, in connection with any workout, restructuring, enforcement of remedies, bankruptcy proceedings or litigation among the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Borrower and the other Loan Parties, Electronic Signatures transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf, or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page and/or any electronic images of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as any paper original, (ii) agrees that the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders may, at its option, create one or more copies of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document in the form of an imaged electronic record in any format, which shall be deemed created in the ordinary course of such Person’s business, and destroy the original paper document (and all such electronic records shall be considered an original for all purposes and shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a paper record), (iii) waives any argument, defense or right to contest the legal effect, validity or enforceability of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document based solely on the lack of paper original copies of this Agreement, such other Loan Document and/or such Ancillary Document, respectively, including with respect to any signature pages thereto and (iv) waives any claim against any Lender-Related Person for any Liabilities arising solely from the Administrative Agent’s and/
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or any Lender’s reliance on or use of Electronic Signatures and/or transmissions by telecopy, emailed pdf, or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page, including any Liabilities arising as a result of the failure of the Borrower and/or any other Loan Party to use any available security measures in connection with the execution, delivery or transmission of any Electronic Signature.
SECTION 1.07. Severability. Any provision of any Loan Document held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions thereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.
SECTION 1.08. Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender, each Issuing Bank, and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to setoff and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held, and other obligations at any time owing, by such Lender, such Issuing Bank or any such Affiliate, to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the obligations of the Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender or such Issuing Bank or their respective Affiliates, irrespective of whether or not such Lender, Issuing Bank or Affiliate shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of the Borrower may be owed to a branch office or Affiliate of such Lender or such Issuing Bank different from the branch office or Affiliate holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness; provided that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so setoff shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.21 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks, and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Secured Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. The rights of each Lender, each Issuing Bank and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender, such Issuing Bank or their respective Affiliates may have. Each Lender and Issuing Bank agrees to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.
SECTION 1.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process. (a) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.
(b) Each of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that, notwithstanding the governing law provisions of any applicable Loan Document, any claims brought against the Administrative Agent by any Secured Party relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document, the Collateral or the consummation or administration of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.
(c) Each party to this Agreement hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan (or if such court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, the Supreme Court of the State of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan), and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions relating hereto or thereto, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may (and any such claims, cross-claims or third party claims brought against the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties may only) be heard and determined in such Federal (to the extent permitted by law) or New York State court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.
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Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any Loan Party or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.
(d) Each party to this Agreement hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.
(e) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.01. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
SECTION 1.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY 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 PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.
SECTION 1.11. Headings. Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.
SECTION 1.12. Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its and its Affiliates’ directors, officers, employees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential); provided that the disclosing Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank or Lender, as applicable, shall be responsible for compliance by such Persons with the provisions of this Section 9.12, (b) to the extent requested by any Governmental Authority (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners) purporting to have jurisdiction over the Administrative Agent, applicable Issuing Bank, the applicable Lender or its or their applicable Affiliates, (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process (provided that the Administrative Agent, such Issuing Bank or such Lender, as applicable, agrees that it will, to the extent practicable and other than with respect to any audit or examination conducted by bank accountants or any governmental bank regulatory authority exercising examination or regulatory authority, notify the Borrower promptly thereof, unless such notification is prohibited by law, rule or regulation), (d) to any other party to this Agreement, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies under this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (1) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (2) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to the Borrower and its obligations, (g) on a confidential basis to (1) any rating agency in connection with rating the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or the credit facilities provided for herein or (2) the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency in connection with the issuance and monitoring of identification numbers with respect to the credit facilities
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provided for herein, (h) with the consent of the Borrower or (i) to the extent such Information (1) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (2) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Banks or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower. For the purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from the Borrower relating to the Borrower or its business, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower and other than information pertaining to this Agreement routinely provided by arrangers to data service providers, including league table providers, that serve the lending industry. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.
EACH LENDER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT INFORMATION AS DEFINED IN THE IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING PARAGRAPH FURNISHED TO IT PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY INCLUDE MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION CONCERNING THE BORROWER AND ITS RELATED PARTIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SECURITIES, AND CONFIRMS THAT IT HAS DEVELOPED COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES REGARDING THE USE OF MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION AND THAT IT WILL HANDLE SUCH MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THOSE PROCEDURES AND APPLICABLE LAW, INCLUDING FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS.
ALL INFORMATION, INCLUDING REQUESTS FOR WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS, FURNISHED BY THE BORROWER OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT PURSUANT TO, OR IN THE COURSE OF ADMINISTERING, THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE SYNDICATE-LEVEL INFORMATION, WHICH MAY CONTAIN MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE BORROWER, THE OTHER LOAN PARTIES AND THEIR RELATED PARTIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SECURITIES. ACCORDINGLY, EACH LENDER REPRESENTS TO THE BORROWER AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT THAT IT HAS IDENTIFIED IN ITS ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE A CREDIT CONTACT WHO MAY RECEIVE INFORMATION THAT MAY CONTAIN MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES AND APPLICABLE LAW.
SECTION 1.13. USA PATRIOT Act. Each Lender that is subject to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “Act”) and the requirements of the Beneficial Ownership Regulation hereby notifies each Loan Party that, pursuant to the requirements of the Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies such Loan Party, which information includes the name, address and tax identification number of such Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender to identify such Loan Party in accordance with the Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation and other applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations.
SECTION 1.14. Releases of Subsidiary Guarantors and Collateral.
(a) A Subsidiary Guarantor shall automatically be released from its obligations under the Subsidiary Guaranty upon the consummation of any transaction permitted by this Agreement as a result of which such Subsidiary Guarantor ceases to be a Material Domestic Subsidiary; provided that, if so required by this Agreement, the Required Lenders shall have consented to such transaction and the terms of such consent shall not have provided otherwise. In connection with any termination or release pursuant to this Section, the Administrative Agent shall (and is hereby irrevocably authorized by each Lender to) execute and deliver to any Loan Party, at such Loan Party’s expense, all documents that such Loan Party shall reasonably request to evidence such termination or release. Any execution and delivery of documents pursuant to this Section shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent.
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(b) Further, the Administrative Agent may (and is hereby irrevocably authorized by each Lender to), upon the request of the Borrower, release any Subsidiary Guarantor from its obligations under the Subsidiary Guaranty if such Subsidiary Guarantor is no longer a Material Domestic Subsidiary.
(c) At such time as the principal and interest on the Loans, all LC Disbursements, the fees, expenses and other amounts payable under the Loan Documents and the other Secured Obligations (other than Secured Swap Obligations not yet due and payable, Secured Banking Services Obligations not yet due and payable, Unliquidated Obligations for which no claim has been made and other Obligations expressly stated to survive such payment and termination) shall have been paid in full, the Commitments shall have been terminated and no Letters of Credit shall be outstanding (or any outstanding Letters of Credit shall have been cash collateralized or backstopped pursuant to arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent), the Subsidiary Guaranty and all obligations (other than those expressly stated to survive such termination) of each Subsidiary Guarantor thereunder shall automatically terminate, all without delivery of any instrument or performance of any act by any Person.
(d) Upon (a) any sale or disposition by any Loan Party (other than to any Loan Party) of any Collateral in a transaction permitted under this Agreement or (b) the effectiveness of any written consent to the release of the security interest created under any Collateral Document in any Collateral pursuant to Section 9.02, the security interests in such Collateral created by the Collateral Documents shall be automatically released. In connection with any such termination or release pursuant to this Section, the Administrative Agent shall execute and deliver to any Loan Party, at such Loan Party’s expense, all documents that such Loan Party shall reasonably request to evidence such termination or release in accordance with Section 9.02; provided, however, that (i) the Administrative Agent shall not be required to execute any such document on terms which, in the Administrative Agent’s reasonable opinion, would expose the Administrative Agent to liability or create any obligation or entail any consequence other than the release of such Liens without recourse or warranty, and (ii) such release shall not in any manner discharge, affect or impair the Secured Obligations or any Liens upon (or obligations of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of) all interests retained by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, including (without limitation) the proceeds of such sale or disposition, all of which shall continue to constitute part of the Collateral. Any execution and delivery of documents pursuant to this Section shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent.
SECTION 1.15. Appointment for Perfection. Each Lender hereby appoints each other Lender as its agent for the purpose of perfecting Liens, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties, in assets which, in accordance with Article 9 of the UCC or any other applicable law can be perfected only by possession or control. Should any Lender (other than the Administrative Agent) obtain possession or control of any such Collateral, such Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof, and, promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s request therefor shall deliver such Collateral to the Administrative Agent or otherwise deal with such Collateral in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s instructions.
SECTION 1.16. Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the interest rate applicable to any Loan, together with all fees, charges and other amounts which are treated as interest on such Loan under applicable law (collectively the “Charges”), shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the “Maximum Rate”) which may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by the Lender holding such Loan in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable in respect of such Loan hereunder, together with all Charges payable in respect thereof, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate and, to the extent lawful, the interest and Charges that would have been payable in respect of such Loan but were not payable as a result of the operation of this Section shall be cumulated and the interest and Charges payable to such Lender in respect of other Loans or periods shall be increased (but not above the Maximum Rate therefor) until such cumulated amount, together with interest thereon at the NYFRB Rate to the date of repayment, shall have been received by such Lender.
SECTION 1.17. No Fiduciary Duty, etc.
(a) The Borrower acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that no Credit Party will have any obligations except those obligations expressly set forth
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herein and in the other Loan Documents and each Credit Party is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length contractual counterparty to the Borrower with respect to the Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated herein and therein and not as a financial advisor or a fiduciary to, or an agent of, the Borrower or any other person. The Borrower agrees that it will not assert any claim against any Credit Party based on an alleged breach of fiduciary duty by such Credit Party in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Additionally, the Borrower acknowledges and agrees that no Credit Party is advising the Borrower as to any legal, tax, investment, accounting, regulatory or any other matters in any jurisdiction. The Borrower shall consult with its own advisors concerning such matters and shall be responsible for making its own independent investigation and appraisal of the transactions contemplated herein or in the other Loan Documents, and the Credit Parties shall have no responsibility or liability to the Borrower with respect thereto.
(b) The Borrower further acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that each Credit Party, together with its Affiliates, is a full service securities or banking firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities as well as providing investment banking and other financial services. In the ordinary course of business, any Credit Party may provide investment banking and other financial services to, and/or acquire, hold or sell, for its own accounts and the accounts of customers, equity, debt and other securities and financial instruments (including bank loans and other obligations) of, the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and other companies with which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may have commercial or other relationships. With respect to any securities and/or financial instruments so held by any Credit Party or any of its customers, all rights in respect of such securities and financial instruments, including any voting rights, will be exercised by the holder of the rights, in its sole discretion.
(c) In addition, the Borrower acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that each Credit Party and its Affiliates may be providing debt financing, equity capital or other services (including financial advisory services) to other companies in respect of which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may have conflicting interests regarding the transactions described herein and otherwise. No Credit Party will use confidential information obtained from the Borrower by virtue of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or its other relationships with the Borrower in connection with the performance by such Credit Party of services for other companies, and no Credit Party will furnish any such information to other companies. The Borrower also acknowledges that no Credit Party has any obligation to use in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, or to furnish to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, confidential information obtained from other companies.
SECTION 1.18. Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among any such parties, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any Affected Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document may be subject to the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by:
(a) the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an Affected Financial Institution; and
(b) the effects of any Bail-In Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:
(i) a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;
(ii) a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such Affected Financial Institution, its parent entity, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or
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(iii) the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority.
SECTION 1.19. Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs. To the extent that the Loan Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for Swap Agreements or any other agreement or instrument that is a QFC (such support “QFC Credit Support” and each such QFC a “Supported QFC”), the parties acknowledge and agree as follows with respect to the resolution power of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (together with the regulations promulgated thereunder, the “U.S. Special Resolution Regimes”) in respect of such Supported QFC and QFC Credit Support (with the provisions below applicable notwithstanding that the Loan Documents and any Supported QFC may in fact be stated to be governed by the laws of the State of New York and/or of the United States or any other state of the United States):
In the event a Covered Entity that is party to a Supported QFC (each, a “Covered Party”) becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer of such Supported QFC and the benefit of such QFC Credit Support (and any interest and obligation in or under such Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support, and any rights in property securing such Supported QFC or such QFC Credit Support) from such Covered Party will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support (and any such interest, obligation and rights in property) were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. In the event a Covered Party or a BHC Act Affiliate of a Covered Party becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under the 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. Without limitation of the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that rights and remedies of the parties with respect to a Defaulting Lender shall in no event affect the rights of any Covered Party with respect to a Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support.
ARTICLE X
Borrower Guarantee
Borrower Guarantee
In order to induce the Lenders to extend credit to the Borrower hereunder and for other good and valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged), the Borrower hereby absolutely and irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees, as a primary obligor and not merely as a surety, the payment when and as due of the Specified Ancillary Obligations of the Subsidiaries. The Borrower further agrees that the due and punctual payment of such Specified Ancillary Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice to or further assent from it, and that it will remain bound upon its guarantee hereunder notwithstanding any such extension or renewal of any such Specified Ancillary Obligation.
The Borrower waives presentment to, demand of payment from and protest to any Subsidiary of any of the Specified Ancillary Obligations, and also waives notice of acceptance of its obligations and notice of protest for nonpayment. The obligations of the Borrower hereunder shall not be affected by (a) the failure of any applicable Lender (or any of its Affiliates) to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against any Subsidiary under the provisions of any Banking Services Agreement, any Swap Agreement or otherwise; (b) any extension or renewal of any of the Specified Ancillary Obligations; (c) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of, or release from, any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement, any other Loan Document, any Banking Services Agreement, any Swap Agreement or other agreement; (d) any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of any of the Specified Ancillary Obligations; (e) the failure of any applicable Lender (or any of its Affiliates) to take any steps to perfect and maintain any security interest in, or to preserve any rights to, any security or collateral for the Specified Ancillary Obligations, if any; (f) any change in the corporate, partnership or other existence, structure or ownership of any Subsidiary or any other guarantor of any of the Specified Ancillary Obligations; (g) the enforceability or validity of the Specified Ancillary
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Obligations or any part thereof or the genuineness, enforceability or validity of any agreement relating thereto or with respect to any collateral securing the Specified Ancillary Obligations or any part thereof, or any other invalidity or unenforceability relating to or against any Subsidiary or any other guarantor of any of the Specified Ancillary Obligations, for any reason related to this Agreement, any other Loan Document, any Banking Services Agreement, any Swap Agreement, or any provision of applicable law, decree, order or regulation of any jurisdiction purporting to prohibit the payment by such Subsidiary or any other guarantor of the Specified Ancillary Obligations, of any of the Specified Ancillary Obligations or otherwise affecting any term of any of the Specified Ancillary Obligations; or (h) any other act, omission or delay to do any other act which may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of the Borrower or otherwise operate as a discharge of a guarantor as a matter of law or equity or which would impair or eliminate any right of the Borrower to subrogation.
The Borrower further agrees that its agreement hereunder constitutes a guarantee of payment when due (whether or not any bankruptcy or similar proceeding shall have stayed the accrual or collection of any of the Specified Ancillary Obligations or operated as a discharge thereof) and not merely of collection, and waives any right to require that any resort be had by any applicable Lender (or any of its Affiliates) to any balance of any deposit account or credit on the books of the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender in favor of any Subsidiary or any other Person.
The obligations of the Borrower hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason, and shall not be subject to any defense or set-off, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever, by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of any of the Specified Ancillary Obligations, any impossibility in the performance of any of the Specified Ancillary Obligations or otherwise.
The Borrower further agrees that its obligations hereunder shall constitute a continuing and irrevocable guarantee of all Specified Ancillary Obligations now or hereafter existing and shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of any Specified Ancillary Obligation (including a payment effected through exercise of a right of setoff) is rescinded, or is or must otherwise be restored or returned by any applicable Lender (or any of its Affiliates) upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of any Subsidiary or otherwise (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by a holder of Specified Ancillary Obligations in its discretion).
In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right which any applicable Lender (or any of its Affiliates) may have at law or in equity against the Borrower by virtue hereof, upon the failure of any Subsidiary to pay any Specified Ancillary Obligation when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, after notice of prepayment or otherwise, the Borrower hereby promises to and will, upon receipt of written demand by any applicable Lender (or any of its Affiliates), forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, to such applicable Lender (or any of its Affiliates) in cash an amount equal to the unpaid principal amount of such Specified Ancillary Obligations then due, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon. The Borrower further agrees that if payment in respect of any Specified Ancillary Obligation shall be due in a currency other than Dollars and/or at a place of payment other than New York, Chicago or any other Term Benchmark Payment Office and if, by reason of any Change in Law, disruption of currency or foreign exchange markets, war or civil disturbance or other event, payment of such Specified Ancillary Obligation in such currency or at such place of payment shall be impossible or, in the reasonable judgment of any applicable Lender (or any of its Affiliates), disadvantageous to such applicable Lender (or any of its Affiliates) in any material respect, then, at the election of such applicable Lender, the Borrower shall make payment of such Specified Ancillary Obligation in Dollars (based upon the Dollar Amount of such Specified Ancillary Obligation on the date of payment) and/or in New York, Chicago or such other Term Benchmark Payment Office as is designated by such applicable Lender (or its Affiliate) and, as a separate and independent obligation, shall indemnify such applicable Lender (and any of its Affiliates) against any losses or reasonable out-of-pocket expenses that it shall sustain as a result of such alternative payment.
Upon payment by the Borrower of any sums as provided above, all rights of the Borrower against any Subsidiary arising as a result thereof by way of right of subrogation or otherwise shall in all respects be subordinated and junior in right of payment to the prior indefeasible payment in full in cash of
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all the Specified Ancillary Obligations owed by such Subsidiary to the applicable Lender (or its applicable Affiliates).
The Borrower hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support as may be needed from time to time by each Subsidiary Guarantor to honor all of its obligations under the Subsidiary Guaranty in respect of Specified Swap Obligations (provided, however, that the Borrower shall only be liable under this paragraph for the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering its obligations under this paragraph or otherwise under this Article X voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount). The Borrower intends that this paragraph constitute, and this paragraph shall be deemed to constitute, a “keepwell, support, or other agreement” for the benefit of each Subsidiary Guarantor for all purposes of Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.
Nothing shall discharge or satisfy the liability of the Borrower hereunder except the full performance and payment in cash of the Secured Obligations.
[Signature Pages Follow]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
AVID TECHNOLOGY, INC., as the Borrower | |||||
By /s/ Kenneth Gayron | |||||
| Name: Kenneth Gayron | |||||
Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | |||||
Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Avid Technology, Inc.
| JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., individually as a Lender, as the Swingline Lender, as an Issuing Bank and as Administrative Agent | |||||
By /s/ Grace Mahood | |||||
| Name: Grace Mahood | |||||
| Title: Vice President | |||||
Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Avid Technology, Inc.
| CITIZENS BANK, N.A., individually as a Lender and as an Issuing Bank | ||
By: /s/ Chancellor Peterson | ||
| Name: Chancellor Peterson | ||
| Title: Senior Vice President | ||
Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Avid Technology, Inc.
PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, individually as a Lender and as an Issuing Bank | ||
By: /s/ Eileen P. Murphy | ||
| Name: Eileen P. Murphy | ||
| Title: Senior Vice President | ||
Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Avid Technology, Inc.
| SILICON VALLEY BANK, individually as a Lender and as an Issuing Bank | ||
By: /s/ Francis Groccia | ||
| Name: Francis Groccia | ||
| Title: Director | ||
Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Avid Technology, Inc.
| TRUIST BANK, individually as a Lender and as an Issuing Bank | ||
By: /s/ Renata I. Levine | ||
| Name: Renata I. Levine | ||
| Title: Director | ||
Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Avid Technology, Inc.
HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender | ||
By: /s/ Kyle Patterson | ||
| Name: Kyle Patterson | ||
| Title: Senior Vice President | ||
Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Avid Technology, Inc.
KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender | ||
By: /s/ John R. Macks | ||
| Name: John R. Macks | ||
| Title: Vice President | ||
Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Avid Technology, Inc.
TD BANK, N.A., as a Lender | ||
By: /s/ Daniel Bernard | ||
| Name: Daniel Bernard | ||
| Title: Senior Vice President | ||
Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Avid Technology, Inc.
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